Long-term Results of Combined Epiphysiodesis and Imhauser Intertrochanteric Osteotomy in SCFE: A Retrospective Study on 53 Hips

[Evaluation of care for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in Germany]

INTRODUCTION

The treatment concept for slipped capital femoral epiphysis is still controversial. According to studies, there is currently no recommendation for a universal approach. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the care reality of children with ECF in Germany.

METHODS

The evaluation of the study is performed based on a questionnaire sent to physicians tending to ECF in 2021. Data is compared to the literature.

RESULTS

36 of 47 questionnaires sent out were included. Overall, no significant difference in ECF care was proven in terms of annual caseload or the size of hospital.

CONCLUSION

A high variance in operative SCFE treatment is reported. According to current literature, the modified Dunn procedure is considered the best therapeutic option to date, especially for patients with severe or chronic ECF. However, compared with alternative care options, this is not feasible in every hospital due to its complicating and challenging nature. Central registration, minimum volume regulation, and expansion of continuing education measures can contribute to optimization.

Comparing pinning in situ and capital realignment procedures for severe, stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a systematic review

In severe, stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis, it is unclear whether pinning in situ (PIS) or capital realignment procedures (CRPs) are superior. Our primary aim was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following each strategy. Secondary aims were to compare rates of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) and complications. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched according to an agreed strategy. Narrative review articles, case reports, letters to the editor and articles not written in English were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of the 132 citations identified, 127 were excluded following de-duplication and application of the exclusion criteria. Three observational studies comparing PIS with CRP and two case series considering CRP alone were identified. One article was considered fair quality, and four articles were considered poor. In total, 198 hips from five studies were included (66 PIS, 132 CRP). PIS was associated with moderate-good functional outcomes, and CRP with good-high outcomes. Two comparative studies reported significantly better PROMs following CRP. AVN was reported in 1.5% following PIS and 10.6% following CRP. Regarding other complications, chondrolysis occurred in 3.0% following PIS and 2.4% following CRP. Femoroacetabular impingement rates were markedly higher following PIS (60.6% versus 2.3%). Reoperation rates were also greater following PIS (34.5% versus 13.3%). PIS tends to be associated with favourable AVN rates, but CRP with favourable PROMs and complication rates. However, comparisons were drawn from heterogeneous studies lacking long-term follow-up. Further high-quality research is required.

Changing Treatment Philosophy of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) after Introduction of the Modified Dunn Procedure (MDP): Our Experience with MDP and Its Complications

BACKGROUND

The modified Dunn procedure (MDP) has become popular during the last 16 years to treat severely displaced slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) while "in situ" pinning (ISP) has remained valid to treat mild to moderate SCFE, although the indication limit of the Southwick angle (SA) has not yet been established for either procedure. In this context, we reviewed two cohorts of patients with SCFE, one treated by ISP and the other by MDP. We also tried to better elucidate the etiopathogenesis of hip instability, a severe complication of MDP.

METHODS

Fifty-one consecutive patients with 62 hips affected by SCFE were treated by us from 2015 to 2019: 48 hips with a SA ≤ 40° had ISP while 14, with the SA > 40°, had MDP. The latter also had a CT scan to better investigate the SCFE morphology. Results were assessed using the Harris Hip Score.

RESULTS

The mean length of follow up of the two cohorts was 5.4 years (range: 3 to 8 years). Of the 35 hips operated by ISP with a full follow-up evaluation, 30 had an excellent or good result, 3, fair, and 2, poor. Of the 14 hips that underwent MDP, 11 had an excellent or good result, 1, fair, and 2, poor. A CT scan showed femoro-acetabular incongruency in two unstable hips following MDP.

CONCLUSIONS

We performed ISP in chronic SCFE with the SA ≤ 40° and MDP in acute and chronic SCFE with the SA > 40°, with satisfactory results. In both acute-on-chronic and chronic long-lasting SCFE with severe displacement, planned for MDP, a CT scan should be carried out to evaluate possible femoro-acetabular incongruency that may cause hip instability.

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.

