Validation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System for Detection of Posttraumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents Following Procedures for Acute Orthopaedic Trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The efficiency and validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys were determined for pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a clinic setting. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-institution, Level I trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: All consecutive children aged 8-18 years undergoing procedures or surgery for orthopaedic trauma. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity of the PROMIS Anger and Anxiety computerized adaptive tests (CATs) were evaluated and compared with the previously validated Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS). The efficiency in time to completion of the outcome measures was compared between the CPSS and PROMIS surveys. Cutoffs for increased likelihood of PTSD were established for the PROMIS questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 233 subjects were included in this study (mean age 13.1 years with SD 2.8 years, 71% male). The majority (51%) of injuries were related to sports, and most (60%) involved the upper extremity. Of those included, 41 patients had high levels of PTSD symptoms on the CPSS (18%; 95% CI, 13.1-23.2%). The CPSS took 182 (interquartile range [IQR] 141-228) seconds versus 52 (IQR 36-84) and 52 (IQR 36-70) seconds for PROMIS Anger and Anxiety CATs, respectively. Convergent validity showed patient scores on both PROMIS instruments significantly correlated with CPSS scores (Anger: P < 0.001, r = 0.51; Anxiety: P < 0.001, r = 0.41). Neither PROMIS score correlated with University of California Los Angeles Activity Score (Anger: r = -0.26; Anxiety: r = -0.22), a functional outcome measure, demonstrating divergent validity. Both PROMIS instruments sufficiently discriminated across PTSD risk groups (Anger P < 0.001; Anxiety P < 0.001). A score of at least 53 on PROMIS Anger or at least 48 on PROMIS Anxiety indicated an increased likelihood of PTSD risk. CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS Anger and Anxiety CATs are efficient and valid for evaluating posttraumatic stress in children following orthopaedic trauma procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hazard of Failed Nonoperative Management for Symptomatic Accessory Navicular in Children and Adolescents: A Population-Based Case-Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The accessory navicular (AN) is an idiopathic condition of the foot present in 4% to 21% of the population. Most ANs remain asymptomatic, but children and adolescents who develop symptoms can have remarkably reduced quality of life. Although many respond to conservative measures, surgery is occasionally needed. Our purpose was to determine factors associated with the failure of nonoperative management. METHODS: This single-institution retrospective case-cohort study included patients up to age 19 years presenting between 2000 and 2021 with symptomatic AN and treated with standard-of-care. All 298 surgical cases, indicating failed nonoperative treatment, were included. For the subcohort, 299 patients were randomly sampled from all eligible patients, regardless of treatment. Baseline characteristics were summarized for the surgical cases and subcohort. Proportional hazards assumptions were checked and stratification implemented when necessary. Marginal structural proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals via inverse probability and LinYing weighting methods. RESULTS: The 298 surgical cases failed nonoperative management at a median of 5.2 months (IQR, 2.0-11.6 mo). In the subcohort, 86 failures of nonoperative management and 213 nonfailures constituted a 28.8% surgery rate. In both cohorts, nearly all patients played sports. Univariate proportional hazard modeling found older age (P=0.02) and activity limitation (P<0.001) at presentation, female sex (P=0.002), higher BMI (P=0.01), AN on the right (P<0.001), and bone marrow edema of the AN (P<0.001) and navicular body (P<0.001) on MRI were associated with increased hazard of nonoperative failure. Nearly all of the surgical cohort reported improvement in pain (278/296, 94%) and returned to their primary sport (236/253, 93%) after surgery. Most also experienced full resolution of symptoms (187/281, 67%). CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic AN predominantly affects female athletes, leading to surgery in 28.8% of our subcohort. Conservative treatment may be less successful-and therefore surgery could be more strongly considered-in older age, activity limitation at presentation, female sex, higher BMI, right-sided AN, and bone marrow edema on MRI. Surgery is effective for symptomatic and functional improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-cohort-Level III.

Pediatric and Adolescent Distal Radius Fractures: Current Concepts and Treatment Recommendations.

