Description A gradual weakening...
Description
A gradual weakening of the head of the femur. The femur is the long bone of the upper leg that connects the hip and the knee. The head or ball of the femur and the pelvis make up the hip joint. In this disorder the ball of the femur loses its blood supply causing the ball of the femur to die. It usually affects only one hip, but both hip joints can be involved. It occurs most frequently in children between the ages of 4 and 12. It is more common in boys. The cause of this disorder is not known.
Symptoms
Limping (often without pain), knee pain, persistent thigh or groin pain, weakness and wasting of muscles in the upper thigh, shortening of one leg, hip stiffness, decreased range of motion of the hip.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Observation of the limp is an important part of the examination. A hip X-ray or pelvis X-ray may show signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. An MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Observation of the limp is an important part of the examination. A hip X-ray or pelvis X-ray may show signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. An MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include: rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), physical therapy and night time traction. Surgery is performed for persistent or severe symptoms and may involve reshaping of the pelvis and/or hip replacement.