Radiology in early slipped femoral capital epiphysis

In a study of 38 hips showing only minor abnormality on the AP radiograph, it was found that the most reliable sign of an early slip was blurring of the junction between the metaphysis and the growth plate. The diagnosis could not be made on the AP film alone in 11% of cases and it is recommended that a routine lateral radiograph is obtained when slipped epiphysis is a clinical possibility. The importance of the radiologist in the early diagnosis of the condition is stressed and the causes of diagnostic delay are considered.