Distal radius fractures are the most common skeletal injuries requiring intervention in children. These injuries are classified by fracture pattern, location, displacement, and angulation. While each unique fracture pattern warrants slightly modified treatment plans and follow-up, the goals of treatment remain constant. Successful outcomes depend on restoration of motion and function, and attaining acceptable sagittal and coronal alignment is a necessary first step. For displaced fractures, closed reduction is often necessary to restore alignment; well-molded cast application is important to maintain fracture alignment. Fractures with bayonet apposition, if well aligned, may not need formal reduction in some patients. Special attention should be paid to the physis-not only for physeal-involving fractures but also for all distal radius fractures-given that the proximity to the physis and amount of remaining skeletal growth help guide treatment decisions. Casting technique is essential in optimizing the best chance in maintaining fracture reduction. Surgical intervention may be indicated for a subset of fractures when acceptable alignment is not achieved or is lost at subsequent follow-up. Even among experts in the field, there is little consensus as to the optimal treatment of displaced metaphyseal fractures, illustrating the need for prospective, randomized studies to establish best practices.

MRI of the Spine in Patients who Toe Walk: Is There a Role?

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence of intraspinal pathology in children who toe walk, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be part of the diagnostic workup. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of MRI for children who toe walk with a focus on the rate of positive findings and associated neurosurgical interventions performed for children with said MRI findings. METHODS: A single-center tertiary hospital database was queried to identify a cohort of 118 subjects with a diagnosis of toe walking who underwent spinal MRI during a 5-year period. Patient and MRI characteristics were summarized and compared between subjects with a major abnormality, minor abnormality, or no abnormality on MRI using multivariable logistic regression. Major MRI abnormalities included those with a clear spinal etiology, such as fatty filum, tethered cord, syrinx, and Chiari malformation, while minor abnormalities had unclear associations with toe walking. RESULTS: The most common primary indications for MRI were failure to improve with conservative treatment, severe contracture, and abnormal reflexes. The prevalence of major MRI abnormalities was 25% (30/118), minor MRI abnormalities was 19% (22/118), and normal MRI was 56% (66/118). Patients with delayed onset of toe walking were significantly more likely to have a major abnormality on MRI ( P =0.009). The presence of abnormal reflexes, severe contracture, back pain, bladder incontinence, and failure to improve with conservative treatment were not significantly associated with an increased likelihood of major abnormality on MRI. Twenty-nine (25%) subjects underwent tendon lengthening, and 5 (4%) underwent neurosurgical intervention, the most frequent of which was detethering and sectioning of fatty filum. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal MRI in patients who toe walk has a high rate of major positive findings, some of which require neurosurgical intervention. The most significant predictor of intraspinal pathology was the late onset of toe walking after the child had initiated walking. MRI of the spine should be considered by pediatric orthopedic surgeons in patients with toe walking who present late with an abnormal clinical course. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Authorship Patterns in the Orthopaedic Journals of Low-Income and Lower-Middle-Income Countries.

Background: Extensive research collaborations exist between researchers from high-income countries (HICs) and those from low-income countries (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Previous research has suggested that authors from LICs and LMICs are underrepresented as first and last authors in the orthopaedic literature on local populations, particularly in LICs. We present a bibliometric analysis of authorship solely in studies published in orthopaedic journals that are based in LICs and LMICs. Methods: The Global Index Medicus was queried, and all articles published from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, in journals with a focus on orthopaedic surgery that were based in an LIC or an LMIC were included. Logistic regressions were calculated to assess the predictors of local authorship. Results: Over 92% of studies included in our analysis had first or last authors from LICs or LMICs. In terms of study type, the majority (89%) of studies were clinical, although largely of low-level evidence (78% of clinical studies were case reports, case series, or descriptive studies). None received funding. LIC or LMIC first authorship and last authorship were less likely for most types of nonclinical studies. LIC or LMIC first authorship was more likely when there were more study authors. LIC or LMIC first authorship and last authorship were less likely when there were more countries affiliated with the study authors. Finally, when compared with studies with only LIC or LMIC authors, those with a combination of HIC and LIC or LMIC authors had significantly lower rates of LIC or LMIC first authorship (93.3% versus 62.5%) and last authorship (97.7% versus 70.8%). Conclusions: Our study presents one of the first analyses to assess authorship patterns in the orthopaedic literature of locally published journals in LICs and LMICs. Future studies are needed to contextualize our findings within a broader bibliometric landscape in order to better address the ongoing challenges to building research capacity in LICs and LMICs. Clinical Relevance: Our study highlights important observations regarding authorship in international, collaborative research in orthopaedics.

The Incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and risk factors for their development in children and adolescents undergoing orthopaedic surgery for trauma. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Children (8 to 18), undergoing surgery for orthopaedic trauma. INTERVENTION: Upper and lower extremity surgery for orthopaedic trauma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: PTSD symptoms at postoperative follow-up as determined by the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS). RESULTS: A total of 176 children with an average age at surgery of 13 years (8 to 18.8 years) participated in the study. Twenty-six subjects had high levels of PTSD symptoms (15%; 95% CI = 10.0 to 21.1%). Univariable and multivariable analyses determined that female sex (OR 2.63, 95% CI = 1.06 to 6.67, P = 0.04), older age at surgery (OR 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.51, P = 0.02), and undergoing a previous surgery (OR 2.86, 95% CI = 1.06 to 7.73, P = 0.04) were all associated with increased PTSD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents experience a high level of PTSD symptoms (15%) after surgery for orthopaedic trauma. Clinicians should be aware of PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents after surgery for orthopaedic injuries and use comprehensive screening to facilitate timely intervention and treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The Healthcare Experience of Autistic Patients in Orthopaedic Surgery and Closely Related Fields: A Scoping Review.

Orthopaedic and related care has the potential to present unique obstacles for patients with a range of autism manifestations. In this review, we aim to describe and analyze the literature on autistic patients' experience within orthopaedics and closely related fields. This literature search utilized the PubMed, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. Three major concepts were built into the search terms: (1) patients on the autism spectrum; (2) patient experience; and (3) movement sciences, including orthopaedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT). Our search yielded 35 topical publications, with the major topic areas addressed as follows: (1) clinical and perioperative management, (2) therapy interventions, (3) participation in exercise and social play, (4) sensory management and accommodations, (5) caregiver/parent training and involvement in care, (6) healthcare needs and barriers to care, and (7) utilization of technology. In the current literature, there are no studies that attempt to directly assess autistic patient experience with care practices and clinical environments in orthopaedics. Rigorous, direct examination of the experience of autistic patients within clinical orthopaedic settings is urgently needed to address this gap.

Evaluation of Low- and Middle-Income Country Authorship in the Global Orthopaedic Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Extensive research collaborations exist between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), although prior work has raised concerns regarding equitable representation among LMIC authors. The goal of this bibliometric analysis was to characterize LMIC authorship among indexed orthopaedic journals and identify factors contributing to disparities in representation. METHODS: We identified all articles appearing in orthopaedic journals indexed in MEDLINE and Journal Citation Reports with a focus on LMICs or cohorts between 2009 and 2018. All articles describing research conducted in LMICs or research focused on applications to cohorts in LMIC(s) were included. Author affiliation, article characteristics, and impact factor were assessed for 1,573 articles. Logistic regression models created to identify predictors of LMIC authorship. RESULTS: We identified few studies published in indexed journals focused exclusively on LICs. Funded studies were less likely to have LMIC last authors. Compared with articles published in lower impact factor journals, those in journals with a higher impact factor were less likely to have a LMIC first or last author. The greater the number of countries represented per study, the less likely it had a LMIC first or last author. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights persistent disparities in authorship from LMICs in indexed orthopaedic journals.

