Accelerate postoperative management after scoliosis surgery in healthy and impaired children: intravenous opioid therapy versus epidural therapy.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain is a major concern following scoliosis surgery. CEA (continuous epidural analgesia) is established in postoperative pain therapy as well as intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of both methods. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 175 children between 8 and 18 years who were subject to posterior scoliosis correction and fusion. Two main cohorts were formed: CEA with local anesthetic and opioids, and IV-PCA with opioids. Both groups further comprised two sub-cohorts: those who were mentally and/or physically healthy (H; n = 93 vs. n = 30) and those who were impaired (I; n = 26 vs. n = 26). The outcome parameters were the demand for pain medication, parameters of mobilization, and the presence of adverse reactions. RESULTS: Healthy children who received CEA started mobilization 1 day earlier than children with IV-PCA (p = 0.002). First postsurgical defecation was seen earlier in all children who received CEA in both groups (H; Day 4 vs. Day 5, p = 0.011, I; Day 3 vs. Day 5, p = 0.044). Healthy children who received CEA were discharged from hospital 4 days earlier than their IV-PCA counterparts (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference in postoperative nausea nor in vomiting was identified between groups. Transient neurological irritations were seen in 9.7% of the patients in the CEA group. CONCLUSIONS: CEA provides appropriate pain management after scoliosis surgery, regardless of the patient's mental status. It allows earlier postoperative defecation for all patients , as well as shorter hospitalization and an earlier mobilization for healthy patients.

S2k-Guideline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in the Neonate. / S2k-Leitlinie Hüftdysplasie Teil Säugling.

Hip developmental disorders are the most common musculoskeletal disease in newborns in Central Europe. The definition of hip developmental disorder includes both dysplastic and dislocated joints. In a dysplastic joint, shearing forces induce a growing disorder in the acetabulum. If this growing disorder persists, the femoral head first displaces the acetabular cartilage cranially and finally the femoral head dislocates posteriorly into the gluteal fossa - progressively losing contact to the acetabulum. Therefore nowadays there is general support for the concept of a developmental instead of a congenital dislocation of the hip. From the first day of life, the different stages of hip developmental disorder be exactly classified by an ultrasound examination of the infant hip joint according to Graf. Therefore the Graf hip ultrasound examination has been an integral part of the paediatric guidelines in Germany since 1996. All newborns must receive Graf hip ultrasound screening examination, ideally at the age of 4-5 (maximal 8) weeks as part of the U3 screening examination. Newborns with historical or clinical risk factors must receive an ultrasound examination in the first week of life, additionally to the clinical examination of the hip joints of all newborns according to the second screening examination U2. In the case of pathological results, therapy should be initiated according to measured hip type within one week. Dislocated joints need reduction and as soon as the contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum has been restored, the head should be retained securely within the acetabulum. This phase of retention is followed by the maturation phase for dislocated joints, which is also sufficient therapy for dysplastic joints. In order to avoid femoral head necrosis as an early complication or as a new hip developmental disorder in the course of further growth, the femoral head during the retention phase and the maturation phase should be placed deeply into the socket. This can be achieved by retaining hip flexion of 100-110° with simultaneous hip abduction of 50° to a maximum of 60°.

MRI-based assessment of acetabular version and coverage after previous Pemberton osteotomy in skeletally mature patients.

