Perthes Disease

What is Perthes Disease?

Perthes Disease, also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, is a rare childhood condition that affects the hip joint. It occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur (thigh bone) is temporarily interrupted, causing the bone to weaken and collapse. Over time, the bone heals and reshapes—but without proper treatment, it may grow back irregularly, affecting mobility and leading to arthritis later in life. Early diagnosis and expert care can significantly improve outcomes.

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Key Facts About Perthes Disease

• Most common in children aged 4 to 10 years
• Affects boys more often than girls
• Typically involves only one hip, but both hips may be affected in rare cases
• Cause is unknown but is not due to injury or infection
• With proper treatment, most children recover well over time

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Causes of Perthes Disease

The exact cause of Perthes Disease is unknown, but it involves a temporary loss of blood supply to the growing femoral head. Possible contributing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Delayed bone growth or maturation
• Exposure to passive smoking
• Abnormal blood clotting in some children
• It is not contagious and usually occurs spontaneously.

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Symptoms and Consequences

Common Signs in Children:

• Limping, especially after physical activity
• Pain in the hip, thigh, groin, or knee
• Stiffness or reduced hip movement
• Leg length difference (in long-term cases)
• Difficulty in running, jumping, or climbing stairs

Without Treatment:

• Flattening or deformity of the femoral head
• Limited hip motion and muscle weakness
• Leg length discrepancy
• Risk of early-onset hip arthritis in adulthood

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Perthes Disease Treatment at Child OrthoCare

Under the care of Dr. Nargesh Agrawal, Child OrthoCare provides personalized treatment plans based on your child’s age, stage of the disease, and severity of hip damage. 1. Diagnosis and Staging:

• Clinical hip assessment and gait observation
• X-rays and MRI to determine disease stage and bone condition

2. Non-Surgical Management (Early/Mild Cases):

• Rest and activity restriction to reduce hip stress
• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
• Physiotherapy to maintain hip mobility
• Use of braces or casts in selected cases

3. Surgical Treatment (Moderate/Severe Cases): Osteotomy (realignment of the hip bone) to improve joint coverage

• Goal is to protect the reshaping femoral head and restore function
• Post-op rehabilitation and physiotherapy are essential

4. Long-Term Monitoring:

• Regular X-rays to monitor bone healing
• Growth assessment and joint preservation

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Did You Know?

• Perthes Disease can last several years from onset to healing
• The younger the child at diagnosis, the better the bone reshaping potential
• Surgery is more likely in children over age 7 or with advanced disease
• Many children return to normal activity after full recovery

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Myths and Facts About Perthes Disease

Myth: It is caused by an injury. Fact: Perthes Disease is not caused by trauma or overuse. Myth: All children need surgery. Fact: Many cases are managed non-surgically with rest, therapy, and observation. Myth: It always causes permanent disability. Fact: With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most children recover with minimal long-term effects. Myth: Once the pain stops, treatment is no longer needed. Fact: The bone may still be healing even after pain subsides—monitoring is crucial.