Diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip by Ultrasound Imaging Using Deep Learning.

BACKGROUND: A timely diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is important for satisfactory clinical outcomes. Ultrasonography is a useful tool for DDH screening; however, it is technically demanding. We hypothesized that deep learning could assist in the diagnosis of DDH. In this study, several deep-learning models were assessed to diagnose DDH on ultrasonograms. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of diagnoses made by artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning on ultrasound images of DDH. METHODS: Infants who were up to 6 months old with suspected DDH were included. DDH diagnosis using ultrasonography was performed according to the Graf classification. Data on 60 infants (64 hips) with DDH and 131 healthy infants (262 hips) obtained from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. For deep learning, a MATLAB deep learning toolbox (MathWorks, Natick, MA, US) was used, and 80% of the images were used as training data, with the rest as validation data. Training images were augmented to increase data variation. In addition, 214 ultrasound images were used as test data to evaluate the AI's accuracy. Pre-trained models (SqueezeNet, MobileNet_v2, and EfficientNet) were used for transfer learning. Model accuracy was evaluated using a confusion matrix. The region of interest of each model was visualized using gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), occlusion sensitivity, and image LIME. RESULTS: The best scores for accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure were all 1.0 in each model. In DDH hips, the region of interest for deep learning models was the area lateral to the femoral head, including the labrum and joint capsule. However, for normal hips, the models highlighted the medial and proximal areas where the lower margin of the os ilium and the normal femoral head exist. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging with deep learning can assess DDH with high accuracy. This system could be refined for a convenient and accurate diagnosis of DDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-Ⅳ.

Treatment for unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: Current status and future challenge in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is challenging and controversial. For many years, the debate centered around closed treatments and especially the pros and cons of manual reduction and its concrete procedure. However, recent studies reported on open treatments such as open reduction through an anterior approach and modified Dunn procedure. Being in a period of such transition, we investigated the current status and future challenge of treatment for unstable SCFE. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of medical institutions specializing in pediatric hip disorders across Japan was conducted. Survey items were the accurate diagnosis of physeal stability, the pre- and intra-operative evaluation of epiphyseal hemodynamics, and current treatment strategy. RESULTS: Survey responses returned from 29 out of 40 participant institutions (response rate: 73%) revealed that 55% of the institutions evaluated physeal stability based on clinical findings of ambulation capability in accordance with the Loder classification. Another 38% diagnosed physeal stability comprehensively by combining the Loder classification and imaging findings. Epiphyseal hemodynamics was assessed preoperatively in 18% of the institutions, effectively using angiography, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone scintigraphy. Intraoperative assessment was performed in 13% based on the bleeding through a drilling hole on the articular surface and observation of the cancellous bone color during open surgeries. As a treatment strategy, 52% of the institutions used in-situ fixation, while another 38% used manual reduction and internal fixation. On the other hand, open reduction was used at 3 institutions (the remaining 10%): the modified Dunn procedure at 2 institutions and arthrotomy at 1 institution. CONCLUSION: Treatment for unstable SCFE remains controversial, but closed treatments without hemodynamic monitoring is no longer the center of the controversy. Today, the topic of the discussion is shifting toward how to correlate hemodynamic findings with treatment procedures and the indications for open treatments.

Does Salter innominate osteotomy predispose the patient to acetabular retroversion in adulthood?

