Do ChatGPT and Gemini Provide Appropriate Recommendations for Pediatric Orthopaedic Conditions?

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI), and in particular large language models (LLMs) such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and Gemini have provided additional resources for patients to research the management of healthcare conditions, for their own edification and the advocacy in the care of their children. The accuracy of these models, however, and the sources from which they draw conclusions, have been largely unstudied in pediatric orthopaedics. This research aimed to assess the reliability of machine learning tools in providing appropriate recommendations for the care of common pediatric orthopaedic conditions. METHODS: ChatGPT and Gemini were queried using plain language generated from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) listed on the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) web page. Two independent reviewers assessed the accuracy of the responses, and chi-square analyses were used to compare the 2 LLMs. Inter-rater reliability was calculated via Cohen's Kappa coefficient. If research studies were cited, attempts were made to assess their legitimacy by searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS: ChatGPT and Gemini performed similarly, agreeing with the AAOS CPGs at a rate of 67% and 69%. No significant differences were observed in the performance between the 2 LLMs. ChatGPT did not reference specific studies in any response, whereas Gemini referenced a total of 16 research papers in 6 of 24 responses. 12 of the 16 studies referenced contained errors and either were unable to be identified (7) or contained discrepancies (5) regarding publication year, journal, or proper accreditation of authorship. CONCLUSION: The LLMs investigated were frequently aligned with the AAOS CPGs; however, the rate of neutral statements or disagreement with consensus recommendations was substantial and frequently contained errors with citations of sources. These findings suggest there remains room for growth and transparency in the development of the models which power AI, and they may not yet represent the best source of up-to-date healthcare information for patients or providers.

Standardized In-harness Ultrasound Protocol Improves Success Rate of Brace Treatment for Dislocated Hips.

OBJECTIVE: Infant hip dislocations benefit from early detection and treatment for optimal outcomes. Prior studies have identified that there remains wide variability in the success rate of bracing between institutions. Although there are standardized methods to screen infants for hip dysplasia, there are no clear guidelines regarding how to image a child being treated for a hip dislocation with a Pavlik harness. As a result, there is substantial variability in how treatment success or failure is monitored between and within institutions. The goal of our study is to determine whether a standardized in-harness imaging protocol improves outcomes and the likelihood of successful treatment for dislocated hips being treated with the Pavlik harness. METHODS: All patients with hip dislocations and pretreatment ultrasound (US) were included from July 2018 to July 2022. A new institutional US protocol was implemented in July 2020, during which standardized in-harness imaging was obtained for patients with hip dislocations. Patients treated before the implementation of standardized in-harness imaging were categorized as nonstandardized and after implementation as a standardized group. Outcomes were compared between standardized and nonstandardized groups. P <0.05 determined the statistical significance. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight hips met the inclusion criteria (n = 97 patients). The mean age at diagnosis was 41.6 ± 23.4 days and was predominantly female (85.6%). There was no significant difference between the patients' demographics and baseline clinical characteristics between the standardized and nonstandardized groups. Pavlik harness success rate was significantly higher in the standardized group (85% vs 60%, P = 0.0024). Twenty-eight hips in the nonstandardized group remained dislocated and were indicated for surgical treatment, whereas only 8 hips remained dislocated in the standardized group and necessitated closed or open reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Standardization of in-harness imaging for patients undergoing treatment for developmental hip dislocations can significantly improve the Pavlik harness success rate. These findings emphasize the importance of obtaining images with the hip in flexion and abduction to prevent inadvertent stress during US evaluation for hips that have not yet stabilized, which may lead to premature cessation of the Pavlik harness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

