Final answer:
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a childhood hip condition characterized by interrupted blood supply to the femur head, leading to symptoms like limping and hip pain. Treatment focuses on supportive measures such as rest, physical therapy, and medication; surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms and Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, not to be confused with Paget's disease or conditions such as osteomyelitis or peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a childhood condition that affects the hip where the blood supply to the round head of the femur (thighbone) is temporarily interrupted. When this blood supply is lost, the bone begins to die (avascular necrosis) and stops growing. Over time, healing occurs, but it can result in the femur head being permanently misshapen.
Symptoms associated with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease include:
- Limping
- Pain in the hip, groin, thigh or knee
- Limited range of motion of the hip joint
Treatment typically aims to prevent the femur head from becoming misshapen while it heals. This may involve:
- Rest and limited weight-bearing activities
- Physical therapy to improve hip strength and flexibility
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain
- In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to hold the femur head within the hip socket or to correct deformity