Management of Lateral Condyle Humeral Fracture Associated With Elbow Dislocation in Children. A Retrospective International Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Lateral humeral condyle fractures account for 12% to 17% of all distal humerus fractures in children, and usually occur as an isolated injury or are associated with radial neck and/or proximal ulna fractures. The presentation with a concomitant dislocation of the elbow is rare. Therefore, literature on young patients with this uncommon combination is sparse and mostly limited to case reports and small case series. The aim of the present study is to identify the best treatment strategy for this injury, recognize potential risk factors for the development of complications, and identify predictors of outcome. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective review of electronic and written medical records for skeletally immature patients who were diagnosed with a lateral condyle fracture of the humerus associated with elbow dislocation (ED). Data recorded included patient demographics, fracture classification, direction of the dislocation, treatment strategy, time to union, elbow range of motion, complications, and additional procedures. The modified Flynn criteria were used to determine the outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients who presented to 3 institutions with a concomitant lateral humeral condyle fractures and an ED. The mean age at the time of injury was 8.7 years (range: 6 to 13 y). The median time from injury to surgery was 1 day (interquartile range: 0.5, minimum to maximum: 0 to 29 d). The median follow-up was 24 weeks (interquartile range: 16, minimum to maximum: 4 to 120 wk). The injury occurred more commonly in males (79%) with Weiss type 3 fractures. The direction of the dislocation was posterior or posteromedial in most cases. Open reduction through a modified Kocher lateral approach and fixation with either Kirschner wires (N = 12) or cannulated screws (N = 9) was the preferred method of treatment. Eight patients (34.8%) developed complications, including persistent elbow stiffness (N = 5), elbow instability (N = 1), and avascular necrosis (N = 2). There were no cases of delayed union, nonunion, malunion, heterotopic ossification, neurological injury, or hardware failure. Patients treated with casting or Kirschner wire fixation had a significantly increased rate of elbow stiffness compared with screw fixation (50%, 25%, and 11%, respectively, P = 0.015). According to Flynn's criteria, 65% of the patients had good or excellent outcomes, and 35% had poor. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate a higher than previously described rate of complications in children with lateral condyle humerus fracture associated with ED, including persistent elbow stiffness, avascular necrosis, and chronic elbow instability, leading to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes in over one-third of the cases. Our findings suggest that the internal fixation with screws, combined with a shorter postoperative immobilization period (2 wk) may lead to improved clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic, case series.

De Novo SOX6 Variants Cause a Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Associated with ADHD, Craniosynostosis, and Osteochondromas.

SOX6 belongs to a family of 20 SRY-related HMG-box-containing (SOX) genes that encode transcription factors controlling cell fate and differentiation in many developmental and adult processes. For SOX6, these processes include, but are not limited to, neurogenesis and skeletogenesis. Variants in half of the SOX genes have been shown to cause severe developmental and adult syndromes, referred to as SOXopathies. We here provide evidence that SOX6 variants also cause a SOXopathy. Using clinical and genetic data, we identify 19 individuals harboring various types of SOX6 alterations and exhibiting developmental delay and/or intellectual disability; the individuals are from 17 unrelated families. Additional, inconstant features include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, mild facial dysmorphism, craniosynostosis, and multiple osteochondromas. All variants are heterozygous. Fourteen are de novo, one is inherited from a mosaic father, and four offspring from two families have a paternally inherited variant. Intragenic microdeletions, balanced structural rearrangements, frameshifts, and nonsense variants are predicted to inactivate the SOX6 variant allele. Four missense variants occur in residues and protein regions highly conserved evolutionarily. These variants are not detected in the gnomAD control cohort, and the amino acid substitutions are predicted to be damaging. Two of these variants are located in the HMG domain and abolish SOX6 transcriptional activity in vitro. No clear genotype-phenotype correlations are found. Taken together, these findings concur that SOX6 haploinsufficiency leads to a neurodevelopmental SOXopathy that often includes ADHD and abnormal skeletal and other features.

Novel method to biopsy aneurysmal bone cysts in children.

