Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis – A 10-year Review of Cases Treated by Open Reduction and Realignment Osteotomy | Biomedgrid

Background: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common hip disorder affecting adolescents during the period of growth spurt. They typically present with hip pain with or without difficulty in bearing weight and severity is based on the degree of slip radiologically. Moderate to severe slips can be treated with open reduction and realignment osteotomies. Objective: To determine the pattern of presentation of patients with moderate to severe SCFE, treatment offered and outcome. Methodology: Retrospective Case series of patients presenting over a 10-year period and severity determined radiologically. All patients were treated with open reduction and realignment osteotomies (Fish, Subtrochanteric). Patients were followed up and monitored for complications. Results: Six patients had unilateral SCFE while one was bilateral making a total of 7 patients (8 hips). One had a Southwick angle of 47 degrees while others had angles over 50 degrees. All were females with a mean age of 12 years, majority (67.5%) on the left side. The Commonest symptom was hip pain (85.6%) lasting 3-18 months prior to presentation. All were on crutches and could not weight bear without them. Six were treated with open reduction and subcapital osteotomy while two hips had open reduction with a subtrochanteric osteotomy. All patients were followed up for an average of 22 months and none had avascular necrosis or chondrolysis. Conclusion: Adolescent Females in our environment present more commonly with severe, unstable, SCFE which can be diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiologically. Prompt Treatment with open reduction and realignment osteotomies via the subcapital or subtrochanteric types affords the best outcomes with minimal risk of feared complications.