The adolescent with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is an orthopedic disorder that occurs primarily in individuals in their early teen years. The disorder is one that requires immediate hospitalization for treatment purposes. This article discusses the symptoms of the disorder and the various treatments that are available for preventing future disability for the early adolescent. Because the adolescent has special needs and a long recovery period, nursing interventions must not only help in the resolution of the immediate orthopedic problems, but also be directed toward promotion of normal adolescent growth and development.