Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): a 12-year review

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a relatively uncommon hip disorder in adolescents and its prevalence in Malaysia has not been studied. This retrospective study is undertaken to provide an overview of a 12-year review of SCFE treated in our institution. Fourteen patients (19 hips) with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) admitted to Hospital UKM from 1990 to 2002 were reviewed with respect to demographic profile, functional outcome according to the Iowa Hip Score, and complications. There were ten boys (average age, 12.5 years) and four girls (average age, 12 years). Eight were Malays and six were Indians. The average body mass index was 26.1 verweight). The left hips (11 hips) were affected more than the right hips (eight hips). Five patients had bilateral slips. Thirteen hips were considered stable while the other six hips were unstable. The majority of cases were moderate slips (12 hips), four hips had severe slips while three hips had mild slips. Several methods of treatment were instituted. These include in situ cannulated screw fixation (11 hips), Knowles pin fixation (three hips) and gentle closed manipulative reduction with cannulated screw fixation (three hips). One patient with bilateral slips refused surgical treatment. Based on the Iowa Hip Score, most patients (nine) had satisfactory results (excellent or good), three had fair results while one patient had a poor result. Avascular necrosis developed in five hips while chondrolysis occurred in one hip. In situ cannulated screw fixation is the treatment of choice. SCFE is an uncommon condition in Malaysia.

The management of avascular necrosis after slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Avascular necrosis is a serious complication of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and is difficult to treat. The reported incidence varies from 3% to 47% of patients. The aims of treatment are to maintain the range of movement of the hip and to prevent collapse of the femoral head. At present there are no clear guidelines for the management of this condition and treatment can be difficult and unrewarding.

We have used examination under anaesthesia and dynamic arthrography to investigate avascular necrosis and to determine the appropriate method of treatment. We present 20 consecutive cases of avascular necrosis in patients presenting with slipped capital femoral epiphysis and describe the results of treatment with a mean follow-up of over eight years (71 to 121 months). In patients who were suitable for joint preservation (14), we report a ten-year survivorship of the hip joint of 75% and a mean Harris hip score of 82 (44 to 98).

Unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: reduction by gradual distraction with external fixator. A case report

Severe unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) usually requires some form of reduction before stabilization to avoid loss of motion and to prevent the development of early degenerative arthritis. Gentle manipulation and traction is being used to achieve reduction. The force applied with these techniques is uncontrolled and unpredictable, and may add to the pre-existing risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in such cases. The authors report a case of acute on chronic, severe, unstable SCFE in which reduction was satisfactorily achieved by gradual distraction using an external fixator across the hip joint. The patient did not show signs of avascular necrosis or chondrolysis at a follow-up of 38 months. Hip function was excellent with Iowa hip score of 98 at the final follow-up.

Bone remodeling of a femoral head after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case report

A rare case of a 12-year-old boy on whom a joint-preserving operation for osteonecrosis after slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was performed, is described. Firstly, in situ pinning was performed for acute-on-chronic SCFE. However, osteonecrosis and collapse of the femoral head occurred at 7 months after surgery. Secondly, transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) was performed against progression of the collapse of the femoral head. Eight years of X-ray observation revealed bone remodeling at the osteonecrotic region. No documentation has been reported about the potential of bone remodeling of a femoral head with osteonecrosis after SCFE. This case indicates that a joint-preserving operation such as TRO is capable of promoting bone remodeling in such circumstances.

Surface arthroplasty in young patients with hip arthritis secondary to childhood disorders

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCP) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) may result in alterations of the proximal femoral morphology, leading to the development of hip osteoarthritis as a young adult. Hip surface arthroplasty presents special technical challenges in these patients because of the abnormal anatomy of the head and neck. The authors reviewed the radiographic and clinical results of patients with a history of LCP or SCFE who underwent hip resurfacing between 1996 and 2002. Despite the challenges in performing hip resurfacing in this patient population and the inability to completely normalize hip anatomy, biomechanics, and leg length discrepancy, the results to date have been encouraging.

