Incidence of child abuse with subdural hemorrhage during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide study in France.

The global COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments to impose unprecedented sanitary measures, such as social distancing, curfews, and lockdowns. In France and other countries, the first COVID-19 lockdown raised concerns about an increased risk of child abuse. Abusive head trauma (AHT) is one of the most serious forms of child abuse in children aged 0-24 months and constitutes the leading cause of death in children under 2 years of age. Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is present in 89% of cases of AHT and constitutes one of the most specific, objective clinical presentations in the diagnosis of child abuse. In a French nationwide study, we sought to evaluate the potential impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of hospital admissions for child abuse with SDH, relative to the two previous years. We conducted a nationwide, retrospective study of data in the French national hospital discharge summary database by applying the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) codes for SDH and for child abuse. After including children aged up to 24 months with a diagnosis of child abuse and/or SDH following hospital admission anywhere in France between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, we compared the incidence of child abuse, the incidence of SDH + child abuse, and the demographic data for 2020 with the corresponding values for 2018 and 2019. There were no significant differences in the number of hospital admissions due to child abuse or SDH + child abuse between 2020 and the 2018/2019 control years. The incidence of SDH + child abuse was higher among boys than among girls. There were significantly fewer hospital admissions in May 2020 (p = 0.01) and significantly more in December 2020 (p = 0.03), relative to the same months in the two preceding years. There was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower incidence of hospital admission for child abuse in 2020, relative to 2019 (decrease: 6.4%) and 2018 (decrease: 7.6%). CONCLUSION: When considering children under the age of 24 months in France, the incidence of hospital admission for SDH in the context of child abuse was not significantly higher in 2020 than in the two previous years. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on child abuse and more specifically on subdural hemorrhage remains unknown. WHAT IS NEW: • There was no increase in hospitalizations for child abuse and AHT. • We found that boys are more often victims of child abuse and subdural hemorrhage among children aged less than 12 months.

Treatment options for soft tissue defects in severe foot trauma in children.

OBJECTIVE: Severe foot trauma in children is a therapeutic challenge, with presence of devitalised and soiled distal tissues. Several reconstruction and covering procedures can be applied, including artificial dermis (AD), negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), fasciocutaneous flaps and free flaps. Here, we have developed and evaluated an algorithm for treating severe foot injuries with skin defects in children. METHOD: Paediatric cases of severe foot injury treated over a 16-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics of the injuries, surgical procedures, complications and the modified Kitaoka score (clinical and functional rating score of the ankle and foot) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 children were included. The mean age at the time of injury was four years and 10 months (range: 1-11 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.2 years. Of the children, 13 presented with an amputation (12 partial foot amputations and one whole ankle and foot). The skin defect was combined with tendon exposure in nine cases, and/or bone and cartilage in seven cases, and heel damage in two cases. A flap was implemented in eight cases, of which one failed. NPWT was used in 13 patients (for an average of 21 days) and was combined with AD in six patients. The mean modified Kitaoka score was 68 (range: 55-80). Additional surgery during the follow-up period was required in seven patients (dorsal skin retraction, a thick flap, osteoma, trophic ulcer or ankle deviation). CONCLUSION: Our algorithm suggests different therapeutic strategies for skin coverage and healing, depending on the size of the lesion and the exposed structures, and seems to offer good results. These procedures should be combined with NPWT to optimise these results (improved healing, reduced infections, decreased skin defects and enhanced granulation tissue) and so should be used more frequently.

Long-Term Outcomes of Atasoy Flap in Children With Distal Finger Trauma.