A Role for Thyroid Testing in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis? 32% Rate of Abnormal Values in Tested Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism is a known risk factor for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and prior studies of hypothyroid-associated SCFE have demonstrated an incidence of up to 6%. However, there is limited evidence and no formal practice guidelines regarding whether patients presenting with SCFE should undergo screening for endocrine disorders. This study aims to investigate the incidence of abnormal thyroid function studies in patients presenting with SCFE. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all patients aged 0 to 18 years treated for SCFE at a single pediatric hospital from January 2015 to July 2022. On presentation, patients' BMI, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, vitamin D, creatinine, BUN, and HbA1c levels were documented. Follow-up and treatment for any identified endocrinopathies were noted. In addition, the chronicity, stability, and severity of their slips were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients with 106 hips were included in this study. TSH was obtained at the time of initial presentation in 66% (n=65/98) of patients. Median TSH was 2.99 (range: 0.02 to 919, std dev: 132.4). The normal reference range for our institution is 0.5 to 4.5 mcIU/mL. Thirty-two percent (n=21/65) of patients with a documented TSH had an abnormal value. Of those patients who had an elevated TSH, 3 were diagnosed with clinical hypothyroidism and went on to treatment with levothyroxine (n=3/19, 16%), 2 patients had been started on levothyroxine before presentation (n=2/19, 11%), and 2 patients were followed in endocrinology clinic until their TSH levels had normalized without further intervention (n=2/19, 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Screening of our SCFE population revealed a 32% incidence of thyroid abnormalities which affected treatment in 24% of those patients. This is a much higher incidence of hypothyroid-associated SCFE than previously demonstrated in the literature and has prompted us to start including thyroid screening studies as a routine part of our workup for all patients with SCFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Hip Pain in Adolescent Patients.

Hip pain is a common complaint in adolescents. There are several causes for hip pain in this population, with dysplasia and impingement being the most common; however, other conditions such as extra-articular impingement, torsional disorders, labral tears, and osteochondral lesions also require consideration. Many of these conditions are related to underlying anatomic abnormalities and increased activity in this age group. An understanding of the common pathologies of the adolescent hip is integral to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of these patients.

Opioid Analgesia Compared with Non-Opioid Analgesia After Operative Treatment for Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Results from a Prospective Multicenter Trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimal pain and opioid use after operative treatment for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures have been previously described; however, opioid-prescribing practices in the United States remain variable. We hypothesized that children without an opioid prescription would report similar postoperative pain compared with children prescribed opioids following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of supracondylar humeral fractures. METHODS: Children who were 3 to 12 years of age and were undergoing CRPP for a closed supracondylar humeral fracture were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter, comparative study. Following a standardized dosing protocol, oxycodone, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen were prescribed at 2 hospitals (opioid cohort), and 2 other hospitals prescribed ibuprofen and acetaminophen alone (non-opioid cohort). The children's medication use and the daily pain that they experienced (scored on the Wong-Baker FACES Scale) were recorded at postoperative days 1 to 7, 10, 14, and 21, using validated text-message protocols. Based on an a priori power analysis, at least 64 evaluable subjects were recruited per cohort. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were evaluated (81 [52%] in the opioid cohort and 76 [48%] in the non-opioid cohort). The median age at the time of the surgical procedure was 6.2 years, and 50% of the subjects were male. The mean postoperative pain scores were low overall (<4 of 10), and there were no significant differences in pain ratings between cohorts at any time point. No patient demographic or injury characteristics were correlated with increased pain or medication use. Notably, of the 81 patients in the opioid cohort, 28 (35%) took no oxycodone and 40 (49%) took 1 to 3 total doses across the postoperative period. Patients rarely took opioids after postoperative day 2. A single patient in the non-opioid cohort (1 [1%] of 76) received a rescue prescription of opioids after presenting to the emergency department with postoperative cast discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Non-opioid analgesia following CRPP for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures was equally effective as opioid analgesia. When oxycodone was prescribed, 84% of children took 0 to 3 total doses, and opioid use fell precipitously after postoperative day 2. To improve opioid stewardship, providers and institutions can consider discontinuing the routine prescription of opioids following this procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Intertrochanteric Osteotomies in Children and Adolescents: Principles of Proximal Femoral Deformity Correction.

Intertrochanteric osteotomies are used to correct a variety of congenital and acquired deformities of the proximal femur in children and adolescents. Varus, valgus, flexion, extension, or rotational osteotomies at the intertrochanteric level can be used to restore normal alignment of the proximal femur, increase congruency and stability of the hip joint, facilitate healing or remodeling of the femoral head and neck, redirect the articular surface, and improve functional limb position in the case of soft-tissue contractures. The steps necessary to assess proximal femoral deformity and plan the appropriate osteotomy are described along with indications and long-term considerations.

