British Medical Bulletin Advance Access originally published online on April 17, 2009
British Medical Bulletin 2009 90(1):133-146; doi:10.1093/bmb/ldp012
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Management of unstable slipped upper femoral epiphysis: a meta-analysis
,*
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, UK
School of Health and Rehabilitation, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, UK
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
* Correspondence to: Nicola Maffulli, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, UK. E-mail: n.maffulli{at}qmul.ac.uk
Introduction: The management of unstable slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is controversial, with a high risk of developing avascular necrosis (AVN). We meta-analysed two areas of concern: reduction of the slip and the timing of treatment.
Methods: A search of Medline, CINAHL and Embase identified only retrospectively relevant studies: four regarding the role of reduction and five regarding the timing of treatment. The incidence of AVN was compared between reduced and unreduced SUFEs, and between those treated within 24 h of symptom onset and those treated thereafter.
Areas of agreement: Analysis of the pooled data gave an odds ratio of 2.20 (P = 0.290) in favour of the unreduced group, who had a lower risk of developing AVN. The odds ratio was 0.50 in favour of the group treated within 24 h from symptom onset (P = 0.441). However, though clinically important, these effects were not statistically significant.
Areas of controversy: The timing of treatment is somewhat inconsistent: two studies favour management more than 24 h after the onset of symptoms, while for three unstable SUFEs are best managed within 24 h.
Growing points: Despite the non-significant results from the meta-analysis, it can be suggested that, if reduction is to be performed, it should be undertaken cautiously, as it may be associated with increased AVN. The ideal time for management of unstable slip is probably within 24 h of symptom onset.
Areas timely for developing research: There is a strong need for multicentre, randomized, controlled trials in this area.
Keywords: slipped upper femoral epiphysis • reduction • avascular necrosis • meta-analysis
Accepted for publication March 26, 2009.
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