Randomized Controlled Trial of the Clinical Recovery and Biodegradation of Polylactide-co-glycolide Implants Used in the Intramedullary Nailing of Children's Forearm Shaft Fractures with at Least Four Years of Follow-Up.

The preferred surgical fixation of forearm shaft fractures in children is Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN). Due to known disadvantageous effects of metal implants, a new surgical method using biodegradable polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) intramedullary nails has been developed but its long-term outcomes are unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of Biodegradable Intramedullary Nailing (BIN) to ESIN and assess the biodegradation of the study implants via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study population of the prospective, randomized trial consisted of paediatric patients whose forearm shaft fractures were treated with BIN (n = 19) or ESIN (n = 16). Forearm rotation at minimally four years' follow-up was the main outcome. There was no clinically significant difference in the recovery of the patients treated with the BIN as compared to those treated with the ESIN. More than half of the implants (57.7%, n = 15/26) were completely degraded, and the rest were degraded almost completely. The PLGA intramedullary nails used in the treatment of forearm shaft fractures in this study resulted in good function and anatomy. No unexpected disadvantages were found in the degradation of the implants. However, two implant failures had occurred in three months postoperatively.

A single genetic locus associated with pediatric fractures: A genome-wide association study on 3,230 patients.

The understanding of the biological and environmental risk factors of fractures in pediatrics is limited. Previous studies have reported that fractures involve heritable traits, but the genetic factors contributing to the risk of fractures remain elusive. Furthermore, genetic influences specific to immature bone have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify genetic variations that are associated with fractures in early childhood. The present study used a prospective Northern Finland Birth Cohort (year 1986; n=9,432). The study population was comprised of 3,230 cohort members with available genotype data. A total of 48 members of the cohort (1.5%) had in-hospital treated bone fractures during their first 6 years of life. Furthermore, individuals without fracture (n=3,182) were used as controls. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a frequentist association test. In the GWAS analysis, a linear regression model was fitted to test for additive effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; genotype dosage) adjusting for sex and performing population stratification using genotypic principal components. Using the GWAS analysis, the present study identified one locus with a significant association with fractures during childhood on chromosome 10 (rs112635931) and six loci with a suggested implication. The lead SNP rs112635931 was located near proline- and serine-rich 2 (PROSER2) antisense RNA 1 (PROSER2-AS1) and PROSER2, thus suggesting that these may be novel candidate genes associated with the risk of pediatric fractures.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in children: incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a multisystemic disease. In a nationwide study, we characterized the incidence, clinical course, and prognosis of HUS caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains with emphasis on risk factors, disease severity, and long-term outcome. METHODS: The data on pediatric HUS patients from 2000 to 2016 were collected from the medical records. STEC isolates from fecal cultures of HUS and non-HUS patients were collected from the same time period and characterized by whole genome sequencing analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-eight out of 262 culture-positive cases developed verified (n = 58, 22%) STEC-HUS. Another 29 cases had probable STEC-HUS, the annual incidence of STEC-HUS being 0.5 per 100,000 children. Eleven different serogroups were detected, O157 being the most common (n = 37, 66%). Age under 3 years (OR 2.4), stx2 (OR 9.7), and stx2a (OR 16.6) were found to be risk factors for HUS. Fifty-five patients (63%) needed dialysis. Twenty-nine patients (33%) developed major neurological symptoms. Complete renal recovery was observed in 57 patients after a median 4.0 years of follow-up. Age under 3 years, leukocyte count over 20 × 109/L, and need for dialysis were predictive factors for poor renal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Age under 3 years, stx2, and stx2a were risk factors for HUS in STEC-positive children. However, serogroup or stx types did not predict the renal outcome or major CNS symptoms.

