Lesions of the femoral neck in Legg-Perthes disease.

Focal destructive lesions of the femoral neck occur in some cases of Legg-Perthes disease and may indicate a potential for marked deformity when healing is complete. Moreover, interventional procedures may aggravate tendencies to final deformity. The lesions should not be confused with infectious or neoplastic destruction. Although their recognition began with the first descriptions of the disease, preoccupation with the changes in the femoral head has directed attention away from them. Five case reports and a review of the literature are presented, with emphasis on the radiographic appearance of these lesions.