Improved percutaneous slipped capital femoral epiphysis treatment: continuous biplanar fluoroscopy and proper guide wire selection.

In 1990, a report was published outlining a technique of percutaneous fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphyses dramatically diminishing the morbidity associated with the open technique. Technical difficulties are still encountered with the morbidly obese child and the percutaneous technique. Two fluoroscopic units used continuously during the technique facilitate placement of the guide wire in a more acceptable anatomic location. Guide wire stiffness was also measured and used in preoperative planning. Ten hips were treated with this technique, and a prospective analysis of the surgical time and fluoroscopy time was done. Using the new technique, we found a significant reduction in surgical and fluoroscopic times.