The aim was to assess contemporary management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by surveying members of the British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). A questionnaire with 5 case vignettes was used. Two questions examined the timing of surgery for an acute unstable SCFE in a child presenting at 6 hours and at 48 hours after start of symptoms. Two further questions explored the preferred method of fixation in mild and severe stable SCFE. The final question examined the management of the contralateral normal hip. Responses were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the data w analysed using a chi-squared test. The response rate was 56% (110/196). 88.2% (97/110) responded that if a child presented with an acute unstable SCFE within 6 hours, they would treat it within 24 hours of presentation, compared with 40.9% (45/110) for one presenting 48 hours after the onset of symptoms (P<0.0001). 52.6% (58/110) of surveyed BSCOS members would offer surgery for an unstable SCFE between 1 and 7 days after onset of symptoms. Single screw fixation in situ was advocated by 96.4% (106/110) and 70.9% (78/110) while corrective osteotomy was preferred by 1.8% (2/110) and 26.4% (29/110) of respondents for the mild and the severe stable slips respectively (P<0.0001). Surgeons preferring osteotomy are more likely to perform an intracapsular technique. Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral normal hip was performed by 27.3% (30/110) of participants. There are significant differences in opinions between BSCOS members as to the optimal management of SCFE in children. This reflects the variable recommendations and quality in the current
The aim of this study was to determine the consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the UK with musculoskeletal infection (including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and discitis). This consensus can then be used to ensure consistent, safe care for children in UK hospitals and those elsewhere with similar healthcare systems. A Delphi approach was used to determine consensus in three core aspects of care: 1) assessment, investigation, and diagnosis; 2) treatment; and 3) service, pathways, and networks. A steering group of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons created statements which were then evaluated through a two-round Delphi survey sent to all members of the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). Statements were only included (‘consensus in’) in the final agreed consensus if at least 75% of respondents scored the statement as critical for inclusion. Statements were discarded (‘consensus out’) if at least 75% of respondents scored them as not important for inclusion. Reporting these results followed the Appraisal Guidelines for Research and Evaluation.Aims
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