Pediatric Phalanx Fractures.

Phalangeal fractures are extremely common in the pediatric and adolescent populations. The incidence of phalangeal fractures peaks in children ages 10 to 14 years, corresponding to the age in which children begin contact sports. Younger children are more likely to experience crush injuries, whereas older children often sustain phalangeal fractures during sports. The physis is particularly susceptible to fracture because of the biomechanically weak nature of the physis compared with the surrounding ligaments and bone. Phalangeal fractures are identified through a thorough physical examination and are subsequently confirmed with radiographic evaluation. Management of pediatric phalangeal fractures is dependent on the age of the child, the severity of the injury, and the degree of fracture displacement. Nondisplaced fractures are often managed nonsurgically with immobilization, whereas unstable, displaced fractures may require surgery, which is often a closed rather than open reduction and percutaneous pinning.

Transphyseal Humeral Separations: An Often-Missed Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Transphyseal humeral separations (TPHS) are rare injuries often associated with non-accidental trauma, necessitating accurate diagnosis. This study aims to assess the accuracy of diagnosis of TPHS. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at five academic pediatric institutions to identify all surgically treated TPHS in patients up to 4 years of age over a 25-year period. Demographics, misdiagnosis rates, and reported misdiagnoses were noted. Comparative analyses were performed to analyze the effects of patient age and injury mechanism on misdiagnosis rates. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients (average age: 17.4 months) were identified, with injury mechanisms including accidental trauma (n = 49), non-accidental trauma (n = 21), Cesarean-section (n = 6), and vaginal delivery (n = 3). Neither age nor injury mechanism were significantly associated with diagnostic accuracy in the emergency department (ED)/consulting physician group. ED/consulting physicians achieved an accurate diagnosis 46.7% of the time, while radiologists achieved an accurate diagnosis 26.7% of the time. Diagnostic accuracy did not correlate with Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement or with a delay in surgery of more than 24 h. However, a significant correlation (p = 0.03) was observed between injury mechanism and misdiagnosis rates. CONCLUSION: This multicenter analysis is the largest study assessing TPHS misdiagnosis rates, highlighting the need for raising awareness and considering advanced imaging or orthopedic consultation for accurate diagnosis. This also reminds orthopedic surgeons to always have vigilant assessment in treating pediatric elbow injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective Cohort Study.

The Efficacy of Nonsurgical and Surgical Interventions in the Treatment of Pediatric Wrist Ganglion Cysts.

PURPOSE: The treatment of ganglion cysts of the wrist remains understudied in the pediatric population, with the literature showing variable recurrence rates following different interventions. This study sought to determine whether surgical and nonsurgical management of pediatric ganglion cysts was associated with improved resolution rates when compared to observation alone. METHODS: We identified 654 cases of pediatric ganglion cysts treated across 5 institutions between 2012 and 2017. The mean age at presentation was 11.6 ± 5.2 years. Of the patients, 315 had >2 years (mean, 50.0 months) of follow-up, either via chart review or telephone callbacks. There were 4 different treatment groups: (1) observation, (2) cyst aspiration, (3) removable orthosis, and (4) surgical excision. RESULTS: For patients followed >2 years, the cyst resolved in 44% (72/163) of those observed. Only 18% (9/49) of those treated with aspiration resolved, and 55% (12/22) of those treated with an orthosis resolved. Surgical excision was associated with resolution of the cyst in 73% (59/81) of patients. Observation had higher rates of resolution compared to aspiration. Orthosis fabrication and observation had similar rates of cyst resolution. Surgery had the highest rates of resolution when compared to observation and aspiration. Patients older than 10 years were less likely to have the cyst resolve with observation (35%; 28/80) than those younger than 10 years (53%; 44/83) at >2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find evidence that nonsurgical treatments were associated with improved rates of cyst resolution compared to observation alone in a large pediatric sample. Surgical excision had the overall highest rate of resolution. Despite the costs and increased clinic time of orthosis fabrication and aspiration, these treatments were not associated with improved rates of cyst resolution in pediatric ganglion cysts compared to observation, with aspiration having higher rates of recurrence compared to observation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Single Versus Double Tendon Transfer to Improve Shoulder External Rotation During the Treatment of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

