Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Perthes' disease
A childhood hip condition where the blood supply to the ball of the hip is temporarily reduced, causing bone changes — which usually recovers, with treatment to protect the joint.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Perthes' disease?
Perthes' disease is a rare childhood condition affecting the hip, in which the blood supply to the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone (femoral head) is temporarily disrupted. Without a good blood supply, the bone softens and can partly break down, before the blood supply returns and the bone gradually rebuilds over months to years.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the child's age, the stage and severity, and how much of the femoral head is affected, and aims to keep the hip moving and the femoral head well-shaped and contained within the socket while it heals.
- Self-care: Following the treatment and activity advice (which may limit high-impact activity during certain phases), keeping the hip moving with physiotherapy, attending monitoring, and support through a lengthy recovery all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP about a child with a limp or hip, groin, thigh or knee pain, especially if it persists — remember hip problems can cause knee pain in children, so a limping child should be assessed.
What it is
Perthes' disease is a rare childhood condition affecting the hip, in which the blood supply to the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone (femoral head) is temporarily disrupted. Without a good blood supply, the bone softens and can partly break down, before the blood supply returns and the bone gradually rebuilds over months to years. It most often affects children between about 4 and 8 years old, and is more common in boys. Symptoms usually include a limp and hip, groin, thigh or knee pain, which may come and go, and reduced movement of the hip. Because it develops gradually and the pain can be felt in the knee, it can be mistaken for other things. The main concern is that, while the bone is soft and rebuilding, the femoral head can lose its round shape, which can affect the hip long-term — so treatment aims to protect it.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the child's age, the stage and severity, and how much of the femoral head is affected, and aims to keep the hip moving and the femoral head well-shaped and contained within the socket while it heals. This may involve pain relief, physiotherapy to maintain movement, activity modification (limiting high-impact activities during certain phases), and monitoring with X-rays over time. In some children, particularly older ones or those with more severe changes, treatments to hold the femoral head in the best position — such as bracing/casting or surgery — are used. The process of healing takes a long time (often several years), and many children, especially younger ones, do well with a good long-term outcome, though some may have a higher chance of hip problems later. Care is guided by paediatric orthopaedic specialists, with support for the child and family through what can be a lengthy process.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Perthes' disease
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Following the treatment and activity advice (which may limit high-impact activity during certain phases), keeping the hip moving with physiotherapy, attending monitoring, and support through a lengthy recovery all help. Swimming and cycling are often encouraged as gentler activities.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about a child with a limp or hip, groin, thigh or knee pain, especially if it persists — remember hip problems can cause knee pain in children, so a limping child should be assessed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Perthes' disease: frequently asked questions
What is Perthes' disease?
It is a childhood hip condition where the blood supply to the ball of the hip is temporarily reduced, causing the bone to soften and then gradually rebuild over months to years. Treatment protects the hip's shape while it heals.
Why might a child with a hip problem complain of knee pain?
Hip problems in children, including Perthes' disease, often cause pain felt in the knee or thigh rather than the hip. This is why a limping child, or one with knee or thigh pain, should have the hip assessed.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Perthes' disease
- British Orthopaedic Association guidance
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