Femoral and tibial torsion measurements in children and adolescents: comparison of MRI and 3D models based on low-dose biplanar radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability and interchangeability of femoral (FT) and tibial torsion (TT) measurements in children using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging compared to measurements on 3D models based on biplanar radiographs (BPR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: FT and TT were measured in 60 children (mean age 10.1 years; range 6.2-16.2 years; 28 female) using axial MR images by two readers. MR measurements were compared to measurements based on BPR-3D models by two separate independent readers. Interreader and intermethod agreements were calculated using descriptive statistics, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: FT/TT was -8.4°-54.1°/0°-45.9° on MR images and -13°-63°/4°-52° for measurements on BPR-3D models. The median of difference between the two methods was -0.18° (range -13.6°-19.1°) for FT and -0.20° (range -18.4°-9.5°) for TT, respectively. Interreader agreement (ICC) of FT/TT measurements was 0.98/0.96 on MR images and 0.98/0.94 on BPR 3D models. Intermethod agreement (ICC) for MR measurements was 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.93-0.96] for FT and of 0.86 (CI, 0.24-0.95) for TT. Mean interreader differences at MR were 3.1° (0.0°-8.0°) for FT and 3.2° (0.1°-9.5°) for TT. On Bland-Altman plots all measurements were within the 95% limit of agreement (-10.8°; 11.5° for FT; -14.6°; 4.2°) for TT-except for five measurements of FT and six measurements of TT. CONCLUSION: FT measurements on MR images are comparable to measurements using BPR-3D models. TT measurements differ between the two modalities, but the discrepancy is comparable to measurement variations between CT and BPR.

The compliance with and knowledge about radiation protection in operating room personnel: a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation protection is becoming more important with an ongoing increase in radiation exposure due to the use of X-rays in minimally invasive procedures in orthopaedic and trauma surgeries. However, sufficient education in medical physics and radiation protection can often be improved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of four questions about personal data and ten questions about radiation protection was distributed to lead consultants, consultants, residents, medical students, and medical technical assistants at two institutions, a level 1 trauma center and a children's hospital. RESULTS: This study consisted of 83 participants. The compliance with radiation protection, i.e., usage of a dosimetry, an apron, and a thyroid shield on a regular basis was only seen in 54 %. Participants from the trauma center wore a dosimeter and thyroid shield significantly more often. The regular use of a thyroid shield differed significantly between job positions. It was observed in 80 % of students, but only 15 % of technical assistants. Only 65 % of all knowledge questions were answered correctly. There was a discrepancy between incorrectly answered knowledge questions (35 %) and those marked as uncertain (20 %). Different job positions did not have an impact on the answers to the questions in most instances. CONCLUSIONS: The compliance with and the knowledge about radiation protection seems to be unnecessarily low in trauma physicians and technical assistants. The discrepancy in falsely answered questions and those marked as uncertain may suggest that participants may overestimate their knowledge about radiation protection, which is potentially harmful due to the increased radiation exposure. Therefore, we advocate a quick and valuable training of trauma surgeons and medical staff addressing the important preventive measures, some of which are illustrated in the present study. These consist of wearing dosimetry and protection devices, reduction in X-ray duration, preferably antero-posterior C-arm positioning with the image intensifier close to the patient and the surgeon, maximal distance, collimation, and increased voltage. Furthermore, the use of visual feedback on complex and potentially hazardous radiation facts may be useful for training purposes. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with a questionnaire.

