Slipped Upper femoral epiphysisLong bones have areas where rapid growth can occur. In the femur there are two areas, the upper and lower femoral epiphysis. During the growth spurt (between the ages of 10 and 12) the upper femoral epiphysis is active and the cartilage in this area is thicker and mechanically weaker than the surrounding femoral bone. Occasionally a fracture can occur through this weak area separating the growth zone. This requires surgery to fix the fracture with screws. Often a slight deformity at the region of the fracture can persist into adulthood and this may be one cause for femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI)(FIG 12) | |
