What age group is primarily affected by Legg-Calve-Perthes disease?

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease primarily affects children aged 4-10 years, making this age group the most commonly associated with the condition. This disease involves avascular necrosis of the femoral head, leading to interruption of blood supply and resultant bone damage.

The onset typically occurs during the ages of 4 to 8 years old, with the peak incidence around 6 years of age. Children in this age range are more likely to experience the symptoms associated with the disease, such as hip pain, limping, and restricted range of motion due to the underlying pathology affecting the hip joint.

While infants under 1 year, toddlers aged 1-3 years, and adolescents aged 11-15 years can experience various hip disorders, they are not the primary demographic for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The pathophysiology, presentation, and natural history of the disease highlight that it predominantly emerges in the early childhood years, reinforcing the importance of recognizing the characteristic age group for appropriate diagnosis and management.