Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Abstract

In slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the femoral head slides in an anterosuperior direction along the growth plate. The femoral head remains in the acetabulum. The pathogenesis of SCFE is multifactorial. An important predisposing factor is obesity. Epiphysiolysis can compromise the blood supply to the epiphysis and osteonecrosis of the femoral head may result. Conventional radiography represents the first diagnostic step. The long-term prognosis of the disease depends on the residual deformity of the femoral head and in the worst case may result in early osteoarthritis of the hip joint.