Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Ulnar Lengthening in the Treatment of Masada Type I Forearm Deformities in Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas.

PURPOSE: Forearm deformity is common in hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO). The results of ulnar lengthening and osteochondroma excision are generally favorable, both clinically and radiographically. This study aimed to assess the clinical, radiographic, and functional results of forearm reconstruction in patients with Masada type I deformity (osteochondroma in the distal ulna with radial bowing, without radial head dislocation). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients with HMO who underwent surgical reconstruction for a Masada type I forearm deformity over a 10-year period. Eleven forearms in 10 patients underwent gradual ulnar lengthening with an external fixator. Age at the time of surgery was 5 to 12 years. Radiographic evaluation included ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Clinical evaluation included range of motion of the elbow and wrist. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short Form-36 survey. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 37.5 months, significant improvement was observed in ulnar shortening, the radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Preoperative average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 24.2 improved to 17.3. Significant improvement was observed in 3 measures of the Short Form-36 survey: general health, social functioning, and health change. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with the literature, surgical reconstruction yielded favorable clinical and radiographic results in Masada type I forearm deformities. The main functional improvement was observed in scales of mental health. The baseline physical impairment was minimal in the absence of radial head dislocation, but although it improved with treatment, it was not necessarily clinically relevant. This study can assist surgeons and families in setting realistic goals and expectations for surgery. There may also be additional long-term benefits to forearm lengthening in HMO, including prevention of radial head dislocation, improved range of motion, and better cosmesis, which future research may help to clarify. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

The Utility of Leukocyte Esterase Strip Test in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Septic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Most tests used to diagnose pediatric septic arthritis are either not accurate or do not produce rapid results. A leukocyte esterase (LE) strip test has previously been validated for the diagnosis of adult native and periprosthetic joint infections. The purpose of this prospective study was to: (1) evaluate the performance characteristics of the LE strip test in the diagnosis of pediatric septic arthritis and (2) determine the false positive rate of LE strip test on the aseptic synovial fluid (SF). METHODS: Between May 2016 and November 2018, SF was obtained from children who were hospitalized at our tertiary referral center on the basis of suspicion of septic arthritis. All patients underwent arthrocentesis, and the aspirate was tested with LE strip test, leukocyte count, and culture. Twenty-five patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. For the second part of the study, SF from 25 children undergoing surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip was collected and tested with LE strip test, leukocyte count, and culture. RESULTS: In the first part of this study, 19 joints were classified as septic and 6 as aseptic. Considering a positive LE strip test ("++" and "+++" readings) indicative of septic arthritis yielded a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value of 95%, and negative predictive value of 100%. In the second part, all 25 patients with an aseptic SF had a negative test result ("-" and "+" readings). CONCLUSIONS: The LE strip test seems to be a valuable additional tool in the diagnosis of pediatric septic arthritis. The LE strip test has the advantages of being inexpensive and simple, providing real-time results and having a perfect negative predictive value to rule out the diagnosis of septic arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-diagnostic.

Proximal femoral varus osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: Do age and lateral pillar classifications influence short-to-mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral varus osteotomy (FVO) is one of the most used treatment methods with acceptable outcomes for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). We aimed to investigate the influence of age at disease onset and the Lateral Pillar classification on clinical and radiological outcomes of FVO surgery LCPD patients between 6-12years of age. HYPOTHESIS: Proximal FVO surgery in the early fragmentation phase of LCPD patients led to acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes in a 3-year follow-up, regardless of preoperative age and Herring type. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with LCPD (Herring groups B, B/C, and C) who underwent FVO were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated radiological [center-edge angle, extrusion index, epiphyseal index, acetabular index, articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD)] and clinical [hip abduction range of motion (ROM), Trendelenburg sign, pain, and Harris hip score (HHS)] outcomes with a follow-up of 37.3±10.5months (range: 24-180months). Finally, the overall treatment outcome was assessed using the Stulberg classification. RESULTS: The ROC curve analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between age and clinical or radiological outcomes, and there was no predictable age cut-off for surgical outcomes (p=0.13). No significant difference was found in Stulberg classification at the follow-up between patients with type B, B/C, and C of the lateral pillar (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrated that open-wedge proximal FVO surgery in the early fragmentation phase of LCPD patients led to acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes in a 3-year follow-up. Each sample of our study was very small and a lot of variables were measured, making this result not adequately strong enough to draw a robust conclusion. However, FVO surgery remains a possible suggestion for patients in the early fragmentation phase, and age and lateral pillar type may not be limiting factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; therapeutic retrospective cohort.

