Surgery for slipped capital femoral epiphysis in adolescents

The treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in adolescents remains controversial. The goal of initial treatment is to prevent further slippage of the epiphysis. In mild forms, both stable and unstable, in situ fixation is widely accepted as the reference treatment. In contrast, several techniques are available for stable moderate-to-severe SCFE. In unstable moderate-to-severe SCFE, emergent reduction with decompression and internal fixation is currently the preferred method. Selection of the surgical technique rests on an appraisal of advantages versus drawbacks. The goal of this review is to discuss the various surgical methods available for SCFE in adolescents.