[Closed reduction and internal fixation of pediatric femoral neck fractures]. / Geschlossene Reposition und perkutane Osteosynthese der Schenkelhalsfraktur im Kindesalter.

OBJECTIVE: To achieve anatomical reduction and stable fixation. Preservation of the proximal femoral physis is in this regard secondary. INDICATIONS: Nondisplaced and displaced femoral neck fractures Delbet types II and III. Incomplete fractures are debatable. No age restrictions. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Any patient condition that does not allow for general or regional anesthesia. Pathologic fractures requiring primarily an open approach. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anatomical reduction is achieved via axial tension, internal rotation and gentle abduction or flexion of the affected hip and verified under image intensification; several stab incisions or a small single incision (3 cm) laterally at the level of the lesser trochanter to determine the entry points for the K­wires or screws; inserting and positioning the K­wires either as a configuration of two or three; depending on the bony dimensions fixation of the fracture with the K­wires or replacing them with cannulated screws; the localization of the main fracture line (basicervical or subcapital) determines whether the implants should cross the physis. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial weight bearing/touch ground (about 20% of bodyweight) for 6 weeks; either by using crutches or via mobilization in buggy or wheelchair. RESULTS: As an example, we present a case of a 9-year-old girl suffering from a displaced femoral neck fracture (Delbet type II) on the left side, who underwent closed reduction and internal screw fixation. Fracture healing and follow-up until today were uneventful. A brief review of the published literature is also provided.

Wearing Time of Ankle-Foot Orthoses with Modular Shank Supply in Cerebral Palsy: A Descriptive Analysis in a Clinically Prospective Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To date there is only limited knowledge about the wearing time of orthoses. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) have not been studied with this research question. Additional influences of the orthotic design as well as weekdays and the weekend are also unknown. DESIGN: Monocentric, clinically prospective intervention study. PATIENTS: Inclusion of 10 patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: Equipment of all subjects with a dynamic ankle-foot orthosis (DAFO) and modular shank supply (MSS, dynamic elastic shank adaptation or ground reaction AFO). Integration of temperature sensors for recording the wearing time for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: The actual wearing time was below the recommendations on actually worn days as well as the average of the entire study period. In addition, the actual usage in terms of days and hours was well below the recommendations. The wearing time showed differences between weekdays and weekend. Differences between DAFO and MSS were not detectable. CONCLUSION: The actual usage behavior of ankle-foot orthoses differs from the recommendations of the prescriber. This applies to both DAFOs and modular use with shank supplies. Environmental factors may have a significant impact on wearing times on weekdays and the weekend.

[Torsion and torsional development of the lower extremities]. / Torsionen und Torsionsentwicklung der unteren Extremität.

BACKGROUND: Torsion is a frequent reason for consultation in paediatric orthopaedics. Torsion of the femur and the tibia in children change during growth. Depending on the age and possibility for compensation, this can be reflected in the gait pattern. Different causes can affect the normal development of torsion. DIAGNOSTICS: In the context of paediatric orthopaedic assessment, the distinction between physiological and pathological torsion is essential. In addition to the patient history and observation of the gait pattern, as well as a detailed clinical examination, additional imaging techniques are used (Rippstein/Dunn, torsional CT/MRI, EOS). The dynamic effect of abnormal torsion on gait is evaluated by instrumented 3D gait analysis. PATHOGENESIS: Evidence for the long-term significance of torsional deviations and the risk of consequential damage are low. Isolated increased femoral anteversion without accompanying hip dysplasia is fundamentally harmless, corrects during growth and only rarely needs correction in the case of ongoing disturbing gait or knee problems. In contrast, retroversion is likely indicate the development of pre-arthritic deformity and should be observed and treated more carefully. Tibial torsion shows great variability and may influence the development of femoral torsion. Torsional deformities in children with neurological or syndromal conditions are differentiated as when the biomechanical effects of torsions on their gait function are generally more marked and therefore treatment is more frequently necessary. THERAPY: Conservative treatments cannot be expected to have an effect on the condition of the bones. Correction can only be achieved surgically with a rotational osteotomy. A simple principle underlies the technique, whereas indication and timing are challenging.

