Sagging rope sign of Perthes disease

Case contributed by Simon Vanden Berghe
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Chronic pain in both hips, no history of hip surgery or hip trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male

Pelvis

x-ray

Bilateral deformity of the femoral heads. Geodes in both the acetabulum and femoral head on both sides.

A thin sclerotic line that crosses the femoral neck is called the 'sagging rope sign'. It is better seen on the right side.

Irregular femoral head and geode formation. Sagging rope sign on both sides, best visible on the right side.

Case Discussion

The sagging rope sign is visible on a plain radiograph of the hip or pelvis. It describes the thin sclerotic line that crosses the femoral neck and resembles a hanging or sagging rope that is suspended on both ends. This sign indicates a late stage of Perthes disease

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