Pediatrics Case 11 Background

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common adolescent hip disorder. While it usually presents unilaterally, it can present bilaterally in 20-25% of cases. It usually occurs in children age 10-16 and more often in males. SCFE is thought to be related to mechanical and hormonal issues.  It is most commonly associated with obesity and also endocrine disorders. Obesity causes an increase in axial forces that affects the weakened growth plate during pubertal stages, which ultimately leads to the slipped epiphysis.