Can turned inward patella predict an excess of femoral anteversion during gait in spastic diplegic children?

BACKGROUND: Determining patellar orientation in the transverse plane during observational gait analysis is a fundamental aspect of physical examinations. Many physicians consider that an abnormal position of the patella in the transverse planes is only explained by a rotational abnormality of the proximal femur. METHODS: A total of 188 spastic diplegic children with cerebral palsy were reviewed (376 lower limbs). The physical examination included observation of patellar orientation at midstride and measuring femoral anteversion (FA). All patients also underwent 3-dimensional (3D) computerized gait analysis of pelvic and hip rotation kinematics. RESULTS: Observational gait analysis and videotapes found 103 children (206 lower limbs) with inturned patella at midstance. Kinematic data from 3D gait analysis showed that the visual impression of turned inward patella was erroneous in 48 limbs. Of the remaining 158 lower limbs, 117 (74%) exhibited excessive FA and 41 (26%) did not. Of the 117 with excessive FA, kinematics showed only 66 (56%) with excessive internal hip rotation (with or without excessive internal pelvic rotation). Of the 41 lower limbs without excessive FA, 25 were explained by excessive internal pelvic rotation and 16 were explained by excessive internal hip rotation (isolated spasticity and/or contracture of internal rotator muscles). Turned inward patella was caused by isolated excessive internal pelvic rotation in 48%, excessive internal hip rotation in 35% (including 44 cases with excessive FA and 12 cases with isolated spasticity and/or contracture of internal hip rotators), and excessive internal hip rotation combined with excessive internal pelvic rotation in 17%. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive FA was not the only cause of turned inward patella gait and could not explain this gait anomaly by itself. Excessive internal pelvic rotation was the most frequent cause of turned inward patella gait. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comparative study of 2 commissural dorsal flap techniques for the treatment of congenital syndactyly.

BACKGROUND: Many commissural reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of syndactyly. This study is the first to compare long-term results of 2 commissural dorsal flap procedures (T-flap and omega-flap). METHODS: Fifty-nine web-spaces in 39 patients, operated on between 1991 and 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six T-flap and 23 omega-flap procedures were performed using full-thickness skin graft in every case for digital resurfacing. Factors that could affect the long-term outcome were collected, including development of web-creep, clinodactyly, and flexion contracture. Patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 5 years and 8 months. RESULTS: Preoperative complexity of syndactyly influenced the development of clinodactyly and flexion contracture. Among the patients who developed clinodactyly, 96% had surgery for complex syndactyly. No difference was found between the 2 flap methods concerning digital deformation and mobility. However, web-creep occurred more frequently after T-flap than after omega-flap procedures (17% vs. 5%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of either dorsal commissural T-flaps or omega-flaps with full-thickness graft to resurface digits is a reliable technique for the treatment of syndactyly with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Long-term results are not influenced by the type of flap. Nevertheless, the omega-flap technique, using 2 triangular lateral-palmar flaps, avoids use of skin graft to cover lateral-palmar aspects of the new commissure, consequently reducing the incidence of web-creep. In cases of syndactyly, the primary prognostic factor is whether the patient has simple or complex syndactyly. In complex syndactyly, the risk of long-term unfavorable results is higher. When complex complicated syndactyly is involved, postoperative complication rates increase. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Rectus femoris distal tendon resection improves knee motion in patients with spastic diplegia.

