The December 2022 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Evans calcaneal osteotomy and multiplanar correction in flat foot deformity; Inflammatory biomarkers in tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction; Takedown of ankle fusions and conversion to total ankle arthroplasty; Surgical incision closure with three different materials; Absorbable sutures are not inferior to nonabsorbable sutures for tendo Achilles repair; Zadek’s osteotomy is a reliable technique for treating Haglund’s syndrome; How to best assess patient limitations after acute Achilles tendon injury; Advances in the management of infected nonunion of the foot and ankle.

Aims

To compare changes in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after conventional (C-MLS) and minimally invasive (MI-MLS) multilevel surgery for children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Aims

This study analysed the clinical and radiological outcome of anatomical reduction of a moderate or severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated by subcapital osteotomy (a modified Dunn osteotomy) through the surgical approach described by Ganz.

Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is the most common hip disorder to affect adolescents. Controversy exists over the optimal treatment of severe slips, with a continuing debate between in situ fixation versus corrective surgery. We present our experience in a series of 57 patients presenting with severe unilateral SUFE (defined > 50°) managed with a subcapital cuneiform osteotomy.

Between 2001 and 2011, 57 patients (35 male, 22 female) with a mean age of 13.1 years (9.6 to 20.3, SD 2.3) were referred to our tertiary referral institution with a severe slip. The affected limb was rested in slings and springs before corrective surgery which was performed via an anterior Smith-Petersen approach. Radiographic analysis confirmed an improvement in mean head–shaft slip angle from 53.8^o (standard deviation (sd) 3.2) pre-operatively to 9.1^o (sd 3.1) post-operatively, with minimal associated femoral neck shortening. In total 50 (88%) patients were complication free at a mean follow-up of seven years (2.8 to 13.9 years, sd 3). Their mean Oxford hip score was 44 (37 to 48) and median visual analogue pain score was 0 out of 10 (interquartile range 0 to 4). A total of six patients (10.5%) developed avascular necrosis requiring further surgery and one (1.8%) patient developed chondrolysis but declined further intervention.

This is a technically demanding operation with variable outcomes reported in the literature. We have demonstrated good results in our tertiary centre.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1718–25.

Introduction. Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) predominantly affects males in early adolescence. Severe slips occur with an estimated incidence of 1 per 100,000 children. Controversy exists over optimal treatment of severe slips with debate between in-situ fixation versus corrective surgery. We report on our management of a large series of such patients using a sub-capital cuneiform osteotomy. Patients/Methods. Between 2001–2011, 57 patients (35M: 22F) with an average age of 13.1 years were referred to our tertiary referral institution with a severe slip. This was defined as an epiphyseal-metaphyseal displacement greater than half the width of the femoral neck on a Billing lateral radiograph. The affected limb was rested in slings and springs prior to corrective surgery which was performed via an anterior Smith-Petersen approach. More recently our series has included pre-operative MRI to look for avascular necrosis of the epiphysis. Data was analysed to compare complication rate with time to surgery and surgeon's experience. Results. 50 patients (88%) were complication free at a mean follow up of 7 years and their average Oxford Hip Score was 44 (range: 37–48) and median visual analogue pain score was 0 (out of 10). 6 patients (10.5%) developed AVN requiring further surgery and one patient developed chondrolysis (1.8%) but declined further intervention. Complication rate was closely related to time to surgery with 100% AVN rate for surgery within 1 weeks of symptoms onset or 5–7% thereafter. A learning curve was identified with fewer complications seen as the series progressed. Discussion/Conclusion. This is a technically demanding operation with variable outcomes reported in the literature. We have demonstrated good results but feel it should be reserved for specialist centres exposed to higher volumes of these rare cases

We undertook a retrospective comparative study of all patients with an unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis presenting to a single centre between 1998 and 2011. There were 45 patients (46 hips; mean age 12.6 years; 9 to 14); 16 hips underwent intracapsular cuneiform osteotomy and 30 underwent pinning in situ, with varying degrees of serendipitous reduction. No patient in the osteotomy group was lost to follow-up, which was undertaken at a mean of 28 months (11 to 48); four patients in the pinning in situ group were lost to follow-up, which occurred at a mean of 30 months (10 to 50). Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurred in four hips (25%) following osteotomy and in 11 (42%) following pinning in situ. AVN was not seen in five hips for which osteotomy was undertaken > 13 days after presentation. AVN occurred in four of ten (40%) hips undergoing emergency pinning in situ, compared with four of 15 (47%) undergoing non-emergency pinning. The rate of AVN was 67% (four of six) in those undergoing pinning on the second or third day after presentation.