Intramedullary Ulnar Fixation for the Treatment of Monteggia Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Although many pediatric Monteggia fractures can be treated nonoperatively, the presence of any residual radiocapitellar subluxation following ulnar reduction mandates a more aggressive approach to restore and maintain ulnar length. In younger children, restoration and maintenance of ulna length may be achieved through intramedullary fixation of the ulnar shaft. DESCRIPTION: A Steinmann pin or flexible intramedullary nail is introduced percutaneously through the olecranon apophysis and advanced within the medullary canal to the ulnar fracture site. If necessary, the ulnar length and alignment are then restored by either a closed reduction or open reduction. The pin or nail is advanced across the fracture site into the distal fracture fragment and then advanced to a point just proximal to the distal ulnar physis. Once restoration of normal radiocapitellar alignment is verified fluoroscopically, the pin is bent and cut outside of the skin and a cast or splint is applied. ALTERNATIVES: Closed reduction and cast immobilization is a well-accepted form of treatment for a Monteggia fracture. If ulnar length and alignment along with an anatomic reduction of the radiocapitellar joint can be achieved in this fashion, surgery can be avoided, but close radiographic follow-up is recommended to assess for loss of alignment with subsequent radial-head subluxation. Open reduction and internal fixation with use of a plate-and-screw construct can achieve similar results to intramedullary fixation and should be considered for length-unstable fractures and those in which an appropriately sized intramedullary implant fails to maintain adequate ulnar alignment. If plastic deformation of the ulna is present with residual radiocapitellar subluxation following reduction of the ulnar diaphysis, consideration should be given to elongating the ulna through the fracture site with use of plate fixation in order to allow reduction of the radial head. RATIONALE: Intramedullary fixation provides several benefits over open reduction and plate fixation for these injuries. In general, treatment can be rendered with a shorter anesthetic time, less scarring, and without the concern for symptomatic retained hardware associated with plating along the subcutaneous boarder of the ulna shaft. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: Compared with nonoperative treatment, intramedullary fixation of length-stable Monteggia fractures has lower rates of recurrent radial-head subluxation and loss of ulnar alignment requiring subsequent operative treatment1. If healing is achieved without residual radiocapitellar instability, good elbow function can be expected. IMPORTANT TIPS: The entry point for the intramedullary implant should be slightly radial to the tip of the olecranon apophysis to compensate for the anatomic varus bow of the proximal aspect of the ulna.Intramedullary fixation is ideal for length-stable ulnar fractures. If a comminuted or long oblique fracture is present, an intramedullary device may not maintain ulnar length, leading to residual or recurrent radiocapitellar instability. For length-unstable fractures, therefore, a plate-and-screw construct should be considered.No more than 3 attempts should be made to pass the intramedullary implant into the distal ulnar segment by closed means in order to limit the risk of iatrogenic compartment syndrome.If anatomic alignment of the radiocapitellar joint is not achieved following an apparent anatomic reduction of the ulna, assess for plastic deformation of the ulna and consider open elongation of the ulna through the fracture site with use of plate fixation.Following fixation and radial-head reduction, immobilize the forearm in the position of maximal radiocapitellar stability (typically in supination).

