Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is associated with a spectrum of proximal femoral deformity and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Little attention has been given, however, to the possible effect of SCFE on remaining hip growth. Our observation that some acetabula in hips with SCFE have various dysmorphology led us to evaluate the growth of the hip in our patients with SCFE. We performed an IRB-approved retrospective study of our intramural SCFE database which identified 108 hips with unilateral SCFE, at least 2 years of radiographic followup, and closure of triradiate cartilage, greater trochanter and proximal femoral physis. The contralateral non-SCFE hip was used as control. Average age at presentation was 12.3 y. 49 patients were male, 59 female.

Statistically significant differences were noted between SCFE and control hip both at both presentation and last followup(FU): Mean LCEA lower in SCFE hip at presentation by 0.97 degree; increasing to 4.36 degrees at last FU(p<0.0001). No difference noted in mean Tonnis roof angle at presentation, but at last FU SCFE hips had mean roof angle difference of 3.2 degrees higher than control(p<.0001).

In some of our SCFE patients, acetabular deformity has impacted treatment. Ongoing studies may clarify risk factors for the development of problematic acetabular deformity associated with SCFE and perhaps allow prevention of secondary acetabular deformity.