Signs of Legg Calve Perthes Disease

Description

A gradual weakening of the head of the femur. The femur is the leg bone that connects the pelvis to the knee. The head or ball of the femur and the pelvis make up the hip joint. In this disorder the ball of the femur loses its blood supply causing the ball of the femur to die. Both hip joints can be involved, and it occurs most frequently in children between the ages of 4 and 12. It is more common in boys. The cause of this disorder is not known.

Symptoms

Limping, painless limping, knee pain, persistent thigh or groin pain, wasting of muscles in the upper thigh, apparent shortening of the leg, leg weakness, hip stiffness, decreased range of motion of the hip.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A hip X-ray or pelvis X-ray may show signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. An MRI may be needed to establish the diagnosis.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
X-Ray
MRI

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), physical therapy and night time traction. Surgery is performed for persistent or severe symptoms and may involve reshaping of the pelvis to hip replacement.