Treatment of stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: systematic review and exploratory patient level analysis

Favourable outcome of severe, unstable grade III slipped capital femoral epiphysis managed by closed reduction percutaneous pinning with mid-term follow up: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common hip pathology in adolescents. Outcome of SCFE management largely depends on the grading of the pathology. Severe, unstable SCFE poses high risk for avascular necrosis (AVN). The objective of this study is to report a good outcome without AVN in an acute, unstable, high grade SCFE managed by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning along with factors that need to be given consideration.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 13 years old boy was unable to bear weight due to severe pain on right hip after trauma since 2 weeks. Patient was diagnosed with acute, unstable high grade SCFE, patient underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) using cannulated screw and K wire augmented with spica cast. At 12 weeks patient was already fully active. At 18 month follow up there was no sign of AVN with full hip range of movement.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Treatment for unstable, severe SCFE is still challenging. Unreduced severe slippage will deliver serious impingement and end up with early degenerative arthritis. The magnitude of reduction in a severe, unstable SCFE poses high risk for AVN. While some studies claimed reduction is justified only when it is serendipitous, we successfully and purposely performed CRPP.

CONCLUSION

Even after 2 weeks from onset, an acute and severe slippage can still be reduced closely and fixed percutaneously. The hip regain full range of motion with no sign of AVN on x ray at 18 months follow up.

Analysis of risk factors for difficult implant removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws

Introduction

Cannulated screws are widely used in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, which can be removed after physeal closure on patient's request. This study aimed to analysis the potential risk factors for difficult removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 32 hips that had undergone removal of cannulated screws after treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis at our department. The primary outcomes were the difficult screw removal. The secondary outcomes were functional outcome assessed by using a modified Harris Hip Score and complications of fractures and surgical site infection. Related risk factors for difficult removal were recorded and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In total, 32 hips were evaluated, with a mean age of 14.9 ± 1.3 years old (range, 13-19 years). Six (18.8%) hips presented with difficult removal, including 4 cases of screws' slip and 2 breakages. The average implantation time in the difficult removal group (5.7 ± 1.0) was also significantly longer than that in the easily removed group (3.8 ± 0.9, p = 0.001). The mean surgical time in patients with difficult removal was 66.3 ± 11.6 min, which was also significantly longer than that (54.8 ± 8.3) in the other patients (p = 0.008). The duration of screw implantation was an independent risk factor for difficult removal.

Conclusions

Prolonged screw duration was a predictor for difficult removal in children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated screws. An early surgery after physeal closure might benefit those with a request for screw removal.

Association of Relative Skeletal Immaturity of the Triradiate Cartilage with Increased Proximal Femoral Deformity in Prophylactic Fixation for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Radiographic Study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to describe proximal femoral deformity after contralateral hip prophylactic fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in patients and the association of relative skeletal immaturity with this deformity.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients presenting with a SCFE was conducted from 2009 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were (1) radiographic evidence of a unilateral SCFE treated with in situ fixation, (2) contralateral prophylactic fixation of an unslipped hip, and (3) at least 3 years of follow-up. Measurements were made on radiographs and included greater trochanter height relative to the center of the femoral head, femoral head-neck offset, and femoral neck length. Skeletal maturity was evaluated by assessing the status of the proximal femoral physis and triradiate cartilage (TRC) of the hip, in addition to the length of time to closure of these physes. Values were compared from initial presentation to final follow-up. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and linear regression.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were included. Bivariable linear regression demonstrated that an increased relative trochanteric overgrowth was associated with TRC width (β = 3.048, R = 0.585, P = 0.001) and an open TRC (β = -11.400, R = 0.227, P = 0.012). Time to proximal femoral physis closure (β = 1.963, R = 0.444, P = 0.020) and TRC closure (β = 1.983, R = 0.486, P = 0.010) were predictive of increased deformity. In addition, multivariable elimination linear regression demonstrated that TRC width (β = 3.048, R = 0.585, P = 0.001) was predictive of an increased relative trochanteric overgrowth.

