What is the best treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

SCFE is always treated with surgery to stabilize the growth plate that slipped. But even before the surgery, the doctor will try to prevent any further slipping by encouraging rest and the use of crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected leg.

How do you rule out a slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

SCFE is diagnosed through physical exam including rotation of the affected leg, observation while walking and X-rays. A MRI may be ordered if the diagnosis is not able to be made with X-rays and your healthcare provider still suspects your child has SCFE.

What are the signs and symptoms of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

Symptoms of SCFE typically include complaints of pain in the groin or hip that is aggravated by activity. Sometimes the child will also experience pain in the thigh or knee area. In acute or unstable slips, the child will complain of immediate pain, limp, or feel like the leg is “giving way.”

Is slipped capital femoral epiphysis a disability?

SCFE occurs through the unfused growth plate of the proximal femur where the femoral head slips posteriorly on the femoral neck. Serious consequences of the problem, such as gait disturbance, post-traumatic arthritis, chondrolysis and osteonecrosis of the femoral head can occur, leading to lifelong disability.

Can SCFE happen again?

In SCFE, the “ball” (called the epiphysis) slips off of the top part of the femur, almost the way a scoop of ice cream might slip off a cone. Sometimes this happens suddenly — after a fall or sports injury, for example. But it can also happen gradually, with no previous injury.

Is hip pinning permanent?

The metal pieces hold the bone together while it heals, and they stay in the leg permanently.

How soon can I walk after hip pinning?

You may be able to walk on your own in 4 to 6 weeks. Until then, you will need crutches or a walker. After that, you may need to walk with a cane. Ask your doctor when you can drive again.

Is hip pinning painful?

Sometimes the pins migrate into the joint space as the bone around the pin collapses, which destroys the hip joint cartilage and results in groin pain. Sometimes the pins migrate outside of the bone and irritate soft tissue which can also cause hip symptoms.