Outcome of pinning in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis: risk factors associated with avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and femoral impingement

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the principal risk factors that could lead to the most common long-term complications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, such as avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and hip impingement. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study and evaluated patients (70 patients, 81 hips) who were treated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis from 2010 to 2015 and who underwent pinning. We measured the severity of displacement radiologically using the Southwick angle. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the most frequent long-term complications of avascular necrosis (AVN), chondrolysis, and femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). RESULTS: We found seven cases of AVN, 14 cases of chondrolysis, and 31 hips had an α angle of 60°. Sex, ambulation, and symptoms did not affect development of these complications. Patients with a normal weight were almost two times more likely to develop FAI. Patients with moderate and severe slips had a similar percentage of AVN. In severe slips, 85.7% of patients had an α angle higher than 60°. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that severe slips have a higher risk of developing AVN and hip impingement. Every patient who suffers from SCFE (even the mildest forms) should be regularly checked for FAI.