Unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has an increased incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). The purpose of this study was to determine if early identification and intervention for AVN may help preserve the femoral head.

We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients (50 hips) with unstable SCFE managed between 2000 and 2014. Based on two different protocols during the same time period, 17 patients (17 hips) had a scheduled MRI between 1 and 6 months from initial surgery, with closed bone graft epiphysiodesis (CBGE) or free vascularised fibular graft (FVFG) if AVN was diagnosed. Thirty-one patients (33 hips) were evaluated by plain radiographs. Outcomes analysed were Steinberg classification and subsequent surgical intervention. We defined Steinberg class IVC as failure in treatment because all of the patients referred for osteotomy, arthoplasty, or arthrodesis in our study were grade IVC or higher.

Overall, 13 hips (26%) with unstable SCFE developed AVN. MRI revealed AVN in 7 of 17 hips (41%) at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively (range, 1.0 to 5.2 months). Six hips diagnosed by MRI received surgical intervention (4 CBGE, 1 FVFG, and 1 repinning due to screw cutout) at a mean of 4.1 months (range, 1.3 to 7.2 months) postoperatively. None of the 4 patients treated with CBGE within two months postoperatively progressed to stage IVC AVN. The two patients treated after four months postoperatively both progressed to stage VC AVN. Radiographically diagnosed AVN occurred in 6 of 33 hips (18%) at a mean of 6.8 months postoperatively (range, 2.1 to 21.1 months). One patient diagnosed with stage IVB AVN at 2.4 months had screw cutout and received CBGE at 2.5 months from initial pinning. The remaining 5 were not offered surgical intervention. Five of the 6 radiographically diagnosed AVN, including the one treated with CBGE, progressed to stage IVC AVN or greater.

None of the 4 patients with unstable SCFE treated with CBGE within 2 months post pinning developed grade IVC AVN, while all patients treated with other procedures after 2 months developed IVC or greater AVN. Early detection and treatment of AVN after SCFE may alter the clinical and radiographic progression.

Purpose

The undulating pattern of the distal femur is well recognized. Radiographs do not always represent the full extent of the undulations. With recent increasing use of guided growth technique in the distal femur, it is important to define safe zones for screw placement.