Analysis of Growth After Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) bears several advantages and is widely used. The main concern is the risk of growth disturbance. Our purpose was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of growth disturbance in skeletally immature patients who underwent transphyseal ACLR. We hypothesized that this procedure would generate neither clinically relevant limb length discrepancy (LLD) nor axis deviation. METHODS: This prospective, consecutive, single-center series included skeletally immature patients who underwent primary transphyseal ACLR using semitendinosus tendon autograft, with a 2-year follow-up bone length standing radiograph of both lower limbs from pelvis to ankle in anterior posterior view. Lower limb length, mechanical axis deviation (MAD), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured. The definition of postoperative growth disturbance was defined as ≥10 mm for LLD or ≥3 degrees for axis deviation in comparison to the contralateral lower limb. Predictive variables included age at surgery, gender, side, and diameter of bone tunnels. Student or Mann-Whitney test was used for numerical variables, and Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifty consecutively treated patients were included. Forty-seven patients (31 boys, 16 girls) with a mean age of 13.2 years (range, 9 to 16) at the time of surgery were available for analysis. Six patients had an LLD of at least 10 mm. Twenty-five patients had a difference in MPTA of a least 3 degrees (range, 5 to 8). Sixteen patients had a difference in LDFA of a least 3 degrees (range, 4 to 9). No patients presented with a clinical deformity or related symptoms. Regarding coronal alignment, there was no statistical difference in mechanical axis deviation, LDFA, or MPTA. Gender, side, age, and bone tunnel diameter did not influence growth disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: Transphyseal pediatric ACLR generated a high rate of growth disturbances (leg length discrepancy and axis deviation) although none clinically relevant. Mild proximal tibial axis deviation in patients operated on near skeletal maturity should be further investigated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study.

Evolution of Hip Dysplasia in Pediatric Patients With Prader-Willi Syndrome Treated With Growth Hormone Early in Development.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by obesity, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, obesity, musculoskeletal manifestations including scoliosis, and hip dysplasia (HD). The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and radiographic evolution of HD in the pediatric PWS population. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of 72 patients (147 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs) between January 2004 and December 2016. Center-edge angle (CEA) of Wiberg, acetabular index (AI), and neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measures in all hips. The relationship between radiographic and demographic parameters of age, sex, and body mass index z-score (BMIzs) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 274 radiographic measurements were performed and analyzed in 72 patients. The mean CEA, AI, and NSA were 21.8±7.1 degrees (range, 5 to 35 degrees), 16.7±7 degrees (range, 5 to 45 degrees), and 142±8.5 degrees (range, 128 to 165 degrees), respectively. HD was diagnosed in 79 (29%) hip radiographs and varied significantly between the age groups (P<0.01). A statistically significant association was identified between age and CEA [ß coef, 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.6-1; P<0.01], AI (ß coef, -0.90; 95% CI, -1.1 to -0.7; P<0.01), and NSA (ß coef, -1.11; 95% CI, -1.4 to -0.9; P<0.01) angles. Sex and BMIzs were not identified as independent predictors of radiographic hip angles (P>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated favorable evolution of hip radiographic parameters in the PWS population treated with growth hormone early in development. This finding should prompt orthopedists to consider observation alone in the management algorithm for HD in patients with PWS. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III-a retrospective comparative study.

Delayed reconstruction and high BMI z score increase the risk of meniscal tear in paediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify epidemiologic risk factors for secondary meniscal tears in paediatric and adolescent patients who sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The hypothesis was that delayed reconstruction and elevated BMI z score, increase the risk for secondary meniscal tears. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive and analytical study of consecutively accrued children and adolescents with an ACL tear was performed. One hundred and sixty subjects (114 males and 46 females) were identified between 2006 and 2015 at one institution. The age range was between 7 and 19 years. Fifteen parameters were recorded and analysed: age at initial trauma, initial trauma circumstance, sex, BMI z score, affected side, type of sport, Tegner score, athletic level, time to MRI, time to first referral, time to surgery, age at surgery, attempted non-operative treatment, operative report and associated meniscal tear. These meniscal lesions could be diagnosed by an MRI and / or during surgery. RESULTS: Out of the 160 cases, 143 were treated surgically and 17 cases non-operatively. Median corrected BMI z score was 0.5 (range - 1.8 to 4.7). 41.9% had one or more meniscal lesions. 55 patients were initially treated non-operatively, of which 39 patients were secondarily operated. There was a positive relationship between meniscal lesion and: BMI z score (p = 0.0364), attempted non-operative treatment (p = 0.001) and time to surgery (p = 0.002). The median time to ACL reconstruction was 229 days for patients with secondary meniscal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ACL tears treated non-operatively developed secondary meniscal lesions requiring delayed surgical management. There was a positive correlation between BMI z score and secondary meniscal lesions. Thus, early ACL reconstruction is advocated in young athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Correction of pelvic obliquity in neuromuscular spinal deformities using the "T construct": results and complications in a prospective series of 60 patients.

