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Perthes disease

Background

Perthes disease: Clavé-Perthes disease; Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease; Coxa Plana; Osteochondritis of the upper femoral epiphysis.

This condition is a disease of the epiphysis (growing head) of the femur (thigh bone) at the hip joint. The cause of the condition is unknown. It occurs due to an interruption of the blood supply to the head of the femur, part, or all of which, softens and is deformed by weight bearing. A number of factors, both local and general, act together to result in the above which can result in deformation of the shape of the femur at maturity.

The age of onset of the condition is between two to 14 years of age and occurs mainly in boys rather than girls. Affected children are often a little shorter than average and their bone maturity a little delayed. There is no specific evidence of hormonal deficiencies.

What are the causes? View What are the causes?

Medical text written January 2008 by Mr A G Davies, Orthopaedic Department, Sheffield Childrens Hospital, Sheffield, UK

 

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