Early and middle term results after surgical treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Objective:  To evaluate the early and middle-term results of in situ single screw fixation and subtrochanteric osteotomy of the femur with external fixator for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Methods:  From June 1998 to July 2008, 11 patients (seven male [eight hips] and four female [four hips]) of average age 14.3 years (range, 9–18 years) were treated in our hospital. According to the Southwick measurement, seven hips were mildly affected ( 50°). The average body mass index (BMI) was 31.1 g/m2 (range, 27–35 g/m2). All the mild and moderate cases underwent in situ single screw fixation, and the three severe cases subtrochanteric osteotomy of femur with external fixator. All cases were evaluated both clinically and radiographically at 3 months, 6 months and every year postoperatively. Results:  All cases were followed up for 2–12 years (average 5.6 years). The Harris hip score increased from a mean of 74.8 (70 ∼ 85) points preoperatively to 90.6 (70 ∼ 100) points postoperatively. X-ray films showed epiphyseal closure in the in situ single screw fixation cases, and no further increase in epiphyseal-shaft angle. Partial reduction of slipped epiphysis with normal joint spaces was observed after subtrochanteric osteotomy of the femur in the external fixator cases. Conclusion: In situ single screw fixation for treating mild and moderate SCFE has a satisfactory clinical outcome, and the advantage of prevention of further slippage. Subtrochanteric osteotomy of the femur with external fixator is suitable for severe SCFE with late deformity; the realignment procedure can correct deformity and postpone or prevent subsequent osteoarthritis.