Background: Tendon transfers are commonly performed in patients with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) to improve function. Transferring 2 tendons in patients with C5-7 injury has the potential complication of loss of midline function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single tendon transfer (1TT) as opposed to the traditional double tendon transfer (2TT) resulted in any differences in functional outcomes in patients with C5-7 BPBP. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with C5-7 BPBP who underwent tendon transfers to improve shoulder external rotation over a 5-year period was performed at 2 institutions. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Mallet (MM) classification scores. Results: Twenty-two C5-7 patients had complete records of preoperative and postoperative MM scores, including 11 sex-matched patients in both the 1TT and 2TT groups. When comparing preoperative and postoperative MM categories, there were significant improvements in both the 1TT and 2TT groups for global abduction (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and external rotation (P < .00001 for both). Modified Mallet (MM) hand to neck scores were significantly improved in the 2TT group (P < .05) but not in the 1TT group (P = .053). Internal rotation scores significantly decreased in both groups (P < .001). Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total scores from the preoperative MM scores (P < .01). Conclusion: The 1TT and 2TT procedures result in substantial gains in upper extremity functions for patients with C5-7 BPBP as measured by the MM score, specifically within the global abduction and external rotation subcategories. However, a significant loss occurs in internal rotation for both groups.

Factors Influencing Press Ganey Ambulatory Surgery Scores in Patients Undergoing Upper Extremity Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine whether patient and surgical factors are associated with the Press Ganey Ambulatory Surgery Survey (PGAS) satisfaction scores in patients undergoing outpatient upper extremity procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of a single academic urban hospital's Press Ganey database was performed for patients undergoing upper extremity procedures. PGAS scores above an a priori threshold were considered satisfied. Logistic regression analyses for the PGAS Total and Provider Scores were performed to determine the predictors of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 198 patients included, the mean age was 49.6 ± 17.1 years and 55% were men. For the Total Score, multivariable analysis showed significantly less satisfaction with continuous catheter peripheral brachial plexus nerve blocks (CC-PNBs) (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; P = 0.008) and internet surveys (OR, 0.39; P = 0.007), but smokers had surprisingly more satisfaction (OR, 4.90; P = 0.016). For the Provider Score, a multivariable analysis showed less satisfaction with CC-PNBs (OR, 0.45; P = 0.035), internet surveys (OR, 0.46; P = 0.026), and geographic location (OR, 0.40; P = 0.005). Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores were not associated with the PGAS scores. DISCUSSION: Factors influencing satisfaction in patients undergoing upper extremity procedures may be modifiable (CC-PNBs and survey administration method) or nonmodifiable (geographic location) and may influence future reimbursement.

Press Ganey Surveys in Patients Undergoing Upper-Extremity Surgical Procedures: Response Rate and Evidence of Nonresponse Bias.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction surveys are important measures of the patient experience that provide data for quality improvement. The purpose of this study was to establish the response rate and the factors associated with the completion of the Press Ganey (PG) Ambulatory Surgery Survey (PGAS) in patients who underwent ambulatory upper-extremity surgical procedures. METHODS: A prospective orthopaedic registry at a single academic ambulatory surgical center was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent an upper-extremity surgical procedure from 2015 to 2019. The institutional PG database was queried to determine the patients who completed the PGAS postoperatively. The response rate was calculated, and baseline characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures were compared between responders and nonresponders. RESULTS: Of the 1,489 patients included, 201 (13.5%) were responders and 1,288 (86.5%) were nonresponders. Differences existed in baseline characteristics between groups, with responders being significantly older (p = 0.004) and having significantly higher proportions of White race (p < 0.001), college education (p = 0.011), employment (p = 0.005), marriage (p = 0.006), and higher income earners (p < 0.001). Responders had significantly better baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores across multiple domains (p < 0.05), but these differences were not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: PGAS response rates were low (13.5%), and differences between responders and nonresponders may be utilized by hospitals to target feedback from underrepresented patient populations. Surgeons, policymakers, and health-care administrators should use caution with the interpretation of PGAS results because responders may not be representative of all patients.

A 5-Year Review of the Designated Leadership Positions of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH).

