Findings and Management of the Rare Caput Flexum Deformity of the Hip: A Case Report

CASE A 10-year-old girl presented after possible occult hip trauma, with shortening of the leg being the initial clinical symptom, followed by motion-dependent pain. She had limited external rotation in extension with anterior apprehension. Radiographically, the deformity was an anterior tilt of the epiphysis with coxa vara. Surgery included surgical dislocation using a retinacular flap for the anterior open wedge femoral neck osteotomy for extension and posterior translation, with an excellent 4.5-year clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Caput flexum is a rare deformity with localized premature closure of the anterior growth plate of the hip. To avoid secondary impingement, an osteotomy was successfully placed close to the deformity.