Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis Claims

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis is a rare hip disorder in adolescents that can result in serious injury and a permanent limp if not detected early enough. If you or your child has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, our medical negligence solicitors can help you make a successful claim for compensation.

Our clinical negligence team can provide the support that you and your family need to help you through what may initially seem a complex and testing process.

To speak to a solicitor about making a claim for a slipped upper femoral epiphysis, call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we’ll call you back to discuss your case in more detail. We are able to handle cases on a no win, no fee basis.

How JMW Can Help

We are highly experienced in dealing with claims of this nature, and we will provide the guidance you need throughout the process, keeping you fully informed of how your claim is progressing and answering any questions you may have.

The team always takes a proactive and professional approach, putting in the hard work to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible. We have many years of experience in claims against the NHS and private healthcare providers on behalf of clients who have suffered due to medical negligence.

Headed by leading medical negligence solicitor Eddie Jones, our team is among the most highly regarded in the UK. Members of the team are on the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitor’s panel and the Law Society’s specialist panel for clinical negligence solicitors.

Case Studies

Making a claim for slipped upper femoral epiphysis

If you or a member of your family are suffering from slipped upper femoral epiphysis, and you are unhappy with the surgery or treatment you have received, or believe the medical professional responsible for your care has acted negligently, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.

FAQs About Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis Claims

What is slipped upper femoral epiphysis?

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis, also known as slipped capital femoral epiphysis, is the most common hip disorder in adolescence, and is three times more likely in boys.

Risk factors for adolescents include being tall and thin following a growth spurt, or being obese. The condition can cause limping and leg pain, and the symptoms should be taken seriously.

Prior to the slip, the patient will often have slight discomfort. The acute onset of slipped upper femoral epiphysis prevents severe pain to the extent that the child is unable to walk or stand.

In an acute or chronic presentation, the child can be in pain with a limp and altered gait, which can occur for several months before suddenly becoming more painful.

How important is a prompt diagnosis of upper femoral epiphysis?

With chronic presentation, the child has mild symptoms and is still able to walk with an altered gait. A significant number of cases report knee pain as the only symptom.

If the condition is treated early, and while the patient is still able to bear weight, there is a 96% chance of a good prognosis. However, if it is more severe and the leg is unable to bear weight, the chance of a good outcome reduces to 47%. There is also a 50% chance of avascular necrosis in severe cases, meaning it is vital that a prompt diagnosis is made.

Why might a slipped upper femoral epiphysis be misdiagnosed?

As a rule of thumb, a doctor should suspect a slipped epiphysis every time they see an adolescent or preadolescent who complains of persisting pain in the knee, thigh, groin, or hip until it is proven otherwise.

A misdiagnosis may also occur under the assumption that a limp combined with pain in the groin, thigh or knee is associated with an injury. Many children with a slipped upper femoral epiphysis will complain of pain following sports, which may be dismissed as a pulled muscle or a strained ligament. Such injuries will usually resolve within a few weeks and are not generally associated with a persistent limp.

Unfortunately, a slipped upper femoral epiphysis can easily be missed on an X-ray. An early slipped upper femoral epiphysis can be difficult to spot as the signs are very subtle - some 12% of cases are not diagnosed on an anteroposterior (AP) X-ray. Lateral or ‘frog-leg’ lateral X-rays may be more helpful in showing the widening of the epiphyseal line or displacement of the femoral head.

Radiologists should look carefully for signs of slipped upper femoral epiphysis if the patient’s age and history as suspicious, for instance, if the adolescent suffers from a limp and/or pain

If treated early, the prognosis for a slipped upper femoral epiphysis is very good, but a delay in treatment can result in serious long-term disability.