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome versus osteogenesis imperfeeta: An Iranian case with a novel mutation in glucose transporter 2 gene, and review of literature.

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome is an extremely rare hereditary metabolic disease, characterized by hepatomegaly due to glycogen storage, refractory hypophosphatemic rickets, marked growth retardation and proximal renal tubular acidosis. Recurrent bone fractures are one of the hallmark findings. It is a single gene disorder; the responsible gene belongs to the facilitative glucose transporters 2 (GLUT2) family gene or (SLC2A2) mapped to the q26.1-26.3 locus on chromosome 3, and encodes the GLUT protein 2. This protein is expressed in pancreatic ί-cells, hepatocytes, renal tubules, and intestinal mucosa. Several mutations in the GLUT2 gene have been reported in different ethnicities. Herein we report an Iranian girl with a missed diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. She was referred with the history of frequent fractures, and severe motor delay and was suspected to osteogenesis imperfecta. Following the case we detected refractory rickets instead of OI, sever growth failure, proximal renal tubulopathy and RTA, and enlarged kidneys, progressive hepatomegaly, and GSD on liver biopsy. Glucose and galactose tolerance tests confirmed abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Molecular analysis on GLUT2 gene revealed a homozygous novel mutation in exon 5; it was 15 nucleotide deletion and 7 nucleotide insertion and caused a frame shift mutation, produced a premature truncated protein (P.A229QFsX19). This mutation has not been reported before in the relevant literature.

Comparison of Eight-plate with Reconstruction-plate in Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis to Correct the Idiopathic Genu Valgum in Pediatrics.

Background: High cost of eight-plate makes it unavailable in many countries; therefore, developing an alternative device for temporary hemiepiphysiodesis of knee deformities in pediatrics is valuable. In this study, we compared the outcome of the eight-plate with the reconstruction-plate in this setting. Methods: In this retrospective study, 109 skeletally immature patients (212 physes) who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis to correct idiopathic genu valgum were included. The eight-plate and reconstruction-plate were used in 47 patients (90 physes) and 62 patients (122 physes), respectively. Outcome measures were the valgus angle, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), the joint-line convergence angle (JLCA), and lower limb mechanical axis (LLMA). Results: The baseline characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two plate groups. The mean follow-up of the patients was 32.9 ± 15.1 months. The mean MPTA change was 2.7 ± 3.7º in the eight-plate group and 2.1 ± 3.4º in the reconstruction-plate group (P=0.2). The mean LDFA improvement was 8 ± 3.7º in the eight-plate group and 7.9 ± 3.5º in the reconstruction-plate group (P=0.61). The mean valgus correction was 10.7 ± 4.4º in the eight-plate group and 10.4 ± 4.6º in the reconstruction-plate group (P=0.74). Moreover, the mean change of JLCA was 0.7 ± 1.3º in the eight-plate group and 0.8 ± 1.3º in the reconstruction-plate group (P=0.58). The postoperative LLMA was comparable between the two study groups as well. In total, five postoperative complications were recorded in this series, which included one case of screw loosening in each group, two cases of overcorrection, and one screw breakage in the reconstruction-plate group. Conclusion: The radiologic results and complications of the reconstruction-plate are comparable with the eight-plate. Therefore, it can be safely and efficiently used in hemiepiphysiodesis to correct idiopathic genu valgum.

