OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to evaluate whether there is any relationship between the degree of epiphysiolysis of the proximal femur (EPF) and the presence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Hip range of motion (ROM) was also analyzed in relation to FAI, and the literature on this topic was reviewed. METHODS: Nineteen cases of EPF in fifteen patients who had been treated surgically by means of in situ epiphysiodesis with a cannulated screw were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 27 months. The degree of EPF was analyzed using the epimetaphyseal and neck-epiphyseal angles on lateral-view radiographs, the radiographic signs of FAI on anteroposterior-view radiographs, clinic symptoms and hip ROM. RESULTS: It was found that the degree of EPF (through the epimetaphyseal angle) presented a statistically significant inverse relationship with the presence of FAI over the mean follow-up period of this study. In other words, the patients with symptoms of FAI presented lesser degrees of slippage. This can be explained by the fact that the types of impingement that occurs in cases of EPF (i.e. cam impaction or inclusion) depends on the degree of slippage, and these present different clinical forms and chronology. The ROM did not present any relationship with FAI. CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between the degree of slippage and the presence of clinical-radiological FAI after EPF.
Epiphysis, slipped; Epiphysis, slipped; Epiphysis, slipped; Epiphysis, slipped; Hip joint
