The Impact of Age on Clinical Outcomes of Acetabular Microfracture During FAI Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness acetabular cartilage lesions are common findings during primary surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after acetabular microfracture performed during FAI surgery in a prospective, multicenter cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients with FAI who had failed nonoperative management were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter cohort. Preoperative and postoperative (mean follow-up, 4.3 years) patient-reported outcome measures were obtained with a follow-up rate of 81.6% (621/761 hips), including 54 patients who underwent acetabular microfracture. Patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, intraoperative disease severity, and operative procedures were analyzed. Propensity matching using linear regression was used to match 54 hips with microfracture to 162 control hips (1:3) to control for confounding variables. Subanalyses of hips ≤35 and >35 years of age with propensity matching were also performed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent acetabular microfracture were more likely to be male (81.8% vs 40.9%; P < .001), be older in age (35.0 vs 29.9 years; P = .001), have a higher body mass index (27.2 vs 25.0; P = .001), and have a greater alpha angle (69.6° vs 62.3°; P < .001) compared with the nonmicrofracture cohort (n = 533). After propensity matching to control for covariates, patients treated with microfracture displayed no differences in the modified Harris Hip Score or Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (P = .22-.95) but were more likely to undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) (13% [7/54] compared with 4% [6/162] in the control group; P = .002), and age >35 years was associated with conversion to THA after microfracture. Microfracture performed at or before 35 years of age portended good outcomes with no significant risk of conversion to THA at the most recent follow-up. CONCLUSION: Microfracture of acetabular cartilage defects appears to be safe and associated with reliably improved short- to mid-term results in younger patients; modified expectations should be realized when full-thickness chondral lesions are identified in patients >35 years of age.

A Prospective, Multicenter Study of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: What Can Patients Expect After Open Reduction?

BACKGROUND: Although there are several predominantly single-center case series in the literature, relatively little prospectively collected data exist regarding the outcomes of open hip reduction (OR) for infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this prospective, multi-center study was to determine the outcomes after OR in a diverse patient population. METHODS: The prospectively collected database of an international multicenter study group was queried for all patients treated with OR for DDH. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Proximal femoral growth disturbance (PFGD) was defined by consensus review using Salter's criteria. Persistent acetabular dysplasia was defined as an acetabular index >90th percentile for age. Statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative and operative characteristics that predicted re-dislocation, PFGD, and residual acetabular dysplasia. RESULTS: A cohort of 232 hips (195 patients) was identified; median age at OR was 19 months (interquartile range 13 to 28) and median follow-up length was 21 months (interquartile range 16 to 32). Re-dislocation occurred in 7% of hips (n=16/228). The majority (81%; n=13/16) occurred in the first year after initial OR. Excluding patients with repeat dislocation, 94.5% of hips were IHDI 1 at most recent follow-up. On the basis of strict radiographic review, some degree of PFGD was present in 44% of hips (n=101/230) at most recent follow-up. Seventy-eight hips (55%) demonstrated residual dysplasia compared with established normative data. Hips that had a pelvic osteotomy at index surgery had about half the rate of residual dysplasia (39%; n=32/82) versus those without a pelvic osteotomy with at least 2 years follow-up (78%; n=46/59). CONCLUSIONS: In the largest prospective, multicenter study to date, OR for infantile DDH was associated with a 7% risk of re-dislocation, 44% risk of PFGD, and 55% risk of residual acetabular dysplasia at short term follow-up. The incidence of these adverse outcomes is higher than previous reports. Patients treated with concomitant pelvic osteotomy had lower rates of residual dysplasia. These prospectively collected, multicenter data provide better generalizable information to improve family education and appropriately set expectations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Barriers to Discharge After Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Non-ambulatory Children With Neurological Complex Chronic Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Hip reconstruction surgery in patients with neurological complex chronic conditions (CCC) is associated with prolonged hospitalization and extensive resource utilization. This population is vulnerable to cognitive, developmental, and medical comorbidities which can increase length of stay (LOS). The aims of this study were to characterize barriers to discharge for a cohort of children with neurological CCC undergoing hip reconstruction surgery and to identify patient risk factors for prolonged hospitalization and delayed discharge. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of nonambulatory patients with neurological CCC undergoing hip reconstruction surgery between 2007-2016 was conducted. Hospitalization ≥1 day past medical clearance was characterized as delayed discharge. Barriers were defined as unresolved issues at the time of medical clearance and categorized as pertaining to the caregiver and patient education, durable medical equipment, postdischarge transportation/placement, and patient care needs. RESULTS: The cohort of 116 patients was 53% male, 16% non-English speaking, and 49% Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V with the mean age at surgery of 9.1±3.64 years. Median time from admission to medical clearance was 5 days with median LOS of 6 days. Approximately three-quarters of patients experienced delayed discharge (73%) with barriers identified for 74% of delays. Most prevalent barriers involved education (30%) and durable medical equipment (29%). Postdischarge transportation and placement accounted for 26% of barriers and 3.5 times longer delays ( P <0.001). Factors associated with delayed discharge included increased medical comorbidities ( P <0.05) and GMFCS V ( P <0.001). Longer LOS and medical clearance times were found for female ( P =0.005), older age ( P <0.001), bilateral surgery ( P =0.009), GMFCS V ( P =0.003), and non-English-speaking patients ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with neurological CCC frequently encounter postoperative barriers contributing to increased LOS and delayed discharge. Patients that may be at higher risk for prolonged hospitalization and greater resource utilization include those who are female sex, adolescent, GMFCS V, non-English speaking, have additional comorbidities, and are undergoing bilateral surgery. Standardized preoperative assessment of educational needs, perioperative equipment requirements, and posthospital transportation may decrease the LOS, reduce caregiver and patient burden/distress, cost, and ultimately reduce variation in care delivery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Case Series.

