A systematic review of tourniquet use in paediatric orthopaedic surgery: can we extrapolate from adult guidelines?

Purpose: Tourniquets are commonly used intraoperatively in orthopaedic surgery to control bleeding and improve visibility in the surgical field. Recent evidence has thrown into question the routine use of tourniquets in the adult population resulting in a British Orthopaedic Association standard for intraoperative use. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the practice, benefits, and risks of the intraoperative use of tourniquets for trauma and elective orthopaedic surgery in the paediatric population. Methods: A prospectively registered systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022359048). A search of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and a Grey literature search was performed from their earliest record to 23 March 2023. Studies reporting tourniquet data in paediatric patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery were included. Data extracted included demographics, involved limb, trauma versus elective use, tourniquet use as primary or secondary measure, and tourniquet parameters and complications. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included. Tourniquet practices and information reporting varied considerably. Tourniquets were used uneventfully in the majority of patients with no specific benefits reported. Several physiological and biochemical changes as well as complications including nerve injury, compartment syndrome, skin burns, thrombosis, post-operative limb swelling, and pain were reported. Conclusions: Tourniquets are routinely used in both trauma and elective paediatric orthopaedic surgery with no high-quality research affirming benefits. Severe complications associated with their use are rare but do occur. High-quality studies addressing their benefits, the exact indication in children, and the safest way to use them in this population are necessary.

Paediatric femoral shaft fractures: an instructional review for the FRCS examination.

This review presents the principal features of paediatric femoral shaft fractures including the contemporary management strategies and relevant supporting evidence. The article is an overview of information relevant to clinical practice, in addition to preparation for the FRCS (Orth) examination.

Preoperative vascular assessment of patients with a supracondylar humeral fracture and a perfused, pulseless limb.

The 'pink, pulseless hand' is often used to describe the clinical situation in which a child with a supracondylar fracture of the humerus has normal distal perfusion in the absence of a palpable peripheral pulse. The management guidelines are based on the assessment of perfusion, which is difficult to undertake and poorly evaluated objectively. The aim of this study was to review the available literature in order to explore the techniques available for the preoperative clinical assessment of perfusion in these patients and to evaluate the clinical implications. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered prospectively with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Databases were explored in June 2022 with the search terms (pulseless OR dysvascular OR ischaemic OR perfused OR vascular injury) AND supracondylar AND (fracture OR fractures). A total of 573 papers were identified as being suitable for further study, and 25 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. These studies included a total of 504 patients with a perfused, pulseless limb associated with a supracondylar humeral fracture. Clinical examination included skin colour (23 studies (92%)), temperature (16 studies (64%)), and capillary refill time (13 studies (52%)). Other investigations included peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO2) (six studies (24%)), ultrasound (US) (14 (56%)), and CT angiogram (two studies (8.0%)). The parameters of 'normal perfusion' were often not objectively defined. The time to surgery ranged from 1.5 to 12 hours. A total of 412 patients (82%) were definitively treated with closed or open reduction and fixation, and 92 (18%) required vascular intervention, ranging from simple release of entrapped vessels to vascular grafts. The description of the vascular assessment of the patient with a supracondylar humeral fracture and a pulseless limb in the literature is variable, with few objective criteria being used to define perfusion. The evidence base for decision-making is limited, and further research is required. We were able, however, to make some recommendations about objective criteria for the assessment of these patients, and we suggest that these are performed frequently to allow the detection of any deterioration of perfusion.

Attaining a British consensus on managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus up to walking age.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to gain an agreement on the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) up to walking age in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide consistent, high-quality care for children with CTEV. METHODS: The consensus process followed an established Delphi approach with a predetermined degree of agreement. The process included the following steps: establishing a steering group; steering group meetings, generating statements, and checking them against the literature; a two-round Delphi survey; and final consensus meeting. The steering group members and Delphi survey participants were all British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) members. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis of the Delphi survey results. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation checklist was followed for reporting of the results. RESULTS: The BSCOS-selected steering group, the steering group meetings, the Delphi survey, and the final consensus meeting all followed the pre-agreed protocol. A total of 153/243 members voted in round 1 Delphi (63%) and 132 voted in round 2 (86%). Out of 61 statements presented to round 1 Delphi, 43 reached 'consensus in', no statements reached 'consensus out', and 18 reached 'no consensus'. Four statements were deleted and one new statement added following suggestions from round 1. Out of 15 statements presented to round 2, 12 reached 'consensus in', no statements reached 'consensus out', and three reached 'no consensus' and were discussed and included following the final consensus meeting. Two statements were combined for simplicity. The final consensus document includes 57 statements allocated into six successive stages. CONCLUSION: We have produced a consensus document for the treatment of idiopathic CTEV up to walking age. This will provide a benchmark for standard of care in the UK and will help to reduce geographical variability in treatment and outcomes. Appropriate dissemination and implementation will be key to its success. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):758-764.

