Mechanical Failure of 2 Cannulated Screw Fixation for Unstable SCFE: A Case Report.

CASE: A 13-year-old obese boy presented with an acute-on-chronic unstable left slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). He underwent in situ surgical fixation with two 6.5-mm fully threaded cannulated screws. At 6 months, he presented with mechanical failure of both screws. He underwent screw removal, revision in situ fixation, a peritrochanteric flexion and internal rotational osteotomy, and an open femoroplasty. The osteotomy healed at 6 weeks. The femoral physis took an additional year to close.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights an uncommon complication of in situ pinning of SCFE, discusses revision fixation options, and suggests possible prolonged physeal closure in severe slips.