Legg Calve Perthes Disease

It may be common for your child to complain about various aches and pains that usually clear up within a few days. But be alert if your child limps for more than a few days and/or complains about pain in his or her hip, knee or pelvis. It may be more than growing pains or a sports injury. Your child's limping may indicate a serious hip problem that needs treatment as soon as possible. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a condition in which the top of the thighbone (femoral head) dies from lack of blood supply, becomes brittle and may collapse, leading to deformity and arthritis.

The cause of LCPD is not known, but doctors believe it may be related to growth hormones in the body. It can strike your child throughout the growing years. Boys get it four times as often as girls do, and it is more common in children aged 4-8, and those who are small for their age. It is uncommon for African-Americans. Most of the time, it affects only one hip. If your child has LCPD, the sooner he or she gets treatment, the better the chances of recovery....

Symptoms? Cause? Diagnosis? Treatment?

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