Attaining a British consensus statement on managing idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) through a Delphi process: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is the most common congenital limb deformity. Non-operative intervention using the Ponseti method has shown to be superior to soft tissue release and has become the gold standard for first-line treatment. However, numerous deviations from the Ponseti protocol are still reported following incomplete correction or deformity relapse. Significant variation in treatment protocols and management is evident in the literature. Reducing geographical treatment variation has been identified as one of The James Lind Alliance priorities in children's orthopaedics. For this reason, the British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) commissioned a consensus document to form a benchmark for practitioners and ensure consistent high quality care for children with CTEV. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The consensus will follow an established Delphi approach aiming at gaining an agreement on the items to be included in the consensus statement for the management of primary idiopathic CTEV up to walking age. The process will include the following steps: (1) establishing a steering group, (2) steering group meetings, (3) a two-round Delphi survey aimed at BSCOS members, (4) final consensus meeting and (5) dissemination of the consensus statement. Degree of agreement for each item will be predetermined. Descriptive statistics will be used for analysis of the Delphi survey results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No patient involvement is required for this project. Informed consent will be assumed from participants taking part in the Delphi survey. Study findings will be published in an open access journal and presented at relevant national and international conferences. Charities and associations will be engaged to promote awareness of the consensus statement.

Modern management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures: an evidence-based update.

AIMS: This review provides a summary of recent evidence surrounding the treatment of paediatric tibial shaft fractures and presents an algorithm to aid management of these injuries. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, epidemiology and aetiology of tibial shaft fractures and summarises contemporary treatment principles. Management recommendations and supporting evidence are given for fractures according to age (< 18 months, 18 months-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years). The relative merits of casting, plate fixation, elastic and rigid intramedullary nailing, and external fixation are discussed. Special attention is paid to the management of open tibial shaft fractures and to complications including infection and acute compartment syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a shift away from non-operative management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures over the last 30 years. However, recent evidence highlights that a non-operative approach produces acceptable outcomes when used in simple closed fractures at any age. Operative management may be indicated for unstable fractures where satisfactory alignment cannot be maintained or in specific circumstances including open injuries and polytrauma. Open injuries require urgent assessment by a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery team at a specialist tertiary centre.

The effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing on quantitative and qualitative outcomes in paediatric orthopaedic osteotomies: a systematic review.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is increasingly being utilized in various surgical specialities. In paediatric orthopaedics it has been applied in the pre-operative and intra-operative stages, allowing complex deformities to be replicated and patient-specific instrumentation to be used. This systematic review analyses the literature on the effect of 3D printing on paediatric orthopaedic osteotomy outcomes.A systematic review of several databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating the use of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic osteotomy procedures in children (aged ≤ 16 years) were included. Spinal and bone tumour surgery were excluded. Data extracted included demographics, disease pathology, target bone, type of technology, imaging modality used, qualitative/quantitative outcomes and follow-up. Articles were further categorized as either 'pre-operative' or 'intra-operative' applications of the technology.Twenty-two articles fitting the inclusion criteria were included. The reported studies included 212 patients. There were five articles of level of evidence 3 and 17 level 4.A large variety of outcomes were reported with the most commonly used being operating time, fluoroscopic exposure and intra-operative blood loss.A significant difference in operative time, fluoroscopic exposure, blood loss and angular correction was found in the 'intra-operative' application group. No significant difference was found in the 'pre-operative' category.Despite a relatively low evidence base pool of studies, our aggregate data demonstrate a benefit of 3D printing technology in various deformity correction applications, especially when used in the 'intra-operative' setting. Further research including paediatric-specific core outcomes is required to determine the potential benefit of this novel addition. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:130-138. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200092.

The clinical features, management options and complications of paediatric femoral fractures.

