Optimal management of the contralateral normal hip after unilateral SCFE is controversial. Some authors have advocated prophylactic in situ pinning of the contralateral hip, even when the patient has an asymptomatic, radiographically normal contralateral hip. Others have concluded that close follow up of the contralateral hip is sufficient or that prophylactic pinning should be performed only in selected patients with endocrinopathies, renal failure, young age at presentation (as long as the triradiate cartilage was open) and those who may be unreliable about returning for follow-up.