My son has a slipped growth plate in his left hip. So far, it's only on one side. Will this travel to the other side, too?

A slipped growth plate most likely refers to a condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The capital femoral epiphysis is the curved part of the growing bone at the top of the femur (thighbone). The actual growth plate is called the physis. The physis is the flat base at the bottom of the femoral head.

As many as two-thirds of the children with a SCFE on one side will develop the same condition in the other hip. If it hasn't already happened at the time of the first slip, it is most likely to occur within six to 18 months.

Studies show that a second slip occurs much more often when the first slip is moderate-to-severe. The risk of a second slip is present until the growth area is complete and the physis closes.

For patients at high risk of a second slip, some surgeons advise putting a pin (or screw) into the unaffected hip. The pin holds the capital femoral epiphysis in place and keeps it from starting to slip.

Preventive (prophylactic) pinning reduces the number of X-rays the child is exposed to. Prophylaxis also makes it possible for the child to remain active without concern that the second hip is going to slip. Your surgeon will be able to review your son's X-rays and medical treatment and offer you his or her best advice about what to do.