Is stem cell research the cure for legg-calve perthes disease?

Not yet, but..: ... Since they have enjoyed modest success in other illnesses such as heart attack where tissue is damaged by lack of oxygen, i would not be at all surprised if they end up helping you as well.

Not really: Legg-Calve-Perthes occurs as a sudden event in which the hip looses blood supply and then reestablishes the blood supply. The end result is a deformed hip that degenerates to hip arthritis. The deformity is permanent. Stem cells have much potential, but will not likely have any role in treating Legg-Calve-Perthes for a very long time.

Stem Cells: may be able to halt the progression of deformity, however may not be able to cure at this time. Check out Regenexx.Com, they have done several patients with AVN of the hip and results have been pretty good so far. They even have a few before and after MRI images showing actual improvement of the AVN.