Using a dedicated spine radiology technologist is associated with reduced fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and surgical time in pediatric spinal deformity surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure during pediatric spine surgery using a dedicated radiology technologist with extensive experience in spine operating rooms. Repetitive use of intraoperative fluoroscopy during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) exposes the patient, surgeon, and staff to radiation. METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted on patients with posterior spinal fusion (PSF) of ≥ 7 levels for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) at a pediatric hospital from 2015 to 2019. Cases covered by the dedicated radiology technologist (dedicated group) were compared to all other cases (non-dedicated group). Surgical and radiologic variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: 230 patients were included. 112/230 (49%) were in the dedicated group and 118/230 (51%) were in the non-dedicated group. Total fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced in cases with the dedicated technologist (46 s) compared to those without (69 s) (p = 0.001). Radiation dose area product (DAP) and air kerma (AK) were reduced by 43% (p < 0.001) and 42% (p < 0.001) in the dedicated group, respectively. The dedicated group also had reduced total surgical time (4.1 vs. 3.5 h; p < 0.001) and estimated blood loss (447 vs. 378 cc (; p = 0.02). Multivariate regression revealed that using a dedicated radiology technologist was independently associated with decreased fluoroscopy time (p = 0.001), DAP (p < 0.001), AK (p < 0.001), surgical time (p < 0.001), and EBL (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In AIS patients undergoing PSF, using a dedicated radiology technologist was independently associated with significant reductions in fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, surgical time, and EBL. This adds to the growing body of research demonstrating that the experience level of the team-not just that of the surgeon-is necessary for optimal outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The prevalence and risk factors for foot pressure ulcers in ambulatory pediatric patients with spina bifida.

AIM: To determine prevalence, incidence and risk factors for foot pressure ulcers in ambulatory children with spina bifida. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study of 72 ambulatory children (age range 0-23.9 years) with spina bifida treated at a pediatric tertiary care facility. Data on foot pressure ulcers were recorded and analyzed to determine prevalence, incidence and predictive factors. RESULTS: Foot pressure ulcers occurred in 50/143 limbs (35%) over 10.5 ± 3.5 years. Average incidence was 0.10 foot pressure ulcer incidents per person-year, and prevalence in years with complete follow-up was 8.8%. Prevalence was related to age [higher for ages 11-15 (17%), than ages 0-10 (5%) and 16+ years (7%), p < 0.0001], and varus/valgus foot deformities (p < 0.001) and brace use (0.32 risk difference, p = 0.01), but not with standing foot position, deformity rigidity, body mass index, spina bifida type, lesion level, ambulatory level or co-morbidities. Most common sites were the heel (21/96, 22%), lateral malleolus (12/96, 13%), and plantar 5th metatarsal head (11/96, 12%). CONCLUSION: Foot pressure ulcers occur in nearly 1 out of 10 ambulatory children with spina bifida, most often in pre-teens or young teen-agers with foot deformities, who use braces. This information can help direct skin care education and prevention to those most vulnerable.Implications for RehabilitationFoot pressure ulcers occur in children and adolescents with spina bifida, most commonly in those aged 11-15 years, with foot deformities and who use braces.Ulcer development was unrelated to stiffness of foot deformity, body mass index, lesion or functional level, or presence of comorbidities such as Arnold-Chiari malformation, syringomyelia or shunted hydrocephalus.Skin care education and preventative measures should be provided to all patients, but with particular emphasis for those with these risk factors.