PURPOSE: In hip dysplasia the Pemberton osteotomy can modify the shape of the acetabulum and is indicated for children aged between two and 12 when the triradiate cartilage is still open. However, there have been concerns about acetabular retroversion following this type of osteotomy. The studies, however, have been based on plain radiographs. The aim of our investigation was to assess the 3D acetabular orientation in patients with previous Pemberton osteotomy after skeletal maturation. METHODS: Ten patients with 12 operated hips were included who received Pemberton osteotomy for hip dysplasia between January 3, 2005 and March 25, 2011. Mean age at surgery and at follow-up were 7.2 years (sd 3.7) and 19.2 years (sd 3.7), respectively. MRIs were conducted with 1.5 T. Besides the measurement of acetabular version, the analysis included alpha angles, acetabular sector angles (ASAs) as well as modified ASAs (cartilage covered area angles). Furthermore, the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) as well as acetabular retroversion was determined on plain radiographs. Patient-related outcome measures included the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT) and EuroQol-5-Dimensions (EQ5D) scores. RESULTS: In comparison with the contralateral native and healthy hips the operated hips showed similar version (19.5° (sd 4.6°) versus 18.6° (sd 7.0°); p = 0.974). Also, there were no differences in terms of femoral head sphericity (alpha angles) and acetabular coverage (ASA angles). Five of 12 Pemberton hips showed signs of beginning OA (Kellgren-Lawrence classification I or II) while none of the non-operated hips did. Patients who received surgery before the age of six years had similar functional and radiological results when compared with patients who were older than six years at surgery. Among all patients, iHOT was 91.9 (sd 10.0) and EQ5D was 90.3 (sd 7.3)). CONCLUSION: The Pemberton osteotomy provides good long-term radiographic and functional results without compromising acetabular version or coverage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: retrospective comparative study.

How does former Salter innominate osteotomy in patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease influence acetabular orientation? An MRI-based study.

Salter innominate osteotomy (SIO) has been successfully used in the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). Recent studies that have raised concerns about acetabular retroversion after SIO have been based on plain radiographs. In order to assess the true acetabular orientation, the present study uses a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. In addition, the association between acetabular morphology and clinical function as well as health-related quality of life was assessed. Twenty-three patients with 24 operated hips who underwent SIO for LCPD between January 2004 and November 2014 were included. Mean age was 8.5 ± 2.2 years at surgery and 18.5 ± 2.9 years at follow-up. MRIs were conducted at 1.5 T using radial sequences. The analysis included the acetabular version, acetabular sector angles (ASAs) and alpha angles. Plain radiographs were used in order to obtain the Stulberg classification. Patient-related outcome measures included the international Hip Outcome Tool and Euroqol-5 dimensions scores. In comparison to the non-operated side, the MRI of previously operated hips showed no difference of version at the center of the femoral head but significantly decreased version just below the roof level. As a marker for posterior acetabular coverage, the ASAs between 9 and 11 o'clock were significantly decreased when compared with non-operated hips. In hips with a mild acetabular retroversion (<15°), the function was significantly decreased when compared with non-retroverted hips. The SIO is an effective tool in order to restore acetabular containment in LCPD. When compared with the non-operated hips, our collective displays only moderate changes of acetabular orientation and coverage.

[Femoral neck stress fractures and femoroacetabular impingement : A retrospective case study and literature review]. / Stressfrakturen des Schenkelhalses bei femoroazetabulärem Impingement : Eine retrospektive Fallstudie und Literaturübersicht.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can lead to morphologic damage of both the acetabulum and the femoral neck. Recent reports have found an association between impingement deformities and the development of femoral neck stress fractures. The aim of this study was to report a series of patients with these findings and to update the current evidence on the topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 patients (6 cases) with atraumatic femoral neck fractures and FAI were identified in the Dresden hip registry from 2015 to 2018. Demographic data, comorbidities, radiographic results and bone metabolism results were described. A literature search was conducted using keywords related to femoral neck stress fractures and FAI syndrome. RESULTS: The average age of the series was 39 (range: 22-52), 2 patients were female and 3 male. A total of 12 surgical procedures were performed. 4 of the 5 patients showed radiographic features of pincer and/or cam-FAI, whereas 3 patients had a decreased femoral antetorsion (-7° to +7° antetorsion). In 3 patients, magnetic resonance imaging revealed additional signs of avascular necrosis ARCO I. There was a lack of FAI-specific treatment recommendations in the available literature. DISCUSSION: Radiographic results of the patients evaluated suggested that impingement-associated deformities of the hip may cause femoral neck stress fractures, which is in line with the available literature. This potential coincidence should be integrated in diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic approaches.

