The Peritubercle Lucency Sign is a Common and Early Radiographic Finding in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Author(s)

Maranho, Daniel A. ^{[1, 2]} ; Miller, Patricia E. ^[2] ; Novais, Eduardo N. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Harvard Med Sch, Boston Childrens Hosp, Dept Orthoped Surg, Boston, MA - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ORTHOPAEDICS; v. 38, n. 7, p. E371-E376, AUG 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Background:A rotational mechanism of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in which the epiphyseal tubercle acts as a fulcrum has been recently described. However, there is limited radiographic evidence supporting this theory. We aimed to investigate whether a radiographic lucency around the epiphyseal tubercle (peritubercle lucency sign) could be observed before or at the diagnosis of a subsequent slip in patients initially presenting with unilateral SCFE.Methods:We evaluated 70 patients with unilateral SCFE who were followed until a contralateral slip was diagnosed, and 180 patients with unilateral SCFE who had no contralateral slip until skeletal maturity between 2000 and 2017. We revised anteroposterior and lateral radiographs from the initial presentation, surveillance, and diagnosis of a contralateral SCFE. The presence or absence of the peritubercle lucency sign in the contralateral initially uninvolved hip was recorded for every radiograph. The presence of hip pain, and the presence of classic radiographic parameters for SCFE diagnosis (epiphyseal tilt and Klein's line) were recorded when the peritubercle lucency sign became noticeable.Results:The peritubercle lucency sign was observed in 84% {[}59/70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 73%-92%] of the patients who developed contralateral slip. Most patients (46/59=78%; 95% CI, 65%-87%; P<0.001) had the peritubercle lucency sign visible within 9 months after the initial diagnosis of unilateral SCFE. The sign preceded the definitive diagnosis of the contralateral slip at a median of 9 weeks (interquartile range, 0 to 10wk). At the time of first observation of the peritubercle lucency sign, 36% (25/70; 95% CI, 25%-48%) of the patients were asymptomatic and 49% (34/70; 95% CI, 36%-61%) of the hips showed no abnormalities in the tilt angle or the Klein line. Among patients who did not experience a contralateral slip (n=180), the sign was observed in 2 patients (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.2%-4.4%). The sensitivity was 84% and specificity was 99%.Conclusions:A peritubercle lucency is an early imaging sign, present in >80% of contralateral slips following an initial presentation of unilateral SCFE. The presence of the peritubercle lucency sign may be helpful for contralateral hip surveillance. Future studies are necessary to establish the clinical validity of the peritubercle lucency sign and whether it may serve as a predictor of contralateral involvement.Level of Evidence:Diagnostic level III. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/04376-3 - Basicervical osteotomy combined to cervicoplasty for the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: comparison of results with capital realignment and in situ fixation techniques
• Grantee: Daniel Augusto Carvalho Maranho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research