Introduction

​

SCFE is a hip condition where the ball of the hip joint slips from its position at the top of the femur.

​

The process has been likened to how a scoop of ice cream slowly slips from a cone as is melts.

 

We do not know why SCFE happens, but it is usually in large teenagers and the slip is actually occurring through the growth plate below the femoral head. 

​

Symptoms

​

Nearly all cases of SCFE are delayed in being diagnosed.  Some reasons for this are that the child may feel the discomfort caused by the slip in the groin, thigh or knee.  This can confuse everyone including health professionals.

 

The key to diagnosing SCFE is simply to look for it in any adolescent with a limp, no matter where the discomfort is felt

​

Treatmeant

​

The treatment of SCFE is urgent. This is because the slip is always progressive. As soon as the diagnosis is made all weight bearing on the leg should stop and the child be admitted to hospital.