Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis means that the end of the femur - the epiphysis - has slipped out of position with respect to the diaphysis - the long part of the bone. It usually occurs at the start of the pubertal growth spurt and causes pain (which may be felt in the knee) and a limp. Surgery is required to realign the epiphysis. It may be complicated by the development of avascular necrosis, and pre-dispose to the early development of osteoarthritis, described in bones and joints in the adult section.
 
 
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