From the Research
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease should be managed with a focus on early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and timely referral to orthopaedic services, as highlighted in the most recent study from 2024 1. The goal of treatment is to minimize deformity, reduce the risk of premature osteoarthritis, and maintain hip mobility and sphericity of the femoral head. Key aspects of management include:
- Early recognition and diagnosis through plain radiographs, with additional imaging such as MRI or hip joint arthrography as needed 1
- Individualized treatment plans, which may include non-operative care, such as physiotherapy, or surgical interventions like femoral or pelvic osteotomy 1, 2
- Containment therapy to keep the femoral head properly positioned in the acetabulum while healing occurs, which may involve bracing or surgical interventions 3, 2
- Pain management, typically including NSAIDs like ibuprofen (10mg/kg/dose every 6-8 hours) [@Example@]
- Regular follow-up with orthopedic specialists to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed 1, 2 It is essential to consider the child's age and disease severity when determining the best course of treatment, with younger children (under 6) with mild cases potentially requiring only observation and activity restriction, while more severe cases or older children may require more aggressive interventions 3, 2.