[Primary hyperparathyroidism associated to slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a teenager]

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is an uncommon disease in children and adolescents. The association between PHP and slipped capital femoral epiphysis is rare, and so far only four cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of PHP due to a parathyroid adenoma, with several painful skeletal deformities and associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis in an 18-year-old male patient. Laboratory evaluation showed: calcium of 13.6 mg/dL, parathyroid hormone of 1,524 pg/mL and alkaline phosphatase of 3,449 U/L. Deformities were caused by late diagnosis during the growth spurt, and this association is the result of combinations between metabolic and mechanical factors. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy and, in agreement with the literature, since the removal of the adenoma is followed by prompt resolution of the slipped capital femoral epiphysis we decided for a conservative approach. We observed improvement of the pain and normalization of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in down syndrome

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and Down syndrome are both uncommon in the population at large, and rarely are both conditions present in a single individual. Institutional records were searched for both Down syndrome and SCFE. At least 2 years of follow-up was required. Eight patients were identified. At presentation four patients could not walk due to pain and four could walk. Six of eight hips presented with grade III SCFE. Four hips were treated with internal fixation in situ and four were manipulatively reduced in the operating room at the time of fixation with percutaneous screws or pins. Three hips healed uneventfully. Five hips developed aseptic necrosis (three partial, two whole head). This small retrospective study suggests an extremely high rate of complications in adolescents with Down syndrome and SCFE.

[Long-term results of pinning for slipped capital femoral epiphysis]

Clinical and radiological analysis of 39 hips in 32 patients treated with in situ pinning for light and non-severe (up to 78 degrees) slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The population of 21 boys and 11 girls aged 10-16 (av. 13.1) was observed in 4-27 (av. 21) years. The observation showed 18.8% very good, 18.8% good, 46.8% satisfactory, 12.5% bad results and 3.1% (1 patient) of unsuccessful treatment, according to Heyman & Herndon clinical evaluation scale. Radiological evaluation of secondary coxarthritis acc. to Boyer: 0 - 35.,8%, I - 23.1%, II - 33.4%, III - 7.7%. Slipped upper femoral epiphysis causes secondary coxarthritis. Kirschner wire pinning is good method for non-severe cases.

[Reduction of epiphyseal displacement and fixation in the treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis]

Reduction of epiphyseal displacement by manipulation in the treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (scfe) can lead to very severe complications as avascular necrosis or acute necrosis of cartilage. The aim of this study is to analyze the results of treatment of unstable scfe with open reduction and fixation. Material consists of 14 patients (10 boys and 4 girls) with 15 hips treated surgically because of unstable scfe with an average follow up of 10 years and 6 months (ranged from 2 to 26 yrs). The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 17 yrs (mean 13). There was 14 cases of acute-on-chronic slips and 1 acute slip. The slip angle measured on anteroposterior radiographs ranged from 27 degrees to 57 degrees (mean 39 degrees) and on frog lateral radiographs ranged from 52 degrees to 81 degrees (mean 67 degrees). In all of the cases manipulated reduction and internal fixation was done. The mean amount of correction was 30 degrees measured on anteroposterior radiographs (from 7 degrees to 55 degrees) and 37 degrees on frog lateral radiographs (from 8 degrees to 82 degrees). An end results were classified according to Hall and Southwick classification with Szypryt modification.

RESULTS

Excellent result was achieved in 6 hips (40%), good in 4 hips (27%), fair in 3 (20%) and poor in 2 (13%). Avascular necrosis developed in 2 hips. There was no cases with acute necrosis of cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Reduction of epiphyseal displacement and fixation is a save procedure in the treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Severe under-correction as well as over-reduction can lead to unsatisfactory results.

[Juvenile unstable severe slip of the proximal femoral epiphysis: case report and review of treatment options]

The authors present the case of a severe unstable slip of the proximal femoral epiphysis in a 14-year-old boy. A serious metabolic disorder diagnosed in the boy led to postponement of necessary surgical intervention. The primary development of necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis during the 6 months following the slip is reported here. A good outcome was eventually achieved by three-plane valgus, flexion and derotational osteotomy of the femur at second-stage surgery. The authors emphasize the prognostic importance of stability assessment in the displaced epiphysis.