BACKGROUND: We present the results of a prospective series of 60 patients treated for neuromuscular spinal deformities with an original spinopelvic construct using two sacral screws and two iliac screws. Clinical and radiological results obtained with this new surgical technique were studied and discussed according to the epidemiological data and relevant literature. METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2010, the clinical data of every patient who underwent spinopelvic fixation for treatment of a neuromuscular spinal deformity were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Sixty patients were operated on during the study period. Spinal correction and fusion was performed by posterior approach. In six patients with a residual spinopelvic imbalance more than 15° on lateral preoperative bending films, an anterior release of the thoracolumbar junction was performed on the same day, before posterior correction. Preoperative pelvic obliquity (PO) ranged from 4° to 44° (mean 21.6°). Postoperative pelvic obliquity ranged from 0° to 14 (mean 4.6°). No significant loss of correction was noted at the last follow-up. One patient died 3 months after the initial procedure due to respiratory compromise. 11 patients had early postoperative infections of the posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high rate of infectious complications, optimal correction of pelvic obliquity requires extension of spinal instrumentation to the pelvis. Spinopelvic fixation remains a difficult challenge in neurological patients with hypotrophy. We think that pelvic fixation with the "T construct" did provide effective and improved spinal stabilization in these patients, while reducing the need for a postoperative cast or brace. As a result, patients had a favourable postoperative course with early mobilization and return to a comfortable sitting position.

The "T-construct" for spinopelvic fixation in neuromuscular spinal deformities. Preliminary results of a prospective series of 15 patients.

BACKGROUND: We present the results of a prospective series of 15 patients treated for neuromuscular spinal deformities with an original spinopelvic construct using two sacral screws and two iliac screws. Results were compared to a prospective cohort of 62 patients treated for neuromuscular spinal deformities by spinopelvic fixation using iliosacral screws. METHODS: From November 2005 to June 2007, the clinical data of every patient who underwent spinopelvic fixation for treatment of a neuromuscular spinal deformity were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Fifteen patients weighting less than 35 kg were operated on with a special segmental construct using two sacral screws and two iliac screws for pelvic anchorage. Sixty-two patients had spinopelvic fixation using iliosacral screws. Severity of the curve (Cobb angle) and reducibility were statistically equal in both groups. Operative time and blood loss were statistically identical in both groups. Curve correction was similar in both groups and postoperative pelvic obliquity ranged between 2° and 4°. No significant loss of correction was noted at the last follow-up. Fifteen patients had early postoperative infection of the posterior wound requiring re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high rate of infectious complications, optimal correction of pelvic obliquity requires extension of spinal instrumentation to the pelvis. Pelvic fixation with the "T-construct" did provide effective and improved spinal stabilization in these patients, while reducing the need for a postoperative cast or brace. As a result, patients had a favorable postoperative course with early mobilization and return to a comfortable sitting position.

