What are the effects and signs?

Perthes disease causes pain in the hip and a limp. The child may show signs of limping and may complain of mild pain. The symptoms may occur intermittently over weeks or months. Resting often relieves the pain. Affected children are often very active and athletic. Examination of the hip is likely to be painful and show reduced range of movement of the joint.

The prognosis and likely treatment will depend on two main factors -:

• The age of the child
• Extent of the disease – see grading of severity