Adolescent Female Patient with Hip Pain: Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

SCFE is the most common hip disorder affecting the young age between 8 and 16 year old. The prevalence of SCFE is 10 per 100,000 children. The incidence of SCFE is more on boys than girls.

We would like to report a case of SCFE with different clinical presentation. A 13-year-old girl presented with the history of pain in the left hip for 1 year and limping for 4 months. The left hip pain became worsened over the last few months together with development of the limping. The pain was also associated with stiffness of the left hip joint and she was unable to squat on the left side. Physical examination including ROM (Range of Movement) and orthopaedic testing were done. X ray and CT scan were done. Patient was diagnosed with SCFE.

The patient was subsequently treated successfully with In situ fixation. The small incision was made near the left hip and the slipped femoral head was gently rotated and then a screw was inserted to stabilize the bones in their places.

This case is selected for reporting because the incidence of SCFE in girls lower than boys and unusual presentation in this patient because the patient came to hospital after one year and 4 months.