[A gamma scintigraphic assessment of blood supply of the hip joint in Perthes disease].

In order to specify the peculiarities of the blood supply of the hip joint in Perthes' disease the authors carried out gamma scintigraphy by 99m Tc-pyrophosphate in 34 children. Patients with roentgenologically confirmed diagnosis of Perthes' disease at various stages as well as those in whom Perthes' disease was suspected, but convincing roentgenologic changes were absent, were examined. The data of scintigraphy and roentgenography were compared. The following phases of disturbances in blood supply were distinguished: ischemia, instable blood supply and stable revascularization. It is supposed that recurrences of ischemia may take place at the stage of resorption. Radionuclide investigation allows to make early diagnosis even before the appearance of roentgenologic changes with differentiation of doubtful cases.