[Perthes' disease, caused by initial sybovitis? (author's transl)]. / Morbus Perthes, Folge einer Synovitis?

An important factor in Perthes' disease is the primary affection of the nutritient vessels, though the etiology is unknown. The observation of four cases of painful hip disease with clinical symptoms of coxitis, but roentgenological and biopsy proofed evidence of aseptic necrosis of the epiphysis of the hip, gives reason to postulate the concept of initial synovitis as one of the possible causes of Perthes' disease. This concept is linked to Perthes-like pathology in cases of mediteranean fever with synovitis of the hip due to polyserositis. In the initial phase of the disease therapeutic consequences are antiinflammatory medication and early fluid aspiration from the joint to relief the intraarticular pressure.