When planning home care for a child with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, what should be the primary focus for family teaching?

• A. Need for intake of protein-rich foods
• B. Gentle stretching exercises for both legs
• C. Management of the corrective appliance
• D. Relaxation techniques for pain control

Answer: (C)

Containment of the femoral head inside the hip socket during healing is the key goal in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, so teaching families about the corrective appliance is the main focus for home care. The emphasis is on proper use and care of the device—making sure it fits correctly, is worn for the prescribed amount of time, and remains aligned to keep the femoral head centered in the acetabulum. Families should learn to assess the skin around the appliance daily for redness, irritation, or pressure points, and to keep the skin clean and dry to prevent breakdown. They need clear instructions on how to bathe, dress, and handle activities with the device, what to avoid (such as movements or positions that disrupt alignment), and how to recognize when the appliance is loose or damaged and requires medical attention. Regular follow-up with imaging to monitor remodeling is important, and parents should know when to contact the clinician for signs of infection, increasing pain, or device-related issues. While general health, nutrition, and gentle range-of-motion activities may be beneficial, the most critical part of home care is ensuring the corrective appliance is managed properly to maintain hip containment and support healing.