Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in an obese teenager.

Adolescents are especially prone to develop slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Hormonal changes in puberty, obesity, and hypogonadism suggest that endocrine dysfunction is a contributing factor. SCFE may be one of the most common disorders affecting the hip, yet the diagnosis is often missed or delayed as a result of inappropriate initial evaluation, as occurred in this report of a 13-year-old boy. Timely recognition and, typically, surgical intervention are critical to forestall progression and to prevent further complications.