Variability in Pain Management Practices for Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The opioid epidemic in the United States is a public health crisis. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons must balance adequate pain management with minimizing the risk of opioid misuse or dependence. There is limited data available to guide pain management for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to survey current pain management practices for ACLR among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted, in which orthopaedic surgeons were asked about their pain management practices for pediatric ACLR. The voluntary survey was sent to members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Inclusion criteria required that the surgeon perform anterior cruciate ligament repair or reconstruction on patients under age 18. Responses were anonymous and consisted of surgeon demographics, training, practice, and pain management strategies. Survey data were assessed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 64 included responses, the average age of the survey respondent was 48.9 years, 84.4% were males, and 31.3% practiced in the southern region of the United States. Preoperative analgesia was utilized by 39.1%, 90.6% utilized perioperative blocks, and 89.1% prescribed opioid medication postoperatively. For scheduled non-narcotic medications postoperatively 82.8% routinely advocated and 93.8% recommended cryotherapy postoperatively.Acetaminophen was the most used preoperative medication (31.3%), the most common perioperative block was an adductor canal block (81.0%), and the most common postoperative analgesic medication was ibuprofen (60.9%). Prior training or experience was more frequently reported than published research as a primary factor influencing pain management protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in pain management practices in pediatric ACLR. There is a need for more evidence-based practice guidelines regarding pain management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

What's New in Pain Management for Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Improving pain control and decreasing opioid prescription and usage continue to be emphasized across both pediatric and adult populations. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of recent literature and highlight new advancements pertaining to pain control in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: An electronic search of the PubMed database was performed for keywords relating to perioperative pain management of pediatric orthopaedic surgery. Search results were filtered by publication date for articles published between January 1, 2015 and December 1, 2020 and yielded 404 papers. RESULTS: A total of 32 papers were selected for review based upon new findings and significant contributions in the following categories: risk factors for increased opioid usage, opioid overprescribing and disposal, nonpharmacologic interventions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peripheral nerve blocks, spine surgery specific considerations, surgical pathway modifications, and future directions. CONCLUSIONS: There have been many advances in pain management for pediatric patients following orthopaedic surgery. Rapid recovery surgical care pathways are associated with shorter length of stay and improved pain control in pediatric spine surgery. Opioid overprescribing continues to be common and information regarding safe opioid disposal practices should be routinely provided for pediatric patients undergoing surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-literature review.

Rectus Femoris Transfer Versus Rectus Intramuscular Lengthening for the Treatment of Stiff Knee Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Rectus femoris transfer (RFT) is used to treat stiff knee gait in spastic cerebral palsy. Recently, rectus femoris lengthening has been reported as treatment for stiff knee gait. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of 2 surgical procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 23 patients (42 limbs) with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy who had undergone rectus femoris intramuscular lengthening for treatment of stiff knee gait with a Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, II, or III was completed. These patients were matched with a cohort of 23 patients (42 limbs) who had undergone RFTs based on age, sex, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, diagnosis, preoperative Gait Deviation Index, and any simultaneous surgeries. Preoperative and 1 year postoperative motion analysis data and physical examination were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics between the groups. On physical examination, a positive postoperative Duncan-Ely test was seen significantly less often in the transfer limbs (20 vs. 37). Average postoperative quad tone score was 1.56 for the transfer group compared with 2.19 for the lengthening group. No significant postoperative difference was seen between groups in stride length, walking speed, cadence, knee flexion at initial contact, peak knee flexion during loading response, mean knee flexion in stance, peak knee flexion in swing, time to peak knee flexion (% swing), time to peak knee flexion (% gait cycle), Gait Deviation Index or total knee range of motion. There was a difference in time to achieve 90 degrees passive knee flexion with the lengthening group reaching this in 8.3 days and transfer group in 15.3 days (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Motion analysis parameters showed results of RFT and rectus femoris intramuscular lengthening to be equivalent 1 year postoperatively. Since rectus femoris lengthening is technically less difficult and rehabilitation faster, rectus femoris lengthening may be preferred if long-term follow-up supports these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Relationship of bone mineral density of spine and femoral neck to distal radius fracture stability in patients over 65.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that an increasing degree of osteopenia in the femoral neck and lumbar spine would be associated with loss of reduction after closed manipulation and splinting of distal radius fractures in patients over 65 years of age. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review, evaluating 78 patients with displaced distal radius fractures managed with closed reduction and splinting. T-scores from the lumbar spine and femoral neck were recorded from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans performed either within 1 year before or after injury. Volar tilt, radial height, radial inclination, and ulnar variance were evaluated from the initial fracture, postreduction, and final follow-up radiographs. We calculated the percentage of reduction maintained regarding reduction variable. We correlated T-scores of the lumbar spine and femoral neck with the percentage of retained reduction. RESULTS: We found no correlation between T-scores of the lumbar spine or femoral neck and the amount of reduction lost throughout the healing process of distal radius fractures with respect to volar tilt, radial height, radial inclination, or ulnar variance. Reduction was of no anatomical benefit in 53% to radial height, 44% to radial inclination, and 54% to ulnar variance. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no relationship between bone mineral density, based on T-scores of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, and the ability to maintain reduction after closed manipulation and splinting of displaced distal radius fractures in patients over 65 years of age. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic III.