Guided growth in the correction of knee deformity in patients with congenital insensitivity to pain.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic manifestations of congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) can be devastating if left untreated. Knee deformities are common in patients with CIP and might lead to joint destruction and loss of walking ability. The purpose of the present study was to report the results and complications of guided growth procedures around the knee in patients with CIP. METHODS: In a retrospective review, all patients with CIP who underwent guided growth procedures around the knee from 2009 to 2017 at a tertiary referral hospital were evaluated. Patients with secondary insensitivity to pain (e.g., syringomyelia), as well as patients with incomplete records, were excluded. Demographic data, clinical findings, correction rate, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Ten knees in six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median age was 10 (range, 5-12), with a mean follow-up of 31 months (range, 16-56). Distal femoral tension-band hemiepiphysiodesis was the most common procedure, followed by proximal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis. The mean correction rate was 0.28°/month for femoral deformity. Staples were removed prematurely in one patient due to extrusion. No cases of infection or skin dehiscence were observed. None of the patients needed a reconstructive knee procedure during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that guided growth procedures might have a role in the correction of knee deformities in patients with CIP. However, the correction rate is lower than that of typically developing children, patients should be closely followed to prevent complications, and stringent patient selection criteria should be followed to ensure success.

Middle to long-term results of distal femoral tension band hemiepiphysiodesis in the treatment of idiopathic genu valgum.

Idiopathic genu valgum is a common deformity in children. Guided growth is the treatment of choice in severe or symptomatic cases, although long-term results are mostly unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the middle- to long-term results and complications of tension band plating in the treatment of idiopathic genu valgum, and the association between obesity and idiopathic genu valgum. A retrospective review of patients with idiopathic genu valgum treated by tension band plating between January 2007 and September 2017 was performed. Data from 99 patients (198 limbs) were reviewed. All underwent bilateral medial distal femoral tension band plating and subsequent plate removal and were followed by a mean of 56.1 months (12-120 months) after surgery. Full correction was achieved in all patients, with a mean correction rate of 0.52° per month. No cases of infection or premature physeal closure were recorded. Screw breakage at the time of removal occurred in five limbs (2.5%). Fifteen limbs (7.5%) developed a minor overcorrection. 44.4% of our patients were either overweight or obese, which is higher than the national average. A third of our patients complained of an unsightly scar at the latest follow-up. Tension band plating is an effective, well tolerated, and reproducible technique in the treatment of idiopathic genu valgum. The risk of premature physeal closure is minimal. We recommend achieving a minor overcorrection before plate removal in patients with more than a year of expected growth. Also, predicting correction based on the mean correction rate is discouraged.

Bone in the Time of Corona: Suggestions for Managing Pediatric Orthopaedics Conditions in a Resource-limited Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus, referred to as coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), with its sentinel case in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has spread rapidly around the globe. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, which led to most countries implementing social distancing protocols. Most non-essential medical practices have been halted to direct resources to the facilities caring for patients with COVID infection. The pediatric orthopaedic practice is in a unique position, with the treatment of many conditions being treated by pediatric orthopedists being non-emergent, but time-sensitive. We hereby review the current literature and guidelines surrounding the practice change around the world and give recommendations regarding the practice of pediatric orthopaedics during the COVID pandemic.

Acute Compartment Syndrome After Knee Synovectomy in a Patient with Hemophilia A: A Case Report.

CASE: A 19-year-old man with severe hemophilia A underwent open surgical synovectomy to treat recurrent hemarthrosis of the knee. He developed symptoms and signs of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) despite receiving full-dose factor replacement. Arthrotomy was performed twice, and massive hemarthrosis was evacuated. The symptoms subsided after supplementing clotting factor with prednisone. CONCLUSIONS: ACS may complicate hemophilia. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical judgment. Proper factor replacement is the mainstay of treatment. Surgery is reserved for patients with no improvement following factor administration.

