RADIOLOGIC-DIAGNOSIS OF LEGG-CALVE-PERTHE S DISEASE

In Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional radiography in two planes are considered the most im portant methods of investigation for early diagnosis and for assessmen t of the course of the disease. MRI can reveal the early marrow oedema , thus allowing early differential diagnosis against diseases that are similar in clinical appearance (coxitis fugax, epiphyseal dysplasia). The extent of the necrotic area within the epiphysis, the most import ant indicator of the prognosis of the disease and thus for the therape utic management, can be assessed earlier and more reliably with MRI th an with other techniques. The loss of containment can be visualized by MRI, because depiction of the cartilaginous structures is possible ea rlier than with conventional radiography. Staging of LCPD is also poss ible with MRI, especially in stages I and II. Radiography shows the re ossification and the osseous remodelling of the epiphysis better. A di sadvantage of MRI seems to be the occasional need for sedation or anae sthesia of the child to avoid motion artefacts.