Pinning in situ following complete reduction led to AVN in four out of five cases (80%). In comparison, pinning in situ following incomplete reduction led to AVN in 7 of 21 cases (33%). The rate of development of AVN was significantly higher following pinning in situ with complete reduction than following intracapsular osteotomy (p = 0.048). Complete reduction was more frequent in those treated by emergency pinning and was strongly associated with AVN (p = 0.005).

Non-emergency intracapsular osteotomy may have a protective effect on the epiphyseal vasculature and should be undertaken with a delay of at least two weeks. The place of emergency pinning in situ in these patients needs to be re-evaluated, possibly in favour of an emergency open procedure or delayed intracapsular osteotomy. Non-emergency pinning in situ should be undertaken after a delay of at least five days, with the greatest risk at two and three days after presentation. Intracapsular osteotomy should be undertaken after a delay of at least 14 days. In our experience, closed epiphyseal reduction is harmful.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:412–19.

Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is a well-recognised form of treatment for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Although excellent short- and medium-term results have been reported, the long-term outcome is unknown. We reviewed the clinical outcome of 31 patients with a symptomatic flexible flat-foot deformity who underwent this procedure between 1994 and 1996. There were 21 women and ten men with a mean age of 54.3 years (42 to 70). The mean follow-up was 15.2 years (11.4 to 16.5). All scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 48.4 pre-operatively to 90.3 (54 to 100) at the final follow-up. The mean pain component improved from 12.3 to 35.2 (20 to 40). The mean function score improved from 35.2 to 45.6 (30 to 50). The mean visual analogue score for pain improved from 7.3 to 1.3 (0 to 6). The mean Short Form-36 physical component score was 40.6 (sd 8.9), and this showed a significant correlation with the mean AOFAS score (r = 0.68, p = 0.005). A total of 27 patients (87%) were pain free and functioning well at the final follow-up. We believe that flexor digitorum longus transfer and calcaneal osteotomy provides long-term pain relief and satisfactory function in the treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:346–52.

We report the clinical and radiological outcome of subcapital osteotomy of the femoral neck in the management of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) resulting from a healed slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). We believe this is only the second such study in the literature.

We studied eight patients (eight hips) with symptomatic FAI after a moderate to severe healed SCFE. There were six male and two female patients, with a mean age of 17.8 years (13 to 29).

All patients underwent a subcapital intracapsular osteotomy of the femoral neck after surgical hip dislocation and creation of an extended retinacular soft-tissue flap. The mean follow-up was 41 months (20 to 84). Clinical assessment included measurement of range of movement, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis score (WOMAC). Radiological assessment included pre- and post-operative calculation of the anterior slip angle (ASA) and lateral slip angle (LSA), the anterior offset angle (AOA) and centre head–trochanteric distance (CTD). The mean HHS at final follow-up was 92.5 (85 to 100), and the mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function were 1.3 (0 to 4), 1.4 (0 to 6) and 3.6 (0 to 19) respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in all the radiological measurements post-operatively. The mean ASA improved from 36.6° (29° to 44°) to 10.3° (5° to 17°) (p <  0.01). The mean LSA improved from 36.6° (31° to 43°) to 15.4° (8° to 21°) (p < 0.01). The mean AOA decreased from 64.4° (50° to 78°) 32.0° (25° to 39°) post-operatively (p < 0.01). The mean CTD improved from -8.2 mm (-13.8 to +3.1) to +2.8 mm (-7.6 to +11.0) (p < 0.01). Two patients underwent further surgery for nonunion. No patient suffered avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Subcapital osteotomy for patients with a healed SCFE is more challenging than subcapital re-orientation in those with an acute or sub-acute SCFE and an open physis. An effective correction of the deformity, however, can be achieved with relief of symptoms related to impingement.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1441–8.

