Distal epiphysiolysis of the femur in a newborn

Fracture separation of the epiphysis from the distal femur is a elatively rare lesion in newborns, but it has been documented as a difficult complication of labor. Most of the cases occur at the distal humeral level and exceptionally affect the femur. Epiphysiolysis of the distal femur is practically not described. They are normally located in the upper third of the femur due to a twisting movement of the femur in breech deliveries and even in difficult caesarean sections. The differential diagnosis at the beginning of the examination is usually with septic arthritis of the newborn. This difficult and infrequent diagnosis arises from a 3-day-old baby who presents for his post-discharge check-up with swelling in one of his knees.