Hip disease in which there is a progressive weakening of the head of the femur due to poor blood flow. The bone weakens allowing the crushing of the femoral head. It usually afflicts children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, being more common in boys.
The cause is unknown.
Symptoms include 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 the leg.
Diagnosis is based off of the patient's clinical questioning, a physical examination and a pelvis X-ray.
Treatment includes resting and restricting activities which overload the hip joint, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work.
Prognosis is better with early treatment, particularly before the age of 6 years old, otherwise there may be permanent arthritis.
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