Journal of Childrens Orthopaedics最新文献

Purpose: The elastic stable intramedullary nail has been recognized as an accepted technique for treating pediatric long bone fractures. The principle of the technique is "3-point support and fixation," and it should be followed to achieve the optimum outcome without implant failure and complications. However, tools have yet to be reported for pre-bending of the elastic stable intramedullary nail. This study aims to present a novel tool for pre-bending the elastic stable intramedullary nails and the results of using this tool by surgeons.

Methods: A designed case of femoral shaft fracture was provided to the participants. All participants were divided into three groups according to their experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique: resident, fellow, and attending groups. The time of completing the pre-bending and coronal plane deviation of the nails after pre-bending was recorded. Statistical analysis compared the data in a conventional way and with the new tools in each group.

Results: A total of 30 physicians were recruited in this study. The pre-bending duration with the new tool was significantly shorter than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001). The coronal plane deviation of nails after pre-bending by the new tool was significantly smaller than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This novel tool for elastic stable intramedullary nail pre-bending was convenient and easy to use in achieving the principal role of the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique. Physicians could reduce the coronal plane deviation when pre-bending elastic stable intramedullary nails, especially for physicians with less experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique.

Level of evidence: IV.

Purpose: To explore scoliosis risk factors and outcomes in children with dysplastic spondylolisthesis undergoing surgical reduction and internal fixation.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 56 children with dysplastic spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical reduction and internal fixation. Patients were grouped according to presence of scoliosis before surgery. Radiographic parameters measured before surgery included pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, coronal Cobb angle, slip percentage, Dubousset's lumbosacral angle, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, and Spinal Deformity Study Group index. Groups were compared using logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the optimal Spinal Deformity Study Group index cut-off value. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years.

Results: The scoliosis group comprises 36 patients (mean age: 9.6 ± 2.7 years), while the no scoliosis group comprises 20 (mean age: 9.1 ± 2.4 years). Slip percentage and Spinal Deformity Study Group index were significantly higher in the scoliosis group (p < 0.01). Sacral slope and pelvic incidence were lower in the scoliosis group (p < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that slip percentage, Spinal Deformity Study Group index, pelvic incidence, and sacral slope were significantly associated with scoliosis. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only Spinal Deformity Study Group index was an independent risk factor for scoliosis. The optimal cut-off value for Spinal Deformity Study Group index was 0.288. Mean Cobb angle decreased from 20.3° ± 8.8° before surgery to 8.5° ± 8.9° at last follow-up; the mean scoliosis correction rate was 59.3%.

Conclusion: Severe S1 dysplasia and high slip percentage may be risk factors for developing scoliosis in patients with dysplastic spondylolisthesis. Scoliosis resolved spontaneously after spondylolisthesis reduction and fixation in most patients.

Level of evidence: 3.

Purpose: The acetabulum interacts with the femoral head in daily activities and may exhibit structural changes in the presence of hip disorders. This study aims to redefine hip disorders in children with cerebral palsy by structural characteristics of the acetabulum in relation to the degree of the migration percentage.

Methods: The clinical and radiographic data of 70 patients (36 males, 34 females; mean age 8.2 years) with spastic cerebral palsy were retrospectively analyzed. The acetabular structure was measured by the acetabular index on reconstructed three-dimensional computerized tomography for precision of measurement. Any significant change in acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography related to every 10% increment of migration percentage was regarded as clinically significant in hip disorders.

Results: The acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography showed an increasing trend with the increment of migration percentage. The most significant acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography change occurred between the 20%-29% and 30%-39% migration percentage groups (p < 0.001), suggesting that a migration percentage of 30% is the starting point of hip disorder. A significant increase in the posterolateral acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography occurred in migration percentages >50%, indicating posterolateral acetabular dysplasia. Hips with migration percentages from 80% to 100% had consistent acetabular indexes measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography values, suggesting complete dislocation and no more contact and interaction between the femoral head and acetabular fossa.

Conclusion: Structural characteristics in the acetabulum reflect hip dysfunction and potentially classify hip disorders. Results suggest the migration percentage 30% as a starting point of hip disorder and 80% as a turning point of hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy.

Level of evidence: level IV, diagnostic study.

Purpose: The aim of this expert consensus study was to establish consensus on the treatment of different types of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and on the use of prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral unaffected side.

