Slipped capital femoral epiphysis at the University Hospital of the West Indies

ABSTRACT

Forty patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis were treated at the University Hospital of the West Indies over a three-year period. The condition occurs during adolescence between 12 and 18 years. Boys are affected more than girls. The incidence is higher in the obese sexually underdeveloped patient. The early slip is best treated by pinning and the late slip by osteotomy. The development of chondrolysis is a contra-indication for surgery as this leads to a very stiff hip. (AU)