Southwick angle

Southwick angle is a medical term used to describe a specific measurement in the field of orthopedics. It is named after Dr. Frederick Southwick, who first described it in the context of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

Definition

The Southwick angle is a measurement of the degree of slippage in SCFE. It is calculated by comparing the angle of the femoral head to the angle of the femoral neck on an anteroposterior (AP) and frog-leg lateral radiograph.

Clinical Significance

The Southwick angle is used to classify the severity of SCFE. A higher Southwick angle indicates a more severe slippage. This measurement is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for SCFE, which can range from non-surgical interventions to surgery.

Measurement

To measure the Southwick angle, a line is drawn along the axis of the femoral neck (the Physeal line). A second line is drawn perpendicular to this. The Southwick angle is the angle between this perpendicular line and a line drawn along the axis of the femoral head.

See Also

• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
• Femoral head
• Femoral neck
• Orthopedics
• Radiograph