The seasonality of slipped upper femoral epiphysis--meta-analysis: a possible association with vitamin D.

We performed a meta-analysis of studies evaluating the seasonality of slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). In addition we compared the monthly incidences of SUFE at latitudes greater than 40° with the established serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels for children resident at a comparative latitude. In total 11 relevant studies were identified, involving 7451 cases of SUFE. There was significant variation in the month of onset of SUFE. The degree of variability increased with increasing latitude. The modal month of symptomatic onset was dependent upon latitude. At latitudes greater than 40°, the most common month of onset was August. At latitudes between 20° and 40°, this was earlier in the calendar year, around April. The seasonal variability was statistically significant (p<0.0001 and p<0.005 for latitudes >40° and 20°-40° respectively). The pattern of monthly fluctuation in onset of SUFE very closely mirrored the monthly pattern of variation for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. There was a very strong positive correlation (Spearman rank rho = + 0.8, p = 0.001). There is a monthly variation in incidence of SUFE. The degree of variability increases with increasing latitude. There may be an association with vitamin D. We hypothesise that elevated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 accelerates growth thus rendering the growth plate vulnerable to slippage in analogous manner to the pubertal growth spurt.

Primary and revision THA using a stemless metaphyseal-loading implant above distorted proximal femoral anatomy.

Total hip arthroplasty is well established as a successful treatment for end stage arthritis, with a wide variety of components currently available. Using traditional stemmed implants in patients with a distorted proximal femur can be technically challenging with an increased risk of complications. We present seven patients with distorted proximal femoral anatomy or failed hip arthroplasty in whom a short, metaphyseal loading implant was utilised. At minimum two-year follow-up there have been no complications with all stems stable and well fixed radiologically. Average improvement in Oxford Hip Score is 32. We suggest that a short, metaphyseal loading prosthesis can be considered in cases where a conventional stemmed implant may not be suitable due to challenging proximal femoral anatomy.

[Slipped proximal femoral epiphysis in adolescents. Risk factors]. / Deslizamiento epifisario de fémur proximal en adolescentes. Factores de riesgo.

UNLABELLED: The slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a fracture that occurs through the growth cartilage and causes slippage inside and under the proximal femoral epiphysis. The objective of this study was to determine whether the variables obesity, trauma and intense physical activity are associated with SCFE. A 32-item questionnaire was designed, in which weight, size and body mass index (BMI) were also reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case and control study conducted from November 2009 to November 2010 at IMSS Trauma and Orthopedics Hospital #21. Inclusion criteria for cases were as follows: patients ages 9-16 years, with a diagnosis of SCFE made with anteroposterior (AP) and lateral hip X-rays, who answered a questionnaire and with weight and size measurements. Inclusion criteria for controls were as follows: students ages 10-16 years who answered the same questionnaire and had measurement of the same parameters. RESULTS: Mean age, weight, and BMI in cases were 11.9 years, 69.16 and 27.5 kg, respectively, and 12.74 years, 55.53 and 21.49 kg in controls. A BMI above percentile 95 was a risk factor for SCFE, with an odds ratio of 17.8 and a confidence interval (CI) of 1.69 to 3.97. The same was observed for trauma as a risk factor for SCFE, with an odds ratio of 5.2 and a CI of 1.36-2.74. Male gender was another risk factor. A significant chi square was found in cases with a p = 0.05. Intense physical activity was not a risk factor for SCFE, with a 0.58 odds ratio. The difference in mean weight between cases and controls was significant in the t test with p = 0.05. CONCLUSION: Obesity and trauma were associated with SCFE; physical activity was not. Given the increasing incidence of obesity, the orthopedic surgeon should be familiar with and have available percentile tables for early detection of obesity, and should educate the patients in whom this condition is detected to prevent SCFE and its complications.

Avaliação da apresentação de sinais e sintomas de impacto femoroacetabular após epifisiólise do fêmur proximal / Evaluation of presentation of signs and symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement after epiphysiolysis of the proximal femur

