Prevention of secondary coxarthrosis in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a long-term follow-up study after corrective intertrochanteric osteotomy.

Fifty-one patients with unilateral severe (gliding angles 30 degrees-60 degrees) slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treated by intertrochanteric corrective osteotomy were reexamined after 20-29 years (average 24 years) of follow-up; 55% of the patients showed neither radiographic signs of degenerative hip disease nor clinical symptoms, whereas 28% had moderate and 17% had severe osteoarthritis. These results are definitely superior to those reported in other series of patients with comparable slips treated by bed rest or in situ fixation only. Analysis of individual gliding angles and directions of the slips shows that results can probably be further improved by correct assessment of the gliding process to allow for best use of the potentials of intertrochanteric corrective osteotomies. Correction should also be performed as early as possible to allow for maximum remodeling.