Legg-Calve-Perthes disease also known as Perthes disease is a rare childhood hip condition that typically occurs in children below 10 years of age. It usually occurs more in boys than girls but the Perthes disease is identified to cause more damage to the hip bone of girls.
Perthes condition affecting a single hip joint is more common as compared to both joints – around 10 to 15% of cases impacts both joints. Like its name, this condition is a complex process that can have complications like osteoarthritis in children.
In today’s blog, we discuss this Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) – its’ symptoms, complication and treatment options to help improve your awareness about this rare childhood condition. Read on:
How does Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease impact the hip joint in children?
Our bone cells need constant nourishment from the blood that carries much-needed nutrients. When this blood supply interruption happens, the health of bone cells is impacted, tiny breaks in bone happen which may eventually collapse. This condition is called avascular necrosis and when this happens to the hip joint, it can result in Perthes disease which has its complex progression.
As the blood supply disruption happens to the femoral head of the hip joint, the ball gradually weakens leading to breaks in the bone or fractures and over time bone is absorbed by the body leading to collapse of the bone – All this happens in stages over time. When the blood supply is reinstated by itself (yes that happens too), the bone regenerates but it may not form in the same shape of the femoral head, which is why this condition is complex and it needs consultation of the best orthopaedic specialist in Mumbai.
What are the symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)?
Change in the run or walk is the most common symptoms you must look out for in your child, especially during physical and sports activities. Limited range of motion, limp, or peculiar walking or running style are all signs of hip joint problems, that must be inspected by an orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai.
In general, the symptoms Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease include:
1. Hip or groin pain, sometimes thigh or knee pain are also experienced especially during physical activities.
2. Irritation across the hip area due to painful muscle spasms.
3. Stiffness in the hip, noticeable limp and change in running or walking style as mentioned earlier.
All the above symptoms may come and go and may vary in intensity based on the activity level. If not treated by an orthopaedic specialist in time, this condition may progress over time leading to complications such as osteoarthritis.
Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD):
The goal of Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease depends on the current status – in general, an orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai works to restore mobility, reduce the pain and stiffness and protect the femoral head from further deterioration. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments for Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease are performed by an orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai to reach the mentioned treatment goals. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for Legg-Calve-Perthes treatment for your child or need a second opinion, Dr Niraj Vora is one of the best orthopaedic specialists in Mumbai who can help you.
You can mail him here: nlv@drnirajvora.com