Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, also written SCFE or slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE), and historically called coxa vara adolescentium, is a fracture through the growth plate of the thigh bone that lets the neck of the femur slip forward and rotate outward. The name is a misnomer, because the epiphysis stays in its normal place in the hip socket held by the ligamentum teres femoris, and it is the metaphysis that moves. It is described as the most common hip disorder of adolescence. It usually causes groin pain on the affected side, sometimes with knee or thigh pain, and about one case in five involves both hips. It is slightly more common in adolescent males, especially young black males, and the major risk factor is childhood obesity. Hip motion, particularly internal rotation, is limited. This entry is a reference record and not medical advice.