Understanding Perthes Disease

Perthes disease is a condition which affects the hip in growing children. It can affect one or both hips, but one hip is more common. The initial signs of the disease can be difficult to detect because children have trouble describing symptoms. In the early phase of Perthes' disease, the child will have an occasional limp which may become worse as the disease progresses. 

  • Perthes' disease is an uncommon condition that affects children between the ages of three and 11 years.  
  • Blood supply to the head of the thigh bone is disrupted which causes the bone to deteriorate 
  • Boys are more likely to develop this than girls 
  • Perthes Disease can lead to osteoarthritis in adults.
  • an occasional limp in the earlier stages 
  • stiffness and reduced range of movement in the hip joint  
  • pain in the knee, thigh or groin when putting weight on the affected leg or moving the hip joint 
  • thinner thigh muscles on the affected leg 
  • shortening of the affected leg, leading to uneven leg length 
  • worsening pain and limping as time goes by.

References:
Perthes Disease Conditions and Treatments
Perthes Disease Factsheets (PDF)

Contact us today

Give us a call on 1800 275 753 to discuss your support needs with our Allied Health team, or send an online enquiry and we'll be in touch.

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How can CPL help?

Early Intervention Therapy

As Perthes Disease is diagnosed in childhood, our early intervention services can help support you and your family learn how to best support your child and develop strategies for skill development.

NDIS

The NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families/carers. CPL's Support Coordinators can help you to navigate your first NDIS plan.

Allied Health

If your child has been diagnosed with Perthes Disease, CPL's Allied Health specialists can organise an appointment to assess their needs. Therapies can include occupational, physiotherapy, speech and social work.

Finding the right equipment and aids

When you make an appointment to see a CPL Allied Health therapist they will work with you and your child to find the right equipment.