Abnormalities in distal first metatarsal joint surface orientation: Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle and Distal Metatarsal-2 Articular Angle.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) in adults is an acquired pathology related to 1st metatarsal (M1) abduction. In children, it is related to abnormal M1 joint surface orientation. HYPOTHESIS: HV deformities in children and adults differ. OBJECTIVE: Descriptive study of radiologic abnormalities in a pediatric population of symptomatic HV, with comparison to a population without symptomatic HV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weight-bearing X-rays were studied in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for HV and in a control population. Measurements comprised M1P1, M1M2, DMAA, DM2AA, MPAA, and sesamoid subluxation index. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (42 feet) were included in the HV group, and 16 patients (29 feet) in the control group. Mean age was 13 years in both. Interobserver reproducibility was excellent for M1P1, and good for M1M2, DMAA and DM2AA. In HV, 71% of feet showed M1M2 angle>12° and 98% DMAA>10°; DM2AA was>0°, except in 1 foot. DISCUSSION: Normal values are the same in children and adults: M1P1<15°, DMAA<10° and M1M2<12°. In the HV group, DMAA was systematically pathological, while M1M2 was pathological in only 71% of cases. Childhood HV is related to abnormal DMAA, sometimes associated with increased M1M2 angle, especially in severe forms. DM2AA assesses distal M1 joint surface orientation with respect to the M2 axis; in the HV group, it was systematically>0° (except in 1 foot). Thus, in case of concomitant DMAA and M1M2 abnormalities, DMAA is more severely abnormal than M1M2 (DM2AA=DMAA-M1M2). CONCLUSION: Childhood HV is mainly due to abnormal M1 joint surface orientation, sometimes associated with increased 1st metatarsal abduction. DM2AA reflects the balance between 1st metatarsal abduction and M1 joint surface orientation abnormality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Monitoring adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by measuring ribs prominence using surface topography device.

Due to the danger of repeated exposure to X-rays for patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), reducing the number of radiographs is necessary. By using Surface Topography (ST), trunk asymmetry evaluation could be used. The number of radiographs required can be reduced by 30% when the radio is used only for patients with worsening ST. HYPOTHESIS: ST is a reliable technique for deformity monitoring in AIS. DESIGN: Observational prospective study. INTRODUCTION: The risk of curve progression in AIS is high during a growth spurt and necessitates regular radiographic follow-up, despite the adverse effects of repeated exposure to X-rays. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine a simple and reproducible parameter for deformity monitoring using ST in AIS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive AIS patients with a Cobb angle between 10° and 40° were included. Every 6 months, X-ray and ST acquisitions were performed. Radiographic parameters and the ribs prominence curve calculated from ST were collected. This curve was deduced from the axial rotation of the 100 axial sections of the trunk. We analyzed correlations between the evolution of Cobb angle and the curve. RESULTS: 123 patients were included, 111 girls, 12 boys, mean age 12 years. The measurement of the curve had a good reproducibility (ICC: 0.816). ST differentiated patients with or without increased Cobb. (p = 0.0294). CONCLUSION: ST is useful for monitoring AIS. This device could reduce the number of radiographs by 30%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Prevalence and Detection of Meniscal Ramp Lesions in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knees.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears represent 13% of knee injuries in children. Medial meniscal tears are commonly associated with ACL ruptures. Ramp lesions correspond to posterior meniscocapsular tears of the medial meniscus. Depending on the study, the prevalence of ramp lesions is inconsistent. PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence of ramp lesions in children and adolescents and to investigate the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing such lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We analyzed videos from arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in children. During these procedures, we systematically looked for potential ramp lesions. To do so, an arthroscope was passed through the intercondylar notch to visualize the posteromedial compartment. A needle was introduced at the site of a posteromedial portal to unfold the meniscocapsular junction to reveal any hidden meniscal tear. Surgical procedures were performed by 2 senior surgeons. Videos were blindly analyzed by a third surgeon. Preoperative MRIs were screened by 2 blinded, independent senior radiologists to look specifically for ramp lesions. RESULTS: Videos of 50 consecutive arthroscopic ACLRs concerning 32 boys and 18 girls were analyzed. Mean age at surgery was 14.2 years (range, 8.5-17.6 years). A total of 14 ramp lesions (28%) in 8 boys and 6 girls were identified. In addition, there were 22 tears of the meniscal body in 20 patients (40%). Arthroscopic and MRI findings did not correlate. Among 14 arthroscopically diagnosed ramp lesions, only 8 were detected on the MRI. Conversely, 12 patients had a ramp lesion detected on the MRI, which could not be confirmed intraoperatively. The sensitivity of MRI was 57% and the positive predictive value was 40%. CONCLUSION: A meniscal ramp lesion was present in 14 of 50 children (28%) undergoing ACLR. MRI has a low sensitivity for diagnosis of ramp lesions in children. Careful exploration of the posteromedial compartment is strongly recommended. Overlooking such lesions during ACLR may contribute to ongoing instability and higher re-rupture rates in these young patients.

