Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Also known as: Legg-Calve

What is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease?

Legg-Calve-Perthes, also known as Coxa Plana, is one of the more common orthopedic disorders in children. It occurs when blood supply to the hip joint is temporarily disrupted, causing damage to the bone.

What Causes Legg-Calve-Perthes?

The cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes is unknown. It occurs most commonly in children between ages 4 and 10 and is more common in boys than in girls.

Symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes

  • Symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes may include:
  • Pain in the knees, thigh or groin
  • Stiffness and reduced range of movement in the hips
  • Variation in length of legs

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Treatment

Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes is managed by a pediatric orthopedist. The Department of Orthopedics at Nicklaus Children's has extensive experience in caring for Legg-Calve-Perthes patients. Options for care may include:

  • Lifestyle management and rest to promote healing
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescriptions to reduce discomfort
  • A cast or brace
  • In rare cases, surgery

This page was last updated on: September 06, 2019 09:18 AM