Coxa Plana is a medical term used to describe a specific condition affecting the hip joint. Derived from Latin, "coxa" refers to the hip, while "plana" means flat. Coxa Plana, also known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, is a rare condition primarily seen in children between the ages of 4 and 10 years old.
Coxa Plana is characterized by the flattening or collapse of the head of the femur bone, which is the round bone that connects the hip joint to the thigh bone. This occurs due to a temporary interruption in the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to inadequate nourishment and subsequent damage to the bone tissue. As a result, the affected bone becomes weak, loses its rounded shape, and may eventually collapse under the pressure of weight-bearing or movement.
The causes of Coxa Plana remain unknown, although it is commonly associated with an inherited or genetic predisposition. The condition primarily affects boys more often than girls. Symptoms may include hip or groin pain, limping, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness. Over time, Coxa Plana may cause degeneration or arthritis of the hip joint if left untreated.
Treatment for Coxa Plana aims to relieve pain, maintain hip joint function, and prevent long-term complications. It typically involves various non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, restricted weight-bearing, and the use of assistive devices, like crutches or braces. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reshape or realign the femoral head and promote proper healing.
Overall, Coxa Plana is a medical condition characterized by the flattening and weakening of the femoral head due to interrupted blood supply, primarily affecting children.
