Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
A hip condition of older children and teenagers where the growth plate at the top of the thigh bone slips — needing prompt surgery to prevent lasting hip problems.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SUFE)?
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE or SUFE) is a hip condition that affects older children and adolescents, typically around the age of puberty (roughly 10 to 16 years). It occurs when the ball at the top of the thigh bone slips backwards through the growth plate (the area of developing bone near the top of the femur), a bit like a scoop of ice cream slipping off a cone.
- How it is treated: SCFE is treated as a matter of some urgency, usually with surgery to stabilise the hip and stop the growth plate slipping further — most commonly by placing a screw across the growth plate to hold it in position.
- Self-care: Following post-operative advice and activity limits, attending follow-up (including monitoring of the other hip), and managing weight where relevant all support recovery.
- When to seek help: See a doctor promptly about an older child or teenager with a limp and hip, groin, thigh or knee pain, or reluctance to bear weight — remember hip problems can cause knee pain.
What it is
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE or SUFE) is a hip condition that affects older children and adolescents, typically around the age of puberty (roughly 10 to 16 years). It occurs when the ball at the top of the thigh bone slips backwards through the growth plate (the area of developing bone near the top of the femur), a bit like a scoop of ice cream slipping off a cone. It is more common in boys, in children who are overweight, and around growth spurts. Symptoms include a limp and pain in the hip, groin, thigh or knee (the pain is often felt in the knee, which can be misleading), and the leg may turn outwards or the child may be reluctant to bear weight. It can come on gradually or, less commonly, suddenly (for example after a minor injury). It needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further slipping and protect the hip.
How it is treated
SCFE is treated as a matter of some urgency, usually with surgery to stabilise the hip and stop the growth plate slipping further — most commonly by placing a screw across the growth plate to hold it in position. Prompt treatment gives the best chance of a good outcome and reduces the risk of complications, including damage to the blood supply of the femoral head and later hip problems. Because it can affect the other hip too, the other side is monitored (and sometimes treated preventively in certain situations). After surgery, activity is limited for a time and the child is followed up as they grow. Managing any contributing factors, such as weight, is part of care. Because a limping teenager with hip or knee pain may have SCFE, prompt assessment is important, as delay can worsen the slip and the outlook.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SUFE)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Following post-operative advice and activity limits, attending follow-up (including monitoring of the other hip), and managing weight where relevant all support recovery. The key practical point is prompt assessment of a limping child or teenager with hip or knee pain.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly about an older child or teenager with a limp and hip, groin, thigh or knee pain, or reluctance to bear weight — remember hip problems can cause knee pain. Seek urgent care if the child suddenly cannot bear weight after minor injury.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SUFE): frequently asked questions
Who gets a slipped upper femoral epiphysis?
It typically affects older children and teenagers around puberty (about 10–16 years), more commonly boys and children who are overweight. It involves the growth plate at the top of the thigh bone slipping, and needs prompt treatment.
Why does SCFE need prompt treatment?
Because prompt surgery to stabilise the hip stops it slipping further and gives the best outcome, reducing the risk of complications such as damage to the femoral head's blood supply and later hip problems. Delay can worsen the slip.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Hip problems in children
- British Orthopaedic Association guidance
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.