PURPOSE: The thin and friable septations composing aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) may be challenging to target for percutaneous biopsy. The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate a novel method of ABC biopsy using endomyocardial biopsy forceps as an attempt to capture larger fragments of tissue for diagnosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a retrospective study performed over a 17-year period. Patients <18 years old who underwent percutaneous biopsy for a presumed ABC, based on pre-procedure imaging, were included. Medical records were reviewed to identify age, sex, lesion location, biopsy procedure details, complications, and pathology results. A diagnostic biopsy was defined as conclusive histologic confirmation. Inconclusive findings or findings suggestive of but not diagnostic of an ABC were treated as non-diagnostic, even if imaging and clinical findings were characteristic. Biopsy device selection and quantity of tissue obtained was at the discretion of the pediatric interventional radiologist. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the diagnostic yield of standard biopsies to those employing biopsy forceps. RESULTS: Twenty-three biopsies were performed in 18 patients (11 female) with a median age of 14.7 years (IQR 10.6-15.6). Lesions were located in the extremities (7, 30.4%), chest (6, 26.1%), pelvis (5, 21.7%), spine (4, 17.4%), and mandible (1, 4.3%). Specimens were obtained using a 13- or 15-gauge bone coring needle (11, 47.8%); 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge soft tissue needle (6, 26.1%); or a combination of bone and soft tissue (4, 17.4%) needles. Endomyocardial biopsy forceps were utilized in 7 cases (30.4%), 2 in which it was the only device used. Overall, a conclusive pathologic diagnosis was made in 13/23 (56.5%) biopsies. Of the diagnostic biopsies, 1 was a unicameral bone cyst and all others were ABCs. No malignancy was identified. Compared to the standard approach, the use of forceps was more likely to result in a diagnostic biopsy (40.0% vs 100.0%, p = 0.008). There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Endomyocardial biopsy forceps offer an additional, novel technique to biopsy presumed ABCs and may improve diagnostic yield.

Pediatric Osteosarcoma: Correlation of Imaging Findings with Histopathologic Features, Treatment, and Outcome.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma in children. Imaging plays a pivotal role in diagnostic workup, surgical planning, and follow-up monitoring for possible disease relapse. Survival depends on multiple factors, including presence or absence of metastatic disease, chemotherapy response, and surgical margins. At diagnosis, radiography and anatomic MRI are used to characterize the primary site of disease, whereas chest CT and whole-body bone scintigraphy and/or PET are used to identify additional sites of disease. Treatment starts with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by en bloc tumor resection and limb reconstruction, and finally, adjuvant chemotherapy. Preoperative planning requires precise tumor delineation, which traditionally has been based on high-spatial-resolution anatomic MRI to identify tumor margins (medullary and extraosseous), skip lesions, neurovascular involvement, and joint invasion. These findings direct the surgical approach and affect the options for reconstruction. For skeletally immature children, the risk of cumulative limb-length discrepancy and need for superior longevity of the reconstruction have led to the advent and preferential use of several pediatric-specific surgical techniques, including rotationplasty, joint preservation surgery, autograft or allograft reconstruction, and extendible endoprostheses. A better understanding of the clinically impactful imaging features can directly and positively influence patient care. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Pediatric musculoskeletal pathologies: are there differences in triage of diagnoses and preferences for communication between radiology and orthopedics?

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical importance of various pediatric musculoskeletal diagnoses, determine preferred communication methods based on the acuity level of findings, and investigate differences between specialties utilizing the Delphi methodology. METHODS: Radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and sports-medicine pediatricians at a tertiary children's hospital were surveyed (n = 79) twice using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Surveys were conducted anonymously and at least 1 year apart, first eliciting all potentially non-routine findings and various communication methods (round 1), and later categorizing the acuity (emergent, urgent, or non-urgent) of different diagnosis categories and selecting the preferred communication method (verbal, written electronic messages, and report) and timeframe (round 2). Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to compare variables between specialties. RESULTS: Round 1 produced 267 entries for non-routine findings (grouped into 19 diagnoses) and 71 for communication methods (grouped into 3 categories). Round 2 found no significant difference in the acuity assignments for the 19 predetermined diagnoses (p = 0.66) between the 3 specialties; however, there was reduced agreement for the top urgent diagnoses within and between specialties. Most pediatricians preferred written electronic messages. The preferred communication timeframe for urgent diagnoses was significantly different (< 2 h for pediatricians, < 4 h for radiologists, and < 8 h for surgeons; p = 0.003) between specialties whereas no difference was found for emergent (p = 1) and non-urgent diagnoses (p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: Acuity assignment for the 19 pediatric-specific musculoskeletal diagnoses was not significantly different between specialties, but the preferred communication timeframe for urgent diagnoses was significantly different, ranging between 2 and 8 h.