We report our early experience with distracting external fixation used to offload the hip after avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head secondary to severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). A case series of five patients treated in a tertiary centre is reported. Electronic case records and radiographs were reviewed. Data recorded included demographics, initial presentation, timing of head collapse, timing and duration of distraction and outcome including referral to adult arthoplasty services. Mean age at presentation was 12 years (range 12–15). 4 were females. Initial treatment in 4 cases was a delayed cuneiform osteotomy and pinning, one patient underwent serendipitous reduction and percutaneous pinning. Mean duration to initial surgery was 10 days (range 5–16). All patients had femoral head collapse at a mean of 148 days from time of presentation. 2 patients required backing out of screws due to intra-articular protrusion. All patients underwent distraction at a mean 193 days from presentation. Average distraction achieved was 10 mm and duration of application was 125 days (range 91–139). All patients experienced improvement or resolution of pain but persistence of poor function, characterised by fixed adduction and limb length discrepancy. 3 patients were referred to adult arthroplasty services. This may be an effective treatment option for pain associated with AVN post SUFE. However, in our experience normal anatomy and function of the hip is not restored if performed after collapse of the femoral head. Consideration should be given to application of the distractor either at the time of initial fixation or prior to femoral head collapse. Authors believe that timing of the application of the distractor is critical for a successful outcome and recommend a prospective study with large numbers

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is relatively common in adolescents and results in a complex deformity of the hip that can lead to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). FAI may be symptomatic and lead to the premature development of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Current techniques for managing the deformity include arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty, an arthroscopically assisted limited anterior approach to the hip, surgical dislocation, and proximal femoral osteotomy. Although not a routine procedure to treat FAI secondary to SCFE deformity, peri-acetabular osteotomy has been successfully used to treat FAI caused by acetabular over-coverage. These procedures should be considered for patients with symptoms due to a deformity of the hip secondary to SCFE.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:445–51.

Aim. Debate remains over the optimal treatment for severe unstable SCFE. AVN is the principle problem; current thinking suggests this can be minimized by emergent reduction and fixation within 24 hours. If emergent treatment is not possible, open osteotomy with a variable delay of 10–21 days has been advocated. We present our experience of delayed intracapsular cuneiform osteotomy (ICO). Methods. SCFE cases were identified through ICD-10 coding and theatre records. Unstable slips were identified and reviewed retrospectively. When ICO was performed, the hip was accessed via anterior approach without hip dislocation. A cuneiform shortening osteotomy of the neck with physeal excision was undertaken. The epiphysis was carefully reduced and stabilized with a single screw. Results. 46 unstable slips were treated during the study period. 16 hips underwent ICO, while the remaining cases were treated by closed pinning in situ (PIS) without capsulotomy. The rate of AVN following ICO in 16 hips was 25% in comparison to the PIS group, in which 40% developed AVN. AVN was not seen in those cases treated with ICO with a delay of at least 14 days. In contrast, AVN occurred regardless of the timing of PIS, including a rate of 33% in those treated emergently. Sub analysis of the PIS group revealed that AVN occurred more frequently (66.7% vs. 33.3%) when complete epiphyseal reduction occurred during patient positioning. While these results are not statistically significant, they are striking. Patients who developed AVN had a poor outcome in both groups, with 75% requiring further surgical intervention. There were 2 cases of heterotrophic ossification and meralgia paraesthetica respectively. Hardware failure occurred once. Conclusion. Timing and method of treatment for unstable SCFE remains controversial. This series suggests delayed intracapsular cuneiform osteotomy may result in a lower rate of AVN than closed reduction and pinning within 24 hours