PURPOSE: Despite near equal representation of women in medical schools since 2008, the percentage of women in surgical subspecialties has remained low. Hand surgery accounts for one of the highest percentages of women, at 19%. Ascension to leadership positions has not yet been fully studied among this group. Our study examined whether increased female representation translated to representation at different levels within the organization. METHODS: The 2014 to 2018 membership rosters were obtained from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and compared by gender. Leadership and volunteer committee positions were evaluated as published in the annual ASSH Committee Reference Book. Leadership positions were defined as appointment to committee chair or Council or acceptance to the Young Leaders Program. Rates of engagement were compared for each of the leadership activities. When available, the time for advancement through various leadership positions was also analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2018, the percentage of female ASSH Active Members steadily increased from 11% to 14%. Engagement in early career activities such as committees and the Young Leaders Program also increased: committee positions from 16% to 17% and Young Leaders Program membership from 27% to 40% female representation across the same period. Relative to the overall number of eligible females in the society, women applied at a greater rate and achieved positions at an average of 2 years earlier than their male counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: There is a steady increase in the percentage of women within the ASSH. Female ASSH members applied for early career leadership positions at a higher rate and achieved these positions earlier than their male counterparts. This may indicate that future women leaders are appropriately supported in the organization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ASSH has been committed to increasing gender and ethnic diversity. Early analysis demonstrates an increase in women surgeons' participation in early career leadership activities within the society.

ASSH 75 Years: An Update of Progress Over the Past 25 Years.

This article chronicles some of the major advancements made by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand over the past 25 years since the publication of William Newmeyer III's monograph, American Society for Surgery of the Hand: The First Fifty Years, in 1995. What is intangible and impossible to articulate in this article are the countless stories of relationship building, education, and research advancement that the programming and activities the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has provided.

Upper Extremity Compressive Neuropathies in the Pediatric and Adolescent Populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although somewhat rare, upper extremity compressive neuropathies can occur in the pediatric and adolescent populations due to various etiologies. Some of the most common conditions seen include thoracic outlet syndrome, supracondylar process syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome with subluxation of the ulnar nerve, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This review will focus on these diagnoses and how to address them in the pediatric and adolescent populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Due to the rarity of upper extremity compressive neuropathies in the pediatric and adolescent populations, substantial advancement in the literature does not routinely occur. However, recent literature has found a difference in the rate of various subtypes of thoracic outlet syndrome in children versus adults. Additionally, cubital tunnel syndrome associated with ulnar nerve subluxation/instability has recently been found to have better outcomes following surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve and transposition than those with stable ulnar nerves. In summary, this review provides the most recent knowledge surrounding upper extremity compressive and entrapment neuropathies in the pediatric and adolescent populations.

Transphyseal Humeral Separations: What Can We Learn? A Retrospective, Multicenter Review of Surgically Treated Patients Over a 25-Year Period.

PURPOSE: Transphyseal humeral separations (TPHS) are rare injuries with only case reports and small series reported in the literature. This multicenter study aimed to assess the various patient characteristics, injury patterns, treatments, outcomes, and complications in a large series of these injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at 5 pediatric institutions to identify TPHS that were treated surgically in patients 0 to 3 years of age over a 25-year period. Patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, Child Protective Services involvement, diagnostic modalities, time to surgery, pin size and configuration, time to fracture union, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients aged 0 to 46 months, with a mean of 17.6 months, were identified and followed for a median of 57 days postoperatively. The most common mechanism of injury was accidental trauma (n=49), followed by nonaccidental trauma (n=21), cesarean section (n=6), and vaginal delivery (n=3). Child Protective Services were involved in 30 cases (38%). Additional injuries were reported in 19 of the patients; most commonly additional fractures including the humerus, rib, and skull fractures. All patients had elbow radiographs, whereas 4 patients had an elbow ultrasound and/or a magnetic resonance imaging. Time to surgery was greater than 24 hours in 62% of patients (n=49). Intraoperatively, 87% of patients underwent an arthrogram (n=69), 78% of patients had lateral pins only (n=62), averaging utilization of 2.2 pins, and 2 patients underwent an open reduction. In total, 11 complications (14%) were noted, including decreased range of motion (n=4), cubitus varus/valgus (n=6), and need for additional surgery (n=1). No cases of avascular necrosis or physeal arrest were found. No losses of reduction were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter review provides the largest known demographic and outcomes data on TPHS. TPHS have excellent outcomes in the vast majority of patients when treated surgically. Nonaccidental trauma accounted for 27% of these injuries so it needs to remain high on the differential diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Understanding the Action of RARγ Agonists on Human Osteochondroma Explants.

