Slipped capital femoral epiphysis co-existent with hypothyroidism

Five patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis were conclusively diagnosed as being hypothyroid. One was a cretin, who was diagnosed and begun on thyroid medication at four months of age but subsequently many years later developed the slip. Suspicion of hypothyroidism should exist for the clinician who finds himself with a child below age 12 with a delayed bone age, borderline mental status and a slipped capital femoral epiphysis. His attention in addition to the orthopedic management of the slip, should be directed towards laboratory studies to rule out hypothyroidism.