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Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is when the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die.

Alternative Names:

Coxa plana; Perthes disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs most frequently in boys 4 to 8 years old. While there are many theories regarding the cause of this disease, little is actually known.

Without enough blood to the area, the bone dies. This causes the ball of the hip to collapse and become flat. Usually only one hip is affected, although it can occur on both sides.

The blood supply returns over several months, bringing in new bone cells. These gradually replace the dead bone over 2 to 3 years.

• Review Date: 12/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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