Angiography in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Eleven cases of Leg-Calvé-Perthes disease were studied angiographically by opacifying the femoral or medial circumflex artery. In the early stages of the disease, obstruction of the superior capsular arteries and devascularization of the epiphysis is shown. At later stages, revascularization of the epiphysis is observed. The balance between the respective vascular territories of the dilated superior and inferior capsular arteries is variable and seems to affect the position of the sequestrum and the centering of the femoral head. Immobilization with the thigh extended may impede revascularization of the epiphysis.