Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

New Report On Cellular Changes in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Posted on: 11/30/1999
Loss of blood supply to the growth center of the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) is a common problem in children. The condition is called Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD). The reason for the blood loss remains unknown.

In this study, bone from the hip of children with LCPD was compared with bone from the hip of children having surgery for hip dysplasia (the control group). The pieces of bone were split into three groups. Each group was tested and analyzed looking for changes from the normal bone in the control group to bone in children with LCPD.

The major difference they found was an increase in the number of lipids (fats) and fatty acids in the resting chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Accumulation of lipids in chondrocytes may be what starts the process of bone degeneration. It's possible the lipids have some kind of role in the metabolism of cartilage cells.

The authors suggest that some change occurs in the microenvironment of the cell. Perhaps there is a loss of oxygen that takes place. Then the cell responds with some metabolic changes. The result is an increase in the lipids in the cartilage.

How the lipids change cartilage function and metabolism will be the subject of future research. There is a suspected role for hereditary factors but the exact link there is still unknown.

References:
Hiroshi Kitoh, MD, et al. A Histological and Ultrastructural Study of the Iliac Crest Apophysis in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. In Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. June 2008. Vol. 28. No. 4. Pp. 435-439.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.