Legge-Calve-Perthes disease is inflammation of the femoral head, possibly due to loss of blood supply. The femoral head is the ball on the end of the thighbone that fits into the socket of the hip joint. This disease may eventually lead to destruction of the femoral head.

What is going on in the body?

If the blood supply to the femoral head is lost for any reason, the bone cells die. This can cause the round femoral head to lose its shape. The bone changes may cause arthritis, or chronic joint inflammation. Ninety percent of the time, only one hip is affected.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

The exact cause of Legge-Calve-Perthes disease is unknown. It is thought to be linked to disrupted blood supply to the bone. This disease typically occurs between the ages of 4 and 8. Boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls.