What Causes Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis?

Obesity

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is rare, with an incidence of ten cases per 100,000 males. Childhood obesity, defined by the Center For Disease Control as a body mass index in the ninety-fifth percentile or above. This risk factor is the strongest indicator for SCFE, increasing the risk of developing it twenty times the normal rate. Research concludes sixty-three percent of children diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis have a weight in the ninetieth percentile or above. It is believed the additional weight results in aberrant stressors on the hip joint. When this is coupled with additional risks, it is strong enough to alter the impact on the growth plate, causing it to slip over time or with minimal trauma. Childhood obesity is directly correlated to metabolic changes, endocrine dysfunction and other individual causes themselves of SCFE. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is associated with complications such as avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and early-onset degenerative changes to the hip. All children with potential SCFE should be evaluated thoroughly by a highly qualified health professional. Radiographic imaging of the hip and pelvis can be utilized to confirm diagnosis and tailor treatment.