ICD10 code of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and ICD9 code

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is classified under ICD-10 code M91.1 (juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip and pelvis) and ICD-9 code 732.1 (juvenile osteochondrosis of the hip and pelvis). These diagnostic codes are used by healthcare providers and insurance companies to identify and document this specific form of idiopathic avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

What exactly is Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease?

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, often referred to simply as Perthes disease, is a rare childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball of the hip joint (the femoral head) is temporarily interrupted. Without adequate blood flow, the bone begins to die and eventually undergoes a process of fragmentation and re-ossification. At DiseaseMaps.org, 227 members of our community are currently navigating the challenges of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, sharing their experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and the long-term impact on joint health.

How are ICD codes used for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease?

ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes are essential for standardizing medical records globally. For Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, the codes help clinicians track the progression of the condition and ensure that insurance providers recognize the necessity of specialized orthopedic care. While the codes M91.1 and 732.1 provide a broad classification, your physician will often use additional clinical modifiers to describe the specific stage of the disease, which typically progresses through four phases:

• Necrosis Stage: The initial phase where blood supply is lost and bone cells die.


• Fragmentation Stage: The body begins to resorb the dead bone, making the femoral head appear flattened on imaging.


• Re-ossification Stage: New bone growth begins to fill in the areas where the bone was lost.


• Remodeling Stage: The final stage where the bone reaches its final shape, which may or may not be spherical depending on the severity of the case.

What are the typical clinical signs of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease?

The condition most commonly affects children between the ages of 4 and 10. The most frequent presenting symptoms of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease include a persistent limp, pain in the hip or groin that may radiate to the knee, and a limited range of motion in the hip joint. Because these symptoms can mimic other pediatric hip issues, clinicians rely on the ICD-10 M91.1 coding to accurately document the specific diagnosis following X-ray or MRI confirmation.

Is the management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease standardized?

Management is highly individualized based on the child's age at onset and the degree of femoral head involvement. Treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease focuses on keeping the femoral head within the hip socket (containment) to ensure it heals in a spherical shape. This may involve physical therapy, the use of specialized braces, or in some cases, surgical interventions such as osteotomy. Because this is a chronic condition requiring long-term monitoring, consistent documentation using the correct diagnostic codes is vital for continuity of care.

Next steps

• Consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist to confirm the diagnosis and establish a monitoring plan.


• Request copies of all imaging (X-rays/MRIs) and ensure your provider uses the correct ICD-10 code (M91.1) for insurance and referral purposes.


• Connect with the 227 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community who are living with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease to share support and resources.


• Monitor for any changes in gait or increased pain, and report these to your medical team immediately.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the guidance of a qualified physician regarding any medical condition.

References

• NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Perthes disease overview.


• Orphanet: Rare disease database entry for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (ORPHA:3149).


• World Health Organization (WHO): International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) browser.


• International Perthes Study Group: Clinical guidelines and patient resources.