Limited angular remodelling after in-situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis : A study on radiographs from the Swedish pediatric orthopaedic quality registry for SCFE.

BACKGROUND: In Sweden, most children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) are operated on with a single smooth pin or a short-threaded screw, allowing further growth of the femoral neck. Using the Swedish Pediatric Orthopaedic Quality registry, SPOQ, we investigated whether angular remodelling occurs adjacent to the proximal femoral epiphysis after fixation of SCFE using implants, allowing continued growth of the femoral neck. METHODS: During 2008-2010 a total national population of 155 children were reported to the SPOQ registry. Following our strict inclusion criteria, radiographs of 51 hips were further assessed. The lateral Head Shaft Angle (HSA), the Nötzli 3-point α-angle, the anatomic α-angle, and the Anterior Offset Ratio (AOR) on the first postoperative radiographs and at follow-up were measured to describe the occurrence of remodelling. Slip severity was categorised as mild, moderate or severe according to postoperative HSA. RESULTS: Mean and SD values for the change in HSA were 3,7° (5,0°), for 3-point α-angle 6,8° (8,9°), and anatomic α-angle 13,0° (16,3°). The overall increase in AOR was 0,038 (0.069). There were no significant differences between the slip severity groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found limited angular remodelling after in situ fixation with smooth pins or short threaded screws for SCFE. The angular remodelling and the reduction of the CAM deformity was less than previously described after fixation of SCFE with similar implants. Results about the same magnitude with non-growth sparing techniques suggest that factors other than longitudinal growth of the femoral neck are important for angular remodelling.

Skeletal Outcomes in Children and Young Adults with Glomerular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Children with glomerular disease have unique risk factors for compromised bone health. Studies addressing skeletal complications in this population are lacking. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from PEDSnet, a national network of pediatric health systems with standardized electronic health record data for more than 6.5 million patients from 2009 to 2021. Incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) of fracture, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and avascular necrosis/osteonecrosis (AVN) in 4598 children and young adults with glomerular disease were compared with those among 553,624 general pediatric patients using Poisson regression analysis. The glomerular disease cohort was identified using a published computable phenotype. Inclusion criteria for the general pediatric cohort were two or more primary care visits 1 year or more apart between 1 and 21 years of age, one visit or more every 18 months if followed >3 years, and no chronic progressive conditions defined by the Pediatric Medical Complexity Algorithm. Fracture, SCFE, and AVN were identified using SNOMED-CT diagnosis codes; fracture required an associated x-ray or splinting/casting procedure within 48 hours. RESULTS: We found a higher risk of fracture for the glomerular disease cohort compared with the general pediatric cohort in girls only (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.9). Hip/femur and vertebral fracture risk were increased in the glomerular disease cohort: adjusted IRR was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.3 to 3.7) and 5 (95% CI, 3.2 to 7.6), respectively. For SCFE, the adjusted IRR was 3.4 (95% CI, 1.9 to 5.9). For AVN, the adjusted IRR was 56.2 (95% CI, 40.7 to 77.5). CONCLUSIONS: Children and young adults with glomerular disease have significantly higher burden of skeletal complications than the general pediatric population.

Clinical and radiological outcomes following surgical hip dislocation for paediatric hip pathologies, a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical Hip Dislocation (SHD) is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of any surgeon treating conditions affecting the hips of children presenting with sequelae of a number of common conditions including Legg-CalvéPerthes disease (LCPD) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Risks associated with the procedure are well described. We investigated to assess if SHD is associated with significant surgical risk and if it improved clinical outcomes for patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study. We reviewed 18 (11 males and 7 females; mean age 13.7 years (6-17) with symptomatic hip pathology, secondary to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) between 2017 and 2021. All patients underwent a surgical hip dislocation approach and femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty, Head Split osteotomy or both. Clinical improvement was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index. The minimum follow-up was 6 months (mean, 22 months; range, 6-42 months). RESULTS: WOMAC scores improved at final follow-up from 10 to 3 for pain, 33 to 10 for function, and 4 to 2 for the stiffness subscales. All radiographic measures improved significantly of the postoperative X-rays. No patients developed osteonecrosis, implant failure, deep infection, or nonunion. CONCLUSION: Surgical Hip Dislocation, in the short term, we found improvement in WOMAC scores and radiographic indices with a low complication rate.