BACKGROUND: Salter innominate osteotomy has been identified as an effective additional surgery for the dysplastic hip. However, because in this procedure, the distal segment of the pelvis is displaced laterally and anteriorly, it may predispose the patient to acetabular retroversion. The degree to which this may be the case, however, remains incompletely characterized. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked, in a group of pediatric patients with acetabular dysplasia who underwent Salter osteotomy, whether the operated hip developed (1) acetabular retroversion compared with contralateral unaffected hips; (2) radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis; or (3) worse functional scores. (4) In addition, we asked whether femoral head deformity resulting from aseptic necrosis was a risk factor for acetabular retroversion. METHODS: Between 1971 and 2001, we performed 213 Salter innominate osteotomies for unilateral pediatric dysplasia, of which 99 hips (47%) in 99 patients were available for review at a mean of 16 years after surgery (range, 12-25 years). Average patient age at surgery was 4 years (range, 2-9 years) and the average age at the most recent followup was 21 years (range, 18-29 years). Acetabular retroversion was diagnosed based on the presence of a positive crossover sign and prominence of the ischial spine sign at the final visit. The center-edge angle, acetabular angle of Sharp, and acetabular index were measured at preoperative and final visits. Contralateral unaffected hips were used as controls, and statistical comparison was made in each patient. Clinical findings, including Harris hip score (HHS) and the anterior impingement sign, were recorded at the final visit. RESULTS: Patients were no more likely to have a positive crossover sign in the surgically treated hips (20 of 99 hips [20%]) than in the contralateral control hips (17 of 99 hips [17%]; p = 0584). In addition, the percentage of positive prominence of the ischial spine sign was not different between treated hips (22 of 99 hips [22%]) and contralateral hips (18 of 99 hips [18%]; p = 0.256). Hips that had a positive crossover or prominence of the ischial spine sign in the operated hips were likely also to have a positive crossover sign or prominence of the ischial spine sign in the unaffected hips (16 of 20 hips [80%] crossover sign, 17 of 22 hips [77%] prominence of the ischial spine sign). At the final visit, five hips (5%) showed osteoarthritic change; one of the five hips (20%) showed positive crossover and prominence of the ischial spine signs, and the remaining four hips showed negative crossover and prominence of the ischial spine signs. There was no significant difference in HHS between the crossover-positive and crossover-negative patient groups nor in the prominence of the ischial spine-positive and prominence of the ischial spine-negative patient groups (crossover sign, p = 0.68; prominence of the ischial spine sign, p = 0.54). Hips with femoral head deformity (25 of 99 hips [25%]) were more likely to have acetabular retroversion compared with hips without femoral-head deformity (crossover sign, p = 0.029, prominence of the ischial spine sign, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Salter innominate osteotomy does not consistently cause acetabular retroversion in adulthood. We propose that retroversion of the acetabulum is a result of intrinsic development of the pelvis in each patient. A longer-term followup study is needed to determine whether retroverted acetabulum after Slater innominate osteotomy is a true risk factor for early osteoarthritis. Femoral head deformity is a risk factor for subsequent acetabular retroversion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

The Pavlik harness in the treatment of developmentally dislocated hips: results of Japanese multicenter studies in 1994 and 2008.

BACKGROUND: It has already been more than 50 years since the Pavlik harness was introduced in Japan, and today the Pavlik harness is widely recognized as the standard initial treatment modality for developmental dysplasia of the hip. We performed a multicenter nationwide questionnaire study concerning the results of Pavlik harness treatment twice in 1994 and 2008. METHODS: In 1994 and in 2008, we sent questionnaires to 12 institutes in Japan specializing mainly in pediatric orthopedics. We compare the results of these two studies and discuss differences in reduction rates, incidence of avascular necrosis in the femoral epiphysis and the percentage of joints with acceptable morphology (Severin grade I + II/total) at skeletal maturity. We statistically assessed these results to see whether there were changes in the treatment outcomes over this 14-year period. RESULTS: Reduction of the dislocated hips was obtained by the Pavlik harness in 80.2% (1990/2481 hips; 1994) and 81.9% (1248/1523 hips; 2008). The incidences of avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis in the dysplastic hips were 14.3% (119/835 hips; 1994) and 11.5% (76/663 hips; 2008). The type of avascular necrosis in hips from the 2008 study was determined according to the classification of Kalamchi and MacEwen: 24/69 hips (34.8%) were classified as group I; 20/69 hips (29.0%) as group II; 11/69 hips (15.9%) as group Ill; 14/69 hips (20.3%) as group IV. The percentages of hips with acceptable outcomes at skeletal maturity discerned from Severin X-ray changes (grade I + II/total) were 72.3% (604/835 hips; 1994) and 77.7% (488/628 hips; 2008). CONCLUSION: Reduction rates and the incidence of avascular necrosis in 2008 were statistically similar to the results in 1994. The rate of acceptable outcome (Severin grade I + II/total) in 2008 was statistically higher than that of 1994.

Complications of Posterior Fusion for Atlantoaxial Instability in Children With Down Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the complications of posterior fusion for atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in children with Down syndrome and to discuss the significance of surgical intervention. METHODS: Twenty pediatric patients with Down syndrome underwent posterior fusion for AAI between February 2000 and September 2018 (age, 6.1 ± 1.9 years). C1-2 or C1-3 fusion and occipitocervical fusion were performed in 14 and 6 patients, respectively. The past medical history, operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), duration of Halo vest immobilization, postoperative follow-up period, and intra- and perioperative complications were examined. RESULTS: The operation time was 257.9 ± 55.6 minutes, and the EBL was 101.6 ± 77.9 mL. Complications related to the operation occurred in 6 patients (30.0%). They included 1 major complication (5.0%): hydrocephalus at 3 months postoperatively, possibly related to an intraoperative dural tear. Other surgery-related complications included 3 cases of superficial infections, 1 case of bone graft donor site deep infection, 1 case of C2 pedicle fracture, 1 case of Halo ring dislocation, 1 case of pseudoarthrosis that required revision surgery, and 1 case of temporary neurological deficit after Halo removal at 2 months postoperatively. Complications unrelated to the operation included 2 cases of respiratory infections and 1 case of implant loosening due to a fall at 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The complication rate of upper cervical fusion in patients with Down syndrome remained high; however, major complications decreased substantially. Improved intra- and perioperative management facilitates successful surgical intervention for upper cervical instability in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.

