Combined Imhauser osteotomy and osteochondroplasty in slipped capital femoral epiphysis through surgical hip dislocation approach

Purpose Treatment of moderate to severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remains a challenging problem. Open reduction by modified Dunn procedure carries a considerable risk of osteonecrosis (ON). Imhauser osteotomy is capable of realigning the deformity without the risk of ON, but the remaining metaphyseal bump is implicated with significant chondro-labral lesions and accelerated osteoarthritis. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Imhauser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty (OCP) through the surgical hip dislocation (SHD) approach. Methods A prospective series of 23 patients with moderate-severe stable SCFE underwent Imhauser osteotomy and OCP through SHD. The mean age was 14.4 years (13 to 20) and the mean follow-up period was 45 months (24 to 66). The outcome measures included clinical and radiological parameters and Harris hip score (HHS) was used as a functional score. Results The mean HHS improved significantly from 65.39 to 93.3. The limb length discrepancy improved by a mean of 1.72 cm. The mean flexion and abduction arcs showed a significant improvement (mean increase of 37.5° and 18.5°, respectively). The mean internal rotation demonstrated the most significant improvement (mean increase of 38.5°). All the radiographic parameters improved significantly; including anterior and lateral slip angles (mean improvement 37.52° and 44.37°, respectively). The mean alpha angle decreased by 39.19°. The articulo-trochanteric distance significantly increased to a mean of 23.26 mm. No cases of ON or chondrolysis were identified. Conclusion Combined Imhauser osteotomy and OCP through the surgical dislocation approach provide a comprehensive and safe management of moderate to severe stable SCFE. Level of evidence IV