• Perthes disease, also known as Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), is a disorder that mostly affects children’s hips. Perthes disease falls in a group of disorders known as osteochondroses, in which there is degeneration along with ensuing regeneration of epiphyses (growing ends of bones).
• In Perthes disease, the head of femur is affected, which is shaped as a ball. The femur (thighbone) is connected to the pelvic bone through ball and socket joint, where the head of femur (ball) fits into the socket (acetabulum).
• This ball and socket joint provides mobility and flexibility to the hips/legs and helps in leg movement to various degrees.
• Perthes disease is a result of decreased blood supply to femur head that leads to necrosis and deformity of the femoral head.
• The cause of decreased blood supply to femoral head is unknown, but theories have pointed toward genetics, malnourishment, thrombophilia (blood clotting disorder) and other environmental factors.
• The necrosed bone takes several years to heal and regenerate, this condition resolves with the establishment of new blood supply, and a healthy bone is formed in the affected area without any intervention.
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