This article discusses the incidence, applied anatomy and classification of paediatric femoral fractures based on critical appraisal of the available evidence. The aim is to identify techniques that are relevant to contemporary practice whilst excluding the technical details of individual procedures that are beyond the scope of this review. Injuries of the proximal, diaphyseal and distal segments are considered individually as there are considerations that are specific to each anatomical site. Femoral neck fractures are rare injuries and require prompt anatomical reduction and stable fixation to minimise the potentially devastating consequences of avascular necrosis. Diaphyseal fractures are relatively common, and there is a spectrum of management options that depend on patient age and size. Distal femoral fractures often involve the physis, which contributes up to 70% of femoral length. Growth arrest is common consequence of fractures in this region, resulting in angular and length-related deformity. Long-term surveillance is recommended to identify deformity in evolution and provide an opportunity for early intervention. Deliberate injury should be considered in all fractures, particularly distal femoral physeal injuries and fractures in the non-walking child.

Day-case open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

AIMS: Open reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is regularly performed despite screening programmes, due to failure of treatment or late presentation. A protocol for open reduction of DDH has been refined through collaboration between surgical, anaesthetic, and nursing teams to allow same day discharge. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of performing open reduction of DDH as a day case. METHODS: A prospectively collected departmental database was visited. All consecutive surgical cases of DDH between June 2015 and March 2020 were collected. Closed reductions, bilateral cases, cases requiring corrective osteotomy, and children with comorbidities were excluded. Data collected included demographics, safety outcome measures (blood loss, complications, readmission, reduction confirmation), and feasibility for discharge according to the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolidability (FLACC) pain scale. A satisfaction questionnaire was filled by the carers. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Out of 168 consecutive DDH cases, 16 patients fit the inclusion criteria (age range 10 to 26 months, 13 female). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from "minimal" to 120 ml, and there were no complications or readmissions. The FLACC score was 0 for all patients. The carers satisfaction questionnaire expressed high satisfaction from the experience with adequate information and support provided. CONCLUSION: Open reduction in DDH, without corrective osteotomy, is safe and feasible to be managed as a day case procedure. It requires a clear treatment pathway, analgesia, sufficient counselling, and communication with carers. It is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic when reduced length of hospital stay is likely to be safer for both patient and their parents. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(4):271-277.

Overview of the contemporary management of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

PURPOSE: Supracondylar fractures are common injuries accounting for approximately 15% of all fractures in children with a large body of literature on this subject. METHODS:  This article critically appraises the available evidence to provide an overview of the treatment options including the role and timing of surgery, the geometry of wire fixation and the management of nerve and arterial injury. CONCLUSION:  Management decisions are based on a number of considerations particularly fracture stability. Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire stabilisation are commonly recommended for an unstable displaced fracture. These techniques are however associated with the potential for iatrogenic neurological injury. Vascular injury is also rare but must be recognised and treated promptly to avoid significant permanent morbidity.

What are the risk factors and presenting features of premature physeal arrest of the distal radius? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Premature physeal arrest (PPA) of the distal radius is considered a rare complication of physeal wrist fractures. Standardised guidelines for duration of follow up do not exist. The aim of this review is to recognise the risk factors of PPA and guide follow up protocols. The secondary aim is to understand the typical presenting symptoms of PPA. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched from inception to October 2020. Studies included were: (i) original articles, (ii) distal radius physeal injuries, (iii) with at least a partial study population that developed PPA. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included with 616 physeal injuries. There were 114 PPAs reported with a mean age at time of injury of 10.6 years (1-16). The rate of PPA with radiological follow up was 7-23%. Intraarticular fractures and repeated manipulations increased the rate of PPA. K-wire fixation, open reduction and malunion did not. The most common presenting symptom of PPA was: pain (70%), deformity (55%), restricted range of movement (40%), reduced grip strength (40%) and snapping or clicking (30%). All patients with radial shortening of 10 mm or more were symptomatic. CONCLUSION: There were no risk factors that reliably predicted all PPA. The majority of patients who develop PPA will remain asymptomatic until significant shortening or deformity have occurred. We recommend a minimum of 18 months radiological follow up for every distal radius physeal injury.

Predicting developmental dysplasia of the hip in at-risk newborns.

