American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The finding that is pathognomonic for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is limited internal rotation of the flexed hip. This condition typically occurs in adolescents and involves a displacement of the femoral head due to slippage at the growth plate.

When examining a patient with SCFE, one of the hallmark physical examination findings is the restricted internal rotation of the hip, especially when the hip is flexed. This limitation is due to the altered positioning of the femoral head within the acetabulum caused by the slippage. As the condition progresses, the ability to internally rotate the hip becomes increasingly compromised, making this finding highly specific to SCFE.

Other examination findings might not be as definitive for diagnosing SCFE. For example, the ability to flex and extend the hip may remain intact despite the slippage, and various other conditions could present with similar findings. Therefore, recognizing the limited internal rotation in a flexed hip position is critical for forming an accurate diagnosis of SCFE.