Classification and physical therapy of the Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: a review

Abstract

Although the Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCDP) has been studied since 1909, its obscure etiology is still under discussion. It is known that an interruption of blood supply causes ischemia of the femoral head. Typically
it affects children aged 2 to 12 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1, occurring bilaterally in 10% to 20% of the cases. The clinical report is well defined: pain at the knee or thigh, limp, and loss of articular hip motion. There is no agreement as to the best treatment for LCPD. The diverse forms
of treatment, whether surgical or conservative, aim at preventing deformities
in the femoral head. Although most reviewed studies state the importance of physical therapy for the recovery of children with LCPD, almost none detail or compare physical therapy procedures employed, which suggests the need to further research with this focus.