DISCUSSION

Patients with an open TRC and increased TRC width are associated with increased relative trochanteric overgrowth when undergoing prophylactic fixation for a unilateral SCFE. Increased caution should be exercised when considering contralateral hip prophylactic fixation in skeletally immature patients presenting with a unilateral SCFE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Femoral rotational osteotomy for femoroacetabular impingement: A systematic review

Purpose

To synthesize existing literature regarding the indications and outcomes of femoral rotational osteotomies (FDO) for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) due to.

Methods

Medline, Cochrane, and Embase were searched using keywords "femoroacetabular impingement", "rotational osteotomy" and others to identify FAI patients undergoing FDO. Double-screened studies were reviewed by blinded authors according to inclusion criteria. Data from full texts was extracted including study type, number of patients, sex, mean age, surgical indication, type of dysplasia, associated pathology, surgical technique, follow-up, and pre-op/post-op evaluations of the following: impingement test, femoral version (FV), 'other angles measured', outcome scores, range of motion (ROM).

Results

7 studies including 91 patients (97 FDO surgeries), 73 females (80 %) with mean age of 28.3 years, and follow-up mean of 2.44 ± 2.83 years. Pain or impingement was the most common clinical indication, while others included aberrant FV and ROM measurements for both anteverted and retroverted femurs. There were reports of FDO being performed with concomitant procedures addressing other pathology. Various outcome scores and ROM measurements showed postoperative improvement after FDO. Complication data was sparse, preventing aggregation. The rate of unplanned reoperation was 40 % (where reported), with 'hardware removal' being the most common.

Conclusions

FDO is effective in treating FAI due to increased FV, improving clinical symptoms, and potentially delaying articular degeneration. Hardware removal surgery remains an inherent risk in undergoing FDO. Further work is needed to discover indications warranting FDO as a primary treatment versus hip arthroscopy.

Level of evidence

This review contains 4 studies with Level IV evidence and 3 studies with Level III evidence.

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.

Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis in Adolescents: Evolving Information on Its Mode of Presentation and Management

Background and objective Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is one of the most common hip pathologies in adolescents and pre-adolescents, the diagnosis of which is often missed due to delayed presentations. In this study, we aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis of SUFE cases treated in the hospital during the 15-year period from 2003 to 2018 and examine its bilateral presentation and the need for prophylactic pinning on the unaffected side. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved cases that were treated from 2003 to 2018. The case details were retrieved from the medical records department. Records older than 15 years were excluded owing to their inaccuracy, and 26 cases of SUFE were included in the final analysis. Each case was subjected to physical and radiological examinations of the symptomatic and asymptomatic hips. IBM SPSS Statistics v23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for data analysis. Results In this study, six of the 26 patients had bilateral SUFE and required subsequent surgical pinning. The duration of surgical interventions ranged from two to 22 months, while the mean intervention duration was 10.3 months. Among the cases, 61.5% (p<0.05) were idiopathic in nature upon documentation. However, 19% (p<0.05) of the cases were shown to be associated with an underlying condition or prior symptoms of the condition, whereas 7.6% (p<0.05) had an increased basal metabolic index; 11% (p<0.05) of the cases had an inherited family history of SUFE. A comparison between males and females showed a slightly higher frequency of complications in males (n=14) than in females (n=12) (p=0.556). The age of the patients at the presentation ranged between and 10-15 years, with an average age of 12.5 years. Conclusion Based on our findings, males were affected more than females and most of the cases were idiopathic. There is no significant evidence to support the need for prophylactic pinning of the unaffected hip. We recommend prospective studies with a larger sample of patients to gain more insight into the topic.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of research trends on surgical hip dislocation

