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Pillar C Perthes Disease

Lateral Pillar Group C Perthes is a subtype of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). With about one in 1,200 children younger than 15 years affected, LCPD is a relatively rare childhood hip disorder, according to the National Osteonecrosis Foundation,

  1. Causes and General Description

    • In Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LPD) disease, a lack of blood supply (necrosis) to the hip results in progressive bone destruction in the head of the femur (ball of the hip). The specific causes of necrosis in LCPD are unclear, according to Medscape.

    Herring Classification

    • The Herring Classification categorizes LCPD in three groups (A,B,C) based on the amount of bone loss on the lateral (outer) side of the head of the femur. According to the National Osteonecrosis Foundation, in Lateral Pillar Group C Perthes disease, there is more than 50 percent loss of height in the lateral third of the head of the femur.

    Risk Factors

    • LCPD occurs more frequently among the following: boys between the ages of 4 and 10; children with low birth weight; low socio-economic groups; children presenting with an inguinal hernia or uro-genital tract abnormalities.

    Symptoms

    • Possible symptoms, according to Medscape, include: a limp, muscle wasting, as well as pain in the hip, groin, or knee. Patients often develop hip arthritis in the long-term.

    Diagnosis

    • According to the Meck Manuals of Medical Information, the diagnosis of LCPD requires imaging studies, such as X-rays, a bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    Treatment

    • The National Osteonecrosis Foundation reports non-surgical LCPD treatments, such as: physical therapy exercises, crutches, cast, traction and braces. Surgical treatment options include osteotomies (the cutting of bone) and tenotomies (the cutting of a tendon).

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