Limited angular remodelling after in-situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis : A study on radiographs from the Swedish pediatric orthopaedic quality registry for SCFE.

BACKGROUND: In Sweden, most children with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) are operated on with a single smooth pin or a short-threaded screw, allowing further growth of the femoral neck. Using the Swedish Pediatric Orthopaedic Quality registry, SPOQ, we investigated whether angular remodelling occurs adjacent to the proximal femoral epiphysis after fixation of SCFE using implants, allowing continued growth of the femoral neck. METHODS: During 2008-2010 a total national population of 155 children were reported to the SPOQ registry. Following our strict inclusion criteria, radiographs of 51 hips were further assessed. The lateral Head Shaft Angle (HSA), the Nötzli 3-point α-angle, the anatomic α-angle, and the Anterior Offset Ratio (AOR) on the first postoperative radiographs and at follow-up were measured to describe the occurrence of remodelling. Slip severity was categorised as mild, moderate or severe according to postoperative HSA. RESULTS: Mean and SD values for the change in HSA were 3,7° (5,0°), for 3-point α-angle 6,8° (8,9°), and anatomic α-angle 13,0° (16,3°). The overall increase in AOR was 0,038 (0.069). There were no significant differences between the slip severity groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found limited angular remodelling after in situ fixation with smooth pins or short threaded screws for SCFE. The angular remodelling and the reduction of the CAM deformity was less than previously described after fixation of SCFE with similar implants. Results about the same magnitude with non-growth sparing techniques suggest that factors other than longitudinal growth of the femoral neck are important for angular remodelling.

Outcome after osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening for patients with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: a retrospective cohort study of patients with hip-deformities treated with osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening.

AIMS: Our main objectives were to evaluate the effect of surgery using self-assessed health scores. Secondary objectives were to correlate outcome with grade of deformity (Stulberg classification I-V) or age at surgery and whether additional periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is beneficial for patients with concurrent acetabular dysplasia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort and in part a cross sectional study using a planned clinical and radiological follow-up of patients. All patients with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) treated with osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening using surgical hip dislocation, with or without periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) were included. A total of 39 patients were identified and invited to participate (29 males and 10 females) of which 32 accepted.Radiographic assessment and Stulberg classification were obtained. The Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the VAS scale of EQ-5D-5L were used. RESULTS: The majority of the patients experienced improvement (74%, n = 27) and 21 patients (78%, n = 27) found the surgery worthwhile. Preoperative Stulberg II and III patients (83% improvement) showed better results than Stulberg IV and V patients (56% improvement) (n = 27, p = 0.121). There was significantly better patient-satisfaction for those younger than 29 years of age (⩽18 years old (92%), 19-28 years old (89%), ⩾29 years old (67%), x2(2) = 8512, n = 27, p = 0.022) and a negative correlation for age at onset of LCPD and mHHS (r = -0.420, p = 0.046, n = 23). Patients with concurrent acetabular dysplasia (n = 19), 82% (9 of 11) improved after additional PAO compared to 63% (5 of 8) who were not operated on with PAO. CONCLUSION: This procedure is worthwhile in selected cases except for severe deformity (Stulberg IV and V) and patients >28 years of age.

Hip displacement in relation to age and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: Hip dislocation in cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious complication. By radiographic screening and prophylactic surgery of children at risk most dislocations can be prevented. CPUP, the Swedish CP registry and follow-up program, includes annual radiographic examinations of children at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V. Data from CPUP were analysed to assess the risk of hip displacement in relation to GMFCS levels and age. METHODS: All children at GMFCS levels III-V (N = 353) whose first radiographic screening occurred before 3 years of age were followed between the ages 2-7 years. Migration percentages (MPs) were recorded annually (1,664 pelvic radiographs) and analysed using discrete time survival analysis. RESULTS: The risk of hip displacement between 2 years and 7 years of age was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for children at GMFCS level V during the entire study period. The risk was highest at 2-3 years of age and decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with each year of age (OR = 0.71, 95 % CI 0.60-0.83). The cumulative risk at age 7 years for those at GMFCS V for MP ≥ 40 % was 47 % (95 % CI 37-58). The corresponding risk at GMFCS IV was 24 % (16-34) and at GMFCS III 23 % (12-42). CONCLUSIONS: Children at GMFCS V have a significantly higher risk of hip displacement compared with children at GMFCS III-IV. The risk is highest at 2-3 years of age. The results support a surveillance program including radiographic hip examinations as soon as the diagnosis of severe CP is suspected.

Elderly men with a history of distal radius fracture have significantly lower calcaneal bone density and free androgen index than age-matched controls.

BACKGROUND: Age related bone loss is widely accepted as related to decreased serum levels of circulating sex hormones. Epidemiological data also show distal radius fractures in men to be a sensitive marker of bone fragility. The aim of this study was to assess if men with a history of distal radius fracture have lower bone mass density (BMD), lower free androgen index (FAI), lower total testosterone (T) and lower bio-available testosterone (Bio-T) than healthy age-matched controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study is based on consecutive cases treated for low energy distal radius fracture at our department and age-matched controls. Thirty-nine men treated between 1997-2004 and 45 age-matched controls underwent calcaneal bone density measurements (t-score) and analyses of T, Bio-T and serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG). RESULTS: The fracture group had lower BMD (p < 0.01) and lower FAI (p = 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed a correlation between Bio-T and t-scores (p = 0.03). Using analysis of covariance, a significant difference with lower Bio-T in the fracture group was shown. CONCLUSION: Bio-T seems to correlate with BMD in elderly men and may serve as a marker for increased fracture risk in this patient group.

Evaluation of single event multilevel surgery and rehabilitation in children and youth with cerebral palsy--A 2-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated multilevel surgery and rehabilitation with functional measures and health related quality of life (HRQOL) of children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP). In addition this study evaluated parent's satisfaction with care. METHOD: A prospective single-subject study with AB design and 2-year follow-up, included 11 children between 8 and 18 years old with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III. Visual analyses were used to present physical function with Physical Cost Index (PCI). Descriptive statistics were used to present number of children with a clinically important change in Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), self-reported walking ability, and HRQOL with child health questionnaire (CHQ). RESULTS: PCI showed a trend of lower energy cost during gait in six children and GMFM was unchanged for 10 children and improved for one child. Walking ability was improved in 10 children. Gait distance increased in all 11. Both physical and psychosocial dimensions of CHQ improved in six of nine (two missing data). Expectations of outcomes were fulfilled in seven and partly fulfilled in four. Satisfaction with care was fulfilled in 10 of 11. CONCLUSION: Self-reported walking ability improved after multilevel surgery and intensive rehabilitation. This result was partly supported by lower energy cost and improved HRQOL. Expectations and satisfaction were fulfilled for the majority of children.

Boys soccer league injuries: a community-based study of time-loss from sports participation and long-term sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Youth soccer is important for keeping European children physically active. The aim of this study is to examine injuries sustained in a community soccer league for boys with regard to age-related incidence, time lost from participation and long-term sequelae. METHODS: Primary injury data was collected from a soccer league including 1800 players, comprising approximately 25% of all boys 13-16 years of age in three Swedish municipalities (population 150 000). Injuries were primarily identified based on a time loss definition of sports injury. At the end of the season, a physician interviewed every player who reported injured to determine whether there were any remaining sequelae. If a sequela was confirmed, the physician repeated the interview 6, 18 and 48 months after the end of the season. RESULTS: Forty-four injuries were recorded during 18 720 player game hours (2.4 injuries per 1000 player game hours). The highest injury incidence (6.8 injuries per 1000 player game hours) was recorded in the first-year elite divisions. Thirty-two injuries (73%) were categorized as moderate-severe, and 21 injuries (48%) required medical attention. Eight injuries caused sequelae that remained 6 months after the end of the season, and 3 injuries caused sequelae that lasted 4 years after the injury event. CONCLUSION: An overall low injury rate makes soccer a suitable sport for inclusion in programmes that promote physical activity among children. When organizing soccer leagues for boys, injury prevention programmes should be provided to adolescent players when they begin playing in competitive divisions.

Time- and pH-dependent release of PDGF and TGF-beta from platelets in vitro.

We studied the spontaneous and thrombin-induced activation of platelets and their release of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) at different pH values. Platelet activation was assayed with antibodies against P-selectin and performed in serum-free media. The release of PDGF and TGF-beta was determined by ELISA after 15 min and 12h. There was no activation at pH 5.0, while a time-dependent release of growth factors occurred at neutral and alkaline pH. The results suggest that release o f growth factors is not only dependent on platelet activation but also on incubation time and pH. Although the used serum-free experimental situation is different from normal conditions for platelets in vivo, the findings of a late release of growth factors may, nevertheless, be relevant to wound healing.

Fibroblast proliferation due to exposure to a platelet concentrate in vitro is pH dependent.

The influence of platelet-rich plasma lysates on fibroblast proliferation was studied in culture. Cells were exposed to platelet lysates that had been preincubated at different pHs (5.0, 7.1, and 7.6). Proliferation was evaluated with the MTT assay and incorporation of [3H]thymidine into macromolecules, while type I collagen production was assayed by Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta concentrations. Platelets preincubated in an acidic environment (pH 5.0) induced the highest degree of fibroblast proliferation, and the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor in the different treated lysates was the highest at that particular pH. The concentration of transforming growth factor-beta, however, was lower after incubation at pH 5.0 than at either pH 7.1 or 7.6. These findings may be relevant to normal wound healing in vivo and useful in the treatment of wounds and delayed healing processes.

Injuries in competitive youth bandy: an epidemiological study of a league season.

PURPOSE: Bandy, with a century-long tradition in northern Europe, is a winter team-sport similar to ice hockey. To investigate the occurrence of injuries during competitive youth bandy games, injury incidence, injury types, and age-related risks were analyzed for one youth league season. METHODS: The National Athletic Injury/Illness Reporting System (NAIRS) definition of sports injury was used for the injury registration. All 416 games during the 1999-2000 season in the Swedish southeastern youth bandy league were included in the study. Primary data was collected by a questionnaire and completed by the team coaches after each game. At the end of the season, physician interviews with each team coach were performed to assure that no injuries had been missed as well as to ascertain whether there was any remaining disability. RESULTS: In total, 2.0 injuries (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.9 injuries) per 1000 player game hours were recorded. Sixty-eight percent of the injuries caused the injured player to be absent from bandy play for more than a week. Collision was the most common cause of injury (36%), and contusion was the most common injury type (41%). The injury incidence in the leagues for older players (Youth 14 -Youth 16) was slightly higher than in the leagues for the younger players (Youth 12 -Youth 13), while participation by under-aged players in games organized for older players led to an almost four-fold increase of injury risk. For severe injuries, the mean rehabilitation time away from bandy practice or competition was 27 d (range 8-56 d). CONCLUSION: The overall injury incidence during youth bandy games is low, but the injuries that occur cause extensive absences from the only four months long bandy season. From a public health perspective, bandy can be recommended for consideration when physical exercise is to be promoted among school-age children in countries with a winter climate.