Surgical hip dislocation (SHD) is a powerful and safe approach used to address pathologic lesions around the hip joint, and therefore, many studies have been conducted in this field. However, no bibliometric studies regarding the global research trend concerning SHD have been studied yet. This study aims to determine the research status in the field of SHD research between 2001 and 2021. The publications related to SHD from 2001 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Three bibliometric tools were used for this study. The main analyses include publication counts, contributions of countries, institutions, authors, journals and funding agencies, as well as analyses on clustering of references and keywords. In total, 498 articles were identified. The annual publication counts of SHD showed an ascending tendency as a whole. The United States has the most prominent contributions, with the most number of publications and the highest value of H-index. The University of Bern was the organization that produced the most literature. Professors Ganz R, Siebenrock KA, Tannast M, Steppacher SD and Leunig M were the core authors in this field. The most productive journal was Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. Burst keyword detection suggested that the following research directions, including 'surgical hip dislocation', 'outcome', 'fixation' and 'pain', are considered the research hotspots and deserve more attention. In conclusion, this is the first bibliometric analysis that provides a comprehensive overview of SHD research, which may assist investigators in exploring new directions for this technique.

A review of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

ABSTRACT

Hip pain in children is common, with causes ranging from the benign to destructive. This article reviews slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), one of the most common hip pathologies in preadolescents and adolescents, which often is missed or delayed in diagnosis because of its vague, atypical presentation.

Modified Dunn procedure versus percutaneous pinning in moderate/severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphyses

BACKGROUND

The modified Dunn procedure (MDP) has risen enthusiasm in treating slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) due to the anatomic reduction and high patients' satisfaction rates at long-term follow-up. Main aim of this study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of 2 cohorts with moderate to severe stable SCFE treated by MDP and in situ fixation.

METHODS

Medical records were analysed to collect demographic data, comorbidities and time from slip to surgery. The collected postoperative data were: avascular necrosis (AVN); complications; progression of osteoarthritis and subsequent procedures. Southwick angles (SA), alpha angles and Klein line were measured on the preoperative x-rays, on the immediate postoperative period and at the latest follow-up. Outcomes scores were recorded by the following questionnaires: the Harris Hip Score, the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve was calculated.

RESULTS

We compared 81 hips treated by MDP with 22 hips treated by in situ pinning (PS) for moderate/severe stable SCFE. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of age, BMI, comorbidities and preoperative slip angles. At the latest follow-up, postoperative anteroposterior mean slip angles were respectively 6.2 and 19.9° in MDP and PS group (p = 0.3). Slip angles in frog lateral view were 11° in the MDP group and 39.7° in the PS group (p = 0.2). MDP group achieved better correction angles on frog leg view (11° vs. 39.7°; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of AVN among both groups (19.7% MDP group vs. 31.8% PS group) (p = 0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The MDP in treating severe stable SCFE showed the best deformities corrections in conjunction with the highest functional scores at long-term follow-up and similar rates of osteonecrosis compared to in situ fixation.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Managed by Ganz Safe Surgical Dislocation of Hip: A Case Report with 2 Years Follow-up

Introduction

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is commonly managed by in situ screw fixation. However, higher grades of slips require restoration of normal anatomy of the femoral head without compromising the blood supply.

Case Report

A 16-year-old adolescent male presented with the left hip pain and progressive limping for 4 days with no history of previous trauma. On examination, the patient had severe tenderness and gross restriction of movements. Radiological examination revealed Grade 2 acute on chronic SCFE with unstable slip. Modified Dunn procedure through Ganz surgical hip dislocation facilitated the complete restoration of normal anatomy without avascular necrosis of femoral head changes at 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

Ganz safe surgical dislocation of the hip is safe for the femoral head, preserving its blood supply in toto and the modified Dunn procedure facilitated the complete restoration of normal anatomy even in acute on chronic type of SCFE cases.

