Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a patient with Turner syndrome receiving growth hormone therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a young patient with Turner syndrome (TS) receiving growth hormone therapy and to emphasize the importance of keeping this orthopedic condition in mind during management of this patient group.

METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings are presented, and risk factors for slipped capital femoral epiphysis are discussed.

RESULTS

A child with TS presented for medical assessment because of a limp but with no history of trauma or febrile illness. Growth hormone therapy had been administered for 1 year because of her short stature. Physical examination and pelvic radiography of the patient showed the presence of bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis. She underwent bilateral pinning in situ, and growth hormone therapy was terminated. At follow-up after more than 2 years, no sequelae were noted.

CONCLUSION

Patients with TS are at high risk for developing certain orthopedic conditions, such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Furthermore, slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a known complication of growth hormone therapy in growing children. A limp, hip pain, knee pain, or thigh pain might be a symptom of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in patients with TS, especially those receiving growth hormone therapy. Prompt recognition and treatment of this condition are important for prevention of sequelae.