Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in a 31-Year-Old Male

Abstract

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is considered a disease of adolescence where the open proximal femoral physis displaces. Factors associated with SCFE include trauma, elevated BMI, and certain endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, hyperparathyroidism, and hypogonadism. We are presenting a case of a 31 year old Caucasian male with a SCFE. His severe hypothyroidism and resulting hypogonadism caused the persistence of an open proximal femoral physis. He was treated with in-situ pinning of the symptomatic side as well as prophylactic pinning of the contralateral side by an orthopaedic surgeon. His endocrinopathy was identified and treated by an endocrinologist. We detail his clinical experience at our institution. SCFE is a common condition found in adolescents, but can occur in any patient that has an open physis. If an open physis is found in an adult, an endocrine disorder is usually present.