Unplanned Return to the Operating Room (UpROR) After Pediatric Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Femoral fractures are the most common cause of fracture-related admissions. Unplanned return to the operating room (UpROR) is a major event and imposes a substantial burden on the family and health care system. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of complications and early UpROR during the first 6 months following treatment of femoral fractures and their risk factors. METHODS: In an institutional review board-approved study, a retrospective review of all patients who were treated for a femoral fracture during a 10-year period at a pediatric tertiary care center was performed. Patients less than 18 years old with a diaphyseal fracture and complete records were included, and nondiaphyseal or pathologic fractures, as well as underlying metabolic or genetic disorders, were excluded. All clinic visits in the first 6 months after treatment were reviewed, and all complications and UpRORs were extracted. Patients were grouped based on their age (below 5, 5 to 11, above 11 y old) at initial treatment, and statistical tests were used to infer differences between groups. RESULTS: Overall, 841 fractures in 832 patients were included, with a mean age of 5.5±4.8 years fracture, of which 72% were male. A total of 106 complications (12.6%) and 45 UpRORs (5.3%) were encountered during the study period. Patients with and without UpROR had similar demographics and injury and treatment characteristics. Loss of reduction was the most common reason for UpROR (58%), followed by implant-related complications. Flexible nails had the highest risk of UpROR among patients who were initially treated surgically (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that children under the age of 5 years have a 5% risk of UpROR in the first 6 months after the fracture, mainly for repeat spica casting due to loss of reduction. Patients aged 5 years or older have an ∼6% risk of UpROR, mainly related to complications of flexible nails. The findings of this study are important when consulting families on different treatments of diaphyseal femoral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III-retrospective cohort study.

Standardizing a Postoperative Protocol for Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most commonly operated upper extremity fracture in pediatric orthopaedics, yet there does not currently exist a standardized recommendation for a postoperative protocol. As advanced practice providers take on larger roles in the care of fracture patients, it may alleviate confusion to standardize postoperative protocols. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between three different postoperative management protocols following operative fixation of supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent operative fixation of a supracondylar humerus fracture during the 2014 to 2015 academic year. Postoperative protocols were classified as either "liberal," "intermediate," or "conservative," based on how quickly the surgeon allowed unrestricted motion of the elbow postoperatively. Patients were evaluated for range of motion, functional elbow motion, and elbow clinical function, as well for postoperative complications. Univariate analysis was conducted to detect the differences in outcomes between protocol groups with P<0.01 considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in the final analysis, with 17 patients in the liberal group, 50 in the intermediate group, and 33 in the conservative group. There were no differences in patient population (age, sex, fracture type, concomitant nerve palsy, ipsilateral injuries, or physical therapy referrals) between the groups (P>0.01). There were no differences in range of motion, functional motion, or elbow clinical function (P>0.01) between the postoperative protocol groups. There were no postoperative complications (unplanned return to operating room, refracture, need for fixation revision, or infection) in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in postoperative complications or outcomes between the patients in the liberal, intermediate, or conservative protocol groups. In an efficiency-focused era, we conclude that a standardized liberal protocol be considered at a busy orthopaedic center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This study is a level III therapeutic study. It is a retrospective study that compares the outcomes after following 1 of 3 different postoperative protocols.

Early Knee Range of Motion Following Operative Treatment for Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures Is Safe.

