When AJ Blinn, now age 12, was just 8 years old, his parents noticed something potentially concerning. As AJ was walking around, he was also limping. Eventually, his parents took him to the hospital to get checked out. After some testing, AJ was diagnosed with a rare childhood condition called Perthes disease. AJ has not let his diagnosis – or the resulting orthopedic surgeries – get him down. Rather, he poured his heart into golfing. Now, Action News JAX reports that AJ recently hit the ceremonial opening shot at the Constellation Furyk & Friends PGA TOUR Champions tournament.
Initially, AJ was drawn to golf because it did not strain his hip too much. Thus, even while he was in recovery, he could focus on the sport. Since then, he has developed a genuine love for and interest in golfing. Outside of the tournament, AJ plays golf for his school’s team. He was also excited at the chance to play alongside his favorite professionals, including Phil Mickelson and Harris English!
AJ’s experience has not just made his family proud. The tournament also serves to support a variety of charities through fundraising and charitable donations. So AJ’s tee-off helped start the process!
Perthes Disease
Perthes disease, or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, is a rare childhood condition in which blood supply to the rounded head of the femur is disrupted. When the blood supply is cut off, the bone cells begin to die (avascular necrosis), causing pain, stiffness, and damage. While doctors know that the blood supply disruption causes Perthes disease, the actual cause of the disruption is still unknown. Risk factors for developing Perthes disease include being male, being between ages 4-10, being Caucasian, and having certain genetic mutations. Symptoms include:
- Limping
- Pain which worsens with physical activity
- Hip and leg pain and stiffness
- Thinner thigh muscles on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion
- Increased risk of adult arthritis in the hip
Treatment may include physical therapy and other non-operative treatments, as well as surgical intervention.
Learn more about Perthes disease.
