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Management of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with acupuncture: a case report
Turan Set1, Ismail Maras, Abdul Sattar Khan
1Department of Family Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey. turanset@gmail.com
Insights
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) in a 12-year-old boy showed significant improvement with acupuncture. This non-surgical approach led to full recovery, suggesting acupuncture as a potential LCPD management option.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Integrative Medicine
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a hip disorder affecting children, characterized by avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes in LCPD.
- Traditional treatments for LCPD include bracing and surgery, particularly for late-stage or severe cases.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old male diagnosed with LCPD presented with limping and poor prognosis.
- Initial orthopedic treatment with orthosis yielded no improvement.
- Surgical intervention was declined by the parents, opting for alternative therapy.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a prolonged course of acupuncture, including needle and laser techniques.
- Clinical improvement was observed after 30 sessions, with new bone formation in the femoral head evident on imaging.
- Radiographic evidence showed nearly 90% improvement after 130 sessions and full recovery after 196 sessions.
Implications:
- Combined needle and laser acupuncture demonstrated significant efficacy in managing a late-diagnosed LCPD case.
- This case suggests acupuncture as a viable, non-surgical therapeutic option for LCPD.
- Further research into acupuncture's role in LCPD treatment is warranted to explore its potential benefits and mechanisms.
Abstract:
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a rare temporary hip joint deformity mostly effecting young children from 4-10 years of age. It involves mainly the head of the femur, which softens and breaks down due to interruption of blood supply (avascular necrosis). We report a case of LCPD that was treated late and had a poor prognosis, but improved significantly during a prolonged course of acupuncture. A 12-year-old boy reported to an orthopaedic clinic in 2006 with limping and was diagnosed with LCPD. Surgeons applied orthosis without improvement and decided to perform surgery in 2008. However, the parents declined the surgical option and took the boy to an acupuncture clinic the same year. Needle acupuncture for 20 min and laser acupuncture locally on the hip joint area for 5 min were applied. After 30 sessions of acupuncture, the boy started to improve clinically. Imaging studies showed that new bone cells started to develop in the femoral head. After 130 sessions in 2010 the radiographic appearance showed almost 90% improvement, and after 196 sessions, in August 2012, he was fully recovered. Needle acupuncture treatment combined with laser acupuncture may be an option for the management of LCPD.