DNA hypermethylation of GDF5 in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is one of the most common congenital skeletal anomalies. Body of evidence suggests that genetic variations in GDF5 are associated with susceptibility to DDH. DDH is a multifactorial disease and its etiology has not been entirely determined. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation could be linked to DDH. In this scheme, we hypothesized that changes in GDF5 DNA methylation could predispose a susceptible individual to DDH. METHODS: This study consisted of 45 DDH patients and 45 controls with healthy femoral neck cartilage, who underwent hemi-, or total arthroplasty for the femoral neck fracture. A cartilage sample of 1 cm in diameter and 1 mm in the thickness was obtained for DNA extraction. DNA was extracted and DNA methylation of GDF5 was evaluated by metabisulfite method. RESULTS: Methylation analysis showed that the promoter of GDF5 in cartilage samples from DDH patients was hypermethylated in comparison to healthy controls (p = .001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the methylation status of the GDF5 in patients with DDH is dysregulated. This dysregulation indicates that adjustment in the methylation might modify the expression of this gene. Since this gene plays an essential role in cartilage and bone development, thus reducing its expression can contribute to the pathogenesis of DDH. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of GDF5 in this disease.

Mutations in PLOD3, encoding lysyl hydroxylase 3, cause a complex connective tissue disorder including recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-like blistering phenotype with abnormal anchoring fibrils and type VII collagen deficiency.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the paradigm of heritable skin fragility disorders, is associated with mutations in as many as 20 distinct genes. One of the clinical variants, recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB), demonstrates sub-lamina densa blistering accompanied by alterations in anchoring fibrils due to mutations in COL7A1. In this study, we characterized a patient with widespread connective tissue abnormalities, including skin blistering similar to that in RDEB. Whole exome sequencing, combined with genome-wide homozygosity mapping, identified a homozygous missense mutation in PLOD3 encoding lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3). No mutations in COL7A1, the gene previously associated with RDEB, were detected. The level of LH3 was dramatically reduced in the skin and fibroblast cultures from the patient. The blistering in the skin occurred below the lamina densa and was associated with variable density and morphology of anchoring fibrils. The level of type VII collagen expression in the skin was markedly reduced. Analysis of hydroxylysine and its glycosylated derivatives (galactosyl-hydroxylysine and glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine) revealed marked reduction in glycosylated hydroxylysine. Collectively, these findings indicate that PLOD3 mutations can result in a dystrophic EB-like phenotype in the spectrum of connective tissue disorders and add it to the list of candidate genes associated with skin fragility.

Cockayne Syndrome Misdiagnosed as Cerebral Palsy.

A 7-yr-old patient was referred to pediatric orthopedic clinic of Imam hospital (2016) with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). His parents were concerned about some inconsistency of his disease progression. After initial evaluations, the diagnosis of CP was incorrect. The true diagnosis was suspected and confirmed with molecular genetic analysis. A rare autosomal recessive disorder -Cockayne syndrome- was diagnosed. Although untreatable, it can be prevented by appropriate prenatal diagnostic tests for their future children.

The Outcome of Salter Innominate Osteotomy for Developmental Hip Dysplasia before and after 3 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most important and challenging conditions in the field of pediatric orthopedics; if not diagnosed and treated in time, it would lead to remarkable morbidity. Methods of treatment based on the patient's age can vary. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of Salter osteotomy surgery in two groups of patients under and over three years old. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had undergone innominate Salter osteotomy, within the past ten years, due to non-pathological DDH were collected. Mean follow up of all patients is 70.28 months (min=25, max=118). RESULTS: eventy patients were selected including 85 operated hips. Radiological satisfaction based on modified Severin score system rate was 86% and 85% for lower three years old group and second group, respectively. In clinical assessment, it was found that results in 82% of the patients under 3 years old and 82.9% of patients older than three years old were satisfactory. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups based on Modified MacKay criterion. CONCLUSION: Results in both groups of patients under and over 3 years old were found satisfactory. Difference in patient satisfaction rates based on clinical and radiological outcomes was not statistically significant between the two groups. It should also be noted that complications such as redislocation and deep wound infection would cause poor clinical and radiological outcomes.