Proximal femoral osteotomy in neurologic pediatric hips using the locking compression plate.

BACKGROUND: Proximal femoral osteotomy (PFO) is a widely performed reconstructive surgery in pediatric patients with diagnosis of neurologic abnormalities. Many implants have been used for the fixation of these osteotomies. These devices have been evolved to provide stable fixation. A novel fixation system, the proximal femoral locking compression plate (LCP), which has a low lateral profile system, has been developed to address the problem of loosening in the osteoporotic bone, and to reach a more precise angular reduction and fixation stability through the use of locking screws. In this study, we report the surgical technique and results of PFO in children with a neurologic diagnosis. METHODS: Fifty-two children with a primary neurologic diagnosis had a femoral osteotomy with the LCP device. Clinical records and radiographs, neck-shaft angle (NSA), acetabular slope, the Reimer migration percentage, and healing of the osteotomy site were studied. Among the 70 operated hips, 59 operated hips had a follow-up superior to 1 year and were included in this study. RESULTS: Among the 59 operated hips, 25 operated hips presented with subluxations. NSA improved from 145 degrees (130 degrees to 165 degrees) to 120 degrees (110 degrees to 125 degrees) and to 125 degrees (115 degrees to 130 degrees) on last follow-up. The Reimer migration percentage improved from 60% (35% to 90%) to 25% (15% to 35%). Ten operated hips presented with dislocations. Their NSA improved from 150 degrees (145 degrees to 170 degrees) to 122 degrees (115 degrees to 125 degrees) and to 125 degrees (118 degrees to 130 degrees) at last follow-up. The stability of the operative reduction was maintained and full range of motion was preserved. Five operated hips presented with dysplastic hips with NSA>130 degrees without associated subluxation, 6 operated hips presented with windswept deformities, 10 operated hips presented with excessive femoral anteversion, and 3 operated hips presented with pseudarthrosis after earlier PFO were also treated and neither presented angular loosening at last follow-up. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The LCP system may be used for a wide range of indications if precise preoperative planning was achieved. Rigid primary fixation allows early mobilization and weight bearing in ambulant patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE LEVEL IV: Therapeutic study investigating the results of a treatment studying a case series.

Teleconsultation using multimedia messaging service for management plan in pediatric orthopaedics: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Application and assessment of the usefulness of image transfer through a mobile telephone in pediatric orthopaedic practice was investigated. METHODS: Twenty patients with traumatic lesions requiring urgent consultation were included. Relevant x-rays were photographed and transferred using Multimedia Messaging Service to the orthopaedic surgeon at our department. The discussion on the need to transfer the patient for treatment and the final treatment was retrospectively scrutinized by 10 independent orthopaedic surgeons. The agreement on the diagnosis and the management plan proposed after image transfer were assessed. RESULTS: The lesion concerned the lower limb in 6 cases, upper limbs in 13 cases, and the spine in 1 case in patients aged 2 to 16 years. The transmitted images were 160 x 120-pixel jpeg files in 1 case, 240 x 180-pixel jpeg files in 8 cases, 320 x 240-pixel jpeg files in 1 case, and 640 x 480-pixel jpeg files in 10 cases. In all the cases studied, all the investigators agreed that the images were good enough for doing the diagnosis even in cases of minor or nondisplaced fractures. The same decisions of transfer or management were taken in all the cases by all the investigators. Review of the transferred images versus the original full-scale images did not change the final diagnosis and management plan. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, even in case of low-resolution images (160 x 120-pixel jpeg), images were of sufficiently high quality for interpretation. This enables rational management decisions to be made using this costless and widely available technology. In patients requiring surgical treatment, a final operative decision is mandatory after transfer, bedside examination, and review of other data in addition to images. Teleconsultation using Multimedia Messaging Service is especially useful to improve remote management of orthopaedic patients in local hospitals or for decisions of transfer when surgical treatment is needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Level IV (case series).

Use of a combined oxygen/nitrous oxide/morphine chlorydrate protocol for analgesia in burned children requiring painful local care.

