Symptoms tend to appear between the ages of 4 and 8, and boys are four times more likely to get Perthes disease.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is caused by disrupted blood flow to the femoral head of the thigh bone. This may result in necrosis and collapse of the bone in the femoral head. New bone eventually replaces the old, but the previous rounded shape of the bone may now be abnormal.
When blood stops flowing to the femoral head, it begins breaking down and losing its round shape, making it difficult to fit and move in the hip socket as it should. This impacts mobility, causes pain, and can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
I was diagnosed in 2009. It started in my left hip, and then it moved to my right. Shriners Children's is so loving and caring – they really care about you.
