Unsuccessful Osteochondral Allograft Cap to Prevent Overgrowth in a Pediatric Patient with Previous Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report.

CASE: This case demonstrates the attempted utilization of an osteochondral allograft for the prevention of bony overgrowth in a patient with fibular hemimelia and previous transtibial amputation with failure of Teflon capping. Additionally, we describe a novel technique to provide additional padding and increase the width of the residual limb using a dermal allograft. CONCLUSIONS: Bony overgrowth after pediatric amputations is common and often necessitates revision procedures secondary to infection, ulceration, pain, and discomfort with prosthesis use. Our use of an osteochondral allograft cap to prevent bony overgrowth ultimately failed 13 months following the procedure, and further research on various graft options and other treatment modalities is warranted, especially if the proximal fibula is unavailable or there is concern for donor site morbidity associated with harvesting autologous grafts.

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.

Intraobserver and Interobserver Measurement Variability of the Rib-Vertebral Angle Difference.

BACKGROUND: The rib-vertebral angle (RVAD) differentiates between progressive and resolving infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) curves. Those with a RVAD<20 degrees often resolve without treatment, whereas those >20 degrees often progress and require treatment. The mathematical magnitude of RVAD measurement variability has not been described, and was thus the purpose of this study. It is important to know the reliability of RVAD measurements so as to understand changes that can be attributed to observer error alone. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to mathematically determine the intraobserver and interobserver measurement variability of the RVAD difference in IIS. METHODS: A convenience sample of 50 patients with IIS was selected. The RVAD was measured twice by 7 different observers separated by a minimum of 3 weeks. The 7 different readers chosen to measure the RVAD were 2 orthopaedic residents, 1 pediatric radiologist, and 4 attending pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The same goniometer was used for all measurements. Intraobserver and interobserver measurement variability was determined using 3 well known used statistical methods. RESULTS: The 3 different methods used to determine intraobserver and interobserver variability using 95% prediction/confidence limits gave very similar results. Intraobserver variability was ∼24 degrees and the interobserver variability was ∼23 degrees. DISCUSSION: The utility of the RVAD in medical decision-making and counseling of patients with IIS should be approached with caution when used in isolation due to the large measurement variability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Intrinsic Healing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in an Adolescent.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important ligamentous stabilizer of the knee. The natural primary healing potential of the ACL has been shown to be extremely poor. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who was involved in a motor vehicle collision and sustained a grade IIIB open tibial fracture, distal fibula fracture, medial and lateral meniscus tears, avulsion fracture of the femoral metaphysis, and anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears. Because of delayed union of his tibia fracture, treatment of the ligamentous injuries was postponed to 16 months after initial injury. However, magnetic resonance imaging at that time showed complete healing. At 20 months, the patient returned to competitive hockey. Based on this case, we believe there is some natural primary healing potential within the ACL.

C sign: talocalcaneal coalition or flatfoot deformity?

BACKGROUND: C sign is used to alert the physician of the possible presence of talocalcaneal coalition (TCC), so that advanced imaging can be ordered. The purpose of this study was to know the prevalence of the C sign among patients with TCC and its relationship to the presence of a TCC or to hindfoot alignment. METHODS: Retrospective reviews of the presence of C sign in radiographs of 88 feet with TCC (proved by computed tomography scan or surgical findings) and 260 flexible flatfeet were conducted. C sign was classified as complete and interrupted (types A, B, and C). The interobserver variability of the C sign was studied. Seven radiographic parameters were measured to analyze the relationship of these measurements with the presence or absence of the C sign. RESULTS: C sign was present in 68 feet (77%) with TCC: 14.5% complete and 62.5% interrupted (26% type A, 19.5% type B, and 17% type C). C sign was present in 116 flatfeet (45%), all of them interrupted (0.4% type A, 5.5% type B, and 39% type C). The talo-first metatarsal angle, the talohorizontal angle, the calcaneal pitch, the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle, and the naviculocuboid overlap presented a more pathologic value when a C sign was present. The κ-value for the presence of a C sign was 0.663. CONCLUSIONS: The so-called true C sign (complete or interrupted type A) indicates the presence of a TCC and it is not related to flatfoot deformity. However, it is only present in 41% of the cases. The interrupted C sign is much more likely to be related to flatfoot deformity than to the presence of a TCC, specifically when a type C is found. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Study level I.

Stair falls: caregiver's "missed step" as a source of childhood fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe fractures sustained by children and to analyze the associated costs when a caretaker falls down stairs while holding a child. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2012, 16 children who sustained a fracture after a fall down stairs while being carried by a caregiver were identified. Parents/caregivers were interviewed to see how the fall occurred, and a cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 14.5 months (7-51 months). The lower extremity was involved in 15 of 16 fractures, with 8 involving the femur. The majority were buckle fractures, but all diaphyseal femur fractures were spiral. Three patients required a reduction in the operating room. All fractures healed with cast immobilization. Five patients underwent skeletal surveys, as the treating physicians were concerned about potential child abuse. The average cost of treatment was $6785 (range $948-45,876). Detailed histories from the caregivers showed that they "missed a step" due to the child being carried in front of the caregiver, obscuring their vision. CONCLUSIONS: A fall in a caregiver's arms while going down stairs can result in multiple orthopedic injuries. The costs of treating these injuries are not insignificant, and the suspicion of child abuse can be both costly and unnecessary in the case of a true accident. While descending the stairs with a child in their arms, the caregiver should hold the child to the side so as not to obscure their vision of the step with one arm, ideally holding the handrail with the other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV case series.

