In slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the very top of the thighbone (called the femoral head) slips out of line with the rest of the thighbone, causing a weakened hip joint. More to Know The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, which means that the rounded end of one bone (in this case, the "ball" of the thighbone) fits into the hollow of another bone (the pelvis). Ball-and-socket joints offer the greatest range of movement of all types of joints, which is why you can move your legs forward, backward, and all around. In kids and teens who are still growing, there is also a growth plate at the top of the thighbone (femur), just under the "ball" portion of the joint. This is called the physis, and it's made out of cartilage, which is weaker than bone. The job of the physis is to connect the femoral head (the "ball") to the femur while still allowing the bone to lengthen and grow. When someone has SCFE, the epiphysis slips off of the top part of the femur, almost the way a scoop of ice cream might slip off a cone. Sometimes this happens suddenly — after a fall or sports injury, for example. But it can also happen gradually, with no previous injury. Keep in Mind SCFE is always treated with surgery to stabilize the bone that slipped. But even before the surgery, the doctor will try to prevent any further slippage by recommending rest and the use of crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected leg. During surgery, the doctor stabilizes the top of the thighbone by inserting one or more screws. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a shift at the upper part of the thighbone, or femur, that results in a weakened hip joint. Fortunately, when caught early, most cases of SCFE can be treated successfully. Read More Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) A good, stable connection at your hip joint is what lets you walk, run, make that jump shot, and shake it on the dance floor. But in some teens – particularly those who are obese – the hip joint is weakened by slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement. Read More Bursitis Bursitis, an irritation of the small fluid sacs that provide cushioning in some joints, is often caused by sports-related injuries or repeated use of a particular joint. Read More Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Babies can be born with this hip problem or develop it soon after birth. Early treatment can help the hip joint grow normally. Read More Hip Pointer Most hip pointer injuries can be easily treated and heal in their own time. Find out what to do in this article for teens. Read More X-Ray Exam: Hip A hip X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint. Read More Dealing With Sports Injuries You practiced hard and made sure you wore protective gear, but you still got hurt. Read this article to find out how to take care of sports injuries - and how to avoid getting them. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.