Epidural Analgesia Versus Lumbar Plexus Blockade After Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Intrathecal Baclofen Pumps: A Comparison of Safety and Efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia is commonly used for pain control after reconstructive hip surgery, but its use is controversial in the presence of an intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB). The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the rate of serious anesthetic and postoperative complications as well as the efficacy of epidural analgesia compared with lumbar plexus blocks (LPBs) for pain management after neuromuscular hip reconstruction in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and ITB. METHODS: Pediatric patients with CP and ITB undergoing hip reconstructive surgery from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients receiving epidural analgesia were compared with those receiving LPB. Morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram were used as a surrogate measure for pain-related outcomes, as pain scores were reported with wide ranges (eg, 0 to 5/10), making it unfeasible to compare them across the cohort. Postoperative complications were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (26/44, 59% male) underwent surgery at an average age of 10.3 years (SD=3.4 y, range: 4 to 17 y). The majority utilized LPB (28/44, 64%) while the remaining utilized epidural (16/44, 36%). There were no differences in rates of serious complications, including no cases of ITB malfunction, damage, or infection. During the immediate postoperative course, patients who received LPB had higher morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram requirements than patients who received epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CP undergoing hip reconstruction surgery with an ITB in situ, epidural anesthesia was associated with improved analgesia compared with LPB analgesia, with a similar risk for adverse outcomes. Epidural catheters placed using image-guided insertion techniques can avoid damage to the ITB catheter while providing effective postoperative pain control without increasing rates of complications in this complex patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Hip Reconstruction in Nonambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy: Identifying Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Complications and Prolonged Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between preoperative comorbidities, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS) after hip reconstruction in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 127 patients undergoing hip surgery between 2007 and 2016 who were diagnosed with CP (GMFCS IV/V). The cohort was 54% Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V with an average age at surgery of 9 years (range, 3-19 y). Preoperative comorbidities included: presence of a gastrostomy tube, respiratory difficulty requiring positive-pressure ventilation or tracheostomy, history of seizures, and nonverbal status. Complications were dichotomized into major and minor complications according to severity. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to identify factors associated with complications and prolonged LOS. RESULTS: The median LOS in the hospital was 6 days (intequartile range, 5-9 d). The majority of procedures (72%) involved both the femur and acetabulum and 82% of surgeries were performed bilaterally. Patients who experienced a major complication were mostly GMFCS level V and were more likely to spend time in intensive care unit than postanesthetic care unit (P=0.001). Multivariable analysis for a major complication determined that the addition of each comorbid risk fact increased the odds of developing a major complication by 2.6 times (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-4.47; P<0.001) regardless of GMFCS level. Multivariable analysis for prolonged LOS determined that major complications (P<0.001), bilaterality (P=0.01), age (P=0.02), female sex (P=0.01), and GMFCS V (P<0.001) were all factors that increased LOS. Migration percentage, acetabular index odds ratio, and pelvic obliquity were not associated with prolonged LOS or the presence of a major complication. CONCLUSIONS: From our analysis, the authors found that a patient's premorbid comorbidities were more predictive of the likelihood of sustaining a major complication than their GMFCS level. Identifying high-risk patients preoperatively may help reduce complications and LOS, which ultimately will improve the quality of care the authors deliver to nonambulatory children with CP undergoing hip reconstruction surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

