Evaluation of the prognostic indices in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: statistical analysis of 116 hips.

The records of 100 patients (116 hips) with Legg-Calvé-Perthes' (LCP) disease, with a minimum follow-up of 4 years and treated at the University Hospital, Pellenberg, were reviewed. Sex, Salter's, and Catterall's classifications and lateral subluxation were found to be important prognostic indices. Older children tended to do worse than younger children, but statistical significance could not be established. "Head at risk" factors other than lateral subluxation were found to be unimportant as prognostic indices. Salter's classification was found to be simple, accurate, and significant, and could be made quite early. In the future, this should be an important consideration when making decisions on the management of LCP.