Adult case of slipped capital femoral epiphysis initially requiring in situ fixation with revision to total hip arthroplasty after failure of index surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a disorder classically associated with pediatric patients in which the femoral head is displaced through the physis. In rare cases of metabolic and hormonal disorders, SCFEs can be identified in adult patients as a result of persistent growth plates. Optimal definitive surgical management of these patients is still unknown and more information is needed in order to provide appropriate care for these patients. Case Report: A 31-year-old male with past medical history of hypopituitarism presented with left hip pain after a seizure. He was found to have a left slipped capital femoral epiphysis on initial radiographs for which he was taken to the operating room for open treatment of the left SCFE with in situ screw fixation. Approximately four weeks later he returned to the hospital after a fall with left hip pain and inability to ambulate. Radiographs demonstrated cutout of the cannulated screw in the setting of a SCFE with further displacement. He returned to the operating room for conversion to an uncemented total hip arthroplasty. His post-op course was uneventful and he was discharged home in stable condition. Conclusion: This cases highlights a condition uncommonly identified in adult patients which was further complicated by failure of the initial surgical repair and need for revision surgery. This case is unique in that total hip arthroplasty as a definitive treatment for acute SCFE, rather than treatment for end stage arthritis secondary to chronic SCFE, has not been reported upon this author’s review.