Mid-term comparative outcomes of both in situ and anatomically reduced hips of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Objective: Most of the previous studies have shown good functional outcomes for most patients after in situ pinning or pinning with anatomical reduction of slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE).We undertook a retrospective study to document comparative outcomes of both treated groups of 25 SCFE patients.Methods: Between 2005 and 2013, 21 patients (26 hips) with SCFE underwent in situ pinning or pinning with anatomical reduction at a tertiary referral center.Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for slip characteristics.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to all patients at final visits.Mean follow-up was 139 months (range, 64 to 179).Results: There was no significant difference between in situ group and reduction group regarding range of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Harris Hip Score (HHS) of hip (p>0.05).Mean outcome scores were; HHS 80.4, and VAS 2.9 respectively. Conclusion:Especially in the anatomic reduction group, a decrease in hip ROM was observed (not statistically significant) compared to the in situ group.MRI revealed atrophy of the peri-hip musculature in the reduction group.This present study may suggest that patients with SCFE whether anatomically reduced or in situ pinned may not contribute to clinical outcomes.