title: Magnetic resonance imaging in early diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
abstract: Two male patients, aged 6 and 9 years, were suspected of having unilateral Perthes disease because of typical symptoms and clinical signs. Roentgenograms, including scintigraphy, were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed definite avascular necrosis in the affected hip. Roentgenograms subsequently also became positive for Perthes disease. These two cases document the advantages of MRI in early diagnosis of Perthes disease prior to development of typical radiologic changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Berquist
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007873:Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013997:Time Factors