children s health issues
Legg Calvé Perthes Disease
Treatment of Legg Calvé Perthes Disease
Bed rest and immobilization of the hip Sometimes surgery Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease includes prolonged bed rest and immobilization of the hip (for example, with a cast or splint). The choice of treatment depends on the child's age and amount of bone damage. Sometimes the partial immobilization provided by bed rest is sufficient. However, sometimes nearly total immobilization using traction, slings, plaster casts, or splints for 12 to 18 months is necessary. Such treatments keep the legs rotated outward. Physical Therapy (PT) is used to keep the muscles from tightening up and wasting away. If a child is over 6 years of age and has moderate or severe bone destruction, surgery may be helpful. Even without treatment, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease usually gets better, but it takes longer, usually 2 to 3 years, and there is an increased risk of hip arthritis developing later in life. Treatment with bisphosphonates (drugs that help increase bone density) has been effective, but more studies are needed. 