About SCFE
What is SCFE?
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip condition that commonly occurs in adolescents. SCFE occurs when a child’s hip slips through an area of the bone called the growth plate. The hip is composed of a ball and socket joint where the upper end of the femur, or femoral head, is the “ball” which fits into the “socket” formed by the pelvis, also called the acetabulum. In patients with SCFE, the ball at the top of the femur slips off the neck of the bone and through the growth plate, similar to a scoop of ice cream slipping off a cone. This causes discomfort and instability at the hip.
Studies estimate the prevalence of SCFE in the United States to range from 2 to 11 cases per 100,000 people.
Did you know?
SCFE is the most common disorder of the adolescent hip
Currently, knowledge is lacking in how to diagnose the condition early on. Once diagnosed, there are multiple options for surgical treatment. Research is ongoing to determine which treatment methods will ensure the best outcomes. In particular, there is a focus on investigating which treatment method may result in lower incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), two significant long term concerns associated with SCFE.