Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Why is my child limping?


​If your child has been diagnosed with a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, an experienced pediatric physiotherapist at Active Solution Physiotherapy Verdun will develop treatment specifically for your child.
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT CAUSES IT?
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
WHAT IS IT?
SCFE is a fracture at the growth plate in the hip between the head and neck of the long thigh bone called the femur.  This causes slippage of the shaft of the femur away from its head.  It is the most common hip problem in adolescents, occurring mostly during the adolescent growth spurt, from age 9 to 16.  It's more common in boys than girls.

Some signs and symptoms that your child may have SCFES include:
  • ​Walking with a limp
  • Pain in hip, groin, thigh, or knee
  • Limited hip movements (ie. foot and knee tends point outwards, difficulty pointing toes inwards)

WHAT CAUSES IT?
The exact cause of SCFE is unclear. In rare cases, it may result from a trauma, however, most children do not remember a specific traumatic event.  It is more likely that the slippage occurs as a result of forces involved during regular movement, such as walking and running. 

While the cause may be unknown, some risk factors have been identified:
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Kidney disorders
  • Structural/chemical abnormalities in the growth plates
  • Obesity
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
If you observe signs or symptoms you suspect to be abnormal in your child, an evaluation by a pediatric physiotherapists at Active Solution Physiotherapy Verdun can help identify the condition.  The primary goal of treatment is to stop further slippage and it is most effectively treated by surgical intervention.  Physiotherapy is important after surgery to regain strength and hip mobility in order to return to full participation in activities.

Be Your Own Solution!

Call us at (514)767-6858 or click below!​
If you have any questions regarding how pediatric physiotherapy can help, please do not hesitate to contact us by filling out this form.
references
Song, Kit M MD, Staheli, Lynn T MD. (2007). Pediatric Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc.
Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.