Femoral and tibial torsion measurement in children and adolescents: comparison of 3D models based on low-dose biplanar radiography and low-dose CT.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interchangeability and reliability of femoral and tibial torsion measurements in children using 3D models based on biplanar radiography compared with CT measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femoral and tibial torsion were measured in 50 patients (mean age, 10.9 years; range, 4.7-14.8 years) using 3D models based on low-dose biplanar radiography by two independent readers. Measurements on transverse CT images by two independent readers served as the reference standard. Intermethod and interreader agreement was calculated using descriptive statistics, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Femoral and tibial torsion were -6°-65° and 6°-51° for 3D models based on biplanar radiography and -13°-59° and 4°-52° for CT measurements. The average difference (±SD) between the two methods was 4.9°±3.8° and 5.5°±4.1°, respectively. The intermethod ICC for biplanar radiography was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.92) for femoral torsion and 0.75 (0.68-0.80) for tibial torsion. The interreader ICC was 0.93-0.97. Mean measurement differences between the two biplanar radiography readers were 3.4° (0.0°-11.0°) for femoral torsion and 3.9° (0.0°-15.0°) for tibial torsion. Mean interreader differences at CT were 3.3° (0.0°-9.0°) for femoral and 3.0° (0.0°-10.0°) for tibial torsion. There was no trend for larger intermethod differences with decreasing age of the children. CONCLUSION: Femoral and tibial torsion measurements in children using 3D models based on biplanar radiography are comparable to CT measurement results. Despite skeletal immaturity, torsion measurements in children on biplanar radiography seem to be as reliable as those on CT images.

Persisting growth after prophylactic single-screw epiphysiodesis in upper femoral epiphysis.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip in cases of slipped upper femoral epiphysis is controversial. Therefore, using a single-cannulated screw has been widely accepted. However, differing reports exist on the occurrence of persisting growth after prophylactic epiphysiodesis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the presence of persisting growth of the upper femoral epiphysis after prophylactic fixation. METHODS: From 2006 until 2009, 11 children underwent prophylactic pinning using a single-cannulated 6.5-mm cancellous screw. Time to fusion, persisting growth, and overgrowing of the screw were measured on plain radiographs taken postoperatively and at least after the growth plate was fused. RESULTS: All patients except 1 (91%) showed a persisting growth of the epiphysis, and in 2 cases a hardware replacement was necessary. The mean increase of the femoral neck length was 8.2% (SEM 1.46%). Mean follow-up was 37 months (range, 12 to 49 mo). All patients had a Risser sign grade 0 at the time of surgery, and equal or less than grade 3, when the growth plate was fused. CONCLUSIONS: Despite previous reports that a prophylactic fixation using a single-cannulated cancellous screw is unproblematic and safe, we showed that in our series growth persistence was the rule and in some cases the physeal overgrowth necessitates a hardware replacement. Careful follow-up until fusion of the growth plate should be recommended.

Bending osteotomy through the distal tibial physis for stable reduction of the ankle joint in fibular hemimelia. Update at skeletal maturity.

Fibular hemimelia is a complex longitudinal malformation of the lower extremity with partial or complete deficiency of the fibula resulting in dorso-fibular dislocation of the hindfoot. Typically associated are talocalcaneal coalition, absence of rays of the foot, diaphyseal tibial deformity of valgus-procurvatum type and longitudinal growth deficiency. We have addressed the deformity of the distal tibial epiphysis surgically by a metaphyseal osteotomy to bend through the physis inspired by the Pemberton's acetabular osteotomy in 7 to 21-month-old children. Short-term results of a maximum of 42 months of follow-up have been published. Meanwhile, the first 4 patients thus treated have reached skeletal maturity, and the long-term results are presented. Three patients with unilateral and one patient with bilateral fibular hemimelia were operated on as described before at ages 7, 9, 15, and 18 months. Subsequently, several other procedures have been performed on all patients mainly consisting of lengthening of the tibia combined with axial corrections as well as additional foot alignment if needed. The osteotomy leads to stable axial retainment of the hindfoot in all patients without premature closure of the physis. Most of them need adaptation of footwear. None of the patients at present would favor to have been treated by amputation. The technique has shown good clinical results with preserved growth of the physis of the distal tibia and full axial weight bearing at long-term. In selected cases, this technique should be considered as a valuable alternative to other reconstructions.

Normal values of Wiberg's lateral center-edge angle and Lequesne's acetabular index--a coxometric update.