Universal Screening for COVID-19 in Children Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery: A Multicenter Report.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially altered the typical process around performing surgery to ensure protection of health care workers, patients, and their families. One safety precaution has been the implementation of universal preoperative screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study examines the results of universal screening on children undergoing orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating the incidence and symptomatology of COVID-19 in all patients presenting for orthopaedic surgery at 3 pediatric tertiary care children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic (March to June 2020). All patients underwent universal screening with a nasopharyngeal swab to detect presence of SARS-CoV-2. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for positive COVID-19 screening. RESULTS: In total, 1198 patients underwent preoperative screening across all 3 institutions and 7 (0.58%) had detection of SARS-CoV-2. The majority of patients (1/7, 86%) were asymptomatic. Patients that tested positive were significantly more likely to be Hispanic (P=0.046) and had greater number of medical comorbidities (P=0.013), as scored on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score. A known COVID-19 positive contact was found to be a significant risk factor in the multivariate analysis (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Early results of universal preoperative screening for COVID-19 demonstrates a low incidence and high rate of asymptomatic patients. Health care professionals, especially those at higher risk for the virus, should be aware of the challenges related to screening based solely on symptoms or travel history and consider universal screening for patients undergoing elective surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Open Reduction of Closed Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Stabilization Does Not Increase Risk of Postoperative Complications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare union and complication rates in pediatric patients presenting with tibial shaft fractures treated with closed or open reduction before intramedullary stabilization. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Multiple pediatric trauma centers. PATIENTS: Pediatric patients presenting with tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary stabilization. INTERVENTION: Intramedullary stabilization after closed or open reduction (percutaneous and open approach). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rates, infection rate (superficial and deep), and unplanned return to the operating room (OR). RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six patients were included in this study. One hundred thirty-six patients presented with closed fractures, and 30 patients presented with open tibial shaft fractures. Thirty-seven of the 136 patients (27%) with closed fractures had their fracture specifically opened during surgical fixation. There was no statistical difference in radiographic union at 6 months between fractures electively opened and those treated with closed reduction alone 97% versus 98% (P = 0.9). No patient who underwent an open reduction developed infections or wound-healing concerns, whereas 2 of the 99 (2%) patients treated closed had superficial surgical site infections requiring additional treatment (P = 0.999). There was no difference in unplanned return to OR between those who underwent open reduction at the time of intramedullary stabilization (P = 0.568). CONCLUSION: Performing an open reduction in a closed pediatric tibial shaft fracture before intramedullary fixation does not increase the risk of surgical site infections or wound issues, delayed union, or unplanned return to the OR. An open reduction of a closed tibial shaft fracture for purposes of improving a reduction before intramedullary stabilization may be a safe and effective clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Defining the volume of consultations for musculoskeletal infection encountered by pediatric orthopaedic services in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Adequate resources are required to rapidly diagnose and treat pediatric musculoskeletal infection (MSKI). The workload MSKI consults contribute to pediatric orthopaedic services is unknown as prior epidemiologic studies are variable and negative work-ups are not included in national discharge databases. The hypothesis was tested that MSKI consults constitute a substantial volume of total consultations for pediatric orthopaedic services across the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen institutions from the Children's ORthopaedic Trauma and Infection Consortium for Evidence-based Study (CORTICES) group retrospectively reviewed a minimum of 1 year of hospital data, reporting the total number of surgeons, total consultations, and MSKI-related consultations. Consultations were classified by the location of consultation (emergency department or inpatient). Culture positivity rate and pathogens were also reported. RESULTS: 87,449 total orthopaedic consultations and 7,814 MSKI-related consultations performed by 229 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed. There was an average of 13 orthopaedic surgeons per site each performing an average of 154 consultations per year. On average, 9% of consultations were MSKI related and 37% of these consults yielded positive cultures. Finally, a weak inverse monotonic relationship was noted between percent culture positivity and percent of total orthopedic consults for MSKI. CONCLUSION: At large, academic pediatric tertiary care centers, pediatric orthopaedic services consult on an average of ~3,000 'rule-out' MSKI cases annually. These patients account for nearly 1 in 10 orthopaedic consultations, of which 1 in 3 are culture positive. Considering that 2 in 3 consultations were culture negative, estimating resources required for pediatric orthopaedic consult services to work up and treat children based on culture positive administrative discharge data underestimates clinical need. Finally, ascertainment bias must be considered when comparing differences in culture rates from different institution's pediatric orthopaedics services, given the variability in when orthopaedic physicians become involved in a MSKI workup.

Gram Stain is Not Clinically Relevant in Treatment of Pediatric Septic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of pediatric septic arthritis (SA) can be challenging due to wide variability in the presentation of musculoskeletal infection. Synovial fluid Gram stain is routinely obtained and often used as an initial indicator of the presence or absence of pediatric SA. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical utility of the Gram stain results from a joint aspiration in the diagnosis and management of pediatric SA. METHODS: All patients with suspected SA who underwent arthrocentesis and subsequent surgical irrigation and debridement at an urban tertiary care children's hospital between January 2007 and October 2016 were identified. Results of the synovial fluid Gram stain, as well as synovial cell count/differential and serum markers, were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients that underwent incision and drainage for suspected SA were identified. In total, 102 patients (34%) had positive synovial fluid cultures and 47 patients (16%) had a microorganism detected on Gram stain. Gram stain sensitivity and specificity for the detection of SA were 0.40 and 0.97, respectively. This yielded a number needed to misdiagnose of 4.5 (ie, every fifth patient was misdiagnosed by Gram stain). For gram-negative organisms, the sensitivity dropped further to 0.13, with only 2/16 gram-negative organisms identified on Gram stain. Stepwise regression showed that age, serum white blood cell, and absolute neutrophil count were significant independent predictors for having a true positive Gram stain result. Elevated synovial white blood cell count was a significant predictor of having an accurate (culture matching the Gram stain) result. CONCLUSIONS: The Gram stain result is a poor screening tool for the detection of SA and is particularly ineffective for the detection of gram-negative organisms. The clinical relevance of the Gram stain and cost-effectiveness of this test performed on every joint aspiration sent for culture requires additional evaluation. Patients with gram-negative SA may be at high risk for inadequate coverage with empiric antibiotics due to poor detection of gram-negative organisms on initial Gram stain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-case-control study.

