WEST LIBERTY — Research by students at West Liberty University of a circulatory disease affecting some youth has been published in the Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants.

Students in WLU’s master of science physician assistant studies program studied the diagnoses and management of Legg-Calve-Perthes in the obese pediatric population.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a condition marked by temporary blood flow disruption to the proximal femur, commonly afflicting children aged 15 years and younger.

The cause of the disease is usually unknown and involves the femoral head, the top part of the thigh bone, losing its blood supply. This lack of blood flow leads to bone weakening and deformity.

The student’s research focused on gaining an improved understanding of the less studied impact of obesity on LCPD in children, which is found to exacerbate its progression and increase its severity.

Lauren Beckish, WLU student and lead author for the study, said, “Our class was instructed to find an under-researched topic that would be relevant to pitch to medical journals to publish. While LCPD is well-researched, the effects obesity has on the disease are not. With this article now being published, our research will be available to help identify the condition when seen in practice.”

Along with fellow students and professors, Beckish sought expertise from her father, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Lawrence Beckish of Greenville, S.C..

“My father and I share a passion for orthopedics. It was very special to work on this research together and have both our names on the article,” she said.

Also contributing to the article were Madison Ging, Maria Mosman, Cody Kelley, Landree Wilkin, Olivia Wills, Madison Adams, Cassidy Pinion, Cheyenne Bilica, Alavia Anderson, Professor Margaret Sims, program assistant; and the students’ instructor, Dr. Deanna Schmitt.