Early Total Hip Arthroplasty is a Cost-Effective Treatment for Severe Radiographic Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Over an Individual's Lifetime.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) causes degenerative changes warranting total hip arthroplasty (THA) in approximately 50% of patients by age 60 years. For severe SCFE, a reorienting intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) following in situ pinning (ISP) can decrease impingement with hip flexion, but by altering proximal femoral geometry, complicates subsequent conversion THA. We hypothesized that increasing implant survivorship would affect the most cost-effective treatment strategy (ISP followed by ITO [ISP + ITO] with later THA versus ISP alone [ISPa] with earlier THA) over a patient's lifetime. METHODS: A state-transition Markov model was constructed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of either ISPa or ISP + ITO over a 60-year time horizon for children who have severe, stable SCFE. Transition probabilities associated with implant and native hip survivorship, state utilities, and costs were derived from the literature. Sensitivity analyses assessed the model robustness. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were compared to a societal willingness to pay (WTP) of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). RESULTS: Over a 60-year horizon, ISPa was costlier ($291,836) than ISP + ITO ($75,227) but achieved overall better outcomes (51.4 QALYs ISPa versus 48.7 QALYs ISP + ITO), rendering ISPa cost-effective with an ICER of $80,980/QALY. Implant survivorship and time horizon were sensitive variables. CONCLUSION: Based upon current implant performance, ISPa with subsequent earlier THA is cost-effective when considering an individual's life expectancy and thereby deserves consideration in patients who have severe SCFE. Without clear level 1 clinical data, our economic model considers a difficult problem, while providing families and clinicians with a framework for understanding treatment options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis, Level III.

Effects of joint loading on the development of capital femoral epiphysis morphology.

INTRODUCTION: The deleterious influence of increased mechanical forces on capital femoral epiphysis development is well established; however, the growth of the physis in the absence of such forces remains unclear. The hips of non-ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) patients provide a weight-restricted (partial weightbearing) model which can elucidate the influence of decreased mechanical forces on the development of physis morphology, including features related to development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Here we used 3D image analysis to compare the physis morphology of children with non-ambulatory CP, as a model for abnormal hip loading, with age-matched native hips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT images of 98 non-ambulatory CP hips (8-15 years) and 80 age-matched native control hips were used to measure height, width, and length of the tubercle, depth, width, and length of the metaphyseal fossa, and cupping height across different epiphyseal regions. The impact of age on morphology was assessed using Pearson correlations. Mixed linear model was used to compare the quantified morphological features between partial weightbearing hips and full weightbearing controls. RESULTS: In partial weightbearing hips, tubercle height and length along with fossa depth and length significantly decreased with age, while peripheral cupping height increased with age (r > 0.2, P < 0.04). Compared to normally loaded (full weightbearing) hips and across all age groups, partially weightbearing hips' epiphyseal tubercle height and length were smaller (P < .05), metaphyseal fossa depth was larger (P < .01), and posterior, inferior, and anterior peripheral cupping heights were smaller (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Smaller epiphyseal tubercle and peripheral cupping with greater metaphyseal fossa size in partial weightbearing hips suggests that the growing capital femoral epiphysis requires mechanical stimulus to adequately develop epiphyseal stabilizers. Deposit low prevalence and relevance of SCFE in CP, these findings highlight both the role of normal joint loading in proper physis development and how chronic abnormal loading may contribute to various pathomorphological changes of the proximal femur (i.e., capital femoral epiphysis).

