Acetabular retroversion in post slipped capital femoral epiphysis deformity

Purpose

While the femoral deformity in post slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) hips has been implicated in the development of femoral acetabular impingement, little has been studied about the acetabular side. The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of morphologic changes suggestive of acetabular retroversion in patients who have sustained a SCFE.

Methods

IRB approval was obtained and the records of patients from 1975 to 2010 were searched for ICD-9 codes for SCFE. A total of 188 patients were identified for the study. Two observers evaluated AP radiographs for evidence of acetabular retroversion as characterized by the presence of either an ischial spine sign or a crossover sign. Demographic data, date of onset, and treatment were recorded. For analysis, the right hip was used in patients with bilateral involvement.

Results

Of the 188 patients identified, 5 patients had an incorrect diagnosis and 41 patients had missing or inadequate films, leaving 142 patients (284 hips) for review. 57 patients (114 hips) had bilateral SCFE and 85 patients had unilateral SCFE. 79 % (n = 45) of the right hips with bilateral SCFE and 82 % (n = 70) of the unilateral involved hips had at least one sign of retroversion. Uninvolved hips had at least one sign of retroversion 76 % (n = 65) of the time.

Conclusions

When compared to previously published values for normal patients, patients with SCFE appear to have an increased incidence of acetabular retroversion.     

Subcapital callus resection for slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Surgical Principles The lateral approach is routinely combined with an osteotomy of the greater trochanter. We resect the newly formed callus located at the anterior, posterior and caudal aspect of the femoral neck distal to the epiphysis. No shortening of the femoral neck results from this procedure. One can safely avoid a vascular injury by performing a careful dissection, since the posteriorly reflected articular capsule containing the nutrient vessels to the head is detached from the femoral neck like a banana peel. The resection manoeuvre is performed next to the physeal plate of the slipped epiphysis. After callus resection, reduction of the femoral head by longitudinal traction and internal rotation of the limb is easy. The aim is complete correction of the slippage. When there is excess physeal cartilage, we resect it with a curette and then the head is fixed using 2 screws. Revised Version from: Operat. Orthop. Traumatol. 4 (1992), 77–85 (German Edition).     

The results of downgrading moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis by an early Imhauser femur osteotomy

Purpose  

Patients with moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) develop osteoarthritis earlier in life in association with mechanical impingement.     

Hip impingement in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a changing perspective

Background

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as a result of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has recently gained significant attention. Seen as an intermediate step toward the development of early osteoarthritis, symptomatic FAI develops in SCFE patients who have residual hip deformity characterized by relative posterior and medial displacement of the capital femoral epiphysis, leading to an anterolateral prominence of the metaphysis which abuts on the acetabular rim. This results in a decreased range of hip motion as well as progressive labral damage and articular cartilage injury, which cause symptoms of FAI. All degrees of slips from mild to severe can develop impingement.

Methods

The existing literature on the subject was thoroughly reviewed and all levels of studies that have made any meaningful changes to clinical practice were considered.

Results

Based on the literature review, current practice trends, and our own institutional practice pattern, all treatment options for SCFE in the impingement era have been presented with an open discussion regarding potential benefits and limitations.

Conclusions

Several surgical options exist for the SCFE patient who develops FAI. These are largely determined by the degree of deformity present and severity of the initial slip. Extraarticular (intertrochanteric, base of the neck) as well as subcapital osteotomies can be utilized with a goal of restoring proximal femoral anatomy in order to minimize the effect of the anterolateral prominence in more severe deformities. Patients with milder deformities can undergo osteochondroplasty of the femoral head and neck to remove impinging structures via either an open or arthroscopic approach. Also, proximal femoral osteotomy and open head–neck recontouring can be combined. Finally, patients who develop pain very early after in situ pinning must also be examined for potential iatrogenic screw-head impingement as a source of their pain and decreased hip motion, in addition to abnormalities in the proximal femoral anatomy. There are many centers that are approaching acute unstable SCFE patients as well as the more displaced stable cases with open reduction techniques that seem to be demonstrating good mid-term results. The goal of treatment is to improve patient function, alleviate hip pain, and to delay or prevent the development of early degenerative changes in adolescents and young adults. Prospective multi-center studies will be necessary so as to determine what methods work best in treatment and delay the onset and progression of osteoarthritis.

Level of evidence

V.     

Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement in the radiographic diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head following slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Introduction  

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common pediatric hip disorder. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a devastating complication of SCFE. The frequency of this complication reported in the literature has been variable. It was the objective of this study to estimate the inter- and intra-observer agreement between two experienced pediatric orthopaedic surgeons for the radiographic diagnosis of AVN following SCFE.     

Evidence based treatment for unstable slipped upper femoral epiphysis: Systematic review and exploratory patient level analysis

The management of slipped upper femoral epiphysis is controversial and evolving as insight into the condition develops. Loder introduced the concept of slip stability and demonstrated a strong association between poor outcome and instability. Almost half of patients with unstable slip developed femoral head osteonecrosis. This has been influential in surgeons' choice of treatments. Some surgeons have adopted a minimal intervention approach such as pinning in situ or gentle reduction and pinning whereas others advocated an urgent open reduction and stabilisation of slip using various surgical techniques. In this review we analysed the influence of various interventions, timing of surgery and severity of the slip on the outcome of unstable slip.     

The association of HLA-DR4 antigen with juvenile chronic arthritis and slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Seventeen children who met the criteria for juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) were reviewed. Throughout the study, the clinical examination, HLA phenotyping, and radiological assessment of the hips were performed by separate authors who were blinded to other data. At the end of the study, the results were also compared with 25 healthy, age- and sex-matched children. Six of the children with JCA also had radiological signs of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE; five with minimal slip pattern, one with moderate slip), and five of them had DR4 in their genotypes, in contrast to the remaining 11 patients who did not (p < 0.001). On the other hand, only 2 of 25 children in the control group had DR4 (p < 0.01). The difference was not significant when the patients without SCFE were compared with the control group (p = 1.0). The relative risk of cases with DR4 antigen for SCFE was 57.5, while it was below 1 for the other antigens. These results suggest that although DR4 is not specific for JCA, it is the common HLA antigen for those who have SCFE, and patients with JCA and HLA-DR4 antigen should be examined for evidence of SCFE, which was not reported before to exist with JCA. Received: 31 October 2000     

Complications at screw removal in slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated titanium screws

Introduction: Various modes of fixation are proposed for the treatment of slips of the capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). We describe our experience with the use and removal of a new, cannulated titanium screw (Asnis III, Stryker^®, Howmedica). Patients and methods: Single cannulated titanium screws had been inserted in 101 hips of 65 patients in the 3-year period from 2001 to 2003. These pins were used for in situ fixation of minor chronic slips in 41 patients and for prophylactic fixation on the contralateral side in patients with open physis in 60 patients. Results: The insertion of these screws was achieved without any real problem. The mean surgical time was 25 min (13–46 min). Problems came up when we started to remove the pins. Hardware retrieval was attempted in 27 patients with 43 pins. The mean surgical time for removal was double the average time of insertion with 51 min (26–107 min). The hexagonal Allen sockets proved to be too weak to overcome the necessary torque for loosening the pin from bone and applying the reverse-cutting-force, necessary to extract the pin. Eleven patients needed extensive chiselling. Two adolescents sustained a subtrochanteric fracture 5 and 7 weeks after hardware removal. Seven pins could not be totally removed. Conclusion: Due to the considerable disadvantages encountered in our series we conclude that Asnis III cannulated screws should be suspended from further use in SCFE.     

Bone remodeling of a femoral head after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case report

A rare case of a 12-year-old boy on whom a joint-preserving operation for osteonecrosis after slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) was performed, is described. Firstly, in situ pinning was performed for acute-on-chronic SCFE. However, osteonecrosis and collapse of the femoral head occurred at 7 months after surgery. Secondly, transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) was performed against progression of the collapse of the femoral head. Eight years of X-ray observation revealed bone remodeling at the osteonecrotic region. No documentation has been reported about the potential of bone remodeling of a femoral head with osteonecrosis after SCFE. This case indicates that a joint-preserving operation such as TRO is capable of promoting bone remodeling in such circumstances.     

