Perthes disease

Perthes disease is the idiopathic avascular osteonecrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis of the femoral head, also known as Legg-Perthes Disease and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD). In more lay terms, it is caused by an interruption to the blood supply of the head of the femur close to the hip joint.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to avoid severe degenerative arthritis.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Treatment involves bedrest to take weight off the joint. It may require traction, leg braces, a plaster cast and physiotherapy. Surgery is only rarely necessary.

Related Topics:
Traction - Leg braces - Plaster cast - Physiotherapy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Orthopedic assessment is crucial. Younger children have a better prognosis than older children.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There are no drugs for treatment of Perthes. Analgesic medication should be given as necessary.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~