Apophyseal avulsion fracture of the greater trochanter after slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case report

A 13-year-old boy sustained an avulsion fracture of the left greater trochanter eight months after surgical stabilisation of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis on the same side. In this specific case, avulsion of the greater trochanter after slipping of the capital femoral epiphysis may have been facilitated by weakening of the trochanteric physis.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: an analysis of treatment outcome according to physeal stability

INTRODUCTION

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common hip disorder in adolescents. Treatment can be associated with serious complications, mainly avascular necrosis (AVN). The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes and complications based on physeal stability at presentation.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively all children treated for SCFE from 1990 through 2000 at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa.

RESULTS

Of a total of 87 patients (56 male) identified, 73 had slips classed as stable and 14, unstable; 42 involved the left side, 34 the right, and 19 were bilateral. Avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in 1 patient with a stable slip (morbidity 1.4%) and in 3 with unstable slips (21.4%; p = 0.001). Manipulative anatomical reduction was done in 11 cases (78.5%), all unstable slips. All slips complicated by AVN had been classified according to the traditional system as acute-on-chronic. Complication rates differed significantly between unstable slips (36%) and stable (20%). No statistically significant association was found between AVN and slip severity, time to fixation or use of reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of stable slips exhibits a lower incidence of AVN. These results nevertheless suggest that gentle reduction of unstable slips is safe and unaccompanied by an increase in complications.

Gait abnormalities following slipped capital femoral epiphysis

The authors evaluated 30 subjects with treated unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis and a range of severity from mild to severe to characterize gait and strength abnormalities using instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis and isokinetic muscle testing. For slip angles less than 30 degrees, kinematic, kinetic, and strength variables were not significantly different from age- and weight-matched controls. For moderate to severe slips, as slip angle increased, passive hip flexion, hip abduction, and internal rotation in the flexed and extended positions decreased significantly. Persistent pelvic obliquity, medial lateral trunk sway, and trunk obliquity in stance increased, as did extension, adduction, and external rotation during gait. Gait velocity and step length decreased with increased amount of time spent in double limb stance. Hip abductor moment, hip extension moment, knee flexion moment, and ankle dorsiflexion moment were all decreased on the involved side. Hip and knee strength also decreased with increasing slip severity. All of these changes were present on the affected and to a lesser degree the unaffected side. Body center of mass translation or pelvic obliquity in mid-stance greater than one standard deviation above normal correlated well with the impression of compensated or uncompensated Trendelenburg gait.

Delay in diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

OBJECTIVE

Delay in diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has important implications in terms of slip severity and long-term hip outcome. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of delay in the diagnosis of SCFE.

METHODS

A review of 196 patients with SCFE was performed. The primary outcome measure was delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Covariates included age, gender, side, weight, pain location, insurance status, family income, slip severity, and slip stability. Delay in diagnosis was not normal in distribution; therefore, nonparametric univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The median delay in diagnosis was 8.0 weeks. There was a significant relationship between delay in diagnosis and slip severity (<30 degrees : 10.0 weeks; 30 degrees to 50 degrees : 14.4 weeks; >50 degrees : 20.6 weeks). There were no significant associations between delay in diagnosis and covariates of age, gender, side, and weight. There were significant associations between longer delay in diagnosis and covariates of knee/distal-thigh pain versus hip/proximal-thigh pain (6.0 vs 15.0 weeks), Medicaid coverage versus private insurance (12.0 vs 7.5 weeks), lower family income, and stable slips versus unstable slips (8.0 vs 6.5 weeks). Controlling for the other covariates, knee/distal-thigh pain, Medicaid insurance, and stable slips remained significant independent multivariate predictors of delay in diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who present with primarily knee or distal-thigh pain, patients with Medicaid coverage, and patients with stable slips have longer delays in diagnosis of SCFE. Focused intervention programs to reduce the delay in diagnosis of SCFE should emphasize patients with knee/thigh pain and patients with Medicaid coverage.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a child with sickle cell disease