The Use of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in Neuromuscular Hip Reconstruction: Can We Alter the Need for Blood Transfusion?

BACKGROUND: Children with neuromuscular complex chronic conditions (NMCCC) frequently undergo hip reconstruction surgery requiring blood transfusion. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirement in NMCCC children undergoing hip reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Children with NMCCC undergoing hip reconstruction surgery between 2013 and 2018 were identified. Two cohorts were identified: those who received TXA and those who did not. Patient and surgical characteristics between cohorts were used for propensity matching. Patients were matched on the basis of comorbid factors, bilateral involvement, pelvic osteotomy, open reduction, and surgeon. Comparative outcomes between cohorts were analyzed for intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 166 patients underwent hip surgery at an average of 9.6 years (SD, 4.0). Propensity matching utilized 72% of the cohort including 47 TXA and 72 non-TXA subjects. There were no differences in patient or surgical characteristics across matched groups. Fifteen (15/47, 32%) TXA subjects required a postoperative blood transfusion compared with the 47% (34/72) of non-TXA subjects who required a transfusion and intraoperative transfusion rates were similar between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in complication rate (TXA, 79%; non-TXA, 86%), reported estimated blood loss (median=200 mLfor both) or LOS (median=6 d for both). Hematocrit levels were slightly higher in TXA subjects intraoperatively (P=0.047), at the end of surgery (P=0.04), and for the overall lowest perioperative level (P=0.04). The overall percent loss of estimated blood volume was less for those who were given TXA compared with those who were not (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA during hip reconstruction surgery in NMCCC children significantly reduced the percent loss of estimated blood volume and postoperative transfusion rate. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to verify the positive effects and safety of TXA in the setting of hip reconstruction surgery in NMCCC children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Incidence of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism After Elective Spine and Lower-Extremity Surgery in Children With Neuromuscular Complex Chronic Conditions: Do we Need Prophylaxis?

BACKGROUND: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after elective surgery in children with mobility impairments, including those with a neuromuscular complex chronic condition (NCCC), is unknown. Therefore, our objectives were to assess the incidence of VTE after elective spine and lower-extremity surgery in children with NCCC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with NCCC undergoing elective lower-extremity and/or spinal surgeries from 2005 to 2009 included in the Pediatric Health Information Systems Plus (PHIS+) database. VTE during hospitalization for surgery was assessed through abstraction and review of ultrasound (U/S) and computed tomography results by 2 independent reviewers. VTEs related to pre-existing central venous catheters were excluded. RESULTS: There were 4,583 children with NCCC who underwent orthopaedic surgery during the study period at 6 centers. Most were male (56.3%), non-Hispanic whites (72.7%), and had private insurance (52.2%). The most common NCCC diagnoses were cerebral palsy (46.7%), brain and spinal cord malformations (31.1%), and central nervous system degenerative conditions (14.5%). Forty children (0.9%) underwent U/S to assess VTE. Eighteen children (0.4%) underwent computed tomography to assess VTE. Four children (with cerebral palsy) had a positive U/S for a lower-extremity VTE (10-18 y of age), yet 2 had their VTE before surgery. Therefore, the adjusted VTE rate for children with NCCC undergoing orthopaedic lower-extremity or spine surgery was 4 per 10,000 (2 cases per 4583 surgeries). Each of the 2 cases had a known coagulation disorder preoperatively. Only 10% of the cohort used compression devices, 3% enoxaparin, and 1.6% aspirin for prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The rate of non-central-venous-catheter-related VTE associated with orthopaedic surgery in children with NCCC is very low and lower than rates reported in healthy children. SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first multi-institutional study reporting the incidence of VTE in children with NCCCs undergoing elective hip and spine surgery. These data support no additional prophylaxis is required in children with NCCC undergoing elective hip and spine surgery unless other known risk factors are also present.

