Confusable diagnoses · PANCE / PANRE

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis vs Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease are easy to mix up on the boards. Here's a side-by-side comparison — presentation, workup, imaging, and first-line treatment — drawn from our full outlines.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis vs Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease at a glance

  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Posterior and inferior displacement of the femoral epiphysis on the metaphysis in adolescents.
  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis in children aged 4-8.
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Side-by-side comparison

FeatureSlipped Capital Femoral EpiphysisLegg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
At a glancePosterior and inferior displacement of the femoral epiphysis on the metaphysis in adolescents.Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis in children aged 4-8.
Classic presentationObese adolescent with insidious thigh or knee pain, limp, and obligate external rotation of the hip during flexion.; Insidious or acute hip, groin, thigh, or…Young boy aged 4-8 with a painless limp, restricted internal rotation and abduction of the hip, and characteristic crescent sign or femoral head flattening on…
Workup / key labsLoder classification (functional, prognostic): Stable — patient can bear weight with or without crutches; Unstable — cannot bear weight even with crutches.…Lateral pillar (Herring) classification at the fragmentation stage assesses the height of the lateral one-third of the epiphysis: A — full height preserved…
ImagingAP and frog-leg lateral radiographs of BOTH hips (synchronous bilateral disease); Klein line — line drawn along the superior femoral neck on AP view should…AP and frog-leg lateral pelvic radiographs; Early findings: increased epiphyseal density, joint space widening, crescent sign (subchondral fracture); Later…
First-line treatmentImmediate non-weight bearing and orthopedic referral upon suspicion — NEVER allow continued weight bearing while awaiting evaluation; Surgical in situ pinning…Activity restriction to limit hip joint loading and protect the femoral head during fragmentation; NSAIDs for pain; Physical therapy emphasizing hip range of…

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Educational use only. This outline is a study aid for PA students and is not medical advice or a substitute for clinical judgment. FirstPassPA is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCCPA. PANCE® and PANRE® are registered trademarks of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.