Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome (patient information)
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Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome |
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Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome |
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Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [1]
Overview
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is when the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die.
What are the symptoms of Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome?
The first symptom is often limping, which is usually painless. Sometimes there may be mild pain that comes and goes.
Other symptoms may 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
What causes Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome?
There are many theories about the cause of this disease, but little is actually known.
Without enough blood to the area, the bone dies. The ball of the hip will collapse and become flat. Usually only one hip is affected, although it can occur on both sides.
The blood supply returns over several months, bringing in new bone cells. The new cells gradually replace the dead bone over 2 - 3 years.
Who is at highest risk?
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease usually occurs in boys 4 - 10 years old.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a child develops any symptoms of this disorder.
Diagnosis
During a physical examination, the health care provider will look for a loss in hip motion and a typical limp. A hip x-ray or pelvis x-ray may show signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. An MRI scan may be needed.