Your child’s legs may be rotated into various positions during the physical examination to examine range of motion and determine which positions hurt.
These tests, which are essential for determining the presence of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, may consist of:
The entire process of bone death, fracture, and rebuilding may take several years in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The recommended forms of treatment will depend on the disease stage, extend of hip damage, and your age when you first noticed the symptoms.
The femoral head, which serves as the ball of the joint, weakens and fragments as the Legg-Calve-Perthes disease worsens. The socket portion of the joint can act as a mold throughout the healing process to help the broken femoral head maintain its round form.
The femoral head must be securely seated inside the socket for this molding to work. Sometimes, a special leg cast that keeps the legs widely spaced apart for four to six weeks can help this.
Some kids need surgery to help maintain the joint’s ball secure inside its socket. To realign the joint, this technique may entail creating wedge-shaped cuts in the thigh bone or pelvis.
Younger children (under the age of 6) typically don’t require surgery. The hip socket is more naturally malleable in this age group, thus the ball and socket usually continue to fit together effectively without surgery.
Young children in particular may require observation or conservative therapies. Conservative therapies may consist of: