Introduction:
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a rather uncommon fracture, occurring usually in adolescence, during a period of rapid growth. Various pathogenetic risk factors contributing to its development have been identified. We present the case of a 10-month-old male infant who developed SCFE in his left hip following an epileptic seizure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case report in the English literature.
Case report:
A 10-month-old male infant, with a known medical history of epileptic encephalopathy, was referred to the accident and emergency department of our hospital. The parents of the youngster reported inability of the child to move his left lower limb and inconsolable crying following several epileptic seizures. A radiograph revealed the existence of SCFE in the left hip. The fracture was reduced (with gentle closed traction under general anesthesia) and a hip spicacast was applied. It was removed at 8 weeks. Physical examination at this stage revealed a painless hip with a full range of motion. Painless hip range of motion was retained during all follow-up visits throughout the next 22 months. Amagnetic resonance imaging scan at 2 years post-reduction showed normal shape and size of the affected femoral head, with no signs of physeal arrest and/or avascular necrosis.
Conclusion:
This unique case of a 10-month-old infant who developed SCFE following an epileptic seizure shows that this rare fracture may occur even in very young children. Although it is not currently indicated for the treatment of the vast majority of patients with SCFE, closed reduction and immobilization in a hip spicacast may be considered as an alternative treatment option in carefully selected patients.