Dedicated spine nurses and scrub technicians improve intraoperative efficiency of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To determine how the use of dedicated spine surgical nurses and scrub technicians impacted surgical outcomes of posterior spinal fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Dedicated team approaches to surgery have been shown to improve surgical outcomes. However, their study on orthopaedics and spine surgery is limited. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent a primary posterior spinal fusion of seven or more levels for AIS at a tertiary care pediatric hospital with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up from 2006 to 2013 was conducted. Our institution had dedicated spine surgeons and anesthesiologists throughout the study period, but use of dedicated spine nurses and scrub technicians was variable. The relationship between the proportion of nurses and scrub technicians that were dedicated spine and surgical outcome variables was examined. A multiple regression was performed to control for the surgeon performing the case and the start time. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients met criteria. When teams were composed of < 60% dedicated spine nurses and scrub technicians, there was 34 min more total OR time (p = .008), 27 min more surgical time (p = .037), 7 min more nonsurgical OR time (p = .030), 30% more estimated blood loss (EBL) (p = .013), 27% more EBL per level instrumented (p = .020), 113% more allogeneic transfusion (p = .006), and 104% more allogeneic transfusion per level instrumented (p = .009). There was no significant difference in length of stay, unplanned staged procedures, surgical site infection, reoperation, or major medical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Performing posterior spinal fusions for AIS patients with dedicated spine nurses and scrub technicians is associated with a significant decrease in total OR time, blood loss, and transfusion rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Isolated femoral shaft fractures in children rarely require a blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: No recent study has examined how a trend toward surgical fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures has impacted blood loss and transfusion requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing transfusions in the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with femoral shaft fractures treated surgically from 2004 - 2017 at a tertiary pediatric hospital was conducted. Electronic medical records were reviewed for fixation method, additional injuries, blood loss (estimated blood loss (EBL), hemoglobin, hematocrit) and transfusion. The relationship between fixation method with blood loss and transfusion was examined. Two groups were compared, those with and without additional injuries. Additional injuries were defined as additional fractures and/or abdominal, chest, or head injuries. RESULTS: 172 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 129 patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures and 43 patients with femoral shaft fractures and concomitant additional injuries. The transfusion rate in patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures was 0.8% (1/129) which was significantly lower than in patients with additional injuries; 39.5% (17/43) (p < 0.05). In patients with additional injuries, there was a significant relationship between number of additional surgeries and odds of transfusion (OR=2.1, CI: 1.2-3.6, p < 0.05). In patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures, EBL was higher in patients treated with rigid intramedullary nails (148.5 ± 119.0 mL) than flexible intramedullary nails (34.1 ± 56.3 mL) (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in transfusion or changes in hemoglobin/hematocrit between fixation methods in patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures. CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with surgically treated isolated femoral shaft fractures rarely require transfusion (<1%), while patients with femoral shaft fractures and additional injuries had a high transfusion rate (39.5%). Surgical fixation method had a significant impact on EBL, with rigid intramedullary nail fixation having a significantly higher EBL than flexible intramedullary nails, however it did not lead to higher rates of transfusions. Blood transfusions are rarely needed in isolated femoral shaft fractures, despite the trend towards increase in surgical fixation and newer fixation techniques.

Pediatric trigger thumb caused by a flexor tendon sheath ganglion.

Pediatric trigger thumb is a common reason for toddlers to present to a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon. There is controversy over the precise etiology and optimal treatment method. Current accepted diagnostic and treatment algorithms in children have not varied based on etiology. This report describes the clinical presentation and care of a 3-year-old child with pediatric trigger thumb and surgical findings of a large flexor tendon sheath ganglion at the level of the annular pulley with no apparent nodule within the FPL. The potential implications for consideration of etiology in current diagnostic and treatment guidelines are discussed.

Pelvic Obliquity Correction in Distraction-Based Growth Friendly Implants.

DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiographic outcomes and complication rates of patients treated with distraction based implants and pelvic fixation with either screws (sacral-alar-iliac [SAI] screws or iliac screws) or hooks (S hook iliac fixation). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Multiple options exist for pelvic fixation in distraction-based growing rod systems; however, limited comparative data are available. METHODS: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients of all diagnoses with distraction-based implants that had pelvic fixation from 2000 to 2013 were reviewed from two EOS multicenter databases. Patients were divided into two groups by type of pelvic fixation: (1) screw group (SAI screws or iliac screws) or (2) S hooks. Exclusion criteria were as follows: index instrumentation ≥10 years old and follow up <2 years. A total of 153 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at index surgery was 6.1 years (range 1.0-9.9 years) and mean follow-up was 4.9 years. RESULTS: Pelvic fixation in the 153 patients was as follows: screw group = 42 and S hook group = 111. When comparing patients with >20° of initial pelvic obliquity, the screw group had significantly more correction; mean 26° ± 13° for the screw group versus mean 17° ± 7° in the S hook group (p = .039). There was no significant difference in change in T1-S1 length (40 vs. 39 mm, p = .89) or correction of Cobb angle (30° vs. 24°, p = .24). The total complication rate for the screw group was 14% (6/42) versus 25% (28/111) in the S hook group, though this did not achieve significance (p = .25). The most common complications were device migration (13), implant failure (8), and implant prominence (4) for S hooks and implant failure (3), implant prominence (2), and device migration (1) for the screw group. CONCLUSION: In distraction-based growth-friendly constructs, pelvic fixation with screws achieved better correction of pelvic obliquity than S hooks. Complications were almost twice as common with S hooks than screws, though this did not reach statistical significance.

Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with DDH at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2012 with 2 years minimum follow-up was conducted. The relationship between socioeconomic factors with late presentation, treatment, and outcomes was examined. Socioeconomic factors included insurance status, language, and ethnicity. RESULTS: In total, 188 patients met criteria. Patients with late presentations were more likely to be Hispanic (P = .02). However, public insurance and a non-English language were not associated with late presentation. Hispanic patients (P = .01) and patients with a non-English language (P = .01) had a lower nonoperative treatment success rate. Hispanic patients had more surgical procedures performed than non-Hispanic patients (P = .04). Patients with range of motion limitations were more likely to have public insurance (P = .05) and be Hispanic (P = .04). On multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for late presentation, patients with public insurance had increased odds of range of motion limitations (OR 2.22, P = .04). Patients with public insurance (OR 0.44, P = .04), a non-English primary language (OR 0.30, P < .01), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.37, P = .01) had decreased odds of successful nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Public insurance, a non-English language, and Hispanic ethnicity are risk factors for inferior outcomes for DDH. When controlling for late presentation, these were significant risk factors for nonoperative treatment failure.

The Incidence of Pin Tract Infections and Septic Arthritis in Percutaneous Distal Femur Pinning.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde percutaneous pinning often involves intra-articular pin placement. Classic teaching has cautioned about the risk of septic arthritis with intra-articular pins, although an incidence has not been reported for this complication. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pin tract infections and septic arthritis following retrograde percutaneous pinning of the distal femur. METHODS: A retrospective review identified patients who underwent retrograde percutaneous pinning of the distal femur for osteotomy or physeal fracture fixation at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2006 to 2017 and had at least 3 months follow-up. The incidence of pin site infections and septic arthritis was determined. RESULTS: In total, 163 patients met criteria, 142 patients with osteotomies and 21 with physeal fractures. The mean pin duration was 33.2±9.0 days (range: 18 to 68 d). Pin duration of ≥30 days was associated with an increased rate of pin tract infections (11.2% vs. 1.4%, P=0.01). The incidence of pin tract infections was 6.7% (11/163), including 9.5% (2/21) in those with fractures and 6.3% (9/142) following osteotomy (P=0.64). There were no cases of septic arthritis. Of the 11 patients with pin tract infections, 9 were treated successfully with oral antibiotics and 2 patients (1.2%) underwent surgical intervention for infection. Treatment of pin infections with oral antibiotics alone was successful in all 7 patients whose pins were removed within 35 days of surgery, but in only 2 of 4 whose pins were removed later (P=0.11). Of the 2 patients who required irrigation and debridement, one had a superficial pin site infection and retained subcutaneous pin and the other had a pin tract abscess and osteomyelitis at the osteotomy site. CONCLUSIONS: Of 163 patients who underwent retrograde percutaneous pinning of the distal femur, no patient developed septic arthritis and the incidence of pin site infections was 6.7% (11/163). Intra-articular retrograde percutaneous pinning of the distal femur is a safe technique with a low risk of septic arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-case-control study.

Upper extremity conversion disorder in children.

