title: The epidemiology and etiology of Perthes disease.
abstract: The incidence of Perthes disease varies markedly both between countries and within countries down to a local level. The disease is more common in white than in Asian or black African children. The disease is associated with deprivation; with a steep disease gradient across social class groups. This epidemiology alongside the lack of concordance in twins suggests a strong environmental etiology, with little evidence to suggest a genetic predisposition. Children are frequently short, with a growth pattern described as "rostral-sparing". A propensity to associated congenital anomalies suggests an intrauterine cause.
authors: Department of Child Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. danperry@doctors.org.uk
authors: Daniel C
authors: DC
authors: Perry
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: Hall
mesh_terms: D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007873:Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D012307:Risk Factors