Legg-Perthese disease: Incidence of the subchondral fracture

In a retrospective study of 50 patients with Legg-Perthes disease, the most common early radiographic findings consisted of smallness and sclerosis of the femoral head. The crescent sign, due to a subchondral fracture, was far less common. Associated joint widening, ipsilateral demineralization of the bones, and ipsilateral atrophy of the muscles also were noted; both joint widening and ipsilateral muscle atrophy proved to be useful adjunctive findings in the early diagnosis of the condition.