When is fracture fixation surgery recommended for slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, or SCFE, affects the growth plate between the top of the thighbone and the hip ball. The head of the thighbone shifts relative to the neck, which can cause hip, groin, thigh, or referred knee pain and a limp. It can occur gradually or suddenly. Because putting weight through the hip may allow more movement at the growth plate, doctors usually restrict weight-bearing and arrange urgent orthopaedic assessment. Fixation commonly uses a screw to hold the hip in position; the exact approach depends on stability, imaging, and the condition of both hips.

Stop sports and keep the child or teenager off the affected leg until an orthopaedic team gives instructions. Use crutches or a wheelchair only as advised, and do not attempt to force the hip straight. Tell the team about pain in the other hip as well. Follow post-operative limits carefully, because return to walking, school activities, and sport is staged around healing and hip strength.

Seek emergency assessment for sudden severe hip or thigh pain, inability to stand, a newly shortened or turned-out leg, or pain with fever or feeling very unwell. A child with a persistent limp and hip, thigh, or knee pain should be assessed promptly rather than encouraged to walk it off.

Ask whether the slip is stable, whether the other hip needs imaging, how much weight the child may place on the leg, what screw plan is proposed, and how follow-up will monitor hip growth and movement.