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Slipped upper femoral epiphysis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Limp

Patient Data

Age: 13 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Loss of height of the right femoral epiphysis. The line of Klein doesn't intersect the epiphysis. There is subtle widening of the epipyseal growth plate, most apparent laterally. 

The frog-leg lateral view confirms the suspicion of right-sided SUFE. This child should be reviewed immediately and referred to orthopedics. They should not bear weight on the leg and should not be sent home.

FU post-op a few yrs later

x-ray

Post-operative follow-up imaging from two years after right-sided reduction and cannulated screw fixation.

Case Discussion

Note the appearance of the epiphysis of the right hip, slipped anteromedially. This is best seen on frog-leg view and is consistent with slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). This patient went on to have the epiphysis pinned, with minimal residual deformity.

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