The elusive slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is the most common disorder of the hip in young adolescents. Although it is not completely understood, predictive indicators give clues as to who is at risk. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis need not be painfully disabling. Many children are quite active during an active slip. Any child between the ages of 10 and 15 years presenting with thigh, knee, and/or hip pain and no special history of trauma should have a good hip examination to rule out slipped capital femoral epiphysis.