My nephew was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and I’m wondering if he’s being treated properly. I read that the hip socket can become deformed so I want to be sure he is receiving the right treatment to keep that from happening.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a disease where the femoral head, or the ball part of the hip joint, loses its blood supply. It is a temporary disorder that eventually heals as the body absorbs the dead bone cells and makes new ones.

Unfortunately, for some children, the femoral head does become permanently damaged and they may require surgery later on that hip.

Treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes ranges from very simple to complex. The child may have to rest and restrict activities, and medications may be needed for the pain or discomfort. Some situations need traction or bracing, while yet others require surgery.

Physiotherapy is also used in many cases to keep the surrounding muscles strong while the hip is recuperating.