Perthes disease

Question 1

What is perthes disease?

Answer 1

Degenerative disease affecting hip joint in children aged 4-8
Due to avascular necrosis of femoral head (femoral epiphysis)
More common in boys

Question 2

What are the clinical features?

Answer 2

Progressive hip pain
Limp
Stiffness and decreased range of motion

Question 3

How is it diagnosed?

Answer 3

Via XR

• early changes show increased joint space
• late changes show flattening or loss of femoral head

Question 4

What is the managemetn?

Answer 4

Can use a cast to keep in correct position
<6 yrs then observation
Older may need surgery

Prognosis is good if diagnosed early and most cases will resolve