SCFE
Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology
| Stands for | Slipped capital femoral epiphysis |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SCFE stands for Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.
Hip disorder of adolescents in which the femoral head slips backward off the neck of the femur through the growth plate. It typically affects overweight children aged about 10 to 16 and is treated urgently with screw fixation to prevent further slipping.
Example: 13-year-old with knee pain and limp, frog-leg X-ray shows left SCFE; non-weight-bearing and surgery today.
Usage notes
Pronounced "SKIFF-ee". Pain is often felt in the knee or thigh rather than the hip, so the diagnosis is easily missed if only the knee is examined. A large share of cases eventually involve both hips. Unstable slips, in which the child cannot walk, carry a high risk of avascular necrosis.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.