Surgical treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by Dunn procedure modified by Ganz: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of SCFE is still controversial, especially in moderate and severe forms. Dunn osteotomy performed with the Ganz approach became very popular in the last decade, although it is a complicated and challenging surgical procedure with a risk of AVN. The aim of our study was to analyze the current literature verifying the effectiveness of this surgical procedure, with specific attention to the incidence of AVN and other complications. MAIN BODY: A systematic review on the subject was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed by searching all published articles about the topic in the databases. The articles were screened for the presence of the following inclusion criteria: patients affected by slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) surgically treated by Dunn osteotomy using the Ganz surgical approach. All the patients affected by pathologies other than SCFE, treated without surgery or with procedures not including a surgical hip dislocation were excluded. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 studies were included in our systematic review. Selected articles were published from 2009 to 2021 and they included 636 overall hips. According to the selected articles, Dunn osteotomy modified by Ganz, performed by an experienced surgeon, allows for anatomical reduction of moderate or severe SCFE with a low incidence of AVN. CONCLUSIONS: The few papers with long term follow-up, reported no progression of hip osteoarthritis, however, since the patients are adolescent at surgery, longer follow-up studies are needed to validate this statement. It is still debated if better results are obtained in stable or unstable SCFE. The indication of this procedure in mild SCFE remains controversial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Xanthomatous hypophysitis causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism resulting in delayed presentation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

An 18-year-old man who underwent bilateral pinning of his hip joints after a left unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (right pinned prophylactically) was noted to have delayed secondary sexual characteristics and post-operative diabetes insipidus. The patient also described a history of fatigue, headache and polydipsia for the past 4 years. Endocrine investigations revealed reduced androgen levels, hypocortisolism, a borderline normal Serum ACE and secondary hypothyroidism. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the pituitary gland identified an enhancing mass and a thickened stalk which trans-nasal endoscopic biopsy found to be necrotic with pus. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of Xanthomatous Hypophysitis, an inflammatory condition likely related to a partial rupture of a Rathke cleft cyst. The patient was subsequently commenced on Androgen, Thyroxine, Desmopressin and Hydrocortisone therapy with on-going endocrine follow-up. Although endocrine dysfunction & hypogonadism has been recognised to be a risk factor for SCFE at an atypically older age, due to reduced androgen levels leading to a weakened physeal plate, this is the first known case of a Xanthomatous Hypophysitis resulting in pituitary dysfunction and eventual SCFE. This case highlights that an increased range of pituitary disorders should be considered in late presentations of SCFE; and vice versa the risk of SCFE should be considered in patients with prolonged hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Mid-term results of subcapital realignment of chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis using surgical hip dislocation: a prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) requires surgical treatment when diagnosed. The surgical management of moderate to severe SCFE remains an area of controversy among pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The severity of slippage, the viability of the femoral epiphysis, and the method of surgical management determine the long-term clinical and radiographical outcome. This study sought to evaluate the mid-term results of subcapital realignment of chronic stable slipped femoral epiphysis with open physis using surgical hip dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective case series of adolescents with moderate or severe degrees of chronic SCFE who had undergone subcapital osteotomy using the surgical hip dislocation technique. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to assess functional outcomes at 6 years of follow-up. A HHS of ≥ 80 points was considered satisfactory. Postoperative radiological outcomes were evaluated using epiphyseal-shaft angles and alpha angles. Postoperative complications were observed. RESULTS: This study included 40 patients, 32 (80%) males and 8 (20%) females, with a mean age of 14.1 ± 1.8 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean HHS from 45 ± 12.3 preoperatively to 91.8 ± 11.6 points at 6 years of follow-up. The mean epiphyseal-shaft angle reduced from 60.5 ± 15.3° preoperatively to 10.3 ± 2.4° postoperatively, P < 0.001. The mean alpha angle reduced from 72.5 ± 10.1° preoperatively to 40.4 ± 6.4°, P < 0.001. Four (10%) patients showed femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN). CONCLUSIONS: Subcapital realignment of chronic SCFE can achieve satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes, but femoral head AVN remains a risk. Level of evidence Level IV.

"Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a 25-year-old hypogonadic man with a large cranial chondroma: causality or coincidence? ".