Firearm-associated Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Trends in the United States 2003-2012.

BACKGROUND: Firearm-associated injuries are the second leading cause of death in children in the United States. Fractures are common comorbid injuries in young patients with firearm-associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to define the burden of firearm-associated fractures (FAFs) in children and adolescents in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed the 2003-2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients were grouped into 4 age groups: 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 20 years old. Sample observations with both an external cause of injury code indicating gunshot injury and a diagnosis code indicating orthopaedic fracture (extremity, pelvis, or spine) were identified as cases of FAF. Sex, age, race, cause of injury, and fracture-related operating room procedures were catalogued. Population-level incidence was calculated for each year studied. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2012, the incidence of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased from 73 to 96 cases per 100,000 admissions (P=0.009). The 0 to 4 age group saw the largest increase in injury frequency (141%, P=0.08). There was a 4-fold increase in the rate of unintentional injury in this subgroup. The most common age group affected by FAFs was 15 to 20 year olds. Minorities and male individuals were disproportionately affected. Assault and unintentional causes were the most common reasons for injury. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased over the study period, with almost 1 case per 1000 admissions in 2012. The finding that certain subpopulations are disproportionately affected reflects the complex sociologic factors influencing gun violence in the United States. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

What's New in Pediatric Hip?

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), which encompasses a wide spectrum of disease from mild dysplasia to frank dislocation, is one of the most common developmental deformities of the lower extremities and one of the leading causes of future osteoarthritis and hip arthroplasty. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) results from a vascular insult to the growing femoral epiphysis, which in turn can create permanent morphologic changes to the hip joint. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) occurs when the proximal femoral physis fails allowing the epiphysis to displace in relation to the metaphysis. Infections about the hip also create significant morbidity in the pediatric hip. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for all studies related to DDH, LCPD, SCFE, and pediatric hip infections that were published between July 1, 2014 and August 31, 2017. The search was limited to English articles and yielded 839 papers. This project was initiated by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Publications Committee and was reviewed and approved by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Presidential Line. RESULTS: A total of 40 papers were selected for review based upon new and significant findings. Select historical manuscripts are also included to provide sufficient background information. CONCLUSIONS: DDH, LCPD, SCFE, and infections about the hip continue to be important topics in pediatric orthopaedics and areas of vital research. This manuscript reviews the most important recent literature on the diagnosis and treatment of these pediatric hip conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Inappropriately Timed Pediatric Orthopaedic Referrals From the Emergency Department Result in Unnecessary Appointments and Financial Burden for Patients.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits in the pediatric population. Many such injuries can be managed with a single follow-up outpatient visit. However, untimely (ie, premature) referrals by emergency physicians to orthopaedic surgeons are common and may inadvertently create need for a second visit, generating unnecessary expenditures. We sought to elucidate the cost of premature musculoskeletal follow-up visits to the patients, families, and the health care system. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries referred from our ED (without a formal orthopaedic consult) to our outpatient clinic. Patients were retrospectively reviewed in a consecutive fashion. The appropriateness of the recommended follow-up time interval was determined for each patient, and the direct and indirect cost of the inappropriate services were calculated utilizing a combination of traditional cost accounting techniques and time-driven activity-based costing. The characteristics of patients with appropriate and untimely follow-up referrals were compared. RESULTS: Two hundred consecutive referrals from the ED were reviewed. Overall, 96.5% of the follow-up visits recommended by the ED were premature, which led 106 (53%) patients to require a second visit to complete their clinical care. Patients who required a second visit were significantly younger (P=0.005), more likely to be male (P=0.042), more likely to have a fracture (P<0.001), and less likely to have a sprain (P<0.001) or dislocation/subluxation (P<0.001). Over 40% of second visits were accounted for by 3 diagnoses (distal radius buckle fractures, nondisplaced Salter-Harris 1 fractures of the ankle, and buckle fractures of the finger). Across the whole cohort, the total financial impact of untimely visits was $36,265.78, representing an average cost of $342.93 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Untimely referrals for follow-up of acute pediatric musculoskeletal conditions are very common and represent a significant financial burden to patients, families, and the health care system. Over 40% of unnecessary visits resulted from just 3 diagnoses. Improved orthopaedic follow-up guidelines, particularly for these readily recognizable conditions, and feedback to referring providers may reduce poorly timed clinic visits and decrease costs in the treatment of common orthopaedic injuries in pediatric patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Predictors of increased cost and length of stay in the treatment of postoperative spine surgical site infection.