Minimal Out-Toeing and Good Hip Scores of Severe SCFE Patients Treated With Modified Dunn Procedure and Contralateral Prophylactic Pinning at Minimal 5-year Follow up

BACKGROUND

Slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) is associated with out-toeing of the foot and external rotation gait. But it is unknown if SCFE patients treated with the modified Dunn procedure have out-toeing at follow up.Therefore, we used instrumented gait analysis and questioned (1) do severe SCFE patients treated with a modified Dunn procedure have symmetrical foot progression angle (FPA) compared with contralateral side and compared with asymptomatic volunteers (2) what is the prevalence of out-toeing gait and what are the outcome socres at follow up.

METHODS

Gait analysis of 22 patients (22 hips) treated with an unilateral modified Dunn procedure for severe SCFE (slip angle >60 degrees, 2002 to 2011) was retrospectively evaluated. Of 38 patients with minimal 5-year follow up, 2 hips (4%) had avascular necrosis of the femoral head and were excluded for gait analysis. Twenty-two patients were available for gait analysis at follow up (mean follow up of 9±2 y). Mean age at follow up was 22±3 years. Mean preoperative slip angle was 64±8 degrees (33% unstable slips) and decreased postoperatively (slip angle of 8±4 degrees). Gait analysis was performed with computer-based instrumented walkway system (GAITRite) to measure FPA with embedded pressure sensors. Patients were compared with control group of 18 healthy asymptomatic volunteers (36 feet, mean age 29±6 y).

RESULTS

(1) Mean FPA of SCFE patients (3.6±6.4 degrees) at follow up was not significantly different compared with their contralateral side (5.6±5.5 degrees) and compared with FPA of controls (4.0±4.5 degrees). (2) Of the 22 SCFE patients, most of them (19 hips, 86%) had normal FPA (-5 to 15 degrees), 2 patients had in-toeing (FPA<-5 degrees) and 1 had out-toeing (FPA >15 degrees) and was not significantly different compared with control group. (3) Mean modified Harris hip score (mHHS) was 93±11 points, mean Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) score was 91±10 points. Three patients (14%) had mHHS <80 points and walked with normal FPA. The 2 patients with in-toeing and one patient with out-toeing had mHHS >95 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe SCFE treated with modified Dunn procedure had mostly symmetrical FPA and good hip scores at long term follow up. This is in contrast to previous studies. Although 1 patient had out-toeing and 2 patients had in-toeing at follow up, they had good hip scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Is there a persistent capital femoral epiphysis growth after screw fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

Femoral neck screwing during child development is controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the residual growth of the capital femoral physis after screw fixation. This retrospective study included children aged younger than 12 years treated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) with a single percutaneous partially threaded cannulated screw. The children were followed up for at least 1 year. Some patients also underwent prophylactic contralateral screwing. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and final follow-up X-rays were evaluated to determine the degree of slippage, pin–joint ratio (PJR), neck–pin ratio (NPR), number of threads crossing the physis, neck–shaft angle (NSA), screw–physis angle and screw position in the physis. We included 17 patients (29 hips: 18 SCFE and 11 prophylactic) with a mean age of 10.1 years (range: 7.1–11.9 years) at the time of surgery. Significant evolution of radiological growth parameters of the proximal femoral physis was noted during a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (range: 1–4.3 years). The mean PJR significantly decreased from 7.3 to 6.0, the mean NPR significantly decreased from 106 to 96 and the mean number of threads beyond the physis decreased from 3.3 to 1.8. The mean NSA decreased by 6.5°, from 139° to 132.5°. Persistent capital femoral epiphysis growth occurs after screw fixation. The NSA significantly decreases over time but remains within the physiological limits.

