Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis from a Radiologist's Perspective

Aim . To inform specialists about the capabilities of radiation diagnostics in the early period of slipped capital femoral epiphysis based on a retrospective five-year analysis of medical histories. Materials and Methods . The study was conducted at the Traumatology and Orthopedics Department of the State Healthcare Institution «Chita Regional Children's Hospital» in from 2020 to 2024. Over a five-year period, 10 patients with a diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis aged from 9 to 16 years (13.9 ± 1.2 years) were treated. The diagnosis was established based on comprehensive radiological examination: X-rays of the hip joints in direct and axial projections (modification by Lauenstein), radiometric analysis, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Results . The study revealed that for the early diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, in addition to analyzing hip joint radiographs, it is essential to perform radiometry. Among numerous radiometric parameters, key importance lies in measuring the neck-diaphyseal, epiphysis-diaphyseal, as well as neck-epiphysis angles. These parameters enabled identification of different stages of the disease and determination of the need for surgical intervention. serve as supplementary diagnostic methods. CT and MRI were used to clarify the degree of displacement of the femoral epiphysis, a detailed study of the structure of bone tissue, as well as changes in soft tissues, bone marrow and epiphyseal cartilage. All patients underwent surgery, and in most cases, the outcomes were deemed satisfactory. Conclusion . The rarity of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and lack of awareness among physicians can lead to difficulties in diagnosing this condition. Timely diagnosis requires comprehensive radiographic evaluation of patients, including X-rays, radiometry, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the affected hip joints.