The treatment of epiphysiolysis of the upper femoral epiphysis.
This paper is based on our experience and follow-up of 100 cases of epiphysiolysis of the upper femoral epiphysis (and 105 hips) treated over a period of 19 years at the Toscano Institute of Orthopaedics. It stresses the fact that in the early stage this condition is easily and permanently curable by the simple and innocuous operation of epiphysiodesis. On the contrary, if it is not recognised early, or if having been recognised, is inadequately treated at this stage, the displacement gradually increases, and whatever the subsequent treatment, future incapacity is inevitable which will affect the whole life of the patient. The logical deduction from this is that at the first manifestation of symptoms and radiographic signs, even in the incipient pre-slipping stage, no time should be lost in carrying out an epiphysiodesis. This is simple and safe if done early; difficult and uncertain if done late.
D000293:Adolescent; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D004839:Epiphyses, Slipped / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors