Diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Despite the use in recent years of sophisticated imaging methods, the diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is predominantly based on clinical examination, standard x-rays in two planes, and ultrasonography. What is essential is early detection of the collapse of the femoral head, which can be very rapid, especially in older age groups. Delayed diagnosis in these cases, usually associated with developed extrusion of the femoral head, prevents the application of principles of conservative treatment, and palliative femoral extension-abduction osteotomy is necessary.