LCPD is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 1,200 children, mostly male. LCPD is also referred to as ischemic necrosis of the hip, coxa plana, osteochondritis, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

The first symptoms characterized of LCPD are usually a limp, and pain in one hip, groin, or knee, with decreased abduction and internal rotation of the hip. Often the parent will first notice limping during the child’s active play. The child usually cannot remember an injury, nor can he or she accurately specify the location of the pain.

LCPD is of unknown origin; however, a hypothesis of clotting abnormalities with vascular thrombosis has been entertained. This vascular thrombosis leads to bone death that occurs in the head of the femur due to an interruption in blood flow. As bone death occurs, the femoral head develops a fracture, which signals the beginning of bone reabsorption by the body. As bone is slowly absorbed, it is replaced by new tissue and bone. LCPD appears to take place in four distinct phases: