CASE: We present a case of acute unstable valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in an 8-year-old female who presented after a trip and fall. The patient was managed with emergent closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation and prophylactic fixation of contralateral side after 6 weeks. At 18-month follow-up, the patient was symptom free with a good range of movement and no evidence of slip progression, chondrolysis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that, in this case, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation provided satisfactory outcome at 18-month follow-up. This case highlights the need for both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs.