Growth and pubertal development in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a longitudinal study.

In 15 boys and eight girls with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), height, weight, body proportions, and skeletal and sexual maturation were assessed prospectively. A significant preponderance of relatively long legs was found in boys and girls and of relatively high body weights in boys; otherwise, growth and maturation were not different from those of normal children. The time of occurrence of SCFE was most closely related to bone age and the peak of the growth spurt. If one considers growth and maturation the most sensitive indicators of a well-functioning endocrine system, there is no indication to assume in general an endocrine disorder as the cause of SCFE.