Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: clinical presentation, diagnostic procedure and classification

Background Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a frequent chronic and often bilateral atraumatic slippage of the epiphysis relative to the femoral neck in adolescence. The success of the treatment depends on the extent of the slippage and possible complications. Objectives Review on current trends in clinical examination and diagnostic imaging protocols. Commonly used imaging techniques, methods of measuring the slippage and treatment-relevant classification schemes are presented. Materials and methods An overview on the clinical findings, the diagnostic procedures and the classification of SCFE based on relevant study results and experience gained in our daily clinical practice. Results Early diagnosis of SCFE is essential, as a delay in diagnosis regularly leads to an increase in slippage with an increased risk of subsequent damage to the blood vessels, which can lead to irreversible damage of the joint. Symptoms and findings are frequently subtle and nonspecific, often leading to delay in diagnosis and treatment and, consequently, to the manifestation of massive deformities. X-ray imaging is the primary imaging modality, whereas MRI, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are helpful in surgical planning and prognostic evaluation. Postoperatively, they provide information on short and long-term complications. Discussion The delay in the diagnosis of SCFE is still present in the literature as well as in our own patient population, indicating that a repeated, consistent training on this topic is essential to prevent harm to patients. Whether patients benefit from advanced imaging techniques such as MRI or CT is questionable and should be screened case by case.