What's New in Pediatric Septic Arthritis? A Review of Pertinent Clinical Questions.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation and treatment of children with septic arthritis (SA) is challenging and requires an organized approach to address the spectrum of pathogens which appear to aggregate in age-specific groups. Although evidence-based guidelines have recently been published for the evaluation and treatment of children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, there is a relative dearth of literature devoted exclusively to SA. METHODS: Recently published guidance for the evaluation and treatment of children with SA was reviewed and evaluated with respect to pertinent clinical questions to summarize what is new in this area of practice for pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. RESULTS: Evidence suggests that there is a profound difference between children with primary SA and those who have contiguous osteomyelitis. This disruption of the commonly accepted paradigm of a continuum of osteoarticular infections has important implications in the evaluation and treatment of children with primary SA. Clinical prediction algorithms have been established to help determine the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging during the evaluation of children suspected to have SA. Antibiotic duration for SA has been recently studied with some evidence in favor of short-course parenteral followed by short-course oral therapy may be successful if the pathogen is not methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . CONCLUSION: Recent studies of children with SA have provided better guidance for evaluation and treatment to improve diagnostic accuracy, processes of evaluation, and clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Comparison of Procalcitonin With Commonly Used Biomarkers and Algorithms for Evaluating Suspected Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection in the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION: It is difficult to distinguish between children with infectious versus noninfectious conditions of the musculoskeletal system during initial evaluation. Clinical predictive algorithms potentially support this effort but not without limitations. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as a biomarker to help differentiate infection from noninfection. This study evaluates the adoption and utility of PCT during initial infection evaluations and assesses test characteristics of commonly used parameters and algorithms. METHODS: PCT was introduced for initial laboratory evaluation of the suspected musculoskeletal infection. Prospective enrollment occurred from July 2020 to November 2021 with 3 cohorts established after a retrospective review of final diagnoses at the end of treatment: 1) deep infection, 2) superficial infection, and 3) noninfection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of parameters and diagnoses was performed. Test characteristics of individual and aggregated parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Among 258 children evaluated, 188 (72.9%) had PCT drawn during the evaluation. An increase of PCT acquisition from 67.8% to 82.4% occurred over the study timeframe. Eighty-five children were prospectively studied, including those with deep infection (n=21); superficial infection (n=10), and noninfection (n=54). Test characteristics of parameters showed accuracy ranging from 48.2% to 85.9%. PCT >0.1 ng/mL independently predicted deep infection in 84.7% of cases, outperforming white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), and absolute neutrophil count. Using study thresholds for CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, PCT, and Temp improved accuracy to 89.4%. CONCLUSIONS: PCT is a potentially useful biomarker during the initial assessment of children suspected to have a musculoskeletal infection. Systematic evaluation using a combination of parameters improves the accuracy of assessment and assists predictive judgment under uncertainty. PCT <0.1 ng/mL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate <18 mm/hr, CRP <3.3 mg/dL, and temperature <37.8°C should reasonably reassure clinicians that deep musculoskeletal infection is less likely, given the high negative predictive value and collective accuracy of these parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - Retrospective cohort comparison.

Primary Septic Arthritis in Children Demonstrates Presumed and Confirmed Varieties Which Require Age-specific Evaluation and Treatment Strategies.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty involved in the evaluation and treatment of children suspected to have septic arthritis particularly when no causative pathogen is confirmed. This study evaluates children with primary septic arthritis to refine the processes of evaluation and treatment and improve the rate of pathogen confirmation. METHODS: Children suspected to have septic arthritis from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively studied. Diagnosis of primary septic arthritis, defined as hematogenous joint infection without associated osteomyelitis, was established by clinical evaluation, radiology and laboratory results, including joint fluid analysis. Excluded cases were categorized by etiology. Children with primary septic arthritis were divided into confirmed and presumed cohorts for statistical comparison. RESULTS: A total of 355 children (average age 4.4 y, range 0.05 to 18 y) were initially treated as septic arthritis. Eighty-seven (24.5%) were excluded due to other conditions, including 34 (9.6%) with noninfectious conditions. Among 268 children with primary septic arthritis, 134 were confirmed and 134 were presumed. A higher rate of 16S polymerase chain reaction (PCR) acquisition (71.6% vs. 45.5%) occurred in the confirmed cohort. Overall yield for various methods of pathogen identification were 27 of 239 (11.3%) by blood culture, 83 of 268 (31.0%) by joint fluid culture and 85 of 157 (54.1%) by PCR. PCR identified a pathogen in 87.5% of children with confirmed septic arthritis. Antibiotic pretreatment was associated with a lower rate of joint fluid culture positivity. Pathogens aggregated within specific age groups. The 4 to 9-year-old age group displayed the widest spectrum of pathogens with limited predictability. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the need for systematic processes of evaluation and treatment for children suspected to have primary septic arthritis, including minimization of antibiotic pretreatment, age-based empiric antibiotic selection, and sufficient follow-up to ensure noninfectious conditions are distinguished in culture-negative cases. Extended observation, before intervention, may be appropriate for some children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective control study.

