[Children with hip pain should be seen by a specialist].

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a relatively rare growth disturbance in the proximal femoral growth plate. It results in posterior displacement of the femoral head. Symptoms are an intermittent hip, knee or groin pain, which is exacerbated by sports, giving restricted hip motion, and sometimes a limping gait with out-toeing. SCFE is typically seen in overweight boys, but may also occur in normal-weight teenage girls. Early image diagnostic assessment of both hips is crucial, since slip severity and consequently the risk of disabling complications are strongly correlated to late diagnosis.