The second annual International Perthes Study Group meeting is less than a month away. Over 30 study investigators involved in the study group will be meeting in early October to discuss research progress, current treatment results, and plan for future studies. Additionally, the group will be meeting to expand patient outreach to better educate patients

The IPSG presented an e-Poster at the annual POSNA meeting in Toronto on the accomplishments of the study group to date. The IPSG has graciously been supported by a POSNA Clinical Trial Planning Grant and was happy to present the POSNA membership with updates on their progress. Dr Harry Kim of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital

Current treatments for Perthes disease are most effective when applied during the early stages of Perthes disease, prior to the femoral head collapsing and breaking apart. Radiographic prognosticators during these early stages of Perthes Disease are needed to guide treatment decisions. Commonly, patients receive x-rays to evaluate the extent of involvement of the femoral head.

Traditionally, the outcome of treatment of Perthes disease has been assessed by characterizing the shape of the femoral head, the structure of the acetabulum, and the interface between those two hip joint structures. The most common classification system in use today is that developed by Stulberg et. al. that categorizes the affected hip into one