Medical Health Encyclopedia

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Femoral fracture
Femoral fracture
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Definition

A slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a separation of the ball of the hip joint from the thigh bone (femur) at the upper growing end (growth plate) of the bone.


Alternative Names

Femoral epiphysis - slipped


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A slipped capital femoral epiphysis may affect both hips.

An epiphysis is an area at the end of a long bone that is separated from the main part of the bone by the physeal plate (growth plate). In this condition, a displacement occurs in the upper epiphysis while the bone is still growing.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs in about 2 out of every 100,000 children. It is more common in growing children ages 11 to 15, especially boys, It is also more common in children who are obese, and in children who are growing rapidly. Children with hormone imbalances caused by other conditions are at particular risk for this disorder.



Review Date: 11/12/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




Find a Therapist
PR Newswire