Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Imaging Evaluation and Management

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pediatric Bone Diseases
• Pediatric Hip Disorders

Background:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease involves avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis and growth plate.
• It typically affects children aged 4 to 8 years.
• The primary cause is likely vascular deficiency to the femoral epiphysis and growth plate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the pathological stages of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
• To correlate radiologic findings with pathological stages.
• To discuss treatment principles and surgical options.

Main Methods:

• Review of pathological stages: necrosis, resorption, reossification, and remodeling.
• Correlation of radiographic findings with disease progression.
• Analysis of treatment strategies focusing on femoral head containment.

Main Results:

• Pathologic stages of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are well-defined.
• Radiologic findings mirror the distinct pathological stages.
• Femoral head containment within the acetabulum is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease requires understanding its pathological progression.
• Treatment emphasizes maintaining femoral head containment and preserving range of motion.
• Surgical interventions like femoral osteotomy and shelf arthroplasty are considered.