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Delayed Diagnosis of a Slipped Hip
Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by tanya
Delayed Diagnosis of a Slipped Hip
What’s The Harm and Claiming Compensation
A delayed diagnosis of a slipped hip during the teenage years may lead to long-term complications. A slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE), also known as a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) one of the most common hip conditions which can occur during adolescence. Unfortunately, a missed or delayed diagnosis of a slipped hip may lead to possible irreversible damage and pain for your teen.
Importantly, the teenage years are critical for bone development. A slipped hip is regarded as a serious, time-sensitive condition. Therefore, a missed diagnosis can rob a child of a healthy, pain-free future.
If your teen has been harmed due to a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis, you may be considering claiming compensation to support their recovery and long-term care needs.
If you want to find out more about filing a clinical negligence claim, First Personal Injury can help. We partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can assess whether you claim is valid and take it forward.
What Is a Slipped Hip?
SUFE occurs when the head of the femur (thighbone) slips off the neck at the growth plate — the cartilage near the end of a bone where growth occurs. This condition typically affects teenagers between 11 and 16 years of age.
However, it is more common in boys than girls. The slipping can be sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic), and both forms can severely impact hip function.
The causes of a slipped hip are not always clear, but risk factors can include:
- Obesity
- Rapid growth spurts
- Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism
- Family history of SUFE
- Previous radiation therapy
So, early intervention is crucial for slipped hip to prevent long-term joint deformity or osteoarthritis.
Common Symptoms of SUFE
Unfortunately, SUFE can mimic other conditions, leading to diagnostic delays. Typical signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent hip, groin, thigh, or even knee pain
- A limp or altered gait
- The affected hip will have a limited range of motion
- Outward rotation of the leg
- Leg length discrepancy in more severe cases
Importantly, it’s not uncommon for knee pain to be the first symptom, misleading healthcare professionals and delaying appropriate imaging of the hip.
What Are the Risks of a Missed or Delayed Diagnosis?
A missed or delayed diagnosis of can have severe consequences. Without prompt surgical treatment, the condition has the potential to rapidly deteriorate. Risks may include:
- Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the femoral head)
- Chondrolysis (cartilage damage and loss)
- Chronic pain
- Early-onset arthritis
- Permanent hip deformity
- Reduced mobility and function
- In some cases, total hip replacement may be required in early adulthood
The earlier SUFE is caught, the better the prognosis. Delayed diagnosis of a slipped hip not only increases the likelihood of complications, but may also reduce the chances of a full recovery.
How Is A Slipped Hip Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging. However, an X-ray of the pelvis in two views is the standard method. If it is unclear, MRI or CT scans may be used for further evaluation.
When Can You File a Clinical Negligence Claim?
If your teenager has suffered harm due to a delayed or missed slipped hip diagnosis, you may be eligible to bring a clinical negligence claim. However, you will be required to show that:
- A duty of care was owed by the healthcare provider.
- That duty of care was breached by failing to diagnose or treat SUFE appropriately.
- The breach caused harm or loss to your child that would not have occurred otherwise.
Clinical negligence claims must be supported by expert medical evidence. An independent orthopaedic specialist will usually assess whether the standard of care was breached and whether that led to avoidable harm.
Time Limits for Clinical Negligence Claims Involving Children
Generally, you have three years to bring a medical negligence claim. However, for minors, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday. So this means you can typically file up until their 21st birthday.
That said, starting the claim process as soon as possible is advisable to preserve evidence and obtain timely medical assessments.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
If your child has been left with long-term damage, pain, or disability due to a missed SUFE diagnosis, compensation may be awarded for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of amenity (impact on lifestyle and future opportunities)
- Medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, and equipment
- Loss of future earnings
- Care and support needs
Each case is assessed individually, and the amount awarded depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your child’s life. Your solicitor will be able to advise you with regard to a possible compensation amount.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Missed Diagnosis
If you believe your teen’s SUFE was missed or diagnosed too late, here’s what you can do next:
Request a copy of their medical records to understand what care was provided.
Seek a second opinion from an orthopaedic specialist.
Speak with a clinical negligence solicitor experienced in paediatric or orthopaedic cases.
Keep a detailed timeline of symptoms, appointments, and diagnoses to support your claim.
Choosing the Right Legal Support
Choosing the right solicitor is crucial. At First Personal Injury we partner with lawyers who are highly experienced in clinical negligence claims and who will thoroughly assess your case. They also offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ arrangement to reduce your financial risk. This means you only pay fees if you win your case.
Our friendly team can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.
This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.