Long-term functional and degenerative consequences of non treated slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), have been extensively demonstrated. At present, the treatment of SCFE is well described, however the treatment of the sequelae of SCFE, once osseous consolidation has happened, remains controversial. Our aim is to describe an original technique of cuneiform osteotomy of the femoral neck through surgical hip dislocation for the treatment of sequelae of SCFE. Six hips were operated with sequelae of severe SCFE; average age of 15,2 years, whose consulting motivation was hip pain and severe limp. All of them, with bony consolidation of the femoral physis at the time of the consultation. In all cases, it was performed a cuneiform osteotomy of femoral neck and replacement of the femoral epiphysis, through surgical hip dislocation. It was made a dissection and elevation of cervical periosteum to protect the epiphyseal vessels of the femoral head; then, the cuneiform osteotomy of the femoral neck is made with replacement of the femoral epiphysis to anatomical location and fixed. The mean follow up was 21,2 months. We obtained consolidation in 100% of the cases, did not appear avascular necrosis nor other complications. An improvement was obtained according to Harris Hip Score from 37,6 points to 96,6. Correction of the epiphyseal-shaft angle was obtained from 62° to 12,6°. This technique proposed in patients with sequel of SCFE is a good alternative of treatment, with good anatomical, functional, clinical and radiological results in young patients, without mid-term complications

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of post-operative symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), as well as the risk factors for and location of DVT, in 665 patients (701 ankles) who underwent primary total ankle replacement. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. A total of 26 patients (3.9%, 26 ankles) had a symptomatic DVT, diagnosed by experienced radiologists using colour Doppler ultrasound. Most thrombi (22 patients, 84.6%) were localised distally in the operated limb. Using a logistic multiple regression model we identified obesity, a previous venous thromboembolic event and the absence of full post-operative weight-bearing as independent risk factors for developing a symptomatic DVT.

The incidence of symptomatic DVT after total ankle replacement and use of low-molecular-weight heparin is comparable with that in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.

Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a serious complication affecting the femoral head following an unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) particularly if the slip is severe. The incidence of AVN may be as high as 47%. Purpose: To determine whether or not the avascular insult associated with a massive unstable SCFE is a temporary event and whether this may resolve in the second week post injury. Methods: 6 patients (4 male:2 females), mean age 14.9 yrs (13.2–17.5yrs) with acute severe unstable SCFE were reviewed. The mean Southwick slip angle was 51.20 deg (40.1 – 66.60). 5 of 6 cases were severe. All cases underwent a subcapital cuneiform femoral neck osteotomy at a mean 14 days (7–24 days) after the acute event. Pre-operatively, the hip/limb was rested in ‘slings and springs’. No hip underwent a manipulative procedure. All hips underwent an MRI scan at a mean 8.6 days post injury (range 4–15 days) to determine the viability of the femoral head. Results: In all 6 cases, the femoral head was reported to be viable. All femoral heads showed signs of bone oedema and other features indicative of a blood supply. Following the cuneiform osteotomy, patients were mobilized partial weight bearing for 8 weeks. At a mean 12 month follow up, radiographs confirmed that all oste-otomies had united and no hip showed evidence of AVN. Conclusion: If the acute severe unstable slip is associated with an avascular insult to the femoral head, this may be a temporary phenomenon and assuming the hip is not subjected to any immediate secondary trauma such as operative reduction, then there may be a spontaneous recovery in the blood supply as evidenced by the viable femoral head seen on MRI. Significance: Our study suggests that there may be a time period during which the slipped femoral head may be vulnerable to a second insult and hence AVN. The timing of any surgical intervention designed at reducing the slip should take this into account and be performed carefully to ensure that the blood vessels on the posterior aspect of the femoral neck are not disrupted. When the presentation of an acute unstable and severe SCFE is delayed beyond 24 hours, we favour delaying subsequent operative correction for a further 2–3 weeks to maximize the chance of a viable femoral head

