Stadiums
Although each stage of Perthes disease is different, the disease can generally be divided into four stages: The initial stage. In the initial stage of the disease, edema develops in the hip bone, which then leads to inflammation of the joint capsule. The condensation stage.
In this stage, the bone mass of the affected hip joint thickens. The fragmentation stage. In the fragmentation stage, the hip bone partially or completely disintegrates.
The reparation stage. In the last stage of the disease, the femoral head heals in a deformed position or the hip bone is rebuilt. In addition to these four general stages, physicians also use various classification models to differentiate the exact severity and spread of the disease.
Examples include the 4-stage model according to Catterall, the 2-group model according to Salter and Thomsen, the 3-group model according to Herring and the evaluation of the final condition according to Stuhlberg in 5 groups.
- The initial stage. In the initial stage of the disease, edema develops in the hip bone, which then leads to inflammation of the joint capsule.
- The condensation stage.
In this stage, the bone mass of the affected hip joint becomes dense.
- The fragmentation stage. In the fragmentation stage the hip bone is partially or completely disintegrated.
- The reparation stage. In the last stage of the disease, the femoral head heals in a deformed position or the hip bone is rebuilt.
Summary
Overall, Perthes disease is a disease which, due to its duration, usually demands a great deal of patience and discipline from young patients. However, if physicians, therapists and parents pull together and support the child during the illness, as well as maintaining the motivation to perform the exercises, the healing process can be supported in the best possible way. All in all, one should try to offer the child as normal a daily routine as possible despite the illness.
