Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is an uncommon condition with potentially severe complications including avascular necrosis (AVN) and chondrolysis. Children with a ‘slip’ are at a significantly higher risk of a contralateral slip. Controversy remains as to when to undertake prophylactic pinning. The primary aim of this study was to assess the Posterior Sloping Angle (PSA, as described by Barrios et al in 2005) as a predictor for contralateral slip in a large, multi ethnic cohort. All consecutive patients treated for SUFE presenting to Waikato Hospital between January 2000 and December 2009 were identified via medical coding. Patients without radiographs and those with bilateral slips on presentation were excluded. Clinical records were reviewed to document demographic data, slip characteristics and follow up outcomes. Radiographic analysis of the PSA in the unaffected hip was performed by a single author. Statistical analysis was performed using a student's t-test with Microsoft Excel 2003. 182 patients were identified, 50 were excluded [26 bilateral slips, 24 no radiograph available] to total a study population of 132 patients. 93 patients were male [72%]. Mean age was 11.8 years [6.2–15.6 years]. 72% were of Maori ethnicity and 26% were of New Zealand European descent. 90 patients [69%] had a unilateral slip, 42 [32%] had a contralateral slip. 48% were not followed until physeal closure and 50% did not attend at least one scheduled appointment Mean PSA of those with a unilateral slip was 10.8° [2–21°]. Patients who subsequently developed a contralateral slip had a statistically significantly higher mean PSA of 17.2° [6–36°] [p<0.0001]. Children with a contralateral slip were significantly younger 11.1 years than those with a unilateral slip 12.2 years (p<0.0001). No significant differences in PSA were found between Maori and NZ European children. If a PSA of 14° was used as an indication for prophylactic fixation in this population 35/42 [83.3%] of contralateral slips would have been prevented. 19/90 hips would have been pinned unnecessarily. The number needed to treat demonstrates that 1.79 hips are prophylactically pinned to prevent one slip in this population. This large retrospective cohort study demonstrates that a PSA of 14° in an unaffected hip after one sided SUFE could warrant prophylactic pinning in an unaffected hip to prevent subsequent slip and the complications associated with this, potentially protecting a population that can be difficult to follow up.
