Which patient is most likely to experience slipped capital femoral epiphysis without a history of trauma?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) typically occurs in adolescents during periods of rapid growth and is often associated with a relative lack of trauma. This condition is defined by the displacement of the femoral head due to slippage at the growth plate.

In this context, a 13-year-old with knee pain is most likely to experience SCFE without a prior history of significant trauma. Adolescents at this age, particularly boys, are within the common demographic for SCFE, which usually affects those between 10 and 16 years of age. The knee pain reported may be referred pain from the hip, which is a common symptom associated with SCFE.

This patient demographic aligns with the typical risk factors for SCFE, such as obesity, hormonal changes, and growth spurts, which can account for hip stability issues independent of traumatic events. The absence of trauma in the scenario further supports the likelihood of SCFE being the underlying cause of the knee pain.

In contrast, other options present patients with symptoms that may suggest alternate diagnoses. For instance, hip pain is common in various conditions but is not as directly linked to SCFE without associated knee issues. Low back pain and ankle swelling are even less indicative of SCFE, as