Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a pathological study. I. A light microscopic and histochemical study of 21 cases.

Core biopsy specimens of slipped proximal femoral epiphyseal growth plates and of normal controls were examined by light microscopy and histochemistry. Slipped growth plates showed diminished cellularity with an overall excess of matrix as well as severe disorientation and misalignment of chondrocytes. Decrease in number of argyrophilic fibers in the longitudinal septa suggested deficiency in collagen. Histochemical staining of slipped plates did not deviate from normal except in severely deformed areas. Anatomic and histochemical observations did not conclusively support or exclude biochemical or biomechanical factors in the etiology of epiphyseal slipping.