PURPOSE: We present the results of the use of a protocol of inhalational oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures associated with oral opioids on a prospective cohort of 33 children undergoing local care for acute but limited burned skin lesions. METHODS: All the children were orally administered 0.4 mg/kg morphine chlorydrate, and nitrous oxide was administered as an equimolar mixture (50% N2O, 50% O2) via a face mask during the procedure. Pain and comfort of the patient were evaluated by the use of a validated behavioural score. After the end of the procedure, child and parent satisfactions were noted. RESULTS: Mean age was 3 years 6 months (10 months-11 years). A successful detersion procedure was performed in all the cases. Behavioural score was 6 in 15 cases out of 33, comprising between 7 and 9 in 15 patients and 10 in three patients. Subjective satisfaction of pain management was noted in 16 out of 20 patients after the procedure. Subjective satisfaction of the parents was noted in all the cases. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates that the use of a simple protocol of inhalational oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures associated with oral opioids could be safe and effective. This association was well tolerated without any adverse effect.

Implantation of an Actifit® Polyurethane Meniscal Scaffold 18 Months After Subtotal Lateral Meniscectomy in a 13-Year-Old Male Adolescent.

BACKGROUND Implantation of the Actifit® polyurethane meniscal scaffold is indicated for knee pain after partial meniscectomy in adults who are skeletally mature. This report is of a case of implantation of an Actifit® polyurethane meniscal scaffold 18 months after subtotal lateral meniscectomy in a 13-year-old male adolescent. CASE REPORT A 13-year-old male presented with right knee pain, localized to the lateral joint, 18 months after undergoing subtotal lateral meniscectomy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee showed a complete amputation of the lateral meniscal middle segment with subchondral bone damage. Arthroscopic exploration of the knee joint showed a subtotal posterior and middle lateral meniscectomy and a 4 cm² area of International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 3 cartilage damage on the posterior aspect of the lateral tibial plateau. The anterolateral portal was enlarged to introduce the Actifit® scaffold. The implant was secured using three all-inside Fast-Fix® sutures and three outside-in vertical sutures, which rapidly reduced the pain symptoms. At five-year follow-up, the patient reported no pain, and he had resumed sporting activities and recovered a full knee range of motion at 0/0/145°. MRI showed a type 2 meniscal implant shape and size, according to the Genovese MRI score. The ICRS MRI score was stable at grade 3b. CONCLUSIONS This case showed that the use of the Actifit® polyurethane meniscal scaffold is an option for the treatment of knee pain after partial or subtotal meniscectomy in skeletally immature patients, resulting in a stable functional outcome at five-year follow-up.

Traumatic transepiphyseal separation of the upper femoral epiphysis following seizures in a 5-month-old child: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic transepiphyseal separation of the upper femoral epiphysis is a rare lesion of the hip in children. CASE REPORT: We report a case of conservative treatment of transepiphyseal separation of the upper femoral epiphysis following tonic/clonic seizures in a 5-month-old child. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis The fracture was maintained with hip spica cast for 6 weeks. At the age of 2, complete healing of the lesion including femoral neck remodeling was noted on frontal and lateral radiographs. There was no radiological evidence of AVN or premature closure of the physis. He continues to be followed up. DISCUSSION: Because of the remodeling potential in young children, we assume not to perform additional reduction procedures in such traumatic lesions.

Assessing the rotation of the spinal cord in idiopathic scoliosis: a preliminary report of MRI feasibility.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quantification of the rotation of the spinal cord in patients with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis could also be used to detect different spinal cord rotational patterns. METHODS: Ten patients with a thoracic or thoracolumbar scoliosis had axial T2-weighted MRI. The rotation of the spinal cord and vertebra were measured. The rotational data of the spinal cord and vertebra was compared to other collated data using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: The vertebral tile was measured from 3 degrees to 32 degrees and the spinal cord tilt was measured from 3 degrees to 39 degrees. The spinal cord tilt was statistically correlated with the Cobb angle and the antero-posterior or and transverse diameter of the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: We showed that, even in case of moderate curve with very limited angular values and vertebral rotation, a significant spinal cord rotation occurred. However, our findings are very limited to discuss some hypothesis about scoliosis pathogeny or progression mechanism.

Surgical treatment of idiopathic pes planovalgus in paediatric patients.

Idiopathic pes planus is common and usually physiologic. Decompensation, when it occurs, may be obvious or on the contrary difficult to identify, raising challenges in patient selection for surgical treatment. The physical examination of a child with pes planus must include an evaluation in the supine position, which helps to adjust the amount of correction during surgery. The many reported surgical procedures include repositioning (talus-reseating, subtalar implants and calcaneo-stop screw), osteotomies and joint fusions. The primary treatment goal is to achieve full architectural correction of the deformity. Selection of the procedure depends on patient age and reducibility of the deformity. The joint lines should be preserved whenever possible. Triceps surae contracture should be sought and corrected if found.

