Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Hip Joint Disruption

Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment

Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease-image

Overview

Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease is a childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint is temporarily interrupted and the bone begins to die. This weakened bone gradually breaks apart and can lose its round shape. The body eventually restores blood supply to the ball, and the ball heals. But if the ball is no longer round after it heals, it can cause pain and stiffness. The complete process of bone death, fracture and renewal can take several years.

Types of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

There are several types of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, including:

Unilateral: Affects one hip joint.
Bilateral: Affects both hip joints.
Idiopathic: No known cause.
Traumatic: Caused by injury or trauma.

Causes of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

The causes of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are not fully understood, but may include:

Reduced blood flow to the femoral head
Injury or trauma to the hip joint
Infection or inflammation
Genetic predisposition.

Risk Factors of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

Certain individuals may be more at risk of developing Legg-Calve-Perthes disease due to:

Age (typically affects children between 4 and 12 years old)
Family history of the condition
Previous hip injuries or trauma
Certain medical conditions (e.g., coagulation disorders).

Symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

Common symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include:

1. Limping: A noticeable limp is often one of the first signs. The limp may become more pronounced with activity and improve with rest.

2. Pain or Stiffness: Pain is typically felt in the hip, but it can also radiate to the groin, thigh, or knee. The pain may worsen with physical activity and improve with rest. Stiffness in the hip joint can limit the range of motion.

3. Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the hip joint in various directions. The child may have trouble with activities that require hip flexibility, such as squatting or sitting cross-legged.

4. Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions around the hip area. These spasms can contribute to pain and discomfort.

5. Loss of Muscle (Atrophy): The muscles around the hip and thigh may weaken and shrink due to reduced use. This can lead to noticeable differences in muscle size between the affected and unaffected leg.

6. Unequal Leg Length: As the disease progresses, one leg may become shorter than the other. This discrepancy can affect the child’s gait and posture.

Preventions of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

There is no known way to prevent Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, but maintaining good overall health and avoiding hip injuries or trauma may reduce the risk.

Diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

Diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease typically involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests, including:

X-rays
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
CT (computed tomography) scans
Orthopedic evaluation.

Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes (LEG-kahl-VAY-PER-tuz) disease

Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease typically involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical interventions, including:

Rest and limited activity.
Physical therapy to maintain range of motion and strength.
Medication to manage pain and inflammation.
Surgery to realign or resect the affected femoral head.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you suspect that your child has developed Legg-Calve-Perthes disease or is experiencing symptoms of the condition, it is essential to see a doctor promptly.