Resolving residual acetabular dysplasia following successful brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

Aims: Radiological residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) has been reported in up to 30% of children who had successful brace treatment of infant developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Predicting those who will resolve and those who may need corrective surgery is important to optimize follow-up protocols. In this study we have aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of RAD at two years and five years post-bracing. Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants with DDH managed using a published, standardized Pavlik harness protocol between January 2012 and December 2016. RAD was measured at two years' mean follow-up using acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L) and acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), and at five years using AI-L, AI-S, centre-edge angle (CEA), and acetabular depth ratio (ADR). Each hip was classified based on published normative values for normal, borderline (1 to 2 standard deviations (SDs)), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on sex, age, and laterality. Results: Of 202 infants who completed the protocol, 181 (90%) had two and five years' follow-up radiographs. At two years, in 304 initially pathological hips, the prevalence of RAD (dysplastic) was 10% and RAD (borderline) was 30%. At five years, RAD (dysplastic) decreased to 1% to 3% and RAD (borderline) decreased to < 1% to 2%. On logistic regression, no variables were predictive of RAD at two years. Only AI-L at two years was predictive of RAD at five years (p < 0.001). If both hips were normal at two years' follow-up (n = 96), all remained normal at five years. In those with bilateral borderline hips at two years (n = 21), only two were borderline at five years, none were dysplastic. In those with either borderline-dysplastic or bilateral dysplasia at two years (n = 26), three (12%) were dysplastic at five years. Conclusion: The majority of patients with RAD at two years post-brace treatment, spontaneously resolved by five years. Therefore, children with normal radiographs at two years post-brace treatment can be discharged. Targeted follow-up for those with abnormal AI-L at two years will identify the few who may benefit from surgical correction at five years' follow-up.

Intraoperative 3D Fluoroscopy During Open Reduction for DDH: An Effective Alternative to Postoperative CT/MRI.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the most used imaging modality to assess hip reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after open reduction (OR). In 2015, intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy (3D) was introduced at our center as an alternative to CT/MRI. 3D offers the advantage that if hip reduction is insufficient, it can be addressed at the time of surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of 3D in comparison to CT/MRI. METHODS: This was a single-centre, retrospective comparative study of two consecutive cohorts: those with OR and 3D between 2015 and 2017 and those with OR and CT/MRI between 2012 and 2014. Time to imaging, re-imaging, length of stay (LOS), re-operation, and redislocation or subluxation after cast removal were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (46 hips) had 3D, and 30 patients (32 hips) had CT/MRI. Significant differences were found between groups in time to imaging, cast changes, and LOS. All 3D was intraoperative (46 hips), and only 69% (22 hips) of CT/MRI was on the day of surgery (P<0.01). In the 3D group, 1 hip (2%) had a cast change under the same anesthetic, and 4 hips (13%) from CT/MRI had cast changes in subsequent surgery (P=0.03). The mean LOS in days for 3D was 1.72 and 2.20 for CT/MRI (P=0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in further imaging and subluxations or re-dislocations at cast removal. Two hips (4%) in the 3D group had MRI, but with no further intervention (P=0.51), and at cast removal, there were 3 subluxations in each group (P=0.69) and 1 redislocation in the 3D group (P=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative 3D improved time to imaging, allowed for cast changes at surgery and had a shorter LOS. Moreover, there were no significant differences found in adverse outcomes between those who underwent 3D versus CT/MRI. 3D should thus be considered an effective alternative to CT/MRI for assessing hip reduction during OR for DDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Study, level II.

