What are the indications for urgent referral to orthopaedics for a patient suspected of having SCFE?

Urgent referral to orthopaedics is indicated if slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is suspected ¹. For children older than 9 years of age, urgent specialist assessment should be arranged if they present with painful or restricted hip movements, particularly internal rotation, to exclude slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) ²,³. SUFE is considered a key diagnosis that requires early intervention and treatment ²,³.