MRI of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

OBJECTIVE: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a common cause of hip pain in children that may be initially clinically and radiographically difficult to diagnose and stage. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the various MRI appearances of this condition.

CONCLUSION: MRI may show proximal femoral abnormalities before radiography in the setting of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, allowing appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment. MRI can also assess for revascularization, healing, and multiple complications.