Our 13-year old daughter has been diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis. So far it’s only affecting her left hip. There’s been some talk about pinning the right hip to prevent it from slipping. Should we go ahead with this?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a condition that affects the hip in growing children. The growth center of the hip (the capital femoral epiphysis) slips backwards on the top of the femur (the thighbone).

Studies show that SCFE affects both hips in up to 63 percent of the cases. Pinning the unaffected side is one way to approach this problem. But there can be problems. Blood supply to the hip joint can get cut off. Bone destruction can occur around the pin used to hold the growth plate in place.

Some doctors suggest prophylactic (preventive) pinning only for children at high-risk for problems in both hips. This includes anyone with kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, or very young age when SCFE is diagnosed.

Since bilateral SCFE is linked with extreme obesity, weight loss and controlling weight gain are important factors to consider. Discuss your daughter’s risk factors with the doctor before making this decision. Ask about possible problems with and without this preventive step.