Intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case series study

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in the treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) on short-term basis. Nineteen patients (20 hips) with moderate-severe stable SCFE were surgically treated by Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty and followed up for 3–4 years. The cases aged between 12 and 18 years at the time of surgery and complained of a variety of symptoms and signs that included pain, limping, limited range of motion (ROM), and/or abductor weakness. The outcomes were assessed using clinical and radiological parameters as well as functional outcome measures: “Harris hip score” (HHS) and “The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index” (WOMAC). There were statistically significant improvements in flexion, internal rotation, and abduction ROM. HHS and WOMAC improved significantly with final follow-up scores at 86.76 and 6.4%, respectively. The radiological parameters showed significant improvement regarding Southwick angle (mean 12.8°), alpha angle of Nötzli (mean 29.85°), Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (mean 37.65°), neck shaft angle (mean 140.63°), and acetabulo-trochanteric distance (median14.1 mm) at the end of follow-up period. Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty is a good option in moderate-severe stable SCFE treatment.