The impact of public health lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of children's orthopedic injuries requiring operative intervention.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, Ontario instituted a lockdown to reduce spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Schools, recreational facilities, and nonessential businesses were closed. Restrictions were eased through 3 distinct stages over a 6-month period (March to September 2020). We aimed to determine the impact of each stage of the COVID-19 public health lockdown on the epidemiology of operative pediatric orthopedic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing emergency department (ED) visits for orthopedic injuries and operatively treated orthopedic injuries at a level 1 pediatric trauma centre during each lockdown stage of the pandemic with caseloads during the same date ranges in 2019 (prepandemic). Further analyses were based on patients' demographic characteristics, injury severity, mechanism of injury, and anatomic location of injury. RESULTS: Compared with the prepandemic period, ED visits decreased by 20% (1356 v. 1698, p < 0.001) and operative cases by 29% (262 v. 371, p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the number of operative cases per day in stage 1 of the lockdown (1.3 v. 2.0, p < 0.001) and in stage 2 (1.7 v. 3.0; p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in stage 3 (2.4 v. 2.2, p = 0.35). A significant reduction in the number of playground injuries was seen in stage 1 (1 v. 62, p < 0.001) and stage 2 (6 v. 35, p < 0.001), and there was an increase in the number of self-propelled transit injuries (31 v. 10, p = 0.002) during stage 1. In stage 3, all patient demographic characteristics and all characteristics of operatively treated injuries resumed their prepandemic distributions. CONCLUSION: Provincial lockdown measures designed to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 significantly altered the volume and demographic characteristics of pediatric orthopedic injuries that required operative management. The findings from this study will serve to inform health system planning for future emergency lockdowns.

A comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

Aims: Brace treatment is the cornerstone of managing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), yet there is a lack of evidence-based treatment protocols, which results in wide variations in practice. To resolve this, we have developed a comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol conforming to published consensus principles, with well-defined a priori criteria for inclusion and successful treatment. Methods: This was a single-centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of a consecutive series of infants with ultrasound-confirmed DDH who underwent a comprehensive nonoperative brace management protocol in a unified multidisciplinary clinic between January 2012 and December 2016 with five-year follow-up radiographs. The radiological outcomes were acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L), acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), centre-edge angle (CEA), acetabular depth ratio (ADR), International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade, and evidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). At five years, each hip was classified as normal (< 1 SD), borderline dysplastic (1 to 2 SDs), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on validated radiological norm-referenced values. Results: Of 993 infants assessed clinically and sonographically, 21% (212 infants, 354 abnormal hips) had DDH and were included. Of these, 95% (202 infants, 335 hips) successfully completed bracing, and 5% (ten infants, 19 hips) failed bracing due to irreducible hip(s). The success rate of bracing for unilateral dislocations was 88% (45/51 infants) and for bilateral dislocations 83% (20/24 infants). The femoral nerve palsy rate was 1% (2/212 infants). At five-year follow-up (mean 63 months (SD 5.9; 49 to 83)) the prevalence of residual dysplasia after successful brace treatment was 1.6% (5/312 hips). All hips were IHDI grade I and none had AVN. Four children (4/186; 2%) subsequently underwent surgery for residual dysplasia. Conclusion: Our comprehensive protocol for nonoperative treatment of infant DDH has shown high rates of success and extremely low rates of residual dysplasia at a mean age of five years.

The true pelvic volume change with various corrective osteotomy techniques for exstrophy-epispadias complex spectrum: the value of computer-assisted virtual surgery.

Pelvic osteotomies are essential to approximate widened symphysis pubis in the exstrophy-epispadias complex, yet it is unknown which osteotomy type has the greatest effect on pelvic volume. We therefore used virtual surgery to study pelvic volume change with anterior, oblique, and posterior iliac osteotomies. Preoperative CT scans of two cloacal and one classic bladder exstrophy patients were used. Simulations were free-hand or constrained to keep minimal strain in the sacrospinous SSL and sacrotuberous STL ligaments. Changes in inter-pubic distance, pelvic volume, SSL and STL strains were measured. Mean pelvic volume decreased by 10% with free hand compared to 23% with constrained simulations (P = 0.171) and decreased by 7% with posterior, 17% with diagonal and 26% with horizontal osteotomies (P = 0.193). SSL and STL were strained by 20% and 26%, respectively, with free-hand simulations. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between the decrease in inter-pubic distance and reduction in pelvic volume (r = 0.6, P = 0.004). Mean pelvic volume decreased 0.05, 0.37 and 0.62% for each mm of pubic symphysis approximation with posterior, diagonal and horizontal osteotomies, respectively. Differences in effect on pelvic volume were identified between the osteotomies using virtual surgery which predicted residual diastasis in actual cloacal exstrophy surgical reconstructions. Oblique osteotomies are a compromise, avoiding difficulties with posterior osteotomies and excessive pelvic volume reduction with horizontal osteotomies. Understanding how osteotomy type affects pelvic morphology with virtual surgery may be an effective adjunct to pre-operative planning in exstrophy spectrum.

