Stylized digital illustration of adolescent hip joint with surgical instruments.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): Can Surgery Restore Hip Function?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study explores the effectiveness of osteotomy and osteoplasty in restoring abductor function and strength in adolescents with moderate to severe SCFE."

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a hip condition primarily affecting adolescents, where the femoral head slips off the femoral neck. This condition can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and, if left untreated, long-term complications like osteoarthritis. SCFE severity varies, with treatment strategies ranging from simple in-situ fixation to more complex surgical realignments.

Historically, mild SCFE has been managed with in-situ epiphysiodesis, a procedure that stabilizes the epiphysis in its current position. However, more severe cases often require corrective osteotomies to restore proper hip biomechanics and function. One such technique involves osteotomy at the base of the femoral neck, often combined with osteoplasty to address residual deformities.

A recent study published in The Bone & Joint Journal investigates the outcomes of base of neck osteotomy combined with osteoplasty in adolescents with moderate to severe SCFE. The study aims to determine if this surgical approach can restore hip abductor function, comparing results against in-situ epiphysiodesis for mild SCFE, contralateral unaffected hips, and healthy controls.

How Effective is Osteotomy and Osteoplasty in SCFE Treatment?

Stylized digital illustration of adolescent hip joint with surgical instruments.

The study involved 24 patients (17 male, 7 female) with moderate to severe SCFE, with an average age of 14.9 years. These patients underwent base of neck osteotomy and osteoplasty. A control group of 15 healthy individuals (6 male, 9 female), average age 16.5 years, was also included. Researchers assessed abductor function using isokinetic dynamometry and range of abduction measurements, with a minimum one-year follow-up period.

The primary goal was to evaluate whether the surgical intervention could restore abductor function, which is critical for hip stability and movement. Abductor muscle strength and range of motion were compared among the surgical group, those who underwent in-situ epiphysiodesis for mild SCFE, their contralateral unaffected hips, and a control group of healthy individuals.

No Significant Difference: The study found no significant difference in mean peak abductor torque between hips treated with osteotomy and those treated with in-situ epiphysiodesis.
Inferior Torque Compared to Healthy Hips: However, the torque was significantly lower in the osteotomy group compared to contralateral unaffected hips and hips from healthy individuals.
Correlation Between Strength and Range: Abduction strength positively correlated with the range of hip abduction, indicating that improved strength is associated with greater mobility.

Although the abductor strength was not fully restored to normal levels, the study concluded that moderate to severe SCFE treated with osteotomy at the base of the femoral neck and osteoplasty showed similar abductor function compared to in-situ epiphysiodesis in less severe cases. This suggests that while surgery can improve hip function, it may not completely normalize it.

What Does This Mean for Adolescents with SCFE?

The study provides valuable insights for adolescents with SCFE and their families. While osteotomy and osteoplasty can improve hip function, realistic expectations are essential. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in maximizing outcomes, and long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor hip health. These interventions improve outcomes, although do not restore abductor strength to original levels and provide similar hip health as less severe cases of SCFE.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1302/0301-620x.100b11.bjj-2018-0273.r1, Alternate LINK

Title: The Results Of Osteotomy At The Base Of Femoral Neck With Osteoplasty In Restoration Of Abductor Function And Strength In Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: The Bone & Joint Journal

Publisher: British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery

Authors: A. C. C. Angélico, L. M. Garcia, T. R. Icuma, C. F. Herrero, D. A. Maranho

Published: 2018-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE), and what are its primary effects?

SCFE is a hip condition, primarily affecting adolescents, where the femoral head slips off the femoral neck. This displacement can cause pain and reduced mobility. Untreated SCFE can lead to long-term complications such as osteoarthritis, impacting the patient's quality of life and requiring further medical interventions.

How does the study compare osteotomy and osteoplasty to in-situ epiphysiodesis for treating SCFE?

The study compared base of neck osteotomy and osteoplasty, used for moderate to severe SCFE, with in-situ epiphysiodesis, typically used for milder cases. The study found no significant difference in mean peak abductor torque between hips treated with osteotomy and osteoplasty and those treated with in-situ epiphysiodesis. While both approaches improved hip function, neither fully restored the abductor strength to the levels of healthy hips. The results suggest that the choice of treatment depends on the severity of the SCFE.

What role does hip abductor function play in SCFE treatment and recovery?

Hip abductor function, which involves the muscles that move the leg away from the body, is critical for hip stability and movement. The study assessed abductor function using isokinetic dynamometry and range of abduction measurements. The findings revealed that abductor strength was correlated with the range of hip abduction, meaning improved strength is associated with greater mobility. Restoring abductor function is a primary goal of surgical interventions like osteotomy and osteoplasty to improve the patients' overall hip function.

What are the key findings regarding abductor strength after osteotomy and osteoplasty?

The study found that while osteotomy and osteoplasty improved abductor function in patients with moderate to severe SCFE, the strength did not reach the levels of the contralateral unaffected hips or healthy individuals. Although the treatment improved hip function to a similar degree as in-situ epiphysiodesis, it did not fully restore the abductor strength to normal levels. This underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations for patients and the value of rehabilitation in maximizing outcomes.

What should adolescents and their families expect after undergoing osteotomy and osteoplasty for SCFE?

Adolescents and their families should understand that while osteotomy and osteoplasty can significantly improve hip function in moderate to severe SCFE cases, full restoration of abductor strength to the levels of healthy hips is not always achievable. The study highlights the importance of rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the surgery. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and to undergo long-term follow-up to monitor the health of the hip. This approach involves base of neck osteotomy and osteoplasty, offering improved outcomes similar to in-situ epiphysiodesis in mild cases.