The Association of Metal Frame Construct of ESIN and radiographic bone healing of pediatric forearm fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The gold-standard surgical procedure of both-bone forearm shaft fracture repair is elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Disadvantages effects of ESIN have suggested to be a consequence of inappropriate surgical techniques, while recommendations are not always followed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of inadequate metal frame construct on impaired fracture healing, refracture and changing alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a population-based study including all consecutive patients, aged less than 16 years, who had been treated for forearm shaft fracture by ESIN during the ten-year period 2009-2018. Altogether 71 patients were included. Non-union, delayed union, and re-fracture during the following 12 months were taken as the main outcome, while inferior metal frame construct of ESIN and the surgical technique characteristics were taken the explanatory factors. Radiographic loss of reduction was a secondary outcome and a change >5° in alignment at any postoperative follow-up exam was recognized. RESULTS: Two out of 71 fractures (3%) failed to unite, and ossifying operation was needed. Five cases (7%) showed delayed bone healing, but they ossified in five months without any intervention. These seven patients (10%) had been treated more often with larger nails (> 0.7x MCD) (p = 0.027) and by open reduction (p = 0.02), compared with thinner nails and closed reduction, respectively. Two (3%) patients had a second fracture; however, they happened 2 years after the initial injury. Other surgery or fracture related factors didn't associate with impaired ossifying. Regarding the secondary outcome, altogether 24 (35%) of the analyzed 67 patients showed >5° change in alignment during the postoperative follow-up but only one patient had clinically significant instability that required re-reduction. The alignment changed more usually in distal-third fractures, compared with middle or proximal third fractures (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: ESIN resulted in good radiographic bone healing in the vast majority (90%) of the patients and completely perfect metal frame construct was not required.

The incidence and treatment trends of pediatric proximal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures comprise approximately 2% of all pediatric fractures. In general, upper extremity fractures have increased in children. However, recent trends of proximal humerus fractures are not analyzed yet. The aim was to study the incidence and treatment trends of proximal humerus fractures in children. METHODS: All 300 children, aged < 16 years, who suffered from a proximal humerus fracture in the catchment area of Oulu University Hospital, Finland, between 2005 and 2015, were included. Radiographs were reviewed, and patients, injuries, treatments, and outcomes were comprehensively studied. Annual incidence was based on the child population at risk, which changed between 84.500 and 88.100 in the study time. RESULTS: The annual incidence of childhood proximal humerus fractures was mean 31.4/100,000 and no variation trend was found. The majority (92%) was treated nonoperatively, however, there was an increase of operative fixation from 0 to 16% during the study time (Difference 16, 95% CI 0.3 to 34.9%, P = 0.045). Bayonet displacement increased the risk of surgical fixation up to 16-fold (95% CI 4.8-51.4, P < 0.001) in a multivariate analysis when adjusted with other potential risk factors. Higher age was also associated with operative treatment (P = 0.002). The most usual recreational activities were horse riding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and trampolining. CONCLUSION: Contrary to most upper extremity fractures in children, proximal humerus fractures did not increase during the long study period. However, their operative treatment increased compared to nonoperative treatment, but the evidence supporting that trend remains unclear.

Recent trends in children's elbow dislocation with or without a concomitant fracture.

BACKGROUND: The elbow is the joint that most usually dislocates in children. In contrast to the widely known recent increase in the incidence of upper-extremity fractures and their operative treatment in children, potential trends in elbow dislocation are not clear. In this study we aimed to clarify the recent epidemiology of childhood elbow dislocation, in particular the potential change in incidence and treatment. METHODS: A population-based study was performed to evaluate the annual incidence and the characteristics of injury, patients and treatment. All children < 16 years of age with an elbow dislocation in 1996-2014 in the Oulu University Hospital District, Finland, were included. Elbow dislocations with and without an associated fracture were included. The mean number of children in the population at risk was 85,600, according Statistics Finland. RESULTS: There were 104 patients with a mean age of 11.3 years (SD 2.6). The annual incidence was 6.4 (mean) per 100,000 children in 1996-2014 and no changing trend in incidence during the study period was found. Trampoline jumping was the most usual reason for the dislocations (N = 15, 14.4%). The majority (N = 73/104, 70.2%) were treated non-operatively by reduction and casting. There was no change in surgical treatment during the study time. CONCLUSION: In contrast to increasing incidence of upper-extremity fractures in children, there has not been a change in the incidence of elbow dislocation in children. There was no change in surgical treatment in 1996-2014.

Non-union of the ulnar styloid process in children is common but long-term morbidity is rare: a population-based study with mean 11 years (9-15) follow-up.

