Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Abstract

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, or osteochondrosis of the femoral head, occurs predominantly in boys 4 to 7 years of age. The disease progresses through synovitis, necrosis, fragmentation, and a residual stage. Outcome can be affected by age at disease onset, the extent of femoral head involvement as determined by x-ray, and the degree to which normal range of motion is maintained. The goal of treatment is to minimize residual deformity of the femoral head and acetabulum. This is accomplished by containing the femoral head well within the acetabulum and maintaining range of motion while the disease process runs its course. In extremely young patients, containment is often achieved during normal daily living activities. Containment treatment methods include abduction casting or orthosis; surgical containment can be accomplished by femoral or innominate osteotomy.