The added value of orthotic management in the context of multi-level surgery in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cerebral palsy includes an interdisciplinary concept and in more severe cases the well-established multi-level surgery (MLS). Different kinds of orthoses are typically part of postoperative treatment but there is a lack of knowledge about their additional benefit. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do ankle foot orthoses lead to an additional, measurable improvement of gait after MLS? METHODS: 20 children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (9 retrospective, 11 in a postoperative clinical routine) were included. All had a preoperative gait analysis before MLS. Postoperatively, they were fitted with different ankle foot orthoses (AFO), depending on their individual needs. Dynamic ankle foot orthoses (DAFO), combined DAFO with additional dynamic, elastic shank adaptation (DESA) and ground reaction force AFOs (GRAFO) were used. Patients underwent a second gait analysis 1.5 (± 0.6) years postoperatively barefoot and with orthoses. Data analysis included testing for normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk-Test) and further nonparametric statistical testing on basis of a Wilcoxon Single-Rank Test. RESULTS: The operation produced changes in the hip, knee and ankle joint, and the pelvis. Spatiotemporal parameters showed significant changes due to additional use of the orthoses. Further, additional kinematic changes occurred at the hip, knee and ankle joint as well as the foot. The Gillette Gait Index (GGI) improved significantly by supplementary orthoses, but not by surgery alone. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Gait Deviation Index (GDI) rather showed changes due to the surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: MLS significantly improves GPS and GDI more than a year after surgery, which can be interpreted as an improvement in gait pattern. In contrast, the GGI is improved by additional postoperative orthotic treatment, which implies that walking ability itself has improved, rather than the gait pattern. Orthoses show a positive additional effect on surgical results at different anatomical levels. Spatiotemporal parameters are positively influenced solely by additional orthotic support.

Anisotropic surface stresses of a solid/fluid interface: Molecular dynamics calculations for the copper/methane interface.

The full tensorial surface stress of an interface between a face-centered cubic crystal (copper) and an isotropic liquid (methane) is computed for two crystal orientations {100} and {110} using molecular dynamics simulations. The bulk crystal orientation {100} is symmetric, whereas the {110} orientation is not. Finite size effects, which can be important in the case of an interface between an isotropic solid and a liquid, are studied in detail for the two crystal orientations. We first show that the symmetry of the surface stress tensor is that of the bulk crystal orientation. In the case of the asymmetric crystal orientation {110}, the relative difference between the components of the surface stress is substantial (∼50%). Finally, we show that finite size effects persist to much larger sizes in the case of the {100} orientation compared to the case of the {110} interface, for instance, through an artificial breakdown of the symmetry of the surface stress tensor.

[Components of the joint-sparing, combined bony and soft tissue correction of the cavovarus foot]. / Bausteine zur gelenkerhaltenden kombinierten knöchernen und weichteiligen Korrektur des Pes cavovarus.

OBJECTIVE: Combined bony and soft tissue correction of a mild foot and flexible rearfoot deformity in cavovarus foot. INDICATIONS: Drop foot during swing phase and muscular imbalance in the stance phase in cavovarus foot, flexible cavovarus foot, accompanying symptoms such as recurrent calluses and ulcerations, compliance. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pes cavovarus of spastic genesis, mild deformities, fixed bony deformity, lack of compliance, florid inflammation in the foot area, severe peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes mellitus. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Description of the gradual escalation of joint-sparing bony and soft tissue procedures. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative lower leg cast. In cases of combined bony and soft tissue correction, first 6 weeks of nonweight-bearing with lower leg cast, then 6 weeks of lower leg walking cast. With adequate bony consolidation, cast removal after a total of 12 weeks. In cases of pure soft-tissue foot correction, 6 weeks of lowerleg walking cast. RESULTS: It was shown that only 22.5% of the affected feet (40 preoperative patients with cavovarus foot deformity) had a severe hindfoot equinus due to shortened calf muscles. In a study with 14 patients, it was shown that the tibialis posterior tendon transfer corrects the drop foot component and the excessive medial arch of the feet is significantly reduced by combined soft tissue and bony procedures.

