The Coexistence of Spontaneous Femoral Nerve Palsy and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in a Breech-Presenting Newborn: A Rare Case Presentation.

CASE: In this report, we present an infant who was diagnosed with femoral nerve palsy (FNP) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) on the same side after delivery. The patient was treated with hip alternative abduction orthosis, which did not force hip flexion with satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: FNP in newborns with DDH is usually described as a possible complication of the Pavlik harness treatment. However, there is only one report that presents 2 cases. Our objective is to raise awareness of this very rare condition because performing an early intervention is vital to achieving an optimal therapeutic result.

How the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting paediatric orthopaedic practice in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Changes to routine clinical approaches during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are necessary to decrease the risk of infection in patients and healthcare providers. Because the treatment of many conditions is time sensitive, it is crucial to modify the management of paediatric orthopaedic cases by minimizing any subsequent morbidity. Our purpose was to describe the different measures and management strategies that have been applied by paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and to show how paediatric orthopaedic practice is affected in Turkey. METHODS: All active practicing members of the Turkish Society of Children's Orthopedic Surgery (TSCOS) were contacted via telephone and asked to fill out a survey (24 questions). For participants, either an email or web link was sent to their mobile phones. An online survey generator was used. RESULTS: A total of 54 survey responses were collected, for a response rate of 55%. In all, 62% reported a 75% decrease in their outpatient frequency, whilst 75% reported a 75% decrease in their surgery frequency. A total of 86% of the performed surgeries were emergency cases. None of the participants performed elective surgeries, and 61% did not have the consent form specific to COVID. Choice of protective measures have changed considerably; 96% stated that they needed an algorithm to follow for situations such as pandemic. CONCLUSION: This national survey revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on paediatric orthopaedic practice and practitioner response varies in terms of reactions and precautions. The necessity of creating a protocol based on what we have learned must be taken into consideration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

