A physical therapy approach to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in children submitted to artrodistractor equipment: a case study

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate a physical therapy treatment (PTT) in a eight-year old male child with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease submitted to artrodistractor equipment, used to perform head femur distraction. Protocol treatment was applied twice a week for seven months, during five of which the child submitted to the PTT was using the equipment. PTT consisted of range of motion (ROM) exercises and hip and knee strength muscle training. Hip and knee ROM measurements were registered at three moments (pre-installation, two weeks after equipment installation and eight weeks after artrodistractor removal) and muscle strength was verified two and eight weeks after artrodistractor removal. Radiographic images were taken four weeks after installation and eight weeks after removal of the artrodistractor, showing joint space preservation. Results indicate improvement of R O M values and hip and knee muscle strength in the affected limb after PTT. According to results, physical therapy programs can be effective for rehabilitation of Legg-Calvé-Perthes children submitted to artrodistractor equipment.