Subscribe to our newsletter. This condition is most common in the 12-15 year old age group, is about twice as common in boys as it is in girls, and is seen more commonly in overweight children. Usually children will have a painful hip, and the pain worsens with movement. Sometimes patients complain of pain in the knee, but the problem is located at the hip joint, and the pain is due to nerves which supply both the hip and the knee.
Treatment is aimed at stabilizing the head of the femur so no further slippage occurs.
This is usually accomplished by an operation where a large screw is inserted into the head of the femur to hold it in place. Without prompt treatment, restricted movement, arthritis, and osteonecrosis can develop in the patient. Arthritis Information about arthritis symptoms and treatment methods. Pediatric Information Information about children's orthopedics. Enhance your business skills and improve the quality of your practice while earning Category 1 AMA CME credit through USF s Business of Medicine Online Program.