Ultrasound Characteristics of Clinically Dislocated But Reducible Hips With DDH.

BACKGROUND: Although ultrasound (US) is frequently used in diagnosis and management of infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip, precise ultrasonographic parameters of what constitutes a dislocation, subluxation etc remain poorly defined. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of a large cohort of clinically dislocated but reducible hips and (2) to begin to develop ultrasonographic definitions for what constitutes a hip dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from an international multicenter study group on developmental dysplasia of the hip was conducted on all patients under 6 months of age with hip(s) that were dislocated at rest but reducible based on initial physical examination (ie, Ortolani positive). Femoral head coverage (FHC), alpha angle (α), and beta angle (ß) were measured on pretreatment US by the individual treating surgeon, and were recorded directly into the database. RESULTS: Based on 325 Ortolani positive hips, the median FHC on presentation was 10% with an interquartile range of 0% to 23%. A total of 126 of the 327 hips (39%) demonstrated 0% FHC. The 90th percentile was found to be at 33% FHC. Of 264 hips with sufficient α data, the median α was 43 degrees with an interquartile range from 37 to 49 degrees. The 90th percentile for α was at 54 degrees. A total of 164 hips had documented ß with a median of 66 degrees and an interquartile range of 57 to 79 degrees; the 90th percentile was at 94 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of a large cohort of patients with dislocated but reducible hips reveals a median percent FHC of 10%, a median α of 43 degrees, and a median ß of 66 degrees on initial US. Using a threshold at the 90th percentile, a sensible ultrasonographic definition of a dislocated hip seems to be FHC≤33%, implying that FHC between 34% and 50% may be reasonably termed a subluxation. Although these findings are consistent with previous, smaller reports, further prospective research is necessary to validate these thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-diagnostic study.

Measuring the Reliability and Construct Validity of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate the construct validity and (2) test-retest reliability of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: A prospective convenience cross-sectional sample. SETTING: Multidisciplinary CP clinic in a tertiary level pediatric children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS: English- and Spanish-speaking school-aged children (N=101) with a diagnosis of CP, stratified by Gross Motor Function Classification System level, who presented to our multidisciplinary clinic. Participants were excluded if they underwent recent surgery (<6mo) or botulinum neurotoxin A injection (<3mo). A subset of 17 families participated in retest reliability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Convergent and divergent validity were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficient analysis; test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Mean age was 12±3.7 years. Convergent validity was established between Mobility (PEDI-CAT) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) (5 m, r=0.85; 50 m, r=0.84; 500 m, r=0.76; P<.001). In ambulant children, convergent validity was established between Daily Activities (PEDI-CAT vs Pediatric Quality of Life CP [PedsQL-CP] [r=0.85, P<.001]) and between Social/Cognitive (PEDI-CAT) and Speech and Communication (PedsQL-CP) (r=0.42, P<.001). In nonambulant children, convergent validity was established between Daily Activities (PEDI-CAT) and Personal Care (Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities [CPCHILD]) (r=0.44, P<.001) and between social/cognitive (PEDI-CAT) and Communication (CPCHILD) (r=0.64, P<.001). A lack of correlation between Daily Activities, Social/Cognitive, and Responsibility (PEDI-CAT) and FMS and between the Mobility (PEDI-CAT) and Communication (PedsQL) domains confirmed divergent validity. Test-retest reliability was excellent for all domains of the PEDI-CAT (ICC=0.96-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The PEDI-CAT is an outcome measure that demonstrates strong construct validity and reliability in children with CP.