Evaluation of Clinical and Radiological Results of Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy in Pediatric Idiopathic Flexible Flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: Flexible idiopathic flatfoot is the most common form of flatfoot. First line treatments are parental reassurance and conservative measures; however, surgical treatment may be needed in some cases. A number of surgical techniques with varying results have been described in the literature. Here, we present our clinical and radiological outcomes of calcaneal lengthening osteotomy for pediatric idiopathic flexible flatfoot. METHODS: Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy was performed in 20 patients, 30 feet, with idiopathic flexible flatfoot that were resistant to conservative treatment between 2007 and 2011. Patients were evaluated according to ACFAS universal evaluation scoring scale and radiographic indexes. The mean follow up duration was 23.1 ± 9.9 months. RESULTS: The average age was 10.4 ± 0.9 years. Achilles tendon lengthening was performed in 28 feet. ACFAS score at the final follow up had improved significantly compared to pre-operative score (37 to 88, P<0.0001). Radiographic parameters also showed significant improvement after surgery ((P<0.0001)). Distal segment displacement and hardware irritation as postop complications were observed in 2 and 3 cases, respectively, with no long-term clinical impact. CONCLUSION: Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy is an appropriate and safe operation in symptomatic idiopathic flexible flat foot that is resistant to conservative treatment.

Unusual migration of a Kirschner wire in a patient with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A case report.

RATIONALE: Kirschner wires (K-wires) are the most commonly used implants in orthopedic surgery. Although complications are not uncommon, they are mostly benign in nature and easily managed. While migration of K-wires is a rare complication, fatal outcomes have been reported. A review of the literature showed that only 7 cases of wire migration in the hip and pelvic region have been reported. Only 2 occurred in the pediatric population. Although K-wires are routinely used in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients, there has been no report of complications in this vulnerable patient population. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 10-year-old girl with OI, presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms 1 year after operative fixation of a subtrochanteric femoral fracture. Pelvic x-ray showed a missing K-wire. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with migration of a K-wire from the left femoral neck to the right retroperitoneal space. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgery. During the operation, the migrated K-wire was extracted from just below the 12th rib on the right side. OUTCOMES: The patient had an uneventful rehabilitation, recovered completely, and was asymptomatic at 2-year follow-up. LESSONS: There has been no prior report of migrated K-wires in the OI population. This is also the first report of a K-wire migrating from the femoral neck to the contralateral retroperitoneal region. Proper intraoperative bending of K-wires, timely removal of temporary K-wires, and considering K-wire migration in patients with retained hardware complaining of respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms will prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Ponseti Casting Method in Idiopathic Congenital Clubfoot and Its Correlation with Radiographic Features Abstract.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the idiopathic congenital clubfoot deformity treated by Ponseti method to determine the different factors such as radiological investigations that may have relations with the risk of failure and recurrence in mid-term follow-up of the patients. METHODS: Since 2006 to 2011, 226 feet from 149 patients with idiopathic congenital clubfoot were treated with weekly castings by Ponseti method. Anteroposterior and lateral foot radiographies were performed at the final follow-up visit and the data from clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: In our patients, 191(84.9%) feet required percutaneous tenotomy. The successful correction rate was 92% indication no need for further surgical correction. No significant correlation was found between the remained deformity rate and the severity of the deformity and compliance of using the brace (P=0.108 and 0.207 respectively). The remained deformity rate had an inverse association with the beginning age of treatment (P=0.049). No significant correlation was found between the percutaneous tetonomy and passive dorsiflexion range (P=0.356). CONCLUSION: According to our results treatment with the Ponseti method resulted in poor or no correlation. The diagnosis of clubfoot is a clinical judgment; therefore, the outcome of the treatment must only be clinically evaluated. Although the Ponseti method can retrieve the normal shape of the foot, it fails to treat the bone deformities and eventually leads to remained radiologic deformity. Further studiesare suggested to define a different modification that can address the abnormal angles between the foot and ankle bones to minimize the risk of recurrence.

DDH Epidemiology Revisited: Do We Need New Strategies?