BACKGROUND: Children with spastic diplegia frequently show excessive knee extension (stiff-knee gait) throughout swing phase, which may interfere with foot clearance. Abnormal rectus femoris activity is commonly associated with a stiff-knee gait. Rectus femoris transfer has been recommended to enhance knee flexion during swing. However, recent studies suggest the transfer does not generate a knee flexor moment but diminishes knee extension moment in swing and MRI studies show the transferred tendons can be constrained by scarring to underlying muscles. Thus, it is possible knee flexion would be improved by distal rectus release rather than transfer since it would not be adherent to the underlying muscles. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined whether rectus femoris distal tendon resection improves knee ROM and kinematic characteristics of stiff-knee gait in patients with spastic diplegia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 45 patients who underwent rectus femoris distal tendon resection as a part of multilevel surgery. Rectus femoris procedures were indicated based on kinematic characteristics of stiff-knee gait. All patients were walkers and had a mean age at surgery of 13 years (range, 6-22 years). We obtained gait analyses before surgery and at mean 2-year followup. We based postoperative assessment on clinical evaluation and gait analysis data. RESULTS: At followup, rectus femoris distal tendon resection was associated with improved knee ROM and timing of peak knee flexion in swing, and the absolute values of peak knee flexion became normal for those patients who showed abnormal preoperative values. CONCLUSIONS: Kinematic parameters of stiff-knee gait improved after rectus femoris distal tendon resection. Given the preliminary nature of our report, we intend to study the same patients to assess outcomes at a longer followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Circumferential fusion with anterior strut grafting and short-segment multipoint posterior fixation for burst fractures in skeletally immature patients: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The Universal Clamp (UC) is a novel vertebral anchor consisting of a sublaminar polyester band connected to fusion rods by a titanium jaw locked with a screw. The authors prospectively studied patients treated for thoracic or lumbar burst fractures with short pedicle screw constructs reinforced with UCs to prevent screw pullout. METHODS: Eleven patients below 18 years of age underwent 2-stage circumferential fusion for complete burst fractures (Magerl A 3.3). Two pedicle screws reinforced by 2 UCs were inserted in the vertebra proximal to the fracture and 2 pedicle screws reinforced by 2 UCs were inserted in the vertebra distal to the fracture. Within 7 days, cages filled with cancellous bone graft were added for anterior column support. T12 was fractured in 3 patients, L1 in 4, L3 in 2, and L4 in 2 patients. Preoperatively, 10 patients were neurologically intact (Frankel E) and 1 patient had an incomplete spinal cord injury (Frankel C). RESULTS: Mean operative duration for the posterior and anterior procedures was 110±24 and 120±35 minutes, respectively. Average intraoperative blood loss was 355±60 mL. Mean hospital stay was 11±2 days and follow-up averaged 36.1±5 months. Mean kyphotic deformity was corrected from 25±9 to 5.3±4.5 degrees postoperatively (79%), without subsequent loss of correction (P=0.17). Regional kyphosis improved by 20±8 degrees postoperatively, without subsequent loss of correction (P=0.09). No intraoperative complication was observed. There was no neurological deterioration. The patient who had a Frankel C lesion recovered 1 Frankel level (Frankel D) at final follow-up. None of the patients exhibited significant correction loss during follow-up, and there was no pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic and lumbar complete burst fractures in skeletally immature patients can be treated using anterior bone graft cages and posterior instrumented fusion augmented with UCs to prevent pedicle screw pullout. With these constructs, which are short to preserve mobile intervertebral segments, kyphosis was corrected, fusion achieved, and correction maintained in all subjects without neurological worsening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis: clinical and functional results at maturity.

BACKGROUND: Thirty to 60% of hereditary multiple exostoses patients have forearm deformities. There is no consensus regarding optimal therapy. This long-term retrospective study is the first to compare radiologic and clinical data with patient assessments, to define more precise surgical indications. METHODS: All children presenting with hereditary multiple exostose during the period from 1990 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Masada forearm deformity classification, treatment, clinical course, and radiologic data were included from the preoperative period to the last follow-up. Operated mature patients self-assessed their functional handicap using the QuickDASH score. RESULTS: Eighteen children (27 forearms) were included. Thirteen of the children had forearm operations, one twice, on the average at 11.1 ± 3 years of age. The average age at last follow-up was 17.6 ± 3.7 years. Data analysis showed no significant functional and radiologic improvement between the early postoperative period and last follow-up. Average QuickDASH score was 15.3 ± 14.9 (out of 100), indicating minor self-assessed handicap despite major clinical and radiologic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic radial head instability appears to be an indication for ulnar lengthening surgery. Even severe deformity without dislocation may be managed conservatively given the lack of postoperative functional improvement. Corrective radial osteotomy may be considered near the end of the growth spurt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Thoracoscopy in children less than 20 kg for the management of spinal disorders: efficacy at long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopy is now considered a safe and feasible method for surgical management of spinal disorders in both adults and children. Nevertheless, a weight less than 20 kg has been reported as a relative contraindication because of the small volume of the thoracic cage and the anticipated difficulties of single-lung ventilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, as well as the safety and efficacy, of thoracoscopic procedures in such patients. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of a consecutive group of patients less than 20 kg weight, who underwent a thoracoscopy between 1998 and 2005. Results were evaluated radiologically, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included. Age at surgery averaged 3 years and 4 months (±1.25). The mean weight was 13.3 kg (±2.8). Fourteen of the patients had congenital scoliosis, 9 due to hemivertebrae and 5 due to segmentation failures. The other 3 suffered from evolutive kyphosis, 2 caused by Pott disease, and 1 caused by congenital anterior failure of segmentation. The mean follow-up was 6 years and 9 months (±1.5). Lung exclusion time averaged 114 minutes (±20). The intended procedure was possible in all cases and no conversion to open thoracotomy was required. The mean operating time was 139 minutes (±10). A posterior arthrodesis was associated and performed during the same anesthesia in 15 cases. The selective breathing was efficient and well tolerated in all cases. No intraoperative respiratory complication was observed. For patients with congenital scoliosis, the average improvement of the main curve between preoperative and latest follow-up was 55%, with an average Cobb angle improvement of 19.1 degrees (±10.5). For the 3 cases of kyphosis, the curve progression stopped, with a mean reduction of the regional kyphosis of 6 degrees (±11.5). Fusion was obtained radiologically in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of thoracoscopy for the management of spinal disorders in children less than 20 kg weight. Thoracoscopy can still be considered as an option in very young children, even though the small chest cavity creates additional technical challenges and the diminutive bronchial tree necessitates a dedicated method of single-lung ventilation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Efficacy and safety of posteromedial translation for correction of thoracic curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a new connection to the spine: the Universal Clamp.

Correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been reported with various systems. All-screw constructs are currently the most popular, but they have been associated with a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis, with a potential risk of junctional kyphosis, not observed with hybrid constructs in the literature. In addition, it is important to weigh potential advantages of pedicle screw fixation against risks specific to its use. Because hybrid constructs are associated with a lower risk of complications and better sagittal correction than all-screw constructs, at present we use lumbar pedicle screws combined with a new sublaminar connection to the spine (Universal Clamps) at thoracic levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the Universal Clamp (UC) posteromedial translation technique for correction of AIS. Seventy-five consecutive patients underwent posterior spinal fusion and hybrid instrumentation for progressive AIS. Correction was performed at the thoracic level using posteromedial translation. At the lumbar level, correction was performed using in situ contouring and compression/distractions maneuvers. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. Medical data and radiographs were prospectively analyzed and compared using a paired t test. The average age at surgery was 15 years and 4 months (+/-19 months). The average number of levels fused was 12+/-1.6. The mean follow-up was 30+/-5 months. The average preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve was 60 degrees+/-20 degrees. The immediate postoperative major curve correction averaged 66+/-13%. The average loss of correction of the major curve between the early postoperative assessment and latest follow-up was 3.5 degrees+/-1.4 degrees . The mean Cincinnati correction index was 1.7+/-0.8 postoperatively, and 1.57+/-1 at last follow up. The mean rotation of the apical vertebra was corrected from 23.3 degrees+/-9 degrees preoperatively to 7.3 degrees+/-5 degrees at last follow up (69% improvement, P<0.0001). In the sagittal plane, the mean thoracic kyphosis improved from 23.8 degrees+/-14.2 degrees preoperatively to 32.3 degrees+/-7.3 degrees at last follow up. For the 68 patients who had a normokyphotic or a hypokyphotic sagittal modifier, thoracic kyphosis increased from 20.5 degrees+/-9.9 degrees to 31.8 degrees+/-7.4 degrees, corresponding to a mean kyphosis correction of 55% at last follow up. No intraoperative complication occurred and none of the patients developed proximal junctional kyphosis during the follow up. The principal limitation of the UC technique was the rate of proximal posterior prominence (14.6%), leading us to recommend the use of conventional claws at the upper extremity of the construct. The technique was safe, and reduced operative time, radiation exposure, and blood loss. While achieving correction of deformity in the coronal and axial planes equivalent to the best reported results of all-screw or previous hybrid constructs, the UC hybrid technique appears to provide superior correction in the sagittal plane. The excellent outcome in all three planes was maintained at 2 year follow up.

