Avascular necrosis, a serious slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) complication, is difficult to treat. We report a rare case of revascularization of the necrotic femoral head in a 12-year-old male patient with a severe SCFE (posterior tilting angle, 87°). We performed the modified Dunn procedure (MDP), followed by long-term unloading therapy. Blood flow to the epiphysis had partially resumed 2.3 years postoperatively. At the final 4.5-year follow-up, blood flow had been restored, leading to epiphyseal closure without significant femoral head deformity or hip pain. The patient could walk unassisted, with a flexion range of 120°. These findings support the use of the MDP with long-term unloading therapy as a potential treatment option for severe SCFE.
Keywords: child; modified dunn procedure; non-weight bearing; restored blood flow; slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
Copyright © 2024, Shimizu et al.