[Imaging diagnostics of the foot : What the orthopaedic surgeon expects from the radiologist]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik des Fußes : Was der Orthopäde vom Radiologen erwartet.

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Foot pain is in the case of long-term congenital, acquired or posttraumatic foot deformities a relevant clinical problem. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: On the basis of the clinical findings and the orthopaedic question, radiographs of the foot while standing in two planes are supplemented by radiographs of the ankle in an anterior-posterior plane. The imaging diagnostics of the foot are based on the conventional X­ray diagnostic workup and becomes even more precise and differentiated by the possibility of intersecting imaging procedures. PERFORMANCE: The diagnostic significance of imaging methods is discussed in this overview by means of clinical examples. In this context, cross-sectional imaging procedures can serve the clinician in the further decision-making process and clarify the question whether surgical treatment, for example, in the case osteoarthrosis is indicated. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Primarily, prior to any imaging procedure the appropriate medical history, inspection, clinical examination and the gait analysis in patients with foot pain are necessary. Interdisciplinary communication between orthopaedic/trauma surgeons and radiologists is necessary in order to provide the right imaging modality for difficult questions, to correctly interpret the resulting imaging findings, and to derive a therapeutic consequence from this. The decision whether conservative therapy or a surgical procedure is recommended will be made depending on the patients' prior therapies and the restriction of quality of life.

Calculation of a solid/liquid surface tension: A methodological study.

The surface tension of a model solid/liquid interface constituted of a graphene sheet surrounded by liquid methane has been computed using molecular dynamics in the Kirkwood-Buff formalism. We show that contrary to the fluid/fluid case, the solid/liquid case can lead to different structurations of the first fluid layer, leading to significantly different values of surface tension. Therefore we present a statistical approach that consists in running a series of molecular simulations of similar systems with different initial conditions, leading to a distribution of surface tensions from which an average value and uncertainty can be extracted. Our results suggest that these distributions converge as the system size increases. Besides we show that surface tension is not particularly sensitive to the choice of the potential energy cutoff and that long-range corrections can be neglected contrary to what we observed in the liquid/vapour interfaces. We have not observed the previously reported commensurability effect.

Does additional patella tendon shortening influence the effects of multilevel surgery to correct flexed knee gait in cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to investigate if patellar tendon shortening (PTS) as a part of SEMLS (single event multilevel surgery) is effective for reduction of flexed knee gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and, if PTS leads to stiff knee gait. METHODS: In a randomized controlled study 22 children with flexed knee gait (age: 10.4 ±â€¯2.6 years, GMFCS Level I-III) were randomized and allocated to two groups (1: SEMLS + PTS; 2: SEMLS no PTS): SEMLS was performed for correction of flexed knee gait either with or without additional PTS. Before and after surgery (follow up: 12.7 ±â€¯1.6 months) kinematics (3-D motion analysis) and clinical parameters were compared. RESULTS: Two children were lost to follow up. Maximum knee extension improved significantly in both groups after SEMLS while the patients with additional PTS showed much more correction (SEMLS + PTS: 37.6° to 11.4°, p = 0.007; SEMLS no PTS: 35.1° to 21.8°, p = 0.016). After surgery peak knee flexion decreased significantly (14.6°, p = 0.004) in the "SEMLS + PTS" group while there was no relevant change in the other group. There was a trend of increase in anterior pelvic tilt after surgery in both groups, but no statistical significant difference. After surgery knee flexion contracture (15.9°, p < 0.001) and popliteal angle (27.2, p = 0.009) measured on clinical examination only decreased significantly in the "SEMLS + PTS" group. CONCLUSION: PTS is effective for correction of flexed knee gait and knee flexion contracture leading to superior stance phase knee extension. However, additional PTS may lead to stiff knee gait and a higher increase of anterior pelvic tilt.