Anxiety surrounding supracondylar humerus pin removal in children.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the anxiety experienced by patients undergoing pin removal in clinic following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 53 patients (3-8 years) treated for supracondylar humerus fracture with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning between July 2018 and February 2020. Demographic and injury data were recorded. Heart rate and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale were measured immediately before pin removal and after pin removal, and crossover control values were obtained at the subsequent follow-up clinic visit. Results: All patients experienced anxiety immediately prior to pin removal (95% confidence interval, 94%-100%) with a median Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability score of 7 (interquartile range, 6-8). In addition, 98% of subjects experienced an elevated heart rate (95% confidence interval, 88%-100%). Patients experienced a median 73% reduction in Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability score and mean 21% reduction in heart rate from prior to pin removal to after pin removal (p < 0.001). All 45 patients who completed their follow-up visit had a control Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability score of 0 and a mean control heart rate of 89.7 bpm. Twenty-five of these 45 subjects (56%) had an elevated control heart rate for their age and sex. Mean heart rate prior to pin removal was 36% higher than control heart rate. There were no sex differences detected in Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scores or heart rate. Conclusions: Pediatric patients experience high levels of anxiety when undergoing pin removal following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for supracondylar humerus fractures. This is an area of clinical practice where intervention may be warranted to decrease patient anxiety. Level of evidence: II.

Dynamic Supination in Congenital Clubfoot: A Modified Delphi Panel Approach to Standardizing Definitions and Indications for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic supination is a well-recognized cause of congenital clubfoot deformity relapse. However, there is no consensus on how to diagnose it and there are varied approaches in its management. This study aims to define dynamic supination and indications for treatment by presenting consensus from an international panel of experts using a modified Delphi panel approach. METHODS: An international panel of 15 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with clinical and research expertise in childhood foot disorders participated in a modified Delphi panel on dynamic supination in congenital clubfoot. Panelists voted on 51 statements using a 4-point Likert scale on dynamic supination, clinical indications for treatment, operative techniques, and postoperative casting and bracing. All panelists participated in 2 voting rounds with an interim meeting for discussion. Responses were classified as unanimous consensus (100%), consensus (80% or above), near-consensus (70% to 79%), and indeterminate (69% or less). RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 34 of 51 statements. Panelists agreed dynamic supination is present when the forefoot is supinated during swing phase of gait with initial contact on the lateral border of the foot. There was also agreement that dynamic supination results from muscle imbalance between the tibialis anterior and the peroneus longus and brevis. There was no consensus on observation of hindfoot varus in dynamic supination, operative indications for posterior release of the ankle joint, or incisional approach for tibialis anterior tendon transfer. Reference to the calcaneopedal unit concept, planes of movement, and phases of gait were deemed important factors for consideration when evaluating dynamic supination. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus statements from the Delphi panel can guide diagnosis and treatment of dynamic supination in clubfoot deformity relapse, including clinical decision making regarding preoperative casting, surgical approach, and postoperative immobilization. Near-consensus and indeterminate statements may be used to direct future areas of investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Selecting the Next Class: The "Virtual Orthopaedic Rotation".

INTRODUCTION: When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of visiting subinternships, we pivoted to create a virtual orthopaedic rotation (VOR). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the VOR on the residency selection process and determine the role of such a rotation in the future. METHODS: A committee was convened to create a VOR to replace visiting orthopaedic rotations for medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. The VOR was reviewed and sanctioned by our medical school, but no academic credit was granted. We conducted three 3-week VOR sessions. During each session, virtual rotators participated in regularly scheduled educational conferences and attended an invitation-only daily conference in the evenings that was designed for a medical student audience. In addition, students were paired with faculty and resident mentors in a structured mentorship program. Students' orthopaedic knowledge was assessed using prerotation and postrotation tests. RESULTS: From July to September 2020, 61 students from 37 distinct medical schools participated in the VOR. Notable improvements were observed in prerotation and postrotation orthopaedic knowledge test scores. In postrotation surveys, both students and faculty expressed high satisfaction with the curriculum but less certainty about how well they got to know each other. In the subsequent residency application cycle, 27.9% of the students who participated in the VOR were selected to interview, compared with 8.7% of the total application pool. DISCUSSION: The VOR was a valuable substitute for in-person clinical rotations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although not likely to be a replacement for conventional away rotations, the VOR is a possible adjunct to in-person clinical rotations in the future.

