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.

What happens if SCFE goes untreated?

Untreated SCFE may result in progressive deformity and pain, destabilization of the femoral epiphysis, and decreased range of motion of the hip joint.

How is SCFE treated?

Treatment. 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.