Perthe's disease

Question 1

What is perthe’s disease?

Answer 1

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children aged 4-8

Question 2

Which children is perthes disease most common in ?

Answer 2

Boys between 5-8 years of age

Question 3

What is the cause of perthes disease?

Answer 3

Idiopathic

Question 4

How quick is the onset of symptoms in perthes disease?

Answer 4

Gradual onset

Question 5

What are the symptoms of perthes disease?

Answer 5

Pain in the hip/groin
Limp
Restricted hip movement
Radiation of pain to knee

Question 6

What is the definitive investigation for diagnosis of perthes disease?

Answer 6

Hip X-ray

Question 7

What would an X-ray show in perthes disease?

Answer 7

Early changes will show widening of the joint space
Late changes will show decreased femoral head size

Question 8

What other investigations can be helpful in diagnosis of perthes disease?

Answer 8

MRI scan
Technetium bone scan
Blood tests - typically normal