PURPOSE: Distal finger trauma is one of the most frequent emergencies in children and has the potential for functional and cosmetic damage to the hand. The Atasoy flap (AF) is a vascularized, subcutaneous pedicle V-Y advancement flap used to cover a loss of distal finger substance. Our hypothesis was that the AF is a safe, reliable flap that results in few complications and gives satisfactory functional and cosmetic results in children. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed children with distal finger trauma and AF pulp reconstruction in our pediatric orthopedic department between 2008 and 2017. The lesion zone was classified, and we also evaluated necrosis, infection, the shape of the pulp, pulp sensitivity (Weber test), hyponychial scarring, and the presence of a hook nail deformity. Lastly, we compared patients who developed a hook nail with those who did not. RESULTS: Thirty children were included (mean age at trauma, 6.4 years [range, 1.3-15.7 years]). In 21 cases, the finger damage was located in Ishikawa subzone II. No cases of necrosis or infection were reported. Epicritical tactile sensitivity was good in 20 patients (67%). A hook nail deformity was observed in 15 children (50%) and hyponychial scarring in 22 patients (73%). The pulp had a normal shape in 13 children (43%). The hook nail group displayed more hyponychial scarring, greater nail dystrophy, and lower pulp sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The AF yielded contrasting results. High reliability, good coverage, and minimal donor-site morbidity were compromised by suboptimal tip length/shape, nail appearance, and sensitivity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Middle Phalangectomy for the Correction of Toe Clinodactyly With Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket in Young Children.

Toe clinodactyly is often owed to the presence of a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket. We developed middle phalangectomy as a simple surgical solution for correction of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in childhood. Ten children (ages 1-5 years) were operated on by the same surgeon between October 2007 and May 2012 (n = 15 feet). The same surgical technique was used in all the cases. A clinical evaluation included the appearance of the foot, the parents' level of satisfaction, and the presence or absence of bothersome symptoms (such as pain and discomfort when wearing footwear). A radiological evaluation under weight-bearing conditions enabled us to 1) rate the achievement of a natural-looking toe parabola and 2) detect the recurrence of clinodactyly (defined as an angle of >40° between 2 adjacent phalanges). The mean follow-up period was 5.4 (range 3.3 to 8.1) years. Nine sets of parents (90%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. None had difficulties wearing boots, and only 1 child (10%) had residual pain during sports activities. Clinodactyly recurred in 3 feet in 3 patients (20% of feet, 30% of patients). Two (20%) of the latter patients underwent repeat surgery and achieved a lasting, satisfactory outcome. Middle phalangectomy is an appropriate procedure for the treatment of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in young children. However, the patients' long-term outcomes (notably once bone growth has ended) must be assessed.

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis syndrome: long-term follow-up of three patients.

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by progressive carpal and tarsal destruction. The upper and lower limbs may be involved, leading to deformities and joint limitation. These anatomic features may be associated with progressive renal failure. The radiographs obtained during childhood showed a carpal and tarsal osteolysis and an asymmetrical involvement. Here, we report on the long-term clinical and radiological findings of three patients with skeletal manifestations of MCTO.

Surgical Treatment of Enchondromas of the Hand During Childhood in Ollier Disease.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment of hand lesions in Ollier disease (OD) carried out during childhood. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of 10 pediatric patients with hand involvement of OD, who had undergone surgery for metacarpal or phalangeal enchondromas. The technique comprised curettage and cortical bone reconstruction with corticoplasty, to restore a near-normal phalangeal volume. The range of finger motion (pulp-to-palm distance), the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire score, cosmetic improvement, radiological findings (according to Tordai's classification), and recurrence were recorded after a mean follow-up of 7.5 years (range, 4-11.3 years). RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 10.7 years (range, 6-14 years). Curettage was performed on 35 enchondromas, and 9 cavities were filled with a bone graft. The mean pulp-to-palm distance was significantly lower after surgery (from 1.5 cm to 0.25 cm; P < .05). The mean QuickDASH score was 3.84 (range, 0-11.4). A marked cosmetic improvement was noted for 83% of the hands. Three enchondromas recurred in 1 patient, requiring a second curettage. Fifty-seven percent of the cavities were completely filled with bone (Tordai stage 1) at last follow-up. The outcome did not depend on the presence or absence of a bone graft. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that early surgical treatment comprising curettage and corticoplasty leads to good clinical, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes. Early surgical treatment of well-developed and/or symptomatic enchondromas of the hand in OD should be considered. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Is contralateral inguinal exploration necessary in preterm girls undergoing inguinal hernia repair during the first months of life?

