Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Review for Pediatricians

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common hip pathologies that occurs during adolescence, and its incidence has been increasing over the past decades. For this reason, pediatricians should be aware of this entity to ensure an early diagnosis and intervene in a timely manner. The typical patient with SCFE is an adolescent who is obese presenting with hip pain, but it can also occur in children who are not obese; therefore, SCFE should be part of the differential diagnosis in any skeletally immature patient presenting with hip or knee pain. This article provides an overview for the clinician of relevant aspects of this disease that can lead to serious long-term consequences if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(9):e377-e380.].