Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis(SUFE)

Question 1

describe what SUFE is

Answer 1

when the head of the femoral epiphysis slips inferiorly in relation to the femoral neck

Question 2

what group of people is SUFE most common in

Answer 2

overweight pre-pubertal adolescent boys

Question 3

describe the pathology of SUFE

Answer 3

growth plate(physis) is not strong enough to support body weight and femoral epiphysis slips due to strain

Question 4

what is the onset of SUFE

Answer 4

can be acute(sudden onset), chronic or acute-on-chronic

Question 5

what are the clinical features of SUFE

Answer 5

pain, limp loss of internal rotation of hip(predominant feature)

Question 6

where can the pain in SUFE be felt

Answer 6

in hip, groin or knee

Question 7

what is a common clinical problem seen with SUFE

Answer 7

can present with only knee pain and so diagnosis may be missed if hip not examined

Question 8

what treatment is involved in SUFE

Answer 8

urgent surgery to pin the femoral head to prevent further femoral slippage, may need replacement or osteotomy if severe