Paediatric Hip
Hip conditions in children
Overview
Dr Cundy has extensive expertise in paediatric hip conditions, having completed fellowships at Queensland Children's Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Early diagnosis and treatment of hip conditions in children is crucial for optimal long-term outcomes.
Dr Cundy has attended the Advanced Graf Hip Ultrasound Course and regularly uses portable ultrasound in his office. This helps Dr Cundy assess hip dysplasia alongside clinical examination.
Conditions Treated
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Perthes disease
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
- Leg length discrepancy
- Septic arthritis of the hip
- Transient synovitis
Treatment Options
- DB Splint or Pavlik Harness
- Hip spica casting
- Open and closed reduction
- Pelvic osteotomy
- Femoral osteotomy
- Hip surveillance programs
DDH — When to Refer
URGENT
Refer urgently (within days) for any newborn with suspected hip instability or confirmed DDH on ultrasound. Early treatment with a DB splint or Pavlik harness (usually commenced before 6 weeks). Later presentations can still achieve excellent results with appropriate management. Infants under 6 months — please call the rooms directly on (08) 8267 8200. Include hip ultrasound report with your referral.
Slipped Hip (SCFE) — When to Refer
URGENT
URGENT — same day. Refer same day. SCFE is an orthopaedic emergency. The patient should be non-weight-bearing until seen. Include a frog-leg lateral pelvic X-ray. Call the rooms directly on (08) 8267 8200.
Slipped Hip (SCFE) — Signs to Look For
- Groin, thigh or knee pain in an adolescent
- Limp, often with the leg externally rotated
- Hip stiffness — limited internal rotation
- Pain reproduced on hip movement
Slipped Hip — Treatment Approach
Surgical fixation with a cannulated screw across the physis is the standard treatment. The goal is to stabilise the slip and prevent further displacement. Dr Cundy has expertise in SCFE management including complex cases requiring osteotomy.
Slipped hip (SUFE / SCFE): assessment and treatment in Adelaide
Book a Consultation
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