BACKGROUND: Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAF) often require surgical reduction and stabilization. Traditional teachings recommend postoperative knee immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks; however, the necessity of these restrictions is unclear and the actual practice varies. This study's purpose was to: (1) retrospectively review operatively managed TTAFs at a single center to examine the spectrum of postoperative rehabilitation guidelines, and (2) compare the outcomes of patients based on the timing of initiation of postoperative knee range of motion (ROM). METHODS: Operatively managed TTAFs treated at a single center from 2011-2020 were identified. Patients with polytrauma, associated lower extremity compartment syndrome, or treatment other than screw fixation were excluded. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, Ogden Classification, associated injuries, operative technique, postoperative ROM progression, and time to release to unrestricted activities were collected. Patients were grouped based on the initiation of postoperative ROM as Early (<4 wk, EROM) or Late (≥4 wk, LROM). Bivariate analysis was used to compare characteristics between these 2 groups. RESULTS: Study criteria identified 134 patients, 93.3% (n=125) of whom were male. The mean age of the cohort was 14.77 years [95% confidence interval (CI: 14.5 to 15.0]. Forty-nine patients were designated EROM; 85 patients were categorized as LROM. The groups did not differ significantly with regards to age, race, injury characteristics, or surgical technique. Both groups progressed similarly with regards to postoperative range of motion. Ultimate activity clearance was achieved at ~20 weeks postoperatively without differences between groups ( P >0.05). Four instances of postoperative complication were identified, all of which occurred in the LROM group. CONCLUSION: A broad range of postoperative immobilization protocols exists following the screw fixation of TTAFs. Across otherwise similar cohorts of patients undergoing operative treatment, initiation of knee range of motion before 4 weeks was without complication and provided equivalent outcomes to traditional immobilization practices. Given the clear benefits to patients and caregivers provided by the permission of early knee motion and the avoidance of casting, providers should consider more progressive postoperative rehab protocols following operatively treated TTAFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort.

Dynamic Supination in Congenital Clubfoot: A Modified Delphi Panel Approach to Standardizing Definitions and Indications for Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic supination is a well-recognized cause of congenital clubfoot deformity relapse. However, there is no consensus on how to diagnose it and there are varied approaches in its management. This study aims to define dynamic supination and indications for treatment by presenting consensus from an international panel of experts using a modified Delphi panel approach. METHODS: An international panel of 15 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with clinical and research expertise in childhood foot disorders participated in a modified Delphi panel on dynamic supination in congenital clubfoot. Panelists voted on 51 statements using a 4-point Likert scale on dynamic supination, clinical indications for treatment, operative techniques, and postoperative casting and bracing. All panelists participated in 2 voting rounds with an interim meeting for discussion. Responses were classified as unanimous consensus (100%), consensus (80% or above), near-consensus (70% to 79%), and indeterminate (69% or less). RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 34 of 51 statements. Panelists agreed dynamic supination is present when the forefoot is supinated during swing phase of gait with initial contact on the lateral border of the foot. There was also agreement that dynamic supination results from muscle imbalance between the tibialis anterior and the peroneus longus and brevis. There was no consensus on observation of hindfoot varus in dynamic supination, operative indications for posterior release of the ankle joint, or incisional approach for tibialis anterior tendon transfer. Reference to the calcaneopedal unit concept, planes of movement, and phases of gait were deemed important factors for consideration when evaluating dynamic supination. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus statements from the Delphi panel can guide diagnosis and treatment of dynamic supination in clubfoot deformity relapse, including clinical decision making regarding preoperative casting, surgical approach, and postoperative immobilization. Near-consensus and indeterminate statements may be used to direct future areas of investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Pre-treatment MRI of leukaemia and lymphoma in children: are there differences in marrow replacement patterns on T1-weighted images?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and distribution of specific marrow patterns on pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in children with leukaemia and lymphoma and with respect to the anatomic location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant study included children with leukaemia or lymphoma who underwent pre-treatment MRI examinations over 18 years (between 1 January 1995 and 31 August 2013). Two radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnosis reviewed each study to determine the presence or absence of abnormal marrow signal and, when present, sub-categorised the pattern into diffuse, patchy, or focal abnormal marrow. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare marrow patterns between leukaemia and lymphoma. RESULTS: The study included 50 children (32 males and 18 females; mean age 9.5 ± 5.3 years) with 54 MRI examinations (27 leukaemia and 27 lymphoma) that included 26 spine and 28 non-spine studies. Marrow replacement was present on 43 (80%) studies, significantly more common with leukaemia than with lymphoma (p = 0.039). The diffuse replacement pattern was significantly more common with leukaemia when compared to lymphoma (p < 0.001) and the focal pattern was only observed with lymphoma. In the spine, the diffuse pattern was observed with lymphoma (3/14, 21%). All patients with leukaemia and MRI outside of the spine showed marrow involvement. CONCLUSION: Marrow replacement is common on MRI from children with leukaemia and lymphoma. A diffuse pattern was significantly associated with leukaemia on studies outside of the spine and a focal pattern was only observed with lymphoma, independently of the anatomic location. KEY POINTS: • Bone marrow replacement on pre-treatment MRI examinations in children with leukaemia and lymphoma was observed in 93% (25/27) and 67% (18/27), respectively. • Diffuse pattern of marrow replacement was significantly more common in leukaemia even though this pattern was also observed with lymphoma on the spine MRI studies. • Focal pattern of marrow replacement was present only with lymphoma and not with leukaemia regardless of the anatomic location.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of synovial sarcoma in children: location-dependent differences.

