Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral head in Perthes disease: a cause for concern?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and loose body formation are rare following Perthes' disease. We have reviewed the literature about clinical presentation, treatment and outcome and added a further three cases of the condition. Cases mentioned in the literature were poorly documented. We feel that a thorough documentation should be carried out as soon as the diagnosis is made. Conservative treatment should be given when the disability is moderate. The loose body should only be removed surgically when it is mobile, when it bulges into the joint space or when there are signs of early arthritis.