Osteochondromas are cartilage-capped growths located proximate to the physis that can cause skeletal deformities, pain, limited motion, and neurovascular impingement. Previous studies have demonstrated retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARγ) agonists to inhibit ectopic endochondral ossification, therefore we hypothesize that RARγ agonists can target on established osteochondromas. The purpose of this study was to examine the action of RARγ agonist in human osteochondromas. Osteochondroma specimens were obtained during surgery, subjected to explant culture and were treated with RARγ agonists or vehicles. Gene expression analysis confirmed the up-regulation of RARγ target genes in the explants treated with NRX 204647 and Palovarotene and revealed strong inhibition of cartilage matrix and increased extracellular matrix proteases gene expression. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the neoepitope of protease-cleaved aggrecan indicated that RARγ agonist treatment stimulated cartilage matrix degradation. Interestingly, cell survival studies demonstrated that RARγ agonist treatment stimulated cell death. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis indicates changes in multiple molecular pathways due to RARγ agonists treatment, showing similarly to human growth plate chondrocytes. Together, these findings suggest that RARγ agonist may exert anti-tumor function on osteochondromas by inhibiting matrix synthesis, promoting cartilage matrix degradation and stimulating cell death.

Selective Agonists of Nuclear Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma Inhibit Growth of HCS-2/8 Chondrosarcoma Cells.

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary bone sarcoma. Treatment of chondrosarcoma is limited to surgery due to radiation and chemotherapy resistance of this cancer. An ideal treatment for chondrosarcoma would be a well-tolerated, minimally invasive local or systemic treatment modality to halt or slow tumor growth prior to resection of local, unresectable local, or metastatic disease. Palovarotene, an agonist of nuclear retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ) has shown therapeutic action for treatment of heterotopic ossification and osteochondroma without serious adverse effects in animal models. We hypothesized that selective agonists of RARγ would have an inhibitory effect on chondrosarcoma. All human chondrosarcoma specimens expressed RARγ as determined by immunohistochemical staining. The ΗCS-2/8 chondrosarcoma cell line, established from low-grade human chondrosarcoma, was used to examine the actions of RARγ agonists. In ΗCS2/8 pellet cultures, RARγ agonist treatment reduced the mass size and significantly decreased total glycosaminoglycan, protein amounts, and gene expression levels of cartilage matrix molecules when compared with control groups. Systemic treatment with RARγ agonists significantly inhibited the growth of ΗCS-2/8 cell transplants in vivo. Furthermore, local injection of RARγ agonist-loaded poly-lactic acid nanoparticles induced regression of the mass size of the transplants. Histologic analysis demonstrated that RARγ agonist treatment inhibited cell proliferation activity and stimulated encapsulation of the tumor. These findings indicate that RARγ agonists, including palovarotene, may have an anti-tumor effect on low-grade chondrosarcomas. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1045-1051, 2020.

Increased morphine requirements are predictive of acute compartment syndrome in adults with tibia fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if increased milligram morphine equivalent (MME) requirements are a predictor of adult compartment syndrome in patients with tibia fractures. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study at a level-1 trauma center was performed over a five year period. Patients with tibia fractures who had acute compartment syndrome (ACS) requiring fasciotomy (n = 26) were matched with controls (n = 25). MME and pain scores were assessed within the 24 hour period preceding fasciotomy (cases) or fixation (controls). The presence or absence of the "6 Ps" and other clinical signs (diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean MMEs two hours before surgery was 25.5 ± 39.2 for ACS patients versus 8.6 ± 11.1 in controls (P = 0.043), while the mean pain scores were 8.8 ± 1.8 and 7.0 ± 2.5 (P = 0.049), respectively. Multivariable regression showed patients with ACS consumed 16.9 MME more than controls within two hours of surgery (P = 0.043) and scored 1.8 points higher on the numeric pain rating scale (P = 0.049). The mean number of clinical signs of compartment syndrome in the ACS patients was 3.4 ± 1.3 compared to 0.84 ± 0.85 in controls (P < 0.001). DBP was significantly higher in ACS patients within two to four hours of surgery (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Increased MME requirements and pain scores within two hours of surgery were significant predictors of ACS following tibia fracture. Increased narcotic requirements, pain scores, and DBP may be useful objective indicators of evolving ACS, in addition to the traditional signs, and should be closely monitored in the at-risk patient.

Collaboration in Outreach: The Kumasi, Ghana, Model.

Hand surgery does not have to be expensive. Substituting evidence-based field sterility for main operating room sterility and using wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) surgery instead of sedation makes hand surgery much more affordable worldwide. This article explains how North Americans collaborated with Ghanaian hand surgeons and therapists to establish more affordable hand care in Kumasi. It describes how multiple nonprofit organizations collaborate to create trans-Atlantic Webinars and a reverse fellowship program to share hand surgery and therapy knowledge between North American and Ghanaian hand care providers.