BACKGROUND: While overall survival for children is greater than that for adults, synovial sarcoma remains an aggressive neoplasm with a potentially poor prognosis, and its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in children are not well described. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the spectrum of MRI findings of synovial sarcoma in children with respect to anatomical location and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with histologically confirmed synovial sarcoma and preoperative MRI performed within the past 11 years (2009-2020) were included. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed each MRI to categorize location, signal characteristics and associated findings. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess associations with locations and outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 23 children (13 girls, 10 boys; mean age: 12.7±4.2 years) with 7 axial, 8 proximal and 8 distal appendicular lesions. Kappa ranged from 0.53 to 1. MRI findings differed significantly between locations with axial lesions measuring larger (P=0.01) and more likely to contain fluid levels (P=0.02), triple sign (P=0.02), inhomogeneous signal (T1-weighted images, P=0.003; T2-weighted images, P=0.02, contrast-enhanced images, P=0.03) with all lesions containing partially solid composition (P=0.03). At a median follow-up of 14 months (interquartile range: 7-33 months), 39% relapsed. Predictors of relapse (P<0.05) included metastasis at presentation, larger lesions, axial lesions and MRI findings of fluid level, T1-weighted hyperintensity, inhomogeneous signal (T1- and T2-weighted images) and poorly circumscribed margins. CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between location and MRI findings in our cohort of children with synovial sarcoma. Axial lesions were more likely to be larger, appear heterogeneous and be associated with a worse outcome.

Radiographic characterization of acute scaphoid fractures in children under 11 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Delayed diagnosis of scaphoid fractures can lead to long-term morbidity. While radiography is the preferred screening examination, there is a relative paucity of literature that examines fracture visibility in younger children, who have smaller ossification centers, an abundance of unossified cartilage and fractures that preferentially involve the distal scaphoid. OBJECTIVE: To characterize acute scaphoid fractures in younger children on radiographs with observer agreement and with respect to fracture location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This institutional review board (IRB)-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant cross-sectional study included children (≤10 years of age) with acute scaphoid fractures (≤7 days), who underwent radiographic examinations at a tertiary children's hospital between December 2008 and June 2019. Three readers (two pediatric radiologists and one orthopedic surgeon) reviewed each examination to determine fracture visibility on each radiographic view and fracture location. Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher exact and Cochran-Armitage tests were used to compare fracture visibility and location, and Kappa tests were used to calculate observer agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children (15 boys, 13 girls; mean age: 9.5±0.6 years) with 10 (36%) distal corner, 11 (39%) distal body and 7 (25%) mid-body fractures, underwent 7 (25%) 4-view, 18 (64%) 3-view and 3 (11%) 2-view examinations. Twenty-six (93%) fractures were visible on at least one view with six (21%) fractures visible on all available views. No significant association was found between fracture visibility and fracture location (P=0.32). Observer agreement was substantial to almost perfect. CONCLUSION: Only 7% of these acute scaphoid fractures in younger children are inconspicuous on the initial radiographic examination.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of intra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumor in children.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in disease characterization of intra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumor. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the MRI features of intra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumor in children with respect to disease subtype and anatomical location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included children with tenosynovial giant cell tumor who underwent preoperative MRI between January 2006 and May 2020. Two radiologists reviewed each examination to determine disease subtype, signal intensities and the presence of an effusion, osseous changes, chondromalacia, juxtacapsular disease and concomitant joint involvement. Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to compare findings between subtypes and locations. RESULTS: Twenty-four children (16 girls, 8 boys; mean age: 13.1±3.8 years) with 19 knee and 5 ankle-hindfoot tenosynovial giant cell tumor had either diffuse (n=15) or localized (n=9) disease. An effusion (P=0.004) was significantly more common with diffuse than localized disease. There was no significant difference in MRI signal (P-range: 0.09-1) or other imaging findings (P-range: 0.12-0.67) between subtypes. Children with knee involvement were significantly more likely to present with diffuse disease while those with ankle-hindfoot involvement all presented with focal disease (P=0.004). Juxtacapsular (n=4) and concomitant proximal tibiofibular joint involvement (n=5) were observed with diffuse disease in the knee. Erosions (P=0.01) were significantly more common in the ankle than in the knee. CONCLUSION: In our study, diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor was more common than localized disease, particularly in the knee where juxtacapsular and concomitant proximal tibiofibular joint disease can occur.

