Kids who are obese more likely to develop a severe hip disorder

A UK study has suggested that Kids who are obese may be more likely to develop a severe hip disorder than children who are not overweight.
The disorder, which is known as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), is one of the most common hip problems in children and adolescents. It can lead the ball at the head of the thigh bone to slip backward and often requires surgery to repair. The condition has long been linked to obesity, which can put extra pressure on bones. However, research to date hasn’t offered decisive evidence that obesity directly causes SCFE.

Children with severe obesity were almost six times more likely to develop SCFE and youth who were less obese were almost four times more likely to develop SCFE, when compared to kids who were a normal weight .

“Some doctors, in particular orthopedic surgeons, have long believed that SCFE is linked to childhood obesity, though this has been very difficult to prove,” said lead study author Daniel Perry of the University of Liverpool in the UK.

“This is the first (of hopefully several studies) that will confirm that obesity is bad for children - in this case bad because it increases the risk of a rare but ‘nasty’ orthopedic condition which could be disabling. Children who are not overweight tend to be more active, fitter and healthier - and this can only be good for you.” said Eastwood

 

Source: letgoonline.com.ng