Posted by michelle on June 01, 2003 at 01:40:25:
My son is 7 & has had perthes for 4 yrs. His treatment so far has been non-intrusive --- he had a bit of traction & had an atlanta brace at night for a year. We don't restrict his activities, and he is really active. Lately (it's baseball season) he's been limping a lot, and his hip is sore most of the time.
1 -- does anyone know why some doctors treat perthes more agressively? Anyone know of any research studies available that tie outcome to treatment?
2. His healthy leg is more muscular around the knee/calf, and is longer. Is this normal? Once his perthes plays out will the perthes leg strengthen & catch up at all with the other leg? Will the limping stop? Or is he destined to limp for years to come unless he has surgery?
thanks very much.