OBJETIVO: Neste trabalho, procuramos avaliar se existe relação entre o grau de deslizamento da epifisiólise femoral proximal (EFP) e a presença de impacto femoroacetabular (IFA). Ainda, analisou-se o arco de movimento do quadril (ADM) em relação ao IFA, além de revisar a literatura sobre o assunto. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 19 casos de EFP em 15 pacientes tratados cirurgicamente com epifisiodese in situ com um parafuso canulado, com seguimento médio de 27 meses. Realizou-se a análise do grau de deslizamento da EFP pelos ângulos epimetafisário (âEM) e coloepifisário (âCE) da radiografia em perfil, dos sinais de impacto radiográficos na incidência anteroposterior, dos sintomas clínicos e do ADM do quadril. RESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se que o grau de deslizamento da EFP (através do âEM) apresenta relação inversa estatisticamente significante com a presença de IFA no período médio de seguimento deste estudo. Ou seja, os pacientes que demonstraram um quadro sintomático de IFA apresentaram graus menores de deslizamento. Isso pode ser explicado pelo fato que o tipo de impacto que ocorre na EFP (came de inclusão ou de impacção) depende do grau de deslizamento, e estes se apresentam de forma e cronologia diferentes. O ADM do quadril não apresentou relação com o IFA. CONCLUSÃO: Há relação entre o grau de deslizamento e a presença de IFA clínicoradiológica após EFP.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to evaluate whether there is any relationship between the degree of epiphysiolysis of the proximal femur (EPF) and the presence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Hip range of motion (ROM) was also analyzed in relation to FAI, and the literature on this topic was reviewed. METHODS: Nineteen cases of EPF in fifteen patients who had been treated surgically by means of in situ epiphysiodesis with a cannulated screw were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 27 months. The degree of EPF was analyzed using the epimetaphyseal and neck-epiphyseal angles on lateral-view radiographs, the radiographic signs of FAI on anteroposterior-view radiographs, clinic symptoms and hip ROM. RESULTS: It was found that the degree of EPF (through the epimetaphyseal angle) presented a statistically significant inverse relationship with the presence of FAI over the mean follow-up period of this study. In other words, the patients with symptoms of FAI presented lesser degrees of slippage. This can be explained by the fact that the types of impingement that occurs in cases of EPF (i.e. cam impaction or inclusion) depends on the degree of slippage, and these present different clinical forms and chronology. The ROM did not present any relationship with FAI. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between the degree of slippage and the presence of clinical-radiological FAI after EPF.

Orthopedic complications related to growth hormone therapy in a pediatric population.

Since the introduction of recombinant growth hormone, its use has diversified and multiplied. Growth hormone is now the recommended therapy for a growing indication to all forms of short stature because of its direct and indirect role on bone growth. Hereby, we discuss the orthopedic complications associated with growth hormone treatment in pediatric patients. These complications include carpal tunnel syndrome, Legg-Calve-Perthes' disease, scoliosis, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Their incidence rates recorded in several growth hormone therapy-related pharmacovigilance studies will be summarized in this study with focused discussion on their occurrence in the pediatric and adolescent age groups. The pathogenesis of these complications is also reviewed.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: diagnosis and management.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is the most common hip disorder in adolescents, and it has a prevalence of 10.8 cases per 100,000 children. It usually occurs in children eight to 15 years of age, and it is one of the most commonly missed diagnoses in children. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is classified as stable or unstable based on the stability of the physis. The condition is associated with obesity and growth surges, and it is occasionally associated with endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, growth hormone supplementation, hypogonadism, and panhypopituitarism. Patients usually present with limping and poorly localized pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee. Diagnosis is confirmed by bilateral hip radiography, which needs to include anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral views in patients with stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and anteroposterior and cross-table lateral views in patients with the unstable form. The goals of treatment are to prevent slip progression and avoid complications such as avascular necrosis and chondrolysis. Stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis is usually treated using in situ screw fixation. Treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis usually involves in situ fixation, but there is controversy about the timing of surgery, value of reduction, and whether traction should be used.

Prognostic significance of stability in slipped upper femoral epiphysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of major complications after surgical treatment of slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) with condition- and treatment-related risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies used an electronic literature search of Embase and Medline supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies. The studies enrolled children and adolescents with SUFE, defined stable and unstable disease, and reported at least 3 primary endpoints: avascular necrosis (AVN), chondrolysis, and reoperation. Random-effects meta-regression analysis was performed when possible. RESULTS: The weighted risk for AVN, derived from intercept-only meta-regression, was estimated as 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4%-7.2%). Patients with unstable slips had a 9.4-fold greater risk of developing AVN. Instability proved to be an independent predictor for AVN. The weighted risk of chondrolysis was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.4%), associated with unstable slips and osteotomies. The risk of reoperation was estimated at 5.5% (95% CI, 1.7%-9.3%). Loss of fixation was the primary reason for reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence indicates that unstable slips are at a significantly higher risk for AVN than stable slips, regardless of the attempted surgical approach. Little clinical information is available regarding chondrolysis and reoperation in relation to the stability of the physis.