Level of evidence: IV (case series)

Usefulness of Bone SPECT/CT for Predicting Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Children with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis or Femoral Neck Fracture

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of bone single-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) of the hip in predicting the later occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) after slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) or femoral neck fracture in pediatric patients. The quantitative parameters of SPECT/CT useful in predicting AVN were identified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one (male:female, 10:11) consecutive patients aged < 18 years (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 11.0 ± 2.7 years) who underwent surgery for SCFE or femoral neck fracture and postoperative bone SPECT/CT were included. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), mean SUV, and minimum SUV of the femoral head were measured. The ratios of the maximum SUV, mean SUV, and minimum SUV of the affected femoral head to the contralateral side were determined. Patients were followed up for > 1 year after the surgery. The SPECT/CT parameters were compared between patients who developed AVN and those who did not. The accuracy of SPECT/CT parameters for predicting AVN was assessed.

RESULTS

Six patients developed AVN. There was a significant difference in the ratio of the mean SUV among patients who developed AVN (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.3) and those who did not (1.1 ± 0.2, p = 0.018). However, there were no significant differences in the ratios of the maximum and minimum SUV between the groups (all p = 0.205). For the maximum, mean, and minimum SUVs, no significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.519, 0.733, and 0.470, respectively). The cutoff mean SUV ratio of 0.87 yielded a 66.7% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity for predicting AVN.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative bone SPECT/CT is useful for evaluating femoral head viability in pediatric patients with SCFE or femoral neck fractures. Clinicians should consider the high possibility of later AVN development in patients with a decreased mean SUV ratio.

Diagnosis and Management of Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Critical Analysis Review

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An unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is characterized by the inability to walk and is associated with a high risk of osteonecrosis.

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An unstable SCFE is less common than a stable SCFE; however, the demographics are similar in both groups of patients with SCFE.

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The diagnosis of an unstable SCFE is characterized by a history of antecedent pain and the inability to walk on examination, and it is confirmed by radiographic assessment.

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Management of an unstable SCFE includes closed reduction, open reduction, and capital realignment, which have all been noted to have lower rates of osteonecrosis than reported in historic reports.

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All management approaches have certain advantages and disadvantages, and comparative studies are needed to guide clinical decision-making.

Complications of hip preserving surgery

Preoperative evaluation of the pathomorphology is crucial for surgical planning, including radiographs as the basic modality and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and case-based additional imaging (e.g. 3D-CT, abduction views).

Hip arthroscopy (HAS) has undergone tremendous technical advances, an immense increase in use and the indications are getting wider. The most common indications for revision arthroscopy are labral tears and residual femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Treatment of borderline developmental dysplastic hip is currently a subject of controversy. It is paramount to understand the underlining problem of the individual hip and distinguish instability (dysplasia) from FAI, as the appropriate treatment for unstable hips is periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and for FAI arthroscopic impingement surgery.

PAO with a concomitant cam resection is associated with a higher survival rate compared to PAO alone for the treatment of hip dysplasia. Further, the challenge for the surgeon is the balance between over- and undercorrection.

Femoral torsion abnormalities should be evaluated and evaluation of femoral rotational osteotomy for these patients should be incorporated to the treatment plan.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:472-486. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210019

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.

Intraoperative assessment of femoral head perfusion during surgical hip dislocation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Avascular necrosis is the most devastating complication of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, leading to collapse of the femoral head, increased risk of osteoarthritis and the requirement of early total hip arthroplasty. It is believed that intraoperative femoral head perfusion assessment may be an accurate predictor of post-operative avascular necrosis (radiographic collapse). At our institution, femoral head perfusion is assessed intraoperatively during all sub-capital realignment procedures. We hypothesize that our method is accurate in predicting the risk of developing post-operative avascular necrosis. In this retrospective study, we collected data from all patients that had intraoperative blood flow measurements during sub-capital realignment procedures. We correlated this with long-term radiographs looking for radiographic collapse. The intraoperative femoral head perfusion assessments during sub-capital realignment procedures for slipped capital femoral epiphysis at our institution, between January 2015 and March 2020 inclusive were assessed for reliability. In total, 26 of 35 patients had intraoperative femoral head perfusion present. Only 2 (8%) of these patients developed radiographic collapse. In contrast, 7 (78%) of the 9 patients who did not have femoral head perfusion present intraoperatively developed radiographic collapse, indicating that our method may be reliable in predicting a patient’s post-operative risk of developing avascular necrosis.

