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COLUMBIA ORTHOPEDICS SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Perthes Disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease)

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How is Perthes Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will order an X-ray to confirm a diagnosis if symptoms of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are present. MRI scans can be used to determine how much the disease has affected the blood supply in the area.

In cases where Perthes disease has gone undiagnosed for an extended period, the child's affected leg may be shorter than the other. The child may also use the affected leg less, causing the thigh and buttock muscles to experience atrophy and thinning. Physical examinations can be used to detect these issues, while blood tests can be used to eliminate other conditions, such as infection, that may cause similar symptoms.

How is Perthes Disease Treated?

Treatments

Treatments for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are based on the stage of the condition and include:

  • Non-surgical options - Limits will often be placed on the child's physical activity to keep the femoral head from collapsing. A doctor may also recommend crutches or casting to limit activities, particularly if symptoms progress.
  • Physical therapy – Often used to maintain the motion of the hip joint, which has been shown to help maintain the roundness of the femoral head
  • Anti-inflammatory medications – Used to decrease the pain associated with the irritability of the hip
  • Surgical options - If Perthes disease progresses, surgery may be recommended to restore the hip bones' proper alignment. Screws or pins are used to fix the femoral head in the correct position within the hip joint, which allows the femoral head to heal. Following the surgery, the child receives physical therapy to maintain hip motion.

Regardless of the treatment method, X-rays and tests will be taken throughout the process to track progression.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Perthes Disease Care

Pediatric surgeons at Columbia Orthopedics can guide and provide care in diagnosing and treating Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Our experts can confirm a diagnosis using an X-ray and will perform regular tests to track progression and recovery. Early diagnosis will allow more time for the femoral head to heal and recover.