INFORMATION ABOUT PERTHES
DISEASE
PRINTED BY PARENTS OF PERTHES SUPPORT
GROUP copyright.
(With express permission of the Author to
be reprinted here)
Children with Legg Calve Perthes disease have
a hip condition that causes pain, disability and mobility
problems.
You may see the
child:
1) Limp and show an antalgic gait. Have
limited range of movement in hip.
2) May (in younger children) blow on their
knee. This is a classic example of the knee feeling hot and inflamed. Often
referred to as "referred" pain.
3) May complain of pain in knee or groin
area.
4) They cannot walk any distance as this
causes severe discomfort and/or pain.
5) They may get up and walk around the classroom
because their hip has stiffened up and they feel the need to ease themselves.
They often get wrongly labelled as disruptive because of
this.
6) They may need pain relief/anti inflammatory
medication, which may affect their academic
abilities.
7) Due to their disability and discomfort
they often cannot concentrate as well as their fit
peers.
8) They need some supervision in playground,
must not be knocked over causing pain and possible damage to the hip. If
this happens please take extra care and seek medical advice if the child
cries in pain from the perthes hip. Remember:- if in doubt seek medical
attention.
9) Anyone who comes into regular contact
with a Perthes child should be aware of the condition and what to do if that
child suffers an injury to that hip.
10) Did you know that even stepping down
from a pavement edge can cause a jolt to the perthes hip causing
pain?
Legg Calve Perthes Disease is NOT catching,
is self-limiting and if sensible care and understanding is taken. NO jumping,
contact sports etc. for most children their long-term prognosis is good.
However, it is widely accepted that for some children Perthes can cause arthritis
leading to early hip replacements.
Children have PERTHES, please do not expect
them to take the responsibility of restricted activities. They want to be
just like their peers. They live for the moment despite knowing they will
be in pain later.*Please ensure there is always a seat available for the
child, as they should not sit crossed legged. *They should not have to queue
for dinner as standing around makes the hip ache.*We ask that paths are cleared
of leaves and paths gritted on icy days.
Parents of a perthes child knows that for
the child to complete a full school day leaves them tired, sore, in pain
and irritable. For some the only alternative is to take them off their feet
for 2/3 days. They cannot play football after school like their
friends.
*Advice can appear conflicting because the
child has good as well as bad days.
For a child who was so active, then to be
restricted by activities or by brace/plaster/crutches/callipers can have
a devastating effect on the child. He/she can show behavioural problems,
mood swings, lack of concentration, attention to detail, show aggression.
We ask everyone to make some allowances, not excuses for our child.
All the above comments have been
contributed by Perthes parents with hope of a better understanding of this
disease.
Updated version:
Nov98.
-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTED BY PARENTS OF PERTHES SUPPORT
GROUP copyright.
Group meets monthly at Children's Centre, Walker
St. Hull.
Further details from: Sheila Trever
Chairman/Co-ordinator (01482) 814721.
________________________________
Important Notice from the Director of the Parents
of Perthes Support Group:
From today 10th January 1999 I, Sheila Trever ,
Chairperson/Co-ordinator of Parents Of Perthes Support Group, Hull UK, am
allowing the AVN Support Group permission to use the perthes information
sheet. I have agreed to become affiliated with the group as does the AVN
group with Parents Of Perthes. No one else may put this sheet on their web
site without written permission from me. |
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