Which statement about slipped capital femoral epiphysis is true?

Which statement about slipped capital femoral epiphysis is true?

• A. Unilateral Involvement Is More Common Than Bilateral
• B. It Occurs More Commonly in Females
• C. It Is Never Associated With Puberty
• D. It Is Caused by Sudden Trauma

Answer: (A)

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis typically occurs in adolescents when the growth plate is weakest during rapid growth. At presentation, most slips are unilateral; a substantial minority will develop bilateral involvement over time, so unilateral involvement being more common fits the typical pattern. This is why the statement is true: the condition often starts on one side, with the possibility of the other side slipping later, rather than both sides being affected from the outset. The other statements don’t fit the usual course: it tends to occur more in males, not females; it commonly occurs around puberty, not never during puberty; and while trauma can precipitate a slip, the problem is a gradual weakness of the growth plate rather than a sudden traumatic event causing the condition.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis typically occurs in adolescents when the growth plate is weakest during rapid growth. At presentation, most slips are unilateral; a substantial minority will develop bilateral involvement over time, so unilateral involvement being more common fits the typical pattern.

This is why the statement is true: the condition often starts on one side, with the possibility of the other side slipping later, rather than both sides being affected from the outset.

The other statements don’t fit the usual course: it tends to occur more in males, not females; it commonly occurs around puberty, not never during puberty; and while trauma can precipitate a slip, the problem is a gradual weakness of the growth plate rather than a sudden traumatic event causing the condition.