Factors Influencing Mortality in COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis - The International ID-IRI Study.

The emergence of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), triggered a global pandemic. Concurrently, reports of mucormycosis cases surged, particularly during the second wave in India. This study aims to investigate mortality factors in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases, exploring clinical, demographic, and therapeutic variables across mostly Asian and partly African countries. A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of CAM patients from 22 medical centers across eight countries was conducted, focusing on the first three months post-COVID-19 diagnosis. Data collected through the IDI-IR included demographics, comorbidities, treatments, and outcomes. A total of 162 CAM patients were included. The mean age was 54.29±13.04 years, with 54% male. Diabetes mellitus (85%) was prevalent, and 91% had rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Surgical debridement was performed in 84% of the cases. Mortality was 39%, with advanced age [Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.06, (p<0.001)], rituximab use (HR=21.2, p=0.05), diabetic ketoacidosis (HR=3.58, p=0.009) identified as risk factors. The mortality risk increases by approximately 5.6% for each additional year of age. Surgical debridement based on organ involvement correlated with higher survival (HR=8.81, p<0.001). The utilization of rituximab and diabetic ketoacidosis along with advancing age, has been associated with an increased risk of mortality in CAM patients. A combination of antifungal treatment and surgical intervention has demonstrated a substantial improvement in survival outcomes.

Over a third of patients who developed mucormycosis after COVID-19 died. Older people, those on specific immunosuppressive treatments and those with diabetic ketoacidosis had a higher risk of death. However, undergoing surgery as part of treatment significantly improved survival.

Studies of thermoluminescence properties of liquid crystalline N-phenyl substituted phenyl polysiloxane hydroxamic acids.

The investigation of thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves in liquid crystalline side chain N-phenyl-substituted phenyl polysiloxane hydroxamic acids (PHAs) has yielded significant insights. These polymers demonstrated TL behavior when exposed to ß-radiation between 0 and 220°C, indicating inherent luminescent properties when irradiated. Notably, a dose-dependent relationship was observed in reported derivatized polymers; this study elucidates the diverse TL characteristics exhibited by various liquid crystalline side chain N-phenyl-substituted phenyl PHAs when exposed to ß-radiation. Understanding these dose-dependent and dose-independent behaviors enhances the knowledge of their luminescent properties and potential applications in radiation detection.

Hip Pain in Adolescent Patients.

Hip pain is a common complaint in adolescents. There are several causes for hip pain in this population, with dysplasia and impingement being the most common; however, other conditions such as extra-articular impingement, torsional disorders, labral tears, and osteochondral lesions also require consideration. Many of these conditions are related to underlying anatomic abnormalities and increased activity in this age group. An understanding of the common pathologies of the adolescent hip is integral to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of these patients.

Changes in Fracture Shortening Occur in the First 2 Weeks Following Completely Displaced Adolescent Clavicle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Shortening of midshaft clavicle fractures has been described as a critical fracture characteristic to guide treatment. The degree to which shortening may change in the initial weeks following injury has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in shortening of adolescent clavicle fractures in the first 2 weeks following injury. METHODS: This was a multicenter study of prospectively collected data, which was acquired as a part of a cohort study of adolescent clavicle fractures. A consecutive series of patients 10 to 18 years of age with completely displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures with baseline radiographs 0 to 6 days from the date of injury, as well as 7 to 21 days from the date of injury, were included. Measurements of end-to-end (EES) and cortex-to-corresponding-cortex (CCS) shortening were performed. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were included. Baseline radiographs were obtained at a mean of 1.0 day following injury with mean EES of 22.3 mm, and 69% of patients demonstrating >20 mm of shortening. Follow-up radiographs obtained at a mean of 13.8 days postinjury demonstrated a mean absolute change in EES of 5.4 mm. Forty-one percentage of patients had >5 mm of change in EES. When analyzing changes in shortening relative to the specific threshold of 20 mm, 18 patients (41%) with <20 mm EES increased to ≥20 mm EES, and 19 patients (19%) with ≥20 mm EES decreased to <20 mm EES at 2-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant changes in fracture shortening occurred in 41% of adolescents with completely displaced clavicle fractures in the first 2 weeks after injury. In 26% of patients, this resulted in a change from above or below the commonly used shortening threshold of 20 mm, potentially altering the treatment plan by many providers. There is no evidence to suggest that adolescent clavicle fracture shortening affects outcomes, and as such, the authors do not advocate for the use of this parameter to guide treatment. However, among physicians who continue to use this parameter to guide treatment, this study supports that repeat radiographic assessment 2 weeks postinjury may be a better measure of the true shortening of this common adolescent injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Clinicopathological profile of peritoneal tuberculosis and a new scoring model for predicting mortality: an international ID-IRI study.

