Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis?
A primary care doctor often notices the first signs and orders the first X-rays. Once the problem is confirmed, the child is usually sent to an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in operating on bones and joints. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a hip problem that happens in growing children. The top of the thighbone is a rounded ball that fits into the hip socket. During growth spurts, this ball can slip out of place at the growth plate, the soft cartilage near the end of a growing bone. The leg may then turn outward.
Symptoms
The most common sign is hip pain, though some children feel it in the groin, thigh, or only in the knee. The child may limp, and the leg on the sore side may turn outward or look shorter. The pain may come on slowly over weeks or start suddenly.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not always know why the slip happens. It is most common during the early teen years, when bones grow quickly, and more often in children with obesity and in boys. Thyroid or growth hormone problems raise the chance. An injury can trigger a sudden slip.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will ask about the pain, watch how the child walks, and move the hip to see how far it bends and turns. X-rays are the main test used to confirm the problem. Sometimes doctors order an MRI to look for early changes.
Treatment
Treatment almost always involves surgery. The most common operation uses a metal screw to hold the ball of the thighbone in place so it cannot slip further. The child stays off the leg while it heals. Catching the problem early usually leads to better outcomes.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a child has hip, thigh, or knee pain lasting more than a few days, or limps and cannot put weight on one leg. Sudden severe pain with no ability to walk needs care right away, because the slip can get worse with time.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be a good first stop for a child with hip pain, and longer visits make it easier to examine the hip carefully. These doctors can order X-rays and refer the child to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon when needed.
Common questions
Can a slipped capital femoral epiphysis heal without surgery?
No, surgery is the standard treatment because the bone needs to be held in place while it heals. Rest alone does not stop the slip from getting worse in most cases.
Will my child walk normally again?
Many children return to normal walking and activities after recovery, but results differ from person to person. Children with severe slips have a higher chance of long-term hip problems.
Can it happen in both hips?
Yes, it can affect the other hip, sometimes months or years later. Doctors often watch the other hip closely during follow-up visits.
Is the pain always in the hip?
No, some children only feel pain in the thigh or even the knee. This is why knee pain in a growing teen sometimes needs a hip exam.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
- NCBI Bookshelf - Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
