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SCFE — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateRheumatologySCFERACP Paediatrics

A 13-year-old overweight boy presents with a limp and groin pain referred to the knee. He is unable to internally rotate the affected hip. X-ray shows posterior displacement of the femoral epiphysis on frog-leg lateral view. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Transient synovitis

SCFE: posterior slippage of the proximal femoral epiphysis through the growth plate. Risk factors include obesity, male sex, and adolescence. Frog-leg lateral X-ray is the diagnostic view. Urgent orthopaedic referral for in-situ fixation is required to prevent further slippage. The contralateral hip should be assessed.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2024 – Clinical Practice Guidelines: Limp