Anterior cruciate ligament tears in children: Management and growth disturbances. A survey of French Arthroscopy Society members.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are becoming more common and occurring at earlier ages in the paediatric population. The surgical indications and the optimal time for surgery, technique, and graft type remain controversial in skeletally immature patients. Growth disturbances have been reported after ACL reconstruction, further complicating treatment decisions. The primary objective of this study was to describe current practices of French Arthroscopy Society (Société Francophone d'Arthroscopie, SFA) members regarding ACL tear management in skeletally immature patients. The secondary objectives were to determine the incidence, type, and severity of growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: Recent publications support early surgical reconstruction and the further development of transphyseal techniques, even in pre-pubertal patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An email invitation to complete a 52-item questionnaire was sent to all SFA members. Participation was voluntary and replies were kept confidential. The data were collected automatically via the SurveyMonkey® tool. Descriptive statistics were computed. RESULTS: Of 1280 invited SFA members, 142 replied, yielding a participation rate of 11%. Among respondents, 14% recommended ACL reconstruction within 3 months for pre-pubertal patients, compared to 35% for pubertal paediatric patients. The preferred tibial tunnel was transphyseal for both pre-pubertal patients (44.4% of respondents) and pubertal patients (97.7% of respondents). The preferred femoral tunnel was epiphyseal for pre-pubertal patients (62.2% of respondents) and transphyseal for pubertal patients (55.5% of respondents). Growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction were reported by 7% of respondents. CONCLUSION: No consensus exists to date about the surgical management of ACL tears in skeletally immature patients. Transphyseal tunnels are gaining in popularity, even for pre-pubertal children. Reports of significant growth disturbances, although relatively rare, warrant the implementation of technical precautions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, descriptive epidemiological survey.

The sagittal balance of the spine in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta.

In severe forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, multiple compression fractures of the spine, as well as vertebral height shortening could be responsible for an increased thoracic kyphosis or a diminished lumbar lordosis. Theses progressive changes in sagittal shapes of the trunk could be responsible for a global sagittal trunk imbalance. We compare the parameters of sagittal spinopelvic balance in young patients with OI to those parameters in a control group of healthy volunteers. Eighteen patients with osteogenesis imperfecta were compared to a cohort of 300 healthy volunteers. A standing lateral radiograph of the spine was obtained in a standardized fashion. The sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, T1 and T9 sagittal offset were measured using a computer-assisted method. The variations and reciprocal correlations of all parameters in both groups according to each other were studied. Comparison of angular parameters between OI patients and control group showed an increased T1T12 kyphosis in OI patients. T1 and T9 sagittal offset was positive in OI patients and negative in control group. This statistically significant difference among sagittal offsets in both groups indicated that OI patients had a global sagittal balance of the trunk displaced anteriorly when compared to the normal population. Reciprocal correlations between angular parameters in OI patients showed a strong correlation between lumbar lordosis (L1L5 and L1S1) and sacral slope. The T9 sagittal offset was also strongly correlated with pelvic tilt. Pelvic incidence was correlated with L1S1 lordosis, T1 sagittal offset and pelvic tilt. In OI patients, the T1T12 thoracic kyphosis was statistically higher than in control group and was not correlated with other shape (LL) or pelvic (SS, PT or PI) parameters. Because isolated T1T12 kyphosis increase without T4T12 significant modification, we suggest that vertebral deformations worsen in OI patients at the upper part of thoracic spine. Further studies are needed to precise the exact location of most frequent vertebral deformities.

Proximal tibial epiphyseal intraosseous schwannoma: a rare entity.

Schwannoma is a benign nerve sheath tumor most commonly located in the soft tissue. Occasionally, schwannomas involve osseous structures. The rarity of osseous involvement leads to omission of schwannoma from the initial differential diagnosis in the majority of cases. Intraosseous schwannomas arising in children have not been reported. We present the case of a schwannoma affecting the proximal tibial epiphysis in a growing child. Intraosseous schwannomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of lytic epiphyseal benign-appearing bone lesions in children. Its radiographic characteristics mimic those of benign chondroblastoma.

