What is a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis?
First, you have to know that the femoral head (capitus) has a physis (a growth plate). Then you have to know that the bone towards the end, across the physis, is called the epiphysis
Then you have to know that the physis is cartilage-like, and therefore weak. And then you can know/imagine that the epiphysis can slip off, a form of a growth plate fracture, really.
So what else do you need to know?
- who gets this? 1 in 10,000 kids, 4x more common in blacks, usually during early puberty, when the physis active. Obesity and endocrinopathies are risk factors
- How do you diagnose? Get an xray—but note that the complaint may be KNEE pain!
- How do you treat? Pin it in situ
- Why do you treat? Prevent progression, symptom relief. Most doctors do not attempt to relocate the epiphysis, fearing further damage to the blood supply.
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