Effects of multilevel surgery on a flexed knee gait in adults with cerebral palsy.

AIMS: A flexed knee gait is common in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and occurs with increased age. There is a risk for the recurrence of a flexed knee gait when treated in childhood, and the aim of this study was to investigate whether multilevel procedures might also be undertaken in adulthood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At a mean of 22.9 months (standard deviation 12.9), after single event multi level surgery, 3D gait analysis was undertaken pre- and post-operatively for 37 adult patients with bilateral cerebral palsy and a fixed knee gait. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of indices and clinical and kinematic parameters including extension of the hip and knee, reduction of knee flexion at initial contact, reduction of minimum and mean knee flexion in the stance phase of gait, improved range of movement of the knee and a reduction of mean flexion of the hip in the stance phase. Genu recurvatum occurred in two patients (n = 3 legs, 4%) and an increase of pelvic tilt (> 5°) was found in 12 patients (n = 23 legs, 31%). CONCLUSION: Adult patients with bilateral cerebral palsy and a flexed knee gait benefit from multilevel surgery including hamstring lengthening. The risk of the occurence of genu recurvatum and increased pelvic tilt is lower than has been previously reported in children. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1256-64.

Structural changes in the thigh muscles following trans-femoral amputation.

INTRODUCTION: Early ambulation is the principal objective in trans-femoral amputees. Postamputation modifications complicate the rehabilitation process due to a reduced control at the interface between stump and prosthesis. The aim of this study is to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging depicts the amount of fatty degeneration of the thigh muscles after trans-femoral amputation (TFA). METHODS: A total of 12 patients following a TFA on the basis of a bone neoplasm or metastasis with an evaluable postoperative MRI were identified. Using the Goutallier classification, the fatty degeneration of the thigh muscles was analyzed in the middle (M) and at the distal end (E) of the residual limb at T1 (10.6 months) and T2 (25.6 months). RESULTS: Analysis at two different levels showed different grades of fatty degeneration of thigh muscles after TFA at T1 and T2. Comparing fatty degeneration at both levels of the stump, the quadriceps femoris revealed a significant change (p = 0.01) at T1 and M. sartorius and adductor (p = 0.02) at T2. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool to evaluate fatty degeneration after TFA. The highest amount of fatty degeneration of the quadriceps muscle was monitored within the first 10 months. Early physiotherapy is important to strengthen the remaining stump muscles during rehabilitation.

Femoral derotation osteotomy in adults with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Internal rotation gait constitutes a complex gait disorder in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) including static torsional and dynamic components resulting in lever arm dysfunction. Although femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is a standard procedure to correct increased femoral anteversion in children, unpredictable outcome has been reported. The effect of FDO when it is done as part of single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in adulthood has not been investigated. METHODS: In this study mid-term data of 63 adults with BSCP and internal rotation gait, undergoing SEMLS including FDO were analyzed pre- and 1.7 years postoperatively by clinical examination and 3D-instrumented gait analysis. All legs were categorized as the more or less involved side to consider asymmetry. The mean hip rotation in stance preoperatively and the intraoperative derotation was correlated with the difference pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The group as a whole experienced the following results postoperatively: improved mean hip rotation in stance (p=0.0001), mean foot progression angle (p=0.0001) and a significant improvement of the clinical parameter: passive internal and external hip rotation, midpoint and anteversion (p=0.0001) for both legs separately. With regard to the less and more involved side, clinical and kinematic parameters showed comparable significant changes (p=0.0001). The anteversion improved significantly in proximal compared to distal FDO (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes an overall good correction of internal rotation gait in adults with bilateral involvement after FDO. However, the results are more predictable in adults compared to studies reporting outcome after FDO in children.

