Importance of Herrings classification in predicting the outcome of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head

Abstract

Aim To highlight the importance of values of the Herring’s classification in the treatment planning of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD). Method The charts of 14 patients in a period of 4 years (2004-2008) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria was unilateral LCPD and contralateral healthy hip. The patients were divided into three Herring groups according to radiographic images (A, B and C). For all patients the acetabulum/head index (AHI) was determined. Results The youngest patient was 4.9 years and the oldest 9.11 years; male patients were dominant (male:female 11:3). The right hip side was more affected comparing to the left one (8:6). The distribution of patients in Herring groups was three in the Group A, six in the Group B and five patients in the Group C. The AHI index was lowest in the group C. Patients in the group C were treated surgically. Conclusion Herrings classification predicts patients with extensive changes and suggests what kind of treatment should be applied.

Keywords

• Perthes disease
• Herring’s classification
• treatment