Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Pathogenesis and Its Relation to Obesity—Where Do We Stand? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common adolescent hip disorder in children 9–15 years old with an incidence that ranges from 0.33:100,000 to 24.58:100,000. Idiopathic SCFE is strongly associated with obesity, while atypical SCFE is associated with endocrinopathies, metabolic and renal disease, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In this review, we summarized the current data regarding the pathogenesis of SCFE and its association to obesity. In the last years, there have been increasing evidence regarding the implication of obesity in the pathogenesis of SCFE, but no definitive mechanism has been proven. The etiology is probably multifactorial, with both mechanical and metabolic factors contributing to the disease, with the later gaining more ground, especially in obese patients. Understanding what causes the disease will help paediatricians and orthopaedists develop more efficient strategies for treating patients and diminishing complication rates.