Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a hip injury that occurs in adolescents due to rapid bone growth, causing the head of the femur to slip or fracture. It can be caused by growth spurts, high-intensity sports, obesity, or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty supporting weight on the leg. Surgery is usually necessary, followed by physical therapy.
A slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a hip injury that typically occurs in adolescents shortly after puberty. The head of the femur slips or fractures at the base of the hip joint, causing it to move out of place. Several factors can contribute to a slipped capital femoral epiphysis, although the main cause is the rapid growth of the bones in the leg due to jerks and hormonal changes. The condition can be painful and in severe cases debilitating. Surgeons can usually push the femur back into place and secure it with specialized screws to aid in recovery.
The neck and head of a developing femur are connected by a growth plate which allows the bone to stretch and fit around the hip. When a slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs, the bone separates at the growth plate and shifts. While the head of the bone is still connected to the joint, the rest of the femur is pushed outward.
The growth plate is relatively weak and susceptible to injury. A growth spurt can put too much pressure on the area, leading to slippage. Adolescents who run tracks or play high-intensity sports are at increased risk of hamstring injuries due to chronic leg strain. Obesity and rheumatoid arthritis may also contribute to a slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
A teenager suffering from a slipped capital femoris is likely to have constant pain in the hip and knee, limited range of motion, and difficulty supporting weight on the leg. The hip usually feels stiff and very tender to the touch. Depending on the severity of the slip, the leg can obviously feel out of place. A slipped capital femoral epiphysis that is not detected and treated immediately can potentially cause permanent mobility problems.
An individual who suffers a sports injury or complains of hip pain should be taken to a doctor as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis. A doctor can examine your hip, ask about your symptoms, and take an X-ray of the joint to confirm a slip. Once your doctor has studied the location and severity of the lesion, you can discuss treatment options.
Treatment largely depends on the extent of bone damage and the severity of symptoms, but surgery is usually a necessity. A surgeon can remedy relatively minor slippage by manually forcing the bone into alignment and securing it to the growth plate with pins or screws. If the bone is completely separated and badly damaged, a surgeon may need to cut away a piece of the femoral neck and permanently fix the remaining tissue together with large pins. A patient typically needs to use crutches for several months to give the leg time to heal. Once he starts feeling better, physical therapy sessions can help rebuild strength and flexibility in the hip joint.
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