Background and purpose - Fracture of the ulnar styloid process (USP) is common in children in connection with distal radius fracture. The long-term morbidity of USP non-union following a childhood distal radius fracture is unclear. We evaluated long-term clinical and radiographic findings of USP non-union. Patients and methods - All 208 children (< 16 years) who had suffered from distal radius fracture with or without a diagnosed concomitant ulnar fracture during 1992-1999 in the study institution were invited to follow-up at mean of 11 years (9-15) after the injury. Radiographs of both wrists of all 139 participants (67%) were taken; 22 patients showed USP non-union and they made up the study population. Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, decreased range of motion (ROM), and weakened grip strength as compared with the uninjured side were the main functional outcomes. Elements of the "Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand" questionnaire were used for subjective symptoms. Results - The rate of USP non-union following childhood distal forearm fracture was 16% (22/139) and only 9 of the ulnar styloid fractures were visible in the radiographs primarily. At follow-up wrist flexion-extension ROM and ulnar and radial deviation ranges did not differ between the injured and uninjured sides. Grip strengths were similar. 6 patients reported pain during exercise. 7 had ulna minus (mean 2.3 mm) but none showed degenerative radiographic findings. Interpretation - The long-term clinical results of USP non-union following a childhood wrist fracture were good. However, one-third of the patients with USP non-union had ulnar shortening, which may predispose them to degenerative processes later in life.

Intramedullary nailing of forearm shaft fractures by biodegradable compared with titanium nails: Results of a prospective randomized trial in children with at least two years of follow-up.

There are disadvantages in Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) of forearm-shaft fractures, such as the need of implant removal. Biodegradable Intramedullary Nailing (BIN) is a new technique developed for these fractures. We hypothesized that there is no difference in rotational ROM between the patients treated by BIN vs. ESIN. A randomized, controlled clinical trial included patients, aged 5-15 years, requiring surgery for forearm-shaft fractures. Biodegradable polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nails (Activa IM-Nail™, Bioretec Ltd., Finland) were used in 19 and titanium nails (TEN®, SynthesDePuy Ltd., USA) in 16 patients. Rotational ROM of forearm after two years was the primary outcome. Elbow and wrist ROM, pain and radiographic bone healing were secondary outcomes. Forearm rotation was mean 162° and 151° in BIN and ESIN groups, respectively (P = 0.201). No difference between the groups was found in any other ROMs. Three cases in the ESIN vs. none in the BIN group reported pain (P = 0.113). There was no clinically significant residual angulation in radiographs. Two adolescents in the BIN group vs. none in the ESIN (P = 0.245) were excluded because of implant failure; another two with complete bone union suffered from re-injury. Therefore, satisfactory implant stability among older children needs to be studied.

Severe Trampoline Injuries: Incidence and Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Severe trampoline injuries in children and adolescents are rare; however, minor injuries are common and their incidence is increasing. Severe injuries are most commonly head and neck injuries. They may result in long-term morbidity. This study aimed to illustrate these severe injuries and to find out their incidence and risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a population-based, prospective study in the Oulu region of Finland completed over 2 years (May 1, 2015 to April 31, 2017). All children (<16 years of age) with severe trampoline injuries were included. Cervical spine fractures, chest wall and skull fractures, lesions of internal organs, hip and knee dislocations, and permanent disorders of the peripheral veins or nerves were in prior defined as severe. Multiple jumpers, stunts, younger age, previous injuries, insufficient use of safety equipment, and lack of supervision were hypothesized as risk factors. RESULTS: There were 11 injured patients (10 boys). The annual incidence was 6.28/100,000 children <16 years of age. Mean age was 11.5 years. Severe injuries included five ligamentous cervical spine injuries and two sternal bone fractures. In addition, there were one lumbar spine ligament injury, two hip dislocations, and one severe axillary plexus nerve lesion. Eight out of 11 accidents were not seen by any adult and none of them happened under professional supervision. Most injuries (N = 8) happened by failed backflips. CONCLUSION: Most severe injuries happened in unsuccessful flips. Children should have an adult supervisor and flips should not be attempted.