BACKGROUND: The historical pathological cut-off values for Wiberg's lateral center-edge (LCE) angle and Lequesne's acetabular index (AI) are below 20° and above 12° for the LCE and AI, respectively. The aim of this study was to reassess these two angles more than 50 years after their introduction using a standardized conventional radiological measurement method, considering changing social habits and their associated physiological changes. METHODS: A total of 1,226 anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis (2,452 hips) were obtained according to a strict standardized radiographic technique allowing reliable measurements of the LCE angle and the AI. RESULTS: Distributions of the LCE and AI were pronouncedly Gaussian, with mean values of 33.6° for the LCE and 4.4° for the AI. The 2.5th and 97.5th empirical percentiles were 18.1 and 48.0° for the LCE and -6.9 and 14.9° for the AI. These intervals contained 95 % of the data in our large sample. Small but statistically significant differences between the sexes and right and left hips have been demonstrated. Correlation between age and coxometric indices was low. CONCLUSION: The above findings do not conflict with the historical benchmarks. Statistical differences between sexes and between right and left hips were not clinically relevant. No conclusion can be drawn about coxometric indices and clinical manifestations of hip dysplasia.

Open mouth digital reduction of an odontoid synchondrosis fracture: a case report.

The "odontoid synchondrosis fracture" represents a rare but typical injury of the upper cervical spine in children less than 7 years. Conservative treatment with closed reduction and external fixation shows fusion rates across the synchondrosis in about 90% cases. When closed reduction cannot be achieved, open reduction and internal fixation is usually performed. We present the case of a girl aged 3 years and 5 months, whose closed reduction by passive manipulation of the head failed, but the same could successfully be achieved through transoral manipulation of the dens. After treatment with a Minerva plaster cast, the fracture was healed without complication. We suggest transoral manipulation in cases of otherwise irreducible "odontoid synchondrosis fracture." This technical hint may avoid unnecessary surgery in children with this type of injury.

Treatment of neuromuscular and syndrome-associated (nonidiopathic) clubfeet using the Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND: Clubfeet are associated with many neuromuscular and congenital conditions. Nonidiopathic clubfeet are typically thought to be resistant to nonoperative management. The Ponseti method has revolutionized the treatment of patients with idiopathic clubfeet. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of the Ponseti method in the treatment of patients whose clubfeet are associated with a neuromuscular diagnosis or a syndrome. METHODS: All patients with clubfeet who were treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, from 2001 to 2005 were reviewed. Patients were included only if a neuromuscular condition or a syndrome associated with clubfeet could be identified and if the primary treatment was at our institution. Twenty-three patients with 40 nonidiopathic clubfeet and 171 patients with 249 idiopathic clubfeet have been treated with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year. The outcomes evaluated included the number of casts, the percentage of patients requiring percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening (tenotomy of the Achilles tendon [TAT]), rate of recurrences, rate of failures, and the need for additional secondary procedures. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation for nonidiopathic clubfeet was 11 weeks. The mean follow-up time was 33 months, and the mean number of casts was 6.4; a percutaneous TAT was necessary in 27 (68%) of 40 feet. Failure of the Ponseti casting occurred in 4 (10%) of the 40 feet. Recurrence requiring additional treatment occurred in 16 (44%) of 36 feet. Additional procedures included second percutaneous TAT, limited posterior/plantar release, or complete posteromedial release totaling 11 (28%) of 40. When compared with idiopathic clubfeet, nonidiopathic clubfeet required more casts and had a higher rate of failures, recurrences, and additional procedures than idiopathic clubfeet. CONCLUSIONS: Although not as successful as for idiopathic clubfeet, when the Ponseti technique is applied to nonidiopathic clubfeet, correction can be achieved and maintained in most patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level 2.

Fishtail deformity as a result of a non-displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus.

Fishtail deformity is a very rare complication of undisplaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. We report the case of a 10-year old girl presenting with pain in the right elbow eight years after a non-displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Radiographs also demonstrated necrosis of the lateral part of the trochlea and of the head of the radius. With this long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up after a non-displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus, we would like to point out the possibility of the development of this very rare deformity.

Treatment of reduced femoral antetorsion by subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy.

