title: [Delayed diagnosis of epiphysiolysis capitis femoris].
abstract: The prognosis in epiphysiolysis of the head of the femur (ECF) depends on immediate treatment in the earliest stage of the disease. The reasons for and the extent of delayed diagnosis of slipping of the epiphysis in the hip were analysed in 56 children (72 hips) with ECF. The median total delay was six months with a delay of one month due to the patient and delay of three months due to the doctor. Pain in the lower limbs not related to the hip, including pain in the knee, occurred in 1/3 of the patients and resulted in more extensive delays due to the doctor (median four months). Other reasons for delay due to the doctor were erroneous interpretation of the x-ray films (14 patients). The most characteristic clinical finding was limited internal rotation of the affected hip. Comparison with the literature revealed that delay in the diagnosis of ECF has not been reduced during the past 35 years. Clinical examination of the hips should be undertaken in any child who complains of pain in the knee or thigh. If internal rotation is limited, x-ray examination including Lauenstein's projection should be carried out or the child should be referred to a department of orthopaedic surgery on account of suspected hip disease.
authors.affiliation: Ortopaedisk Hospital, Arhus.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Søballe
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Juhl
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Høgh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004839:Epiphyses, Slipped / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors
vernacular_title: Forsinket diagnose af epiphysiolysis capitis femoris.