SONOGRAPHY AND INTRACAPSULAR PRESSURE IN PERTHES-DISEASE - 39 CHILDREN EXAMINED 2-36 MONTHS AFTER ONSET

39 children with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) and with a radiogra phically unsatisfactory development were examined with sonography rega rding synovitis and with intracapsular pressure recording and aspirati on performed 15 (2-36) months after the onset of symptoms. The mean an terior sonographic capsular distension was 3.0 (1.0-7.0) mm greater th an that of the contralateral, asymptomatic hip: The mean intracapsular pressure was 4.5 (0-11.5) kPa with the hips in extension and neutral rotation, 9.7 (1.3-27.3) kPa with the hips in extension and inward rot ation and 0.9 (-0.8-4.7) kPa in 45 degrees of flexion. We conclude tha t these children have synovitis as diagnosed sonographically. This syn ovitis is probably symptomatically and prognostically important in LCP D due to increased intracapsular pressure, with pain, a decreased rang e of motion and, potential joint contracture.