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Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Updated August 2004)


Introduction


Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a disorder of the hip caused by necrosis of the femoral epiphysis in children; which deforms the hip joint causing early arthritis. This condition usually occurs between the ages of 4 to 8 years, but has been reported in children as young as 2 years of age (Weinstein 2001). The child usually presents with a limp and complains of pain in the hip or knee area. In the early phases of the disease, limited abduction of the hip and internal rotation are commonly seen in these patients. A Trendelenburg-type gait usually develops as the disease progresses (Wenger 1991). Subsequently one-half of the hips will significantly deform leading to arthritic changes in early adulthood. Shortening of the affected extremity from a damaged growth plate occurs in 20% of the patients and may coincide with the limp (Tachdjian 1990).