[Evaluation of Stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Using Conway's Scintigraphic Classification.].

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is considered as avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis, that can result in a secondary osteoarthritis. Bone scintigraphy using 99mTc phosphonate complexes is a suitable method for study of changes of LCPD. The authors present a group of 59 children (44 boys, 15 girls), with clinical suspicion of LCPD or with clear diagnosis of LCPD according to X-ray examination, who were examined using scintigraphy. The patological scintigraphic images of the proximal femoral epiphysis are evaluated according to Conway's classification. The correlation of pinhole imaging of the hip X-ray examination is neccessery for the correct diagnosis of stage of LCPD according to Conway's criteria. In author's experience Conway's classification is useful for evaluation of the development of disease; this is important for prognosis and treatment of LCPD. Key words: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, bone scintigraphy, scintigraphic classification.