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Perthes' disease - Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
-Moderately severe
Disease involving the hip of unknown origin, in which there is a progressive weakening of the head of the femur due to poor blood flow. It usually afflicts children between the ages of 4 and 10 years, being more common in boys. Symptoms include painless limping, stiffness of the hip joint, knee pain on the affected side, pain on the thigh or the groin which does not disappear and shortening of leg length. Diagnosis will involve a physical exam and pelvis x-ray. Treatment includes resting and restricting activities that overload the hip joint , physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Prognosis is better with early treatment, particularly before the 6 years, otherwise there may be permanent arthritis. Go to your pediatrician at the first suspicion of this condition.
Bibliographic references
  1. Divi SN, Bielski RJ. Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease.Pediatr Ann. 2016 Apr;45(4):e144-9.
  2. Chaudhry S, Phillips D, Feldman D. Legg-Calvé- Perthes disease: an overview with recent literature. Bull Hosp Jt Dis (2013). 2014;72(1):18-27.
  3. Shah H. Perthes disease: evaluation and management. Orthop Clin North Am. 2014 Jan;45(1):87-97.
  4. Sucato DJ. Role of femoral head surgery in skeletally mature Perthes disease. J Pediatr Orthop. 2013 Jul-Aug;33 Suppl 1:S70-5.
  5. Nguyen NA, Klein G, Dogbey G, McCourt JB, Mehlman CT. Operative versus nonoperative treatments for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: a meta-analysis.J Pediatr Orthop. 2012 Oct-Nov;32(7):697-705.
Author
Dr. Maria Trabazo
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Recent limping

    Hip joint pain

    Groin pain

    Knee pain

    Pain increases with movement and subsides with rest

Self-care

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers and consult your primary care physician to discuss other treatments.
Limit activities that overload the hip joint (e.g., running).
Try not to lift heavy objects.
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