Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common hip disorder in older children and adolescents, classically with medial and posterior slippage of the proximal femoral epiphysis. However, valgus SCFE is a very rare entity, where the proximal femoral epiphysis slips laterally and posteriorly. To our knowledge, valgus SCFE with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of contralateral pre-slip has not yet been reported. We present a case of a 9 year old girl with symptomatic valgus SCFE on the left and asymptomatic contralateral pre-slip on the right with concurrent radiographic, sonographic, and MRI findings. Such findings include bilateral coxa valga, radiographic irregularity of the left proximal femoral physis, bilateral hip effusions, abnormal MRI signal and enhancement about both proximal femoral physes, and minimal posterolateral slippage of the left proximal femoral epiphysis. We highlight these pertinent imaging findings and review the importance of accurately diagnosing this rare entity for appropriate surgical management.
Keywords: Contralateral pre-slip; SCFE; Slipped capital femoral epiphysis; Valgus.