Epidemiology of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in Nigeria: a 3-year review of a regional orthopedic center

Background
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a disorder of the proximal femur in adolescents. Very few studies have been carried out on SCFE in Nigeria, and the epidemiology of SCFE is poorly understood. Investigating the epidemiology of SCFE in Nigeria is an important step towards developing a comprehensive understanding of its burden and distribution within this population.
Patients and methods
This was a retrospective cohort study using data obtained from electronic medical records in the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. The inclusion criteria were all patients diagnosed with SCFE between May 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.
Results
Sixty-seven case notes obtained from electronic medical records met the criteria for this study, with an age range of 9–16 years and a mean age of 11.88 years (SD 1.62). Twenty-nine (43.28%) children had a history of trauma at the onset of symptoms, and six (8.95%) children had an incident of trauma after the onset of symptoms. There was no significant variability in the month of the onset of pain.
Conclusion
The findings reveal a male predominance, with an average age of onset around 12 years and a higher incidence in the left hip compared to the right. A significant proportion of patients had a history of preceding trauma, underscoring the potential role of mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of SCFE. Furthermore, the study highlights the challenges of timely diagnosis, with many patients presenting months after the onset of symptoms and receiving prior over-the-counter medications.