Testing of an Ultrasound-Limited Imaging Protocol for Pavlik harness Supervision (TULIPPS) in developmental dysplasia of the hip: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: There is no consensus regarding optimum timing and frequency of ultrasound (US) for monitoring response to Pavlik harness (PH) treatment in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of our study was to determine if a limited-frequency hip US assessment had an adverse effect on treatment outcomes compared to traditional comprehensive US monitoring. METHODS: This study was a single-centre noninferiority randomized controlled trial. Infants aged under six months whose hips were reduced and centred in the harness at initiation of treatment (stable dysplastic or subluxable), or initially decentred (subluxated or dislocated) but reduced and centred within four weeks of PH treatment, were randomized to our current standard US monitoring protocol (every clinic visit) or to a limited-frequency US protocol (US only at end of treatment). Groups were compared based on α angle and femoral head coverage at the end of PH treatment, acetabular indices, and International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade on one-year follow-up radiographs. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients were included; 42 patients completed the standard protocol (SP) and 40 completed the limited protocol (LP). There was no significant difference in mean right α angle at the end of treatment (SP 70.0° (SD 3.2°) ; LP 68.7° (SD 2.9°); p = 0.033), nor on the left (SP 69.0° (SD 3.5°); LP 68.1° (SD 3.3°); p = 0.128). There was no significant difference in mean right acetabular index at follow-up (SP 23.1° (SD 4.3°); LP 22.0° (SD 4.1°); p = 0.129), nor on the left (SP 23.3° (SD 4.2°); LP 22.8° (SD 3.9°); p = 0.284). All hips had femoral head coverage of > 50% at end of treatment, and all were IHDI grade 1 at follow-up. In addition, the LP group underwent a 60% reduction in US use once stable. CONCLUSION: Our study supports reducing the frequency of US assessment during PH treatment of DDH once a hip is reduced and centred.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1081-1088.

Prolonged Brace Treatment Does Not Result in Improved Acetabular Indices in Infantile Dislocated Hips.