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: etiology and treatment

Progression of slip is apt to cause complications including osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis. Such complications result in a poor prognosis for the joint. Therefore, to diagnose slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) while it is still mild is important to avoid complications as well as to prevent further slippage. In Japan, as the number of obese patients increases, obesity seems to be involved in the onset of slip both biomechanically and endocrinologically. We need to take care of obese children as they comprise a reservoir for SCFE patients. For severe slip cases, treatment is difficult owing to significant deformity of the femoral head with or without such complications as osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis. Transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy is a promising option for preventing further slippage as well as to improve the congruity of the joint.Presented at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, Kanazawa, Japan, May 25, 2003     

人工全髋关节置换治疗成人期股骨头骨骺滑脱症

目的探讨成人期股骨头骨骺滑脱症的人工全髋关节置换的方法和疗效。方法16例17髋股骨头骨骺滑脱症患者接受人工全髋关节置换,采用髋臼加深和自体植骨于髋臼内上后方10～3点钟位,以加深和下移髋臼,重建臼顶部和后柱后壁,正确安置各种类型假体。结果对16例17髋的股骨头骨骺滑脱患者平均随访5年10个月,植入骨愈合,关节功能采用Harris评分,优(>90分)13例14髋,良(80～90分)3例3髋,无尚可(70～79分)和差(<70分)的病例。术后3例出现并发症,均已治愈或改善。结论加深髋臼和自体骨植骨重建髋臼顶部和后柱,再行人工全髋关节置换,是治疗成人期股骨头骨骺滑脱症成功的关键。     

Long-term outcome of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a 38-year follow-up of 66 patients

Purpose  

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of different methods of treatment in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), to find risk factors for poor outcome, and to assess whether prophylactic fixation is indicated.     

Severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis; fish osteotomy versus pinning-in-situ: An eleven year perspective

PurposeSlipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is not common with a reported incidence of 10 per 100 000. The management of SUFE is controversial and evolving, with advancing surgical skills and expertise. The infrequency of cases, the various classifications in use, the various surgical treatments, and lack of robust evidence for outcomes, has resulted in the lack of clear, evidence-based recommendations for treatment. Although mild slip can be treated with pinning-in-situ (PIS) with predictably good outcome, moderate and severe slips present a challenge for the treating surgeons. It is logical to reduce the slip to near anatomical position; however, this desire has always been tempered by concerns about the potentially devastating complications of osteonecrosis and ChondrolysisMethodsThis is a single centre, retrospective study comparing (PIS) and Fish femoral neck osteotomy. Seventy four children presented with SUFE (90 hips). The mild and the moderate groups were treated with a single pining-in-situ (PIS). The severe group had either a surgical reduction by Fish femoral neck osteotomy or PIS. The study was approved by the regional and local ethic committee. Demographic data, clinical findings, radiographic features were collected.ResultsAvascular necrosis of the femoral head (osteonecrosis) was the primary outcome. There were 11 cases of osteonecrosis (12.2%): 3/41(6.9%) in the stable group compared to 7/22 (31.8%) in the unstable group, statistically significant [P < 0.001]. In the severe slip group, the osteonecrosis rate was 33.3% in the PIS group and 26.6% in the Fish osteotomy (P = 0.539). This is not statistically significant, but the trend favours surgical reduction.ConclusionsThen reduction of the deformity is valuable. The majority of cases that do not suffer osteonecrosis will benefit by reduction of the deformity; those who are destined to develop osteonecrosis are still better off with the femoral head in a reduced position. The unstable slip is more likely to be severe and more likely therefore to receive surgical reduction than a stable and less severe hip. The implication here is that the osteotomy might not be the cause of the osteonecrosis; it is the vascular damage due to the instability of the slip that is responsible.     

Continued growth of the hip after fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis using a single cannulated screw with a proximal threading

Background  

The most commonly used method for unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains in situ fixation. Depending on the surgeon’s preference, screws or Kirschner wires are used for stabilizing the slipped upper femoral epiphysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a single cannulated screw with a proximal threading to ensure stabilization, growth, and remodeling of the slipped epiphysis.     

儿童急性股骨头骺滑脱症诊治分析

目的探讨儿童急性股骨头骺滑脱症的临床表现及放射影像学特征,治疗方法的选择。方法回顾性总结我院1993年1月至2001年5月收治的7例儿童急性股骨头骺滑脱的临床资料7例患儿中,男性5例,女性2例,年龄10～14岁。轻度急性股骨头骺滑脱3例,中度2例,重度2例。对于中轻度息儿,采用麻醉下股骨头骺滑脱闭合复位,对于重度患儿,闭合复位后予以克氏钢针固定。所有患儿均行髋人字形石膏固定2～3个月。拆除石膏后支具固定6～9个月．不负重下行髋关节主动功能锻炼。结果7例患儿经非手术或手术治疗后,均治愈并且髋关节功能恢复正常。结论对儿童急性股骨头骺滑脱患儿的及早诊断和合理治疗,对息儿功能恢复和并发症的预防具有特别重要的意义。     

