A Delphi consensus study on the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: Considerable consensus in mild and moderate slips and limited consensus in severe slips

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this expert consensus study was to establish consensus on the treatment of different types of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and on the use of prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral unaffected side. Methods: In this study, a four-round Delphi method was used. Questionnaires including all possible theoretical slip scenarios were sent online to 14 participants, experienced in the field of children’s orthopedics and in the treatment of hip disorders in children. Results: In-situ fixation was considered to be the first treatment choice in all types of mild slip scenarios and in moderate, stable ones. Performing in-situ fixation was not favored in moderate, unstable, and in all severe slip scenarios. In moderate to severe, unstable slip scenarios, there was consensus on the use of gentle closed or open reduction and internal fixation. Any consensus was not established in the optimal treatment of severe, stable slips. There was also consensus on the use of prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral side in case of co-existing endocrine disorder and younger age. Conclusions: The establishment of consensus on the treatment of all types of slipped capital femoral epiphysis even among the experienced surgeons does not seem to be possible. The severity of the slip and stability of the slip are the primary and secondary determinants of the surgeons’ treatment choices, respectively. In-situ fixation is still the preferred treatment option in several slip types. Gentle capital realignment by closed or open means is recommended in displaced, unstable slips. Prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral side is indicated under certain circumstances. Level of evidence: level V.