Methods: In this study, a four-round Delphi method was used. Questionnaires including all possible theoretical slip scenarios were sent online to 14 participants, experienced in the field of children's orthopedics and in the treatment of hip disorders in children.

Results: In-situ fixation was considered to be the first treatment choice in all types of mild slip scenarios and in moderate, stable ones. Performing in-situ fixation was not favored in moderate, unstable, and in all severe slip scenarios. In moderate to severe, unstable slip scenarios, there was consensus on the use of gentle closed or open reduction and internal fixation. Any consensus was not established in the optimal treatment of severe, stable slips. There was also consensus on the use of prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral side in case of co-existing endocrine disorder and younger age.

Conclusions: The establishment of consensus on the treatment of all types of slipped capital femoral epiphysis even among the experienced surgeons does not seem to be possible. The severity of the slip and stability of the slip are the primary and secondary determinants of the surgeons' treatment choices, respectively. In-situ fixation is still the preferred treatment option in several slip types. Gentle capital realignment by closed or open means is recommended in displaced, unstable slips. Prophylactic screw fixation of the contralateral side is indicated under certain circumstances.

Level of evidence: level V.

Purpose: The simultaneous and ipsilateral occurrence of medial epicondylar and radial neck fractures is rare. This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial to lateral diagonal injury of the elbow (MELAINE).

Methods: Six males and 6 females were diagnosed with MELAINE (left: 10, 83.3%; right: 2, 16.7%). Medial epicondylar and radial neck fractures were classified according to Papavasiliou's classification (seven type II, two type III, three type IV) and Judet's classification (three type I, four type II and five type III), respectively. All patients underwent surgery. The carrying angle, range of motion, and Kim et al. Elbow Performance Score were used to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes; related complications were recorded.

Results: Mean age at injury and mean follow-up were 11.1 ± 2.5 (range, 6-14) and 40 ± 25.6 months (range, 13-90), respectively. All fractures consolidated in 6.3 ± 1.2 weeks on average (4-9). Outcomes were good (n = 1; 8.3%) to excellent (n = 11; 91.7%). The carrying angle of the injured and uninjured side was 15.5°± 2.6° and 14.7°± 2°, respectively (p = 0.218). The range of motion of elbow flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination of the injured side was 144.2°± 10.4°, 4.6°± 5.4°, 76.7°± 9.1°, 80.4°± 9.2°, respectively, with no significant differences from the healthy side (p > 0.05). The Elbow Performance Score of the injured and uninjured side was 96.3 ± 5.3 and 98.8 ± 2.3, respectively (p = 0.139). No cases of infection, cubitus valgus, stiffness, or instability were recorded.

Conclusion: Although uncommon, MELAINE should not be neglected. Surgery aims to stabilize the elbow and avoid valgus deformity. If diagnosed and treated, clinical and radiological results are excellent in most cases.

Introduction: Distal third forearm fractures are common fractures in children. While outcomes are generally excellent, some patients fail initial non-operative management and require intervention. The purpose of this study is to identify independent risk factors associated with failure of closed reduction.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of distal third forearm fractures in children treated with closed reduction and casting. Patients were divided into two cohorts-those who were successfully closed reduced and those who failed initial non-operative management. Demographic characteristics, cast type, cast index, radiographic fracture, soft tissue characteristics, and quality of reduction were analyzed between groups.

Results: A total of 207 children treated for distal third forearm fractures were included for analysis. A total of 190 (91.8%) children maintained their reduction while 17 (8.2%) failed initial non-operative management. Modifiable risk factors associated with loss of reduction on univariate analysis included the use of a long arm cast (p = 0.003), increased post-reduction displacement (p = 0.02), and increased post-reduction angular deformity (p = 0.01). Non-modifiable risk factors included increased body mass index (p = 0.02), increased presenting fracture displacement (p = 0.002), and increased width of the soft tissue envelope at the fracture site (p = 0.0001). The use of long arm casts (13% vs 2%, odds ratio = 6.44) and soft tissue width (60.6 vs 50.4 mm, odds ratio = 1.1) remained significant risk factors for loss of reduction after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: Both larger soft tissue envelope at the site of the fracture and long arm cast immobilization are independently associated with an increased risk of failing initial closed reduction in distal third forearm fractures in the pediatric population.