Pediatric Tumor Management: Current and Controversial.

Bone and soft-tissue tumors are common in the pediatric population. It is important to be familiar with the appropriate workup, principles of biopsy, differences between unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts, and principles of managing pathologic fractures in children. The management approach to pediatric soft-tissue masses and some of the recent advances in the field warrant discussion.

Nonossifying Fibroma of the Distal Tibia: Predictors of Fracture and Management Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Nonossifying fibroma (NOF) is a common benign lesion in children and adolescents. This study investigated the risk of pathologic fracture in NOF lesions of the distal tibial based on anatomic location, clinical symptomatology, and imaging features, in order to propose an algorithm for the management of such lesions. METHODS: In an IRB-approved retrospective case-control study, all patients diagnosed with NOF between 2010 and 2017 were extracted from our database. Patients below 18 years of age at the time of diagnosis and with lesions involving the distal tibia were included. Demographic data, the reason for visit, and the mechanism of injury were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed to record the size (absolute and relative to bone width) and location of each lesion. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations were also reviewed when available. Two authors graded all lesions using the Ritschl classification and determined the presence of 2 novel signs: the syndesmosis sign and the Pac-Man sign. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included in the final analysis, of which 25 were in the fracture group and 59 in the nonfracture group. None of the patients in the fracture group was previously diagnosed with NOF, but nine (36%) patients had symptoms for >6 months preceding the fracture. Ankle sprain was the most common reason for visit in the nonfracture group. The lateral location of the lesion in the distal tibia (P=0.001), size (P<0.001 for both absolute and relative values), Ritschl stage (P=0.003), syndesmosis sign (P=0.005), and the Pac-Man sign (P=0.002) were significant predictors of fracture. All measurements had almost-perfect to perfect inter-rater agreements. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant imaging risk factors for fracture are a larger size, Ritschl stage B, and the presence of cortical thinning on anteroposterior or lateral radiographs. We introduced 2 signs for these distal tibial NOFs, a scoring system, and a management algorithm that is based on radiographs alone but incorporates advanced imaging findings in equivocal cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III-case-control study.

Open Reduction of Medial Epicondyle Fractures in the Pediatric Population: Supine Versus Prone Position.

