A preliminary account of the management of the painful hip originating from Perthes' disease.

Surgical treatment may relieve pain and disability in adults with a history of previous Perthes' disease. Loose bodies are removed by arthrotomy. Hinging abduction of the hip may be treated by valgus osteotomy. In patients who show neither of these features, lateral displacement of the great trochanter or extensive muscle release may be effective.