Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)

If your child experiences hip problems they may have SCFE. It is more common in adolescents who are still growing. It is when the head of the thigh bone (femur) moves backwards of the neck of the bone. Our paediatric orthopaedic consultants can make a diagnosis and treat them.

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About SCFE

SCFE can occur as a result of growth spurts, a traumatic fall or excessive weight issues. It is this movement or trauma that causes the top of femur to move backwards. Your child may complain of pain in the hip at first which develops gradually over time into stiffness and instability in the affected hip. It affects both boys and girls, from the ages of 10 to 16 years.

Once your child is referred to a paediatric orthopaedic consultant they can be assessed to determine whether surgery may be required. Diagnosis requires an X-ray and at The Portland Hospital, the team has a low radiation x-ray scanner.

If surgery is required, post procedure your child will be on crutches. Your child will benefit from physiotherapy as the exercises will help strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve the hip's range of motion. Your child will need to refrain from sports for a while whilst the hip joint and leg muscles regain strength.

Need to know

Symptoms of SCFE include:

  • Sudden pain resultant from a fall
  • External rather than internal rotation of you child's affected leg
  • Inability to walk freely
  • The affected leg may appear shorter than the other

Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. They will carry out a physical examination. This is to assess if pain is experienced in your child's hip motion. Your consultant will also observe if there gait is irregular (the way they walk). An X-ray will help determine whether a procedure is needed.

The aim of surgery is to prevent further slipping of the femoral head (the ball that rests on the hip socket). Procedure options include:

  • In situ fixation for stable SCFE (still able to walk freely). Your child's surgeon will make a small incision at the hip. A metal screw is inserted in the femoral head to stabilise it.
  • In situ fixation in the opposite hip. This will take place if your child's other hip is at risk of SCFE.
  • Open reduction for unstable SCFE (can't walk freely). An open incision is made at the hip. The femoral head is moved back to its natural position. One or two metal screws will be inserted to hold the bone in place.

Paediatric centres across the UK

You and your child can visit our paediatric orthopaedic consultants at The Portland Hospital. Some of our orthopaedic consultants and paediatricians can also be seen at our clinics in Chiswick, Golders Green, Elstree and at The Shard at London Bridge.
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Urgent Care Centre for Children at The Portland Hospital

Urgent Care Centre for Children at The Portland Hospital

234 Great Portland Street W1W 5QT London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.