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Warning-sign checks

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency assessment now if a child or teenager develops:

    • Sudden severe hip, groin, thigh or knee pain
    • Inability to stand, walk or put weight on one leg
    • A leg that suddenly appears shortened or turned outward
    • A sudden major worsening of an existing limp or hip pain
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange urgent same-day assessment for persistent hip, groin, thigh or unexplained knee pain accompanied by a limp, reduced hip movement or an outward-turned foot.

    This remains urgent even if the young person can still walk.

    After treatment, contact the surgical team promptly about increasing pain, a new limp, wound redness or drainage, fever, or symptoms in the other hip.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine care includes attending planned orthopaedic appointments and X-rays, following weight-bearing instructions and discussing when school sport or other activities can safely resume.

The article also says

Keep the young person off the affected leg while arranging help.

Do not try to stretch, rotate or force the hip back into position.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Slipped capital femoral epiphysis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.