Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Care
What can I expect after my child's slipped capital femoral epiphysis surgery?
Your child has been treated for a condition of the hips that is called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (ih-PIF-ih-sis), or SCFE. Surgery was done to help keep the head and neck of the femur bone (the long bone in the thigh) in place while healing takes place.
You can expect that your child will need protection of the hip for the next few months. The instructions below will help you care for your child during this time. Sports and gym class will be restricted for at least six weeks.
Your child may be able to be up walking with the aid of crutches or a walker. How much weight your child is allowed to bear on the affected leg will be determined by your physician.
Care
To best take care of your child:
- Watch the wound closely for new drainage on the dressing, and for any opening of the operative site. Also watch for any foul odor coming from the bandage. You will be told if the wound dressing should be changed or left open to air.
- Your child will be given a prescription for pain medication to manage his / her pain. Follow the directions on the medication carefully.
- Bathing will be by shower or sponge bath as instructed by your child's doctor. Do not give or allow your child to take a tub bath until instructed to do so by your doctor.
How will I get my child home from the hospital?
Your child's nurse will help you determine the safest transportation to use to take your child home. Your child will be transported by one of the following methods:
- Personal automobile
- Ambulance
Will I need home medical equipment to care for my child?
Medical equipment you may need at home to help care for your child includes:
- Walker
- Wheelchair
- Crutches
Ask your child's doctor or nurse to suggest a home medical equipment company for your use.
When should I call my child's doctor?
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child experiences a temperature over 101.5°F (38°C)
- Your child's pain is not relieved by prescription medication, acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol") or ibuprofen (i.e., Advil")
- You notice new drainage on the bandage, opening of the operative area or a foul odor from the operative area
- Your child experiences pain on the opposite hip, thigh or knee that is similar to the pain he / she had before surgery on the operated side
Contact Us
To reach the Orthopaedic Nurse before 4 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 513-636-4567. After 4 pm, and during weekends and holidays, please call 513-636-4200, and ask that the Orthopaedic Resident on call be paged.
For additional information on this or any health topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program V 4150 5/01;
Rev. 10/05, 8/07
