A to Z: Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease May also be called: LCP or Perthes disease Legg-Calvé-Perthes (leg-cal-VAY-PER-teez) disease is a hip disorder that affects bone growth at the top part of the thighbone and the hip joint. It usually occurs in kids between 4 and 8 years of age, and is more common in boys. More to Know The cause of LCP is not known, but it sometimes runs in families. Children who are around secondhand smoke, were born very small, or have certain blood problems also are more likely to develop it. Symptoms can include limping, hip pain, and knee pain. The pain usually comes on slowly and may be mild. When LCP is suspected, the doctor will do a physical exam and order X-rays. Early stages of LCP do not always show up on an X-ray, so an MRI or other imaging study also might be done. Keep in Mind Treatment depends on the child's age, amount of pain, and other factors. Decreasing activity can sometimes ease pain, but some kids will need a brace, cast, or crutches to keep them from putting weight on the leg. Some must rest the leg completely, and severe cases may require surgery. Many kids with LCP need physical therapy to help them improve the range of motion in the hip and leg muscles. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Marfan Syndrome Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms. Read More Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Babies can be born with this hip problem or develop it soon after birth. Early treatment can help the hip joint grow normally. Read More Going to a Physical Therapist Physical therapy uses exercises and other special treatments to help people move their bodies. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Growing Pains Does your child sometimes wake up crying in the middle of the night complaining of throbbing leg pain? It could be growing pains. Read More Casts Casts keep bones and other tissues in place while they heal. Here's what to expect, and how to care for casts. Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement. Read More X-Ray Exam: Hip A hip X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint. Read More Casts Some injuries will heal best if a cast is used. Find out how they work and how to take care of them in this article for kids. Read More Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a shift at the upper part of the thighbone, or femur, that results in a weakened hip joint. Fortunately, when caught early, most cases of SCFE can be treated successfully. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.