Effect of seasonal variation on the peak presentation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis. A comparison of children in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, UK

Variation exists in the peak presentation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The objective of this study was to compare two cohorts of children (South Africa and the UK) and explore similarities and differences regarding demographic and epidemiological features, incidence and seasonal variation in peak presentation. Patients presenting with SCFE at one of two hospitals were included in the study. A retrospective cohort was collected from hospital records. The following factors were recorded: duration of symptoms, chronicity, stability, seasonality, severity and prophylactic pinning. A total of 137 patients were included in the study - 70 patients (80 hips) from South Africa and 67 patients (73 hips) from the UK. Both sites recorded more than 50% incidence of a chronic slip. There was higher delay to presentation in the UK compared with South Africa (90 vs 60 days, P = 0.0262). The UK population were more skeletally mature (32.8% open triradiate cartilage) compared with the South Africa population (64.9% open triradiate cartilage). In both populations, the most common season of symptom onset was summer. In the UK, the most common season of symptom presentation was in autumn compared with summer in South Africa. This study found significant differences in the two countries, including a more skeletally mature population in the UK. Both cohorts showed seasonal variation in peak incidence, but there was more seasonal variation in peak incidence in the UK - in the summer for onset of symptoms and autumn months for time of presentation.

Moon (or Eid) Crescent Sign of the Femoral Head

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head following slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a serious complication that often leads to a permanent disability. Radiological findings of AVN may take up to two years to become apparent. This means painful waiting for children, parents, and treating teams. We would like to describe a new radiological sign that we noted in four patients. The sign has been named as the crescent moon sign or eid crescent sign. It may become visible as early as six weeks following surgery, and it carries a good prognosis that the femoral head is viable and will not develop AVN. Two out of the four patients were treated in our hospital by Ganz surgical dislocation. The other two patients had been featured in other publications, but the significance of the moon crescent signs, which were present, was not recognized or appreciated. All four patients did not develop AVN. A relatively similar radiological sign has been described in talus bone fractures (Hawkins' sign). Like SCFE, talus bone fractures have a high AVN rate. Both, the crescent moon sign and Hawkins' sign carry a good prognosis and indicate that the bone blood supply is restored.

[Early and late complications and their management in slipped capital femoral epiphysis]

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.

[Fixation techniques for slipped capital femoral epiphysis : Principles, surgical techniques, and complications]

The purpose of this review is to present the pros and cons as well as the surgical techniques of conventional implants used for fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Worth mentioning are K‑wires, Hansson pins, transfixing screws, and gliding screws. We searched PubMed for "ECF" and "SCFE" in combination with "in situ fixation," "pin," "wire," "screw," and "nail." We considered Johansson nail, Knowles pin, and Nyström nail to be obsolete and of historical interest only. We noticed a trend from absolute stability towards some form of dynamic fixation over time, likely related to considerations of growth disturbance of the proximal femur and also the inherent potential for remodeling with time.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of a Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in a Low and Middle Income Country: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background:

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is an incapacitating orthopedic disease, particularly affecting older children and adolescents and caused by the sliding of the proximal femoral epiphysis on the metaphysis. SCFE has a clinical polymorphism, compounded with a certain diagnostic variability among health practitioners and the relatively high cost of its surgical management contribute to the diagnostic delay observed in most developed countries as well as developing ones. Herein, we report the case of SCFE in an adolescent Cameroonian, with emphasis on its diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), in a bit to improve on timely recognition and management by clinicians in these settings.

