What is Perthes Disease ?
Perthes is a childhood condition in which limited blood flow to the femoral head, the ball
of the ball-and-socket hip joint, causes damage and collapse.
Who gets Perthes Disease ?
Most patients are between 4-10 years old. This is 5 times more common in boys and girls.
What causes Perthes Disease?
Weare not certain what causes many cases of Perthes. There may be certain genetic factors, but this is still under investigation.
How can i tell if my child has Perthes Disease?
The most common symptom is a limp . This may or may not be painful. Your child doctor can
evaluate a limping child and help to determine what is causing the limp. The diagnosis of Perthes Disease is usually made with x-rays and required consultation with a pediatric
orthopedist.
How is Perthes treated?
:This depends on the age of the child and the severity of the disease. Young children with a mild condition may need observation only.
Some patients will need physical therapy to keep the hip moving. More severe cases may require placements into a cast or brace; the most s sever cases may require surgery on the hip to restore the ball-and-socket shape and
position.
What is the prognosis for Perthes Disease?
Overall most children do well, although treatment of th disease may last for a year or two. Older children, girls and children with limited motion in the affected hip may not do as well. Patients who have had Perthes Disease
may develop early adult arthritis. In some severe cases of Perthes Disease in which the shape of the hip joint is not maintained, Patients may have pain or limited motion as teenagers and require further treatment.
Will my chlid be able to plays sports with Perthes Disease ?
At the conclusion of treatment most patients will be able to play sports. Yours Child’s doctor may keep him/her out of sports while the hip is healing.
