Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for successful treatment.
Treatment for SCFE aims to stabilise the hip and prevent the head of the thigh bone from slipping any further. This is normally accomplished through surgery, which is often performed shortly after diagnosis. While waiting for surgery, the patient should reduce the use of their legs as much as possible.
The type and severity of the patient’s SCFE will determine the appropriate surgical procedure, which includes the following:
In-situ fixation
A small incision near the hip allows the doctor to insert a metal screw through the femur and across the growth plate. This helps to keep the rounded head of the thigh bone (femur) in position as well as fuse or close the growth plate, preventing further slippage.
Open reduction
An open reduction is performed on patients with more severe cases of deformity. An incision is made in the hip, allowing the doctor to move the head of the thigh bone into its correct position. To hold it in place, metal screws are inserted to keep the bone in place until the growth plate closes. Compared to an in-situ fixation, open reduction is more extensive and requires a longer recovery time.
In-situ fixation in the opposite hip
Some patients face a higher risk of developing SCFE in the other hip. In such instances, the doctor may recommend an in-situ fixation on the unaffected hip as well.
Recovery time will vary according to the severity of the condition and the type of procedure that was performed.
Post-surgery, patients should expect to use crutches or a wheelchair for 6 weeks or more. Physiotherapy will also be recommended to help strengthen the leg and hip muscles and improve range of movement.
Follow-up visits, which may include X-rays, are important to help monitor the healing process, detect possible complications and allow discussions on when normal activities such as sports may be resumed.