Existing literature about peritoneal tuberculosis (TBP) is relatively insufficient. The majority of reports are from a single center and do not assess predictive factors for mortality. In this international study, we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of a large series of patients with TBP and determined the key features associated with mortality. TBP patients detected between 2010 and 2022 in 38 medical centers in 13 countries were included in this retrospective cohort. Participating physicians filled out an online questionnaire to report study data. In this study, 208 patients with TBP were included. Mean age of TBP cases was 41.4 ± 17.5 years. One hundred six patients (50.9%) were females. Nineteen patients (9.1%) had HIV infection, 45 (21.6%) had diabetes mellitus, 30 (14.4%) had chronic renal failure, 12 (5.7%) had cirrhosis, 7 (3.3%) had malignancy, and 21 (10.1%) had a history of immunosuppressive medication use. A total of 34 (16.3%) patients died and death was attributable to TBP in all cases. A pioneer mortality predicting model was established and HIV positivity, cirrhosis, abdominal pain, weakness, nausea and vomiting, ascites, isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in peritoneal biopsy samples, TB relapse, advanced age, high serum creatinine and ALT levels, and decreased duration of isoniazid use were significantly related with mortality (p < 0.05). This is the first international study on TBP and is the largest case series to date. We suggest that using the mortality predicting model will allow early identification of high-risk patients likely to die of TBP.

