Abstract
We have used infrared irradiation therapy in conjunction with brace treatment for 15 patients affected by Perthes disease. In nine patients with nine hips treated by infrared irradiation since the sclerosis stage or earlier, X-rays showed that the mean duration of sclerosis stage was four months, that of fragmentation stage was 6.1 months, and the mean interval between acme and reconstitution of the epiphyseal nucleus contour was 4.2 months. The course of disease after fragmentation stage was shortened. With the combination treatment initiated in the sclerosis stage or earlier, the deformity of epiphyseal nucleus was slight even at acme by X-rays in all patients. Combination of brace treatment with infrared irradiation is expected to induce early formation of lateral pillar, reduce duration of the treatment of Perthes disease and prevent exacerbation of the head deformity, provided that irradiation is initiated in or before the sclerosis stage.
