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Idea Transcript
Elias (5) with Perthes Disease a.k.a CLP and Calvè-Legg-Perthes disease.
Necrosis Necrosis
Fragmentation Fragmentation
Re-absorption Re-absorption
Perthes disease is a rare bone disease where the femoral bone dies, fragments and grows back in the course of a few years. It is considered a self-healing disease, since in the majority of cases the hip cures itself with good result. Elias is suffering from bilateral Perthes disease. The remaining part of Elias' right femoral bone is less than 50 % of the original, which makes his case a serious one. In some cases, the femoral bone drifts out of the socket, the muscles tighten and the general prognosis of the disease worsens dramatically. This is also the case in Elias' right hip. This can be seen on the re-absorption image of Elias' right hip. Elias' left hip has developed further than the right, and the re-growth can be seen in the re-ossification image. We have decided to let Elias have surgery in Portugal with the renowned Dr Lopez. He is very experienced in the treatment of Perthes disease though the use of an external fixator. This Perthes stages:
Reossification Reossification
Healing Healing
Yet to come
Necrosis occurs when blood supply to the femoral bone is obstructed, and the femoral bone dies. Recent necrosis does not show on x-rays. Time span: 6 - 12 months. Fragmentation is when the dead bone fractures and breaks down into pieces within the hip joint. This phase is, together with re-absorption considered one phase of Perthes disease Re-absorption is when the particles within the joint is absorbed by the body. Time span: 1 year or more. Re-ossification is the re-growth of the femoral bone. Time span: several years. Healing is the new bone growing denser and stronger until it is able to withstand full weight-bearing activities. Time span: several years.
surgery is not offered in Norway, but has proven far more successful in cases like Elias' right hip. Because we choose surgery in Portugal instead of Norway, we are working to fund the entire cost of surgery, transportation, medicines et cetera. Our hope is to change Elias' future from one with pain and repeated surgeries to one with a functional and pain free right hip. For more information on the varus osteotomy offered in Norway, and the external fixation surgery offered in Portugal, go to this web page: http://www.perthesnz.bravehost.com/ and choose "Treatment Options".
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1 in 10 000 children suffer from Perthes disease*. About 10 % of the cases are bilateral i.e. both hips are affected. Boys are more frequently affected. Prognosis are more positive when diagnosed before age of 6 years.
* Frequency of Perthes vary in different regions of the world.