Legg Calve Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a condition that affects children's hip joints. It happens when the blood supply to the top part of the thigh bone (the femoral head) is temporarily reduced. This lack of blood flow causes the bone in that area to start to die. As the bone weakens, it can break down and lose its normal round shape. Eventually, blood flow returns to the area, and the bone heals. However, if the healed bone isn't perfectly round anymore, it can cause pain and stiffness in the hip joint. The entire process of the bone dying, breaking down, and then healing can take several years.

To help keep the top of the thigh bone as round as possible during the healing process, doctors use various methods to support and stabilize it within the hip socket. The hip socket acts like a mold, helping the damaged bone to heal in a round shape. This support helps to prevent the bone from shifting or becoming misshapen too much.

Perthes disease is a condition that affects the hip joint in children. It causes pain and limits movement. Here's what parents should look for:

Common Signs of Perthes Disease:

• Limping: This is often one of the first noticeable symptoms. Your child might walk with a noticeably uneven gait.
• Pain: Your child might complain of pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or even the knee. The pain might feel stiff or achy.
• Limited Movement: Your child might have trouble bending or moving their hip in different directions.
• Pain Worsens with Activity: The pain usually gets worse when your child is active, like running or playing. Rest often helps ease the discomfort.

Important Note: Often, only one hip is affected by Perthes disease at first. Sometimes, both hips can be affected, but they usually don't experience the condition simultaneously.

When to See a Doctor:

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with your child's doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. If your child:

• Begins limping: This is a significant sign that warrants a visit to the doctor.
• Complains of hip, groin, or knee pain: Don't ignore these complaints.
• Has a fever: A fever along with hip pain is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention.
• Cannot put weight on a leg: This is an emergency situation. Seek immediate medical care.

Early diagnosis and treatment for Perthes disease can help prevent long-term problems. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider if you have any concerns about their health.

If your child starts walking with a limp or says their hip, groin, or knee hurts, call your doctor. Make an appointment. If your child also has a fever or can't put any weight on the leg, go to the emergency room right away. This is important because these symptoms could signal a problem needing immediate attention.

Sometimes, the ball part of the hip joint doesn't get enough blood for a short period. This lack of blood causes the bone in that area to weaken and potentially collapse. We don't know exactly why this reduced blood flow happens. This condition is known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Perthes disease is a condition that can affect children's hip joints. Several things can increase the chances of a child getting this disease. One is age; most children who get Perthes disease are between the ages of four and ten. Another factor is the child's sex. Boys are about four times more likely to develop Perthes disease than girls.