Extracapsular base of neck osteotomy versus Southwick osteotomy in treatment of moderate to severe chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of extracapsular base of neck osteotomy and Southwick osteotomy from clinical and radiologic points of view. This retrospective study included 35 hips in 33 patients who presented with moderate to severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) between 1995 and 2001. These patients were divided into two groups according to the type of osteotomy: group A patients (n = 15) were treated by extracapsular base of neck osteotomy and group B patients (n = 18) were treated by modified Southwick osteotomy. Follow-up averaged 3.5 years (range 1-6 years). Clinical and radiologic evaluations were done before and after surgery. All patients were finally evaluated according to the modified Southwick criteria. Group A had 86.7% satisfactory results; group B had 90% satisfactory results. There was no statistically significant difference between the type of osteotomy and the final outcome. The authors believe that both types of osteotomy are equally safe and effective procedures, with minimal risks of avascular necrosis and chondrolysis, in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic SCFE.