Legg-Calve Perthes

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare bone disorder in children that causes the femoral head component (ball part) of the hip joint to lose blood supply.

This soft bone eventually fractures and loses its spherical form. The ball regains blood flow once the body has enough of it. However, if the ball does not regain its roundness after healing, it might cause discomfort and stiffness. The entire process of bone death, fracture, and regeneration might take many years.

Doctors employ a variety of treatments to keep the ball portion of the joint as spherical as possible. The socket serves as a mold for the fractured femoral head while it heals.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include:

• Limited range of motion of the hip joint
• Limping
• Pain or stiffness in the hip, groin, thigh or knee areas
• Pain worsens with activity and improves with rest

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease usually involves just one hip. Both hips are affected in some children, usually at different times.