DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVALUATION OF THIGH PAIN IN AN ADOLESCENT BOY

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.