Perthes disease, also called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a rare condition of the hip that affects only children. It develops when there is a temporary loss of blood supply to the rounded head of the femur (thigh bone).

Perthes disease, also called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a rare condition of the hip that affects only children. It develops when there is a temporary loss of blood supply to the rounded head of the femur (thigh bone) – the “ball” part of the “ball and socket” hip joint.

Blood supply is important for bone, as it delivers oxygen and nutrition to the bone. Lack of blood supply causes bone cells to die. This process is called osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis. The ball part of the femur can eventually collapse when the bone is weakened if the blood supply is interrupted long enough. When the blood supply returns to the ball of the femur, the bone can improve its strength, but the shape of the femur can be permanently distorted.

Treatment for Perthes disease depends on the stage of your child’s condition and the age of your child. The treatment often requires periods of immobilization (methods to keep your child’s hip from moving) and limits on normal activity. For young children, your physician may take a wait-and-see approach – treating with possible medications or weight-bearing restrictions. Older children may be treated surgically or non-surgically.

Non-surgical treatments include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), naproxen sodium (Aleve®) and physical therapy. Some children may need to walk with crutches or be prescribed bed rest during the treatment process. If the disease continues to progress, the next step may be to place the child in a cast to keep the hips in the best position for healing. Generally, patients younger than six- to eight-years-old can be treated without surgery.