Return to sport and re-tears after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to determine the time to and level of return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children and adolescents. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the risk of early ACL re-tear after return to sports and the risk of ACL tear in the contralateral knee. HYPOTHESIS: The time to return to sports in young patients is considerably longer than in adults. METHODS: A prospective multicentre study was conducted at 12 centres specialised in knee ligament surgery, in children and adolescents younger than 18 years, between 1 January 2015 and 31 October 2015. The patients were divided into a paediatric group with open physes and a skeletally mature group with closed physes. We recorded the time to return to sport, the type of sport resumed, and the occurrence of early re-tears on the same side. A poor outcome was defined as a re-tear or an objective IKDC score of C or D. A contralateral ACL tear was not considered a poor outcome. RESULTS: Of 278 included patients, 100 had open physes and 178 closed physes. In the open physes group, return to running occurred after 10.4±4.7 months, return to pivoting/contact sport training after 13.1±3.9 months, and return to pivoting/contact sport competitions after 13.8±3.8 months. Of the 100 patients, 80% returned to the same sport and 63.5% to pivoting/contact sport competitions. Re-tears occurred in 9% of patients, after 11.8±4.1 months, and contralateral tears in 6% of patients, after 17.2±4.4 months. In all, 19.4% of patients had a poor outcome, including 10.4% with an IKDC score of C or D and 9% with re-tears. In the group with closed physes, return to running occurred after 8.8±5.1 months, return to pivoting/contact sport training after 11.7±4.7 months, and return to pivoting/contact sport competitions after 12.3±4.2 months. Of the 178 patients, 76.9% returned to the same sport and 55.6% to pivoting/contact sport competitions. The re-tear rate was only 2.8% and the contralateral tear rate 5%. In all, 14.7% of patients had poor outcome, including 11.9% with an IKDC score of C or D and 2.8% with re-tears. No risk factors for re-tears were identified; the quadruple-bundle semitendinosus technique showed a non-significant association with re-tears. CONCLUSION: In young children, the return to sport time after ACL reconstruction is considerably longer than 1 year and the return to competitions occurs later and is more difficult. The results of this study indicate that reservations are in order when informing the family about return to sports prospects after ACL reconstruction. The return to pivoting/contact sport competitions should not be allowed until 14 months after surgery in young skeletally immature patients, and the risk of re-injury is high within the first 2 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Planning for Bone Excision in Ewing Sarcoma: Post-Chemotherapy MRI More Accurate Than Pre-Chemotherapy MRI Assessment.

BACKGROUND: In determining the level of bone resection in Ewing sarcoma, the most suitable time at which to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains controversial. Current guidelines recommend that surgical planning be based on MRI performed prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The goal of this study was to determine whether pre-chemotherapy or post-chemotherapy MRI provides greater accuracy of tumor limits for planning bone excision in the management of Ewing sarcoma. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. MRI was performed using 3 sequences: T1-weighted, T1-weighted with contrast enhancement by gadolinium injection, and a fluid-sensitive sequence (STIR [short tau inversion recovery] or proton-density-weighted with fat saturation). The tumor extent as assessed on pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy MRI was compared with histological measurement of the resected specimen. RESULTS: Twenty patients with Ewing sarcoma of a long bone were included. In 6 cases, the tumor was located on the femur, in 5, the tibia; in 5, the fibula; and in 4, the humerus. The median patient age at diagnosis was 9.7 years. We found greater accuracy of measurements from MRI scans acquired after chemotherapy than from those acquired before chemotherapy. For both pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy MRI, the greatest accuracy was achieved with the nonenhanced T1 sequence. There was no benefit to gadolinium enhancement. The median difference between T1 MRI and histological measurements was 19.0 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 4.3 to 32.8 mm) before chemotherapy and 5.0 mm (IQR, 2.0 to 13.0 mm) after chemotherapy. Adding a minimum margin of 20 mm to the limit of the tumor on post-chemotherapy T1 MRI always led to safe histological margin. CONCLUSIONS: Post-chemotherapy MRI provided a more accurate assessment of the limits of Ewing sarcoma. Surgical planning can therefore be based on post-chemotherapy MRI. Surgical cuts can be, at minimum, 20 mm from the limits as seen on MRI.