Introduction

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a hip disorder that primarily affects children.  It is due to an idiopathic osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) of the femoral head, which can cause progressive hip pain and deformation of the femoral head if not managed appropriately.

Pathophysiology

LCPD results from a disrupted blood supply to the femoral head, leading to subsequent avascular necrosis and deformity of the hip joint.  The cause of the disrupted blood supply in LCPD is unknown.

Risk factors

  • LCPD typically occurs between age 3 and 12, peaking between ages 5 and 7.
  • Male patients are affected more than female patients, with a male/female ratio of approximately 4:1.
  • Conditions that affect the blood supply to the hip (eg, thrombophilia, glucocorticoid use) are risk factors.

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