Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Abstract

DescriptionSlipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most important paediatric and adolescent hip disorders referring to a fracture through the physis (the growth plate) which results in slippage of the overlying epiphysis. On plain radiographs, the femoral head is seen displaced, posteriorly and inferiorly in relation to the femoral neck and within the confi nes of the acetabulum. Several parameters are implicated in the pathogenesis of SCFE the main being duration of symptoms, stability of the hip, percentage of slipping. On the base of these parameters SCFE is classifi ed in several manners: Classifi cation Based on Symptoms DurationThis traditional classifi cation system is based on symptom duration:• Acute : Symptoms lasting less than 3 weeks • Chronic : Symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks • Acute-on-chronic : Symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks with a sudden onset of increased pain and irritation.The traditional classifi cation of slips as acute or chronic alone is misleading because it does not take into account the stability of the hip, which is highly predictive of the development of AVN.