Intrasacral rod fixation for pediatric long spinal fusion: results of a prospective study with a minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral fusion is often needed in cases of pediatric neuromuscular spinal deformities. Despite the numerous fixation techniques described, the procedure remains challenging. Jackson has described a method of intrasacral fixation providing immediate 3-dimensional stability and promising clinical results. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with long spinal fusion using Jackson intrasacral fixation in pediatric patients. METHODS: All patients with at least 5 years of follow-up were reviewed. No brace was used postoperatively. Clinical data and radiographs were collected and analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at latest follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included. The average age at surgery was 15.3 years. Mean follow-up period was 10.3 years and no patient was lost to follow-up. All radiographic parameters (frontal balance, frontal Cobb angle of the primary curve, iliolumbar angle, pelvic obliquity, sagittal balance, lumbosacral lordosis, and sacral slope) were significantly improved postoperatively (P<0.001), without significant loss of correction at latest follow-up. Four early infections, 1 pressure sore, and 4 cases of radicular pain, which resolved without intervention, were reported postoperatively. At latest follow-up, no patient complained of lumbar pain, and neither ambulatory status nor activity level ability worsened in any case. Sixteen of the 20 patients who needed a sitting orthosis preoperatively achieved a functional sitting posture without bracing. CONCLUSIONS: Jackson fixation is a safe and reliable technique providing immediate stability. In our series, no mechanical complication occurred and no loss of correction was observed, despite immediate unprotected mobilization. The method provides reliable good sacral fixation for pediatric neuromuscular spinal deformities, especially when the correction of severe pelvic obliquity is necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This consecutive series provides level IV evidence.

How to determine the upper level of instrumentation in Lenke types 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective study of 132 patients.

BACKGROUND: The selection of fusion levels continues to be controversial in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The classifications of King and Lenke remain the most widely used, but recent studies have demonstrated their shortcomings, including poor interobserver reproducibility. We propose a method of preoperative planning that is independent of anatomical classifications, based on the anticipated effect of curve reduction. The objectives of this preoperative strategy are (1) to achieve satisfactory T1 tilt and shoulder balance and (2) to restore balance in the coronal and sagittal planes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of our strategy of deciding the proximal level of arthrodesis in Lenke types 1 and 2 AIS. METHODS: We included 132 adolescents operated on for thoracic AIS by posterior instrumentation. The choice of the proximal fusion level was based on preoperative analysis of the rigidity of the proximal curvature, T1 tilt, and shoulder balance. The preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up radiographs were digitized then analyzed using computer software. Radiological parameters were compared using paired t tests. RESULTS: Average age at the time of surgery was 15.2 years (SD, 1.7 years). Mean follow-up was 30.2 months. The clavicle angle and T1 tilt were significantly improved in both Lenke types 1 and 2 curves. No correlation was found between T1 tilt and shoulder balance. At last follow-up, 89% of the patients satisfied all criteria for balance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present preoperative strategy, to which we adhered in 97% of cases, are encouraging and show that the systematic instrumentation of the entire proximal curvature is not justified in Lenke type 2 curves. However, long-term consequences of the residual T1 tilt need to be studied further.

Jackson's intrasacral fixation in the management of high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.

The aim of this study is to describe a surgical procedure proposed for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis, with intraoperative reduction using Jackson's intrasacral fixation. The procedure is performed using a single posterior approach. The intraoperative correction of the deformity is obtained by sacral dome resection and reduction of the lumbosacral kyphosis using Jackson's fixation to rotate the sacrum. After sagittal balance restoration, L4-S1 circumferential fusion is performed with interbody cages. The technique is effective in the restoration of spinal and pelvic parameters of sagittal balance, and optimal conditions for fusion are obtained. The use of Jackson's intrasacral fixation provides the strong stability needed to correct the lumbosacral deformity, with little neurological risk during intraoperative reduction.

Calcaneal derotation osteotomy for clubfoot revision surgery.

To describe a derotation calcaneal osteotomy technique and assess its efficacy in the correction of relapsed clubfoot. Twenty-one osteotomies were performed in 20 children with recurrent clubfoot. Nineteen children had been previously treated operatively. The derotation osteotomy was the first procedure performed in one case. The procedure combined medial and plantar releases, followed by a curvilinear osteotomy of the calcaneus. Patients were evaluated clinically and with standing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively and at follow-up. The talocalcaneal angle was considered as the most important criteria to evaluate the deformity correction. The clubfoot was idiopathic in 16 cases and neurological in five cases. Mean age at surgery was 7 years old (range 3.4-12 years). Total number of procedures per foot averaged 2.4 (range 4-1). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 2.8 years (range 2-6 years). The talocalcaneal angle increased significantly after the procedure (P<0.001), and no significant loss of correction was seen at latest follow-up (P=0.17). Two scarring complications occurred. Only one foot underwent further surgery after the calcaneal osteotomy for residual forefoot adduction, associated to a cavus and severe fibrosis. The calcaneal curvilinear osteotomy, in which the calcaneoforefoot unit derotation is performed around the talus but within the calcaneus, is a safe and efficient technique that can be proposed for clubfoot revision surgery.

Correlation between transverse plan kinematics and foot progression angle in children with spastic diplegia.