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Although many risk factors are known to contribute to the development of a postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal surgery, little is known regarding the costs associated with the management of this complication, or the predictors for which patients will require increased resources for the management of SSI. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify specific risk factors for increased treatment costs and length of stay in the management of a postoperative SSI. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing spine surgery at a single institution for 3 consecutive years. PATIENT SAMPLE: The study included 90 patients who were required to return to the operating room following spine surgery for postoperative SSI. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was length of stay and hospital costs for patients with postoperative SSI following spine surgery at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing spine surgery at a single institution for 3 consecutive years was performed to identify patients requiring secondary surgical intervention for SSI. Demographic and financial data from both the index admission and all subsequent readmissions within 2 years of the index procedure were reviewed. Independent variables abstracted from patient records were analyzed to determine the nature and the extent of their associations with total direct hospital costs and length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were identified that resulted in 110 readmissions, and these patients cumulatively underwent 138 irrigation and debridement (I&D) procedures for the management of postoperative spine SSI. The average length of stay for the index operation and secondary readmissions were 6.9 and 9.6 days, respectively. The mean direct cost of the treatment for SSI was $16,242. The length of stay, the number of levels fused, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), decreased serum albumin on readmission, and the number of I&D procedures required were significantly associated with increased treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative nutritional status assessment and MRSA colonization screening with targeted prophylaxis represent potentially modifiable risk factors in the treatment of SSI. Further study is needed to investigate the relationship between poor nutrition status and increased length of stay and total costs in the treatment of SSI following spine surgery.

Forearm Fixation is Not Necessary in the Treatment of Pediatric Floating Elbow.

BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral supracondylar humerus and forearm fractures in the pediatric population are an uncommon injury associated with high-energy trauma. Current literature suggests a high rate of compartmental syndrome with this fracture pattern and recommends surgical stabilization of both injuries. We investigate whether surgical treatment of the supracondylar fracture with closed reduction of the forearm fracture and placement into a noncircumferential cast may be an appropriate treatment. METHODS: Retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 47 patients (22 male, 25 female; mean age 6 y) with modified Gartland type 2 or type 3 supracondylar humerus fracture requiring surgical stabilization and an ipsilateral forearm fracture from a single institution over 78 months. RESULTS: Forty-seven pediatric "floating elbow" cases that had operative management of the supracondylar fracture were identified. A total of 21/47 (45%) had displaced forearm fractures that required closed manipulation. Of these, 17/21 (81%) underwent closed reduction of the displaced forearm fracture(s) and were placed into a noncircumferential cast or splint. No patients lost reduction or required remanipulation of either fracture. No patients developed signs of elevated compartment pressures. All patients went on to radiographic union without secondary procedures. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that a supracondylar humerus fracture with an ipsilateral forearm fracture can be safely managed with operative stabilization of the supracondylar humerus fracture alone. Simultaneous closed reduction of the ipsilateral displaced forearm fracture and use of noncircumferential immobilization postoperatively is safe and was not associated with the development of elevated compartment pressures or need for remanipulation. Previous studies that relate a high rate of compartment syndrome with this injury pattern may be misguided, as method of postoperative immobilization may be a more significant factor in the development of elevated compartment pressures than the injury pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Correlation between shunt series and scoliosis radiographs in children with myelomeningoceles.

