Clinical outcome after transfixation of the epiphysis with Kirschner wires in unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is still controversial. Agreement has not yet been reached on the appropriate time to perform surgery, the necessity of repositioning manoeuvres, the type of implants for stabilisation, or the need for prophylactic treatment of the contralateral side. In this retrospective study, we present 29 patients with unstable (acute and acute-on-chronic) SCFE treated by internal fixation of the epiphysis with three or four Kirschner wires both therapeutically on the affected side and prophylactically on the not (yet) affected side. After hardware removal and mean follow-up of 3.5 years, radiological and clinical examination of hip function was carried out. X-ray in two planes showed no incidence of any slip progression. Applying the score used by Heyman and Herndon, 18 results (62.1%) were classified as excellent, nine (31.1%) as good, one (3.4%) as fair, and one (3.4%) as poor. The rate of severe complications such as chondrolysis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head was low in our series (0% and 6.8%, respectively). This form of therapeutic management shows good clinical results with low complication rates. The slip can be efficiently stabilised, progression is reliably prevented, and remodelling of the joint gives the patient good overall hip function. We see no indication for emergency surgery.