Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Key concepts
SCFE overview
Proximal femoral physis failure with posteromedial epiphyseal displacement
Orthopedic emergency due to risk of avascular necrosis and chondrolysis
Stability-based risk
Stable
Ambulatory with or without crutches
Unstable
Unable to ambulate even with crutches
Immediate ED pathway
Time-critical priorities
Non-weight-bearing status
Wheelchair or stretcher only
Urgent orthopedic consultation
Same-day operative planning typical
NPO status if operative management likely
High suspicion plus imaging pending
High-risk features
Unstable SCFE pattern
Higher osteonecrosis risk
Severe pain with inability to bear weight
Treat as unstable until proven otherwise
Atypical age or body habitus
Age < 10 years
Age > 16 years
Height or weight below expected for age
Valgus slip pattern on imaging
Pitfalls to avoid
Manipulation or forceful reduction attempts
Increased AVN risk with forcible reduction
Frog-leg positioning when unstable suspected
Prefer cross-table lateral to limit displacement
Knee-only evaluation for knee pain complaint
Hip pathology commonly refers pain to knee
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.