If the stress to the head of the femur is too high due to weight or trauma, then a slip can occur. The GOAL of treatment is to prevent further slippage of the head of the femur. Patients are placed on bed rest until the hip can be surgically stabilized. A screw is inserted across the growth plate into the epiphysis in order to stabilize the hip. Crutches are used to protect the hip until the growth plate fuses.
Patients are x-rayed at regular intervals following surgery.
If the degree of slippage is severe, an osteotomy to reorient the upper end of the femur can be performed at a later date. Complications from slipped capital femoral epiphysis are related directly to the severity and acuity of the slip. The most common complications are avascular necrosis, chondrolysis, and arthritis. Avascular necrosis, present in 30 percent of acute slips, is caused by loss of blood supply and may result in collapse of the femoral head. Chondrolysis, disintegration of the cartilage surface, leads to stiffness and pain.