Level of evidence: level III Case Control Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the residual acetabular dysplasia in Graf type II hips after Pavlik harness treatment with a radiographic follow-up at 2 years of age.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the developmental dysplasia of the hip patients who were treated with the Pavlik harness between March 2018 and February 2022. Patients with Graf type II hip dysplasia who had at least one radiographic follow-up after 2 years of age were included. The following information, sex, laterality, affected side, age at harness initiation, treatment duration, α angle, and the morphology of bony roof, was collected and studied. We evaluated the radiographic acetabular index at the last follow-up and defined the value of greater than 2 standard deviations as residual acetabular dysplasia.

Results: A total of 33 patients (53 hips) met the criteria. The mean initial α angle was 53.4°; the mean age at Pavlik harness initiation was 10.9 weeks. The mean treatment duration was 10 weeks. The mean α angle at the last ultrasound follow-up was 64.9°. The mean age of the last radiographic follow-up was 2.6 years, and 26 hips had a residual acetabular dysplasia with acetabular indexes greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean. The morphology of the acetabular bony rim (odds ratio = 4.333, P = 0.029) and age of initial treatment <12 weeks (odds ratio = 7.113, P = 0.014) were seen as significant predictors for a higher acetabular index more than 2 years of age.

Conclusions: A notable incidence of residual acetabular dysplasia after Pavlik harness treatment in Graf type II hips, wherein the acetabular bony roof with a blunt rim at the end of treatment and initial age after 12 weeks were independent predictors associated with residual acetabular dysplasia.

Levels of evidence: Therapeutic studies, IV.

Purpose: Structured visual gait assessment is essential for the evaluation of pediatric patients with neuromuscular conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of slow-motion video recorded on a standard smartphone to augment visual gait assessment.

Methods: Coronal and sagittal plane videos of the gait of five pediatric subjects were recorded on a smartphone, including four subjects with ambulatory cerebral palsy and one subject without gait pathology. Twenty-one video scorers were recruited and randomized to evaluate slow-motion or normal-speed videos utilizing the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score. The slow-motion group (N = 11) evaluated the videos at one-eighth speed, and the normal-speed group (N = 10) evaluated the same videos at normal speed. Interrater reliabilities were determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients for each group as a whole, for each Edinburgh Visual Gait Score item, and after stratification by evaluator experience level.

Results: The slow-motion group exhibited an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.73), whereas the normal-speed group exhibited an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-0.65). For less-experienced scorers, intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.71) and 0.50 (95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.59) were calculated for slow motion and normal speed, respectively. For more-experienced scorers, intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.76) and 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.75) were calculated for slow motion and normal speed, respectively.

Conclusions: Visual gait assessment is enhanced by the use of slow-motion smartphone video, a tool widely available throughout the world with no marginal cost.

Level of evidence: level I, randomized study.

Purpose: Posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis is known to increase spinal height, but the impacts on weight and resulting body mass index are unknown. This study assesses body mass index, weight, and height percentile changes over time after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods: Body mass index, weight, and height age- and sex-adjusted percentiles for patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion between January 2016 and August 2022 were calculated based on growth charts from the Centers for Disease Control for Disease Control and compared to preoperative values at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The data were analyzed for normality with a Shapiro-Wilk test, and percentiles were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results: On average, 12.1 ± 2.3 levels were fused in 269 patients 14.4 ± 1.9 years, and percentiles for body mass index, weight, and height preoperatively were 55.5 ± 29.4%, 57.5 ± 28.9%, and 54.6 ± 30.4%, respectively. Body mass index and weight percentiles decreased at 2 weeks (-10.7%, p < 0.001; -4.6%, p < 0.001, respectively) and 3 months (-6.9%, p < 0.001; -3.2%, p < 0.001, respectively) postoperatively. Postoperative weight loss at 2 weeks averaged 2.25 ± 3.09% of body weight (0.98 ± 4.5 kg), normalizing by 3 months. Body mass index percentile normalized at 1 year, but height percentile was increased at 2 weeks (2.42 ± 1.72 cm, p < 0.001) and through 2 years.

Conclusion: Despite initial height increase due to deformity correction, acute postoperative weight and body mass index percentile decreases postoperatively normalize by 1-year body mass index percentile. Physicians may benefit from utilizing this information when discussing the postoperative course of posterior spinal fusion with idiopathic scoliosis.

Level of evidence: 4, Retrospective Case Series.