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of medial epicondyle fractures can be performed in either a supine or prone position. In the supine position, fracture visualization is sometimes difficult due to the posterior position of the medial epicondyle. However, the prone position requires extensive patient repositioning but may improve visualization. The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications between the supine and prone position when treating medial epicondyle fractures. METHODS: In a retrospective chart review, patients below 18 who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acute medial epicondyle fracture from January 2011 to August 2019 were identified. Patients with <2 months follow-up and concomitant fractures were excluded. Surgical variables, outcomes, and complications were recorded and compared between the supine and prone positions. RESULTS: Sixteen surgeons treated the 204 patients evaluated in this study. The mean age was 11.7 years. In all, 122 (60%) patients were treated in the supine position, and 82 (40%) in the prone position. The mean time in the room was 113 minutes in the supine group, and 141 minutes in the prone group (P<0.001). Tourniquet time was similar between groups (P=0.4). Displacement of the fracture on the first postoperative x-rays was 2.06 mm for the supine position and 1.1 mm for the prone position (P<0.001). We also found good interobserver and intraobserver reliability for the measurements. Five patients (2.5%) required reoperation due to stiffness, 2 patients due to nonunion, 1 patient due to tardy ulnar nerve palsy, and 53 (26%) had surgical hardware removal. The surgical position was not associated with complications or reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: While the prone position requires additional time in the operating room, presumably for positioning, the length of the surgical procedure itself does not differ between the 2 positions. Although the trend of the surgeons at our center is towards the prone position, with surgeons that try it usually doing all their subsequent cases that way, both positions provide excellent clinical outcomes with minimal complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III-retrospective cohort study.

What's New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Tumor Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Orthopaedic Oncology is a developing subspecialty within the field of Pediatric Orthopaedics. Traditionally, the field of Orthopaedic Oncology has been focused on the skeletally mature individual, and the research tends to be all encompassing rather than truly evaluating isolated populations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most clinically relevant literature in the field of Pediatric Orthopaedic Oncology over the last 6 years. METHODS: We evaluated the PubMed database utilizing keywords for pediatric orthopaedic oncology: sarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, bone cyst. In additionally, we further broadened our search by searching for relevant articles in the contents sections of major orthopaedic surgery journals that routinely publish both pediatric and orthopaedic oncology literature. In keeping with "What's New," we selected the most clinically relevant articles published in the last 6 years from January 1, 2014 through February 2020. Basic science and systemic therapies literature was widely reviewed and the research and clinical trials most relevant to pediatric sarcoma and neoplastic processes found in the pediatric population were included. RESULTS: Our search yielded 60 articles that met general criteria, from which 14 were determined to be most relevant to the goals of this paper. Of the papers presented in this review, there were papers related to management of benign tumors/tumor-like conditions, bone cysts, limb salvage procedures, and amputation procedures. Ultimately included in the review were 5 studies related to limb salvage, 4 related to bone cysts, 1 related to multiple hereditary exostoses, 2 related to osteofibrous dysplasia, 1 related to chondroblastoma, and 1 discussing cementation in skeletally immature patients. They were level III, IV, and V studies. Basic science and systemic therapies literature was widely reviewed and the research and clinical trials most relevant to pediatric sarcoma and neoplastic processes found in the pediatric population were included. Our search of the basic science and systemic therapies literature yielded 19 sources were found to be pertinent to our aims and 18 of those sources were published between 2015 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: There are many, varied, and creative procedures in the realm of limb salvage, though there remains a lack of high-level evidence to support some of the more novel procedures. In regards to benign bone tumors, despite a more solid base of literature, there still does not seem to be consensus as to the best treatment. In particular, there continue to be many schools of thought on the treatment of benign bone cysts. Research in the basic science arena and systemic therapies are advancing in exciting ways in regards to pediatric sarcoma. Orthopaedic oncologic research specific to the pediatric population overall continues to be impeded by low sample sizes and inadequate levels of evidence, which limits the ability of surgeons to draw definitive conclusions from the literature.

Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Acute Pediatric Monteggia Injuries With Complete Ulna Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of acute pediatric Monteggia injuries involving a complete fracture of the ulna remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of immediate operative fixation to a trial of closed reduction and casting of acute pediatric Monteggia fractures involving complete ulna fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 73 patients with Monteggia injuries with complete ulna fractures presenting to 2 pediatric trauma centers from 2008 to 2018. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on the treatment received: patients in group 1 (n=37, 51%) received surgical treatment; patients in group 2 (n=36, 49%) received a trial of closed reduction and casting. The mean follow-up of 15.2 weeks (range, 4.1 to 159 wk). The incidence of radiocapitellar joint redislocation, need for further intervention, complications, and recovery of range of motion was compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 with regards to age (6 vs. 5.8 y, P=0.69), sex (54% vs. 47% female, P=0.64), or the mean maximal ulnar angulation (23 vs. 19 degrees, P=0.94). There was a higher proportion of proximal ulna fractures in group 1 versus 2 (62% vs. 33%, respectively, P=0.02). Bado type III and IV fractures were associated with operative management [odds ratio=22 (95% confidence interval: 1.68-288.7) and 14.9 (95% confidence interval: 2.09-106), respectively]. In group 2, 5 patients (13.9%) sustained a loss of radiocapitellar joint reduction following closed reduction and casting and ultimately received operative treatment. At final follow-up, there were no cases of recurrent radiocapitellar dislocation in either group, all patients achieved fracture union and regained full elbow range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the presence of a complete ulna fracture, a trial of nonoperative management of acute pediatric Monteggia fractures with closed reduction and casting can result in comparable outcomes to those obtained with immediate surgical management. The nonoperative management of Monteggia fractures requires close clinical follow-up to ensure no loss of reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic studies, case series.

Premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest after isotretinoin therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma: A case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A-derived retinoids have been reported to cause skeletal abnormalities ranging from hypercalcemia to premature epiphyseal closure. Isotretinoin is a retinoid used as standard therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma and has been reported to cause premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest. PROCEDURE: We identified patients from the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) database with high-risk neuroblastoma diagnosed from 1991 to 2018 who experienced premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest and compared their characteristics to other patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. We then performed a literature review of this complication. Data collection included diagnosis age of neuroblastoma, presentation age, agent of exposure, dose, exposure range, and skeletal deformity. RESULTS: Among 216 patients, high-risk neuroblastoma was diagnosed before age of five years (n = 165), between ages of 5 and 10 years (n = 41), and after 10 years of age (n = 13). Three out of 216 patients developed premature epiphyseal growth arrest after isotretinoin exposure (overall incidence = 1.38%). The incidence of bony abnormalities was significantly higher in patients diagnosed in 5- to 10-year age group than in other two groups (P = 0.014). Literature review identified eight additional patients with neuroblastoma who presented with retinoid associated skeletal abnormalities. The median range of isotretinoin exposure for these 11 patients was between 6.5 and 7.625 years (range, 2-14) with no cases of isotretinoin therapy completion before age 5 years. CONCLUSION: Bone toxicity associated with isotretinoin exposure is a concern. Growth plate arrest is a serious adverse effect that is attributable to isotretinoin therapy. Our findings suggest the prepubescent growth plate may be most at risk, and we recommend special attention to this population.

Age-dependent changes in pediatric scaphoid fracture pattern on radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate age-dependent changes in scaphoid fracture prevalence and fracture patterns on radiographs in children under 15 years of age. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This retrospective study included children with scaphoid fractures, who underwent radiographic examinations between May 1, 2009, and August 31, 2019. Blinded to outcome, all radiographs were reviewed to determine fracture visibility on initial radiographs; to characterize fracture location (distal corner, distal, mid, and proximal body) and orientation (horizontal oblique, transverse, and vertical oblique); and to identify the presence or absence of gap, displacement, and concomitant fractures. Demographic information and information on weight and height were collected. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum, chi-square, and post hoc tests were used to investigate associations between age, fracture characteristics, and BMI percentile. RESULTS: The study included 180 children (134 boys and 46 girls; 12.3 ± 1.4 years) with 59 (33%) distal corner, 42 (23%) distal, 76 (42%) mid, and 3 (2%) proximal body fractures. Younger children were more likely to present with distal corner and distal body fractures while older children with mid and proximal body fractures (p = 0.035). No association was found between age and fracture visibility (p = 0.246), fracture orientation (p = 0.752), presence of gap (p = 0.130), displacement (p = 0.403), or concomitant fractures (p = 0.588). Younger children with scaphoid fractures were more likely to be obese (n = 117; p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Scaphoid fractures of the distal corner and distal body were significantly more common in younger children, who are more likely to be obese.