BACKGROUND: The Pavlik harness (PH) is commonly used to treat infantile dislocated hips. However, significant variability exists in the duration of brace treatment after successful reduction of the dislocated hip. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of prescribed time in brace on acetabular index (AI) at two years of age using a prospective, international, multicenter database. METHODS: We retrospectively studied prospectively enrolled infants with at least 1 dislocated hip that were initially treated with a PH and had a recorded AI at 2-year follow-up. Subjects were treated at 1 of 2 institutions. Institution 1 used the PH until they observed normal radiographic acetabular development. Institution 2 followed a structured shorter brace treatment protocol. Hip dislocation was defined as <30% femoral head coverage at rest on the pretreatment ultrasound or International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade III or IV on the pretreatment radiograph. RESULTS: Fifty-three hips met our inclusion criteria. Hips from Institution 1 were treated with a brace ×3 longer than hips from institution 2 (adjusted mean 8.9±1.3 vs. 2.6±0.2 mo) (P<0.001). Institution 1 had an 88% success rate and institution 2 had an 85% success rate at achieving hip reduction (P=0.735). At 2-year follow-up, we observed no significant difference in AI between Institution 1 (adjusted mean 25.6±0.9 degrees) compared with Institution 2 (adjusted mean 23.5±0.8 degrees) (P=0.1). However, 19% of patients from Institution 1 and 44% of patients from Institution 2 were at or below the 50th percentile of previously published age-matched and sex-matched AI normal data (P=0.049). Also, 27% (7/26) of hips from Institution 1 had significant acetabular dysplasia (more than 2 SD from the mean), compared with a 22% (6/27) from Institution 2 (P=0.691). We found no correlation between age at initiation of bracing and AI at 2-year follow-up (P=0.071). CONCLUSIONS: The PH brace can successfully treat dislocated infant hips, however, prolonged brace treatment was not found to result in improved acetabular development at 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Femoral Lengthening in Children: A Comparison of Motorized Intramedullary Nailing Versus External Fixation Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Femoral lengthening is associated with high complication rates often related to the type of surgical device used to perform the lengthening. The advent of intramedullary lengthening devices has promised a reduction in complications when compared with external fixation systems. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of femoral lengthening in children using a motorized intramedullary nail (Precice) versus an external fixation system (Taylor Spatial Frame-TSF; or Monolateral Rail System-MRS) at a single institution, single surgeon practice. METHODS: This study is a retrospective comparison of pediatric patients who had previously undergone femoral lengthening (±deformity correction). Patients ages 8 to 18 years of age were included and grouped based on whether they had undergone Precice nailing or external fixation (TSF or MRS) between 2010 and 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (32 femurs) were included. Thirteen patients (15 femurs) had undergone Precice nailing and 14 patients (17 femurs) had undergone external fixation. The Precice group had significantly fewer problems, obstacles, and complications than the external fixation group, Precice 6.6%, 0%, 0%, respectively, and external fixation 47.1%, 29.4%, 0% respectively (P<0.01). Unplanned return to the operating room occurred in 4 cases, solely in the external fixation group. There were no differences in percentage of goal length achieved, Precice (mean 93.6%, range: 66.7% to 114.3%), external fixation (mean 96%, range: 76.9% to 117.5%) P=0.31 and total length achieved, Precice (mean: 44 mm, range: 20 to 80 mm), external fixation (mean: 46 mm, range: 10 to 70 mm) P=0.72. There was no difference in consolidation index, Precice (24.1 d/cm), external fixation (28.5 d/cm) P=0.36. The Precice group had a significantly shorter length of stay (mean: 2.2 d, range: 1 to 4 d), compared with the external fixation group (mean: 3.7 d, range: 2 to 8), P=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral lengthening in children using a motorized intramedullary nail was associated with a markedly reduced rate of complications and shorter length of stay compared with external fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability in the Salter Classification of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a concerning complication that can result from treatments for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). AVN can lead to degenerative osteoarthritis, persistent acetabular dysplasia, reduced function, and continuing hip pain. The incidence of AVN reported in the DDH literature is widely varied (0% to 73%). This variability may arise from lack of consensus on what constitutes true AVN in this patient population, and lack of clear criteria provided in studies reporting incidence rates. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective database of infants diagnosed with DDH between 2010 and 2014 from 0 to 18 months of age was analyzed for patients treated by closed reduction (CR). Twelve pediatric orthopaedic surgeons completed 2 rounds of AVN assessments. Deidentified anteroposterior radiographs at most recent follow-up were provided to surgeons along with patient age at radiographic assessment, length of follow-up, ands affected hip. Ten of 12 surgeons completed a third round of assessments where they were provided with 1 to 2 additional radiographs within the follow-up period. Radiographic criteria for total AVN described by Salter and colleagues were used. Surgeons rated the presence of AVN as "yes" or "no" and kappa values were calculated within and between rounds. RESULTS: A total of 69 hips in 60 patients were assessed for AVN a median of 22 months (range: 12 to 36) post-CR. Interobserver kappa values for rounds 1, 2, and 3 were 0.52 (range: 0.11 to 0.90), 0.61 (range: 0.21 to 0.90), and 0.53 (range: 0.10 to 0.79), respectively. Intraobserver agreement for AVN diagnosis was an average of 0.72 (range: 0.31 to 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Despite using the most commonly referenced diagnostic criteria, radiographic diagnosis of AVN following CR in DDH patients demonstrated only moderate agreement across surgeons. The addition of sequential radiographs did not improve cross-observer reliability, and while substantial agreement was seen within observers, the range of intraobserver kappa values was large. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I-diagnostic study.

