Arthroscopically assisted reduction of an unstable severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case report.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is considered to be one of the most common disorders of the hip in children and adolescents. If left untreated, it may lead to progressive deformity, pain and decreased range of motion, and predisposes to early onset degenerative arthritis. Surgical treatment is advised, with in situ pinning across the physis being the gold standard for stable slips. Closed or open reduction can be considered in unstable or severe types. We report the arthroscopically assisted reduction of an unstable severe SCFE, followed by canulated screw fixation. A follow-up of 2.5 years shows an excellent clinical and acceptable radiological outcome. Our case demonstrates that arthroscopically assisted reduction of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis is feasible. Although the technique is technically challenging and requires familiarity with arthroscopy of the hip, it has some clear benefits as compared with both closed and open reduction techniques. Arthroscopically assisted reduction may therefore be a safe and effective treatment in unstable, severe SCFE.