The Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head, most common in children aged 5 to 8 who have knee or hip pain or limp. The disease is bilateral in about 15% of cases. If Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs by age six, restoration of the ball femoral head is likely and degenerative osteoarthritis can be avoided. The Herring (Lateral Pillar) classification of Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease can be used to predict outcomes in children younger than 12 years of age to identify candidates for surgery.

Case courtesy of Dr.ssa Elenora Renzi

Radiographer: TSRM Fabio Imola