Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Overview
Learn About Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
A slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thigh bone (femur) at the upper growing end (growth plate) of the bone.
Femoral epiphysis - slipped
A slipped capital femoral epiphysis may affect both hips.
An epiphysis is an area at the end of a long bone. It is separated from the main part of the bone by the growth plate. In this condition, the problem occurs in the upper area while the bone is still growing.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs in about 2 out of every 100,000 children. It is more common in:
- Growing children ages 11 to 15, especially boys
- Children who are obese
- Children who are growing rapidly
Children with hormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, caused by other conditions are at higher risk for this disorder.
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking, walking with a limp that came on quickly with or without trauma
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Hip stiffness
- Outward-turning leg
- Restricted hip movements
Surgery to stabilize the bone with pins or screws will prevent the ball of the hip joint from slipping or moving out of place. At times, the hip joint has to be opened up to allow the surgeon to realign the hip. Some surgeons may suggest using pins on the other hip at the same time. This is because many children will develop this problem in that hip later.
The Metrohealth System
Raymond Liu is an Orthopedics provider in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Liu is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. His top areas of expertise are Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), Accessory Navicular Bone, Osteotomy, and Bone Graft. Dr. Liu is currently accepting new patients.
Eduardo Novais is an Orthopedics specialist and a Pediatric Orthopedics provider in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Novais is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. His top areas of expertise are Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), Collins Pope Syndrome, Osteotomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Novais is currently accepting new patients.
Washington University
Pooya Hosseinzadeh is an Orthopedics provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Hosseinzadeh is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. His top areas of expertise are Flat Feet, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Clubfoot, Osteotomy, and Tenotomy. Dr. Hosseinzadeh is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome is most often good with treatment. In rare cases, the hip joint may wear away, despite prompt diagnosis and treatment.
This disorder is linked to a greater risk for osteoarthritis later in life. Other potential but rare complications include reduced blood flow to the hip joint and wearing away of hip joint tissue (avascular necrosis). This can lead to increased pain and stiffness of the joint, even at a young age.
If your child has ongoing pain or other symptoms of this disorder, have them lie down right away and stay still until you get medical help.
Weight control for obese children may be helpful. Many cases are not preventable.
Summary: Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common disorder of the adolescent hip and diagnosis and treatment of SCFE remain areas of controversy and investigation. The current issues relating to diagnosis stem from an inability to diagnose the condition early on, resulting in increased morbidity. Once diagnosed, there are multiple different options for surgical treatment, including in-si...
Published Date: November 07, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Sawyer JR, Spence DD. Fractures and dislocations in children. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 36.