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip disorder frequently occurring in adolescence. In adults it is rare and so far very few cases have been documented. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with an anterior fossa giant chondroma, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and SCFE. The patient underwent surgical and hormonal therapy. His symptoms revealed, and he became a father. CONCLUSIONS: Every patient diagnosed with SCFE in adulthood should undergo endocrinological assessment based on physical examination and laboratory tests.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: an epidemiological Nationwide study in Italy from 2001 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (epiphysiolysis of the femoral head, SCFE) is the most common pediatric hip disease in 10-14 years old children. The most used procedure to correct a stable form of SCFE is in situ pinning. Instead, the proper treatment for unstable forms is controversial. The first purpose of this study was to estimate annual admissions for SCFE in Italian patients from 2001 to 2015, basing on the hospitalization reports. The second aim was to assess the difference between regions regarding SCFE procedures. Lastly, a statistical prediction of the volume of SCFE procedures performed in Italy based on data from 2001 to 2015 was performed. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the years of this paper. The yearly number of hospital admission for SCFE, the percentage of males and females, the average age, days of hospitalization, primary diagnoses and primary procedures in the whole Italian population were calculated using descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2015, 4893 hospitalizations for SCFE were recorded in Italy, with a mean incidence of 2.9 (cases/100.000 inhabitants). The majority of patients treated by SCFE were males (70.6%). CONCLUSION: National health statistics for SCFE are attractive for an international audience, as different approaches to screening are reported between countries. These differences allow comparing outcomes internationally. Moreover, sharing national statistics and correlating those to other countries protocols, could be helpful to compare outcomes for different procedures internationally. However, further studies are required to understand the specific reasons for regional variation for SCFE procedures in Italy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Knee pain in a child : watch out for the hip !] / Gonalgie chez l'enfant : vérifier la hanche !

This is a case report of a 13-year old patient presenting with knee pain after a bike accident. Multiple investigations and medical examinations focused on the knee. They did not show any abnormality. About one year later, the patient comes back with increased hip pain, limited internal rotation and shortening of the left limb. Hip X-Ray exams reveal a bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis requiring already an osteotomy. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a disorder of the proximal femoral epiphysis. The femoral neck is displaced anteriorly and rotates externally while the epiphysis remains in the acetabulum. This pathology is more common in preadolescent boys and can be associated with hormonal disorders. Patients present with an externally rotated gait, a limited internal rotation, associated hip and knee pain. Diagnosis might be missed when patients present with knee pain and can lead to delayed treatment. When facing knee pain, it is essential to perform a clinical examination of the hip. Radiography is the first medical imaging. Surgical treatment by in situ fixation is recommended and prevents further slip with a high rate of success. When delayed, a much more invasive approach is required. A delay in diagnosis adversely affects long-term outcomes.

Il s'agit d'un patient de 13 ans présentant des gonalgies comme principale plainte. Vu l'apparition des douleurs suite à une chute, les investigations se sont focalisées sur le genou. De multiples examens complémentaires ont été réalisés sans mise en évidence de lésion. Après un an d'évolution, le patient se présente en consultation d'orthopédie en chaise roulante avec une impotence fonctionnelle majeure et des douleurs importantes au niveau des membres inférieurs. On note une boiterie, une inégalité des membres inférieurs et une raideur des hanches. Une radiographie du bassin démontre une épiphysiolyse fémorale supérieure bilatérale. Il s'agit d'un glissement de l'épiphyse par rapport au col fémoral, retrouvé plus fréquemment chez le garçon entre 10 et 15 ans. Le tableau clinique peut être caractérisé par des gonalgies, entrainant des retards diagnostiques. En cas de diagnostic précoce, un vissage in situ, peu invasif, empêche la progression de la déformation. Si le diagnostic est retardé, un traitement plus lourd et plus invasif comportant plus de risques et de moins bons résultats à long terme doit être pratiqué. En cas de mauvaise évolution, une arthroplastie précoce doit être réalisée. Une prise en charge rapide permet d'éviter cette escalade thérapeutique.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis after treatment of femoral neck fracture.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children after treatment of femoral neck fracture is a very rare condition. This complication should be recognized promptly and treated urgently. The risk of development of this complication can be minimized by anatomical reduction of the fracture and stable internal fixation of the fracture. Five years old male child sustained right sided femur neck fracture and was treated with closed reduction and Hip spica cast application. The fracture healed with a varus deformity. After 7 months, he developed slip of femoral epiphysis with a coxa vara deformity of proximal femur, which was treated with in situ fixation with Cannulated screws. His subsequent course remained uneventful up to five months. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after treatment of femoral neck fracture in children is a rare complication that should be recognized and treated promptly. The onset of SCFE may show inadequate reduction or fixation of the fracture. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation for femoral neck fracture in children provides best outcomes. Postoperative care and delayed weight bearing are also equally important to avoid complications.