Case Presentation:

A 10-year-old girl has presented with unilateral right thigh pain of more than one year duration associated with a limping gait and no fever. Before the referral to our health facility, she consulted several general practitioners in rural areas and pediatricians in the city with no definite diagnosis. On the basis of the clinical and the imaging studies, the diagnosis of stable right SCFE with moderate displacement was made. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with three pins under c-arm fluoroscopy. Clinical and radiological follow-up till one year after surgical intervention were satisfactory. The pins were removed after one year of fixation confirming a good bone fusion in plain x-ray. Her clinical examination and radiological follow-up three years after removal of the pins were satisfactory.

Conclusion:

The case report illustrates that SCFE often a missed diagnosis in LMICs. This is worrisome because delayed diagnosis may lead to long-term complications such as avascular necrosis and early degenerative joint disease. Although the above case was missed by several clinicians and finally diagnose late, the present case highlights the need for a high index of clinical suspicion in order to timely diagnose and timely manage SCFE to avert potential long-term physical disabilities and psychological trauma in children.

Non-traumatic Infantile Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis following an Epileptic Seizure - A Case Report

Introduction:

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a rather uncommon fracture, occurring usually in adolescence, during a period of rapid growth. Various pathogenetic risk factors contributing to its development have been identified. We present the case of a 10-month-old male infant who developed SCFE in his left hip following an epileptic seizure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case report in the English literature.

Case Report:

A 10-month-old male infant, with a known medical history of epileptic encephalopathy, was referred to the accident and emergency department of our hospital. The parents of the youngster reported inability of the child to move his left lower limb and inconsolable crying following several epileptic seizures. A radiograph revealed the existence of SCFE in the left hip. The fracture was reduced (with gentle closed traction under general anesthesia) and a hip spicacast was applied. It was removed at 8 weeks. Physical examination at this stage revealed a painless hip with a full range of motion. Painless hip range of motion was retained during all follow-up visits throughout the next 22 months. Amagnetic resonance imaging scan at 2 years post-reduction showed normal shape and size of the affected femoral head, with no signs of physeal arrest and/or avascular necrosis.

Conclusion:

This unique case of a 10-month-old infant who developed SCFE following an epileptic seizure shows that this rare fracture may occur even in very young children. Although it is not currently indicated for the treatment of the vast majority of patients with SCFE, closed reduction and immobilization in a hip spicacast may be considered as an alternative treatment option in carefully selected patients.

Bilateral Valgus Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in an 11-year-old Girl

Valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is very infrequent, and it is characterized by a superolateral displacement of the epiphysis on the metaphysis. To date, less than 100 cases of valgus SCFE have been described in the literature. Bilaterality of valgus SCFE is extremely rare, and it presents management challenges to the treating orthopedic surgeons. Herein, we report the case of an 11-year-old Saudi Arabian girl presented to clinic with a one-year history of bilateral hip pain and limping. Past medical history was negative for endocrinopathies, hemoglobinopathies, bone disorders, trauma or radiation therapy to the pelvis. On physical examination, the patient looked tall and obese. On clinical examination, the patient showed a waddling gait and an external rotation on walking. A frog-leg lateral radiograph showed bilateral SCFE with a valgus deformity. The right and left femoral neck-shaft angles measured 154.3 and 148.2 degrees, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scan suggested a moderate bilateral posterior slippage of femoral heads; the right and left femoral head-neck angles measured 60 and 52 degrees, respectively. A final diagnosis of bilateral valgus SCFE was established. Consequently, the patient underwent bilateral percutaneous in situ pinning with single cannulated screws. Postoperatively, the patient made an uneventful recovery. At one-year follow-up, hip radiograph showed bilateral atypical narrowing of the joint space and suspected chondrolysis and the physis of both proximal femoral heads were fused. On the right side, the fixating screw was penetrating into the articular surface of the femoral head with some osteoarthritic changes. Considering the patient’s worsening situation, it was decided to perform a revisional surgery. The revisional surgery included the removal of bilateral screws and administration of local steroids and analgesics for pain control. Post-revisional surgery at three months, though the patient was limping with a pelvic tilt, she was able to ambulate with the aid of axillary crutches.