Open bone graft epiphyseodesis for slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Seventeen patients underwent open bone graft epiphyseodesis for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE); physeal fusion was achieved in 12 patients. Eight grafts either resorbed, moved, or fractured postoperatively (graft insufficiency). Graft insufficiency was statistically associated with failure of physeal fusion, (p = 0.009). Radiographic examination, using three different measurements, corroborated postoperative changes in femoral head position. One case of joint space narrowing and three cases of significant myositis ossificans occurred. Ten patients had anterolateral thigh hypesthesia. We conclude that fracture, movement, or resorption of a single bone graft is common, leading to an increase in slip severity and failure of physeal fusion.