Variation Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons When Treating Medial Epicondyle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Medial epicondyle fractures are a common pediatric and adolescent injury accounting for 11% to 20% of elbow fractures in this population. This purpose of this study was to determine the variability among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons when treating pediatric medial epicondyle fractures. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was conducted to determine which patient and injury attributes influence the management of medial epicondyle fractures by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. A convenience sample of 13 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons reviewed 60 case vignettes of medial epicondyle fractures that included elbow radiographs and patient/injury characteristics. Displacement was incorporated into the study model as a fixed effect. Surgeons were queried if they would treat the injury with immobilization alone or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed effect regression model. In addition, surgeons filled out a demographic questionnaire and a risk assessment to determine if these factors affected clinical decision-making. RESULTS: Elbow dislocation and fracture displacement were the only attributes that significantly influenced surgeons to perform surgery (P<0.05). The presence of an elbow dislocation had the largest impact on surgeons when choosing operative care (ß=-0.14; P=0.02). In addition, for every 1 mm increase in displacement, surgeons tended to favor ORIF by a factor of 0.09 (P<0.01). Sex, mechanism of injury, and sport participation did not influence decision-making. In total, 54% of the surgeons demonstrated a preference for ORIF for the included scenarios. On the basis of the personality Likert scale, participants were neither high-risk takers nor extremely risk adverse with an average-risk score of 2.24. Participant demographics did not influence decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial variation among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons when treating medial epicondyle fractures. The decision to operate is significantly based on the degree of fracture displacement and if there is a concomitant elbow dislocation. There is no standardization regarding how to treat medial epicondyle fractures and better treatment algorithms are needed to provide better patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Pediatric Gartland Type-IV Supracondylar Humeral Fractures Have Substantial Overlap with Flexion-Type Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge is limited about the diagnosis and treatment of modified Gartland type-IV supracondylar humeral fractures. We determined the prevalence of type-IV fractures, identified preoperative characteristics associated with these injuries, and assessed operative treatment characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients <16 years of age who underwent operative treatment of a supracondylar humeral fracture at 2 centers between 2008 and 2016. We compared patient, injury, and treatment characteristics between type-IV and type-III fracture groups (1:4, cases:controls). Preoperative radiographs were assessed by 4 pediatric orthopaedists blinded to fracture type. The odds of a fracture being type IV were assessed using univariate logistic regression for individual radiographic parameters. Significance was set at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Type-IV fractures accounted for 39 (1.3%) of the supracondylar humeral fractures treated operatively during the study period. A type-IV fracture was associated with the following radiographic parameters: flexion angulation (odds ratio [OR] = 17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.9 to 59), valgus angulation (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 1.6 to 20), and lateral translation (OR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.6 to 11) of the distal fragment; osseous apposition between the proximal and distal fragments (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.8 to 9.0); and propagation of the fracture line toward the diaphysis of the proximal segment (OR = 9.2; 95% CI = 1.6 to 53). We found no significant differences in patient or injury characteristics between the groups. Compared with type-III fractures, type-IV fractures were treated more frequently with open reduction and percutaneous pinning (13% compared with 3.8%; p = 0.04) and were associated with longer mean operative time (82 ± 42 compared with 63 ± 28 minutes; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 5 preoperative radiographic parameters associated with greater odds of a supracondylar humeral fracture being type IV rather than type III. No patient or injury characteristic differed significantly between the groups. Substantial overlap likely exists between type-IV and flexion-type fractures. Type-IV fractures were associated with longer operative time and were treated with open reduction more frequently than were type-III fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Five-year Review of the Designated Leadership Positions of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America: Where Do Women Stand?

Despite the growing number of women entering medical school, female representation among orthopedic surgery is the lowest compared with all areas of medicine. In 2014, 47.7% of students entering medical school were women, but only 13.7% of orthopedic residents were women. Pediatric orthopedics have been successful in enrolling women compared with other orthopedic subspecialties. This is an investigation of female representation among the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America membership roster, providing insight into the effect on the increased gender diversity in the membership of an organization and its correlation with leadership positions at different levels within the organization.

Pediatric Emergency Room Transfers: Are They Warranted?