Radiation Prophylaxis for Hip Salvage Surgery in Cerebral Palsy: Can We Reduce the Incidence of Heterotopic Ossification?

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-recognized complication of proximal femoral resection (PFR) surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Although single-dose radiation prophylaxis (SDRP) has been shown to be effective at lowering the rates of HO following adult total hip arthroplasty; there has been limited study examining the efficacy of SDRP for HO prevention in children with CP undergoing PFR. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of SDRP in children with CP undergoing PFR. METHODS: This retrospective case control series identified all patients from one tertiary children's hospital undergoing PFHR. Patients were dichotomized into (1) SDRP and (2) non-SDRP groups. In SDRP, radiation was delivered preoperatively at a dose of 7.5 Gy utilizing a 6 MV photon beam. The incidence of HO in the SDRP cohort was compared to historic data using binomial testing. The size of HO lesions was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. McCarthy, Brooker, and Anatomic Classifications of HO were compared using repeated measures logistic regression. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (mean age, 15.5) and 35 hips (17 SDRP, 18 Non-SDRP) were included in the analysis. There were 17 females and 6 males in the cohort with the majority classified as GMFCS V, 21/23 (91%). HO was seen in 6 of the SDRP cohort (6/17, 35%) and 15 of the non-SDRP cohort (15/18, 83%) (P=0.015). The average size of HO at maturity was 282.7 mm in the SDRP cohort compared with 1221.5 mm in the Non-SDRP cohort (P=0.026). Radiation treatment was associated with a 938.9 mm decrease in HO size at maturity (P= 0.026). Multivariate repeated measures logistic regression analysis found that non-SDRP hips had 13 times higher odds of developing HO (P=0.015). There were no significant differences in infection rates between the 2 cohorts and there were no radiation-associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term follow up demonstrates that SDRP is a safe and efficacious intervention in decreasing the incidence and size of HO in children with CP undergoing PFR. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Case control cohort study.

Acute Exertional Compartment Syndrome in Young Athletes: A Descriptive Case Series and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: Acute exertional compartment syndrome (AECS) is a rare presentation of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) after exertion without injury. Unfamiliarity with this entity can lead to delay in diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to increase awareness of AECS and illustrate the morbidities associated with delayed diagnosis. METHODS: With institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent emergent fasciotomies for AECS from 1997-2013 at our institution. Male patients with sports-related closed fractures of the tibia leading to ACS were identified for comparison. Demographic variables, patient-specific factors, treatment, and outcome characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven male patients (mean age, 17 years) presented to our institution with AECS from 1997-2013, and 9 patients with fracture-related ACS were selected for comparison. All cases of AECS occurred in the leg. In the AECS group, the mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 97 hours. Four patients initially had a missed diagnosis. On presentation, 6 of 7 patients experienced neurologic symptoms (motor or sensory deficit), although none had perfusion deficits. The mean compartment pressure was 91 mm Hg. They all underwent isolated anterior and lateral compartment releases (except for 1 patient who required a 4-compartment release) and required a mean of 4 surgeries. The mean follow-up was 270 days. Of the 4 patients with missed diagnoses, 2 had significant neurologic and functional deficits at final follow-up. The other 5 patients had a full recovery. Fracture-related ACS patients were younger, with quicker time from symptom onset to surgery, and required more compartments to be decompressed at surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rarity of AECS, orthopedists as well as primary care, emergency medicine, and sports medicine physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when examining a patient with leg pain out of proportion to examination after exertion. Delay in diagnosis of AECS is associated with substantial muscle necrosis and morbidity.