Multilevel surgery in adults with cerebral palsy.

AIMS: Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) has been used as an effective intervention in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) for 30 years. To date there is no evidence for SEMLS in adults with BSCP and the intervention remains focus of debate. METHODS: This study analysed the short-term outcome (mean 1.7 years, standard deviation 0.9) of 97 ambulatory adults with BSCP who performed three-dimensional gait analysis before and after SEMLS at one institution. RESULTS: Two objective gait variables were calculated pre- and post-operatively; the Gillette Gait Index (GGI) and the Gait Profile Score (GPS). The results were analysed in three groups according to their childhood surgical history (group 1 = no surgery, group 2 = surgery other than SEMLS, group 3 = SEMLS). Improvements in gait were shown by a significant decrease of GPS (p = 0.001). Similar results were obtained for both legs (GGI right side and left side p = 0.01). Furthermore, significant improvements were found in all subgroups although this was less marked in group 3, where patients had undergone previous SEMLS. DISCUSSION: SEMLS is an effective and safe procedure to improve gait in adults with cerebral palsy. However, a longer rehabilitation period is to be expected than found in children. SEMLS is still effective in adult patients who have undergone previous SEMLS in childhood. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Single-event multilevel surgery is a safe and effective procedure to improve gait disorders in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

[Femoral Derotation in Children with Cerebral Palsy - Does the Result Depend on the Age at Operation and the Kind of Surgery?]. / Derotation des Femurs bei Patienten mit infantiler Zerebralparese - ist das Ergebnis abhängig vom Alter zum Zeitpunkt der Operation und der OP-Technik?

INTRODUCTION: Patients with spastic cerebral palsy GMFCS I-III often develop gait dysfunctions. One of the most prevalent gait dysfunctions is the intoeing gait. Femoral derotation osteotomy is the common treatment for internal rotation gait in cerebral palsy. We now present 3D-gait analysis data of the hip rotation in gait before and after femoral derotation osteotomy. We analysed the influence of the age at the index operation on the risk of recurrence and the surgical technique. METHODS: We included 48 patients treated with femoral derotation osteotomy during a single event of multi-level surgery. Mean hip rotation in standing was measured before and after femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO). The patients were divided into two groups of different age and in a second analysis into two groups with the osteotomy in different locations, either inter-trochanteric (DO proximal) or supracondylar (DO distal). RESULTS: Age at FDO and surgical technique had no influence on the results. However, the variance of the results was very high. Differences were found in the walking speed between the DO proximal and DO distal groups. The walking speed in the group of distal femoral osteotomy was higher. This difference was not significant, but there was a trend to proximal osteotomy in slower walkers. Significant improvements in IRG after FDO were found in our investigation. Our results indicate that FDO as a part of single-event multilevel surgery SEMLS provides a satisfactory mean overall correction of IRG. The results were independent of the age at the index operation and the location of the osteotomy.

Factors associated with recurrence after femoral derotation osteotomy in cerebral palsy.

Femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) as gold standard treatment for internal rotation gait in cerebral palsy (CP) leads to satisfying short-term results, whereas rates of recurrence up to 33% are reported in long-term outcome studies. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify factors contributing to recurrence of internal rotation gait in patients with CP who were treated with FDO in childhood. 70 patients (age: 10 (± 3.3) years at surgery) with bilateral CP and internal rotation gait were examined pre-, one year and at least five years (mean 8 ± 2 years) postoperatively after distal or proximal FDO, using standardized clinical examination and 3D gait-analysis. 27 patients had a good hip rotation one year postoperatively (between 5° external and 15° internal for both limbs) and were considered for the analysis of factors contributing to recurrence of internal rotation gait. Regarding all included patients both mean hip rotation and foot progression angle improved significantly (p < 0.001) from pre- to postoperative. A significant deterioration in hip rotation (more involved side) (p < 0.001) from one year postoperatively to the long-term follow-up can be observed. Younger age, reduced hip joint impulse, increased plantar flexion and internal foot progression angle postoperatively could be identified as factors for recurrence. FDO on average leads to a satisfactory correction of internal rotation gait. In order to improve the long-term outcome after FDO the time of multilevel surgery should be indicated as late as possible and the different factors leading to potential recurrence should be considered.

