Imaging modalities in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a frequent disorder of the adolescent hip, which may lead to avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, chondrolysis and early osteoarthritis due to the post-slip deformity of the proximal femur. To warrant the best possible outcome for the affected (and contralateral) hip, early diagnosis and proper treatment are needed. METHODS: A review of the literature was undertaken to identify today's role of available imaging modalities in the management of SCFE. SUMMARY: This review outlines the relevancy of different imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy in the treatment of SCFE patients. While standard radiography is the first-choice imaging modality for patients with suspected SCFE, ultrasound and advanced imaging modalities may aid in surgical planning, diagnosis of complications such as AVN and treatment follow-up.