A New Look on the Epidemiology of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Topic Revisited

Abstract

Background: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common hip pathology affecting adolescents mostly in the rapid growth phase. Previous studies have presented epidemiological data to inform practitioners on its etiology to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. However, in recent years national databases have been redesigned, which may change previously published information on SCFEs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate SCFE epidemiology using the 2019 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and HCUPnet, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in conjunction with U.S. Census Data. Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) reflects data on 5.9 million pediatric discharges in 2019 and was combined with U.S. Census data to produce epidemiologic data regarding SCFEs in the pediatric population. KID regional data was then overlayed with National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to assess the associations between climate patterns and UV indices with SCFE incidence. Results: Overall incidence of SCFE in the U.S. was 2.66/100,000 children 9-16 years of age. The average age at presentation with SCFE was 12.3 years with males being older at presentation (12.8 vs. 11.6 years; P