5 April 2022
It’s distressing to learn that your child has a slipped upper femoral epiphysis. If you think there are reasons why this should have been recognised earlier, let us help you check if there might be a legal claim because this could cause significant long-term problems.
What is a slipped upper femoral epiphysis?
A slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) occurs when the head of the femur (thigh bone) slips off in a backwards direction, for reasons that are not known. It’s sometimes compared to an ice cream falling away/off a cone. The following presentations are common:
- It usually happens around puberty (10 – 15 years), but can occur between the ages of 8 – 18;
- Is more common in boys than girls;
- Symptoms include pain in knee, hip or groin; difficulty with walking and/or a limp.
What can go wrong?
Delayed diagnosis
of a slipped upper femoral epiphysis can form the basis of a legal claim. If the child presents with knee or groin pain, the hip should always be examined and the failure to do so would be negligent. There may be other reasons why further investigations should have been completed.
What are the consequences?
If the diagnosis is delayed and the slipped upper femoral epiphysis gets worse by progressing to severe/unstable, the treatment options are limited. Should hip replacement be necessary in a teenager this will have long term consequences for the patient’s future mobility. See attached link for further details of the claim we brought for Melissa & the £1m+ damages recovered to help her in the future.
In contrast, with early diagnosis when the patient is still able to weight bear the outcome is usually good.
If you or your family have suffered as a result of a possible medical mistake, let us help you find out what should have happened and if there is a legal claim. You can contact us by completing the form below or calling on 01482 323697.