Patterns of Pain in Adolescents with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively characterize pain locations in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and evaluate pain locations as predictors of a delay in diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: This was an institutional review board approved prospective study of 110 children who underwent surgery for SCFE at a tertiary children's hospital between 2009 and 2015. Standardized pain diagrams were completed by 107 children. Pain zones were designated via a composite diagram. Hips without hip pain were categorized as atypical; hips with hip pain were typical. RESULTS: In total, 122 hips were eligible for pain zone analysis. Seventy hips (57.4%) had hip pain. Atypical pain was present in 52 hips (42.6%), which included groin pain in 17 hips (13.9%), thigh/leg pain in 43 (35.2%), knee pain in 32 (26.2%), and posterolateral pain of the hip and leg in 13 (10.7%). A combination of pain zones was present in 48 hips (39.3%). Forty-nine percent of patients had more than 1 visit until diagnosis. The three most common pain locations for typical hips were hip, hip/thigh, and hip/knee pain (77.2% of typical hips). The 3 most common pain locations for atypical hips were isolated thigh, knee, and groin (65.4% of atypical hips). The least common pain presentations had a longer duration of symptoms (P = .04) and more healthcare visits before diagnosis (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of pain locations is common in SCFE. Less frequent pain presentations may delay diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis continue despite education efforts.

A new compound heterozygous mutation in a female with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and adrenal myelolipoma.

17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17-OHD) is a rare disease caused by mutations of the CYP17A1 gene. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) rarely occurs in adults. There are occasional reports of adrenal myelolipoma (AML) in 17-OHD. A 27-year-old Chinese female (46, XX) visited the hospital for SCFE and presented with continuous hypokalemia, absent spontaneous puberty, and hypertension. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was detected. The laboratory tests were consistent with 17-OHD. AML was considered based on the imaging examinations. A mutation analysis of the CYP17A1 gene identified the following compound heterozygous mutation: a frame-shift mutation, i.e. c.985_987delTACinsAA (p.Tyr329fs), that had been reported to be a common mutation in the Chinese population was found in exon 6. Another new nonsense mutation, i.e. c.1270C > T (p.Gln424*), that causes a premature termination codon was found in exon 8. Treatment with prednisone had poor efficacy. The administration of 0.75 mg dexamethasone and estradiol/dydrogesterone cyclic treatment significantly improved the patient's symptoms. For the first time, we report a 17-OHD case accompanied by SCFE, AML, and a novel mutation site in the CYP17A1 gene. We provide insight into the clinical manifestations, genetic analysis, and treatment options of 17-OHD.

