Pinning of the slipped upper femoral epiphysis--a trouble-free procedure?

A retrospective review has been performed of the operative complications of pinning the slipped upper femoral epiphysis. Eighty-three hips in 64 patients were reviewed. A complication rate of 34% was found for the initial operation. The overall incidence of complications for the pin removal operation was 19%, but it was much higher if threaded pins had been used (p less than 0.001). Although many of the complications were minor, one-third necessitated further surgery. It is suggested that prophylactic pinning in situ of the opposite hip and the use of threaded pins should be reviewed. In addition, alternative procedures such as epiphysiodesis may deserve further consideration.