SCFE surgery: what to expect

An active slip can worsen when the leg bears weight, so the surgical aim is to hold the femoral head in a safe position and protect the hip from additional displacement. The surgeon selects the fixation approach after considering whether the child can walk, the slip’s position, symptoms, imaging, and the status of the opposite hip. In many cases, a screw is placed across the growth plate through a small incision. More complex or unstable presentations may need a different plan. The team will explain the intended benefit, possible risks, anaesthetic arrangements, and alternatives for the individual child.

Before surgery, follow instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and arrival time. Arrange transport and a way to avoid stairs or weight-bearing after discharge. The team may provide crutches or another mobility aid. Keep the wound clean as instructed, give only advised medicines, and attend scheduled reviews. Do not return to physical education, running, or jumping until the surgeon confirms that healing and hip function support a gradual progression. Physiotherapy may help restore movement and strength once the fixation is secure.

After surgery, seek urgent advice for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, new numbness, or a foot that becomes cold or changes colour. Before surgery, emergency assessment is appropriate if the child suddenly cannot walk or has rapidly worsening pain. Keep the surgical team’s contact instructions available because the timing of review matters when symptoms change.

Ask which fixation is planned, how much weight the child may place on the leg, and whether the other hip needs monitoring or treatment. Clarify wound care, bathing, school arrangements, follow-up imaging, physiotherapy, and the signs of a problem with the wound or foot.