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a child with sickle cell disease has not been reported previously. The diagnostic challenges, role of imaging techniques, and the medical treatment of this patient are discussed. The presentation of acute hip or leg pain in a child with sickle cell disease should alert the treating physician to the possibility of a vaso-occlusive crisis as the likely source of the child's pain. The goal of the current case report is to emphasize the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for other potential causes of hip, thigh, or knee pain such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis in an adolescent. Preoperative and postoperative care for a child with sickle cell disease needs to be modified to minimize the risks of vaso-occlusive complications.

[Clinical outcome and assessment of spontaneous remodeling of slipping angle in SCFE]

38 patients, and 45 hips has undergone treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis between 1995 and 2000. On the basis of the measurement of the head shaft angle on X-ray examination done preoperatively, hips were classified to one of the three groups--mild, moderate, and severe slippage. All patients had undergone pinning in situ as a primary treatment. All were checked out periodically, clinically and radiologically. On the last X-ray before physeal plate closure the head shaft angle was evaluated again. Retrospectively the head neck angle was measured as well. After the average 2.5 years long observation there was stated, that according to Southwick clinical and radiological classification 73% of good and very good outcomes were among moderate and severe slippages. On X-ray assessment 38% of initial and final projection were estimated to be comparable. Amount was inversely proportional to escalation of the slippage. On the comparable projections remodeling of the proximal femur occurred in 27% of the head-shaft angle cases, and 39% on the head-neck angle cases. Remodeling often concerned younger patients and greater slippages. Primary in situ stabilization in treatment SCFE is a correct therapy. Because of spontaneous remodeling occurring in a large amount of hips after stabilization making, a decision of realignment procedures should be rescheduled until remodeling is over after physeal plate closure. Conventional X-rays examination is a method of qualitative, not quantitative monitoring of a treatment of SCFE.

[Remodeling after in situ pinning for slipped capital femoral epiphysis]

We reviewed 61 hips in 50 children (33 boys and 17 girls) with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), all treated by in situ pinning. Average age of our patients was 11.8 years (range, from 8 to 15 years). The average clinical and radiographic follow-up was 7.4 years. By studying the changes in physeal-shalt angle on radiographs in Lauenstein (frog) position, we found evidence of physeal remodeling in three (8%) of 38 mild and seven (30%) of 23 moderate slips. Remodeling of the proximal femoral metaphysis occurred in 92% of hips with a head-shaft angle less than 30 degrees and in 52% of hips between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. A process of local resorption and apposition of bone seems to be essential to final remodeling. The probability of remodeling was significantly less the greater the degree of slip, but was significantly increased among children 11 years old or younger and if the triradiate cartilage was open at the time of presentation. The range of internal rotation was significantly greater in those hips that remodeled. Pinning in situ of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis represents a simple, quick and effective method of treatment, allowing remodeling in mild and moderate slips.

[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis associated with hyperparathyroidism. A case report]

Slippage of the upper femoral epiphysis can occur in association with multiple endocrine imbalances. A case of slipped femoral epiphysis with primary hyperparathyroidism is reported. The patient was an adolescent, 16 Years of age, who presented bilateral slipped epiphysis. Investigation showed that he had hypercalcemia (3.1 mmol/l) related to primary hyperparathyroidism. A parathyroid adenoma was removed. Outcome was favorable and the slipped femoral epiphyses did not require a specific treatment.