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis in children--delays to diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is a childhood condition requiring urgent admission for surgery. It is often complicated by delayed diagnosis. METHOD: This study investigated incidence and factors contributing to delayed diagnosis of SUFE, by retrospective and prospective review of children (n=120) presenting to a tertiary institution with SUFE from 2003-2007. RESULTS: The delay from initial presentation to a health professional to hospital admission ranged from 0-731 days. Most patients (76%) presented initially to their general practitioner. Of children with stable SUFE, the diagnosis was missed at the initial consultation in 62 (60%) of 103 children, and there was a delay after X-ray to diagnosis of 0-11 days. There were no delays from hip radiograph to confirmation in patients with unstable SUFE. DISCUSSION: A child presenting with hip, thigh or knee pain and reduced hip range of movement (particularly internal rotation) on the affected side, should arouse clinical suspicion of SUFE. This should prompt radiographic imaging of the hip with antero-posterior and lateral hip views. This study shows that most children presenting to The Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne, Victoria) with SUFE from 2003-2007 presented first to their GP and some faced significant delays to diagnosis and admission. These delays are of concern as delays have been shown to result in increased severity of physeal slip and poorer long term outcomes. General practitioners play a crucial role in the early recognition and diagnosis of SUFE to ensure timely and appropriate referral and the best possible outcome for the child.

Valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis: prevalence, presentation, and treatment options.

BACKGROUND: Valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), defined as posterolateral slippage of the proximal femoral epiphysis on the metaphysis, is an uncommon occurrence. The purpose of this study was to review our institution's experience with valgus SCFE to better describe its prevalence, clinical presentation, and treatment. METHODS: Radiographs of patients undergoing treatment of SCFE between 1996 and 2008 were reviewed. Valgus SCFE was identified by increased prominence of the lateral femoral epiphysis relative to the lateral femoral neck and an increased anteroposterior physis shaft angle. We identified 12 patients (16 hips) with valgus SCFE and compared them with 123 cases identified as classic posteromedial SCFE. RESULTS: The prevalence of valgus SCFE at our institution was 4.7% (12 of 258 patients). Significant differences between patients with valgus SCFE and those with classic SCFE were found for age at presentation (mean 1.1 y younger, P=0.033), sex (58% female vs. 28% male, P=0.044), and classification as atypical SCFE (42% vs. 3%, P<0.001), respectively. Four patients in the valgus group had pituitary and growth hormone dysfunction, and 1 was diagnosed with Stickler syndrome. Hips of valgus patients had a significantly higher mean femoral neck shaft angle (154.3 degrees) as compared with classic SCFE patients (140.5 degrees) (P<0.001). Difficulty placing hardware for in situ fixation was noted in 5 of 11 valgus cases, with 1 case complicated by articular surface penetration and chondrolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Valgus displacement often presents with a relatively normal appearance on anteroposterior radiographs. Valgus SCFE may be associated with obesity, coxa valga, hypopituitarism, and Stickler syndrome. Posterolateral displacement of the femoral epiphysis makes in situ fixation of valgus SCFE more difficult, due to the necessity of a more medial starting point. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children aged less than 10 years.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is rare in children aged less than 10 years, and its management in this age group raises a number of different considerations. We present a series of 10 children aged less than 10 years who presented with SCFE to our institution between 1993 and 2005. Case notes and radiographic review were carried out. There were six boys and four girls, with an age range of 5.2-9.9 years. Mean follow-up was 50 months (22-90). The mean duration of symptoms was 54 days (1-196). Five cases were bilateral. The second slip occurred at a mean interval of 14 months (11-22) after the first slip. There were 12 stable and three unstable slips. One child had hypothyroidism and another oculocutaneous albinism. The remaining children had normal genetic and endocrine profiles. Six children were severely obese, one obese, two overweight, and one within the normal range. Multiple pins were used in nine hips and a single cannulated screw was used in six hips. Complications include loss of fixation in five hips treated with multiple pins, which were revised between 2 months and 2 years from the initial surgery, and one superficial wound infection. There were no cases of avascular necrosis or chondrolysis. In conclusion, obesity is closely related to the development of SCFE in younger children. A technique that preserves physeal growth should be used for in-situ fixation. Multiple pins preserve capital femoral physeal growth, but at the cost of a high complication rate. Strong consideration for prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip is recommended.

Incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a population-based study.

The incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains controversial. A population-based database was used to identify all residents of a Midwestern American county treated for a new diagnosis of SCFE. Between 1965 and 2005, 49 patients (aged 9-16 years) underwent treatment of SCFE. This represents an annual incidence of 8.3 unilateral cases and 0.5 bilateral cases per 100,000 children. In patients with unilateral disease, mild slips developed in nine contralateral hips (19%) at a mean of 166 days (range: 6-432 days). As all contralateral slips were mild, we recommend careful follow-up rather than prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip.

Associations among slipped capital femoral epiphysis, tibia vara, and type 2 juvenile diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Clinical consequences of obesity are numerous and include slipped capital epiphysis of the femur, tibia vara, impaired mobility, insufficient muscle strength, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cholelithiasis, hypertension, sleep apnea, polycystic ovary disease, increased cardiorespiratory effort, and pseudotumor cerebri, among others. Because slipped capital femoral epiphysis, tibia vara, and type 2 diabetes are observed commonly in obese children, a degree of multiple disease occurrence in a patient would be anticipated; however, the senior author has never observed an obese adolescent who presented at the initial diagnosis with a coexistence of slipped capital femora epiphysis, tibia vara, or type 2 diabetes, so, possibly, these constellations of comorbidities may represent unique obesity phenotypes. METHODS: We reviewed the population consisting of all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed slipped capital femoral epiphysis or tibia vara from 2000 to 2006 and a selected group of patients with type 2 diabetes treated at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE. RESULTS: There were 57 cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, 41 cases of tibia vara, and 53 cases of type 2 diabetes. The tibia vara group had the highest body mass index (BMI; 40.81 [13.01]); the diabetes group (BMI, 35.76 [7.04]) and the slipped capital femoral epiphysis group (BMI, 29.08 [7.07]) had the lowest BMI. There was no significant difference in age at the disease onset and height between groups. There was no overlap of disease at initial presentation among slipped capital femoral epiphysis, adolescent tibia vara, and type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: We observed 3 separate obesity-related phenotypes in adolescents with no overlap of disease at initial presentation among slipped capital femoral epiphysis, adolescent tibia vara, and type 2 diabetes.

Complications of obesity in children and adolescents.

The increasing prevalence and severity of obesity in children and adolescents has provided greater emphasis on the wide variety of comorbid conditions and complications that can be experienced as a consequence of obesity. These complications can occur both in the short term and in the long term. Some complications, earlier thought to be long-term issues, which would only occur in adulthood, have now been shown to occur in children and adolescents. These findings have raised concerns about the overall health experience of those who develop obesity early in life and have even raised questions about whether the obesity epidemic might shorten the life span of the current generation of children. In this paper, I will examine current knowledge regarding the different organ systems that may be impacted by childhood obesity.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common adolescent hip condition. Its importance lies in its high morbidity if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, not only in childhood but also as a cause of osteoarthritis in adulthood. This article highlights key diagnostic tools and optimal treatment plans for SCFE. RECENT FINDINGS: SCFE involves displacement between the proximal femoral neck and the femoral head at the level of the open physis, with biomechanical and biochemical factors implicated. Acute major trauma is rarely involved; a gradual onset of symptoms and deformity is more common. Patients with unstable SCFE are in severe pain and unable to bear weight. SCFE occasionally is associated with endocrine or metabolic abnormality (hypothyroidism, panhypopituitarism and renal rickets). On physical examination, limited internal rotation of the affected hip is usual; obligatory external rotation of hip in flexion is classic. Diagnosis is confirmed on anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral radiographs of both hips. Treatment is surgical, with stabilization across the physis by in-situ pinning being the gold standard. SUMMARY: Prompt diagnosis and timely surgical treatment usually lead to excellent long-term results with minimal morbidity. It is crucial to recognize that groin pulls are very rare in adolescents. Children with suggestive groin symptoms should have hip anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral radiographs to rule out the much more common SCFE.

Musculoskeletal effects of obesity.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The problem of obesity has become a global concern, with increased prevalence reported in the literature. Numerous comorbid conditions are known to be associated with obesity; its relationship with the development and function of the musculoskeletal system in the growing child is poorly understood. This article reviews the current literature on the various musculoskeletal effects associated with obesity in children and adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: The association between obesity and various musculoskeletal disorders such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Blount disease is well reported. Its effects on the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system have not been well documented. Recent studies suggest an increased association between obesity and musculoskeletal pain and increased fracture risk. The limitations imposed by increasing body mass appear to be directly reflected in the child's level of activity and overall functional capacity. SUMMARY: Obesity continues to pose a serious health concern. Its impact on the development of the child's musculoskeletal system is still poorly understood. Recent data suggests that obesity affects the child's locomotor system both functionally and structurally. As the obesity epidemic grows, newer studies will be needed to help us fully understand the true impact of obesity on the musculoskeletal system of the growing child.

