• Older children - 12-15yo

• Salter-Harris I

• typically overweight boys - late maturers

• may occur suddenly but more commonly gradually

• sometimes assoc. pain - frequently in knee

• most common complaint = limp

Examination

• shortening and external rotation of affected leg

• during flexion hip moves into abduction and external rotation

Investigations

• XR: widening of growth plate and line continued from sup surface of neck of femur doesn't intersect growth plate

Treatment

• bilateral involvement is common

• may compromise vascualr supply to femoral head -> lead to avascular necrosis

• Refer ortho

• gradually progressing slip = indication

• acute severe slip: surgical emergency