Evaluating the Discriminant Validity of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory: Computer Adaptive Test in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) is a new clinical assessment for children and youth from birth through 20 years of age. OBJECTIVE: To determine the discriminant validity of the PEDI-CAT according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). DESIGN: A prospective convenience cross-sectional sample of 101 school-age children with CP was stratified by GMFCS level. METHODS: Participants were excluded if they underwent recent surgery (<6 months). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to quantify the discriminant validity of the PEDI-CAT domains to distinguish the level of independence in fine and gross motor function. General linear modeling was used to assess discriminant ability across all GMFCS and MACS levels. RESULTS: Mean age was 11 years, 11 months (SD 3.7). Mobility and Daily Activities domains exhibited excellent discriminant validity distinguishing between ambulatory and nonambulatory participants [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.98 and 0.97, respectively] and the Daily Activities domain exhibited excellent discriminant validity distinguishing between independent and dependent hand function (AUC = 0.93). All PEDI-CAT domains were able to discriminate between ambulatory (GMFCS levels I-III) or nonambulatory (GMFCS levels IV-V) as well as manually independent (MACS levels I-II) or manually dependent functional levels (MACS levels III-V) ( P < .001). LIMITATIONS: Our convenience cross-sectional sample included school-age children with primarily Caucasian, middle-income parents and may not be representative of other cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds. Not all participants had a MACS level assigned, however, no differences were found in PEDI-CAT scores between those with and without MACS scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the PEDI-CAT is a valid outcome instrument for measuring functional abilities in children with CP, able to differentiate across fine and gross motor functional levels.

Evaluation of Brace Treatment for Infant Hip Dislocation in a Prospective Cohort: Defining the Success Rate and Variables Associated with Failure.

BACKGROUND: The use of a brace has been shown to be an effective treatment for hip dislocation in infants; however, previous studies of such treatment have been single-center or retrospective. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the success rate for brace use in the treatment of infant hip dislocation in an international, multicenter, prospective cohort, and to identify the variables associated with brace failure. METHODS: All dislocations were verified with use of ultrasound or radiography prior to the initiation of treatment, and patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 18 months. Successful treatment was defined as the use of a brace that resulted in a clinically and radiographically reduced hip, without surgical intervention. The Mann-Whitney test, chi-square analysis, and Fisher exact test were used to identify risk factors for brace failure. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the probability of brace failure according to the risk factors identified. RESULTS: Brace treatment was successful in 162 (79%) of the 204 dislocated hips in this series. Six variables were found to be significant risk factors for failure: developing femoral nerve palsy during brace treatment (p = 0.001), treatment with a static brace (p < 0.001), an initially irreducible hip (p < 0.001), treatment initiated after the age of 7 weeks (p = 0.005), a right hip dislocation (p = 0.006), and a Graf-IV hip (p = 0.02). Hips with no risk factors had a 3% probability of failure, whereas hips with 4 or 5 risk factors had a 100% probability of failure. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide valuable information for patient families and their providers regarding the important variables that influence successful brace treatment for dislocated hips in infants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acetabular and femoral remodeling after varus derotational osteotomy in cerebral palsy: the effect of age and Gross Motor Function Classification Level.

UNLABELLED: This study investigated the degree of acetabular and femoral remodeling after isolated varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) in children with cerebral palsy. This retrospective review investigated 56 children (103 hips) who underwent VDROs for spastic hip displacement between 1994 and 2007. The average age of the patients at surgery was 7.7 years and the follow-up duration was 7.8 years (range 5-11 years). The acetabular index showed a significant linear decrease (P<0.001), with children of less than 6 years showing the greatest correction (P<0.001). VDRO without pelvic osteotomy does result in a mild improvement in acetabular dysplasia over time, with greater rates of correction found in children of less than 6 years old. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Study - Level IV.

What Risk Factors and Characteristics Are Associated With Late-presenting Dislocations of the Hip in Infants?

