Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip disorder suffered by adolescents where the femur slips away from the ball (femoral head). As children in teens and pre-teens are usually affected by this disorder, it causes severe complications including osteonecrosis (death of bone) and osteoarthritis, when not detected and treated at early stages.
So how can parents detect Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) early? Do not worry, this blog is here to help.
The top orthopaedic & best hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr Niraj Vora will help improve your awareness about Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) in this blog today. Read on: know the symptoms, causes and Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis treatment options in Mumbai.
What causes Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?
Medical researchers are still on the lookout for the exact cause of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. However, like every other disorder, SCFE also has a set of risk factors that are found to increase the risk of developing this hip disorder according to the best hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr Niraj Vora. These risk factors include:
- Injury to the hip joint
- Obesity or overweight
- Kidney disorders
- Hereditary factors
- Endocrine disorders – growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism & hyperthyroidism,
What are the symptoms of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)?
The risk of developing SCFE increases when the above conditions happen to a child in teen or pre-teen years. And this SCFE can happen in two ways i.e. there are two types of SCFE. The symptoms of SCFE depend on the specific type of SCFE.
Stable SCFE: Stable SCFE causes pain and stiffness in the hip joint and cause the child to walk with foot forward or even a limp to compensate for the disorder. This pain can be intermittent and get worsen with activity. However, the child will still be able to walk with the help of crutches.
Unstable SCFE: Unstable SCFE is a severe type of SCFE where the child may not able to walk on the affected side, even with the help of support. This specific type of SCFE is much more painful and severe and may even lead to blood restriction to the hip joint and death of tissue.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) in Mumbai:
After conducting physical exam and imaging studies (X-ray, in some cases MRI), an orthopaedic diagnoses the type, severity and begins the treatment for SCFE.
The treatment goal for SCFE is to repair the slippage and prevent the femoral head from further slipping. So an orthopaedic may use a screw to connect the femur with the femoral head, in some cases, the bone is realigned before using making the connection. In rare cases, the orthopaedic surgeon may also use the screw to avoid slippage at the other hip joint. Post the surgery the child is recommended to avoid putting weight on the operated leg and is given walking support or crutches.
If you are looking for more information about Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis or would like to have a second opinion, a top orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai Dr Niraj Vora is here to help: +91-22-6686 8600