The Boltysh impact structure: An early Danian impact event during recovery from the K-Pg mass extinction.

Both the Chicxulub and Boltysh impact events are associated with the K-Pg boundary. While Chicxulub is firmly linked to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, the temporal relationship of the ~24-km-diameter Boltysh impact to these events is uncertain, although it is thought to have occurred 2 to 5 ka before the mass extinction. Here, we conduct the first direct geochronological comparison of Boltysh to the K-Pg boundary. Our 40Ar/39Ar age of 65.39 ± 0.14/0.16 Ma shows that the impact occurred ~0.65 Ma after the mass extinction. At that time, the climate was recovering from the effects of the Chicxulub impact and Deccan trap flood volcanism. This age shows that Boltysh has a close temporal association with the Lower C29n hyperthermal recorded by global sediment archives and in the Boltysh crater lake sediments. The temporal coincidence raises the possibility that even a small impact event could disrupt recovery of the Earth system from catastrophic events.

The Gait Outcomes Assessment List for Children With Lower Limb Difference (GOAL-LD): Assessment of Reliability and Validity.

BACKGROUND: The Gait Outcomes Assessment List for children with Lower Limb Difference (GOAL-LD) is a patient and parent-reported outcome measure that incorporates the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluates the validity and reliability of the GOAL-LD and the differences between parent and adolescent report. METHOD: One hundred thirty-seven pediatric patients aged over 5 years attending limb reconstruction clinics at the participating sites were assessed at baseline, and a self-selected cohort also completed an assessment 2 to 6 weeks later. Construct and criterion validity were assessed by comparing GOAL-LD scores with a measure of limb deformity complexity (LLRS-AIM) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument, using Spearman correlation coefficients. Face and content validity were determined through ratings of item importance. Test-retest reliability was reported as an intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency using Cronbach α. Adolescent reports were compared with their parents using paired t tests. RESULTS: The GOAL-LD demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with the LLRS-AIM (r=-0.40, P<0.001) and was able to discriminate between deformity complexity groups as defined by the LLRS-AIM (χ2=11.43, P=0.022). Internal consistency was high across all domains (α≥0.68 to 0.97). Like domains of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument and the GOAL-LD were well correlated. Parents reported a lower total GOAL-LD score when compared with adolescents (mean difference 3.04; SE 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-5.16; P<0.01); however this difference was only significant for body image and self-esteem (Domain F) and gait appearance (Domain D). Test-retest reliability remained high over the study period (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.85; SE 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The GOAL-LD is a valid and reliable self and parent-reported outcome measure for children with lower limb difference. Parents report a lower level of function and attribute a higher importance to items when compared with their children. The GOAL-LD helps to communicate parent and child perspectives on their function and priorities and therefore has the capacity to facilitate family centered treatment planning and care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-diagnostic. Prospective cross-sectional and a longitudinal cohort design.

The lateral edge and sourcil acetabular indices for surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