The split transfer of tibialis anterior tendon to peroneus tertius tendon for equinovarus foot in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the results of the split anterior tibialis tendon transfer (SPLATT) to peroneus tertius (PT) for equinovarus foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The medical records of 25 ambulatory CP patients (mean age: 8.7±3.2 years, range: 4-16 years) with equinovarus foot (33 feet), who underwent SPLATT to PT surgery between 2014 and 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. A senior surgeon performed all the surgical procedures. SPLATT was performed as part of a single-event multilevel surgery for the lower limb, and the concomitant procedures on the same extremity were recorded. The patients who required any additional foot or ankle surgery that could affect the clinical outcome (except heel cord lengthening) were excluded from the study. The Kling's College Criteria were used to evaluate the procedural outcome of the foot position and gait, and the associated complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 28.8±5 months (range: 24-42 months). The postoperative Kling scores were excellent for 27 feet of the patients who had a plantigrade foot, without fixed or postural deformity, in a regular shoe, having no calluses; good for 5 cases for those who walked with less than 5° varus, valgus, or equinus posture of the hind foot, wearing regular shoes, having no callosities; and fair for 1 case for those who had recurrence of the deformity. There was only one wound detachment, which was treated with wound care and dressing. None of the patients had overcorrection, infection, or bone fracture. CONCLUSION: The dynamic SPLATT to PT surgery for the management of the equinovarus foot deformities in the CP patients is a safe and less complicated surgical alternative with a good functional outcome. It is a safe and effective treatment method for the management of equinovarus foot deformities in CP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Spinopelvic alignment does not change after bilateral total hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the changes in the sagittal alignment after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and whether THA would contribute to the relief of low-back pain (LBP). METHODS: A total of 27 patients (2 men and 25 women) with bilateral hip OA secondary to Crowe type-IV DDH were enrolled in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 40,36±12,35. All patients underwent simultaneous, bilateral THA between January 2015 and December 2016. Clinical assessment included Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and Harris hip score (HHS), and pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured from radiographs. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all the patients had hip and low-back pain. Preoperative and final follow-up ODI scores were 48.3 and 3.9 (p=0.000), respectively. HHS changed from 43.54 to 92.68 (p=0.000). PT and PI significantly changed from -20.4°±20.4° to 3.2°±16.7° (p=0.001) and from 26.6°±35.1° to 47.4°±17.9° (p=0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences regarding the SS and LL measurements. Age or limb-length discrepancy was not significantly associated with the spinopelvic alignment measurements. CONCLUSION: Restoring the function of the hip with THA is shown to improve hip-associated LBP, but the accompanying hyperlordosis does not change. THA in patients with bilateral Crowe type-IV hips relieves hip pain as well as associated LBP. Hyperlordosis of the lumbar vertebra does not change after surgery, but PI and PT changes are observed; this improvement might have a role in the relief of LBP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for tibial derotation osteotomies in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: Tibial derotation osteotomy can be used in the treatment of rotational deformities in case of ineffective conservative management. Our aim was to evaluate the results of the patients who underwent minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis for tibial derotation osteotomies. METHODS: Total of 16 patients (17 procedures) were included in this study. Mean age was 11.5 (3-25) years. We clinically assessed the tibial torsion by measuring the thigh-foot angle (TFA). No immobilization was used postoperatively and range of motion exercises were begun immediately. The patient was allowed weight-bearing activity, as tolerated, when callus formation was seen on the radiographs, at approximately three to four weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 27.5 months. Mean preoperative and follow up TFA were 27° of internal rotation and 3.74° of external rotation, respectively. A mean of 22.3° improvement was achieved postoperatively. There was only one wound detachment, which was accepted as a complication and healed with local wound care. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence risk and correction loss can be decreased with plate-screw fixation. Minimal invasive surgery would also decrease the risk of wound complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Surgical reconstruction of hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review the efficacy of femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) and Dega transiliac osteotomy in the treatment of hip subluxation and dislocation of cerebral palsy (CP) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 hips of 22 CP patients (9 males, 13 females; mean age 8.7 years; range 4 to 18 years) who were operated due to hip subluxation and dislocation between July 2010 and December 2015. The mean follow-up period was 36.1±10.4 months (range, 20 to 65.6 months). Femoral VDRO and Dega transiliac osteotomy were performed in all cases. None of the patients were administered cast immobilization postoperatively. Patients were evaluated clinically with gross motor function classification system preoperatively and at the follow-up period. Acetabular index (AI), migration percentage (MP), and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured and documented by pelvic radiographs taken pre- and postoperatively and at the follow-up period. Intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Gross motor function classification system scores improved in 16 patients. Mean AI was 33.2° preoperatively and 20.4° postoperatively. In preoperative period, MP and NSA were 72.7% and 160°, respectively, which improved to 24.3% and 130°, respectively, postoperatively. The postoperative improvement in AI, NSA and MP were statistically significant (p<0.001). We performed revision surgery due to implant failure in two patients and detected hip subluxation due to increased pelvic obliquity in one patient who had thoracolumbar scoliosis. CONCLUSION: In CP patients, reconstruction of hip subluxation and dislocation with femoral VDRO and Dega transiliac osteotomy establish femoroacetabular congruency. Without any cast immobilization, early physical therapy is encouraged for immediate recovery.

Surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present a treatment algorithm for the correction of the hallux valgus deformity in Cerebral Palsy (CP) patients and to discuss the outcomes based on our clinical and radiological results. METHODS: 29 patients (45 feet) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of the surgery was 14 (range 6-22) years. The mean follow-up was 33 (range 22-59) months. A reconstructive procedure was performed on 19 patients (27 feet); a soft tissue surgery and exostectomy of the bunion in six patients (11 feet); and MTP joint arthrodesis in four patients (7 feet). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and the anteroposterior intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were used for radiologic evaluation and the DuPont Bunion Rating Score was used for clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 36 (range 22-59) months in reconstructive group, 27 (range 24-29) months in soft tissue group, and 29 (range 23-41) months in MTP arthrodesis group. Significant improvements were detected in hallux valgus angle in three groups postoperatively but in soft tissue group correction loss was observed during follow up. Best results were achieved in arthrodesis group and worse in soft tissue group in terms of clinical evaluation. CONCLUSION: According to our results isolated soft tissue procedures are ineffective in CP patients. Soft tissue procedure combined with metatarsal osteotomy has satisfactory results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

What Determines the Success of Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: Severity of Malalignment, Obesity, Follow-up Period, or Age?