Validity of the alpha angle measurements on plain radiographs in the evaluation of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation of two different alpha angle (a-angle) measurements ("anatomical method and "three-point method") with the anterior offset ratio (AOR), femoral head ratio (FHR), and lateral femoral head ratio (LFHR) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 39 hips of 26 patients. The a-angles were measured on the frog-leg lateral view (Lat) and anteroposterior (Ap) view, FHR was measured on the Ap view, and LFHR and AOR were measured on the Lat view. A t test was performed to analyze the means of the alpha angles measured using the three-point method and the anatomical method, and also, a correlation was conducted to assess the association of the a-angles among the FHR, LFHR, and AOR. RESULTS: The mean a-angles in the Ap plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 76° ± 15° and 64° ± 10° respectively (p < 0.001). The mean a-angles in the Lat plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 67° ± 13° and 56° ± 11° respectively (p < 0.001). The AOR showed a significant correlation only with the anatomical method a-angle values in the Lat plane (p = 0.026). The a-angles in the three-point method in the Lat plane did not show any significant correlation with the AOR, FHR, and LFHR. Both the FHR and LFHR values correlated significantly with the Ap plane a-angles in the three-point method and anatomical method. However, none of these correlations was strong. CONCLUSIONS: The a-angle measurement methods described in patients without femoral head-neck axis disruption may not be valid in patients with a disorder such as SCFE.

Moderate and severe SCFE (Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis) arthroscopic osteoplasty vs open neck osteotomy-a retrospective analysis of results.

AIM: We intend to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic osteoplasty with open neck osteotomy for correction of the hip impingement and improvement of hip function in children with moderate to severe healed Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Our aim is to verify if arthroscopic osteoplasty could achieve the same outcome as open procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the hospital hip database retrieved 187 cases of SCFE from 2006 to 2013. We found 12 patients underwent open neck osteotomy and deformity correction for moderate/ severe healed SCFE and ten underwent arthroscopic osteoplasty of the hip. We compared the outcomes between these groups. RESULTS: In the arthroscopy cohort, the mean age at surgery was 15.8 years (range 13-19 years) and mean follow-up was 46.1 months (range 33-66 months). In the neck osteotomy group, the mean age at surgery was 14.6 years (11-20 years) and mean duration of follow-up was 49 months (36-60 months). The outcomes in arthroscopic osteoplasty group vs. open neck osteotomy were as follows: antero-posterior (AP) slip angle 9.2° (0.3°- 28.8°) vs 10.8° (1°-17.9°) (p = 0.0003), lateral slip angle 44.8° (36.5°-64.2°) vs 13.5° (1°-28.5°) (p = 0.00001), oblique plane deformity 47.1° (40.2°-53.5°) vs 16.7° (1°-28.6°) (p = 0.0003), alpha angle 61.88° (52.1°-123°) vs.34.6° (23.2°-45.6°) (p = 0.0003), anterior offset 0 mm (0 mm-2 mm) vs. 5 mm (2-13 mm) (p = 0.0003), modified Harris hip score (MHHS) 75.5 (58.75-96.8) vs. 90 (86.2-99) (p = 0.003), non-arthroplasty hip score (NAHS) 67.12 (18.75-100) vs. 92.1 (81.25-100) (p = 0.002), internal rotation 20° (0-20°) vs. 50° (30°-70°) (p = 0.0002), respectively. CONCLUSION: Even though the radiographic correction lagged behind in the arthroscopic group, the functional outcomes achieved did convey the gain of function in this cohort. In carefully selected cases, arthroscopy could be a less invasive procedure which has desirable outcomes.

The modified Dunn procedure provides superior short-term outcomes in the treatment of the unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis as compared to the inadvertent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning: a comparative clinical study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and radiographic correction after modified Dunn procedure versus inadvertent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for the treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). METHODS: We evaluated 45 patients with unstable SCFE treated using the modified Dunn procedure (n = 27) or percutaneous pinning (n = 18) during a minimum follow-up of one year. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Heyman and Herndon scores. The Southwick angle, alpha angle, and femoral head-neck offset were used to assess radiographic correction. The occurrence of complications and unplanned re-operations were recorded. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, 67% (18/27) in the modified Dunn procedure group and 28% (5/18) in the in situ pinning group had good or excellent Heyman and Herndon outcomes (p = 0.016). The morphology of the femoral head and neck was improved in the modified Dunn procedure group compared to percutaneous pinning (Southwick angle, alpha angles; femoral head-neck offset; p < 0.001). The proportion of osteonecrosis (26 vs. 28%; p > 0.999) and unplanned re-operations (26 vs. 33%; p = 0.894) was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to inadvertent reduction and percutaneous pinning, the modified Dunn procedure provided better clinical and radiographic outcomes with similar proportion of osteonecrosis and unplanned re-operations following an unstable SCFE.

