15
Postoperative Regime
Stable Slip:
The patient is allowed to start walking
using crutches and partial weight
bearing on the operated side the first
day after surgery.
Usually the patient can be discharged
from the ward one to two days after
surgery when he or she is capable of
walking with crutches.
Full weight bearing is possible after
one week.
Unstable Slip:
The patient is allowed to start walking
using crutches and partial weight
bearing on the operated side the first
day after surgery.
Full weight bearing on the operated leg
is not allowed until after six weeks.
Postoperative Activities -
Stable and Unstable:
Surgeons should instruct parents
regarding appropriate and restricted
activities during the treatment in order
to prevent placing excessive stress
on the implants which may lead
to fixation or implant failure and
accompanying clinical problems.
Surgeons should also instruct parents
to report any unusual changes of the
operative site to his/her physician.
The physician should closely monitor
the patient if a change at the site has
been detected.
Bilateral Slips:
Periodic X-Ray images should be taken
of both hips to facilitate early detection
of contralateral slips.
Follow Up Examination –
Stable and Unstable:
A six-week post-op follow up medical
and radiological examination is
recommended.
When assessing the follow-up X-ray,
the surgeon must look for:
• Reliable anchorage of the hook in the
femoral head.
• Protrusion of the end of the pin
through the lateral cortex of the
thigh.
The most accurate angle to view the
protrusion of the pin is the lateral
position, due to the insertion angle.
If the X-rays are satisfactory, then
walking is permitted.
Repeat X-rays are necessary every 6
months until the physes have closed.