BACKGROUND: The development of developmental dysplasia of the hip can be attributed to several risk factors and often in combination with each other. When predicting the likelihood of developing this condition, clinicians tend to over and underestimate its likelihood of occurring. Therefore, the study aim is to determine among at-risk newborns how to best predict developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) within 8 weeks post-partum. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in secondary care. Patient population included newborns at-risk for DDH - we assessed 13,276 consecutive newborns for the presence of DDH risk factors. Only newborns with at least one of the predefined risk factors and those showing an abnormal examination of the hip were enrolled (n = 2191). For the development of a risk prediction model we considered 9 candidate predictors and other variables readily available at childbirth. The main outcome measure was ultrasonography at a median age of 8 weeks using consensus diagnostic criteria; outcome assessors were blinded. RESULTS: The risk model includes four predictors: female sex (OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 2.9-10.9; P <  0.001); first degree family history of DDH (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.3-9.0; P <  0.001), birthweight > 4000 g (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6-4.2; P = 0.34), and abnormal examination of hip (OR = 58.8; 95% CI: 31.9, 108.5; P <  0.001). This model demonstrated excellent discrimination (C statistic = 0.9) and calibration of observed and predicted risk (P = 0.35). A model without the variable 'hip examination' demonstrated similar performance. CONCLUSION: The risk model quantifies absolute risk of DDH within 8 weeks postpartum in at-risk newborns. Based on clinical variables readily available at the point of childbirth, the model will enhance parental counselling and could serve as the basis for real time decisions prior to discharge from maternity wards.

Poor Evertor Muscle Activity Is a Predictor of Recurrence in Idiopathic Clubfoot Treated by the Ponseti Method: A Prospective Longitudinal Study With a 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: After successful primary correction of the deformity in idiopathic clubfoot with the Ponseti method, recurrence has been reported to affect up to 40% of children. So far, it has been difficult to predict which feet are at risk of recurrence, despite numerous studies investigating various potential risk factors. The foot abduction brace (FAB) has been the standard of care in preventing recurrence but, even with excellent compliance, recurrences still occur. Increasingly, evidence points to a congenital neuromuscular imbalance constituting the deforming forces present in clubfoot. Poor evertor muscle activity has been cited specifically as a potential risk factor for recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether poor evertor muscle activity on clinical examination can predict recurrence in idiopathic clubfoot at 5-year follow-up. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on patients treated at our tertiary physiotherapy-led Ponseti service between 2010 and 2015. Hospital ethical approval was obtained. Sex, age, laterality, Pirani score, number of casts, brace compliance, and evertor activity were recorded. Evertor muscle activity was scored in a semiquantitative repeatable manner: 0, 0.5, or 1 as previously described. Recurrence was defined as deterioration of any of the 4 components of the deformity following a previously complete correction. RESULTS: In total, 104 patients (172 feet) were included in the study, 76 patients had good evertor activity, and 28 demonstrated poor evertor activity. The mean follow up was 62 months (range, 41 to 71 mo); 18.3% of the patients (19/104) had recurrence treated with repeat casting; 13.5% (14/104) of the patients required additional surgery following recasting. Recurrence was highly associated with poor evertor activity (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results at 5 years confirm that a semiquantitative evertor muscle activity assessment can predict recurrence and should be added to the routine clinical assessment in order to assist with individualizing patient's treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Mid-term results of a physiotherapist-led Ponseti service for the management of non-idiopathic and idiopathic clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method is the preferred treatment for idiopathic clubfoot. Although popularised by orthopaedic surgeons it has expanded to physiotherapists and other health practitioners. This study reviews the results of a physiotherapist-led Ponseti service for idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet and compares these results with those reported by other groups. METHOD: A prospective cohort of clubfeet (2005-2012) with a minimum 2-year follow-up after correction was reviewed. Physiotherapists treated 91 children-41 patients (69 feet) had non-idiopathic deformities and 50 children (77 feet) were idiopathic. Objective outcomes were evaluated and compared to results from other groups managing similar patient cohorts. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.6 years (range 2-8.3 years) for both groups. The non-idiopathic group required a median of 7 casts to correct the clubfoot deformity with an 83 % tenotomy rate compared to a median of 5 casts for the idiopathic group with a 63 % tenotomy rate. Initial correction was achieved in 96 % of non-idiopathic feet and in 100 % of idiopathic feet. Recurrence requiring additional treatment was higher in the non-idiopathic group with 40 % of patients (36 % of feet) sustaining a relapse as opposed to 8 % (6 % feet) in the idiopathic group. Surgery was required in 26 % of relapsed non-idiopathic feet and 6 % of idiopathic. CONCLUSIONS: Although Ponseti treatment was not as successful in non-idiopathic feet as in idiopathic feet, deformity correction was achieved and maintained in the mid-term for the majority of feet. These results compare favourably to other specialist orthopaedic-based services for Ponseti management of non-idiopathic clubfeet. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III.

