FP6.7 Intra-Articular Findings in the Arthroscopic Management of SCFE-Induced Deformity

Abstract

Abstract ICLA06 - Finetuning FAI Surgery: Advanced Corrections and Avoiding Yatrogenic Instability, Auditorium A (BMCC Level 1), October 8, 2026, 14:00 - 16:00 Introduction Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in the adolescent patient often results in proximal femoral deformity with cam-like features and can frequently cause femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with decreased motion, increased pain, and functional limitation. While morphologic deformity and altered range of motion are often the primary focus of the post-SCFE treatment, much less is discussed regarding the intra-articular impact of SCFE on the adolescent hip. This retrospective cohort study aims to describe the incidence and extent of intra-articular cartilage and labral damage identified in SCFE hips at the time of arthroscopic assessment as well as to quantify the post-operative improvement in range of motion achieved from arthroscopic osteoplasty of the SCFE-induced deformity. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent primary arthroscopic treatment of SCFE-induced deformity at a single pediatric tertiary care hospital from 2010-2024. Descriptions of cartilage and labral damage, interventions performed, and measurements of pre-operative and immediate post-operative range of motion were collected directly from the surgeon’s operative note. Results A total of 68 hips in 62 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria with a median patient age of 16. Nearly all (64/68; 94%) hips were found to have some level of labral damage with 53 (78%) having degenerative changes and/or fraying and an additional 11 (16%) found to be torn and/or unstable. 4 hips (6%) had no evidence of any labral damage. Labral repair was performed in 22 hips (32%). Similarly, 48 hips (71%) were found to have Outerbridge grade II-IV cartilage damage. An additional 14 (21%) had softening of the cartilage (Outerbridge grade I) while only 6 hips (9%) were found to have no cartilage abnormality (Outerbridge grade 0). Increased BMI was found to be significantly associated with the presence of cartilage damage (p=0.049). Osteoplasty was performed in 66 hips (97%). Median range of motion significantly improved in both flexion (90° to 100°; p<0.001) and internal rotation at 90° of flexion (0° to 10°; p<0.0001). Conclusion Patients with SCFE were found to have a high rate of damage to the labrum and articular cartilage despite a relatively young age at the time of arthroscopic treatment. This highlights the severe impact that SCFE can have on the health and longevity of the hip and may support early surgical intervention in patients with symptomatic SCFE hips. Arthroscopic treatment with osteoplasty resulted in significant improvement in hip flexion and internal rotation at 90° of flexion.