[Management of slipped epiphyses in renal osteodystrophy (author's transl)]

Epiphyseal slipping in uraemia differs strikingly from juvenile epiphyseal slipping with respect to pathology and therapy. Based on our own experience with the treatment of 8 uraemic children with epiphyseal slipping, an effort was made to establish the respective indications for conservative and surgical treatment. Mechanical stabilization of slipped epiphyses was achieved within a few weeks without any surgery and usually without parathyreoidectomy by vitamin D3 alone. The initial dose was 10,000 to 30,000 I.U./day, the total curative dose 1.8 to 5.6 millions I.U. Prolonged immobilization was unnecessary. Rising urinary calcium excretion was a valuable indicator of vitamin D intoxication even in advanced renal failure. In one case, pronounced metaphyseal deformations (distal femur, distal tibia) required surgical correction before the ability to walk normally was restored. - The following therapeutical approach is recommended: metabolic bone disease must be cured by vitamin D therapy with or without parathyreoidectomy. Osteotomy to correct metaphyseal deformities or coxa vara epiphysaria never should be performed before metabolic bone disease is healed.