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Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

A slipped capitol 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.

Alternative Names:

Femoral epiphysis - slipped; Slip; SCFE

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A slipped capitol femoral epiphysis is a condition that is most common in growing children, especially between ages 11 and 15. This disease may affect both hips.

An epiphysis is an area at the end of a long bone that is separated from the main part of the bone by the physeal plate (growth plate). In this condition, a displacement occurs in the upper epiphysis while the bone is still growing.

This condition is more common in boys, in children who are obese, and in children who are growing rapidly. Children with hormone imbalances caused by other conditions are at particular risk for this disorder.

• Review Date: 12/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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