What is Perthes Disease?

What Causes Perthes Disease?

In Perthes disease, blood flow to the femoral head temporarily decreases, although the exact cause is unknown in most children. As circulation returns, the bone reshapes, but loading and growth can affect the roundness of the femoral head. It most often appears during school years and is more common in boys.

Symptoms

• A limp that increases through the day and improves with rest
• Pain in the hip, groin or thigh that worsens with movement
• Sometimes isolated knee pain without a knee problem
• Reduced ability to move the hip outward and rotate it inward

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child with Perthes disease play sport?

Activities depend on the stage, the child's age and the shape of the femoral head. Running or jumping that repeatedly loads or impacts the hip may be reduced temporarily, while swimming and approved exercises may continue. Regular X-rays and pediatric orthopedic follow-up are important.