Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is a condition that affects the hip joint in children, usually between ages 4 and 10. It happens when the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint) is temporarily interrupted, causing the bone to weaken and die. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Over time, the bone may break down and then gradually heal, but the process can change the shape of the hip joint. The disease mainly affects the musculoskeletal system and can impact a child's ability to move comfortably. Early symptoms often include a limp and hip or knee pain. The condition requires medical evaluation to monitor healing and prevent long-term joint problems.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children, caused by a temporary disruption of the blood supply to the proximal femoral epiphysis. This leads to ischemic necrosis and subsequent bone resorption followed by reossification and remodeling. The disease typically presents in children aged 4 to 10 years and is more common in boys. Clinically, it manifests as a painless or painful limp, limited hip range of motion, and sometimes referred knee pain. The pathophysiology involves compromised circulation causing osteonecrosis, which can result in femoral head deformity and secondary osteoarthritis if untreated. The condition is self-limited but requires monitoring to prevent permanent joint dysfunction and deformity.