Trethowan's sign: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
CSV import
Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit
 
Line 1: Line 1:
== Trethowan's Sign ==
== Trethowan's Sign ==


'''Trethowan's sign''' is a clinical indicator used in the diagnosis of [[slipped capital femoral epiphysis]] (SCFE), a condition affecting the [[hip joint]] in adolescents. It is named after the British surgeon [[John Trethowan]], who first described the sign.
[[File:Trethowan's_sign_seen_in_SCFE.jpg|thumb|right|Trethowan's sign as seen in SCFE]]


== Description ==
'''Trethowan's sign''' is a clinical and radiological indicator used in the diagnosis of [[slipped capital femoral epiphysis]] (SCFE), a condition that affects the [[hip joint]] in adolescents. This sign is named after the British surgeon who first described it.
Trethowan's sign is identified on an [[anteroposterior]] (AP) [[X-ray]] of the [[pelvis]]. It involves drawing a line along the superior border of the [[femoral neck]] (known as Klein's line) and observing its intersection with the [[epiphysis]] of the [[femoral head]]. In a normal hip, Klein's line should intersect the lateral aspect of the femoral head. In the presence of SCFE, the line does not intersect the epiphysis, indicating a slippage of the femoral head.


== Clinical Significance ==
== Clinical Presentation ==
The presence of Trethowan's sign is a key diagnostic feature of SCFE, which is a common hip disorder in adolescents, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Early detection of SCFE is crucial to prevent further slippage and to avoid complications such as [[avascular necrosis]] of the femoral head or [[osteoarthritis]] in later life.
 
Trethowan's sign is observed in patients who present with symptoms of SCFE, which typically include [[hip pain]], [[limping]], and restricted range of motion in the affected hip. The condition is more common in [[adolescents]] and is often associated with [[obesity]] and [[growth spurts]].
 
== Radiological Features ==
 
On an [[anteroposterior radiograph]] of the pelvis, Trethowan's sign is identified by drawing a line along the superior border of the [[femoral neck]]. In a normal hip, this line, known as [[Klein's line]], should intersect the [[epiphysis]] of the femoral head. In SCFE, the epiphysis is displaced, and Klein's line does not intersect the epiphysis, indicating a slip.


== Diagnosis and Management ==
== Diagnosis and Management ==
The diagnosis of SCFE is typically confirmed through radiographic imaging, with Trethowan's sign being a critical component of the assessment. Once diagnosed, the management of SCFE often involves surgical intervention to stabilize the femoral head and prevent further slippage. Common surgical procedures include in situ pinning or more complex reconstructive surgeries depending on the severity of the slip.
 
The presence of Trethowan's sign on a radiograph is a key diagnostic feature of SCFE. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent further slippage and complications such as [[avascular necrosis]] of the femoral head. Management typically involves surgical intervention to stabilize the epiphysis, often using [[screw fixation]].


== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis]]
* [[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis]]
* [[Hip joint]]
* [[Hip joint]]
* [[Avascular necrosis]]
* [[Avascular necrosis]]
* [[Osteoarthritis]]
* [[Radiograph]]
 
== References ==
* Loder, R. T., & Skopelja, E. N. (2011). The epidemiology and demographics of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. ISRN Orthopedics, 2011.
* Kelsey, J. L., & Keggi, K. J. (1981). An epidemiological study of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, (156), 43-47.


== Images ==
{{Musculoskeletal system}}
[[File:Trethowan's_sign_seen_in_SCFE.jpg|thumb|right|Trethowan's sign as seen in SCFE on an X-ray.]]


[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]]
[[Category:Orthopedic signs]]
[[Category:Radiologic signs]]
[[Category:Radiologic signs]]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 16 February 2025

Trethowan's Sign[edit]

Trethowan's sign as seen in SCFE

Trethowan's sign is a clinical and radiological indicator used in the diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), a condition that affects the hip joint in adolescents. This sign is named after the British surgeon who first described it.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Trethowan's sign is observed in patients who present with symptoms of SCFE, which typically include hip pain, limping, and restricted range of motion in the affected hip. The condition is more common in adolescents and is often associated with obesity and growth spurts.

Radiological Features[edit]

On an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis, Trethowan's sign is identified by drawing a line along the superior border of the femoral neck. In a normal hip, this line, known as Klein's line, should intersect the epiphysis of the femoral head. In SCFE, the epiphysis is displaced, and Klein's line does not intersect the epiphysis, indicating a slip.

Diagnosis and Management[edit]

The presence of Trethowan's sign on a radiograph is a key diagnostic feature of SCFE. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent further slippage and complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Management typically involves surgical intervention to stabilize the epiphysis, often using screw fixation.

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Musculoskeletal system