BACKGROUND: Conversion disorder in children presents a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The condition is frequently associated with unnecessary diagnostic tests, treatments, and cost. The purpose of this study was to report a series of children with upper extremity conversion disorder to raise awareness for this uncommon condition and to assist with its diagnosis and management. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 4 pediatric patients with upper extremity conversion disorder at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2015 to 2017. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, including psychiatric history, clinical findings, diagnostic studies, treatment, and cost of care. RESULTS: Patients presented with upper extremity muscle stiffness, unremitting dysmorphic muscle spasms, weakness, pain, very limited shoulder range of motion, and complaints of recurrent shoulder dislocations. All patients had been evaluated by multiple specialists and had an extensive prior diagnostic workup that was inconclusive. Two patients had a history of prior psychiatric illness and suicidal ideation, and all patients expressed despair and depression. All patients had normal physical examination findings under anesthesia. Two patients with muscle stiffness were treated with botulism injections and improved their shoulder range of motion. The average total charge for care since presentation was $42,729. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion disorder should be considered in patients with an extensive prior diagnostic workup, deficits inconsistent with anatomic patterns or imaging findings, and a history of prior psychiatric illness. Examination under anesthesia is a successful diagnostic approach in children with suspected conversion disorder.

Foam Padding in Postoperative Lower Extremity Casting: An Inexpensive Way to Protect Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although postoperative cast immobilization is routinely used in children, it is not without complications. Few studies have focused on interventions to decrease their frequency. The purpose of this study was to determine if foam padding in postoperative lower extremity casts decreased the rate of cast complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent lower extremity casting after elective surgery at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2006 to 2013 was conducted. Postoperative casts were classified by type (A-frame, short leg, long leg, spica) and the presence of foam. Charts were reviewed for skin complications, cast splits for apparent neurovascular deficits, cast splits for patient complaints, unplanned outpatient returns for cast-related issues, and compartment syndrome. RESULTS: In total, 920 patients with 2,481 casts were included. In total, 612 (24.7%) casts had foam placed during casting. The incidence of skin complications was significantly lower in A-frame casts with foam (4.5%, 5/112) than without (13.4%, 11/82) (P=0.03) and long leg casts with foam (0.9%, 2/225) than without (4.3%, 19/444) (P=0.02). Patients with static encephalopathy casted with foam had a lower incidence of skin complications (0.7%, 2/279) than those without (3.6%, 22/615) (P=0.01). There was no difference in the overall incidence of skin complications in casts with and without foam (P=0.44), short leg casts (P=0.37), and spica casts (P=0.34). Patients with skin complications (20.3±7.1 kg/m) had a higher body mass index than those without (18.9±5.4 kg/m) (P=0.04). Postoperative A-frame casts with foam (0.0%, 0/112) were split less often for apparent neurovascular deficits than those without foam (4.5%, 3/67) (P=0.05). The cast split rates for apparent neurovascular deficits in casts with and without foam (P=0.58), long leg casts (P=0.67), short leg casts (P=0.63), and spica casts (P=1.0) were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The use of foam in postoperative lower extremity casting is an effective intervention to reduce the incidence of skin complications in patients with static encephalopathy, in an A-frame cast, or in a long leg cast. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Incidence of Respiratory Complications Following Lumbar Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence, risk factors for, and types of respiratory complications occurring in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing various lumbar spine surgeries from 2007 to 2014 were identified using the PearlDiver patient record database from the nationwide insurance provider Humana Inc. Patient records were analyzed using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes to determine the incidence of pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary collapse, and acute respiratory failure for each procedure type. The incidence of these complications in patients with the risk factors diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smoking was also examined. RESULTS: A total of 64,891 patients (33,280 females; 31,611 males) within the Humana database underwent various lumbar procedures from 2007 to 2014. The overall incidence of respiratory complications in patients undergoing lumbar procedures was 5.7% (n = 3694) within 1 month of having the procedure. Pulmonary collapse was the most common complication with an incidence of 4.3% (n = 2792), followed by pneumonia 1.98% (n = 1285), acute respiratory failure 1.97% (n = 1279), and pleural effusion 1.6% (n = 1048). For each respiratory complication studied, single level discectomy had the lowest complication rate and multilevel anterior lumbar interbody fusion had the highest complication rate. The incidence of each individual respiratory complication was higher in patients who had a history of smoking, COPD, or diabetes mellitus than it was in patients with none of these 3 risk factors (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patients who have a history of smoking, COPD, or diabetes mellitus are at a greater risk for respiratory complications following lumbar spine surgery. These findings are useful for patient selection, clinical decision-making, and preoperative counseling.