A 5-year-old boy presents with a limp and mild hip pain. X-ray shows increased density, flattening, and fragmentation of the right femoral head epiphysis. The joint space is preserved. The most likely diagnosis is:

• A Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease ✓
• B Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• C Developmental dysplasia of the hip
• D Transient synovitis

Explanation

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is avascular necrosis of the femoral head in children aged 4-8 years, showing increased density, flattening, and fragmentation with preserved joint space. SCFE occurs in adolescents (10-16 years) with posterior-inferior displacement of the femoral epiphysis. DDH is diagnosed in infancy. Transient synovitis shows normal X-rays or only joint effusion.

Reference: Caffey's Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging, 12th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.