Predictors of back pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgical candidates.

BACKGROUND: There are contradictory reports on the overall prevalence of back pain in the adolescent population compared with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Most reports do not investigate pain in patients with AIS but try to identify in which subgroup of patients with AIS an underlying pathology should be excluded. The objective of this study was to find whether AIS in operative candidate patients is a painful condition and to try and find clinical and radiologic predisposing factors, which will help us to predict patients who are going to have pain. METHODS: Candidates who had to undergo an operative treatment for AIS between October 2004 and October 2009 in our institution, were enrolled to the study. Pain was graded with the use of visual analogue scale (VAS) on a scale from 0 to 10. We recorded the age at presentation, sex, menarchal status, family history of scoliosis, brace treatment history, and neurological findings. Radiologic parameters recorded were: the type of curve according to the Lenke classification, Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, apex vertebra rotation, Risser grade, coronal balance, and curves flexibility. RESULTS: Seventy patients with AIS were included in this study. Fifty patients (71%) reported of some kind of back pain with 34 patients (48%) grading their pain as ≥5 on the VAS.Patients in whom scoliosis was diagnosed in older age and patients with a more rigid lumbar curve had statistically significant higher VAS scores (P=0.014, P=0.036). Patients who were treated with a brace had a statistically significant lower VAS scores (P=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Back pain is common in patients with AIS who are candidates for operative treatment. The following parameters correlate with worse back pain: older age at diagnosis, no use of brace, and rigid lumbar curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type III.

Osteonecrosis complicating developmental dysplasia of the hip compromises subsequent acetabular remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head secondary to treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) affects acetabular remodeling but the magnitude of this effect is unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Using four measures of acetabular development, we (1) determined whether acetabular remodeling differed in hips with and without osteonecrosis; and (2) determined the impact of severity of osteonecrosis contributing to acetabular remodeling. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 95 patients (118 hips) treated for DDH by closed or open reduction with or without femoral osteotomy between 1992 and 2006. We evaluated serial radiographs from the time when a stable reduction had been achieved. In 902 radiographs taken over 19 years, we measured the acetabular index and three other indices of hip development. Patients were followed for a mean of 8 years (range, 1-19 years). At last followup, 86 of the 118 hips (73%) had osteonecrosis according to the criteria by Bucholz and Ogden. RESULTS: The acetabular index improved with time in all hips but the magnitude of improvement was larger in hips without osteonecrosis. The adjusted mean acetabular index at 14 years was 17° for hips with osteonecrosis (95% CI, 15°-18°) and 10° for hips without osteonecrosis (95% CI, 7°-13°). The lateral centering ratio improved after reduction to a normal value less than 0.85 in both groups but the rate of change with 0.06 versus 0.05 was higher in hips with osteonecrosis. The superior centering ratio was worse at all times in hips with osteonecrosis with a mean difference of 0.04. If only radiographic changes of Grades II and greater were considered osteonecrosis, the mean adjusted acetabular index at 14 years was 17.7° (15.6°-19.7°) for hips with osteonecrosis and 12.4° (10.3°-14.4°) for hips without osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although radiographic indices improved consistently with time in hips without osteonecrosis, hips with osteonecrosis had abnormal indices of acetabular remodeling throughout followup. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head inhibited acetabular remodeling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Treatment for Pott's disease with neurological complication].

Tuberculosis of the spine (Pott's disease) is the most common skeletal involvement in tuberculosis, and is often accompanied with neurological deficiency. Surgical treatment was previously the mainstay of therapy in cases of Pott's disease with neurological deficiency, but since clinical recovery was found in patients awaiting surgery, conservative management with antibiotic treatment as a first Line treatment has been advocated. This conservative approach may improve the patients' neurological status while avoiding the morbidity and mortality of surgical treatment.