The use of instrumented gait analysis for individually tailored interdisciplinary interventions in children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have an altered gait. Orthopaedic surgery, spasticity management, physical therapy and orthotics are used to improve the gait. Interventions are individually tailored and are planned on the basis of clinical examinations and standardised measurements to assess walking ('care as usual'). However, these measurements do not describe features in the gait that reflect underlying neuro-musculoskeletal impairments. This can be done with 3-dimensional instrumented gait analysis (IGA). The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that improvements in gait following individually tailored interventions when IGA is used are superior to those following 'care as usual'. METHODS/DESIGN: A prospective, single blind, randomised, parallel group study will be conducted. Children aged 5 to 8 years with spastic CP, classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I or II, will be included. The interventions under investigation are: 1) individually tailored interdisciplinary interventions based on the use of IGA, and 2) 'care as usual'. The primary outcome is gait measured by the Gait Deviation Index. Secondary outcome measures are: walking performance (1-min walk test) and patient-reported outcomes of functional mobility (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory), health-related quality of life (The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Cerebral Palsy Module) and overall health, pain and participation (The Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument). The primary endpoint for assessing the outcome of the two interventions will be 52 weeks after start of intervention. A follow up will also be performed at 26 weeks; however, exclusively for the patient-reported outcomes. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of an individually tailored interdisciplinary intervention based on the use of IGA versus 'care as usual' in children with CP. Consequently, the study will provide novel evidence for the use of IGA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02160457 . Registered June 2, 2014.

Fractures in the lower leg in children.

Fractures in the lower leg are common in children and are most often due to accidental falls. A significant part of the fractures involves the growth plates. This review describes a broad range of techniques for treatment ranging from immobilization in a cast to open reduction and fixation with K-wires, screws, or flexible intramedullary nails. Premature growth arrest is relatively common following the physeal fractures in proximal or distal tibia. We recommend early consultation with a tertiary care centre for guidance and planning of the best treatment.

The need for total hip arthroplasty in Perthes disease: a long-term study.

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) was described a century ago. In previous long-term reports of patients with LCPD, nonoperative treatment varied considerably. The likelihood of hip osteoarthritis (OA) developing in patients with LCPD and possible need for THA are not well defined. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of the study was to determine whether nonoperatively treated patients with LCPD (1) had an increased prevalence of THA compared with gender- and age-matched control subjects, (2) if patients with Stulberg Classes III/IV/V femoral heads had an increased risk of THA compared with those with Classes I/II femoral heads. Given the limitation in the study, we (3) evaluated whether patients with LCPD were at risk for having radiographic hip OA more commonly than control subjects and (4) whether hips with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads had an increased prevalence of OA compared with hips with Classes I/II femoral heads. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 167 patients with LCPD treated with a Thomas splint. The control population consisted of gender- and age-matched control subjects who were participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study: the Osteoarthritis Substudy. Radiographs at skeletal maturity were classified according to the classification system of Stulberg et al. Data from the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Registries of the National Board of Health were collected to obtain the number of patients with LCPD having THA. At a mean followup of 47 years later (range, 37-58 years), weightbearing pelvic radiographs were obtained. Radiographic OA was defined as a joint space width of 2.0 mm or less. RESULTS: Thirteen percent of patients with LCPD had THAs compared with none in the control group. Seven percent of the patients with LCPD had OA compared with 1% in the control group. The prevalence of THA and OA was increased in hips with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads compared with hips with Classes I/II femoral heads. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LCPD have an increased risk of having THA compared with a gender- and age-matched control group. Our data suggest that patients with LCPD have a greater risk of having radiographic OA develop than a gender- and age-matched control group. It seems that patients with Classes III/IV/V femoral heads have an increased risk of THA and OA compared with patients with Classes I/II femoral heads. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Anterior distal tibial epiphysiodesis for the treatment of recurrent equinus deformity after surgical treatment of clubfeet.

