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Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Also known as: SCFE, slipped upper femoral epiphysis.

What is Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) occurs when the ball of the hip (epiphysis) slips along the growth plate (physis). This causes a deformity of the hip that causes pain and limits hip motion.

What causes Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis typically occurs in children between 10 and 15 years of age The primary risk factor is excessive weight (obesity) of the patient. Other risk factors include:

  • Hypothyroidism or growth hormone deficiency
  • Subtle anatomic abnormalities of the hip joint

What are the symptoms of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?

Children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis typically complain of groin, thigh or knee pain. They frequently walk with a limp and point the foot of the affected leg pointing outward.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Treatment

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis should be treated by a pediatric orthopedist. A single screw is usually placed across the growth plate to prevent additional slippage of the epiphysis. The patient may require additional surgery if there is persistent hip pain or limited motion after the slip is stabilized.

Reviewed by: Kevin S Horowitz, MD

This page was last updated on: 26/6/2026 16:56:43

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Obesity Growing children and adolescents normally gain weight and height each year and the path that they follow is measured by weight and height charts (growth charts) which define the normal range for each age and sex. The Body Mass Index (BMI) takes into account whether a child’s weight falls within the normal range taking into account his/her height, age and sex. While there a number of ways to define obesity, the BMI is widely used to measure obesity (a BMI greater than the normal range for age, sex and height).
Congenital Femoral Deficiency The femur is the upper leg bone that connects the knee to the hip. In some children, a birth defect causes the femur to be shorter than it should be. This lead to other developmental issues, such as deformity and instability of the hip and knee. Congenital femoral deficiency typically impacts just one femur, though it can affect both.
ILIZAROV Treatment/Technique Ilizarov treatment/technique is a method used for correcting unequal or deformed limbs. It can also prevent amputation in some instances. It’s used to treat problems ranging from growth plate fractures to congenital limb deformities to broken bones that didn’t heal properly.