BACKGROUND: To assess the need for contralateral surgical exploration in preterm girls with symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia. METHODS: The medical data of girls operated for inguinal hernia between 2004 and 2016 in a single pediatric surgery center were retrospectively collected. Preterm girls operated for unilateral hernia before 6 months of life were selected (55/517 cases) to assess the incidence and risk factors for contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia (CMIH). RESULTS: CMIH was observed in 7% of cases (4 girls with a right inguinal hernia in 3 cases) at a mean age of 4.2 years. Only one case occurred early (3 months). Birth weight and term were comparable (1674 ± 620 g and 32 ± 5 WA without CMIH vs. 1694 ± 582 g and 33 ± 3 WA with CMIH). CONCLUSION: Contralateral inguinal hernia is very rare and generally occurs several years after inguinal repair surgery in preterm girls, which should encourage practitioners to follow these children throughout childhood for the subsequent development of inguinal hernia. This study did not find any arguments in favor of systematic contralateral exploration in preterm girls.

Prenatal diagnosis of femoral facial syndrome: Three case reports and literature review.

Facial femoral syndrome (FFS) is a rare congenital abnormality, also known as femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome, characterized by variable degrees of femoral hypoplasia, associated with specific facial features. Other organ malformations are sometimes present. Most cases are sporadic, but rare family observations suggest genetic origin. However, no chromosomal or genetic abnormalities have ever been incriminated. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and added three new unreported observations. Through these 92 cases, authors aimed to determine sonographic signs that should direct towards diagnosis, and discuss potential genetic etiology. Diagnosis was suspected prenatally in 27.2% of cases, and maternal diabetes was found in 42.4% of patients. When fetal karyotype was available, it was normal in 97.1% of cases, but genomic variations of unknown significance were discovered in all three cases in which array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) techniques were applied. Femoral affection defining FFS was hypoplasia in 78.3% of cases, agenesis in 12%, and both in 9.8%. Affection was bilateral in 84.8% of cases. Retrognathia was present in 65.2% of cases, cleft lip and/or palate in 63%, and other organ malformations in 53.3%. Intellectual development was normal in 79.2% of cases. Better prenatal recognition of this pathology, notably frequently associated malformations, should lead to a more precise estimation of functional prognosis. It seems likely that today's tendency to systematically employ array-CGH and exome/genome sequencing methods to investigate malformative sequences will allow the identification of a causal genetic abnormality in the near future.

Mitigating Risk of Ankle Valgus From Ankle Osteochondroma Resection Using a Transfibular Approach: A Retrospective Study With Six Years of Follow-Up.

To prevent worsening of ankle valgus and functional repercussions, a distal inter-tibiofibular osteochondroma can be removed using a transfibular approach. We evaluated the difference between the preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt at the last follow-up examination and the clinical and radiologic outcomes. We included 10 consecutive ankles that had undergone removal of an osteochondroma using a transfibular approach. The mean patient age was 10.6 years. One ankle was lost to follow-up. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 5.9 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt was 7.2° and 7.1°, respectively, with no significant difference. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.4. Tibiofibular synostosis developed in 7 cases. Osteochondroma recurred in 1 case. The transfibular approach stabilizes ankle valgus and is associated with good functional outcomes. However, it is an extensive procedure associated with postoperative synostosis and, thus, should be considered primarily when surgical access for an anterior approach is limited.

Exome sequencing identifies PDE4D mutations as another cause of acrodysostosis.

