Abstract
Introduction: To determine whether there is a correlation between severity of the slip and duration of symptoms in patients presenting with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
Methods: 50 patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis were identified from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children database from 1998 to 2003. Of these, 47 patients had casenotes and radiographs available. 12 patients had bilateral slips resulting in a total of 59 slipped capital femoral epiphyses studied. On the basis of their history, 16 of these hips were unstable and were excluded leaving 43 stable slips in 35 patients. Case-notes were reviewed and the exact age, weight, symptom duration and treatment were recorded. X-rays were assessed and the slip angle was measured by the technique described by Southwick.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 11years 9months (7yrs 5 mths – 16 yrs 5mths). There were 19 males and 16 females. Weights were plotted against age on a centile chart with 85% of patients weighing > 75th centile for age.The mean duration of symptoms was 12.1weeks (2days – 52weeks)The mean slip angle was 22° (5° – 65°)There were 34 mild slips (< 30°), 8 moderate slips (30° – 60°) and 1 severe slip (> 65°). There was no statistical difference in duration of symptoms between these groups.
Statistical analysis by ordinal regression analysis showed there was no correlation between slip severity and duration of symptoms. In addition, there was no correlation between slip severity and age or weight.
Conclusion: There appears to be no relationship between slip severity and duration of symptoms in patients presenting with stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
The abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, Mr Robin W Paton. Correspondence should be addressed to BSCOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35– 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