Allograft Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients Results in a Low Recurrence Rate of Patellar Dislocation or Subluxation at Midterm Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rates of recurrent instability in adolescent patients with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with allograft and associations of anatomic risk factors with complications. METHODS: A retrospective review identified patients of a single surgeon who underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft for recurrent patellar instability with minimum 2-year follow-up. Surgical management was recommended after a minimum 6 weeks of nonoperative management and included MPFL reconstruction with gracilis allograft using a double-bundle technique. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess physeal closure, lower-extremity alignment, trochlear morphology, and Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps ratios. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed to evaluate the MPFL, trochlear morphology, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. The primary outcome was recurrent instability. RESULTS: 20 patients (24 knees; 18 knees in 14 females and 6 knees in 6 males; average age 15.7 years; range 11.5 to 19.6) underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft (mean ± standard deviation follow-up 5.2 ± 1.7 years; range 2.2 to 8.1). Physes were open in 9 knees. The Insall-Salvati ratio was 1.09 ± 0.16, and the Caton-Deschamps index was 1.17 ± 0.15. Preoperatively, 19 patients were noted to have trochlear dysplasia, and TT-TG was 15.3 ± 3.9 mm. Three of 4 knees (16.7%) with non-hardware-related complications had open physes: 3 (12.5%) had recurrent instability, 2 of which underwent subsequent operation, and 1 sustained a patella fracture after a fall, requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The average Insall-Salvati ratio of these 4 patients was 1.21 ± 0.20, Caton-Deschamps index was 1.18 ± 0.17, and TT-TG was 17.5 ± 3.3 mm, none of which were statistically different from the group without complications. There were no clinically noted growth disturbances postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: MPFL reconstruction using allograft tissue may be performed safely in the pediatric and adolescent population with good outcomes at midterm follow-up, few complications, and a low rate of recurrent instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Younger Patients Are More Likely to Undergo Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair and Revision Meniscal Surgery in a Large Cross-Sectional Cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate recent trends in the treatment of meniscal tears with arthroscopic repair and debridement and to assess revision surgery within 2 years using a large cross-sectional database. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of meniscal tear from 2010 to 2017 were queried using the Mariner data set from PearlDiver. Patient demographic data were analyzed and tracked via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes to investigate subsequent ipsilateral meniscal procedures and conversion to total knee arthroplasty within 2 years after index meniscal surgery. RESULTS: Of the 1,383,161 patients with a diagnosis of meniscal tear, 53.0% underwent surgical treatment. Surgical treatment consisted of meniscal debridement in 96.6% of patients and meniscal repair in 3.4%. The percentage of meniscal repairs increased from 2.7% to 4.4% over the 8-year period evaluated, whereas the percentage of meniscal debridement decreased from 97.3% to 95.6% (P < .0001). Younger patients were more likely to undergo meniscal repair (23% of those aged 10-19 years) than older patients (<1% of those aged ≥60 years). Among the 191,729 patients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision coding and 2-year follow-up, 10.6% of patients with index meniscal repair required a revision meniscal operation and 1.2% underwent conversion to arthroplasty. Subsequent meniscal procedures within 2 years after index meniscal repair included meniscal debridement in 81.6% of patients and revision repair in 18.4%. Patients who initially underwent meniscal debridement were less likely to undergo revision meniscal surgery (5.1%), but 4.7% required conversion to arthroplasty. Patients aged 10 to 19 years were most likely to undergo revision meniscal procedures after both index meniscal repair (12.8%) and meniscal debridement (8.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of meniscal repair is increasing over time, with patients younger than 30 years most likely to undergo repair for a meniscal tear. Revision surgery for meniscal repair or debridement is more common in adolescents and patients who undergo an index meniscal repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Profiles of multidrug-resistant organisms among patients with bacteremia in intensive care units: an international ID-IRI survey.

Evaluating trends in antibiotic resistance is a requisite. The study aimed to analyze the profile of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among hospitalized patients with bacteremia in intensive care units (ICUs) in a large geographical area. This is a 1-month cross-sectional survey for blood-borne pathogens in 57 ICUs from 24 countries with different income levels: lower-middle-income (LMI), upper-middle-income (UMI), and high-income (HI) countries. Multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), or pan-drug-resistant isolates were searched. Logistic regression analysis determined resistance predictors among MDROs. Community-acquired infections were comparable to hospital-acquired infections particularly in LMI (94/202; 46.5% vs 108/202; 53.5%). Although MDR (65.1%; 502/771) and XDR (4.9%; 38/771) were common, no pan-drug-resistant isolate was recovered. In total, 32.1% of MDR were Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 55.3% of XDR were Acinetobacter baumannii. The highest MDR and XDR rates were in UMI and LMI, respectively, with no XDR revealed from HI. Predictors of MDR acquisition were male gender (OR, 12.11; 95% CI, 3.025-15.585) and the hospital-acquired origin of bacteremia (OR, 2.643; 95%CI, 1.462-3.894), and XDR acquisition was due to bacteremia in UMI (OR, 3.344; 95%CI, 1.189-5.626) and admission to medical-surgical ICUs (OR, 1.481; 95% CI, 1.076-2.037). We confirm the urgent need to expand stewardship activities to community settings especially in LMI, with more paid attention to the drugs with a higher potential for resistance. Empowering microbiology laboratories and reports to direct prescribing decisions should be prioritized. Supporting stewardship in ICUs, the mixed medical-surgical ones in particular, is warranted.

