Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common of the major disorders of the hip in adolescence.
According to the above reference, long bones (such as the femur -- the bone connecting the knee with a hip)
have a growth plate at each end
of the bone. This would indicate that,, even with one closed
growth plate, your son's affected leg should still continue to grow.
The references I found indicate that a closed growth plate is a normal
outcome of the surgery your son underwent. However, they do not
indicate whether the growth plate closure is an unintended (as opposed
to unavoidable) consequence of the surgery. They also don't speak
to whether (or, if so, how much) growth will be diminished, post
surgery, in the affected leg.
For more specific information and advice regarding your son's growth
prognosis (in the absence of additional information from his doctor)
I recommend that you contact the:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons -- which serves as an advocate for improved patient care and informs the public about the science of orthopaedics.
P.O. Box 2058
Des Plaines, IL 60017
Phone: 800-824-BONE (2663) (free of charge)
www.aaos.org
Let me know if you need more input. If not, thanks for the
opportunity to assist you... I would really appreciate your honoring my
efforts by 'pushing the button' and Accepting this answer. Adding
a bonus -- should you wish to do so -- is always warmly welcomed.
Good Luck!
Steve
Edited by Oreport on September 2 2005 at 8:26 PM
Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!