On this page, you will find everything you need to know about slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
What is slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a hip disorder that can occur during adolescence, in which the head of the femur bone slips from the growth plate area in the hip joint. The growth plate is the place where new bones form, and it completes after puberty. It is an area weaker than the rest of the bones during the adolescent years, when there is rapid bone growth.
What are the symptoms of slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
- Pain in the knee or hip.
- Stiffness in the hip.
- The foot/leg turned outward.
- Limping
- Inability to put weight on the leg (usually in more severe cases and with severe pain).
- One leg may appear shorter than the other.
What are the causes of slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
The causes of slipped capital femoral epiphysis are not yet known, but there are some factors that increase the risk, including:
- Being overweight.
- Falling or injury in the hip and thigh area.
- Endocrine disorders, including osteodystrophy (defective bone growth), hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, pituitary insufficiency, and growth hormone deficiency.
- Kidney disorders (because they affect calcium, which is a building block of bones).
- A family history of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor will take the medical history and perform the physical examination, and may request additional procedures if needed, such as:
- X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What are the treatment methods for slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
Treatment is done through a surgical procedure to return the bones of the hip joint to their normal position.
What are the prevention methods for slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
There is no way to prevent slipped capital femoral epiphysis, but there are some tips to reduce the risk, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
What are the complications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis?
- Avascular necrosis or cartilage breakdown due to reduced blood supply to the bone, if it moves out of place.
- Rapid and severe osteoarthritis.
- Cartilage breakdown.
When should you see a doctor?
You should go to the doctor when the symptoms mentioned above appear, especially if you notice that your child walks and complains of pain while walking or is limping.
Frequently asked questions:
Can slipped capital femoral epiphysis be treated by a non-surgical procedure?
Because of the serious complications of the problem, it must be treated surgically to avoid complications, and there are no non-surgical methods to treat the problem.