BACKGROUND: Although the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is well known to pediatric orthopedists, its etiology has still remained unknown and despite dedication of a vast majority of research, the results are still inadequate and confusing. The exact incidence of DDH and its relationship with known risk factors in Iran is still unknown. Here we represent the results of one year study on the incidence and related conditions of DDH. METHODS: Sonography was performed on the hip joints of 1073 full term healthy newborns at Imam Khomeini Hospital from March 2013 to March 2014. The results were classified according to Graf's classification. Pathologic hips were cross checked by the known risk factors for DDH. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between DDH and breech presentation (P=0.000), torticollis (P=0.004), metatarsus adductus (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: The incidence of DDH is significantly high in the studied group of neonates, suggesting reevaluation of current approach to DDH. The screening protocols need to be improved with the help of trained pediatricians and other health professions.

Effect of a modified dynamic accordion hinge Denis Browne brace on the success rate of the Ponseti method in idiopathic clubfoot: a preliminary study.

After the success of Dr Ponseti's method for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot deformity, the number of patients who need soft tissue release has decreased, but the use of foot abduction orthosis is crucial for maintaining correction after this method. The lack of adherence to the orthosis regimen is reported to be a major factor for recurrence. Noncompliance with brace may be because of skin ulceration and blistering or irritability of children because of restrictiveness of the leg motion in the brace. The aim of this article is to introduce a new design of Denis Browne brace (accordion Hinge DB brace) and evaluate the results. We treated a total of 90 patients with idiopathic clubfoot (145 clubfeet) by Dr Ponseti's method and then prescribed a new design accordion to a hinge DB brace after correction of the deformity. We retrospectively reviewed the rate of complications, noncompliance, results, and effectiveness of this newly designed brace. The mean follow-up duration was 36 months (range 14-50 months). All 145 (100%) clubfeet showed complete correction after applying Dr Ponseti's method before brace prescription. Then, the accordion hinge DB brace was applied after removal of the last cast, 23 h a day for 3 months, followed by nightly use subsequently for up to 4 years. Noncompliance was encountered for 15 (10.3%) clubfeet and in 11 (7.5%) clubfeet, relapse was observed. The mean time to relapse was 14 months. Among 15 noncompliant patients, 13 were older than 2 years of age and only one relapse occurred in a patient younger than 2 years old. We did not encounter any case with skin ulceration. On the basis of the results, and compared with our previous study with a classic DB brace, a considerable reduction in noncompliance and relapse was observed. We did not encounter any case with skin ulceration. This accordion hinge DB brace reduces the rate of the complications of classic DB brace, and we strongly recommend the accordion hinge DB brace after the Ponseti method and serial casting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Comparison of Pediatric and General Orthopedic Surgeons' Approaches in Management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip and Flexible Flatfoot: the Road to Clinical Consensus.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and flatfoot are common pediatric orthopedic disorders, being referred to and managed by both general and pediatric orthopedic surgeons, through various modalities. Our study aimed to evaluate their consensus and perspective disagreements in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of the mentioned deformities. Forty participants in two groups of general orthopedic surgeons (GOS) (n=20) and pediatric orthopedic surgeons (POS) (n=20), were asked to answer an 8-item questionnaire on DDH and flexible flatfoot. The questions were provided with two- or multiple choices and a single choice was accepted for each one. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests was performed to compare the responses. For a neonate with limited hip abduction, hip ultrasonography was the agreed-upon approach in both groups (100% POS vs 71% GOS), and for its interpretation 79% of POS relied on their own whereas 73% of GOS relied on radiologist's report (P=0.002). In failure of a 3-week application of the Pavlik harness, ending it and closed reduction (57% POS vs. 41% GOS) followed by surgery quality assessment with CT scan (64% POS vs. 47% GOS) and without the necessity for avascular necrosis evaluation (79% POS vs. 73% GOS) were the choice measures. In case of closed reduction failure, open reduction via medial approach was the favorite next step in both groups (62% POS and 80% GOS). For the patient with flexible flat foot, reassurance was the choice plan of 79% of pediatric orthopedists. Our findings demonstrated significant disagreements among the orthopedic surgeons. This proposes insufficiency of high-level evidence.