Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Alternative Names
Coxa plana; Perthes disease; Legg-Calve-Perthes diseaseWhat is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is is a childhood condition that occurs when the ball of the thighbone in the hip does not get enough blood, causing the bone to die. This disease typically affects one hip, but sometimes it develops in both hips. Although Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can affect children of nearly any age, it is most common among boys ages 2-12.
Signs and symptoms
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease first symptom is often limping, which is usually painless. Sometimes there may be mild pain that comes and goes.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Hip stiffness that restricts movement in the hip
- Knee pain
- Limited range of motion
- Persistent thigh or groin pain
- Shortening of the leg, or legs of unequal length
- Wasting of muscles in the upper thigh
Possible complications
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can lead to osteoarthritis. Early recognition and proper treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease may minimize this complication.
What causes
There is no definite cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. But what happens is this: Not enough blood is supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint (femoral head). Without an adequate blood supply, the femoral head deteriorates. As dying bone cells are replaced with new cells, the bone becomes unstable, and it may break easily and heal poorly.
Prevention
There is no effective way to prevent this disorder. It is under the study.
Treatment
Treatment for Legg-Perthes disease includes the followings:
- Rest
- Minimal weight bearing
- Traction
- Physical therapy to increase range of motion
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, NeoProfen), Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Oruvail), Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve), Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Acetaminophen for pain (Tylenol, Panadol, Aspirin-Free Anacin)
- Surgery
