Which statement best describes the age and condition most commonly associated with SCFE?

Which statement best describes the age and condition most commonly associated with SCFE?

• A. It occurs primarily in infants.
• B. It is most common in adults over 60.
• C. It commonly affects adolescents around 10-15 years with obesity.
• D. It exclusively occurs after skeletal maturity.

Answer: (C)

SCFE happens when the growth plate at the top of the femur is still open and weak, so the femoral head can slip posteriorly under shear forces. It most often occurs during puberty, around ages 10–15, and obesity increases the risk by adding stress across the physis. That combination—adolescence with obesity—best fits the description of the condition’s common age and state. Infants and older adults are not the typical groups affected, and after skeletal maturity the growth plate has closed, making a Slip unlikely. So the statement describing adolescents around 10–15 years with obesity is the best fit.

SCFE happens when the growth plate at the top of the femur is still open and weak, so the femoral head can slip posteriorly under shear forces. It most often occurs during puberty, around ages 10–15, and obesity increases the risk by adding stress across the physis. That combination—adolescence with obesity—best fits the description of the condition’s common age and state.

Infants and older adults are not the typical groups affected, and after skeletal maturity the growth plate has closed, making a Slip unlikely. So the statement describing adolescents around 10–15 years with obesity is the best fit.