Which condition is characterized by loss of circulation to the femoral head, leading to necrosis?

• A. Osteoarthritis
• B. Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
• C. Fracture of the femur
• D. Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Answer: (B)

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a condition that involves the loss of blood supply to the femoral head, resulting in avascular necrosis. This interruption of circulation leads to the death of bone tissue, which can cause significant deformities and functional impairments in the hip joint as the condition progresses.

LCPD primarily affects children, particularly between the ages of 4 and 8, and can present with hip pain, limping, and reduced range of motion. The historical progression of the disease often leads to a self-limiting process, wherein the body gradually revascularizes the area, but it can still result in long-term complications if not treated appropriately.

Conditions like osteoarthritis typically involve the deterioration of joint cartilage rather than issues related to the blood supply, while a fracture of the femur does not inherently cause necrosis, although complications associated with fractures can. Developmental dysplasia of the hip is characterized by a malformation or misalignment of the hip joint rather than a vascular issue affecting the femoral head. Thus, LCPD is uniquely defined by the pathological process involving an interruption of blood flow that is characteristic of this condition.