LearningRadiology - Legg-Calve-Perthe's Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthe's Disease

The first sign is subarticular translucency seen best on frog lateral
Then epiphysis becomes flattened, fragment and dense
With revascularization there is gradual reformation of femoral head.
Since there is less bone to reform, prognosis is better for those under five years of age than in older children.
Arthrography will, except in severe cases, be normal because cartilage derives its nutrition from synovial fluid.
First sign may be joint effusion as shown by lateral displacement of femoral head
Poor prognosis if there is severe and lateral displacement of metaphysis, by involvement of lateral aspect of head, and by flattening of cartilage seen on arthrography.