In diplegic patients, the orientation of foot progression depends on multiple factors. We investigated the relationship between foot progression alignment, hip and pelvic rotations during gait, femoral anteversion, and tibial torsion. Kinematic and clinical parameters were evaluated for 114 children who walked independently and had not undergone previous surgery. Causes of intoeing presented combined in 72% of cases. Internal foot progression correlated with internal hip rotation and showed an inverse correlation with tibial torsion. Our results indicate that data from clinical examination and gait analysis should be evaluated carefully before making treatment recommendations, especially in terms of the correction of torsional problems, in patients with cerebral palsy.

Kinematic analysis of the upper limb: a useful tool in children with cerebral palsy.

Upper limb involvement in cerebral palsy is usually more complex than lower limb involvement. Each child has a specific brain lesion and the clinical pattern is highly variable. Current clinical methods of assessment do not fully evaluate the kinematic activity during simple activities of daily life. We defined an upper limb three-dimensional kinematic protocol in order to complete the clinical analysis of such patients and reproducibility tests are in progress. Data were presented for one of the patients studied and showed some important differences between the clinical analysis and the kinematic one. A three-dimensional upper limb motion analysis gives a more complete kinematic evaluation and should help better measure the results of treatments.

Long-term prognosis of Salter-Harris type 2 injuries of the distal femoral physis.

The objective of this study was to assess long-term sequelae of Salter-Harris type 2 injuries on growth of the distal femoral physis. A retrospective study of 20 patients with Salter-Harris type 2 distal femoral injuries, who were managed between 1994 and 2003, was carried out. The average period of follow-up was 4 years and 2 months. Mean age of fracture was 11 years (range 8-15 years). We classified radiologically these fractures into three types according to initial displacement on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs (type 1=less than 2 mm; type 2=more than 2 mm, contact between fragments; type 3=no contact). Further subdivision into A and B was made according to the absence or presence of metaphyseal comminution. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at latest follow-up. Two patients with type 1 injuries were treated conservatively, with no complication. All type 2 and 3 fractures (18) were reduced under general anesthesia. At latest follow-up, 14 patients (70%) sustained a complication due to either epiphysiodesis (12), femoral over-lengthening (1) or associated loss of knee motion (5). Seven out of the 12 epiphysiodeses were initial type B injuries. All type 3 fractures ended with complications. The prognosis of these fractures, often caused by a high-energy trauma, can be severe. Additional subdivision of Salter-Harris type 2 distal femoral physeal injuries is proposed to warn the clinician on specific fracture patterns with higher complication risk. Greater awareness of the numerous growth problems that may occur is needed in type 2B, in which the germinal layer of the physeal cells is damaged.

Congenital high scapula.

Congenital high scapula is also known as Sprengel's deformity. The elevation of the scapula is accompanied by its rotation to a varus position. A series of 19 cases is presented, with 4 bilateral cases. A modified Woodward procedure was performed in all the surgical cases using the basic Woodward technique modified by correcting the tilting of the glena. The operative results were judged on cosmetic and functional criteria. The age of the patients and the presence of an omovertebral bone did not influence the results. Associated cervical spine anomalies were of negative prognosis. Results in this series showed only three fair or poor results; the other cases (79%) were all improved cosmetically and functionally with normal shoulder abduction following reorientation of the scapulo-humeral joint.

Buruli's ulcer: three cases diagnosed and treated in France.

The authors report three cases of skin ulcer, called Buruli's ulcer. This is a tropical disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The diagnosis is often belated, because the infection is rare in Europe. Diagnosis is based on the clinical aspects, and can be confirmed by a biopsy and a molecular study. A culture is needed to test antibiotics. Treatment is always surgical, including a wide excision of all lesions, and specific oral antibiotics for 6 months.

The gait variability index: a new way to quantify fluctuation magnitude of spatiotemporal parameters during gait.

This article describes a conglomerate measure of gait variability based on nine spatiotemporal parameters: the Gait Variability Index (GVI). Concurrent validity, inter-session reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) were evaluated in 31 patients with Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA), through comparisons with classically used evaluation tools such as the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). GVI scores for the healthy population were 100.3±8.6 and were significantly reduced in FRDA patients (70.4±7.9). The GVI was correlated with the global ICARS score and was sensitive enough to differentiate between groups of FRDA patients categorized by the Posture and Gait Disturbances sub-score. The GVI was found to have a high inter-session reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91. A MDC of 8.6 points was found necessary to ensure that a change in GVI reflects a true change rather than measurement error. The GVI provides a quantitative measure of variability which behaves well statistically in both HP and patients with FRDA. It can be easily implemented using the supplemental data provided with this article. Complementary work is necessary to strengthen the GVI validation.

