What Is Perthes Disease? Expert Defines Signs, Cause, And Treatment

Childhood is a tough time for kids and parents alike. It is often difficult for kids to relay the health issues they have been facing, which is concerning since they are at risk of health issues due to an underdeveloped immune system. One such medical condition that can be seriously debilitating for children is Perthes disease, which mainly affects the hip joint.

According to Oxford University’s Hospitals (OUH), 1 in 9,000 children are affected by this disease. This may seem a low number but the issue is that the medical community does not know how exactly this disease develops putting all children at risk for now. To know more about this rare condition, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. 

What Is Perthes Disease?

“Perthes disease, also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a rare childhood condition where the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is temporarily disrupted,” defined Dr Khatri.

“This leads to bone death and may cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion,” he added. According to OUH, this disorder primarily impacts children between the ages of 4 and 10. 

The exact cause remains unclear, but factors such as genetics, trauma, or vascular abnormalities may contribute to the development of this rare childhood disorder. Once the hip joint starts dying, it eventually collapses. 

The name Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease comes from the physicians Arthur Legg, Jacques Calvé, and Georg Perthes who first described this condition. 

Perthes Disease Symptoms

“Perthes Disease causes pain in the hip joint of kids due to the disruption of blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone damage and inflammation. This can result in pain, limping, and difficulty with activities,” said Dr Khatri. 

As the condition progresses, more noticeable symptoms, such as limited range of motion, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness, can emerge. Dr Khatri strongly recommended that parents and caregivers need to be vigilant and seek medical attention if persistent symptoms are observed in a child. 

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Treating Perthes Disease

Dr Khatri advised, “If they observe persistent symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.” Diagnosing Perthes disease typically involves a combination of physical examinations, medical history reviews, and imaging studies. X-rays are commonly used to assess the condition of the hip joint and determine the extent of femoral head involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also provide detailed images of the affected area.

“Treatment often involves non-surgical methods like rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to correct severe cases,” said Dr Khatri.

The goal of Perthes' disease treatment is to preserve the shape of the femoral head and ensure proper hip joint function. Treatment approaches vary depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the child. 

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While Perthes' disease poses challenges for affected children and their families, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the condition, paving the way for more effective interventions. If you suspect your child may be experiencing symptoms of Perthes' disease, prompt consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.