Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE)

Question 1

What is SUFE?

Answer 1

Displacement of femoral head epiphysis postero-inferiorly

Question 2

Who is commonly affected y SUFE?

Answer 2

Obese boys

Aged 10-15

Question 3

What are features of SUFE?

Answer 3

Groin/hip/medial thigh/knee pain
Loss of internal rotation of leg in flexion
Can be bilateral in 20% of cases
Can onset acutely following trauma or with chronic symptoms

Question 4

What investigations are needed with SUFE?

Answer 4

AP and frog leg x ray

Question 5

What is the treatment of SUFE?

Answer 5

Internal fixation with a single screw in the centre of epiphysis