Medium-term outcomes of extraarticular corrective osteotomy for slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Despite the diversity of surgical options for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), there is an ongoing search for the technique that would ensure a satisfactory outcome, stable fixation of bone fragments and a low rate of complications. The aim of this study was to improve the surgical technique for SCFE in patients with moderate and severe SCFE. The study included 52 children (16 girls and 36 boys) aged 10-15 years (the mean age was 13.2 years) with chronic severe (Krechmar’s stage III) stable (according to Loder’s classification) SCFE. The control group (n = 16) underwent a classic Imhauser procedure; the main group (n = 36) underwent a triplane osteotomy proposed by the authors of the study. The patients were examined prior to surgery and in the late follow-up period (the mean follow-up time was 4.7 years, ranging from 1 to 10 years). The procedure included a clinical examination, history taking, radiography to measure the slip angle and the severity of the slip, and the Harris hip score to assess hip function. After 4.7 years, both groups demonstrated an increase in the range of motion, in comparison with their preoperative results (p ≤ 0.05), good Harris hip scores (94 points in the main group and 81 points in the control group. Postoperative radiographs showed consolidation of the bone, recovery of the proximal femur anatomy. Leg length discrepancy improved significantly in both groups. The proposed technique for extraarticular osteotomy allows recovering the length of the affected leg, the anatomy and physiology of the hip joint, is simple and less traumatic.

Intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case series study

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in the treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) on short-term basis. Nineteen patients (20 hips) with moderate-severe stable SCFE were surgically treated by Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty and followed up for 3-4 years. The cases aged between 12 and 18 years at the time of surgery and complained of a variety of symptoms and signs that included pain, limping, limited range of motion (ROM), and/or abductor weakness. The outcomes were assessed using clinical and radiological parameters as well as functional outcome measures: "Harris hip score" (HHS) and "The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index" (WOMAC). There were statistically significant improvements in flexion, internal rotation, and abduction ROM. HHS and WOMAC improved significantly with final follow-up scores at 86.76 and 6.4%, respectively. The radiological parameters showed significant improvement regarding Southwick angle (mean 12.8°), alpha angle of Nötzli (mean 29.85°), Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (mean 37.65°), neck shaft angle (mean 140.63°), and acetabulo-trochanteric distance (median14.1 mm) at the end of follow-up period. Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty is a good option in moderate-severe stable SCFE treatment.

Treatment for Post-Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Deformity

In situ pinning of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a safe and effective treatment modality, but often results in residual deformity leading to femoroacetabular impingement, which may limit patient activities and predispose to early onset arthritis. Enhanced understanding of the implications of femoroacetabular impingement and new surgical techniques have prompted interest in treating post-slipped capital femoral epiphysis deformity to both improve current symptoms and delay or prevent hip arthrosis.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between a Triplane Proximal Femoral Osteotomy and the Modified Dunn Procedure for Stable, Moderate to Severe Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated the intra-articular cartilage and labral damage that can occur from the proximal femoral cam-like deformity of a moderate to severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The approach to treating this deformity in a symptomatic Loder stable hip is controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic outcomes, complication rates, and revision rates between Imhauser type triplane proximal femoral osteotomy (TPFO) and the modified Dunn procedure (MDP).

METHODS

Twenty-six subjects with minimum 1-year follow-up were included (12 treated with a TPFO, and 14 treated with the MDP). A chart review was performed to capture data related to complications, revision procedures, surgical time, and body mass index. Radiographs were measured preoperatively and at final follow-up to evaluate epiphyseal-slip angle, neck-shaft angle, articular surface to trochanter distance, and medial proximal femoral angle.

RESULTS

Surgical time was shorter for the TPFO group (150.0±57.4 min) compared with the MDP group (203.8±30 min) (P=0.005). All preoperative and postoperative radiographic measures were similar between the 2 groups except postoperative neck-shaft angle, which was significantly less in the TPFO group (129.7±8.6 vs. 140.9±9.4 degrees) (P=0.005). There were no cases of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) in the TPFO group. The modified Dunn group had a 29% AVN rate (P=0.1). The overall complication rate was similar between the TPFO (33%) and modified Dunn (36%) groups (P=1.0) and the reoperation rate was slightly greater in the TPFO group (33%) as compared with the modified Dunn group (21%) (P=0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