PURPOSE: The acetabular index (AI) is a radiographic measure that guides surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Two AI measurement methods are described; to the lateral edge of the acetabulum (AI-L) and to the lateral edge of the sourcil (AI-S). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between AI-L and AI-S on the diagnosis and degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH. METHODS: A total of 35 patients treated for DDH with Pavlik harness were identified. The AI-L and AI-S were measured on radiographs (70 hips) at two and five years of age. AI-L and AI-S were then transformed relative to published normative data (tAI-L and tAI-S). Bland-Altman plots, linear regression and heat mapping were used to evaluate the agreement between tAI-L and tAI-S. RESULTS: There was poor agreement between tAI-S and tAI-L on the Bland-Altman plots with wide limits of agreement and no proportional bias. The two AI measurements were in agreement as to the presence and severity of dysplasia in only 63% of hips at two years of age and 81% at five years of age, leaving the remaining hips classified as various combinations of normal, mildly and severely dysplastic. CONCLUSION: AI-L and AI-S have poor agreement on the presence or degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH and cannot be used interchangeably. Clinicians are cautioned to prudently evaluate both measures of AI in surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Closed Reduction for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Early-term Results From a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction (CR) is a common treatment for infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip. The purpose of this observational, prospective, multicenter study was to determine the early outcomes following CR. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from an international multicenter study group was analyzed for patients treated from 2010 to 2014. Baseline demographics, clinical exam, radiographic/ultrasonographic data, and history of previous orthotic treatment were assessed. At minimum 1-year follow-up, failure was defined as an IHDI grade 3 or 4 hip and/or need for open reduction. The incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN), residual dysplasia, and need for further surgery was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients undergoing CR for 87 hips were evaluated with a median age at initial reduction of 8 months (range, 1 to 20 mo). Of these, 8 hips (9%) were unable to be closed reduced initially. At most recent follow-up (median 22 mo; range, 12 to 36 mo), 72/79 initially successful CRs (91%) remained stable. The likelihood of failure was unaffected by initial clinical reducibility of the hip (P=0.434), age at initial CR (P=0.897), or previous treatment in brace (P=0.222). Excluding those hips that failed initial CR, 18/72 hips (25%) developed AVN, and the risk of osteonecrosis was unaffected by prereduction reducibility of the hip (P=0.586), age at CR (P=0.745), presence of an ossific nucleus (P=0.496), or previous treatment in brace (P=0.662). Mean acetabular index on most recent radiographs was 25 degrees (±6 degrees), and was also unaffected by any of the above variables. During the follow-up period, 8/72 successfully closed reduced hips (11%) underwent acetabular and/or femoral osteotomy for residual dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Following an initially successful CR, 9% of hips failed reduction and 25% developed radiographic AVN at early-term follow-up. History of femoral head reducibility, previous orthotic bracing, and age at CR did not correlate with success or chances of developing AVN. Further follow-up of this prospective, multicenter cohort will be necessary to establish definitive success and complication rates following CR for infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prospective observational cohort.

Rehabilitation post-distraction osteogenesis for brachymetacarpia: a case report.

Distraction osteogenesis for brachymetacarpia has been described in several small case series and single case reports, but the rehabilitation required to optimize outcomes has not been reported. We present a case report describing the hand rehabilitation program of a 13-year-old girl with congenital brachymetacarpia who underwent distraction osteogenesis of the third metacarpal. Intense weekly hand therapy including desensitization, scar massage, range of motion exercises and splinting was essential up to 28 weeks postoperatively to address the progressive changes in the anatomical structures. At final follow-up, she had full active range of motion, no functional deficits in grasp or in-hand manipulation skills and resumed her participation in competitive baton twirling. Patient and family satisfaction with outcome was high. However, better education regarding the progressive symptoms with distraction and daily challenges of wearing an external fixator would have improved the overall experience. With a strong family commitment to rehabilitation and thorough patient education, distraction osteogenesis for brachymetacarpia has the potential to improve functional and aesthetic outcome in the hand. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Avascular necrosis following closed reduction for treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a significant and potentially devastating complication following the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The reported rate of AVN following closed reduction for DDH ranges from 4 to 60%, and the resultant influence on hip development remains unclear. PURPOSE: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of AVN after more than 5 years of follow-up in children that underwent closed reduction at younger than 2-years of age for DDH. METHODS: The search strategy was formulated with key-concepts and keywords identified using the patient problem, intervention, comparison and outcome process. Searches were undertaken using Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science up to and including May, 2016 to identify potential studies. RESULTS: A total of seven papers met the a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria of this review. The overall rate of significant AVN in 441 patients (538 hips) was 10% at a mean length of follow-up of 7.6 years (5-18.8) following closed reduction. This finding can be used to inform the feasibility of future intervention studies, and act as a baseline for which surgeons to compare their results to a 'standard'.

Evaluation of Brace Treatment for Infant Hip Dislocation in a Prospective Cohort: Defining the Success Rate and Variables Associated with Failure.