We analyzed the radiographic results of patients treated surgically for flatfoot deformity and who underwent medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy as part of the operative procedure. The aim of this study was to confirm the utility of the cuneiform osteotomy as part of the correction of hindfoot and ankle deformity. All patients requiring operative management of flatfoot deformity between January 2002 and December 2007 were prospectively entered in a database. We selected all patients who underwent medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy. We measured standardized and validated radiographic parameters on pre and post-operative weight bearing radiographs of the foot. All radiographs were assessed using the digital imaging software package (Siemens). The following measurements were used: lateral talus-1st metatarsal angle; medial cuneiform to floor distance (mm), talar declination angle, calcaneal-talar angle, calcaneal pitch angle, 1st metatarsal declination angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and anteroposterior talus-1st metatarsal angle. Other variables including concomitant surgical procedures, healing of the osteotomy, malunion, and adjacent joint arthritis were also noted. There were 86 patients with a mean age of 36 years (range 9–80). 15 patients had bilateral surgery. The aetiology of the deformity was flexible flat-foot in 48, rupture of the posterior tibial tendon in 41, rigid flatfoot deformity with a fixed forefoot supination deformity in 7, and fixed forefoot varus with metatarsus elevatus in 5. In addition to an opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy, a lateral column lengthening calcaneus osteotomy was performed in 80, a gastrocnemius recession in 76, a supramalleolar osteotomy in 2, a triple arthrodesis in 4, a subtalar arthroerisis in 13, excision of an accessory navicular in 6, a tendon transfer in 15 and medial-slide calcaneal osteotomy in 8 patients. The mean lateral talus-1st metatarsal angle improved from 23° to 1°; the mean medial cuneiform to floor distance improved from 20mm to 34mm; the mean talar declination angle improved from 39° to 27°; the mean calcaneal-talar angle improved from 64° to 55°; the calcaneal pitch angle improved from 14° to 23°; the mean 1st metatarsal declination angle improved from 17° to 26°; the mean talonavicular coverage angle improved from 45° to 18°; and the mean anteroposterior talus-1st metatarsal angle improved from 19° to 0° Radiographical analysis confirms that the medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy is a reliable and valuable surgical tool in the correction of the forefoot which is associated with flatfoot deformity and that arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint may not be required to obtain correction of the elevated 1st metatarsal

Approximately 40 to 50% of the civilized population may expect feet disorders, and in 90% localized in the forefoot. Hallux valgus (H.V.) deformity is not a single malformation, but a complex problem affecting the first ray of foot, frequently accompanied by deformities and symptoms of the lesser toes. Proximal osteotomy and soft tissue release of I metatarso-phalangeal joint (MTP) provides adequate correction of intermetatarsal angle and joint alignment. Material and methods. 65 patients (59 women and 6 men) with 83 hallux valgus deformities treated by surgical corrections with cuneiform proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone and soft tissue plasty of I MTP joint were evaluated. The average age of the patients was 52,8 years (±12,4) and the mean follow-up was 4,2 years (±1,0). Mann criteria were used to assess the radiological stage of the disease. Treatment results were assessed by means of two numerical scales: Mielke scale and AOFAS scale. On the basis of the sum of points obtained for each criteria, the treatment result was qualified as: excellent, good, fair or poor. In the radiological assessment the alteration of the valgus angle (HVA) and the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of the hallux were evaluated. Results. Exacerbation of hallux valgus deformity in radiological examination was moderate or severe in accordance to the Mann criteria. 21 feet accompanied by deformities of lesser toes had additionally surgical procedure for the treatment of them. According to Mielkie scale the mean score was 6,5pts. (±1,9), and the treatment result of 95% of patients was evaluated as excellent or good. The mean score in AOFAS scale was 91,2pts (±11,2) with percentage of 80,6% excellent and good results. Higher percentage of fair and poor results in AOFAS scale was due to restricted motion of first MTP joint in 8 patients, out of whom due to persistent pain ailments in 6. In case of 4 feet, cosmetic improvement was unsatisfactory, and 4 patients had problems with wearing commercial shoes. Average correction value of the hallux valgus angle was 21° (33,5° to 12,5°). Foot intermetatarsal angle correction was 9° (16,2° to 7,2°). Conclusions. Proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone with soft tissue release of I metatarso-phalangeal joint allows for good correction of the hallux valgus deformity with good functional results

