Final answer:
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a pediatric hip disorder characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head, leading to gradual onset symptoms. It occurs most commonly in children aged 4 to 10 years, involving symptoms like limping and hip pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease?
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood condition that affects the hip joint. Specifically, it involves the ball of the hip joint (femoral head) and results from a temporary loss of blood supply to this area. Without an adequate blood supply, the bone begins to die in a process called avascular necrosis. The condition usually has an insidious onset, developing gradually over time, and can cause long-term issues in the hip joint if not treated effectively. It typically affects children between the ages of 4 and 10, although it can sometimes occur in younger or older kids.
Age Group and Symptoms
LCPD is most commonly found in young children, typically between the ages of four and ten years old. Some signs of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include limping, hip, groin, or knee pain, reduced range of motion in the hip, and muscle wastage around the thigh. The onset of symptoms is usually gradual rather than sudden, and a child may experience them for several months before a diagnosis is made.