Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a healthy 5-year-old child: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is an adolescent hip disorder of increasing prevalence, particularly within patients aged younger than 10 years. When present in these younger patients, SCFE is usually associated with metabolic abnormality or endocrinopathy. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with idiopathic SCFE who underwent staged bilateral pinning in situ using a uniquely modified smooth wire for fixation across the physis. He eventually required bilateral screw revision after outgrowing the initial screws. At follow-up 3 years later, the patient was pain free with satisfactory hardware placement. He will be closely monitored, as he will likely need further surgical revision once he outgrows the second set of fixation screws.

Keywords

• Paediatric hip
• slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• limping