Pseudohypoparathyroidism as a rare cause of bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a disorder of adolescent age. Presentation of SCFE earlier than the expected age range should prompt the clinician to consider the presence of an underlying endocrinopathy. Early recognition and aggressive management of the predisposing endocrine disorder is crucial to prevent treatment failure and associated morbidity. We report the clinical presentation and treatment of an 8-year-old girl with bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis. The unusual age, persistent hypocalcemia, and associated distal femoral physeal deformities prompted further evaluations, which led to the diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b. PHP type 1b is an extremely rare cause of SCFE and only a few cases have been reported. A delay in diagnosis in such case is not uncommon.     

Complications and associated risk factors at screw removal in slipped capital femoral epiphysis treated by cannulated stainless steel screws

Purpose

The aim of our study is to report our complication rate and analyze the associated risk factors when removing cannulated stainless steel screws for SCFE fixation.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study of patients who underwent removal of cannulated stainless steel screws after a mean time of 2.03 years of implantation. Thirty-two patients were included (38 hips) with a mean of 13.7 years of age during screw removal surgery. The mean post-removal follow up time was 1.6 years. In all cases the removal of screws was done systematically. Demographic data, possible risk factors related to removal failure, as well as post-removal complications such as post-removal fractures, infections and scar issues were recorded.

Results

A removal failure rate of 15.79 % (6/38) was found. The removal surgical time was longer than the initial fixation time but without statistical significance (70.78 vs 61.84 m, p = 0.196). However, the duration of screw implantation (r²: 7.09; IC: 1.12–13.06) and screw head bony coverage (r²: 21.32; IC: 5.58–37.06) were both related to this prolonged time. Multivariant analysis revealed that a fully threaded cannulated screw had the lowest removal failure risk (OR: 0.3; IC: 0.14–0.61). There were no postremoval complications recorded.

Conclusions

We recommend to use full threaded cannulated stainless steel screws and to perform the procedure as soon as the physis are closed to decrease the surgical time. It is a safe procedure based on a low rate of complications such as post-removal fractures, infection and scar issues.     

Good long-term outcome of the untreated contralateral hip in unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Purpose

There is no consensus regarding prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). In order to further study this question, we evaluated the long-term natural history of untreated contralateral hips.

Methods

Forty patients treated for unilateral SCFE without evidence of subsequent contralateral slip during adolescence were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 36 years (range 21–50 years). The deformity after SCFE may demonstrate radiographic signs of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. We, therefore, measured α-angles in the contralateral hips on anteroposterior (AP) and frog-leg lateral radiographs. The angles were compared with those of a control group of adults without SCFE. Five years after the radiographic examination, with a mean follow-up of 41 years, all patients were evaluated by telephone interview. As range of motion and deformity could not be examined, a modified Harris hip score (HHS) (maximum score of 91 points) was used. A modified HHS <76 points and/or radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) was classified as a poor long-term outcome.

Results

The mean value of the AP α-angle was significantly higher in the contralateral hips in SCFE patients than in the control group (55° vs. 46°), while the mean value of the lateral α-angle was not. Abnormally high values for one or both α-angles were found in 16 contralateral hips (40 %), of which five patients had abnormal values for both α-angles and were considered to have had an asymptomatic contralateral slip. Five patients (13 %) had a poor outcome in the contralateral hip, of which three patients (8 %) had OA. There was a significant association between hips with both α-angles that were abnormal and poor outcome.

Conclusions

Since the natural history showed good long-term radiographic and clinical outcome in 35 of 40 patients and only three had OA, we conclude that routine prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip is not indicated.     

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis following contralateral infantile Blount's disease

 Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and Blount's disease are reported to have a common etiology, but there is only one report describing two cases in which adolescent Blount's disease coexisted with SCFE. In this article, we describe a case of SCFE following contralateral infantile Blount's disease in an 11-year-old boy. This report is the first known case of SCFE associated with infantile Blount's disease. In this patient, pelvic tilt caused by leg length discrepancy associated with infantile Blount's disease and possible general weakness of the growth plate may be related to the occurrence of SCFE. Received: August 8, 2001 / Accepted: January 14, 2002