Children with Legg-Calve Perthes disease should:

• A. sleep on a firm mattress to prevent contractures.
• B. avoid weight bearing on the affected extremity.
• C. maintain a diet high in protein, vitamins and minerals.
• D. be allowed to play basketball.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that management aims to protect the hip during healing by unloading it. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease involves temporary loss of blood flow to the femoral head, leading to avascular necrosis. As the head reconstitutes and remodels, keeping stress off the joint helps prevent further collapse and preserves a round femoral head within the acetabulum. That’s why avoiding weight bearing on the affected leg is emphasized, often using crutches or a wheelchair. Other options don’t target this protective strategy: a firm mattress isn’t a specific therapeutic move for the condition; a generally high-protein, vitamin-rich diet is helpful for overall health but doesn’t alter the disease process; and playing basketball would add weight bearing and impact, risking damage during the healing phase.