Recovery & Support for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Children

Children being treated for and recovering from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, also called Perthes disease, can find many support services at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, including physical and occupational therapy. We also offer education and emotional support to your child and your family during treatment and recovery. These child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Preparing for Surgery

A number of specialists may be involved in your child’s care, especially if he or she needs surgery for Perthes disease. Our pediatric hospitalists, doctors who coordinate all care for children undergoing orthopedic surgery, collaborate with our orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, and nurses to ensure that your child’s surgery is safe and medically appropriate.

Our hospitalists can introduce you to all of the physicians on your child’s care team. They can also identify medical, social, and emotional issues that may arise before, during, or after treatment for Perthes disease and can make referrals to other specialists, as needed.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital can offer your child a variety of exercises, techniques, and assistive devices that help to protect the hip joint before and after treatment for Perthes disease. Physical therapy includes exercises that help to increase range of motion, strengthen weak muscles, and improve balance and gait. These exercises can be performed at home or in an outpatient setting and should be continued until your child regains function completely in the affected hip.

Our physical and occupational therapists can guide families on how to modify a child’s daily activities and manage his or her weight to prevent damage to the hip joint during treatment and recovery. They may also provide tips and devices to help your child perform activities during recovery, such as getting dressed or using the bathroom, without putting pressure on the hip. In addition, they can offer advice about when your child can return to sports and other activities.