Changes in the four-strand hamstring graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the skeletally-immature knee.

The potential harm to the growth plate following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally-immature patients is well documented, but we are not aware of literature on the subject of the fate of the graft itself. We have reviewed five adolescent males who underwent reconstruction of the ligament with four-strand hamstring grafts using MR images taken at a mean of 34.6 months (18 to 58) from the time of operation. The changes in dimension of the graft were measured and compared with those taken at the original operation. No growth arrest was seen on radiological or clinical measurement of leg-length discrepancy, nor was there any soft-tissue contracture. All the patients regained their pre-injury level of activity, including elite-level sport in three. The patients grew by a mean of 17.3 cm (14 to 24). The diameter of the grafts did not change despite large increases in length (mean 42%; 33% to 57%). Most of the gain in length was on the femoral side. Large changes in the length of the grafts were seen. There is a considerable increase in the size of the graft, so some neogenesis must occur; the graft must grow.

The use of external fixators in the immobilization of pediatric fractures.

The use of external fixation in the immobilization of diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures in children is still controversial, as these fractures are generally managed by immediate plaster casting, by traction followed by casting, by various methods of internal fixation, including the recently developed flexible rods, and by plating. Between 1982 and 1998, we treated 64 children with fractures of the long bones of the lower limb using external fixation, 44 of whom were available for follow-up (46 fractures). Their average age on the day of injury was 8.l years. Average follow-up extended for 4 years. The external fixation used was left in place for an average of 67 days. Full range of movement was achieved in 42 children (44 limbs). The longitudinal axis was anatomically correct (<5 degrees angulation) in 40 children (42 limbs). Due to malalignment of the fracture (15 degrees varus) in one child, tibial osteotomy was performed 4 years after fracture healing. There was no leg length discrepancy in 38 children, and shortening of >2 cm was measured in the fractured limbs of 2 children. We found the use of external fixators to be easy, quick, with a short learning curve, and appropriate for comminuted and closed fractures of the long bones, and especially for children with polytrauma.