A prospective study was done on 6 adolescent patients with severe unilateral chronic SCFE who underwent femoral neck cuneiform osteotomies with an antero lateral Ganz approach and subsequent anterior hip dislocation. Patients with chronic SCFE, open growth plates and Southwick diaphyseal epiphyseal angle of more than 60 degrees were selected. In situ pinning was not possible in these cases due to the severity of the disease and keeping in consideration the concepts of impaction and inclusion as described by Rab. The surgical approach as described by Ganz for impingement syndromes in adults was used. A lateral approach with the patients lying on the side was followed by trochanteric osteotomy, anterior capsulotomy and anterior dislocation of the hip. Metaphyseal cuneiform osteotomies were done on all of the hips. Clinical and radiological assessment was done by the Southwick classification. Additional radiological assessment consisted of the evaluation of correction of anatomy on an AP pelvis. The hips were furthermore assessed for AVN by using bone scans. This is a short term follow-up. Of the 6 patients 5 did excellently according to the Southwick result score. One patient had only a fair result due to the damage caused by the impingement prior to the corrective osteotomy. None developed AVN. The management of severe chronic SCFE remains controversial. A single method of management namely pinning in situ can not be used in all degrees of SCFE. Intertrochanteric osteotomies and subtrochanteric osteotomies distort anatomy. It can not be performed for deformities of more than 50 and 70 degrees. Dislocation of the femoral head fascilitates femoral neck osteotomies and can be used safely without the complication of AVN if the Ganz surgical exposure is used

Introduction: The management of severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is controversial. Many types of operation have been advocated. The cuneiform osteotomy offers the potential to restore normal anatomy and hence reduce the development of osteoarthritis, but it is not without its risks. This aim of this study was to quantify the long-term clinical & radiological results of Fish’s cuneiform osteotomy at skeletal maturity. Method: Twenty-seven patients underwent a cuneiform osteotomy between 1990 – 2003. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore 25 hips in 24 patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8 years and 3 months. The mean slip angle was 77 ± 13 degrees and all were categorized as unstable. Sex distribution was equal and the average age at follow-up was 21.5 years (range 14 – 31 years). The Iowa hip-rating, Harris Hip Score and radiographic classification of degenerative joint disease according to Boyer et al.,. 1. were determined at follow-up. Results: The mean Iowa hip-rating at follow-up was 93.7 ± 7.7 with a mean range of motion score of 8.1 ± 1.8. The Harris Hip Score was 95.6 ± 5.9. Nineteen patients were classified as Grade 0 on Boyer’s radiographic assessment, four Grade 1 and two Grade 2. Correction to neutral ± 10 degrees was achieved in all patients. The rate of avascular necrosis was 12 % and chondrolysis 16 %. Discussion: Cuneiform osteotomy for severe SUFE is a valid treatment option and complication rates were no higher than other operative interventions reported in the literature. Patients enjoyed an excellent range of motion and were extremely satisfied with the outcome. The restoration of anatomy equates to better function and possibly the delay in onset of osteoarthritis

We reviewed prospectively, after skeletal maturity, a series of 24 patients (25 hips) with severe acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis which had been treated by subcapital cuneiform osteotomy. Patients were followed up for a mean of 8 years, 3 months (2 years, 5 months to 16 years, 4 months). Bedrest with ‘slings and springs’ had been used for a mean of 22 days (19 to 35) in 22 patients, and bedrest alone in two, before definitive surgery. The Iowa hip score, the Harris hip score and Boyer’s radiological classification for degenerative disease were used. The mean Iowa hip score at follow-up was 93.7 (69 to 100) and the mean Harris hip score 95.6 (78 to 100). Degenerative joint changes were graded as 0 in 19 hips, grade 1 in four and grade 2 in two. The rate of avascular necrosis was 12% (3 of 25) and the rate of chondrolysis was 16% (4 of 25). We conclude that after a period of bed rest with slings and springs for three weeks to gain stability, subcapital cuneiform osteotomy for severe acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a satisfactory method of treatment with an acceptable rate of complication