The predictive value of synovial glucose level in septic arthritis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the joint fluid glucose level to detect septic arthritis. Thirty joints in 30 patients with suspected septic arthritis were evaluated. When glucose level was less than 40 mg/dl, we performed arthrotomy. Eleven patients had joint fluid glucose levels less than 40 mg/dl. All 11 (100%) had positive joint fluid cultures. Conversely, 19 patients had synovial glucose levels of at least 40 mg/dl. Six (31.6%) of these had positive joint fluid cultures. The remaining 13 were diagnosed with transient synovitis. Patients with joint fluid glucose levels less than 40 mg/dl should be suspected septic arthritis.

[Bone dysplasia with short limb].

We described the condition of the disease, clinical appearance, X-rays appearance, orthopaedic problems about Achondroplasia, Pseudoachondroplasia, Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia (Schmid type) , Mesomelic dysplasia (Dyschondrosteosis) as a representative bone dysplasia who present a short stature with short limbs. Clinical features are almost evident at birth in the patient with Achondroplasia. However, in other cases, there is no specific finding on clinically and radiologically at birth. Clinical and radiological findings develop slowly from period for childhood. It is considered that the diagnosis is not difficult since each of them have characteristic clinical features and X-rays views, only if examining them carefully. Correct and rapid diagnosis would be important for having a good relationship with patients.

Comparison of posterior and anterior pelvic osteotomy for bladder exstrophy complex.

To compare the correction and maintenance of the pelvic ring after pelvic osteotomy in bladder exstrophy complex, we analyzed all cases performed at our institution. Posterior osteotomy was performed in six patients; anterior or combined osteotomy was performed in four patients. Patients who underwent posterior osteotomy had a mean pubic approximation of 37.3%. The mean was 62.8% in patients undergoing anterior or combined osteotomy. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05 ). The mean recurrence of separation in pubic diastasis was 90.5% for posterior osteotomy and 41.6% for anterior or combined osteotomy. These results indicate that an anterior or combined pelvic osteotomy corrects and maintains the pelvic ring with a bladder exstrophy complex more effectively than a posterior pelvic osteotomy.

A new predictive indicator by arthrography for future acetabular growth following conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

The aim of this study was to find a new predictive indicator for acetabular growth of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Seventy-three hips that were diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip and treated by conservative reduction were included in our study. In 30 hips with center-edge angle ≤ 10° at age 4, the center-edge of the acetabular limbus angle (CEALA) in the arthrogram was measured. On the basis of the results, CEALA was significantly smaller in the secondary acetabular dysplasia group than in the normal group at maturity. In conclusion, CEALA is a more reliable and accurate predictive indicator for acetabular development than center-edge angle or acetabular index.

Musculoskeletal conditions of acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma in children.

We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients who presented to hospitals with orthopaedic complaints. Twelve patients experienced initial symptoms in the extremities and four patients had back pain. The leukocyte count was elevated in one patient, decreased in two patients, and normal in 13 patients. On radiographic examination, osteopenia was observed in 10 patients, osteolytic lesions were observed in five, and pathologic fractures were observed in five. Because the initial presentation of patients with leukemia often involves the musculoskeletal system, orthopaedists need to recognize the symptoms of this disease to avoid misdiagnosis and to expedite the initiation of appropriate potentially lifesaving treatment.

Biphasic synovial sarcoma in a 13-month-old girl.

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm which commonly occurs in the extremities of adults. We report on a 13-month-old girl with synovial sarcoma in the lateral aspect of her right ankle. The tumor was treated with total excision and 50Gy of irradiation. Histopathologic examination of the excised tumor revealed a biphasic synovial sarcoma. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis of the tumor at follow-up examination 24 months postoperatively.

Acquired pseudarthrosis of the radius and ulna in a neurofibromatosis patient with radiographic normal bone: a case report.

Pseudarthrosis, often associated with neurofibromatosis, usually is present at birth or is the result of pathologic fracture. We present a rare case of a 29-month-old patient with acquired pseudarthrosis in radiographically normal bone.

Extraabdominal desmoid tumor in a surgical scar of a patient with Sprengel's deformity.

Patients with an extraabdominal desmoid tumor have multiple minor bone abnormalities. The authors describe a rare case of an extraabdominal desmoid tumor that developed in a scar 2 years after surgery for Sprengel's deformity of the right shoulder in an 8-year-old girl. The association between the tumor and Sprengel's deformity has never been reported previously. Antecedent surgical trauma might play a role in the development of this tumor.