Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children]
Martijn van Gorkom1, Bo Jan Noordman, R J Dolf Westerhuis
1Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, afd. Chirurgie, Delft.
Background:
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is among the most common causes of hip problems in childhood and adolescence. Its incidence is increasing due to rising childhood obesity. There are three different types of SCFE, the rarest of which is the acute traumatic slip. Early identification and urgent surgical treatment are necessary to minimise the risk of complications such as avascular necrosis.
Case Description:
An overweight 12-year-old boy visited the emergency department complaining of pain in the left hip after falling from his scooter. The patient was unable to bear weight on his left leg and kept the hip in slight exorotation. An X-ray showed a slip of the femoral epiphysis, which was treated by emergency surgery. During short term follow-up there were no signs of complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Conclusion:
Acute traumatic slip of the femoral epiphysis is rare. Patients with this condition require urgent surgical treatment to minimise the risk of complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...