New treatment strategies for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are offering hope to young patients and their families. Amy L. Behman, MB ChB, PhD, FRCSC, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term complications and avoid surgery.
“We want to catch Perthes in childhood and treat patients early in the disease course,” says Behman. “Ideally, taking good care of children with Perthes disease prevents extensive surgery in adulthood.”
The updated approach focuses on maintaining mobility and reducing impact, rather than prolonged inactivity. With timely care, children can preserve the shape of the femoral head and reduce the risk of arthritis and future hip replacements.
Read more. Jordan McCollum–Duke Health