EP6.44 Perceived Outcomes of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract Introduction: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most prevalent pediatric hip disorders, characterized by displacement of the capital femoral epiphysis from the femoral neck. The outcomes of SCFE can vary widely, and may necessitate subsequent hip preservation strategies. As such, patient perspectives and experiences following SCFE intervention are of great interest to orthopaedic hip surgeons. Traditionally, insights into SCFE outcomes have been derived from clinical studies and direct patient feedback during medical follow-ups. However, these approaches often fail to capture the day-to-day experiences and emotional responses of patients and their families, especially in a pediatric population. Social media, however, provides a direct source of data on patient perspectives that are typically inaccessible through conventional medical consultations. This study is the first to analyze patient-perceived outcomes of SCFE through social media, providing a novel, direct patient perspective to better inform patient-centered decision-making in SCFE treatment. Methods: A retrospective review of social media posts relating to SCFE was conducted on three platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Data was collected from the most populated interest groups and hashtags. These included the “SCFE Support” Facebook group with 1,242 members, and the hashtags #SCFE (4,808 posts), #slippedcapitalfemoralepiphysis (2,460 posts), and #SCFESurvivor (504 posts). Posts were assessed by two independent reviewers for demographics, timing (preoperative, postoperative), perspective (patient, family, physician, etc.), and perceived outcome (positive, negative, neutral). Results: A total of 1,208 SCFE-related posts were analyzed. Posts primarily reflected the postoperative perspective (77.3%) compared to preoperative (21.4%). The breakdown of perspectives included 53.2% from families (mostly parents), 36.1% from adolescent patients themselves, 7.8% from organizations, and 2.7% from physicians. In terms of perceived outcomes, 59.1% were positive, 27.3% neutral, and 13.6% negative, with most negative perceptions relating to developmental concerns and return to normal motor function, as well as postoperative pain. Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that while the majority of social media posts regarding SCFE conveyed positive outcomes, there remains a proportion of negative sentiments, particularly from parents concerned about effects of SCFE surgery on their child’s development, and from patients concerned about chronic pain persisting even decades after intervention. These findings serve as a valuable complement to traditional clinical follow-ups, offering orthopedic surgeons a broader, real-time understanding of patient satisfaction and areas requiring attention. Integrating these insights into clinical practice is essential for tailoring interventions and hip preservation strategies that better meet patient needs and address concerns most pertinent to the patient.