Outcomes of Nonoperatively Treated Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures at the Nkhotakota District Hospital, Malawi.

Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) benefit from closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. In Malawi, many SCHFs are treated nonoperatively because of limited surgical capacity. We sought to assess clinical and functional outcomes of nonoperatively treated SCHFs in a resource-limited setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with SCHFs treated at Nkhotakota District Hospital (NKKDH) in Malawi between January 2014 and December 2016. Patients subsequently underwent clinical and functional follow-up assessment. RESULTS: We identified 182 children (54% male, mean age of 7 years) with an SCHF; 151 (83%) of the fractures were due to a fall, and 178 (98%) were extension-type (Gartland class distribution: 63 [35%] type I, 52 [29%] type II, and 63 [35%] type III). Four patients with type-I fractures were treated with an arm sling alone, and 59 were treated with straight-arm traction to reduce swelling and then splint immobilization until union. All 119 of the patients with Gartland type-II and III or flexion-type injuries were treated with straight-arm traction, manipulation under anesthesia without fluoroscopy, and then splint immobilization until union. A total of 137 (75%) of the patients were available for follow-up, at a mean of 3.9 years after injury. The Flynn functional outcome was excellent for 39 (95%) with a type-I fracture, 30 (70%) with type-II, and 14 (29%) with type-III. The Flynn cosmetic outcome was excellent for 40 (98%) with a type-I fracture, 42 (98%) with type-II, and 41 (84%) with type-III. Forty (98%) of the children with a type-I fracture, 41 (95%) with type-II, and 32 (65%) with type-III returned to school without limitation. Controlling for sex, delayed presentation, medical comorbidities, injury mechanism, and skin blistering/superinfection during traction, patients with type-II fractures were 5.82-times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71 to 19.85) and those with type-III fractures were 9.81-times more likely (95% CI, 3.00 to 32.04), to have a clinical complication or functional limitation compared with patients with type-I fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment of type-III SCHFs resulted in a high risk of clinical complications or functional impairment. These results illustrate the urgent need to increase surgical capacity in low-income countries like Malawi to improve pediatric fracture care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Pediatric Medial Epicondylar Humeral Fractures in the Prone Position.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the medial epicondyle is a common pediatric injury, with an estimated annual incidence of 40 to 60 per 100,000 people per year1-3. Medial epicondylar fractures are associated with elbow dislocation in about 60% of cases, and ulnar nerve dysfunction is reported to occur nearly 10% of the time2,4. No standard of care for medial epicondylar fracture exists, as similar outcomes have been demonstrated in observational studies with both operative and nonoperative treatment5,6. Increasingly, however, these injuries are being treated with surgical intervention, which in most cases consists of a single screw affixing the osseous piece back to its donor site on the humerus7-9. There is broad consensus on the absolute indications for operative treatment, including an open fracture and an incarcerated epicondylar fragment1,10-13. The relative indications are more controversial and include ulnar nerve dysfunction, elbow instability, increased fragment displacement, and high-level throwing or upper-extremity weight-bearing athletes2,9,14-16. DESCRIPTION: The patient is placed in the prone position with the operative arm on a radiolucent arm board. A milking maneuver with an Esmarch bandage is utilized. A posteromedial incision is made over the medial epicondyle. The ulnar nerve is protected posteriorly. The fracture is easily reduced under minimal tension, and then 1 or 2 guidewires from the 4.0-mm cannulated screw kit are placed to fix the fragment. The central guidewire is overreamed, and then a partially threaded 4.0-mm screw is placed in a relative posterior-to-anterior trajectory within the medial column of the elbow. ALTERNATIVES: Nonoperative treatment includes immobilization in a long arm cast until fragment healing. Complications associated with nonoperative treatment include nonunion and late instability. Supine positioning is a reasonable alternative to the prone position described here. In that case, the fracture is fixed with the arm in external rotation of the shoulder and with the elbow extended. RATIONALE: Prone positioning for operative treatment of medial epicondylar fractures is preferred because the tension from the flexor pronator mass associated with supine positioning is negated, facilitating an easier fracture reduction and improved anatomic reduction. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: To our knowledge, there are currently no Level-I or Level-II prospective studies reporting on the outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment of medial epicondylar fractures. A systematic review of retrospective results suggested no difference in pain or clinical outcomes, but >9-times greater odds of union with operative treatment5,6. Expectations following operative treatment of a medial epicondylar fracture have been explored in multiple studies. Generally, return to full levels of activity and near-normal range of motion of the elbow have been demonstrated by most. Minor rates of range-of-motion limitation, including extension deficit (4% with deficit up to 20°) are reported in some studies8. In the setting of preoperative instability, the expectation is that elbow stability will be achieved by operative treatment7,8. IMPORTANT TIPS: Perform and document an accurate preoperative neurovascular examination of the arm.Test the shoulder in internal rotation prior to prone positioning.Protect the ulnar nerve during surgical fixation and drilling.Confirm that the screw trajectory is relatively posterior to anterior and only in the medial column of the elbow.