Acrodysostosis is a rare autosomal-dominant condition characterized by facial dysostosis, severe brachydactyly with cone-shaped epiphyses, and short stature. Moderate intellectual disability and resistance to multiple hormones might also be present. Recently, a recurrent mutation (c.1102C>T [p.Arg368*]) in PRKAR1A has been identified in three individuals with acrodysostosis and resistance to multiple hormones. After studying ten unrelated acrodysostosis cases, we report here de novo PRKAR1A mutations in five out of the ten individuals (we found c.1102C>T [p.Arg368(∗)] in four of the ten and c.1117T>C [p.Tyr373His] in one of the ten). We performed exome sequencing in two of the five remaining individuals and selected phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) as a candidate gene. PDE4D encodes a class IV cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase that regulates cAMP concentration. Exome analysis detected heterozygous PDE4D mutations (c.673C>A [p.Pro225Thr] and c.677T>C [p.Phe226Ser]) in these two individuals. Screening of PDE4D identified heterozygous mutations (c.568T>G [p.Ser190Ala] and c.1759A>C [p.Thr587Pro]) in two additional acrodysostosis cases. These mutations occurred de novo in all four cases. The four individuals with PDE4D mutations shared common clinical features, namely characteristic midface and nasal hypoplasia and moderate intellectual disability. Metabolic screening was normal in three of these four individuals. However, resistance to parathyroid hormone and thyrotropin was consistently observed in the five cases with PRKAR1A mutations. Finally, our study further supports the key role of the cAMP signaling pathway in skeletogenesis.

Orthopedics management of acromicric dysplasia: follow up of nine patients.

UNLABELLED: Acromicric dysplasia (AD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature, short extremities, stiff joint and skeleton features including brachymetacarpia, cone-shaped epiphyses, internal notch of the femoral head, and delayed bone age. Recently, we identified fibrillin 1 (FBN1) as the disease gene of AD. The aim of our study was to further describe the long-term follow up of AD patients with an emphasis on orthopedic management. Nine patients with FBN1 mutations were included in the study ranging in age from 5.5 to 64 years. For all, detailed clinical and radiological data were available. RESULTS: Birth parameters were always normal and patients progressively developed short stature <-3 SD. Carpal tunnel syndrome was observed in four patients. We found discrepancy between the carpal bone age and the radius and ulna epiphysis bone ages, a variable severity of hip dysplasia with acetabular dysplasia, epiphyseal and metaphyseal femoral dysplasia resembling Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease and variable pelvic anteversion and hyperlordosis. Orthopedic surgery was required in two patients for hip dysplasia, in one for limb lengthening and in three for carpal tunnel syndrome. Our observations expand the AD phenotype and emphasize the importance of regular orthopedic survey.

In-flight auscultation during medical air evacuation: comparison between traditional and amplified stethoscopes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of a traditional stethoscope versus an electronically amplified one (expected to reduce background and ambient noise) to assess heart and respiratory sounds during medical transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized performed study. One traditional stethoscope (Littmann Cardiology III; 3M, St Paul, MN) and 1 electronically amplified stethoscope (Littmann 3200, 3M) were used for our tests. Heart and lung auscultation during real medical evacuations aboard a medically configured Falcon 50 aircrafts were studied. The quality of auscultation was ranged using a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10 (0 corresponding to "I hear nothing" and 10 to "I hear perfectly"). Data collected were compared using a t-test for paired values. RESULTS: A total of 40 comparative evaluations were performed. For cardiac auscultation, the value of the rating scale was 4.53 ± 1.91 and 7.18 ± 1.88 for the traditional and amplified stethoscope, respectively (paired t-test: P < .0001). For respiratory sounds, quality of auscultation was estimated at 3.1 ± 1.95 for a traditional stethoscope and 5.10 ± 2.13 for the amplified one (paired t-test: P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that practitioners would be better helped in hearing cardiac and respiratory sounds with an electronically amplified stethoscope than with a traditional one during air medical transport in a medically configured Falcon 50 aircraft.