Changes in superior displacement, angulation, and shortening in the early phase of healing for completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents: results from a prospective, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Progressive displacement of diaphyseal clavicle fractures has been observed in adult patients, at times necessitating a change from nonoperative to operative treatment. Whether this occurs in adolescent patients has not been well investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate and extent of progressive clavicle fracture displacement in adolescent patients following injury and during the early stages of healing. METHODS: This was a multicenter study evaluating prospective data that had previously been collected as part of a larger study evaluating the functional outcomes of adolescent clavicle fractures. A consecutive series of completely displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures in patients aged 10-18 years treated at 1 of 3 tertiary-care pediatric trauma centers was included; all fractures underwent standardized imaging within 2 weeks of the date of injury and during the course of healing (5-20 weeks after injury). Measurements of clavicle shortening, superior displacement, and angulation were performed using validated techniques. Progressive displacement and/or interval improvement in fracture alignment, as well as the subsequent need for surgical intervention, was noted. Patient demographic and radiographic parameters were assessed as possible risk factors for interval displacement. RESULTS: One hundred patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean end-to-end shortening, cortex-to-cortex shortening, superior displacement, and angulation at the time of injury were 24 mm, 15 mm, 15 mm, and 7°, respectively. At a mean of 10 weeks after injury, the fracture alignment improved across all 4 measurements for the overall cohort, with mean improvements of 3.5 mm in end-to-end shortening, 3.3 mm in cortex-to-cortex shortening, 2.1 mm in superior displacement, and 2° in angulation. By use of a clinical threshold of a change in shortening or displacement of 10 mm or change in angulation of 10°, 26% of fractures improved, 4% worsened, and 70% remain unchanged. Patients with more severe fractures were more likely to have improved alignment than were patients with less displaced fractures (P < .001). No patient underwent surgical intervention for progressive displacement. CONCLUSION: Significant early improvements in fracture alignment were observed in a substantial percentage of adolescent patients with completely displaced clavicle fractures. Among the most severely displaced fractures, shortening improved approximately 6 mm and angulation improved approximately 9°. In 4% of cases, increased displacement was observed, but this tended to be mild, and in no cases did it prompt surgical intervention. This finding indicates that the true final deformity after an adolescent clavicle fracture is commonly less than that present at the time of injury.

Risk Factors for Adverse Radiographic Outcomes After Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing of Unstable Diaphyseal Tibia Fractures in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) are commonly utilized to treat unstable pediatric tibia fractures but have been associated with complications. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for adverse radiographic outcomes after ESIN of pediatric tibia fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent diaphyseal tibia fracture stabilization with ESIN between 2010 and 2018 at 3 pediatric level 1 trauma centers was performed. Inclusion criteria were open growth plates, no intra-articular or physeal fracture involvement, and radiographic follow-up until union. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture characteristics, and implant fill relative to the medullary canal were recorded. Radiographic outcome measures included achievement of and time to union, residual angular deformity, and additional procedures. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two patients met inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 1.2 years. Nonunions were observed in 3% of the patient cohort. Another 10% required >6 months to heal, but did not require further surgical intervention. Angular deformities were common with 57% having a residual deformity ≥5 degrees and 14% having a residual deformity ≥10 degrees. Of the patients with a residual deformity between 5 and 10 degrees, 3% were symptomatic, where as 26% of the patients with a residual deformity ≥10 degrees were symptomatic. Greater angular deformities were associated with open fractures, compartment syndrome, and longer time to union. Patient age, weight, tibial comminution, and canal fill were not associated with nonunions or malunions. CONCLUSIONS: ESIN of pediatric tibia fractures results in reliable healing for a majority of patients, but poses risks for residual angular deformities and delayed healing. Open fractures and compartment syndrome were associated with adverse radiographic outcomes.

Clinical experience with two-point mDixon turbo spin echo as an alternative to conventional turbo spin echo for magnetic resonance imaging of the pediatric knee.

