Abstract
1. The duration of Legg-Perthes' disease seems somewhat shortened by abduction weightbearing plaster treatnlent. The average age of onset of our sixty patients at the start of this treatment was seven years nine months. The patients were treated in abduction plasters for an average of nineteen months.
2. The contour of the femoral head in relation to the acetabulum is better preserved than after our previous methods of treatment. We have evaluated our cases by the method of Mose, by the epiphysial index of Eyre-Brook and the epiphysial quotient of Sjovall, and by the centre/edge angle of Wiberg.
3. There was no undue influence on the growing epiphysis and no evidence of ligamentous strain.
4. With this type of protected weight-bearing, the patients were kept active when both hips were affected.
5. No patient with unilateral disease showed Legg-Perthes' changes on the opposite side while under treatment or at follow-up.
6. The children were able to be at home and to attend school.
