Initial Plain Radiographs versus MR Imaging: Comparison of Prognostic Efficacy in Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Purpose : To evaluate if at the time of diagnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, MR imaging is superior to radiographs for identifying patients with a favorable long term prognosis as determined by maintenance of a spherical configuration of the femoral head epiphysis on follow-up radiographs. Materials and Methods : We retrospectively analyzed plain radiographs and MR images of 48 femoral heads in 41 patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease at time of diagnosis. Femoral head involvement was estimated on initial plain radiographs and MR images using the Catterall classification. Prognosis as determined by maximum femoral head deformity was determined on follow-up radiographs evaluated according to Stulberg classification. Results: Catterall classification of greater than 1 at MR imaging had 100% sensitivity (14/14) for detecting patients with a poor prognosis as indicated by deformity of the femoral head on follow-up radiographs (Stulberg class > 2). Initial radiographs had a lower sensitivity of 57% (8/14) for detecting patients with poor prognosis. Specificity for MR imaging was 21% (7/34) which was not significantly different from 32% (11/34) specificity for initial radiographs. Conclusion: Catterall group 1 at initial MR imaging indicates favorable prognosis for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Patients with more extensive involvement of the femoral head can have a good outcome, however they are at risk for loss of spherical configuration of the femoral head and subsequent osteoarthritis in adulthood. MR imaging may be superior to radiographs for identifying a subgroup of patients with favorable prognosis.