[Natural course of epiphysiolysis of the femur head]

Orthopade. 1994 Jun;23(3):195-9.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The natural course of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is biphasic. During the active course there is a slow progression of the epiphyseal tilt. A certain remodeling potential around the head neck junction can be observed, the goal of which is self-limitation of the dislocation process. Closure of the epiphyseal plate terminates the first phase. The resulting deformity is called prearthrosis. Long-term research is being devoted to determining whether coxarthrosis is going to develop in the further course of the disease and, if so, when. In agreement with many researchers, this author found that the natural history of the malunited dislocation is mild deterioration related to the severity of the angle of slippage. Chondrolysis during the active slippage process is responsible for the high incidence of coxarthrosis. AVN of the capital epiphysis can seldom be observed in non-treated hips.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Epiphyses, Slipped / diagnostic imaging
  • Epiphyses, Slipped / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Femur Head / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hip Joint / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Joint Deformities, Acquired / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / physiopathology
  • Prognosis
  • Radiography