Radiology, Vol 179, 89-92, Copyright © 1991 by Radiological Society of North America
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: imaging with MR
N Egund and H Wingstrand
Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were obtained to evaluate the shape
of the cartilaginous femoral head and the adequacy of femoral acetabular
containment in 35 children with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD). MR
results for 24 of the 35 children were compared with results at
arthrography. The shape of the cartilaginous femoral head was well
identified with MR imaging, but, with arthrography, less information could
be obtained about the medial and lateral aspects of the cartilaginous
capital epiphyses in nine and three cases, respectively. Thirteen children
underwent surgery; remodeling and regained femoroacetabular congruity of
the articular surfaces following derotation varus osteotomy was identified
in seven of 10 who underwent repeat MR imaging. In addition, MR images and
conventional radiographs of the hips were compared. The radiographically
identifiable distribution of the bone necrosis of the capital epiphysis
correlated well with that demonstrated on MR images. MR imaging is a
valuable non- invasive procedure with which to obtain information about the
status and treatment of the cartilaginous femoral head in children with
LCPD.
