What is Skiffy in the hip?
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What is Skiffy in the hip?
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE; pronounced “skiffy”) is when the top of the thighbone slips out of place. To understand SCFE, it helps to know a little about what the hip joint looks like. The top part of the thighbone is shaped like a ball (femoral head). It fits into the hip socket.
What causes Skiffy?
The exact cause of SCFE is not known. There are, however, many factors that are associated with this condition. These factors lead to weakening of the growth plate (also called the “physis”) which then causes the femoral head (ball of the femur) to slip off the neck of the femur. Obesity is a major risk factor.
Does SCFE cause pain?
Symptoms of SCFE typically include complaints of pain in the groin or hip that is aggravated by activity. Sometimes the child will also experience pain in the thigh or knee area. In acute or unstable slips, the child will complain of immediate pain, limp, or feel like the leg is “giving way.”
What is the difference between SCFE and SUFE?
SCFE/ SUFE – Slipped Epiphysis Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) or Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) relates to the slipping of the neck of the femur (thighbone) within the socket (acetabulum). SCFE is a condition that appears to be on the increase in the UK and worldwide.
What does SCFE pain feel like?
With a stable SCFE, a person feels stiffness or pain in the knee or groin area. A stable SCFE usually causes the person to limp and walk with the foot turned outward. The pain and the limp typically tend to come and go, worsening with activity and getting better with rest.
Is SCFE considered a fracture?
A SCFE is actually a fracture of the growth plate. The fracture is usually a fairly stable one, and the slippage occurs very slowly.
How is SCFE treated?
SCFE is always treated with surgery to stabilize the growth plate that slipped. But even before the surgery, the doctor will try to prevent any further slipping by encouraging rest and the use of crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
Is SCFE a fracture?
Can you walk after SCFE surgery?
After surgery to fix a SCFE, the child will need to walk with crutches for 6 to 8 weeks. The child may be referred to a physical therapist for treatment during recovery. Follow-up is vital every 3 to 4 months for the next several years to recheck the treated hip.
Is SUFE an emergency?
If your child has groin, hip, thigh and/or knee pain, see your GP. If your child has all of the symptoms of SUFE (above), make sure they do not place any weight on either leg (they should be carried, or use a wheelchair), and go to a hospital emergency department as soon as possible.
Can SUFE be missed?
If the diagnosis of SUFE is delayed or missed, the condition can cause complications like osteonecrosis of the femoral head, chondrolysis, residual proximal femoral deformity, leg length discrepancy, degenerative arthritis and femoral-acetabular impingement in later life [4,5].
What is SCFE surgery?
Treatment for SCFE involves surgery to stop the head of the femur from slipping any further. To achieve the best outcome, it is important to be diagnosed as quickly as possible.
What is the recovery time for SCFE surgery?
In general, expect that your child will need crutches or a walker for up to about four weeks after surgery for stable SCFE and for at least six to eight weeks for unstable SCFE. Your child will work with a physical therapist to help strengthen leg and hip muscles and improve range of motion.
How long does it take to recover from SUFE surgery?
Your child won’t be able to stand with all their weight on the affected side for about six weeks, and will need to use crutches or a wheelchair for that time. Your child will need to stay home from kindergarten or school until advised by your child’s surgeon.
How common is SUFE?
SUFE is relatively common and occurs between 0.2 and 10 per 100,000 population. It is more common in boys (60%) than girls with the mean age at diagnosis being 13.5 years in boys and 12 years in girls. Approximately 50% of adolescents with SUFE are above the 95th percentile for weight.
