[20 years of subcapital osteotomy of slipped upper femoral epiphysis. Indications and results].

Between 1945 and 1985, 570 patients with a slipped upper femoral epiphysis were treated at our hospital. During the last two decades a subcapital osteotomy was performed if the degree of slip exceeded 50 degrees. Twenty two such operations were carried out in 21 patients. In five hips complete avascular necrosis of the epiphysis occurred, and in another hip there was partial necrosis. The success of the operation depends upon careful preoperative planning and a meticulous surgical technique.