Growth Disturbances of the Proximal Femur After Pinning of Juvenile Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Premature closure of the capital femoral physis after pin fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in the juvenile population (at least 1 year less than the established mean) can lead to growth disturbances of the proximal femur. A retrospective review of 21 patients (33 hips) who had a pinning of a juvenile SCFE was performed. Growth disturbances including greater trochanteric overgrowth, coxa vara, and coxa breva were noted in 64% of the hips. An 80% incidence of bilateral involvement was noted in the juvenile group. Consideration should be given to prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip and use of a smooth pin construct to prevent premature closure of the growth plate in children with significant growth remaining.