Epidemiology and demographics of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in Korea: a multicenter study by the Korean Pediatric Orthopedic Society.

BACKGROUND: In 1979, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was rarely reported in Korea, although it is the most common hip disorder of adolescence in Western nations. However, because the number of reported cases of SCFE in Korea has increased a great deal since then, we performed a nationwide survey to ascertain its epidemiology and demographics in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the discharge databases for the period between January 1989 and December 2003 from 19 university hospitals across Korea. Recorded data included age at onset, sex, past medical history, height, weight, and type of slippage. We compared those data with national census data. The incidence data are reported as cases per 100,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years. RESULTS: Data for 231 patients (175 boys and 56 girls) were included in our survey. The average age at onset was 12 years 10 months in boys and 12 years in girls. The average annual incidence was estimated to be at least 0.499 for boys and 0.142 for girls for every 100,000 children between the ages of 10 and 14 years, which was lower than that of Western nations and Japan. The incidence showed a pattern of increments across each period. The mean body mass index was significantly higher in Korean patients with SCFE than in the population of the same age group without it. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SCFE in preadolescents in Korea has increased markedly since 1979, which may be related to increasing rates of obesity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level 4.

Demographics and clinical presentation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in Singapore: comparing the East with the West.

This study examines the demographics and clinical presentation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in Singapore. Sixty-six patients (53 boys, 13 girls) with 77 involved hips were reviewed retrospectively. Local prevalence was 1.2/100,000 children. Twenty-four patients were Chinese, 12 were Malay, 27 were Indians, and three patients were Eurasians. A total of 76.6% of patients above the 90th percentile for body weight were present; 16.7% of patients had bilateral involvement. Seventeen patients had endocrine-related problems. We had a high male preponderance, and a disproportionately high number of Indian patients. A high proportion of patients were obese. Our incidence of bilateral involvement seems to be higher than our Indonesian neighbors. The differences seen may be due to genetic and sociocultural variations.

A new look at the incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis in new Mexico.

PURPOSE: Past epidemiological studies demonstrated a nearly fivefold lower incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in New Mexico compared with Connecticut. A recent study demonstrated some regional variability but did not address this earlier finding. We sought to reexamine the incidence of SCFE in New Mexico to improve the understanding of the epidemiology and ultimately the disorder itself. METHODS: The discharge databases for the 11 major medical centers in the state were reviewed for the ICD-9 code for SCFE (732.2) for 1995 to 2006. The data were analyzed by comparison with the 2000 New Mexico census data. The incidence data are reported as cases per 100,000 boys aged 10 to 17 years and girls aged 8 to 15 years, as per Kelsey's original article. RESULTS: The incidence of SCFE in New Mexico for the study period was 5.99. This is a doubling of the reported incidence in the 1960s (2.13) and represents a statistically significant change (P < 0.001). More detailed analysis of our data demonstrated a statistically significant increase during 3-year intervals: 1995-1997, 2.27; 1998-2000, 2.75; 2001-2003, 4.73; and 2004-2006, 7.38. The mean age of onset was 12.2 years. There was a male to female ratio of incidence of 1.94:1. Relative frequencies by race were as follows: 4.63x for African Americans, 2.20x for Hispanics, and 2.20x for Native Americans. A preponderance of cases was treated at the state's only tertiary pediatric orthopaedic center: 168 to 15 in the remaining 10 centers. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SCFE has increased dramatically in New Mexico since Kelsey's epidemiological study in 1970. Obesity is a patient factor that has changed over this same period. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data for 2003/2004, the rates of obesity have tripled since 1971. In New Mexico, 25% of high-school children are estimated to be overweight. However, according to a recent study examining a national database (compiled from 27 states), the national incidence of SCFE remained fairly constant at 10.8 per 100,000.Interestingly, as more patients are seen at a tertiary center for children's orthopaedics, the rate of diagnosis in New Mexico has risen to resemble national trends. In the 1960, that center was located in a remote site and did not provide acute care for children's musculoskeletal issues. Increased obesity in children and improved access to pediatric orthopaedic evaluation may have contributed to a significant increase in reported incidence of SCFE in New Mexico.