OBJECTIVES: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well-established procedure for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis originating from malalignment of the lower extremity. The current study was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of closed-wedge HTO for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis and to reveal factors affecting the outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with 138 patients who were operated on for medial knee osteoarthritis between 2000 and 2007 using closed-wedge HTO. Preoperative and follow-up physical examination findings, body mass index (BMI) values, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Lysholm knee scores were reviewed. Radiographic evaluation included measurement of the mechanical axis preoperatively and the most recent follow-up orthoroentgenograms. The follow-up knee scores were evaluated according to preoperative mechanical axis, obesity, age, follow-up period, and gender of the patient. The mechanical axis measurement was assessed based on obesity, age, and follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and latest follow-up mechanical axis was 4.92o±4.24o varus and 3.43o±3.74o valgus, respectively (p=0.0001). Improvement in the Lysholm (p=0.0001) and HSS (p=0.0001) knee scores was significant. The preoperative mechanical axis, obesity, follow-up period, and gender had no negative effect on the follow-up knee scores, whereas a preoperative age over 50 years had a negative effect on the follow-up knee score. Obesity and the length of the postoperative follow-up period did not have a negative effect on the postoperative mechanical axis, whereas a preoperative age over 50 had a negative effect on the postoperative mechanical axis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that medial knee osteoarthritis may be treated successfully with closed-wedge HTO. The analysis indicated that factors such as obesity, the degree of preoperative deformity, and gender do not adversely affect the success of treatment. However, a preoperative age over 50 adversely affected the outcome.

Management of persistent coccydynia with transrectal manipulation: results of a combined procedure.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the results of manual therapy combined with steroid injection with single steroid injection in the treatment of persistent coccydynia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Combined therapy was performed in 21 patients (Group 1) and steroid injection in 23 patients (Group 2). We compared two groups and investigated the combined therapy group in details. Patients were classified according to the underlying cause, BMI, anatomic type of coccyx and duration of symptoms (< 6 or ≥ 6 months). RESULTS: Mean age was 30.5 years at the time of procedures. Mean followup time was 27.8 months. VAS scores were decreased in both groups but combined therapy group had much more better results. Complete pain relief was achieved in 61.9% of patients in Group 1 whereas it was only 17.4% in Group 2. In 23.8% of Group 1, the VAS score was significantly decreased but the feeling of uncomfortability persisted. This was 73.9% in Group 2. We had no relapse in Group 1 but in Group 2 the relapse rate was 56.5%. Underlying cause, body mass index, anatomic type of coccyx and duration of symptoms had no effect on results. CONCLUSION: Manual therapy combined with steroid injection would be an alternative method in case of persistent coccydynia. It is a safe and easy option before surgical treatment.

Management of knee rheumatoid arthritis and tibia nonunion with one-stage total knee arthroplasty and intramedullary nailing: A report of two cases.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure which is widely used in the treatment of gonarthrosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The incidence of stress fractures in tibia in the patients with RA is higher compared to normal patients. In this study, we report two cases of TKA and intramedullary nailing in RA patients with severe knee arthritis and tibial nonunion. Both patients had a satisfactory clinical outcome with radiological healing of the tibial fracture.

A rare localization of osteoid osteoma ­ Presentation of two cases.

Introduction: Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteoid-forming tumor generally localized to the long bones, is rarely localized in the hand and the major symptom is intermittent pain. This study aims to present two patients who were operated on for metacarpal osteoid osteomas. Case Outline: A 16-year-old female patient and an 18-year-old male patient were operated on for metacarpal osteoid osteomas. The major symptom was intermittent pain for both patients. After surgical excision of the niduses, the complaints resolved in both cases. Conclusion: In the case of high suspicion for osteoid osteoma, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be performed due to the risk of negative radiographic findings. Surgical excision is curative and a safe method of treatment.

