Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease A hip disorder in children that is due to interruption of the blood supply to the head of the femur (the ball in the balland-socket hip joint), causing it to deteriorate. This disease is most common between ages 6 and 9, and it tends to affect boys most commonly but is more severe when it occurs in girls. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease sometimes runs in families. The symptoms include hip and thigh pain, stiff hip, a limp, and diminution in size of the thigh. Over a period of 18 to 24 months, the blood supply usually reestablishes itself. During this period, the bone is soft and liable to fracture under pressure, causing collapse of the head of the femur. Treatment may include casting, bracing, surgery, and physical therapy. Also known as Legg disease, Legg-Perthes disease, Perthes disease, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.