Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a disorder in which the top part (epiphysis) of the thigh bone (femur) slips out of place across the growth plate. This disorder may cause early arthritis in the adolescent or adult. The incidence is twice as common in boys as in girls, occurring around 14 years of age for boys and 12 years for girls. It most commonly occurs in obese children, and may involve both sides in up to 30% of cases.

The onset of symptoms may be abrupt or may occur gradually over many months. Some patients will experience a dull groin ache, knee pain, walk with the foot on the affected side turned out excessively, and be limited in how far they can pull their knee up to their chin. Rarely some patients will have a severe, sudden onset of pain and spasm and be unable to walk at all. Urgent evaluation and referral is needed in order to prevent further slippage and minimize the complications that might ensue. Treatment usually involves the placement of a screw to hold the bone in place until it can heal. This may take 12-18 months. Crutches are often used after surgery to keep the weight off the broken leg until the bone heals.

More information:
AAOS Information: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=160&topcategory=Hip
Medline Encyclopedia: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000972.htm