Understanding the Stages of Perthes Disease: Symptoms & Progression

Perthes disease, or Legg Calve Perthes disease, is a medical disorder that causes the ball area of the thigh bone to waste away due to an insufficient blood supply. The phases of Perthes disease cause a worsening of the condition.

Limping

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, limping is usually the first symptom of Perthes disease. The disease begins without pain.

Other Symptoms

• Perthes disease patients may develop persistent groin or thigh pain, their upper thigh muscles may waste away, and an affected hip may become stiff.

Hip Joint Deformity

• Individuals with Perthes disease eventually develop a visible hip joint deformity that causes one leg to appear shorter than the other leg.

Osteoarthritis

• People with Perthes disease have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected hip as an adult.

Risk Factors

• Children with Perthes disease are more likely to develop a normal hip joint if they receive treatment before the age of 6. Children who begin treatment after the age of 6 have an increased likelihood of permanent hip deformity and osteoarthritis.

Treatment

• Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and physical therapy to keep the thigh bone inside the hip socket. A physician may surgically correct a patient's hip joint in cases where other forms of treatment have not succeeded.