BACKGROUND: Emergency room transfers to a higher level of care are a vital component of modern health care, as optimal care of patients requires providing access to specialized personnel and facilities. However, literature has shown that orthopaedic transfers to a higher level of care facility are frequently unnecessary. The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriateness of pediatric orthopaedic transfers to a tertiary care center and the factors surrounding these transfers. METHODS: All pediatric orthopaedic transfers to the pediatric emergency department (ED) were evaluated over a 4-year period. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the factors surrounding the transfer including patient demographics, time of transfer, day of transfer, insurance status, outcome of transfer, and diagnosis. Three independent variables were utilized to assess the appropriateness of the transfer: the need for an operative procedure, the need for conscious sedation, and the need for a closed reduction in the ED. RESULTS: A total of 218 pediatric orthopaedic emergency room transfers were evaluated, of which 86% of them involved an acute fracture. Twenty-seven percent (59/218) of the transfers occurred on the weekend, with over half (61%) of these transfers being initiated between 6 PM and 6 AM. Approximately half (47%) of the transfers involved patients with Medicaid. Fifty-five percent (120/218) of cases required a procedure in the operating room and 22% (49/218) had a closed reduction performed in the ED. Conscious sedation was provided in the ED for 22% (48/218) of patients. Twenty-two percent (47/218) of transfers did not require a trip to the operating room, conscious sedation, nor a closed reduction procedure in the ED. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of pediatric orthopaedic transfers are warranted as they required operative intervention, a closed reduction maneuver, or conscious sedation in the ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Therapeutic.

Loss of Midline Function in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy Patients.

BACKGROUND: Loss of midline function impairs the child's ability to perform certain activities of daily living such as dressing, buttoning, and perineal care. The purpose of this study was to assess brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients with loss of midline function with respect to etiology and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of all BPBP patients with loss of midline function was performed. The modified Mallet scale was used with internal rotation assessed via hand on spine and hand to belly. Demographics, extent of BPBP, prior surgical intervention, procedure(s) performed to correct the loss of midline function, complications, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients were identified with loss of midline function as defined by the inability to reach midline and touch their umbilicus. Nineteen patients had previously undergone tendon transfers about the shoulder with or without arthroscopic capsular release to improve external rotation. After the initial surgery, modified Mallet scores improved 1 grade for abduction, hand to mouth, hand to neck, and external rotation without altering the hand to spine category. However, the internal rotation category (hand to umbilicus) decreased from an average 2.71 preoperatively to an average 2.15 postoperatively. Nine patients underwent a derotational humeral osteotomy to improve midline function. The average correction of internal rotation was 47.8 degrees (range, 20 to 85 degrees). After this surgery, modified Mallet scores remained unchanged for hand to spine; however, the scores improved back to 2.7 for the internal rotation category. Two complications were noted including 1 plate fracture and 1 fracture through a screw hole. CONCLUSIONS: BPBP patients who undergo surgical procedures to improve shoulder external rotation and/or obtain joint reduction may inadvertently lose midline function. Derotational humeral osteotomy can effectively restore midline function, which is needed to perform activities of daily living. Surgical procedures to improve external rotation should be performed in a manner that minimizes limitation of midline functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic.

Assessment of Current Epidemiology and Risk Factors Surrounding Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

PURPOSE: Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is common; however, the current incidence is unknown and more than 50% of infants with BPBP have no known risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the current incidence of BPBP, assess known risk factors, and evaluate hypotonia as a new risk factor, as well as estimate the length of stay (LOS) and direct costs of children with an associated BPBP injury. METHODS: Data from the 1997 to 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database data sets were evaluated to identify patients with a BPBP injury and various risk factors. Evaluation of LOS data and direct costs was also performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the association of BPBP with its known and previously undescribed risk factors. RESULTS: The incidence of BPBP has steadily decreased from 1997 to 2012, with an incidence of 0.9 ± 0.01 per 1,000 live births recorded in 2012. Shoulder dystocia is the number 1 risk factor for the development of a BPBP injury. Hypotonia is a newly recognized risk factor for the development of BPBP. Fifty-five percent of infants with BPBP have no known perinatal risk factors. The initial hospital LOS is approximately 20% longer for children with a BPBP injury and the hospital stay direct costs are approximately 40% higher. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BPBP is decreasing over time. Shoulder dystocia continues to be the most common risk factor for sustaining a BPBP injury. Children with a BPBP injury have longer LOSs and hospital direct costs compared with children without a BPBP injury. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.