Slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Purpose of review Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a common adolescent hip disorder. Management of chronic, stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis with in-situ screw fixation has been well defined, but controversy exists regarding management of the unstable hip disorder, the indications for prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip and the role of osteotomy in the management of residual deformity. Recent findings Recent developments in the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management of this hip disorder are reviewed. The importance of early diagnosis, the relationship of body mass index, the predictors for bilaterality and the role for osteotomies are reviewed and compared. Summary The information in this review will help clinicians identify patients at risk, understand the need for prompt diagnosis and recommend the appropriate management for both stable and unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Further research is needed to better define the role of osteotomy in this disorder.