[Femur head necrosis in childhood].

The natural history of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children and adolescents shows significant differences compared to the course of this disease in adults. Depending on the remaining growth potential, even extensive damage of the femoral head can regenerate, as long as the epiphyseal growth plate is not involved in the process. Otherwise, the deformity will increase with time. Current knowledge on the etiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment is described on Perthes' disease and other possible causes of avascular necrosis, such as CDH, epiphyseolysis of the femoral head, femoral neck fracture and some uncommon diseases.