BACKGROUND: Two-point modified Dixon (mDixon) turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequence provides an efficient, robust method of fat suppression. In one mDixon acquisition, four image types can be generated: water-only, fat-only, in-phase and opposed-phase images. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether PD mDixon TSE water-only and, by proxy, PD in-phase images generated by one acquisition can replace two conventional PD TSE sequences with and without fat suppression in routine clinical MR examination of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 50 consecutive pediatric knee MR examinations. PD mDixon TSE water-only and PD fat-saturated TSE sequences (acquired in the sagittal plane with identical spatial resolution) were reviewed independently by two pediatric radiologists for homogeneity of fat suppression and detection of intra-articular pathology. Thirteen of the 50 patients underwent arthroscopy, and we used the arthroscopic results as a reference standard for the proton-density fat-saturated and proton-density mDixon results. We used the Kruskal-Wallis rank test to assess difference in fat suppression between the proton-density mDixon and proton-density fat-saturated techniques. We used kappa statistics to compare the agreement of detection of intra-articular pathology between readers and techniques. We also calculated sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between arthroscopy and MR interpretations. RESULTS: Proton-density mDixon water-only imaging showed significant improvement with the fat suppression compared with proton-density fat-saturated sequence (P=0.02). Each observer demonstrated near-perfect agreement between both techniques for detecting meniscal and ligamentous pathology and fair to substantial agreement for bone contusions, and chondral and osteochondral lesions. CONCLUSION: Two-point mDixon water-only imaging can replace conventional proton-density fat-saturated sequence. When same-plane proton-density fat-saturated and non-fat-saturated sequences are required, proton-density water-only and proton-density in-phase image types acquired in the same acquisition shorten the overall examination time while maintaining excellent intra-articular lesion conspicuity.

Incidence of Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolus and Deep Vein Thrombosis After Knee Arthroscopy in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after pediatric knee arthroscopy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after knee arthroscopy in the pediatric and adolescent population in a high-volume center. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent arthroscopy of the knee for a sports-related injury by 2 surgeons were reviewed. Chief complaint, past medical/surgical history, medications, procedure performed, intraoperative findings, intraoperative complications, and postoperative recovery were reviewed. The incidences of postoperative VTE within 30 days after the procedure were reviewed. RESULTS: Seven hundred forty-six (358 male and 388 female patients) knee arthroscopies performed from September 2011 to October 2016 by 2 pediatric orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports-related injuries were included. The average age was 15.2 ± 2.72 years. Five patients were suspected to have either DVT or PE postoperatively (0.67%). The overall incidence of symptomatic confirmed VTE after knee arthroscopic procedures was 0.27% (one DVT after a partial lateral meniscectomy and one PE after fixation of an osteochondral lesion). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VTE after pediatric sports medicine knee arthroscopies is low, 0.27%. Patients who present with calf swelling or pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath after arthroscopic surgery should be examined closely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Complications After Pediatric ACL Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to review clinical outcomes and complications following pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies on ACL ruptures in the skeletally immature from 1985 to 2016. Full-text studies in English and performed on humans were included (n=5718). Titles included discussed operative intervention on skeletally immature patients with ACL tears (n=160). Studies that reported rerupture and/or complications with ACL reconstruction specific to the pediatric population, specifically growth disturbance, were then included in a secondary analysis (n=45). Complications not specific to the pediatric population were excluded. Demographics, graft type, surgical technique, follow-up, growth disturbance, rerupture, and patient-reported outcome scores were collected. Data were analyzed in aggregate. RESULTS: In total, 45 studies were included with 1321 patients and 1392 knees. The average age was 13.0 years, 67% were male, and mean follow-up was 49.6 months. There were 115 (8.7%) reruptures in the initial 160 studies reviewed. In total, 94.6% of patients with rerupture required revision ACL surgery. There were 58 total growth disturbances (16 required corrective surgery, or 27.6%). Eighteen knees (3.7%) developed angular deformity, most commonly valgus. There were 37 patients (7.5%) had at least a 1 cm limb-length discrepancy. A total of 23 studies reported International Knee Documentation Committee scores (range, 81 to 100, 88% grade A or B). In total, 20 studies reported excellent Lysholm scores with mean scores of 94.6. CONCLUSIONS: Growth disturbance can occur with any of the reconstruction techniques. Proper surgical technique is likely more important than the specific reconstruction technique utilized. Patients with rerupture require surgery at much higher rates than those with growth disturbance. Although much attention has been focused on growth disturbance, we suggest that equal attention be given to the prevention of rerupture in this age group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Adolescent clavicle nonunions: potential risk factors and surgical management.