A combined procedure for irreducible dislocation of patella in children with ligamentous laxity: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: Irreducible patellar dislocation accompanying ligamentous laxity is rarely seen in pediatric patients. The most common complaints due to this condition are inability to walk, delayed walking, and difficulties with orthotics. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe a novel surgical technique to treat dislocated patella in patients with symptomatic ligamentous laxity. METHODS: Fourteen knees of 9 patients operated on by a single surgeon between 2009-2012 were included in the study. The tensor fascia was divided into 2 strips, and these strips were passed via the joint and sutured to themselves. The combined procedure additionally includes lateral capsular release, vastus lateralis (VL) resection, medial capsular plication, and Z-plasty of the rectus femoris (RF) tendon. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of surgery was 6.9±3.3 years (range: 4-13 years). The mean follow-up was 37.6±0.9 months (range: 26-49 months). Patellofemoral instability was restored for all patients by using combined surgical technique. Patellar lateralization developed in 2 patients, in whom stability was obtained via secondary medial plication. CONCLUSION: Our results show that this combined surgical procedure stabilizes the knee and treats patellar dislocation accompanying ligamentous laxity in pediatric patients.

Improvement of popliteal angle with semitendinosus or gastrocnemius tenotomies in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of semitendinosus and gastrocnemius tenotomies on popliteal angle presenting knee flexion spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The study included 44 patients (25 males, 19 females; mean age: 8.1 years, range: 4 to 14 years) with spastic CP who underwent surgery for knee flexion spasticity. A total of 78 semitendinosus tenotomies and 28 associated gastrocnemius tenotomies were performed. Popliteal angle was measured under general anesthesia before and after surgery. Patients were divided into groups according to age (younger and older than 7 years), severity of deformity and type of CP. RESULTS: Mean popliteal angles decreased by 14.3º (30.1%) following semitendinosus tenotomy and by 6.1º (12%) following gastrocnemius tenotomy (p=0.0001). The change in popliteal angle was not statistically significant according to age, severity of flexion spasticity, and type of CP palsy. There was a significant difference following gastrocnemius tenotomy between groups with a popliteal angle of greater or lesser than 50º (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Semitendinosus and gastrocnemius tenotomies improved popliteal angle by 30.1% and 12%, respectively. Age, preoperative popliteal angle or anatomical disease classification did not a significantly affect popliteal angle.

Neurological complications after supracondylar femoral osteotomy in cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Knee flexion contracture in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is very common and functional impairment leads to a crouch gait. Correction of the knee flexion contracture and improvement of the gait pattern by supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy seems to be a more effective method than distal hamstring procedures in long-standing severe crouch. Only a small number of publications reported the neurological complications of this surgical technique. This study was planned to identify the risk factors leading to neurological complications after supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy in patients with CP. METHODS: Supracondylar femoral osteotomies performed for a primary diagnosis of CP with rigid knee flexion deformity of 10 to 30 degrees were included in the study. Supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy was performed in 28 patients (total: 48 cases). Neurological complication was not detected in 43 cases (group 1) and detected in 5 cases (group 2). Previous surgical operation, concomitant operations on the same extremity, application of a brace or long leg cast after operation, preoperative and postoperative popliteal angle, amount of correction, radiologic correction, tourniquet time, level of malnutrition, and emotional state were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 18 boys and 10 girls. The mean age was 12±4 years in group 1 and 13±1 years in group 2. Except 6 patients, all patients had concomitant operations (38 cases in group 1 and 4 cases in group 2). Postoperatively, long leg cast was used in 38 cases and brace in 10 cases. In group 1 mean correction was 23±3.8 degrees and in group 2 it was 19±5.7 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Correlation was not found between the incidence of neurological complications and amount of correction and deformity. After supracondylar femoral extension osteotomy, all patients must be suspected of neurological complication, and measures taken to alleviate the stretch at once if nerve palsy is diagnosed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.