pediatrics
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
Diagnosis of SCFE
Plain x-rays Sometimes MRI or ultrasonography Because treatment of advanced slippage is difficult, early diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis is vital. Anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral x-rays of both hips are taken. X-rays show widening of the epiphyseal line or apparent posterior and inferior displacement of the femoral head. To help determine displacement, Klein lines are drawn on the x-ray on the superior border of the femoral neck. The femoral head will be below the Klein line on the affected side, whereas a significant portion of the femoral head will be above the Klein line on the unaffected side. Ultrasonography and MRI are also useful, especially if x-rays are normal. 