It is a condition seen in children and characterized by impaired blood flow to the femoral head in the hip joint. This causes the femoral head to slowly collapse and subsequently restructure. Symptoms of Perthes disease It occurs gradually and varies depending on the stage of the disease.
What is Perthes disease? Officially known as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, it is a condition seen in children in which blood flow to the hip joint is temporarily impaired. This condition usually occurs in children between the ages of 4 and 10. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that reduced blood flow causes the femoral head to weaken and collapse.
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Perthes Disease?
Perthes disease is seen in children and is characterized by damage to the femoral head as a result of impaired blood flow to the hip joint. This disease is more common in children between the ages of 4 and 10, especially in boys. The exact cause of Perthes disease is unknown. However, it is known that the femoral head weakens and changes shape as a result of lack of sufficient blood flow to the hip joint.
Symptoms of Perthes disease You may feel pain in your hips, groin, thighs or knees. Pain usually increases after physical activity and may decrease with rest. Children may limp or have a change in their gait due to pain or discomfort. The muscles around the hip joint may become stiff. This leads to limitation of movement and loss of flexibility. Long-term restriction of movement can cause muscle weakness.
Children with a family history of Perthes disease have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Temporary narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels to the hip joint impairs blood flow to the femoral head. Environmental factors such as exposure to cigarette smoke are also thought to increase the risk of disease.
Perthes Disease Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the child. Its main purpose is to maintain the shape of the femoral head and ensure the normal function of the hip joint.
In the early stages of the disease, physical activities should be restricted to reduce stress on the joint. In some cases, complete bed rest may be required. Physical therapy and special exercises are recommended to increase muscle strength and joint mobility. Exercises help maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle weakness.
Special orthopedic devices can be used to help the hip joint stay in the correct position. These devices help the femoral head sit properly in the joint socket and reshape correctly. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
Recovery Process After Perthes Disease Treatment
The recovery process after treatment varies depending on the age of the child, the severity of the disease and the treatment method applied. This process can often take several years. The main goal of treatment is to ensure normal function of the hip joint by maintaining the correct shape of the femoral head.
After treatment, it is important for children to regain mobility and flexibility. Physical therapy and special exercises play a critical role at this stage. Exercises help increase muscle strength, improve joint mobility and prevent atrophy. As recovery progresses, the child is allowed to return to normal activities. This starts with low-impact activities and can be progressed to more challenging activities over time.
The child should be evaluated regularly by an orthopedic specialist. These follow-ups are necessary to ensure that the healing process is progressing appropriately. It is recommended that children avoid excessive body weight and follow a healthy diet. This prevents additional load on the hip joint and promotes healing.
Children recovering from Perthes disease need medical monitoring to complete reconstruction of the femoral head. This process may continue throughout the child's growth period. The child's physical development and activity level should be monitored to support the healthy functioning of the hip joint. In some cases, Perthes disease leads to permanent changes or long-term problems in the hip joint. This may increase the risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
Most children who recover from Perthes disease can lead active, healthy lives. However, regular medical monitoring and appropriate physical activity are important for the long-term health and functionality of the hip joint. Possible families and children perthes disease symptoms should cooperate with the doctor for early diagnosis.