- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
May also be called: LCP orPerthes disease
Legg-Calvé-Perthes (leg-cal-VAY-PER-teez) disease is a hip disorder that affects bone growth at the top part of the thighbone and the hip joint. It usually occurs in kids between 4 and 8 years of age, and is more common in boys.
More to Know
The cause of LCP is not known, but it sometimes runs in families. Children who are around secondhand smoke, were born very small, or have certain blood problems also are more likely to develop it.
Symptoms can include limping, hip pain, and knee pain. The pain usually comes on slowly and may be mild.
When LCP is suspected, the doctor will do a physical exam and order X-rays. Early stages of LCP do not always show up on an X-ray, so an MRI or other imaging study also might be done.
Keep in Mind
Treatment depends on the child's age, amount of pain, and other factors. Decreasing activity can sometimes ease pain, but some kids will need a brace, cast, or crutches to keep them from putting weight on the leg. Some must rest the leg completely, and severe cases may require surgery. Many kids with LCP need physical therapy to help them improve the range of motion in the hip and leg muscles.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.