Availability and readability of online patient information on clubfoot: assessment of paediatric hospital clubfoot web pages.

PURPOSE: To determine the availability and readability of online patient information (OPI) provided by paediatric hospitals in the United States using clubfoot as a model condition. METHODS: The websites of the top 95 paediatric hospitals identified using US News & World Report were included. The names of paediatric hospitals and the terms "clubfoot", "clubfeet" and "talipes equinovarus" were entered into the Google search engine. Readability was assessed using five validated metrics and the composite grade level (CGL). The number of unpaid monthly visits was calculated with the Ahrefs Organic Traffic Score (OTS) tool. Data for paediatric hospitals were compared with the same metrics for the top ten Google search results. RESULTS: Of 95 paediatric hospitals, 29 (30.5%) did not have at least one web page dedicated to clubfoot. The 128 web pages representing 66 paediatric hospitals had an average CGL of 9.4, representing a readability level requiring some high school education. The mean OTS for all paediatric hospitals was 116 estimated visits per month, which was significantly less than that for the top ten Google clubfoot search results (3035.1; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Paediatric hospital web pages on clubfoot were visited much less frequently than those from the top ten Google search results. Only two web pages (1.6%) from paediatric hospitals offered OPI on clubfoot that met the American Medical Association recommended reading level (sixth-grade level). Paediatric hospitals should create OPI on clubfoot with appropriate readability and accessibility for patient families. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism: Different Rates of Incidence, Anatomic Locations, and Risk Factors Between Orthopaedic and Nonorthopaedic Related Patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be increasing in children; however, scarce literature exists comparing incidence rates between pediatric orthopaedic patients and other pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence, anatomic locations, and risk factors of VTEs between orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic pediatric related patients to determine if important differences exist. METHODS: Computed tomography and ultrasound data were reviewed for children (below 19 y old) with a diagnosed VTE between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016. Demographic and clinical data, including VTE anatomic location and risk factors, were recorded. Two major cohorts were identified: orthopaedic-related (ORTH) and nonorthopaedic-related (NORTH) VTEs. Incidence rates were estimated and risk factors were compared using χ2 testing. RESULTS: There were 373 children diagnosed with a VTE (average age 10.3 y) of a total of 810,097 treated as in-patients for an incidence rate of 4.60 per 10,000 cases (95% confidence interval=4.15 to 5.10 per 10,000 cases). The rate of ORTH VTEs (28 of 188,669 orthopaedic patients, 1.48 per 10,000 cases) was significantly lower than that of NORTH VTEs (345 of 621,428 nonorthopaedic patients, 5.55 per 10,000 cases; P<0.001). For the ORTH cohort, there was a significant difference in the proportion of deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity (91%) compared with the upper extremity (9%) (P<0.001), while a more even distribution of NORTH deep vein thrombosis in the upper (50%) and lower (41%) extremities was appreciated. The primary risk factors for ORTH VTEs included surgery (93%; P<0.001), change in ambulatory status (61%; P<0.001), and trauma (18%; P<0.001), while the primary risk factors for NORTH VTEs included intravenous peripheral inserted central catheter/central line (61%; P<0.001) and cancer (27%; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric ORTH VTEs have a significantly lower incidence rate and different primary risk factors than those of NORTH VTEs. This information is useful for health care providers when making decisions regarding risk and prophylaxis in pediatric patients with orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Are Some Randomized Clinical Trials Impossible?

