QUESTION

I am a 51 year old white male who had Leff-Calve-Perthes when I was 6 years old. Since that time, at about the age of 32 to present I have had 3 back surgeries and 1 lumbar fusion. I just wanted to know could all of my back problems have come from my disease.

Thanks

RESPONSE

There is no specific relationship between Perthes and back pathology. However there is a definite relationship between hip disease in general and back problems. Most cases of arthritis of the hip occur for the first time in older individuals. Many of these also have arthritis of the spine. Any stiffness in the hip, means that the forces that would normally be taken up by hip motion are transferred to the back. Many patients who present with a stiff painful hip and also back symptoms experience complete relief of their back problems when they have had a successful hip replacement.

If your hip has been stiff for many years or if your leg has been shorter then it could have affected your back. If your legs have been equal length, and your hip is mobile, then your back may be a completely independent problem.

Hope this helps.

David S. Hungerford, MD