Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: in situ single device fixation

ABSTRACT

To report our experience with in situ single device fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis [SCFE]. The problems associated with multiple pinning for SCFE and the recent encouraging reports about its fixation with a single central device stimulated us to perform in situ single device fixation for our cases of SCFE and to report our experience with this method of treatment. Al Razi Orthopaedic Hospital in Kuwait. In a three year period [1995-1998], 19 hips [16 patients] with mildly displaced SCFE were treated by in situ fixation with one cannulated cancellous screw or one Hansson hook-pin, and then followed-up for an average duration of 21 months. Clinical six patients had excellent results and ten patients had good results according to the Heyman-Herndon hip classification. Radiographic None of the hips had either sustained progression of slip or had reslipped after internal fixation with a single central device. Screw or pin breakage did not occur and there was no evidence of avascular necrosis or chondrolysis in any of the patients. In situ single device fixation for SCFE is a simple and safe procedure that prevents further slipping of the epiphysis and avoids the major complications of avascular necrosis and chondrolysis