Congenital tibial pseudarthrosis is a rare condition seen in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and treatment is complex. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2; INFUSE bone graft) at time of tibial surgery was developed by the Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium. Patients were randomized to receive rhBMP-2 that would, or would not, be added to the standard surgical procedure consisting of resection of pseudarthrosis tissue, insertion of a rigid intramedullary rod, and placement of autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Despite involvement of 16 centers with wide experience with NF1 orthopaedic management, only 5 patients (of 54 required) were able to be enrolled in the study during a 3-year time period. Because of the inability to recruit sufficient patients, this study was closed in June 2019, with plans to terminate. The obstacles that were encountered during the study are summarized. The authors question whether a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a rare pediatric orthopaedic condition is possible to accomplish. Recommendations are provided to guide future studies of orthopaedic manifestations of NF1.Level of Evidence: Level V.

Availability and Readability of Online Patient Information on Osteosarcoma: Assessment of Pediatric Hospital and National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center (NCIDCC) Osteosarcoma Web Pages.

Online patient information (OPI) plays an important role in pediatric orthopaedic patient/caregiver education and decision-making. We assessed the availability and readability of OPI about osteosarcoma found at pediatric hospital and U.S. National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center (NCIDCC) websites. METHODS: The websites of all NCIDCCs and the top 50 pediatric hospitals identified using U.S. News & World Report were included. The names of NCIDCCs and pediatric hospitals along with the terms "osteosarcoma," "bone sarcoma," and "sarcoma" were entered into Google.com, and were classified according to the availability of osteosarcoma-specific web pages. Unpaid monthly visits were assessed using the Ahrefs.com Organic Traffic Score (OTS) metric. Readability was assessed using 5 validated metrics and the composite grade level (CGL), the rounded mean of the 5 metrics. RESULTS: Of the 71 NCIDCCs and 50 pediatric hospitals, 48 (67.6%) and 18 (36.0%), respectively, did not have at least 1 web page dedicated to osteosarcoma-specific OPI. The mean OTS for all 116 NCIDCC and pediatric hospital osteosarcoma-specific web pages assessed was 177 estimated visits per month, which was less than the mean OTS for the top 10 Google.com "osteosarcoma" search results (3,287.9; p < 0.001). The 52 NCIDCC web pages with osteosarcoma OPI (representing 23 centers) had an average CGL of 12.9, representing a readability level of at least a high school degree. The mean CGL for the 64 pediatric hospital web pages with osteosarcoma OPI (representing 32 hospitals) was 12.8, also representing readability of at least a high school degree. Only 8 (12.5%) of the 64 web pages were written at a seventh or eighth-grade level. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the majority of NCIDCCs and pediatric hospitals did not have a dedicated page of OPI for osteosarcoma. Of those that did, NCIDCC and pediatric hospital sites were visited much less frequently than sites visited through the most common Google.com searches. None of the osteosarcoma web pages offering OPI from NCIDCCs and pediatric hospitals met the American Medical Association readability recommendation (sixth-grade reading level). Therefore, greater effort must be made to create and direct patients and parents toward high-quality OPI of the appropriate level. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical relevance of this study lies in its evaluation of OPI and its ability to impact the patient experience of clinical care.

COVID-19 has united patients and providers against institutional betrayal in health care: A battle to be heard, believed, and protected.