Pinning in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: long-term follow-up study

This long-term follow-up study was aimed at evaluating patients with hip epiphysiolysis treated by pinning and previously controlled by short-term follow-up, in order to evaluate both clinical and radiographic evolution. The case series included 36 patients (17 female and 19 male) for overall 48 hips (21 right, 27 left). The epiphysiolysis was bilateral in 12 patients. Median follow-up was 17.9 years (range 8.8-29.2). Clinical results were evaluated according to Harris, radiographic results according to Boyer. The patients were divided into three groups according to slipping degree calculated following Southwick (0-30 degrees, 30-60 degrees, >60 degrees ). Slipping degree was found to be directly correlated with worsening of results. Reduction manoeuvres on chronic epiphysiolysis proved to lead to even poorer results. Our review, even though carried out on a limited number of cases, showed that (1) hips with arthrosis at first control resulted in worsening in the majority of cases; (2) slipping degree was proportional to the result obtained; (3) reduction manoeuvres performed on chronic epiphysiolysis had a negative influence on results; (4) the presence of chondrolysis or epiphyseal necrosis always led to early hip arthrosis; (5) in the absence of major complications, evolution towards arthrosis can be slow and adulthood or even old age can be reached without resorting to total hip replacement.

Nonunion of femoral neck fracture and trochanteric osteotomy after a pinned, slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case report

Femoral neck fracture as a complication of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is rare. Even rarer is a femoral neck nonunion as an additional complication. This is the first case reported in the literature of a failed valgus osteotomy for a femoral neck nonunion. A salvage operation involving a step-cut valgus/flexion/internal rotation osteotomy, open reduction and internal fixation, with a blade plate and cannulated screw, placement of an allograft femoral strut, and allograft bone grafting was successfully performed. Femoral neck fractures following SCFE fixation are more difficult to treat because of abnormal femoral neck configuration. Therefore a valgus, flexion, and internal rotation producing osteotomy may need to be initially performed to prevent a femoral neck nonunion.

[Closed reduction and pinning for acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis]

Acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a rare adolescent hip disorder, which may be a problem for orthopedic surgeon. No series to date has demonstrated the superiority of any treatment method. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of treatment and to assess the risk factors of avascular necrosis associated with this condition. Fourteen cases of acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis were treated with closed reduction and pinning. There were 9 boys and 5 girls. The average age at presentation was 11.8 years (range 9.1-15.3). Eight children were treated 4-10 days and six within 48 hours of the onset of their acute symptoms. The severity of the slip was classified according to the system of Southwick. Presence of chondrolysis and avascular necrosis was estimated. The clinical results were graded with the use of the criteria of Aadelen et al. Four slips were classified as mild, seven as moderate and three as severe. Average follow up was 5.2 years (range from 2.4 to 14.3). In two hips with severe slip AVN developed. One of these cases was treated within 48 hours and one after 7 days. Chondrolysis developed in one hip and was associated with presence of intra-articular fixation. Twelve of the fourteen hips had good and vary good results and remaining 2 with AVN had poor. Closed reduction and pinning in acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis is an effective and giving satisfactory outcome method of treatment. Early reduction is not associated with a high rate of AVN and should be performed as soon as possible. More severe slips were noted to have an increased risk of AVN.

Anterior physeal separation. A sign indicating a high risk for avascular necrosis after slipped capital femoral epiphysis

A study of 78 children (110 hips) was undertaken in an attempt to assess the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN) after slipped capital femoral epiphysis based on the radiological appearances of the hip at the time of presentation. Physeal separation, which was defined as the amount of separation of the anterior lip of the epiphysis from the metaphysis on the frog lateral view, was assessed. Of the eight hips which developed AVN, seven had anterior physeal separation. We conclude that anterior physeal separation is associated with a high incidence of subsequent AVN after slipped capital femoral epiphysis and that screw fixation may not be appropriate in these patients.

Improved percutaneous slipped capital femoral epiphysis treatment: continuous biplanar fluoroscopy and proper guide wire selection

In 1990, a report was published outlining a technique of percutaneous fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphyses dramatically diminishing the morbidity associated with the open technique. Technical difficulties are still encountered with the morbidly obese child and the percutaneous technique. Two fluoroscopic units used continuously during the technique facilitate placement of the guide wire in a more acceptable anatomic location. Guide wire stiffness was also measured and used in preoperative planning. Ten hips were treated with this technique, and a prospective analysis of the surgical time and fluoroscopy time was done. Using the new technique, we found a significant reduction in surgical and fluoroscopic times.