Similar femoral growth and deformity with one screw versus two smooth pins for slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

PURPOSE: To compare longitudinal growth and cam deformity of the proximal femur after treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) with one screw versus two smooth pins. METHODS: We studied 43 patients (29 males, 14 females; mean age, 12.1 years; range, 9.5-14 years) with idiopathic unilateral SCFE treated with in situ fixation with one cannulated screw (group A, n = 23) or two smooth pins (group B, n = 20). Anteroposterior and frog-leg radiographs of the pelvis were evaluated for each patient at initial presentation, post-operatively and at physeal closure. Longitudinal growth was evaluated using the femoral neck length (FNL), the caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle, and the articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD). Cam deformity was assessed using the anterior offset α-angle and the head-neck offset ratio (HNOR). The mean follow-up was 5.1 years (range, 4-7 years). RESULTS: Postoperatively, the mean CCD angle was 138.3°, the mean α-angle was 66.1° and the mean HNOR was - 0.030. At physeal closure, mean CCD angle significantly decreased to 133.6°, mean α-angle significantly reduced to 52.1°, and mean HNOR significantly improved to + 0.039. CCD, FNL, ATD, α-angle, and HNOR were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: One screw or two smooth pins result in similar longitudinal growth and deformity of the proximal femur after SCFE. The femoral head-neck junction remarkably improves until physeal closure; however, residual cam deformity is not avoided after in situ pinning. The complication rate with smooth pins is higher.

[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis-etiology and pathogenesis]. / Epiphyseolysis capitis femoris ­ Ätiologie und Pathogenese.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most significant hip disease in adolescence. Because of its typical occurrence at the time of the pubertal growth spurt and some particular clinical symptoms, it has been a topic of special interest in orthopedic research for a long time. A large number of etiological factors have been described, however their meaning in detail is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: After a short summary of the structure and function of the epiphysis, an overview of concepts in the pathogenesis of SCFE is given. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective review of literature was performed. RESULTS: Etiology of SCFE includes genetic, endocrinologic, histochemical and biomechanical factors. During puberty, obesity together with reduced femoral antetorsion are the main risk factors for the disease. The rarer atypical SCFE is closely related to metabolic disorders or other chronical diseases. The pathogenesis is characterized by the disproportion between the load-bearing capacity of the epiphysis and the acting forces on the proximal femur. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of the multifactorial etiology of SCFE is convincing. The susceptibility of the femoral epiphysis is explained considering the remarkable biomechanic local forces. The initial damage can be shown on the histological and the histochemical level. Important new aspects refer to the leptin-metabolism. However, in the majority of cases, biomechanical factors seem to be more significant than endocrinological phenomena. A complete understanding has not succeeded to date.

[Early and late complications and their management in slipped capital femoral epiphysis]. / Früh- und Spätkomplikationen sowie deren Management bei der ECF.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains a challenge for the treating surgeon. First of all, SCFE should be diagnosed as early as possible. The earlier the diagnosis is made in adolescents, the lower the slip angle will be. Mild slips show more favourable long-term courses than moderate and severe SCFE. COMPLICATIONS: With increasing slip angle, the risk of complications increases. The complications of SCFE are diverse, the most severe of which are avascular necrosis (AVN) and chondrolysis. AVN is more common in surgically treated than in non-operatively managed patients and unstable SCFE bears the highest risk of AVN. THERAPY: Adequate treatment of AVN is still controversial. For surgical treatments, variable rates of AVN have been reported. There is a wide spectrum of surgeries for treating AVN, from hip joint-preserving techniques to total hip replacement. In central Europe there is wide consensus in favour of treating the contralateral side, but this is not without complications. Surgical treatment with in-situ pinning must be carried out with great care to take into consideration the morphology of the femoral head and not to perforate it. It should always be ensured that no osteosynthesis material penetrates the hip joint.