Hi Brandy, the doctors found out drew had this condition through a series of x-rays especially hip, and on consult with an orthapedics doctor. it got so that he couldn't walk but it started out with general complaints of his leg hurting,numbness in his leg and foot,and also pain in his knee. there is some information about slipped capital femoral epiphysis at: http://www.med.jhu.edu/ortho/peds/epiphysis/ It states that endrocrine factors are sometimes the cause. shauna