BACKGROUND: The use of a brace has been shown to be an effective treatment for hip dislocation in infants; however, previous studies of such treatment have been single-center or retrospective. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the success rate for brace use in the treatment of infant hip dislocation in an international, multicenter, prospective cohort, and to identify the variables associated with brace failure. METHODS: All dislocations were verified with use of ultrasound or radiography prior to the initiation of treatment, and patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 18 months. Successful treatment was defined as the use of a brace that resulted in a clinically and radiographically reduced hip, without surgical intervention. The Mann-Whitney test, chi-square analysis, and Fisher exact test were used to identify risk factors for brace failure. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the probability of brace failure according to the risk factors identified. RESULTS: Brace treatment was successful in 162 (79%) of the 204 dislocated hips in this series. Six variables were found to be significant risk factors for failure: developing femoral nerve palsy during brace treatment (p = 0.001), treatment with a static brace (p < 0.001), an initially irreducible hip (p < 0.001), treatment initiated after the age of 7 weeks (p = 0.005), a right hip dislocation (p = 0.006), and a Graf-IV hip (p = 0.02). Hips with no risk factors had a 3% probability of failure, whereas hips with 4 or 5 risk factors had a 100% probability of failure. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide valuable information for patient families and their providers regarding the important variables that influence successful brace treatment for dislocated hips in infants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Education of parents in Pavlik harness application for developmental dysplasia of the hip using a validated simulated learning module.

BACKGROUND: The Pavlik harness is the most common initial treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip worldwide. During treatment, parents are required to re-apply the harness at home. Teaching parents how to apply the harness is therefore paramount to success. While simulated learning for medical training is commonplace, it has not yet been trialed in teaching parents how to apply a Pavlik harness. METHODS: A group of parents underwent a simulated learning module for Pavlik harness application. Parents were evaluated pre- and post-exposure and at one month after testing. A validated objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) and a global rating scale (GRS) specific to Pavlik harness application were used for evaluation. A control group of parents was also tested at both time points. A clinical expert group was used to determine competency. ANOVA and t tests were used to assess differences between groups and over time. RESULTS: Parent scores on the OSATS improved to the level of expert clinicians both immediately post-intervention and at retention testing. However, on the GRS, only half were considered competent due to their inability to achieve the required hip positions. The control group did not improve nor were they considered competent. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a simulated learning module improves both the confidence and skill level of parents in the application of the Pavlik harness. However, the challenges parents face in understanding the more detailed subtleties of medical care suggest that they still require an appropriate level of supervision by clinicians to ensure effective treatment.

Skill Acquisition and Retention Following Simulation-Based Training in Pavlik Harness Application.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based learning is increasingly prevalent in many surgical training programs, as medical education moves toward competency-based curricula. In orthopaedic surgery, developmental dysplasia of the hip is a commonly treated condition, where the standard of care for patients less than six months of age is an orthotic device such as the Pavlik harness. However, despite widespread use of the Pavlik harness and the potential complications that may arise from inappropriate application, we know of no previously described formal training curriculum for Pavlik harness application. METHODS: We developed a video and model-based simulation learning module for Pavlik harness application. Two novice groups (residents and allied health professionals) were exposed to the module and, at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and retention testing, were evaluated on their ability to apply a Pavlik harness to the model. Evaluations were completed using a previously validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and a global rating scale (GRS) specific to Pavlik harness application. A control group that did not undergo the module was also evaluated at two time points to determine if exposure to the Pavlik harness alone would affect skill acquisition. All groups were compared with a group of clinical experts, whose scores were used as a competency benchmark. Statistical analysis of skill acquisition and retention was conducted using t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Exposure to the learning module improved resident and allied health professionals' competency in applying a Pavlik harness (p < 0.05) to the level of the expert clinicians, and this level of competency was retained one month after exposure to the module. Control subjects who were not exposed to the module did not improve, nor did they achieve competency. CONCLUSIONS: The simulation-based learning module was shown to be an effective tool for teaching the application of a Pavlik harness, and learners demonstrated retainable skills post-intervention. This learning module can form the cornerstone of formal teaching of Pavlik harness application for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Long-term outcome following medial open reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a serious complication of treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip. There is ongoing controversy regarding AVN and its influence on hip development following medial open reduction (MOR). PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to (1) determine the long-term prevalence of AVN following MOR, (2) evaluate hip development after MOR, and (3) identify predictors of AVN and radiographic outcome at skeletal maturity after MOR. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of 60 patients (70 hips) who underwent MOR with a mean follow-up of 10.83 years (5.23-16.74) was conducted. AVN was recorded according to Bucholz and Ogden classification and radiographic outcome based on Severin grading. AVN and hip morphology related to length of follow-up were evaluated. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to identify relationships between AVN and other variables. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of AVN and Severin outcome. RESULTS: The rate of clinically significant AVN (types 2-4) following MOR was 32.9 % with type 2 accounting for 82.6 % of these cases. While early acetabular development was satisfactory, long-term outcome was unsatisfactory in 26 % of cases with AVN (vs 8.7 % of cases without AVN). A higher rate of AVN was identified when hips were immobilized in ≥60° of abduction postoperatively. A higher rate of poor Severin outcome was identified in hips with AVN. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there is a high rate of AVN and unsatisfactory long-term outcome following MOR. AVN remains a significant concern following MOR surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip that may not be apparent until long-term evaluation.

