SLIPPED CAPITAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS

This refers to chronic fracture of the epiphyseal growth plate known as a slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The capital (head of the femur) must sit squarely on the femoral neck. Emergency movement along the growth plate results in the slip. Often this condition will gift in prepubescent males with an insidious onset of thigh or knee pain with a painful limp. Hip motion will be limited, particularly inside rotation. Consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon is necessary to repair this problem. Untreated cases can result in serious growth abnormalities and permanent disability.