The epidemiology of Perthes' disease in south India.

The incidence of Perthes' disease in parts of south India was estimated by means of a hospital survey, an incidence study and a prevalence survey. Based on the incidence study it was noted that the minimum incidence of Perthes' disease in Udupi Taluk on the western coastal plain of south India was 4.4 per 100,000 children aged 5 to 14 years, while the prevalence survey suggested that the incidence may be as high as 14.8 per 100,000 children. The studies showed that there is a marked geographical variation in the incidence of Perthes' disease in south India, the disease being much more common in the western coastal region than elsewhere. The age of onset of the disease was significantly higher than that reported from England and the disease appeared to be rural rather than urban.