Gl. Pellecchia et al., DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVALUATION OF THIGH PAIN IN AN ADOLESCENT BOY, The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 23(1), 1996, pp. 51-55
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the adolesc
ent hip in which the femoral head displaces relative to the femoral ne
ck. This disorder is characterized by a synovitis of the hip joint or
a mechanical limitation of motion with pain referred to the thigh or k
nee. The case described in this report is typical of an adolescent wit
h SCFE. A brief review of epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentatio
n, and treatment is presented to facilitate the physical therapist's k
nowledge of this condition and its proper management Delay in diagnosi
s and treatment of SCFE may result in progression of the slip and chro
nic disability from osteoarthritis. It is imperative, therefore, that
a patient suspected of having this condition be promptly referred to a
n orthopaedic surgeon for radiographic evaluation.