Perthes disease is an idiopathic, avascular necrosis of the femoral head. It is an osteochondritis of the epiphysis of the femoral head.
Children (usually the age between 5 to 1o years) frequently complain of pain which radiates to knee occasionally associated with limping and hip stiffness
Also known as Coxaplana, Pseudo-coxalgia
Types
Pain in the hip often radiating to knee - insidious onset, pain may fluctuate depending on physical activity
Pain is often exacerbated by internal rotataion
Limping or hip stiffness ( Resrtricted range of movements)
Antalgic gait ( on weight bearing leg)
Investigation
O/E – limitation of abduction and internal rotation and shortening of the limb
FABER test( Flexion , Abduction and External Rotation ) might be positive
X- ray – Anterio posterior and frog leg positions
Collapse and sclerosis of the epiphysis of the femoral head
Hip joint space is increased
Gage sign
Crescent sign
Bone scan – decreased uptake by the head of the femur
MRI
Treatments
Preventing head from mis-shapening while the bone is in softening phase
Conservative methods for head containment – plaster, splint
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