The purpose of this study was to assess bone healing and complication rate following subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy fixed with a 4.5/5.0 Locking Compression Plate (LCP, Synthes) for reduced femoral antetorsion with early full weight bearing. The effects of the osteotomy on the range of internal rotation of the hip and complaints due to reduced antetorsion were also recorded. Between July 2004 and October 2007, 25 children (39 hips) with a mean age of 13 years (range, 9-18 years) were treated for reduced internal rotation of the hip by a subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy. Four patients (six hips) were excluded from this study due to concomitant surgeries prohibiting full weight bearing. Of the 21 patients who were allowed full weight bearing, nine had a unilateral and twelve a single-stage bilateral correction. We investigated time to union, implant failure, and complication rate as well as improvement in the range of internal rotation. All osteotomies healed without secondary displacement or angulation. Internal rotation improved from a mean of 8.6 degrees (-5 degrees to 20 degrees) preoperatively to 37.3 degrees (25 degrees to 60 degrees) postoperatively. We noted no complication related with the femoral osteotomy. Subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy appeared as a reliable procedure to improve internal rotation of the hip. Fixation with 4.5/5.0 LCP allows simultaneous bilateral correction and immediate full weightbearing with crutches, with a minimal risk of implant failure.

Guided growth with tension band plate or definitive epiphysiodesis for treatment of limb length discrepancy?

BACKGROUND: It is not exactly known whether guided growth or definitive epiphysiodesis techniques are superior in treating limb length discrepancy (LLD). The purpose of the present study was therefore to find out if definitive epiphysiodesis is associated with more powerful LLD correction than tension band plate epiphysiodesis. METHODS: Pediatric patients with LLD treated either with tension band plating as a guided growth technique (temporary epiphysiodesis) or a percutaneous drilling technique (definitive epiphysiodesis) around the knee and a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included in this retrospective study. Radiographic measurements were performed by two independent reviewers. The reduction in side difference between preoperative radiographs and last follow-up was calculated and compared between surgical techniques. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (mean age 13.6 years) were included, 17 treated with temporary and 21 with definitive epiphysiodesis. Average follow-up was at 578 days. The reduction of the LLD in 12 months was 5.7 mm in patients treated with temporary epiphysiodesis and 8.4 mm with definitive epiphysiodesis, respectively (p = 0.22). In both groups, LLD could be statistically significantly reduced after 12 and 24 months. Definitive epiphysiodesis had a lower revision rate (4.8% vs. 17.6%). Intra- and interobserver reliability of the measurements was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: As in earlier studies supposed, temporary epiphysiodesis with tension band plating seems to correct LLD less powerful compared to definitive percutaneous epiphysiodesis. However, in the present study, the differences of LLD correction were not statistically significant. We do not recommend the use of tension band plates for LLD correction due to inferior correction with higher complication and revision rate.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Surgical Laparoscopic Performance in Novices: A Computer-based Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVE: The 24-hour work shifts are newly permitted to first-year surgical residents in the United States. Whether surgery novices' motor activity is affected by sleep deprivation is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assesses sleep deprivation effects in computer-simulated laparoscopy in 20 surgical novices following 24 hours of sleep deprivation and after resting using a virtual-reality trainer. Participants were randomly assigned to perform simulator tests either well rested or sleep deprived first. RESULTS: Of 3 different tasks performed, no significant differences in total time to complete the procedure and average speed of instruments were found. Instrument path length was longer following sleep deprivation (P=0.0435) in 1 of 3 tasks. Error rates (ie, noncauterized bleedings, perforations, etc.), as well as precision, and accuracy rates showed no difference. None of the assessed participants' characteristics affected simulator performance. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four hours of sleep deprivation does not affect laparoscopic performance of surgical novices as assessed by computer-simulation.

Rotationplasty (Borggreve/Van Nes and modifications) as an alternative to amputation in failed reconstructions after resection of tumours around the knee joint.

