Chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis: Treatment by pinning in situ

Chronic or stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a lesion of t he hip, affecting the adolescent patient through adulthood. The change in t he shape of the femoral head and to the biomechanics of the hip joint leads to early osteoarthritis. Treatment of SCFE is designed to stop slip progre ssion to reduce the degree of osteoarthritis. Complications, such as avascu lar necrosis and chondrolysis, may also cause osteoarthritis. In situ pinni ng of SCFE is considered the best treatment modality currently available. I n situ pinning of SCFE has the advantages of effectiveness, low morbidity, and a low complication rate. These advantages outweigh the disadvantage of fusing the slip in the uncorrected position. The authors review the indicat ions, the techniques of in situ pinning, the results, and the complications of the procedure. The technique of in situ pinning necessitates experience and understanding of the anatomy of the adolescent hip, as well as adequat e imaging equipment.