What is Perthes Disease?
Perthes is a condition that affects growing children, and is characterised by a temporary loss of blood supply to the hip. Without an adequate blood supply, the “ball” in the socket of the hip becomes inadequate and the bone gradually breaks down. The area becomes inflamed and irritated. Perthes Disease is almost always occurs between the ages of 3-12 years old, however it is more commonly found in boys aged between 5 and 7.
Symptoms
Children with this condition may show signs of limping and may complain of mild hip pain.Other symptoms may develop including decreased range of motion or stiffness in the hip joint. The child may have had these symptoms intermittently over a period of weeks or even months. Pain may be felt in other parts of the leg, such as the groin, thigh, or knee.
Treatment
As a child with Perthes or general hip pain may tend to walk with a limp, physiotherapy is
necessary to help restore hip joint range. Our Physiotherapist will assist the child with gentle exercises to help with hip rotation and if necessary will encourage the child to walk with crutches at the beginning. After 18 months to 2 years of treatment, most children return to normal activities without major limitations.
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