Slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated with a specially designed screw

BACKGROUND: In 1992 we developed a specially designed Olmed screw for treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The segment of which the screw is threaded is shorter than a regular Olmed screw. In that way the threaded portion of the screw can be placed entirely within the epiphysis. This makes the shank of the screw smooth through the physis; the purpose of this is to allow continued growth in the neck of femur. The threads are reverse cutting to make the screw easier to remove. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2004, we treated 18 hips with slipped capital femoral epiphysis; all patients were treated percutaneously with in situ fixation. We have retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs. Nine patients were reviewed clinically and radiographically after an average follow up of seven year and nine months. RESULTS: There were no difficulties with the surgical procedure, including removal of the screw. No further slippage, avascular necrosis or chondrolysis occurred. Radiographs showed that the screw allows continued growth of the neck of femur. Most of the patients had decreased internal rotation, but few had symptoms at follow up.