The complex 3-dimensional proximal femoral deformity of a moderate to severe SCFE can be difficult to treat with relatively high complication/reoperation rates observed in both TPFO and MDP groups. All 4 instances of AVN in this study of stable slips, however, were in the MDP group. As this can be a devastating complication leading to early total hip arthroplasty, we advise against the MDP in stable SCFE patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Comparison between modified Dunn procedure and in situ fixation for severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Background and purpose - The best treatment option for severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is still controversial. We compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of modified Dunn procedure (D) and in situ fixation (S) in severe SCFE. Patients and methods - We retrospectively compared D and S, used for severe stable SCFE (posterior sloping angle (PSA) > 50°) in 29 patients (15 D; 14 S). Propensity analysis and inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to adjust for baseline differences were performed. Patients were followed for 2-7 years. Results - Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurred in 3 patients out of 15, after D, causing conversion to total hip replacement (THR) in 2 cases. In S, 1 hip developed chondrolysis, requiring THR 3 years after surgery. 3 symptomatic femoroacetabular impingements (FAI) occurred after S, requiring corrective osteotomy in 1 hip, and osteochondroplasty in another case. The risk of early re-operation was similar between the groups. The slippage was corrected more accurately and reliably by D. The Nonarthritic Hip Score was similar between groups, after adjusting for preoperative and postoperative variables. Interpretation - Although D was superior to S in restoring the proximal femoral anatomy, without increasing the risk of early re-operation, some concern remains regarding the potential risk of AVN in group D.

Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement after slipped capital femoral epiphysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) post slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) may lead to degenerative changes on the hip. We have reviewed the current procedures in the literature, aiming to correct the SCFE to prevent FAI and the ones that treat FAI post SCFE.

RECENT FINDINGS

The trends of managing moderated or severe SCFE is to correct the displacement by reduction and fixation with articular hematoma decompression in unstable hips and Dunn modified procedure even for unstable and stable situations. However, after FAI is settled, the options are osteochondroplasty by arthroscopy or surgical hip dislocation, associated or not to subtrocanteric osteotomy.

SUMMARY

Femoroacetabular impingement may occur in mild slips and certainly occur in cases of moderate and severe slips. The initial management depends on the severity and the stability of the slip.The modified Dunn procedure is a good option for the treatment of unstable SCFEs. Gentle closed reduction with capsulotomy (Parsch) may be considered whenever the surgeon is not comfortable with the modified Dunn procedure.Hips with open physis and stable moderate or severe SCFE, the modified Dunn procedure can be indicated. Cases with closed physis are managed with intertrochanteric osteotomy combined with osteoplasty.In the presence of symptomatic FAI secondary to SCFE, one should consider arthroscopic osteoplasty or surgical hip dislocation (with or without osteotomies) as treatment options.

Treatment of chronic, stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis via surgical hip dislocation with combined osteochondroplasty and Imhauser osteotomy

PURPOSE

Treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), including the modified Dunn procedure, restores anatomy with significant risk for avascular necrosis (AVN), if performed in the setting of moderate to severe, stable SCFE. The Imhauser osteotomy has been shown to be an effective way to correct residual deformity without the risk of AVN. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a combined Imhauser osteotomy and osteochondroplasty, performed via a surgical hip dislocation approach for the acute and delayed treatment of stable SCFE.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on a series of patients who underwent Imhauser osteotomy and osteochondroplasty via surgical hip dislocation for treatment of chronic, stable SCFE. Patients were divided into acute or delayed treatment groups based on whether osteotomy was performed as the initial slip treatment.

RESULTS

In total 19 patients (15 male, four female, average age 13.7 years) were reviewed. Six osteotomies were performed acutely in combination with in situ pinning, 13 were delayed at least six months after in situ pinning (average 21.7 months). Two hips had labral tears that required repair. The mean follow-up was 61 months (23 to 120) (delayed) and 53 months (27 to 61) (acute). The average improvement in slip angle was 40.7° (delayed) and 50.2° (acute) (p = 0.0916), final post-operative slip angle averaged 15.8° (delayed) and 17.8° (acute) (p = 0.544). Femoral neck length and greater trochanteric height were similar between both groups. Average alpha angle at final follow-up measured 55.8° (delayed) and 60.8° (acute) (p = 0.542). No cases of AVN were identified.

CONCLUSION

Imhauser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty via surgical hip dislocation approach is a safe and effective treatment of moderate to severe, stable SCFE performed in both the acute and delayed setting.

