Importance of Herrings classification in predicting the outcome of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

Aim: To highlight the importance of values of the ​​Herring's classification in the treatment planning of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD).

Method: The charts of 14 patients in a period of 4 years (2004-2008) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria was unilateral LCPD and contralateral healthy hip. The patients were divided into three Herring groups according to radiographic images (A, B and C). For all patients the acetabulum/head index (AHI) was determined.

Results: The youngest patient was 4.9 years and the oldest 9.11 years; male patients were dominant (male:female 11:3). The right hip side was more affected comparing to the left one (8:6). The distribution of patients in Herring groups was three in the Group A, six in the Group B and five patients in the Group C. The AHI index was lowest in the group C. Patients in the group C were treated surgically.

Conclusion: Herrings classification predicts patients with extensive changes and suggests what kind of treatment should be applied.