Phases of Perthes Disease
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.
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Limping
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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
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Perthes disease patients may develop persistent groin or thigh pain, their upper thigh muscles may waste away, and an affected hip may become stiff.
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Hip Joint Deformity
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Individuals with Perthes disease eventually develop a visible hip joint deformity that causes one leg to appear shorter than the other leg.
Osteoarthritis
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People with Perthes disease have an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected hip as an adult.
Risk Factors
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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
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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.
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