Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

• Description: A hip disorder common in adolescents where the head of the thighbone slips off the neck of the bone at the growth plate.
• Symptoms: Persistent hip, groin, thigh, or knee pain, a noticeable limp, and a limited range of motion in the hip.
• Causes: Weakening of the growth plate due to rapid physical growth combined with biomechanical stress on the hip joint.
• Risk Factors: Being a teenager (especially boys aged 10-16), rapid growth spurts, obesity, and endocrine or metabolic conditions.
• Diagnosis: Confirmed through physical examination, specialized hip mobility tests, and pelvic/hip X-rays.
• Treatment: Prompt surgical stabilization (typically using a screw to fix the growth plate) to prevent further slippage and preserve hip function.