Failure of reconstructions as a result of infective or aseptic loosening and massive bone loss may make amputation necessary. If neurovascular structures can be preserved to keep a functional foot, rotationplasty may be considered an option. Four patients treated for malignant bone tumours (two osteosarcomas, one Ewing sarcoma, and one malignant fibrous histiocytoma) of the proximal tibia and distal femur (n=2 each) at the ages of 13 to 21 years had reconstructions that failed 3, 4, 5, and 15 years later. In three patients the cause was intractable infection, and in one loosening with shortening and deficiency of the extensor mechanism. The patients had the option to contact patients who had had rotationplasty as the primary procedure for tumours or severe femoral deficiencies. In two patients an AI-type rotationplasty was done, in one a type AII rotationplasty, and in the fourth a modification with shortening of the lower leg but retention of the knee joint. There were no postoperative complications such as persisting infections, fractures, or pseudarthrosis. All patients are active and are able to go alpine skiing or snowboarding. The main advantage of procedures in which a sensory-motor functional foot is retained is to avoid neuroma pain or phantom sensations. The foot allows for active knee movement of the orthoprosthesis and full weight bearing. It is of great psychological help for the patients to have contact during the decision-making with patients who have had similar procedures. It should be considered as an alternative to amputation.

Results of treatment of malignant soft tissue tumours in the groin.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the inguinal region are a challenge with regard to achieving clear margins, reconstruction of the femoral vessels, and soft tissue coverage. Six men aged 39 to 48 years and one woman of 56 were treated for soft tissue sarcomas of the groin. All patients were treated with local en bloc resections including the femoral artery, vein, and nerve. In two patients the soft tissue defect was covered primarily with an ipsilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap, in two others (because of wound dehiscence) coverage was achieved with the opposite rectus abdominis muscle pedicle flap as we were afraid of closure of the ipsilateral deep epigastric vessels. In the others local measures were sufficient, however, wound healing was usually delayed. Histopathological examination showed tumour-free margins in each case. One patient developed a local recurrence, but had had no radiotherapy because of problems with wound healing. A high rate of local tumour control in soft tissue sarcomas of the inguinal region can be achieved with the combination of surgical resection and radiotherapy. No compromise should be made with aggressive soft tissue coverage to protect the vascular reconstruction, control wound healing after neoadjuvant radiotherapy, or allow immediate adjuvant radiotherapy. At primary wound closure we would generally use an ipsilaterally distally pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap if the deep epigastric vessels can be preserved or - if the ipsilateral vessels need be resected to achieve clearance of tumour - use a contralateral flap.

Congenital unilateral pseudarthrosis of the olecranon.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the olecranon is a rare condition. Three isolated cases with bilateral presentation, different treatment modalities and variable outcome were reported in the orthopaedic literature. In this presented case a pseudarthrosis of the right olecranon in a 13-year-old boy was treated by pseudarthrosis resection, bone graft interposition and tension band osteosynthesis. Hardware removal was performed nine months after the initial procedure. At 6-year follow-up at the end of growth, the patient has no pain and a free range of motion of his dominant right elbow. This (to our knowledge) first case of unilateral pseudarthrosis of the olecranon had an excellent clinical result with stable fixation and support of bone healing by a bone graft interposition.

Multiple subungual soft tissue metastases from a chondrosarcoma.

Chondrosarcoma metastasises to the lungs and from there to other organs. A patient with several metastases in the soft tissues of the fingers and toes had previously been treated for a chondrosarcoma of the foot. Subungual metastases of chondrosarcoma are unusual and there is no evidence based treatment. We therefore treated the lesion of the finger by total resection of the nail (RO).

Treatment of late recurring idiopathic clubfoot deformity in adults.

Late recurrence of idiopathic clubfoot deformity in adults after prior successful surgery in childhood remains a rarity and only case reports exist. No study has yet clarified the results of triple arthrodesis in such cases. Complete clinical and radiological review of 7 patients (7 feet) after a follow-up time of 43 months following triple arthrodesis was undertaken. The time interval between the last surgical intervention and the triple arthrodesis averaged 27 years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used as an outcome measure. Average age at time of review was 36 years (range 18-45). All patients were examined clinically and radiologically. The AOFAS-score improved from 43 points preoperatively to 61 points at follow-up (p = 0.004). If adjusted by excluding subtalar motion, the relative score improved by 19% (from 46% to 65%; p = 0.0043). Although not significantly altered (p = 0.1), pain scores remained fair (25 points) but were improved compared with the preoperative evaluation (13 points). Ankle motion was not changed. Although statistically not significant, there was an increase in degree of ankle arthritis in 67% of patients (one patient had ankle fusion) and mid- and forefoot degenerative changes in 57%. Hindfoot alignment remained fair after surgical intervention. Triple arthrodesis is a palliative means to correct recurrent deformity in patients with idiopathic clubfoot. Despite residual symptoms and degenerative changes at the ankle, 86% of all patients were satisfied with the postoperative result.

