Is there a difference between Fully Threaded and Partially Threaded Cannulated Screws for In Situ Pinning of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: In situ fixation with a single cannulated screw is standard for stable, mild-to-moderate slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), but whether partially versus fully threaded screws affects outcome is debated. We compared clinical and radiological outcomes of partially versus fully threaded screws for in situ SCFE fixation. Methods: This prospective, randomized study (Zagazig University, November 2024–November 2025) included 24 patients (32 hips; 8 bilateral) with stable or unstable SCFE, randomly allocated to fully threaded (16 hips) or partially threaded (16 hips) fixation. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 12 months using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Southwick/alpha/neck-shaft angles, femoral neck growth, physeal closure, and complications. Results: Groups were matched at baseline (all p>0.05). Mean HHS improved from 69.5 ± 7.3 to 90.9 ± 6.6, with no significant difference between groups (90.0 ± 7.8 vs 91.8 ± 5.2; p=0.608). Radiographic correction, femoral neck growth, return to activity, and composite outcome grading were comparable. Physeal closure rate did not differ significantly (62.5% vs 81.25%; p=0.433), but time to closure among closed hips was significantly shorter with partially threaded screws (9.6 ± 0.7 vs 10.8 ± 0.4 months; p<0.001). Complication rate was 37.5%, with no revisions and one AVN case in the fully threaded group. Conclusion: Fully and partially threaded cannulated screws provide equivalent clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes with comparably low complication rates for in situ SCFE fixation at 12 months. Partially threaded screws were associated with significantly earlier physeal closure, a novel finding requiring confirmation in larger, multicenter studies.
Language: English
Topic: Hip disorders and treatments
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222892390