Three cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in one family

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a relatively common disorder of the hip that affects children in late childhood and early adolescence, with an incidence in the United States of approximately 10 per 100,000. Although the diagnosis and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been well described, the search for its cause and a method of early identification continues. Recent publications have suggested that there is a familial association among individuals with slipped capital femoral epiphysis, but there is no current genetic marker established for the disorder. This article reports a series of 3 biologically related Caucasian sisters who were athletic; had body mass indices <26 kg/m2; had no record of any hormonal imbalances or endocrine abnormalities; had good nutrition; and presented with atypical characteristics of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. This is the first report of a series of 3 sisters with slipped capital femoral epiphysis in the United States. Our goals were to document our experience in the identification and treatment of these patients to highlight the complexities of slipped capital femoral epiphysis presentation patterning, to increase the awareness and reporting of familial cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis by other physicians, and to encourage additional research in this area. As clinicians progress in the ability to diagnose and treat patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis, they also must be mindful of the varying presentation characteristics.