PERTHES DIEASE

Perthes disease

Perthes disease also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, or Calve Perthes disease, or avascular necrosis or Coxa plana is a disease of the hip joint that tends to affect children between the ages of three and 11 years approximately 1 in 1200 children.Most common in boys than girls.


Perthes disease occurs when blood supply is temporarily interrupted to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint.Due to the lack of blood flow, the bone dies (osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis) and stops growing. Most often, only one hip is affected, although it can occur on both sides.


The first symptom is often limping, which is usually painless. Sometimes there may be mild pain that comes and goes.

other symptoms include

1. Hip stiffness
2. Knee pain
3. Limited range of motion
4. Thigh or groin pain that does not go away
5. Shortening of the leg, or legs of unequal length
6. Muscle loss in the upper thigh

During a physical examination, the health care provider will look for a loss in hip motion and a typical limp. A hip x-ray or pelvis x-ray may show signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. An MRI scan may be needed.

The goal of treatment is to keep the ball of the thigh bone inside the socket. The reason for doing this is to make sure the hip continues to have good range of motion. A short period of bed rest to help with severe pain. Limiting the amount of weight placed on the leg by restricting activities such as running

• Physical therapy to help keep the leg and hip muscles strong
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, to relieve stiffness in the hip joint
• Wearing a cast or brace to help with containment.Using crutches or a walker

Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery ranges from lengthening a groin muscle to major hip surgery, called an osteotomy, to reshape the pelvis. The exact type of surgery depends on the severity of the problem and the shape of the ball of the hip joint.

Shelf Acetabuloplasty (Best Choice For Treating Late Onset Perthes Disease?)