Plateau-patella angle in evaluation of patellar height after total knee arthroplasty.

The plateau-patella angle (PPA) has been proposed as a new and simpler method to describe patellar height. This method has not been used or validated in knees following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A modified PPA (mPPA) was developed for use in this population. The method was validated by determining the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the technique in 50 consecutive patients compared to three well-described methods of describing patellar height after TKA. Three observers then evaluated the mPPA of 297 post-operative radiographs to describe a normal range after TKA for a given technique and implant. The interobserver reliability was the highest for the mPPA compared to the other methods. The mean mPPA for the entire cohort was 21.06, 20.49, and 19.94 for the three observers. The modified plateau-patella angle is a reliable way to evaluate patellar height in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty.

MPFL Reconstruction and Implant-Mediated Guided Growth in Skeletally Immature Patients With Patellar Instability and Genu Valgum.

BACKGROUND: There is a higher rate of failure of isolated MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients with patellar instability compared to skeletally mature patients. Genu valgum is a known risk factor for patellar instability. There is potential for concomitant surgical correction of genu valgum to achieve better clinical outcomes and to decrease failure rates of MPFL reconstruction. PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of combined medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and implant-mediated guided growth (IMGG) in skeletally immature patients with patellar instability and genu valgum. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: In a multicenter study, all skeletally immature patients with recurrent patellar instability and genu valgum who underwent MPFL reconstruction using hamstring graft and IMGG using a transphyseal screw or tension band plate for the distal femur and/or proximal tibia were included. The knee valgus angle and mechanical axis were measured on full-length radiographs and anatomic risk factors were measured on MRI. Patients were followed until correction of their lower limb alignment and implant removal or until skeletal maturity. Clinical outcomes, including complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients (37 knees) were included in the study. The mean age and skeletal age of the cohort were 12.4 and 12.9 years, respectively. Simultaneous MPFL reconstruction and IMGG were performed in 26 of 37 knees; 11 underwent staged procedures. Twenty knees had transphyseal screws and 17 knees had tension band plates for IMGG. The knee valgus corrected from a mean of 12.4° to 5.1° in 12.1 months. Implants were removed from 22 of 37 knees once genu valgum was corrected. There was no significant difference (P = .65) in the correction rate between plates (0.7 deg/month) and screws (0.6 deg/month). Ten complications occurred in 4 patients (7 knees) and included 5 patellar redislocations, 2 rebound valgus, 1 varus overcorrection, 1 knee arthrofibrosis, and 1 implant loosening. For children <10 years of age, 3 of 6 (50%) knees had patellar redislocations and 5 of 6 knees had a complication. This was statistically significant (P = .003) compared with patients >10 years of age. Similarly, for patients with bilateral knee involvement, 5 of 12 (42%) knees had patellar redislocations and a total of 8 complications occurred in this subset. This was statistically significant (P < .001) compared with patients with unilateral involvement. CONCLUSION: IMGG with plates or screws in the setting of combined MPFL reconstruction improves genu valgum. Children <10 years of age and those with bilateral instability with genu valgum remain difficult subsets to treat with higher complication rates.

Treatment of proximal tibial buckle fractures: removable knee immobilizer versus long leg cast.

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and management of patients with buckle fractures of the proximal tibia treated with either a knee immobilizer or a long leg cast (LLC). A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients with a buckle fracture of the proximal tibia over a 5-year period. Two cohorts were included, those treated with a LLC versus a removable knee immobilizer. Data collected included immobilization type, fracture laterality, length of immobilization, number of clinic visits, fracture displacement, and complications. Differences in complications and management between the cohorts were evaluated. In total, 224 patients met inclusion criteria (58% female, mean age 3.1 years ± 1.7 years). Of these patients, 187 patients (83.5%) were treated with a LLC. No patients in either group were found to have interval fracture displacement during treatment. Seven patients (3.1%) demonstrated skin complications, all in the LLC cohort. Mean length of immobilization was shorter for those treated in a knee immobilizer at 25.9 days versus 27.9 days for the LLC cohort (P = 0.024). Total number of clinic visits was also less at 2.2 (SD ±â€…0.4 days) for the knee immobilizer and 2.6 (SD ±â€…0.7 days) for the LLC (P = 0.001) cohorts. Pediatric patients with proximal tibial buckle fractures can be safely managed with a knee immobilizer. This treatment method is associated with a shorter duration of immobilization and fewer clinic visits without incidence of fracture displacement. In addition, knee immobilizers can lessen skin issues associated with cast immobilization and cast-related office visits. This is a Level III evidence, retrospective comparative study.