BACKGROUND: Clavicle nonunions in adolescent patients are exceedingly rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of clavicle nonunions from a pediatric multicenter study group to assess potential risk factors and treatment outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of all clavicle nonunions in patients younger than 19 years was performed at 9 pediatric hospitals between 2006 and 2016. Demographic and surgical data were documented. Radiographs were evaluated for initial fracture classification, displacement, shortening, angulation, and nonunion type. Clinical outcomes were evaluated, including rate of healing, time to union, return to sports, and complications. Risk factors for nonunion were assessed by comparing the study cohort with a separate cohort of age-matched patients with a diaphyseal clavicle fracture. RESULTS: There were 25 nonunions (mean age, 14.5 years; range, 10.0-18.9 years) identified, all of which underwent surgical fixation. Most fractures were completely displaced (68%) initially, but 21% were partially displaced and 11% were nondisplaced. Bone grafting was performed in 24 of 25 cases, typically using the hypertrophic callus. Radiographic healing was achieved in 96% of cases. One patient (4%) required 2 additional procedures to achieve union. The primary risk factor for development of a nonunion was a previous history of an ipsilateral clavicle fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Clavicle nonunions can occur in the adolescent population but are an uncommon clinical entity. The majority occur in male patients with displaced fractures, many of whom have sustained previous fractures of the same clavicle. High rates of union were achieved with plate fixation and the use of bone graft.

The Sensitivity and Specificity of Preoperative History, Physical Examination, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Articular Cartilage Injuries in Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Meniscus.

BACKGROUND: Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is a morphologic variant in which concomitant articular cartilage defects lead to poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to quantify the prognostic ability of history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify arthroscopically confirmed articular cartilage injury in pediatric and adolescent DLM patients. METHODS: An analysis of 34 consecutive patients (mean, 12.5 y) who underwent surgical treatment for DLM. Patients were grouped based on arthroscopic findings for the presence or absence of articular cartilage injury. All patients underwent standard preoperative history and physical examination, and MRI of their symptomatic knee. Separate discriminant functional analyses were performed using history (age, sex, symptoms lasting >6 mo, traumatic history), physical examination (presence of clunk, extension block, mechanical symptoms), and MRI findings (chondral injury, meniscal degeneration, meniscal morphology) to determine their sensitivity and specificity in prediction of articular cartilage lesions. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of history alone was 71.4% and 75.0%, respectively; physical examination alone was 64.3% and 60%, respectively; and of MRI findings alone was 60% and 66.7%, respectively. A stepwise discriminant functional analysis found that duration of symptoms and extension block were the optimal contributors with a 78.5% sensitivity and 80% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative history had the highest sensitivity and specificity compared with physical examination and MRI findings for predicting articular cartilage injury at the time of DLM surgery. These findings may assist in setting expectations for patients with regard to surgical planning and recovery and also to counsel patients with asymptomatic, incidental DLM which factors may risk chondral injury and warrant early return for evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-retrospective prognostic comparative study.

Firearm-associated Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Trends in the United States 2003-2012.

