Which age group has the better prognosis for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease?

The prognosis for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is more favorable in young children under the age of 10. This age group typically exhibits a higher potential for regaining normal hip joint function and bone shape due to their ongoing skeletal development. Younger children are more likely to undergo a process called remodeling, where the bone can heal and reshape effectively during the growth stages.

In contrast, infants under 1 year may not show significant signs of the disease, making accurate diagnosis and treatment challenging. Children aged 2-3 years can indeed benefit from treatment, but their prognosis is often not as optimal as that of slightly older children. Older children and adolescents tend to encounter a worse prognosis due to the fact that they are further along in their skeletal development, which limits their body's ability to remodel and recover from the disease effectively. Consequently, the best outcomes are observed in young children under 10 years, as their younger age aligns with a higher regenerative capacity and adaptability of bone tissue.