Early Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis Compared With Patients With Osteoarthritis

We have investigated the results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed in patients with slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). Through the New Zealand Joint Registry, we identified all patients with SUFE undergoing primary THA (n = 117) and all patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing primary THA (n = 40 589) between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2008. Baseline information, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared between the SUFE and the OA groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative Oxford Hip Score or revision rate between the 2 groups. Our results support THA as a successful surgical option in the management of degenerative arthritis in SUFE, with comparable functional outcomes and revision rates to THA performed for primary OA.