BACKGROUND: Firearm-associated injuries are the second leading cause of death in children in the United States. Fractures are common comorbid injuries in young patients with firearm-associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to define the burden of firearm-associated fractures (FAFs) in children and adolescents in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed the 2003-2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients were grouped into 4 age groups: 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 20 years old. Sample observations with both an external cause of injury code indicating gunshot injury and a diagnosis code indicating orthopaedic fracture (extremity, pelvis, or spine) were identified as cases of FAF. Sex, age, race, cause of injury, and fracture-related operating room procedures were catalogued. Population-level incidence was calculated for each year studied. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2012, the incidence of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased from 73 to 96 cases per 100,000 admissions (P=0.009). The 0 to 4 age group saw the largest increase in injury frequency (141%, P=0.08). There was a 4-fold increase in the rate of unintentional injury in this subgroup. The most common age group affected by FAFs was 15 to 20 year olds. Minorities and male individuals were disproportionately affected. Assault and unintentional causes were the most common reasons for injury. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased over the study period, with almost 1 case per 1000 admissions in 2012. The finding that certain subpopulations are disproportionately affected reflects the complex sociologic factors influencing gun violence in the United States. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Does the Utilization of Allograft Tissue in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients Restore Patellar Stability?

BACKGROUND: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is one of several surgical procedures used to treat patellofemoral instability. Use of allograft tissue can preserve autogenous tissue and may be preferable in patients with connective tissue disorders or ligamentous laxity. Although there are successful reports in adults, it is unclear if the use of allograft tissue in MPFL reconstruction can restore patellofemoral stability in children and adolescents. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does allograft tissue in MPFL reconstruction in pediatric and adolescent patients restore patellar stability? (2) What complications were associated with allograft MPFL reconstructions in children and adolescents? METHODS: Between June 2012 and August 2015, one surgeon (NKP) performed 26 MPFL reconstructions in 23 patients with gracilis allograft for traumatic patellar instability. Of those, 25 (96%) were available for followup more than 1 year later (mean, 24 months; range, 12-44 months). During this time, the surgeon suggested reconstruction to patients who had recurrent dislocation or subluxation after 6 weeks of bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification if they were noted to have a torn or attenuated MPFL on MRI. During that period, this was the only surgical technique the surgeon used to treat traumatic patellar instability. Patients undergoing concurrent bony procedures were ineligible for inclusion. The mean age of the patients in the series was 16.0 (± 2) years. Age, sex, skeletal maturity, presence of trochlear dysplasia, and additional arthroscopic procedures at the time of reconstruction were collected. Postoperative notes and imaging were reviewed for presence of complications defined as recurrent dislocation, recurrent subluxations, fractures, infection, or arthrofibrosis. These complications were identified by chart review by the senior surgeon (NKP) and study personnel (EH) not involved in clinical care of the patients or by patient-reported complications. Recurrent subluxation or dislocation was patient-reported at the time of the clinic visit or followup phone/email contact. Fractures were defined as any cortical disruption in the femur or patella that required treatment (change in postoperative protocol), infection requiring treatment (antibiotics and/or return to the operating room), or arthrofibrosis (stiffness that necessitated a change in the postoperative protocol or manipulation under anesthesia). RESULTS: Ninety-two percent (23 of 25) of patients reported no further instability episodes after MPFL reconstruction. Sixteen percent (four of 25) of patients had complications: two repeat episodes of patellar instability, one patella fracture, and one symptomatic hardware requiring interference screw removal. No patients developed arthrofibrosis or infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this small case series, we found that MPFL reconstruction using allograft tissue in children and adolescents resulted in a low risk of recurrent instability, perhaps comparable to what has been published by others who have used autograft tissue. Longer followup is needed, because in some orthopaedic applications, allograft ligaments have been observed to attenuate over time. Future studies might compare these techniques using patient-reported outcomes scores as well as use a control group of patients with autograft tissue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Bipolar Bone Loss in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Comparison of Adolescents Versus Adult Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare bipolar bone loss by evaluating the degree of glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesion size, and glenoid track in adolescents and adults with shoulder dislocations. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review between 2012 and 2016 of surgical and nonsurgical patients with a history of anterior shoulder dislocations (primary or recurrent) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the affected shoulder. The exclusion criteria included multidirectional instability, prior surgery, and posterior dislocation. Patients were grouped into 2 groups: adolescents (aged 10-19 years) and adults (aged ≥20 years). The groups were compared regarding measures of glenoid bone loss (best-fit circle technique) and Hill-Sachs lesion size (medial margin of rotator cuff footprint to medial margin of Hill-Sachs lesion). If the medial margin of a Hill-Sachs lesion was within the glenoid track, it was defined as on track; if it was more medial than the glenoid track, it was defined as off track. RESULTS: We identified 45 adolescents (mean age, 16.1 years) and 30 adults (mean age, 28.9 years) with anterior shoulder dislocations. There was no significant difference in percentage of bone loss between adolescents (mean, 8.4%) and adults (mean, 9.9%; P = .23). There was no significant difference in Hill-Sachs lesion size between adolescents (mean, 12.7 mm) and adults (mean, 9.9 mm; P = .12). There were 12 patients with off-track lesions. Off-track lesions were present in 11 of 45 adolescents (24.4%) and 1 of 30 adults (3.3%). Adolescents had an increased risk of having an off-track lesion (odds ratio, 9.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-77.1). A subgroup analysis identified multiple dislocations as an independent risk factor for an off-track lesion (odds ratio, 4.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-20.23). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that adolescence and a history of multiple dislocations are independent risk factors for a greater likelihood of glenoid off-track lesions. The findings support the use of bipolar assessment of shoulder dislocators, especially in adolescents and multiple dislocators. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Radiographic comparison of adolescent athletes with elbow osteochondritis dissecans to ulnar collateral ligament injuries and controls.