UNLABELLED: The treatment of clubfeet has changed constantly. Before the acceptance of the Ponseti serial casting, extensive surgical release was widely used. The treatment of relapse in these surgically treated clubfeet can be very challenging. Many methods have been used ranging from osteotomies to new posteromedial release, or correction using the Ilizarov fixator. Supramalleolar osteotomy was practiced for the treatment of residual equinus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of anterior epiphysiodesis of the distal tibia on recurrent equinus deformity in patients with clubfeet treated surgically. METHODS: We evaluated 25 children (31 feet) with recurrent equinus deformity after surgical treatment of clubfoot treated in our institution from 2003 through 2009. There were 16 boys and 9 girls, of whom 11 had recurrent equinus deformity on the left side, 8 on the right side, and 6 on the bilateral side. Three patients were treated with Richard staples and 22 were treated with 8-plates. Patients were examined clinically and radiologically, preoperatively. The mean dorsiflexion of the ankle was 2.5 degrees (-5 to 10 degrees) and the anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) was 85 degrees. The patients were followed postoperatively and evaluated clinically and radiographically. The plates or staples were removed if the desired effect of around 15 degrees of dorsiflexion was achieved, or the ADTA shifted >15 degrees. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 22 months. Mean improval of dorsiflexion was 2 degrees, with a mean of dorsiflexion of 4.5 degrees, and mean radiological changes of ADTA were 13 degrees. We found no correlation between the radiographic changes and the clinically measured dorsiflexion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of anterior distal tibial epiphysiodesis does not seem to give a clinically significant improvement in dorsiflexion of the ankle despite a marked shift in the ADTA.

Intra-articular hyaluronan is without clinical effect in knee osteoarthritis: a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 337 patients followed for 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term efficacy and safety of five intra-articular injections with hyaluronan in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind study of 337 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for knee osteoarthritis (clinical and laboratory) and with a Lequesne algofunctional index score (LFI) of 10 or greater. Patients received a hyaluronan product (sodium hyaluronate; Hyalgan) (n=167) or saline (n=170) intra-articularly weekly for 5 weeks and were followed up to 1 year. Time to recurrence was the primary efficacy parameter. LFI, pain on walking 50 m based on visual analogue scale (VAS pain 50 m), paracetamol consumption, patients' global assessment, Nottingham health profile, joint effusion and number of responders were secondary efficacy parameters. The efficacy parameters were analysed by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP). All adverse events (AE) were recorded as safety parameters. RESULTS: Time to recurrence showed no significant treatment effect (ITT analysis, p=0.26). Change from baseline in LFI and VAS pain 50 m for the ITT population showed no treatment effect. Paracetamol consumption, patients' global assessment, responder rates and AE displayed no significant difference between treatment groups, analysed by both ITT and PP. Treatment compliance was 95% in the hyaluronan group and 99% in the placebo group. No safety problems were registered. CONCLUSION: In patients fulfilling the ACR criteria for osteoarthritis of the knee with moderate to severe disease activity (LFI > or = 10), five intra-articular injections of hyaluronan did not improve pain, function, paracetamol consumption or other efficacy parameters 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the treatment.

A bone cyst treated with corticosteroid installation in an osteopetrotic child.

Bone cysts in patients suffering from osteopetrosis are uncommon. A pathologic fracture might cause therapeutic difficulties because of the osteosclerotic bone. We describe a patient with an autosomal dominant osteopetrosis suffering from a large bone cyst in the proximal femur. The cyst was treated with local injections of corticosteroid and healed completely after 2 injections. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the occurrence of bone cysts has been reported in osteopetrotic patients, which responds effectively and lastingly to steroid injection.

Post-traumatic cortical cysts in paediatric fractures: is it a concern for emergency doctors? A report of three cases.

Post-traumatic cortical bone cyst is a rare occurrence in children. It is typically located in the distal radius, as a result of greenstick fracture. We report three cases referred to our fracture clinic as a tumour in bones. In one of our cases, the cystic lesion was noted following a displaced fracture in the femur, which is not previously published in the literature. The cyst-like lesion appeared as an oval radiolucency proximal to the previous fracture site on radiograph films. These lesions can cause concern for the on-call teams as they can mimic an infection or a tumour of the bone. We highlight the pathogenesis of the lesion with a review of the literature.

[Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is diagnosed too late].

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a serious orthopaedic hip disease in the adolescent population. It has a prevalence of 10.8 per 100.000 children and usually occurs in children 9-16 years of age. Despite focus on delay of the diagnosis, no improvements have been made. An adolescent complaining of stress-related pain in the hip, groin, thigh or knee should be suspected of having SCFE, until an X-ray has excluded this diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis may have serious consequences in terms of further displacement of the femoral head and risk of increased avascular necrosis.

The Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program.