Acetabular- and femoral orientation after periacetabular osteotomy as a predictor for outcome and osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Periacetabular osteotomy is a successful treatment for hip dysplasia. The results are influenced, however, by optimal positioning of the acetabular fragment, femoral head morphology and maybe even femoral version as well as combined anteversion have an impact. In order to obtain better insight on fragment placement, postoperative acetabular orientation and femoral morphology were evaluated in a midterm follow-up in regard to functional outcome and osteoarthritis progression. METHODS: A follow-up examination with 49 prospectively documented patients (66 hips) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was performed after 62.2 ± 18.6 months. Mean age of patients undergoing surgery was 26.7 ± 9.6 years, 40 (82%) of these patients were female. All patients were evaluated with an a.p. pelvic x-ray and an isotropic MRI in order to assess acetabular version, femoral head cover, alpha angle, femoral torsion and combined anteversion. The acetabular version was measured at the femoral head center as well as 0.5 cm below and 0.5 and 1 cm above the femoral head center and in addition seven modified acetabular sector angles were determined. Femoral torsion was assessed in an oblique view of the femoral neck. The combined acetabular and femoral version was calculated as well. To evaluate the clinical outcome the pre- and postoperative WOMAC score as well as postoperative Oxford Hip Score and Global Treatment Outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: After PAO acetabular version at the femoral head center (31.4 ± 9.6°) was increased, the anterior cover at the 15 o'clock position (34.7 ± 15.4°) was reduced and both correlated significantly with progression of osteoarthritis, although not with the functional outcome. Combined acetabular and femoral torsion had no influence on the progression of osteoarthritis or outcome scores. CONCLUSION: Long-term results after PAO are dependent on good positioning of the acetabular fragment in all 3 planes. Next to a good lateral coverage a balanced horizontal alignment without iatrogenic pincer impingement due to acetabular retroversion, or insufficient coverage of the anterior femoral head is important.

MRI-based static and functional assessment of complex hip deformities in comparison with CT: a validation study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the agreement between predefined quantitative parameters of hip morphology derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and virtual range of motion (ROM) analysis using computed tomography (CT) as standard of reference. METHODS: Twenty patients (13 females, 7 males, 16-59 years) with hip deformities underwent MRI prior to surgery. Clockwise alpha angle, femoral head and neck diameter, collum caput diaphysis angle, femoral torsion, center-edge angles, acetabular coverage of the femoral head, sourcil angle, and acetabular anteversion were measured. Additionally, tern single and combined movements were simulated using a motion analysis program. The MRI findings were compared with the corresponding results obtained by CT. Correlation of MRI with CT was assessed using different statistical methods (intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altmann plot, two one-sided t test), and linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The results showed near-perfect intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for anteversion (0.95), acetabular sector angles (0.98-0.99), sourcil angle (0.95), and acetabular coverage (anterior 0.96, posterior 0.99). Intermethod correlation for femoral parameters showed almost perfect agreement except for the alpha angle (0.73-0.97). No significant proportional bias was detected for traditional acetabular and femoral parameters. ROM analysis was performed for 370 movements in 37 hips. For 78.4% (290/370) of the movements analysed, neither CT nor MRI detected impingement across the physiological ROM. For 18.6% (69/370) of the movements, impingement was detected by both CT and MRI, while 2.2% (8/370) of the movements with impingement in CT showed no impingement in MRI, and 0.8% (3/370) of the movements with impingement in MRI had no corresponding result in CT. CONCLUSION: Finally, it was concluded that MRI-based assessment of hip morphology and virtual ROM analysis is feasible and can be performed with good intermethod agreement in comparison to the gold standard (CT). Therefore, MRI appears to be substantially equivalent to CT for use in virtual ROM analysis and so may reasonably be used in place of CT for this purpose.

Is MRI an adequate replacement for CT scans in the three-dimensional assessment of acetabular morphology?

