Definition: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, often called Perthes Disease, is the result of interruption to the blood flow to the head of the femur (thigh bone) in a young patient. The head of the femur is the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. The blood supply to this area of the bone is susceptible to interruption. When this occurs, new bone formation at the growth plate can be abnormal. Lack of blood supply to this area of bone causes a problem called osteonecrosis. This means that the lack of blood flow causes the bone cells to die. This is the problem seen in Perthes Disease.
Perthes Disease is most common in boys between the ages of 4 and 8; about one-fifth of cases of Perthes Disease will present in both hips. Perthes Disease is usually diagnosed when the child is found to have a limp. Your child may also complain of pain in the affected hip.
Treatment of Perthes Disease varies depending on the extent of the condition. In general, treatment of Perthes Disease is aimed at relief of symptoms, maintaining hip motion, and keeping the hip in the proper position. Occasionally, surgery is needed to keep the femoral head inside the hip joint, but most often treatment of Perthes Disease is non-surgical. The long term effects of Perthes Disease include an increased risk of developing early hip arthritis.
Also Known As: Legg Calve Perthes Disease