AIM OF DATABASE: The Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program is a combined follow-up program and national clinical quality database that aims to monitor and improve the quality of health care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). STUDY POPULATION: The database includes children with CP aged 0-15 years and children with symptoms of CP aged 0-5 years. MAIN VARIABLES: In the follow-up program, the children are offered examinations throughout their childhood by orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pediatricians. Examinations of gross and fine motor function, manual ability, muscle tone, passive range of motion, use of orthotics, and assistive devices are performed once a year; radiographic examination of the hips is planned based on the child's age and gross motor function; and the diagnosis is performed once before the age of 5 years. Six indicators were developed based on scientific literature and consensus in the steering committee, and their calculation is based on the following four main variables: radiographic examination of the hip, gross motor function, manual ability, and diagnosis. DESCRIPTIVE DATA: The 2014 annual report includes results of the quality indicators in three of five regions in Denmark comprising 432 children with CP, corresponding to a coverage of 82% of the expected population. CONCLUSION: The Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program is currently under development as a national clinical quality database in Denmark. The database holds potential for research in prevalence, clinical characteristics of the population, and the effects of prevention and treatment.

Gait Deviation Index, Gait Profile Score and Gait Variable Score in children with spastic cerebral palsy: Intra-rater reliability and agreement across two repeated sessions.

The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and Gait Profile Score (GPS) are the most used summary measures of gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the reliability and agreement of these indices have not been investigated, limiting their clinimetric quality for research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability and agreement of summary measures of gait (GDI; GPS; and the Gait Variable Score (GVS) derived from the GPS). The intra-rater reliability and agreement were investigated across two repeated sessions in 18 children aged 5-12 years diagnosed with spastic CP. No systematic bias was observed between the sessions and no heteroscedasticity was observed in Bland-Altman plots. For the GDI and GPS, excellent reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of 0.8-0.9 was found, while the GVS was found to have fair to good reliability with ICCs of 0.4-0.7. The agreement for the GDI and the logarithmically transformed GPS, in terms of the standard error of measurement as a percentage of the grand mean (SEM%) varied from 4.1 to 6.7%, whilst the smallest detectable change in percent (SDC%) ranged from 11.3 to 18.5%. For the logarithmically transformed GVS, we found a fair to large variation in SEM% from 7 to 29% and in SDC% from 18 to 81%. The GDI and GPS demonstrated excellent reliability and acceptable agreement proving that they can both be used in research and clinical practice. However, the observed large variability for some of the GVS requires cautious consideration when selecting outcome measures.

Heritability of clubfoot: a twin study.

INTRODUCTION: The aetiology of congenital clubfoot is unclear. Although studies on populations, families, and twins suggest a genetic component to the aetiology, other studies have identified environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to calculate heritability in order to determine to what extent genetic and/or environmental factors contribute to the aetiology of congenital clubfoot and to asses whether there was a change in the prevalence over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Odense based Danish Twin Registry is unique as it contains data on all the approximately 85,000 twin pairs born in Denmark over the last 140 years. All 46,418 twin individuals born from 1931 through 1982, who had earlier consented to contact, received a 17-page Omnibus questionnaire in the spring of 2002. Data were analysed with structural equation models to identify the best fitting aetiological model based on a balance of goodness-of-fit and parsimony and to estimate heritability. RESULTS: We found an overall self-reported prevalence of congenital clubfoot of 0.0027 (95 % confidence interval 0.0022-0.0034). Fifty-five complete (both twins answered the question) twin pairs were identified representing 12 monozygotic, 22 same-sex dizygotic, 18 opposite-sex dizygotic, and 3 with unclassified zygosity. The model with only environmental factors (CE) was best fitting based on AIC, and the model with an additive genetic factor (ACE) came in second. Due to the small statistical power, we hypothesise that the model with both genetic and environmental effects (ACE) was the better model. Choosing the ACE-model we found a heritability of clubfoot of 30 %. Regression coefficient for age was -0.002 (-0.011 to 0.005), indicating that there has been no change in prevalence of clubfoot over the 50-year age span we examined. DISCUSSION: We conclude that non-genetic factors must play a role, and a genetic factor might contribute, in the aetiology of congenital clubfoot.

Radiographic changes in the hip joint in children suffering from Perthes disease.