BACKGROUND: Appropriate three-dimensional imaging of the hip joint is a substantial prerequisite for planning and performing surgical correction of deformities. Although surgeons still use computed tomography (CT), modern and fast acquisition techniques of volumetric imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pelvic measurements enable similar resolution. PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine if already described measures of acetabular morphology are comparable in both techniques and if assessment can be performed with equal intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two hips (16 patients) were examined with a pelvic CT and a MRI with 3-T. Pelvic orientation was standardized by each observer in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. Acetabular version as well as seven acetabular sector angles were measured by two observers twice with a minimum of four weeks between sessions. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability showed excellent results for intra- and inter-rater reliability for CT (0.977-0.999) and MRI (0.969-0.998) measuring acetabular version and sector angles. Evaluating the reliability of CT and MRI for each observer revealed excellent results (0.972-0.998). Evaluating the Bland-Altman plots for intra-observer reliability showed an equal distribution of angles, within acceptable 95% limits of agreement. The same results were observed for inter-observer reliability evaluating CT and MRI as well as inter-method reliability. CONCLUSION: Modern MRI scans are equally applicable to assess the bony pelvis as CT scans. In addition, MRI would enable the examination of soft tissues such as chondrolabral structures and muscle in the same examination. Since hip-preserving surgery is mostly conducted in younger patients, the reduction of radiation exposure is a benefit.

Treatment of high-grade osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the humerus in a 5-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis: A case report.

Antineoplastic treatment of osteoblastic osteosarcoma in a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) may harbor a high risk of neutropenia-associated complications, and, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. Diagnosis of CF was confirmed in a 6-week-old boy following pathological newborn screening. The patient had a stable course of CF under standardized continuous therapy. At the age of 5 years, osteosarcoma of the left proximal humerus was diagnosed without evidence of metastases. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including doxorubicin, cisplatin and methotrexate, was administered for 10 weeks. The patient tolerated this therapy relatively well, with a continuous antibiotic prophylaxis of cefuroxime without experiencing major complications; in particular, no pulmonary exacerbations were observed as a consequence of immunosuppression or mucosal toxicity. The tumor responded well, and amputation of the limb was avoided via the use of 'clavicle per humerus' osteosynthesis. Postoperatively, compartmental syndrome occurred, requiring management by fasciotomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was applied thereafter again, without major toxicity that would have required dose reduction. Under intensive physiotherapy, the mobility of the left arm and hand was deemed to be satisfactory. The coincidence of CF with osteosarcoma is extremely rare, and, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously described. Under antibiotic prophylaxis, antineoplastic treatment was possible without major complications during neutropenia.

What Are the Results of Surgical Treatment of Hip Dysplasia With Concomitant Cam Deformity?

BACKGROUND: Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a reliable procedure to correct the deficient acetabular coverage in hips with developmental dysplasia. It is unclear how the presence of additional femoral cam-type deformity might influence the clinical and radiographic treatment results of PAO. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are there differences in clinical scores (WOMAC, EQ-5D) and examination findings (impingement sign) or radiographic measures of acetabular orientation and head sphericity after PAO for isolated acetabular dysplasia when compared with the combined pathology of dysplasia and additional femoral cam deformity? (2) Are these clinical and radiographic findings after combined surgical therapy for additional cam deformity influenced by different pathology-adjusted surgical techniques? METHODS: From July 2005 to December 2010, 86 patients (106 hips) underwent PAO for hip dysplasia. Surgical and outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed in a comparative observational study. Indications for surgery were a lateral center-edge angle less than 25° and hip pain for at least 6 months. The contraindications for surgery were advanced radiographic osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 3), incongruency of joint space, and patient age > 50 years. Depending on preoperative hip ROM, impingement test, and presence of a radiographically visible cam deformity, treatment allocation was performed: Group I: isolated PAO in patients without symptomatic asphericity, Group IIa: PAO with subsequent osteochondroplasty through arthrotomy for patients with symptomatic cam deformity and no labrochondral pathology, and Group IIb: arthroscopically assisted osteochondroplasty and additional labrochondral repair with subsequent PAO when patients had labrochondral lesions in addition to a symptomatic cam deformity. Clinical outcome (impingement test, EQ-5D, WOMAC) as well as radiographic parameters (lateral center-edge angle, crossover sign, alpha angle, osteoarthritis grade) were obtained after a mean followup of 63 ± 18 months (range, 31-102 months) and compared with the baseline data. Eleven patients (13%) were lost to followup. With the numbers available, our study had 80% power to detect a difference between Groups I and II of 10 points on the WOMAC scores. RESULTS: There was no difference in the increase of WOMAC scores in patients with PAO alone (Group I; preoperative score 74 ± 17 versus postoperative 91 ± 15, p = 0.033) when compared with PAO and concurrent osteochondroplasty (Groups II A and B preoperative 73 ± 19 versus postoperative 90 ± 13 p < 0.001). The mean postoperative alpha angles in Group II (38° ± 6°) improved when compared with preoperative values (56° ± 15°; p < 0.001) and were even lower than native offset alpha angles in Group I (47° ± 11°). Clinical scores as well as postoperative radiographic parameters were not different between patients with conventional osteochondroplasty alone (Group IIA) and patients with arthroscopically assisted cam resection and intraarticular labrochondral repair (Group IIB). CONCLUSIONS: With the numbers available, we detected no differences in outcome scores and radiographic results between patients who had been treated with PAO alone and patients who underwent combined PAO and offset correction for cam deformity. Although arthroscopically assisted treatment of advanced labrochondral lesions together with osteochondroplasty is possible during PAO and the results were not different in this small study when compared with patients with PAO and osteochondroplasty alone, the type and extent of damage that would indicate additional cartilage surgery over cam resection alone remain unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Multiscale, converging defects of macro-porosity, microstructure and matrix mineralization impact long bone fragility in NF1.