BACKGROUND: Most infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) are diagnosed within the first 3 months of life. However, late-presenting DDH (defined as a diagnosis after 3 months of age) does occur and often results in more complex treatment and increased long-term complications. Specific risk factors involved in late-presenting DDH are poorly understood, and clearly defining an associated set of factors will aid in screening, detection, and prevention of this condition. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Using a multicenter database of patients with DDH, we sought to determine whether there were differences in (1) risk factors or (2) the nature of the dislocation (laterality and joint laxity) when comparing patients with early versus late presentation. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a multicenter database of patients with dislocated hips was conducted from 2010 to 2014. Baseline demographics for fetal presentation (cephalic/breech), birth presentation (vaginal/cesarean), birth weight, maternal age, maternal parity, gestational age, family history, and swaddling history of patients were compared among nine different sites for patients who were enrolled at age younger than 3 months and those enrolled between 3 and 18 months of age. A total of 392 patients were enrolled at baseline between 0 and 18 months of age with at least one dislocated hip. Of that group, 259 patients were younger than 3 months of age and 133 were 3 to 18 months of age. The proportion of patients with DDH who were enrolled and followed at the nine participating centers was 98%. RESULTS: A univariate/multivariate analysis was performed comparing key baseline demographics between early- and late-presenting patients. After controlling for relevant confounding variables, two variables were identified as risk factors for late-presenting DDH as compared with early-presenting: cephalic presentation at birth and swaddling history. Late-presenting patients were more likely to have had a cephalic presentation than early-presenting patients (88% [117 of 133] versus 65% [169 or 259]; odds ratio [OR], 5.366; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-11.78; p < 0.001). Additionally, late-presenting patients were more likely to have had a history of swaddling (40% [53 of 133] versus 25% [64 of 259]; OR, 2.053; 95% CI, 1.22-3.45; p = 0.0016). No difference was seen for sex (p = 0.63), birth presentation (p = 0.088), birth weight (p = 0.90), maternal age (p = 0.39), maternal parity (p = 0.54), gestational age (p = 0.42), or family history (p = 0.11) between the two groups. Late presenters were more likely to present with an irreducible dislocation than early presenters (56% [82 of 147 hips] versus 19% [63 of 333 hips]; OR, 5.407; 95% CI, 3.532-8.275; p < 0.001) and were less likely to have a bilateral dislocation (11% [14 of 133] versus 28% [73 of 259]; OR, 0.300; 95% CI, 0.162-0.555; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Those presenting with DDH after 3 months of age have fewer of the traditional risk factors for DDH (such as breech birth), which may explain the reason for a missed diagnosis at a younger age. In addition, swaddling history was more common in late-presenting infants. A high index of suspicion for DDH should be maintained for all infants, not just those with traditional risk factors for DDH. Further investigation is required to determine if swaddling is a risk factor for the development of hip dislocations in older infants. More rigorous examination into traditional screening methods should also be performed to determine whether current screening is sufficient and whether late-presenting dislocations are present early and missed or whether they develop over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective study.

Proximal Femoral Varus Derotation Osteotomy in Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Effect of Age, Gross Motor Function Classification System Level, and Surgeon Volume on Surgical Success.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid-term results of proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) in children with cerebral palsy and determine what effect age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and surgeon volume had on surgical success. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of children with cerebral palsy who underwent VDRO for hip displacement at a tertiary-level pediatric hospital between 1994 and 2007. Age, sex, GMFCS level, preoperative radiographic parameters, previous botulinum toxin administration or soft-tissue release, adjunctive pelvic osteotomy, the performance of bilateral surgery at the index VDRO, and surgeon volume (the number of procedures performed) were recorded. Results were analyzed via univariate and multivariate analyses for association with the need for revision hip surgery. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were generated, determining the time from index surgery to failure (defined as the need for subsequent surgical procedures on the hip and/or pelvis, or a hip migration percentage of >50% at the time of final follow-up), and were further stratified according to osseous versus soft-tissue revision. RESULTS: A total of 567 VDROs were performed in 320 children (mean age [and standard deviation], 8.2 ± 3.8 years). The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (range, three to eighteen years). Of the initial 320 patients, 117 (37%) were considered to have had failure. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that younger age at surgery (p < 0.001), increased GMFCS level (p = 0.01), and lower annual surgical hip volume (p = 0.02) were significant independent predictors of any type of surgical revision. Furthermore, soft-tissue release at VDRO was protective against revision (p = 0.02). Five-year survivorship analysis revealed a 92% success rate for children classified as GMFCS levels I and II compared with a 76% success rate for those of GMFCS level V (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a 37% failure rate after VDRO in children with cerebral palsy. Older age, lower GMFCS level, and increased surgeon volume were strong predictors of surgical success.