Iatrogenic Hip Instability Is a Devastating Complication After the Modified Dunn Procedure for Severe Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

BACKGROUND

The modified Dunn procedure facilitates femoral capital realignment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) through a surgical hip dislocation approach. Iatrogenic postoperative hip instability after this procedure has not been studied previously; however, we were concerned when we observed several instances of this serious complication, and we wished to study it further.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, timing, and clinical presentation (including complications) associated with iatrogenic instability after the modified Dunn procedure for SCFE.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2014, eight international institutions performed the modified Dunn procedure through a surgical dislocation approach in 406 patients. During the period in question, indications varied at those sites, but the procedure was used only in a minority of their patients treated surgically for SCFE (31% [406 of 1331]) with the majority treated with in situ fixation. It generally was performed for patients with severe deformity with a slip angle greater than 40°. Institutional databases were searched for all patients with SCFE who developed postoperative hip instability defined as hip subluxation or dislocation of the involved hip during the postoperative period. We reviewed in detail the clinical notes and operative records of those who presented with instability. We obtained demographic information, time from slip to surgery, type of fixation, operative details, and clinical course including the incidence of complications. Followup on those patients with instability was at a mean of 2 years (range, 1-5 years) after the index procedure. Complications were graded according to the modified Dindo-Clavien classification. Radiographic images were reviewed to measure the preoperative slip angle and the presence of osteonecrosis.

RESULTS

A total of 4% of patients treated with the modified Dunn procedure developed postoperative hip instability (17 of 406). Mean age of the patients was 13 years (range, 9-16 years). Instability presented as persistent hip pain in the postoperative period or was incidentally identified radiographically during the postoperative visit and occurred at a median of 3 weeks (range, 1 day to 2 months) after the modified Dunn procedure. Eight patients underwent revision surgery to address the postoperative instability. Fourteen of 17 patients developed femoral head avascular necrosis and three of 17 patients underwent THA during this short-term followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterolateral hip instability after the modified Dunn procedure for severe, chronic SCFE is an uncommon yet potentially devastating complication. Future studies might evaluate the effectiveness of maintaining anterior hip precautions for several weeks postoperatively in an abduction brace or broomstick cast to prevent this complication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

High Survivorship and Little Osteoarthritis at 10-year Followup in SCFE Patients Treated With a Modified Dunn Procedure

BACKGROUND

The modified Dunn procedure has the potential to restore the anatomy in hips with slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) while protecting the blood supply to the femoral head and minimizing secondary impingement deformities. However, there is controversy about the risks associated with the procedure and mid- to long-term data on clinical outcomes, reoperations, and complications are sparse.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Among patients treated with a modified Dunn procedure for SCFE, we report on (1) hip pain and function as measured by the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score, Drehmann sign, anterior impingement test, limp, and ROM; (2) the cumulative survivorship at minimum 10-year followup with endpoints of osteoarthritis (OA) progression (at least one Tönnis grade), subsequent THA, or a Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score < 15; (3) radiographic anatomy of the proximal femur measured by slip angle, α angle, Klein line, and sphericity index; and (4) the risk of subsequent surgery and complications.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2005, all patients who presented to our institution with SCFE were treated with a modified Dunn procedure; this approach was applied regardless of whether the slips were mild or severe, acute or chronic, and all were considered potentially eligible here. Of the 43 patients (43 hips) thus treated during that time, 42 (98%) were available for a minimum 10-year followup (mean, 12 years; range, 10-17 years) and complete radiographic and clinical followup was available on 38 hips (88%). The mean age of the patients was 13 years (range, 9-18 years). Ten hips (23%) presented with a mild, 27 hips (63%) with a moderate, and six hips (14%) with a severe slip angle. Pain and function were measured using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score, limp, ROM, and the presence of a positive anterior impingement test or Drehmann sign. Cumulative survivorship was calculated according to the method of Kaplan-Meier with three defined endpoints: (1) progression by at least one grade of OA according to Tönnis; (2) subsequent THA; or (3) a Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score < 15. Radiographic anatomy was assessed with the slip angle, Klein line, α angle, and sphericity index.

RESULTS

The Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score improved at the latest followup from 13 ± 2 (7-14) to 17 ± 1 (14-18; p < 0.001), the prevalence of limp decreased from 47% (18 of 38 hips) to 0% (none in 38 hips; p < 0.001), the prevalence of a positive Drehmann sign decreased from 50% (nine of 18 hips) to 0% (none in 38 hips; p < 0.001), and both flexion and internal rotation improved meaningfully. Cumulative survivorship was 93% at 10 years (95% confidence interval, 85%-100%). Radiographic anatomy improved, but secondary impingement deformities remained in some patients, and secondary surgical procedures included nine hips (21%) with screw removal and six hips (14%) undergoing open procedures for impingement deformities. Complications occurred in four hips (9%) and no hips demonstrated avascular necrosis on plain radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the modified Dunn procedure largely corrected slip deformities with little apparent risk of progression to avascular necrosis or THA and high hip scores at 10 years. However, secondary impingement deformities persisted in some hips and of those some underwent further surgical corrections.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.