Bone fragility due to osteopenia, osteoporosis or debilitating focal skeletal dysplasias is a frequent observation in the Mendelian disease Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). To determine the mechanisms underlying bone fragility in NF1 we analyzed two conditional mouse models, Nf1Prx1 (limb knock-out) and Nf1Col1 (osteoblast specific knock-out), as well as cortical bone samples from individuals with NF1. We examined mouse bone tissue with micro-computed tomography, qualitative and quantitative histology, mechanical tensile analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM). In cortical bone of Nf1Prx1 mice we detected ectopic blood vessels that were associated with diaphyseal mineralization defects. Defective mineral binding in the proximity of blood vessels was most likely due to impaired bone collagen formation, as these areas were completely devoid of acidic matrix proteins and contained thin collagen fibers. Additionally, we found significantly reduced mechanical strength of the bone material, which was partially caused by increased osteocyte volume. Consistent with these observations, bone samples from individuals with NF1 and tibial dysplasia showed increased osteocyte lacuna volume. Reduced mechanical properties were associated with diminished matrix stiffness, as determined by SAM. In line with these observations, bone tissue from individuals with NF1 and tibial dysplasia showed heterogeneous mineralization and reduced collagen fiber thickness and packaging. Collectively, the data indicate that bone fragility in NF1 tibial dysplasia is partly due to an increased osteocyte-related micro-porosity, hypomineralization, a generalized defect of organic matrix formation, exacerbated in the regions of tensional and bending force integration, and finally persistence of ectopic blood vessels associated with localized macro-porotic bone lesions.

A modification of periacetabular osteotomy using a two-incision approach.

UNLABELLED: In residual hip dysplasia periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) can improve insufficient coverage of the femoral head. It requires a broad dissection of the pelvic bones and detachment of muscle insertions, however. We have developed a modification of the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy with reduced soft tissue exposure. It uses two small skin incisions and offers therefore the perspective of nicer scars but also increases the risk of technical complications due to impaired vision. To be able to draft these risks, the clinical and radiographic results of 23 patients with PAO through the modified Smith-Petersen approach of Ganz (group A) and 24 patients with our two-incision modification (group B) have been reviewed retrospectively with an average follow-up of 19 (group A) and 12 (group B) months postoperatively.Functional improvement (Harris Hip Score) and center-edge-angle normalization did not differ significantly in both groups. Scars of patients in group B were significantly shorter. However, the overall patient satisfaction (as measured with a visual analogous scale) was the same in both groups. 4 patients in group A and one patient in group B developed superficial or deep wound infections.In conclusion, the experience with our cohort study showed that approach-related morbidity can be reduced without increasing the risk for the individual patient. This observation clearly holds a promise for further minimal invasive approaches as well as for further morbidity reduction of PAO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study (Level III).