Medial versus anterior open reduction for developmental hip dislocation in age-matched patients.

BACKGROUND: The difference between medial (MAOR) and anterior (AAOR) approaches for open reduction of developmental hip dysplasia in terms of risk for avascular necrosis (AVN) and need for further corrective surgery (FCS, femoral and/or acetabular osteotomy) is unclear. This study compared age-matched cohorts undergoing either MAOR or AAOR in terms of these 2 primary outcomes. Prognostic impact of presence of ossific nucleus at time of open reduction was also investigated. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Nineteen hips (14 patients) managed by MAOR were matched with 19 hips (18 patients) managed by AAOR based on age at operation (mean 6.0; range, 1.4 to 14.9 mo). Patients with neuromuscular conditions and known connective tissue disorders were excluded. Primary outcomes assessed at minimum 2 years' follow-up included radiographic evidence of AVN (Kalamchi and MacEwen) or requiring FCS. RESULTS: MAOR and AAOR cohorts were similar regarding age at open reduction, sex, laterality, and follow-up duration. One hip in each group had AVN before open reduction thus were excluded from AVN analysis. At minimum 2 years postoperatively (mean 6.2; range, 1.8 to 11.7 y), 4/18 (22%) MAOR and 5/18 (28%) AAOR met the same criteria for AVN (P=1.0). No predictors of AVN could be identified by regression analysis. Presence of an ossific nucleus preoperatively was not a protective factor from AVN (P=0.27). FCS was required in 4/19 (21%) MAOR and 7/19 (37%) AAOR hips (P=0.48). However, 7/12 (54%) hips failing closed reduction required FCS compared with 4/26 (16%) hips without prior failed closed reduction (P=0.024). Cox regression analysis showed that patients who failed closed reduction had an annual risk of requiring FCS approximately 6 times that of patients without a history of failed closed reduction (hazard ratio=6.1; 95% CI, 1.5-24.4; P=0.009), independent of surgical approach (P=0.55) or length of follow-up (P=0.78). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of age-matched patients undergoing either MAOR or AAOR, we found no association between surgical approach and risk of AVN or FCS. In addition, we identified no protective benefit of a preoperative ossific nucleus in terms of development of AVN. However, failing closed reduction was associated with a 6-fold increased annual risk of requiring FCS. SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing these 2 surgical techniques in an age-matched manner. It further corroborates previous studies stating that there may be no difference in risk of AVN based on surgical approach or presence of ossific nucleus preoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Acute compartment syndrome in children and teenagers with tibial shaft fractures: incidence and multivariable risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in children and teenagers with tibial shaft fractures and report associated risk factors. DESIGN: Retrospective Case Control. SETTING: Level 1 pediatric trauma hospital. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred sixteen tibial shaft fractures in 212 patients (160 males and 52 females; median age, 13 years) over a 5-year period were reviewed. INTERVENTION: One hundred thirty-two (61%) fractures were treated with closed reduction and casting, 36 with external fixation, 27 with locked intramedullary nails, and 21 with flexible intramedullary nails. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ACS was diagnosed clinically or by intracompartment pressure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis tested age, gender, weight, physeal status, mechanism of injury, time to surgery, fracture type, and treatment intervention as possible risk factors for development of ACS. RESULTS: There were 25 (11.6%) cases of ACS. Multivariable predictors of ACS included age of 14 years and older (22/96 = 23% vs. 3/120 = 3%, P < 0.001) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) (13/57 = 23% vs. 12/159 = 8%, P < 0.001). Incidence of ACS was 48% among patients aged 14 years and older, who sustained MVA (12/25). Gender, physeal status, time to surgery, and surgical fixation were not predictive of ACS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study in children and teenagers reporting the incidence of ACS from tibial shaft fractures. The incidence of 11.6% is higher than previously reported and much higher in patients older than14 years of age and involved in an MVA. Surgeons should be especially aware and suspicious of this diagnosis in teenagers with tibial shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.