Treatment of talocalcaneal coalitions.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of patients treated for symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition with resection and interposition of fat graft. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition over a 13-year period. Ninety-three feet were treated with excision and fat graft interposition by 6 surgeons. All patients underwent a chart review. Patient's outcome was assessed at the last follow-up using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot scale. Postoperative computed tomography scans were available for 20 feet. RESULTS: Forty-nine feet had follow-up of at least 12 months and had a score obtained through the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot scale. At an average of 42.6 months of follow-up, the average score obtained was 90/100 (excellent). The postoperative computed tomography scans demonstrated 1 recurrence (3%), which was treated with repeat excision. An additional patient was reoperated for failure to excise the coalition completely. Eleven patients (34%) underwent a subsequent surgery to correct the alignment of the foot. To the best of our knowledge, none of the patients excluded because of short follow-up had repeat surgery or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition can be treated with excision and fat graft interposition, and achieve good to excellent results in 85% of patients. Patients should be counseled that a subset may require further surgery to correct malalignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Intraoperative measurement of mounting parameters for the Taylor Spatial Frame.

The Taylor Spatial Frame (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) is a powerful tool in providing gradual correction of deformity. The Taylor Spatial Frame has the potential to allow for very accurate corrections achieved over one or more schedules through the use of the software on www.spatialframe.com. The accuracy of the frame is contingent upon the input of precise parameters. The correction occurs about a virtual hinge in space called the origin. The location of the origin is defined by its spatial relationship to the reference ring. Mounting parameters are the measurements that define the location of the origin (virtual hinge). We present a simple practical method for obtaining mounting parameters during surgery using standard equipment.

Late surgical results of reattachment to bone in repair of chronic lateral epicondylitis.

All cases of lateral epicondylitis surgically treated in Dr. Pruzansky's office practice between October 1986 and December 2005 yielded 24 elbows for this study. Patients were treated with surgical débridement and direct repair to bone through bone tunnels (18 elbows), repair with suture anchors (3 elbows), or augmentation with autologous tendon graft and reattachment to bone via suture anchors (3 elbows). This series represents the earliest reattachment cases to be reported, and with the longest follow-up. Mean follow-up (both telephone and office interviews) was 64.7 months. All patients reported satisfaction and graded their outcomes as good or excellent. Mean time to full painless preinjury level of use of the elbow was 4.3 months for patients who underwent simple repair and 2.75 months for patients repaired with a graft. Surgical reattachment of the débrided extensor tendon of origin of the elbow to bone, either directly or with autologous tendon graft, provided pain relief and return to preinjury level of function in a predictable manner. Both primary repair and tendon graft procedures can be used in primary and salvage surgeries in tennis elbow cases in which conservative treatment fails.

Ethics in practice. Terminating the physician-patient relationship.

A.G. is a thirty-six-year-old reading teacher who presented to an orthopaedic surgeon with patellofemoral pain. After an appropriate evaluation, the physician suggested a course of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. The patient asked for and received time off from her work, stating that her job required her to climb stairs. At multiple follow-up visits, A.G. was found to be poorly compliant with physical therapy and home-exercise programs. Her only interest appeared to be in securing the doctor's letter of support for an extended medical leave. At each visit, she demanded that the physician write a letter stating that she was unable to work as a reading teacher due to knee pain. At one point, she became belligerent with the medical office staff when the letter was not prepared. When her physician tried to elicit information about whether there were any unaddressed obstacles to rehabilitation treatment, A.G. did not answer the questions. Instead, she explained that her job required her to climb stairs and that she was unable to return to work because of the continued knee pain. The physician explained that, on the basis of his examination and assessment, he expected that her pain would improve if she complied with the treatment plan. After multiple visits, the orthopaedic surgeon counseled the patient that he did not see that his attempts to help her were providing any benefit and that perhaps it would be best for her to seek help from another physician. A.G. replied that she did not want to start going to another doctor. She stated emphatically that he was her doctor, that she was paying him, and that she wanted a letter saying that she should be granted an extended medical leave from work because of her inability to climb stairs. After this encounter, the surgeon thought it best to terminate the professional relationship.

End-to-side nerve grafting of the tibial nerve to bridge a neuroma-in-continuity.

Standard treatment for a neuroma-in-continuity with partial retained function is neurolysis with or without grafting. The present study tests the outcome of a novel partial nerve lesion bypassed with an end-to-side bridge graft, intended to increase the number of axons crossing the defect while not disturbing intact axons. An 8-mm portion of tibial nerve was resected in 20 rats. Three weeks later, half had the defect repaired with an end-to-side bridge allograft and perineurial windows; controls had only neurolysis. Recovery was evaluated using walking-track analysis, allodynia testing, muscle weight ratios, and histology at 8 weeks. No significant differences in motor or sensory functional recovery were noted between the two groups. Histology showed good axonal regeneration through the defect in all specimens. The experimental group also had regenerated axons in the bridge graft, but their maturity was less advanced, presumably due to delays in regeneration.