Femoral torsion assessment with MRI in children: Should we use the bony or cartilaginous contours?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of cartilaginous contours at the femoral condyles instead of bony contours significantly changes femoral torsion measurements in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femoral torsion was measured in 32 girls (mean age 10.1 years±2.3 standard deviation) and 42 boys (10.9 years±2.5) on axial magnetic resonance (MR) images by two independent readers (R1,R2). The femoral condyle angle was measured using each the cartilaginous and bony contours of the distal femur. Cartilage thickness at femoral condyles was assessed. Intraclass-correlation-coefficient (ICC) and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean difference between cartilaginous and bony femoral torsion in girls was -1.1°±1.75 (range, -5.4° to 3.1°) for R1 and -1.64°±1.67 (-6.3° to 2.1°) for R2, in boys -1.5°±1.87 (-8.4° to 1.1°) for R1 and -2.28°±1.48 (-4.3° to 9.7°) for R2. Weak-to-moderate correlations between difference of cartilaginous-versus-bony measurements and cartilage thickness (r=-0.15 to -0.55, P<0.001-0.46) or age (r=-0.33 to 0.46, P<0.001-0.006) were found for both genders. Intermethod-ICC for cartilaginous versus bony femoral torsion measurements was 0.99/0.99 for R1/R2 in girls, and 0.99/0.98 in boys. CONCLUSION: There is only a small difference when measuring femoral torsion through cartilaginous versus bony contours, and no major difference in this between boys and girls.

Undisplaced femoral neck fractures in children have a high risk of secondary displacement.

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare and known to have a high complication rate (e.g. femoral head necrosis, persistent deformities, and pseudarthrosis). While open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced fractures, non-operative treatment methods have been proposed if the fracture is undisplaced. Three consecutive patients aged 11, 14 and 16 years with undisplaced femoral neck fractures were seen at our institutions and primarily treated with the recommendation of non-weightbearing and minimal flexion until consolidation. All three cases showed secondary displacement within the first 6 weeks. A second minor indirect trauma caused displacement in one case; in the other two cases, no further trauma had occurred. All three fractures healed uneventfully following reduction and osteosynthesis. Undisplaced femoral neck fractures treated non-operatively evidently bear the risk of secondary displacement. The observations in these patients suggest that primary internal stabilization, even of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in children, should be considered.

Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty in patients with mild slipped capital femoral epiphysis after in situ fixation.

PURPOSE: Mild slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) nevertheless show significant femoral head-neck deformities which may put cartilage and acetabular labrum at risk. Whether this deformity can be restored to normal has not yet been described in the literature. METHODS: In a prospective follow-up study, 14 patients with mild SCFE underwent in situ fixation with a single 6.5-mm cancellous, partially threaded screw. In 14 patients arthroscopic osteochondroplasty was performed, and in 13 patients pre- and postoperative measurements of the α-angle were made using antero-superior radial magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: After arthroscopic osteochondroplasty, the mean α-angle decreased from 57° (range 50°-74°) to 37° (range 32°-47°; p < 0.001). Six patients showed beginning degenerative intra-articular changes (four antero-superior cartilage and three antero-superior labrum lesions) at the time of hip arthroscopy. No intra-operative complications occurred. In one patient, arthroscopic debridement was necessary due to arthrofibrosis and persistent pain. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty can successfully correct the antero-superior α-angle in patients with mild SCFE to normal values. Clinical randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up are required to find evidence of improved functional and radiographic mid- and long-term outcome compared to in situ fixation alone.