What is the pathophysiology behind SCFE?

The pathophysiology of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) involves the displacement of the femoral head on the femoral neck. This typically occurs in adolescents when there is a disruption in the growth plate, resulting in the head of the femur slipping off the neck in a posterior and medial direction. This condition is often associated with factors such as obesity, hormonal changes, and mechanical stress on the hip joint, which can contribute to this abnormal displacement.

In SCFE, the displacement alters the normal alignment and function of the hip joint, potentially leading to joint pain, limited range of motion, and arthritis if not addressed properly. It's important to recognize that the mechanism of displacement is due to the shear forces acting across the growth plate, exacerbated by factors that compromise the stability of this area, making the correct understanding of option B crucial in grasping the underlying pathology of SCFE.