Which imaging views are recommended for screening slipped capital femoral epiphysis in adolescents?

• A. AP pelvis and lateral knee views
• B. Frog-leg lateral views
• C. AP pelvis only
• D. AP pelvis and frog-leg lateral views

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that effective screening for slipped capital femoral epiphysis uses views that together show the hip joint alignment and any posterior-inferior displacement of the femoral head. An AP pelvis view gives a broad look at both hips and the acetabular relationships, helping detect obvious slips and allowing comparison between sides since SCFE can be bilateral or asymmetric. The frog-leg lateral view places the hips in flexion and abduction, which exposes the femoral head–neck region and makes even subtle slips more visible by highlighting posterior displacement and changes in the head-neck contour. Because SCFE can be subtle on one view alone and may involve both hips, obtaining both views provides a more complete assessment. A lateral knee view doesn’t evaluate the hip joint itself, so it’s not used for screening SCFE.