HLA AND SLIPPED CAPITAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS

The cause of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), which may be associated with osteoarthritis in later life, remains unknown. Recent reports suggest that genetic factors may play a role in the aetiology of SCFE. To determine the association between SCFE and genetic markers, 30 patients were tested for 35 HLA-A, B, and DR antigens. The frequencies of these antigens were compared with those in 2041 normal controls. HLA-B27 was found in 20% of patients with SCFE; significantly more frequently than in normal controls (p < 0.05, chi2 test). The interpretation of these findings is discussed. These observations may be relevant to the aetiology of SCFE and have ramifications for early diagnosis and screening of adolescents with a family history of SCFE or 'primary' osteoarthritis of the hip.