BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is believed to be associated with
childhood obesity, although the strength of the association is unknown. METHODS: We
performed a cohort study using routine data from health screening examinations at primary
school entry (5–6 years old) in Scotland, linked to a nationwide hospital admissions
database. A subgroup had a further screening examination at primary school exit (11–12
years old). RESULTS: BMI was available for 597 017 children at 5 to 6 years old in school …

Background SCFE occurs when the capital femoral epiphysis (femoral head) displaces from
the femoral neck through the epiphyseal plate in children and adolescents. 6 The
epiphyseal plate is located between the epiphysis and metaphysis. 5 The blood vessels that
supply the epiphysis could be torn or pinched if there is movement at the epiphyseal plate.
This can result in a loss of the blood supply to the epiphysis, which if left untreated can lead
to death of the bone tissue and further deformity, a condition called avascular necrosis. 5 …