Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

It seems that early, energetic treatment with containment of the femoral head and preservation of the range of motion are the methods of choice for the patient in the early stages of the problem. Most patients with early involvement can be treated with the conservative method. This can be concluded within approximately 12 to 14 months, when the sclerotic and dense bone has disappeared and an adequate range of motion has been maintained. Reconstructive procedures are rarely indicated. They must be entered with great caution because of the risk of shortening the symptom-free interval, which presently is about 20 or 30 years, before reconstructive treatment is necessary.