Incidence of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Crete (2021-2024): A Prospective Population-Based Study with a Focused Review of Recent Literature

Background: Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is an uncommon but clinically important adolescent hip disorder with incidence rates that vary considerably across different populations worldwide. Objective: This study aims to estimate SCFE incidence in Crete, Greece (2021-2024), and compare findings with in-ternational incidence reports published since 2015. Methods: A population-based prospective study was conducted across Crete, with all pediatric orthopedic specialists in Crete reported incident SCFE cases (radiographically confirmed). All confirmed cases of SCFE were documented. Annual population data for children aged 6–16 years were obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Incidence rates were expressed per 100,000 children aged 6–16 (95% CI, exact Poisson). A structured literature search (2015-May 2025) identified recent studies reporting SCFE incidence. Results: Eleven children with SCFE were identified (14 affected hips; three bilateral cases), corresponding to an in-cidence of 4.6 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 2.5–7.8) among children aged 6–16 years. Mean age at presentation was 10.72 years; 64% were female; 82% were obese, with endocrine/comorbidity findings recorded. The literature review (2015-May 2025; 14 studies) demonstrated substantial geographic variation in SCFE incidence, ranging from ~5 per 100,000 in Mediterranean settings to 57 per 100,000 boys aged 9-15 years in Sweden. The Cretan incidence was broadly consistent with other Mediterranean reports. Conclusion: SCFE is an uncommon condition in Crete, with incidence rates comparable to those of other Mediterranean populations. The geographically and demographically stable population of the island enhances the reliability of these findings. Larger nationwide studies are warranted to better characterize SCFE epidemiology in Greece.