Perthes Disease

Perthes’ disease is an osteonecrosis (bone collapse) disease that occurs in children as a result of temporary impairment of the blood supply to the femoral head (femoral head) that forms the hip joint. It usually occurs in boys between the ages of 4 and 10.

The first symptoms of the disease:

• Limping
• Pain in the hip, thigh or knee
• It manifests as limitation of movement and thinning of the leg.

Diagnosis is based on hip radiographs, MRI and clinical evaluation.

The treatment process is shaped according to the stage of the disease:

• Physical therapy and restriction of weight bearing in the early stages
• Surgeries (osteotomies) that support the remodeling of the hip joint head in advanced stages
• The aim is to center the hip joint, eliminate leg inequalities and prevent permanent deformities.

When Perthes disease is managed with early diagnosis, it is possible to preserve hip function in the child’s later life.