Asymmetric pelvic and hip rotation in children with bilateral cerebral palsy: uni- or bilateral femoral derotation osteotomy?

Internal rotation gait is common among children with bilateral cerebral palsy. However, despite bilaterally increased femoral anteversion asymmetric internal rotation gait is often found. Femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is commonly performed bilaterally. Variable functional outcomes are reported especially in cases with mild internal hip rotation during gait and abnormal preoperative pelvic rotation. A major question is if a unilateral treatment of the more involved side in asymmetric cases leads to a comparable or even superior outcome. One hundred and nine children with spastic bilateral CP treated with FDO with pre- and 1-year postoperative 3D gait analysis were retrospectively collected. The asymmetry was calculated from the preoperative difference between both limbs in hip rotation obtained by 3D gait analysis. Twenty-eight children with asymmetry larger than 20° were selected and classified into two groups, according to whether they obtained a unilateral or bilateral FDO. Preoperative clinical examination and pre- and postoperative hip and pelvic rotation in gait analysis on the more and the less involved side did not differ significantly between both groups. Interestingly, in both groups, hip rotation did not change significantly in less-involved limbs, although intraoperative derotation averaged 25°. After unilateral FDO a significant change in pelvic rotation resulted, whereas this was not found after bilateral FDO. The results of this study suggest that unilateral FDO in children with asymmetric internal rotation gait leads to a comparable functional outcome compared to bilateral treatment. Furthermore, it was shown for the first time that considering the asymmetry has a positive effect on pelvic rotation.

Can reverse shoulder arthroplasty in post-traumatic revision surgery restore the ability to perform activities of daily living?

BACKGROUND: Failed shoulder arthroplasty and failed internal fixation in fractures of the proximal humerus can benefit from implantation of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). While there is some evidence that RSA can improve function regarding range of motion (ROM), pain, satisfaction, and strength, there is sparse data how this translates into activities of daily living (ADLs). A marker-based 3D video motion analysis system has recently been designed that can measure changes of ROM in dynamic movements in every plane. The hypothesis was that a gain of maximum ROM also translates into the ability to perform ADLs and into a significant increase of ROM in ADLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six consecutive patients (5 women, 1 man; 2× failed arthroplasty, 4× failed open reduction and internal fixation) who received RSA were examined the day before and 1 year after shoulder replacement. A 3D motion analysis system using a novel upper extremity model measured active maximum values and ROM in four ADLs. RESULTS: Comparing the pre- to the 1-year postoperative status, RSA resulted in a significant increase in mean maximum values for active flexion (humerus to thorax) of 37° (S.D. ±23°), from 50 to 87° [P=0.005], and for active abduction averaging of 17° (S.D. ±13°), from 52 to 69° [P=0.027]. The extension decreased significantly by about 8° (S.D. ±16°), from a mean of 39 to 31° [P=0.009]. For active adduction and internal and external rotation, there were trends for improvements, but no significant changes. Only three additional tasks of the ADL (out of 13/24 preoperatively) could be performed after revision surgery. Comparing the preoperative to the postoperative ROM in the ADLs in flexion/extension, ROM improved significantly in one ("tying an apron") of four ADLs. There were no significant changes in the abduction/adduction and internal/external rotation in any ADLs. CONCLUSION: RSA in revision cases significantly improved maximum active flexion and abduction, but decreased extension in this series. However, the patients were only able to use this greater ROM to their benefit in one of four ADLs.

Superior functional outcome after femoral derotation osteotomy according to gait analysis in cerebral palsy.

The femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is seen as the golden standard treatment in children with cerebral palsy and internal rotation gait. Variable outcomes with cases of over- and undercorrection mainly in the less involved patients have been reported. The determination of the amount of derotation is still inconsistent. 138 patients (age: 11 (± 3.3) years) with cerebral palsy and internal rotation gait were examined pre- and 1 year postoperatively after distal or proximal FDO, using standardized clinical examination and 3D gait analysis. Three groups were defined retrospectively depending on the amount of derotation in relation to the mean hip rotation in stance (MHR) during gait analysis: Group A (derotation angle > MHR + 10°), Group B (derotation angle = MHR ± 10°), Group C (derotation angle

[Long-term results of reconstructive surgery in infantile cerebral palsy patients with high hip dislocation: is hip screening necessary?]. / Langzeitergebnisse nach operativer Rekonstruktion hoher Hüftluxationen bei infantiler Zerebralparese: Ist ein Hüftscreening notwendig?

BACKGROUND: Hip dislocation as a result of neurogenic hip displacement is a common focal motor symptom in children with infantile cerebral palsy (ICP). In addition to contracture of the hip joint, in up to 65 % of cases patients suffer from pain which leads to further loss of function and often to limitations in important basic functions, such as lying, care, sitting, standing and transfer. METHODS: In order to avoid hip dislocation and to be able to implement therapy at an early stage, screening programs have been developed in recent years which clearly demonstrate the risks of hip displacement in ICP depending on the ability to walk. An investigation of the natural course is practically impossible because as a rule patients with painful neurogenic hip displacement receive surgical therapy. PATIENTS: In this study 96 patients with high hip dislocation grade IV on the Tönnis classification were included and 68 could be followed up. The average age at the time of surgery was 10.9 years and the mean follow-up period was 7.7 years. In the postoperative course 6 out of 91 reconstructed hips became redislocated and a proximal femoral resection was carried out in one female patient. The migration index according to Reimers was 14.0 % at the time of the follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Revision procedures can be avoided by screening programs. These should be strived for so that the neuro-orthopedic treatment on operation planning is not first initiated when pain occurs and revision procedures, such as angulation osteotomy or proximal femoral resection can be avoided. The reconstruction should also involve minimal deformation of the femoral head. In order to implement this, the interdisciplinary cooperation between neuropediatricians, social pediatriatricians and neuro-orthopedists should be intensified in the future.

Tibialis posterior tendon transfer corrects the foot drop component of cavovarus foot deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

BACKGROUND: The foot drop component of cavovarus foot deformity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is commonly treated by tendon transfer to provide substitute foot dorsiflexion or by tenodesis to prevent the foot from dropping. Our goals were to use three-dimensional foot analysis to evaluate the outcome of tibialis posterior tendon transfer to the dorsum of the foot and to investigate whether the transfer works as an active substitution or as a tenodesis. METHODS: We prospectively studied fourteen patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and cavovarus foot deformity in whom twenty-three feet were treated with tibialis posterior tendon transfer to correct the foot drop component as part of a foot deformity correction procedure. Five patients underwent unilateral treatment and nine underwent bilateral treatment; only one foot was analyzed in each of the latter patients. Standardized clinical examinations and three-dimensional gait analysis with a special foot model (Heidelberg Foot Measurement Method) were performed before and at a mean of 28.8 months after surgery. RESULTS: The three-dimensional gait analysis revealed significant increases in tibiotalar and foot-tibia dorsiflexion during the swing phase after surgery. These increases were accompanied by a significant reduction in maximum plantar flexion at the stance-swing transition but without a reduction in active range of motion. Passive ankle dorsiflexion measured in knee flexion and extension increased significantly without any relevant decrease in passive plantar flexion. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) score improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer was effective at correcting the foot drop component of cavovarus foot deformity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, with the transfer apparently working as an active substitution. Although passive plantar flexion was not limited after surgery, active plantar flexion at push-off was significantly reduced and it is unknown whether this reduction was the result of a tenodesis effect or calf muscle weakness.