In the five unselected cases of osteochondritis of the capital femoral epiphysis presented, a high incidence of metabolic disorder—namely, colloid goiter—was discovered in the patients' families. Definite evidence of metabolic disorder, as indicated by retarded bone development and numerous other stigmata, was discovered in the patients. In three cases the disease had been present and active for from twelve to fifteen months before measures designed to raise the metabolic level were begun. The metabolic factor in the remaining two was recognized soon after the onset of symptoms. There was an early and consistent restoration of normal epiphyseal structure in all cases after thyroid therapy was instituted. The importance of more thorough investigation of the entire osseous structure, particularly as regards the rate and degree of epiphyseal ossification in osteochondritis, is emphasized.