Overview

• SUFE → where the head of the femur is displaced along the growth plate.
  • Postero-Inferior displacement of the epiphysis.
• More common in obese children. Typical age range 10-15 years old.
  • Association with hypothyroidism (link with endocrine abnormalities).

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features

• May be history of minor trauma that triggers onset of symptoms. Suspect SUFE if the pain is disproportionate to the severity of the trauma.

• Hip, groin, medial thigh or knee pain.

• Loss of internal rotation of the leg in flexion.

  <aside> 💡 suFI → issue with flexed + internal rotation

  </aside>

Investigations

• Initial Investigation → x-ray hips and pelvis. AP and lateral (typically frog-leg) views are diagnostic.
  • Will show postero-inferior displacement of the epiphysis.

Management Plan

• Surgery → internal fixation of femoral head. Femoral head returned to correct position and fixed in place to prevent it slipping further.

Complications → osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of femoral head, chondrolysis, leg length discrepancy.

Prognosis →