Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: an analysis of 80 patients as to pin placement and number.

A retrospective study of 80 patients with chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis was performed, analyzing the clinical results with regard to pin placement and pin number. Follow-up averaged greater than 2 years, with 86% of the 80 patients obtaining a satisfactory clinical outcome. Serious complications occurred in 10 patients. The severity of complications increased as the number of pins used increased (p less than 0.07). A varus pin position resulting in a more inferior pin placement in the proximal femoral epiphysis was found to be associated with the fewest complications. When the pin tip avoided the superior and anterior quadrants in the proximal femoral epiphysis and was greater than 2.5 mm away from subchondral bone, the complication rate was decreased (p less than 0.003).