Slipped Hip (SUFE / SCFE) Adelaide | Dr Will Cundy
Slipped hip (SUFE / SCFE) assessment and treatment in Adelaide with Dr Will Cundy. Learn the signs, urgent referral advice, surgery and follow-up for children.
A slipped hip, also called slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) or slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), is a condition affecting the growth plate at the top of the thigh bone in children and adolescents. Dr Will Cundy provides paediatric hip assessment and treatment in Adelaide. Suspected slipped hip needs urgent medical assessment, not a routine appointment.
What is a slipped hip?
In SUFE / SCFE, the ball of the hip joint moves out of its normal alignment relative to the thigh bone through the growth plate. It usually occurs during adolescence, while the skeleton is still growing. Early assessment is important to reduce the risk of further displacement and damage to the hip.
Signs that need medical assessment
- Hip, groin, thigh or knee pain in a child or adolescent
- A limp or a leg that turns outwards
- Hip stiffness or difficulty moving the hip
- Pain when walking or an inability to bear weight
When to seek urgent help
A suspected slipped hip is an orthopaedic emergency. Do not encourage the child to walk on the affected leg. Seek same-day medical assessment; if they cannot bear weight, have severe pain, or you cannot obtain prompt advice, attend an emergency department. Call 000 if immediate emergency assistance is needed. These symptoms can have other causes and this page cannot diagnose your child.
Slipped hip treatment in Adelaide
Assessment includes a clinical examination and appropriate imaging arranged by the treating team. Treatment usually involves surgery to stabilise the growth plate with screw fixation and prevent further slipping. The approach depends on the stability and severity of the slip. Dr Cundy has experience in paediatric hip surgery, including complex cases requiring osteotomy.
Recovery and follow-up
Weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation are individualised by the treating surgeon. Follow-up checks healing and hip function as the child grows. Ask your treating team when it is safe to return to school, sport and normal activities.
Urgent referral advice
Suspected SUFE / SCFE requires same-day medical assessment. Keep the child non-weight-bearing and seek urgent emergency or orthopaedic assessment. Call the rooms on (08) 8267 8200 for referral advice; do not delay emergency assessment while waiting for a response.
Paediatric hip surgery ยท Paediatric recovery guidance
Contact Dr Will Cundy
Consulting rooms at Memorial Medical Centre, North Adelaide and Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Phone: (08) 8267 8200
Email: contact@drcundy.com.au
Fax: (08) 8267 8201