Interrater and Intrarater Reliability and Discriminant Validity of a Pediatric Lower Extremity Physical Therapy Clearance Test.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have validated when an athlete can safely return to sports, and even fewer have identified when he or she no longer requires physical therapy after surgery. Discontinuing physical therapy is often dictated by insurance restrictions, but most studies have suggested that the decision should be multifactorial, stemming from patient-derived subjective outcome questionnaires, clinical examination, and isokinetic and functional testing. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to establish discriminant validity and reliability of an objective physical therapy clearance (PTC) test in a clinical setting. The hypotheses were that the PTC test (1) will demonstrate different scores between normal and postoperative cohorts and (2) will have acceptable inter- and intraobserver reliability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Four cohorts (27 total participants; age range, 12-18 years) underwent the PTC test: 9 adolescents 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 4 adolescents 6 weeks after partial meniscectomy, 5 adolescents with nonstructural knee pain, and 9 control/healthy participants without any lower extremity complaint. The PTC test included a dynamic warm-up, objective measures (knee range of motion, thigh girth, and muscle motor tone), functional strength tests (heel raises, single-leg dips, hop tests, tuck jumps), and agility tests (shuffle and sprint T-test). Each testing session was videotaped and scored live by the physical therapist administering the test, and then scored via the video recording by an independent physical therapist and 2 orthopaedic surgeons. RESULTS: The PTC test was found to have discriminant validity between the control cohort and both cohorts with previous surgery. The single-leg dip, single-leg hop, and vertical tuck jump were the most discriminatory components. The PTC test had moderate to almost perfect intrarater reliability (κ = 0.57-1), but only fair to moderate interrater reliability among video graders (κ = 0.29-0.58) and slight to substantial reliability between video graders and the live PT rater (κ = 0.19-0.63). CONCLUSION: The PTC test was found to have moderate inter- and intraobserver agreement, with the ability to discriminate between postoperative and control patients.

Failure Rates of Autograft and Allograft ACL Reconstruction in Patients 19 Years of Age and Younger: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Graft choice for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is determined by several factors. There is limited information on the use and outcomes of allograft ACLR in pediatric patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify reported failure rates of allograft versus autograft ACLR in patients ≤19 years of age with ≥2 years of follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be higher rates of failure for allograft compared with autograft ACLR in this population. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically searched for literature regarding allograft and autograft ACLR in pediatric/adolescent patients. Articles were included if they described a cohort of patients with average age of ≤19 years, had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, described graft failure as an outcome, and had a Level of Evidence grade of I to III. Qualitative review and quantitative meta-analysis were performed to compare graft failure rates. A random-effects model was created to compare failure events in patients receiving allograft versus autograft in a pairwise fashion. Data analysis was completed using RevMan 5.3 software (The Cochrane Collaboration). RESULTS: The database search identified 1,604 studies; 203 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative review; 5 studies were included for quantitative meta-analysis. Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) represented 58.2% (n = 1,012) of the autografts, and hamstring grafts represented 41.8% (n = 727). Hybrid allografts (autograft + supplemental allograft) represented 12.8% (n = 18) of all allograft ACLRs (n = 141). The unweighted, pooled failure rate for each graft type was 8.5% for BTB, 16.6% for hamstring, and 25.5% for allograft. Allografts were significantly more likely than autografts to result in graft failure (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.24 to 6.69). CONCLUSIONS: Allograft ACLR in pediatric and adolescent patients should be used judiciously, as existing studies revealed a significantly higher failure rate for allograft compared with autograft ACLR in this patient population. Additional studies are needed to improve the understanding of variables associated with the high ACLR failure rate among pediatric and adolescent patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pediatric Elbow and Wrist Pathology Related to Sports Participation.

Pediatric overuse injuries are becoming more prevalent in today's society with more children competitively playing year-round sports at a younger age. The importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment is paramount to the treatment for these injuries, second only to rest and activity modification. This article will focus on overuse injuries of the upper extremity, specifically: little league elbow, elbow osteochondritis dissecans, and gymnast wrist. It will also discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of each of these entities.