In slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the slippage occurs through which zone of the growth plate?

• A Zone of resting/reserve cartilage
• B Zone of proliferating chondrocytes
• C Zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes (zone of provisional calcification) ✓
• D Primary spongiosa of metaphysis

Explanation

SCFE occurs through the zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate — specifically the widened, weak hypertrophic zone that cannot resist shear forces in obese adolescents. This zone is biomechanically the weakest part of the physis. The metaphyseal vessels do not penetrate the hypertrophic zone, making this region susceptible to ischemia and slip. The reserve and proliferating zones are more adherent to the epiphysis; the primary spongiosa is the metaphyseal side. Obesity increases shear loading on the already-weakened hypertrophic zone.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.