Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe underlying cause of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease — also known as ischemic (avascular) necrosis of the hip — isn't clear. But what happens is this: Not enough blood is supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint (femoral head). Without an adequate blood supply, the femoral head deteriorates. As dying bone cells are replaced with new cells, the bone becomes unstable, and it may break easily and heal poorly.
- Perthes disease. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00070&return_link=0. Accessed Jan. 22, 1010.
- Legg-Calve'-Perthes disease. National Osteonecrosis Foundation. http://www.nonf.org/perthesbrochure/perthes-brochure.htm. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
- Hosalkar HS, et al. The hip. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179341369-5/942328489/1608/1578.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50679-4--cesec26_12453. Accessed Jan. 22, 1010.
- Mercier LR. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179341369-5/942328489/2088/368.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00021-6--sc0040_7585. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.

Find Mayo Clinic on