In this commentary, researchers, health care consumers, and medical providers reflect on institutional betrayal during the COVID-19 pandemic in American and Canadian health care systems. Examples of institutional betrayal experienced by patients and their family members, as well as medical providers, are described. Although such examples may be more evident to the general public during the current pandemic, they do not represent new problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Management of Gustilo-Anderson Type II and IIIA Open Long Bone Fractures in Children: Which Wounds Require a Second Washout?

INTRODUCTION: Timing of wound closure in pediatric Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fracture remain controversial. Our aims are (1) to determine the proportion of patients with these fractures whose wounds can be treated with early primary wound closure (EPWC); (2) to compare the complication rates between EPWC and delayed wound closure (DWC); and (3) to determine factors associated with higher likelihood of undergoing DWC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At a level-1 pediatric trauma center, 96 patients (younger than 18 y) who sustained Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fractures (humerus, radius, ulnar, femur, or tibia) within a 10-year period (2006-2016) were included for this study. Decision for EPWC versus DWC was at the discretion of the attending surgeon at time of initial surgery. Data collection was via retrospective review of charts and radiographs. Particular attention was paid to the incidence of return to operating room rate, nonunion, compartment syndrome, and infection. Median follow-up duration was 7.5 months (interquartile range: 3.6 to 25.3 mo). All patients were followed-up at least until bony union. RESULTS: Overall, 81% of patients (78/96) underwent EPWC. Of the grade II fractures, 86% underwent EPWC. Four patients (5%) in the EPWC group and 1 patient (6%) in the DWC group had at least 1 complication. When controlling for mechanism of injury, Gustilo-Anderson fracture type and age, there was no difference in rate of complications between the EPWC and the DWC groups. Grade IIIA fractures and being involved in a motor vehicle accident were factors associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing DWC. CONCLUSION: The majority of grade II and IIIA pediatric long bone fractures may be safely treatable with EPWC without additional washouts. Future prospective research is required to further define the subgroups that can benefit from DWC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic, case cohort study.

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Fibula: Controlling Ankle Valgus in a Heterogenous Condition.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula (CPF) is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency in the continuity of the fibula and can lead to progressive ankle valgus malalignment. An existing classification system for CPF is imperfect and may contribute to heterogeneity in reporting and discrepancy of outcomes in the literature. METHODS: Fifteen patients with CPF treated at our institution between 1995 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. Only patients with dysplasia leading to spontaneous fracture or pseudarthrosis were included in this series. The median age at presentation was 2.5 years (range: 3 mo to 13.4 y). The median duration of follow-up from the initial presentation was 11.8 years (range: 2.0 to 24 y). Chart review and serial radiographs were analyzed to assess natural history and outcomes following surgery. RESULTS: The coexistence of tibial dysplasia in CPF is very common. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on the degree of tibial involvement-group 1: no evidence of tibial dysplasia, group 2: mild tibial dysplasia, and group 3: significant tibial dysplasia. Age at presentation and age at which fibular fracture occurred were progressively younger with a greater degree of tibial involvement (P<0.05). In the absence of surgical intervention, group 1 patients did not undergo progressive ankle valgus (defined as the valgus change in tibiotalar angle by ≥4 degrees), whereas all patients in groups 2 and 3 did (P<0.001). Fibular osteosynthesis was performed in 6 patients, with union seen only in group 1 patients. Ten patients underwent distal tibiofibular fusion, with no cases of nonunion seen. Distal tibiofibular fusion with or without medial distal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis halted the progression of ankle valgus in 8 of the 10 patients. Further progression of ankle valgus occurred only in patients who did not undergo concurrent medial distal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis and with considerable wedging of the distal tibial epiphysis at the time of fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Tibial dysplasia and CPF are intimately related. Grouping patients on this basis may help guide natural history and treatment and may explain discrepancies in findings in the literature. Fibular osteosynthesis, distal tibiofibular fusion, and medial distal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis may all have an important role in the treatment of CPF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.