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Perthes disease
AVASCULAR NECROSIS
If your child has hip problems they may have Perthes disease. Our paediatric experts can help to diagnose and treat them
What is Perthes disease
Perthes disease is a rare condition relating to your child's hip joint. It occurs across different stages beginning with restricted blood supply to their femoral head (top of the thigh bone). This leads to inflammation and irritation. Treatment helps a newer, stronger bone to form. This can re-establish normal movement.
Need to know
Symptoms of Perthes disease may include:
- hip, groin, thigh or knee discomfort
- discomfort in the above areas after physical activity
- muscle spasms and/or irritation around the hip
Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. They will carry out a physical examination to assess the motion in your child's hip. An X-ray will help your child's consultant determine whether a procedure is needed.
Non-surgical treatment options
- Physiotherapy sessions to help strengthen the hip joint and increase movement.
- Crutches to assist with walking.
- Wearing a temporary plaster cast or special brace can reposition the femoral head into the hip socket. During this your child's consultant may perform an arthrogram. A small amount of dye is inserted into the hip joint to view the injury more clearly.
Surgery options
- For children over eight years old, an osteotomy may be recommended. This is when an area of the bone is cut slightly to be realigned with the hip socket. This option will of course be discussed at length with you beforehand.
Our Perthes disease locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.