Delayed Diagnosis of a Slipped Hip

Risks and How to Claim Compensation

There can be lasting consequences if there has been a delayed diagnosis of a slipped hip. Also known as a slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE), it is regarded as a serious orthopaedic condition which requires prompt diagnosis and largely affects teens between the ages of 10 – 16.

It is more common in boys and occurs when the head of the femur slips off the neck of the growth plate. Additionally, it generally occurs during periods of rapid growth. However, you may be entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence if your doctor failed to diagnose the condition for your child

Accordingly, a medical negligence claim is when the standard of care falls below what is expected a competent medical professional. It is important to note that this breach in the duty of care caused further harm.

If you suspect that your child may have suffered from harm due to clinical negligence regarding a delayed diagnosis of a slipped hip, you may want to find out more about a potential claim.

Key Features of a Slipped Hip (SUFE)

One of the most common hip disorders in adolescent children, a slipped hip is often linked to obesity or hormonal imbalances. Therefore. some of the key features may include:

• Affects the growth plate in the hip joint
• Most commonly seen during puberty
• May be stable or unstable (weight-bearing ability is the key distinction)
• Can affect one or both hips
• Causes pain in the hip, thigh or knee
• Limping or inability to walk may occur

Symptoms of a Slipped Hip

Early diagnosis is important. However, the condition can be difficult to spot because symptoms are sometimes vague. But, they can also be misattributed to more common causes like muscle strain or growing pains. Common symptoms can be:

• Persistent pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee
• A noticeable limp or difficulty walking
• Limited range of motion in the hip
• Outward turning of the affected leg
• Shortening of the leg on the affected side

Failure to spot these symptoms early can lead to a serious delay in treatment.

Potential Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis of SUFE

1. Worsening of the Slip

If left untreated, SUFE can progress from a mild to a severe slip. So, this may increase the likelihood of long-term damage. A mild slip may be easily managed with surgery.

2. Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

One of the most serious complications of a delayed or missed diagnosis is avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. This may lead to various complications, including the need for total hip replacement at a young age.

3. Chronic Pain and Disability

Delayed treatment can result in chronic hip and back pain. This may result in difficulty with walking or physical activity and a decline in quality of life.

4. Early-Onset Osteoarthritis

Damage to the hip joint from SUFE may possibly result early-onset osteoarthritis. This could well mean management of the condition for many years ahead and, in some cases, early joint replacement surgery.

Risks of a Missed of Delayed Diagnosis of a Slipped Hip

A slipped hip may commonly be misdiagnosed as:

• Muscle strain
• Growing pains
• Sports injury
• Knee pain of unknown origin

This misinterpretation can result in a delay of weeks or months of untreated slippage, compounding the damage.

 Medical Negligence May Occur If:

With regard to possible medical negligence, consider the following

• A GP or A&E doctor failed to order an X-ray of the hip
• The hip was not properly examined, especially if the child complained of knee pain, which can be a common referral pain site)
• The diagnosis is delayed despite clear symptoms
• Follow-up referrals or imaging are delayed or missed

Claiming Compensation for a Delayed Diagnosis

If a healthcare professional fails to diagnose or delays diagnosing a slipped hip and this leads to worsening of the condition, it may constitute medical negligence. A claim for compensation can help cover treatment costs, loss of earnings, and ongoing care needs.

How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider breaches their duty of care, resulting in avoidable harm.

1. Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor

It is advisable to choose a solicitor who is experienced in medical negligence cases.

2. Gather Medical Evidence

You will need to obtain the following and your lawyer will help you with this:

• GP and hospital records
• X-rays and scan reports
• Expert medical opinions
• Witness statements

3. Claim Compensation

Compensation may generally cover:

• Pain and suffering
• Cost of treatment or rehabilitation
• Loss of future earnings
• Travel expenses
• Care and support needs
• Psychological distress

Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf to get the best settlement for you to cope with the road ahead with your teen. You may want to have a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement in place which means you do not pay legal fees unless your claim is successful. Many cases are settled out of court.

Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims

It is important to know that generally, you have three years from the date of the negligent act or from the date you became aware of it to start your claim.

For children, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday, meaning a claim can be made any time before they turn 21.

Tips To Avoid Delays in Diagnosis: What You Should Know

To help avoid delays in diagnosis:

• Take all complaints of hip, thigh, or knee pain seriously in children
• Request a referral to an orthopaedic specialist if symptoms persist
• Insist on hip X-rays, even if the pain is reported in the knee
• If your concerns are dismissed, seek a second opinion

Take The Next Step to Start Your Claim

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process of how to claim compensation. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. We will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time. Call us at 0333 358 3034 for a free no-obligation chat or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page

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.