Validity of Functional Ambulation Performance Score for the evaluation of spatiotemporal parameters of children's gait.

Gait characteristics of a healthy adult population have been used to develop the Functional Ambulation Profile (FAP) score to evaluate gait in patients with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal involvement (A. J. Nelson, 1974). Further technological progress allowed a more precise recording of walk parameters and propitiated the development of the Functional Ambulation Performance Score (FAPS). The authors aimed to explore the evolution of the FAPS in healthy children to determine what the lower limit of age would be to ensure reliability of this score. Participants were 32 children with normal development. A GAITRite® walkway was used to log the spatiotemporal parameters. Compared with values obtained in adults, the average FAPS was significantly lower for children under 12 years old. The interparticipant variability was particularly high for the younger children and decreased with age. Similar trends were observed regarding the intraparticipant variability. In conclusion, the authors observed that the FAPS is not suitable to compare the gait of different children younger than 12 years old. At least, the adult standards used to calculate FAPS would need to be modified if the score has to be applied to a pediatric population.

Upper limb motion analysis in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: proximal kinematic changes after distal botulinum toxin or surgical treatments.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the kinematic changes in children with cerebral palsy (CP) after treatments performed on the forearm, wrist or thumb, with specific attention to the changes around the trunk, shoulder and elbow kinematics. METHODS: With the use of a specific kinematic protocol, we first described the upper limb kinematics in a group of 27 hemiplegic patients during two simple daily tasks. Eight of these children were treated with botulinum toxin (Botox(®), Allergan) injection or surgery and were, thereafter, evaluated with another kinematic analysis in order to compare the pre- and post-therapeutic condition. The target muscles were the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor pollicis longus and the adductor pollicis. RESULTS: Significant kinematic changes were found after treatment. Patients increased forearm supination (P < 0.05) and wrist extension (P < 0.05) during both tasks. Patients also decreased trunk flexion/extension range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.05), improved elbow ROM (P < 0.05) and improved internal shoulder rotation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic shoulder or elbow limitations in children with mild hemiplegia involvement could be related to a compensatory movement strategy and/or co-contractions. As these proximal kinematics anomalies are improved after treatments performed at the forearm, wrist and thumb, they should not be treated first but should be reconsidered after the treatment of more distal problems.

Hybrid constructs for tridimensional correction of the thoracic spine in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a comparative analysis of universal clamps versus hooks.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE: Compare Universal Clamps (UCs) and hooks for the thoracic correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In scoliosis surgery, sagittal correction is as important as frontal correction due to the risk of junctional kyphosis. Compared to all-screw constructs, hybrid constructs with lumbar pedicle screws and thoracic hooks or sublaminar wires have been shown to achieve similar coronal correction while providing superior postoperative thoracic kyphosis. The authors used a novel sublaminar thoracic implant, the UC with improvements over sublaminar wires. Hybrid constructs using thoracic UCs were compared to those with thoracic hooks. METHODS: This series involved 150 patients treated for AIS with hybrid constructs. A total of 75 consecutive patients operated from 2001 to 2003, who had thoracic hooks with in situ contouring, distraction, and compression (Group 1), were compared to 75 consecutive patients operated from 2004 to 2006, who had thoracic UCs with posteromedial translation (Group 2). All had intraoperative somatosensory/motor-evoked potential monitoring and at least 2-years follow-up. RESULTS: Except for follow-up (longer in Group 1), the 2 groups were similar before surgery. The UCs achieved better thoracic coronal correction (P < 0.001), Cincinnati index (P < 0.001), kyphosis (P = 0.02), and apical rotation (P < 0.001). In normokyphotic or hypokyphotic patients, the UC corrected thoracic kyphosis by 11.2 degrees (55%) versus 0.4 degrees (2%) achieved by hooks (P < 0.0001). These differences were stable at last follow-up. There were no intraoperative complications or changes in somatosensory/motor-evoked potentials. UC reduced operative time by 20% (60 minutes; P < 0.001) and blood loss by 23% (250 mL; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although both of these hybrid constructs efficaciously corrected the coronal and axial deformities in AIS, the results of the UC technique were superior to those achieved with hooks in all 3 planes, especially the sagittal plane. Moreover, the UC technique is straightforward and safe, reducing both operative duration and blood loss.