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Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
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Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition in which the ball of the femur (femoral head) slips slightly off the femur or thighbone. SCFE can occur due to injury, or it can develop slowly over time.

SCFE can develop during time of rapid growth, which occurs shortly after the onset of puberty. Boys are more likely than girls to have SCFE. Being obese is also a contributing factor. Sometimes, a problem with the hormones in the body can contribute to the development of SCFE. If your child is diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis, his or her orthopedic surgeon will let you know if there is a need to refer your child to a pediatric endocrinologist.

Signs and symptoms of slipped capital femoral epiphysis include a history of knee or hip pain for several weeks or months and an occasional limp. Sometimes, the SCFE is severe, and your child will not be able to walk on the affected leg.

Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Doctors at Riley at IU Health diagnose SCFE through a physical exam and X-ray imaging. On physical exam, your child may have pain when the orthopedic surgeon moves his or her hip in certain directions. The orthopedic surgeon will watch your child walk (if he or she is able) in order to check for abnormal gait.

X-rays of the pelvis will be done to show the position of the femoral head in relation to the rest of the femur (thighbone). The orthopedic surgeon will look for slight slipping of the femoral head. The best way to explain this is to picture a scoop of ice cream slipping off a cone—the amount of slipping can vary. Sometimes, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is ordered to further evaluate the hip.

Treatments

Treatments

Surgery is needed to treat SCFE. Your child’s orthopedic surgeon will discuss the surgery with you. Surgery for SCFE is done within a couple days of diagnosis, depending on the severity of the slip.

It is very important to follow the postoperative instructions. Your child will have specific weight-bearing and activity restrictions for a period of time, including no sports. Following these instructions will help minimize the chance of further complications.

Your child will have frequent follow-up appointments (including X-rays) to make sure the hip is healing appropriately and to monitor for avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis in SCFE means that the slipping of the femoral head has decreased blood supply to the ball of the femur.

There is no way to identify or prevent this complication before it happens. It is very important not to miss your child’s orthopedic surgery follow-up appointments so that the surgeon can evaluate the femoral head and make sure it does not develop avascular necrosis.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition in which the ball of the femur (femoral head) slips slightly off the femur or thighbone. 
  • SCFE can occur due to injury, or it can develop slowly over time.
  • Signs and symptoms of SCFE include a history of knee or hip pain for several weeks or months and an occasional limp.
  • Diagnosis of SCFE includes a physical exam and X-ray imaging.
  • Surgery is needed to treat SCFE.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the following online resources to learn more about slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

OrthoInfo

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

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11725 N Illinois St
Carmel, IN 46032

317.948.2550

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Riley Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

4.7 out of 5 stars (433 ratings)
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575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.948.2550

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
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