The purpose was to compare radiographic parameters with a sex-matched and age-matched control group at the onset of disease and at skeletal maturity. The study comprised 143 patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, treated using a Thomas splint. Wiberg's centre-edge angle and the acetabular index angle were applied. The age at diagnosis was 6.6 years with no difference between boys and girls. At the time of diagnosis, the centre-edge angle was decreased from 18° in the control group to 10° in the affected hip. The age at follow-up was 16 (SD 2) years for the boys and 15 (SD 3) years for the girls. At the time of skeletal maturity, the centre-edge angle was decreased and the acetabular index angle increased in the affected hip and the nonaffected hip in Stulberg class III/IV/V hips compared with the control group. Initially radiographic changes only occur on the affected hip. At skeletal maturity both hips show radiographic changes.

Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis in the treatment of fixed knee flexion contracture in neuromuscular patients.

AIM: Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy (CP) and meningomyelocele (MMC) are prone to develop fixed knee flexion contracture. Distal femoral extension osteotomy allows acute correction of the deformity, but it is an extensive surgical procedure, and the complication rate is rather high. Immobilization can prolong the rehabilitation period, and may even result in deteriorated walking ability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of using anterior hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur to treat fixed flexion contracture of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 21 patients in our department from 2003 to 2009. Mean age was 10 years (5-15). Twelve suffered from MMC, five from CP, two from arthrogryposis, one had an enzyme defect, and one had Down's syndrome. Thirteen patients had a bilateral and eight a unilateral procedure. None of the patients underwent any other procedures. Two staples or 8-plates were inserted using two parapatellar incisions. Nine were operated on with staples and 12 with 8-plates. The plates or staples were removed when the desired effect of full knee extension was achieved or the patient reached skeletal maturity. RESULTS: Mean fixed flexion contracture was 20° (10°-40°). Staples or 8-plates were removed after a mean of 24 (6-42) months. Mean fixed flexion contracture at removal was 10° (0°-30°). Two complications were seen: one infection and one supracondylar fracture. CONCLUSION: Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plates or staples seems to be effective for correcting fixed knee flexion deformity in skeletally immature individuals. The complication rate is low (10 %). Our results are comparable to those of Kramer, Klatt, and Stevens. This procedure should be the primary treatment for fixed knee flexion contractures in neuromuscular patients with sufficient remaining growth.

Radial neck fractures in children treated with the centromedullary Métaizeau technique.

BACKGROUND: Radial neck fracture in children is infrequent but when not managed accurately can lead to complications. Different methods have been developed for the reduction and fixation of this fracture. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate our results using the Métaizeau centromedullary technique. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Our series comprises 19 children with displaced radial neck fractures treated in our institution in the period 2004-2008. One patient was excluded because of a very complex fracture dislocation of the elbow (exclusion criteria). Two patients refused to participate in the follow-up leaving 16 who were treated with this technique. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. For the clinical evaluation, we used the Métaizeau's classification. The subjective evaluation was done using the DASH score, and the Steele's classification was used for the evaluation of the radiological results. FINDING/RESULTS: We found good clinical and radiological outcomes. The mean DASH score was 3.06. Patients who had undergone open reduction had inferior outcome. CONCLUSION: Our results are comparable to other studies. This study confirms the Métaizeau technique as an excellent treatment option for displaced paediatric radial neck fractures.

[Preoperative full-body magnetic resonance imaging is indicated on suspicion of multifocal infection in children]. / Præoperativ helkrops-MR-skanning er indiceret ved mistanke om multifokal infektion hos børn.

Musculoskeletal infections in children present a challenge regarding diagnosis and treatment. Conventional radiographs guide the initial radiographic assessment. Additional imaging is often performed to improve the diagnosis of the abnormality. The modalities used are ultrasound, bone-scan, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On suspicion of multifocal musculoskeletal infections (MMI), MRI may save time and improve preoperative planning. We highly recommend the use of MRI for the preoperative assessment of children with MMI.

Femoral shaft fractures in children: elastic stable intramedullary nailing in 31 cases.

We report our experience with elastic stable intramedullary titanium nailing (ESIN) of femoral shaft fractures in children. From 1998 to 2001, we treated 31 children (20 boys), median age 6 (4-11) years, with ESIN for 29 closed and 2 grade I open femoral shaft fractures. We reviewed 30 children clinically after median 1.5 (1-3) years. Their median hospital stay was 6 (2-20) days. All fractures were radiographically united at a median of 7 (5-9) weeks. The nails were removed in 29 children after a median of 22 (6-38) weeks postoperatively. At follow-up, we found a leg-length discrepancy up to 1 cm in 6 children and 10 degrees of internal rotational deformity in 1 child. No angular deformity had occurred. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing seems to be a safe method for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children between 4 and 11 years of age.