Differential diagnosis in physical therapy evaluation of thigh pain in an adolescent boy

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the adolescent hip in which the femoral head displaces relative to the femoral neck. This disorder is characterized by a synovitis of the hip joint or a mechanical limitation of motion with pain referred to the thigh or knee. The case described in this report is typical of an adolescent with SCFE. A brief review of epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment is presented to facilitate the physical therapist's knowledge of this condition and its proper management. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of SCFE may result in progression of the slip and chronic disability from osteoarthritis. It is imperative, therefore, that a patient suspected of having this condition be promptly referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for radiographic evaluation.