BACKGROUND: There are excellent data supporting recommendations to prevent elbow injuries (osteochondritis dissecans [OCD] and ulnar collateral ligament [UCL] injuries), such as pitch count and pitch type in baseball, but anatomic risk factors have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements in adolescents with elbow OCD lesions or UCL injuries and controls. METHODS: We retrospectively identified adolescent patients between 2011 and 2016 with isolated capitellum OCD, UCL tear, or normal elbows based on magnetic resonance imaging. Nineteen patients (mean age, 13.5 years) had isolated OCD defects of the capitellum, 8 patients (mean age, 16.9 years) had isolated UCL complete tear, and the remaining 16 patients (mean age, 14.6 years) were normal controls. Radiographic measurements from corresponding anterior-posterior elbow radiographs were taken, including carrying angle, distal humeral articular surface angle, and radial neck-shaft angle. On the lateral radiograph, anterior angulation of the articular surface of distal humerus was measured. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in carrying angle between controls (15.7°) and OCD patients (11.6°; P = .03) as well as between controls and UCL patients (10.3°, P = .02), with the OCD and UCL patients tending to be in more varus. Significant differences were also found between controls (88.5°) and OCD patients (93.6°; P = .01) and between controls and UCL patients (93.3°; P = .03) in distal humeral articular surface angle, with OCD and UCL patients with increased valgus at the distal humerus articular surface. There were no significant differences between groups in radial neck-shaft angle or anterior angulation of articular surface of distal humerus. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OCD and UCL injuries have anatomic differences compared with normal controls that can be measured radiographically.

Flexible Intramedullary Nailing of Unstable and/or Open Tibia Shaft Fractures in the Pediatric Population.

Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in the pediatric population, and can be treated conservatively the vast majority of the time. Yet, it is important to recognize that open and/or unstable tibial shaft fractures represent a different entity. Rigid intramedullary devices are generally contraindicated because of the skeletal immaturity of these patients, and external fixation is associated with a high complication rate. As a result, flexible nailing is being utilized with increasing frequency. It is essential for the clinician to understand the pearls and pitfalls associated with the utilization of these flexible nails; particularly in regards to their immediate use in the context of open fractures and the risk of compartment syndrome postoperatively after fixation.