What is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease?

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, also known as Perthes disease, is a disorder of the hip in young children that usually occurs between the ages of 4 and 10. The hip is made up of the femoral head — the “ball,” which is the upper part of the femur — and the acetabulum — the “cup” that fits around the femoral head.

What are the long term effects of Perthes disease?

What are the long-term effects of Perthes’ disease? These depend on how severely the shape of the hip joint is altered by the disease. Some patients will end up with painful arthritis at some stage in adult life and may require a hip replacement.

Is cycling good for Perthes disease?

Children who suffer from Perthes are limited in activities that they can participate in and may have difficulty adjusting. Swimming and bike riding are great athletic activities for a child with Perthes.

How do you test for Perthes disease?

If your child is experiencing symptoms of Perthes disease, your healthcare provider will order an X-ray. X-rays are a common way to confirm a diagnosis. Your provider may also order additional studies, such as an MRI, to see how far the disease may have progressed.

How long does Legg Calve Perthes last?

The body absorbs the dead bone cells and replaces them with new, healthier bone cells. The femoral head begins to re-form into a round shape. The joint is still irritated and painful. This phase can last from 1 to 3 years.

How long does Legg-Calve-Perthes last?

What is slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) a disorder of adolescents in which the growth plate is damaged and the femoral head moves (“slips”) with respect to the rest of the femur. The head of the femur stays in the cup of the hip joint while the rest of the femur is shifted.

Why is it called Legg-Calve-Perthes disease?

Perthes disease — also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes, named for the three individual doctors who first described the condition — typically occurs in children who are between 4 and 10 years old. It is five times more common in boys than in girls, however, it is likely to cause more extensive damage to the bone in girls.

What kind of disease is Legg Calve Perthes?

Overview. Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease is a childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint is temporarily interrupted and the bone begins to die.

When to go to the ER for Legg Calve Perthes?

If your child has a fever or can’t bear weight on the leg, seek emergency medical care. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs when too little blood is supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint (femoral head).

Can a child with Legg Calve Perthes develop hip arthritis?

Children who have had Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are at higher risk of developing hip arthritis in adulthood — particularly if the hip joint heals in an abnormal shape. If the hipbones don’t fit together well after healing, the joint can wear out early.

When did Legg Calve and Perthes discover LCPD?

Legg-Calvé and Perthes discovered this disease approximately 100 years ago. The disease affects children from ages of two to fourteen. The disease can lead to permanent deformity and premature osteoarthritis. LCPD is a hip disorder which is caused by an interruption of blood supply to the femoral head.