What Is the Impact of Center Variability in a Multicenter International Prospective Observational Study on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

BACKGROUND: Little information exists concerning the variability of presentation and differences in treatment methods for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children < 18 months. The inherent advantages of prospective multicenter studies are well documented, but data from different centers may differ in terms of important variables such as patient demographics, diagnoses, and treatment or management decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in baseline data among the nine centers in five countries affiliated with the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to establish the need to consider the center as a key variable in multicenter studies. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How do patient demographics differ across participating centers at presentation? (2) How do patient diagnoses (severity and laterality) differ across centers? (3) How do initial treatment approaches differ across participating centers? METHODS: A multicenter prospective hip dysplasia study database was analyzed from 2010 to April 2015. Patients younger than 6 months of age at diagnosis were included if at least one hip was completely dislocated, whereas patients between 6 and 18 months of age at diagnosis were included with any form of DDH. Participating centers (academic, urban, tertiary care hospitals) span five countries across three continents. Baseline data (patient demographics, diagnosis, swaddling history, baseline International Hip Dysplasia Institute classification, and initial treatment) were compared among all nine centers. A total of 496 patients were enrolled with site enrolment ranging from 10 to 117. The proportion of eligible patients who were enrolled and followed at the nine participating centers was 98%. Patient enrollment rates were similar across all sites, and data collection/completeness for relevant variables at initial presentation was comparable. RESULTS: In total, 83% of all patients were female (410 of 496), and the median age at presentation was 2.2 months (range, 0-18 months). Breech presentation occurred more often in younger (< 6 months) than in older (6-18 months at diagnosis) patients (30% [96 of 318] versus 9% [15 of 161]; odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-7.5; p < 0.001). The Australia site was underrepresented in breech presentation in comparison to the other centers (8% [five of 66] versus 23% [111 of 479]; OR, 0.3, 95% CI, 0.1-0.7; p = 0.034). The largest diagnostic category was < 6 months, dislocated reducible (51% [253 of 496 patients]); however, the Australia and Boston sites had more irreducible dislocations compared with the other sites (ORs, 2.1 and 1.9; 95% CIs, 1.2-3.6 and 1.1-3.4; p = 0.02 and 0.015, respectively). Bilaterality was seen less often in older compared with younger patients (8% [seven of 93] versus 26% [85 of 328]; p < 0.001). The most common diagnostic group was Grade 3 (by International Hip Dysplasia Institute classification), which included 58% (51 of 88) of all classified dislocated hips. Splintage was the primary initial treatment of choice at 80% (395 of 496), but was far more likely in younger compared with older patients (94% [309 of 328] versus 18% [17 of 93]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With the lack of strong prognostic indicators for DDH identified to date, the center is an important variable to include as a potential predictor of treatment success or failure.