[Use of Schanz screws in slipped capital femoral epiphysis with intraoperative X-ray control].

OBJECTIVE

To show the utility of Schanz screws and the use of intraoperative Xray control for slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

An observational, retrospective, descriptive and open-label study was conducted from January 2005 to March 2009 in healthy patients ages 9-13 years, with a diagnosis of unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis in the acute phase, less than 3 weeks old. Epiphysiodesis was performed by placing two 4.0-5.5 mm Schanz screws with minimum intraoperative X-ray control.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients who had undergone epiphysiodesis surgery were included. The number of X-rays taken was 6 in 2 patients (11.1%), 5 in 3 patients (16.6%), 4 in 5 patients (27.7%), and 3 in 8 patients (44.4%). Active mobilization was started 24 hours after surgery and passive flexion and extension at 48 hours. The first postoperative follow-up visit occurred at 6 weeks and thereafter every 2 months. One patient had avascular necrosis of the femoral head that required removing the material 4 months after surgery. Seventeen patients resumed their usual activities. Only one patient with avascular necrosis is still going to physical therapy and rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Traditional intraoperative X-ray control is a simple technique that reduces the amount of radiation exposure. It may be considered as a useful tool in cases of limited economic and hospital resources.