Hip arthroscopy for Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease in paediatric population

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to represent the findings and long-term clinical results of the children who underwent hip arthroscopy because of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD). METHODS: This study included the retrospective findings of ten patients (mean age: 12.7 ± 2.75; range 7–16 years) who underwent arthroscopic hip debridement between 2010 and 2016 for LCPD disease. All of the patients underwent arthroscopic excision of the unstable osteochondral fragment following unsuccessful conservative treatment. In the statistical analysis, age, side, follow-up, Stulberg and Waldenström classification, preoperative and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 55.4 ± 13.05 months (range: 40–72 months). There was no statistically significant association between good postoperative results and age, side, and the stage of the disease (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative mHHS (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an increase in the functional results and life quality of the patients who underwent hip arthroscopy due to LCPD. It is thought that hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may have an important role in the algorithm of LCPD treatment, especially in patients with severe pain and mechanical symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.