Inflammation of an epiphysis of the head of the femur. The disease is a type of osteochondritis juvenilis, thought to be due to disrupted blood supply to the bone. The condition is most common in boys aged 5–10, and usually affects 1 hip. Symptoms include pain in the thigh and groin, and a limp on the affected side. Diagnosis is made with X-rays. Treatment may be rest for a few weeks, followed by splinting of the hip, or surgery. The disease usually clears up by itself within 3 years, but the hip may be permanently deformed.
Perthes’ disease |
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