The 100+ Year History of LCPD

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease was lent its name by three doctors instrumental in its discovery and treatment. In 1910, it was recognized and published as a disease unrelated to tuberculosis, by three physicians working independently - Arthur Legg (1874–1939), Jacques Calvé (1875–1954), and Georg Perthes (1869–1927). It has been said that it was first officially discovered by Dr. Perthes (pictured right), a German orthopedic surgeon and X-ray diagnostic pioneer, in 1910. Dr. Perthes took the very first X-ray of a patient with this newly discovered hip disorder. Around the same time, Dr. Arthur Legg (1874-1939), an American Orthopedic Surgeon, and Dr. Jacques Calvé (1875-1954), a French Orthopedic Surgeon, also published findings about the disease.

While these three formally identified the condition that ultimately came to bear their names, the disease was, in fact, first described by an Austrian doctor named Karel Maydl in 1897. But due to extensive research and publications by the other doctors, in particular Dr. Perthes, the disease became to be known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. 

In its now one hundred-plus-year history since its discovery, efforts in research and treatment of idiopathic avascular osteonecrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis of the femoral head has always been a global one, as reflected in the international nature of its official name: Legg-Calvé-Perthes (Perthes disease, for short).  It took brilliant doctors from Germany, France, America and Austria to first raise awareness about this rare hip disease. Until there is a cure, Perthes Kids Foundation will continue to raise global awareness and provide support to families dealing with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.