OBJECT: Over 85% of patients with myelomeningoceles require placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus, and between 25% and 85% of these patients develop scoliosis. Although most patients undergo repeated shunt series radiography to evaluate for device malfunction, scoliosis radiographs are less consistently obtained. The authors sought to determine if a correlation exists between these 2 radiographic techniques for a given patient, as shunt series are obtained with the patient supine, whereas scoliosis radiographs are acquired with the patient standing upright. The authors also endeavored to study if shunt series radiographs can reliably detect significant scoliosis. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed a single institution's series of 593 patients with myelomeningoceles and identified all patients in whom a shunt series and scoliosis radiographs were obtained within a 6-month period. They reviewed the medical records and radiographs of these patients for demographic and radiographic parameters. They then applied a linear regression model and determined shunt series curve cutoffs to detect scoliotic curves greater than 20° and 50°. RESULTS: Of the 593 patients identified, 116 did not have radiographs available for interpretation. Of the remaining 477 patients, 201 had radiographic evidence of scoliosis (42%), and 66 had both a shunt series and a scoliosis radiographs acquired within a 6-month interval. In 4 patients, both end vertebrae of the scoliotic curve could not be visualized on a single radiograph. The mean age of the remaining cohort was 10.6 ± 5.2 years and the mean curve magnitude was 58° ± 37°. Using identical end vertebrae, the mean shunt series curve magnitude was 49° ± 35°. The mean interval between both radiographs was 2.3 ± 3.3 months. The regression model showed a strong linear association between shunt series and scoliosis series curves. A curve greater than 19° on shunt series radiographs would detect significant curves of greater than 20° on scoliosis series with 91% sensitivity and 78% specificity. A shunt series curve greater than 37° had 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity in identifying significant scoliotic curves greater than 50°. CONCLUSIONS: Although shunt series radiographs may not precisely depict scoliotic curve magnitude because the impact of gravity is negated, they may be useful in helping to confirm clinical suspicion of scoliosis. The authors' results suggest a strong correlation between both types of radiographs.

Kyphectomy in patients with myelomeningocele treated with pedicle screw-only constructs: case reports and review.

OBJECT: Significant lumbar kyphosis is frequently observed in patients with myelomeningocele and has been associated with increasing functional impairment, decreased abdominal volume, respiratory impairment, discomfort, and skin ulcerations overlying the prominent gibbus. Treatment of severe kyphotic deformities can include kyphectomy, with or without ligation of the thecal sac, with posterior spinal fixation. However, most series have reported a high rate of morbidity and complications associated with surgical intervention for correction of kyphosis in patients with myelomeningocele. The authors describe a technique in which pedicle screw (PS)-only constructs are used without transection of the thecal sac to treat severe kyphosis successfully, with minimal morbidity. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiographic images in 2 patients with myelomeningoceles in whom kyphectomies had been performed at the authors' institution between January 2007 and July 2010. They also reviewed the existing literature for case reports or published series of patients with myelomeningocele treated with kyphectomies, to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: Both patients were male and had thoracic-level myelomeningoceles that had been repaired at birth, with associated paraplegia. Neither patient had any significant scoliotic deformity associated with the kyphosis, and both had fixation from T-9 to the ilium, which was performed using PS constructs, along with L1-2 kyphectomies. The patient in Case 1 was 20 years old and was treated for progressive kyphosis and an ulcerated nonhealing wound over the gibbus. The patient in Case 2 was 10 years old and was treated for progressive pain and functional impairment. The 2 patients had a mean correction of 63%, with a mean correction of kyphotic deformity from 136° to 51°. Neither patient developed any complication in the short term postoperatively, whereas published series have reported high complication rates, including wound infection, poor wound healing, CSF leakage, pseudarthrosis, and shunt malfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Severe kyphotic deformities in patients with myelomeningocele can be safely treated using PS-only constructs without ligation of the thecal sac. Further evaluation with a larger sample and longer follow-up are needed to detect any associated complications, such as proximal junctional kyphosis. Further evaluation may also validate whether PS-only constructs permit successful outcomes with a shorter construct and fewer instrumented levels.