Antibiotic treatment of hand wounds in children: Contribution of a decision tree.

BACKGROUND: The need for prophylactic antibiotic treatment of hand wounds in children requiring emergency surgical exploration is still controversial. Our starting hypothesis was that the absence of prophylactic antibiotic treatment in this setting (as specified by a decision tree) does not increase the likelihood of surgical site infection. METHODS: A decision tree for antibiotic prescription was developed by a working group in compliance with the guidelines issued by the French High Authority for Health, as part of a clinical pathway. One injection of intravenous antibiotics was prescribed for bite injuries, open joint injuries, injuries left untreated for more than 24 h, and suspected contaminated wounds. All children admitted for surgical treatment of a hand wound between July 2018 and March 2023 were included. Demographic data, antibiotic prescription and onset of postoperative surgical site infection were recorded. RESULTS: The 238 children included had a mean age of 8 ± 4.8 years; 102 received antibiotics and 136 did not. Eleven children (4.6%) had superficial surgical site infection requiring no revision surgery or antibiotic therapy. 206 children (86.5%) were treated following the decision tree. Ten had superficial surgical site infection: 3 received antibiotics (3.7% of the 80 who were treated) and 7 did not (5.5% of the 126 not treated) (p = 0.74). Thirty-two patients (13.5%) were off-protocol, only 1 of whom received antibiotics for superficial surgical site infection. DISCUSSION: Applying the decision tree standardized the prescription of antibiotics in hand wounds, was not associated with a significantly greater rate of surgical site infection, and avoided exposure to antibiotics for 61.1% of the children, thus limiting potential adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effects of botulinum toxin injections in the upper limbs of children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a common motor disorder in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Upper limb CP impairment has a significant negative impact on daily activities. Botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injections are widely used to reduce spasticity, but their effectiveness is not well-defined. We performed a systematic review of literature to answer questions about the effectiveness of BTX-A injections in the upper limb in children with CP. METHODS: A systematic review of literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials with a high level of evidence on BTX-A upper limb injections in children. The outcomes analyzed included the study population, spasticity, quality of movement, activity limitations, quality of life, pain, appearance and side effects. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were included. The number of patients included was 1358 with a mean age between 3 and 11years. Improvement after BTX-A injection compared to the control group was observed for spasticity (n=10/19 studies), bimanual activities (Assisting Hand Assessment) (n=3/7), activity limitations (n=6/11), pain (n=2/2) and appearance (n=2/2). No study found an improvement in quality of life. Side effects were described in 16 studies and were moderate in all cases. CONCLUSION: This review of literature showed that BTX-A injections can improve spasticity and particularly activity limitations when reasonable objectives are established. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review.

Surgical Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the Era of Novel Drug Therapies.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common chronic rheumatic disease encountered in children under the age of sixteen and causes significant impairments in daily life. Over the last two decades, the introduction of new drug treatments (including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics) has changed the course of this disease, thus reducing the indication for surgery. However, some patients fail to respond to drug therapy and thus require personalized surgical management, e.g., the local reduction of joint effusion or a synovial pannus (via intra-articular corticosteroid injections, synovectomy, or soft tissue release), and management of the sequelae of arthritis (such as growth disorders and joint degeneration). Here, we provide an overview of the surgical indications and outcomes of the following interventions: intra-articular corticosteroid injections, synovectomy, soft tissue release, surgery for growth disorders, and arthroplasty.

Questions about Using the Induced Membrane Technique to Manage Cases of Congenital Tibial Pseudarthrosis.

The induced membrane technique is an innovative approach for repairing critical bone defects and has been applied recently in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). CPT is frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Here, we briefly describe the clinical results of the induced membrane technique in NF1-deficient patients with CPT and in an animal model of CPT. Furthermore, we discuss the hypotheses used to explain inconsistent outcomes for the induced membrane technique in CPT-especially when associated with NF1.