Primary Septic Arthritis Among Children 6 to 48 Months of Age: Implications for PCR Acquisition and Empiric Antimicrobial Selection.

INTRODUCTION: Primary septic arthritis requires unique evaluation and treatment considerations for children in the 6- to 48-month age range because of the spectrum of identified pathogens and high rate of negative cultures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate primary septic arthritis in this age group in order to differentiate children with infection caused by Kingella kingae from those with other confirmed pathogens and those with no identified pathogen. METHODS: Preschool children who underwent multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment for septic arthritis between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. Three cohorts were established for comparison of clinical and laboratory features of primary septic arthritis: (1) confirmed K. kingae, (2) confirmed other pathogen, and (3) presumed (without identified pathogen). RESULTS: Among 139 children with septic arthritis, 40 (29%) were confirmed K. kingae, 29 (21%) other pathogen, and 70 (50%) presumed. Children with Kingella and those with presumed septic arthritis had significantly lower initial C-reactive protein (4.8 and 4.5 vs. 9.3 mg/dL) and fewer febrile hospital days (0.2 and 0.4 vs. 1.3 d) than children with other confirmed pathogens. Children with other pathogens had higher rates of bacteremia (38% vs. 0%) and positive joint fluid cultures (86% vs. 15%) than that of children with Kingella. The rate of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) acquisition was 38 of 40 (95.0%) Kingella cases, 18 of 29 (62.1%) other pathogen cases, and 33 of 70 (47.1%) presumed cases. CONCLUSIONS: K. kingae was the most commonly identified pathogen among 6-month to 4-year-old children. The Kingella and other identified pathogens in this study serve to guide empiric antimicrobial recommendations for this age range. Because of similarities between children with septic arthritis because of K. kingae and those with no identified pathogen, it is likely that an unrecognized burden of Kingella resides in culture negative cases, particularly if no PCR is sent. Systematic evaluation, including PCR acquisition, and a high index of suspicion for K. kingae are recommended to thoroughly evaluate septic arthritis in preschool children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective cohort comparison.

Pediatric Type II Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Factors Associated With Successful Closed Reduction and Immobilization.

PURPOSE: The debate on the treatment of type IIa supracondylar humerus fractures has yet to be resolved. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors associated with successful closed reduction and immobilization and to assess the efficacy of a novel radiographic "hourglass" angle measurement in the management of type IIa supracondylar humerus fractures within the pediatric population. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all children who underwent closed reduction and casting or splinting of an isolated type IIa supracondylar humerus fractures treated at 2 pediatric hospitals from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2016. Analyzed radiographic parameters included Baumann angle (BA), humerocondylar angle (HCA), perpendicular distance (PD) from the anterior humeral line to the capitellum, and the hourglass angle (HGA). These parameters were measured on injury radiographs (XR), postreduction XR, and at the first and final follow-up XR. The success of closed reduction was defined as maintenance of an acceptable reduction without a secondary procedure. The interobserver reliability was calculated. RESULTS: There were 77 elbows treated with closed reduction and long-arm cast or splint immobilization. Of those closed reductions, 76.62% of elbows (59/77) maintained their reduction alignment and did not require surgical treatment for percutaneous pinning. In this series, the BA was not significantly different following closed reduction ([INCREMENT]1.04 degrees; P=0.081); however, the PD ([INCREMENT]1.89 mm), HGA ([INCREMENT]7.38 degrees), and HCA ([INCREMENT]5.07 degrees) had significant improvement following closed reduction (P<0.001 for all). The use of procedural sedation during reduction was strongly associated with success, 83.05% (49/59) with sedation compared with 55.56% (10/18) success without sedation (P=0.025). Furthermore, fractures that underwent a secondary procedure had 6.20 degrees less HGA following a closed reduction (P=0.016) and required additional follow-up visits (P=0.0037). The success of type IIa supracondylar humerus fractures did not significantly differ based on sex (P=0.5684), laterality (P=0.6975), mechanism of injury (P>0.9999), location of care-emergency department versus clinic (P=0.1160), or type of fracture immobilization (P=0.7411). The mean HGA in normal elbows was 177.8 degrees. The interobserver reliability for HCA was poor [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.342]; fair for BA (ICC=0.458); and excellent for both PD and HGA (ICC=0.769 and 0.805, respectively) (P<0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Improved and acceptable radiographic parameters were achieved by a closed reduction in the majority of minimally displaced type IIa fractures treated by closed reduction and immobilization in this series. HCA upon presentation was significantly greater in successful cases, and failure to improve and maintain HGA and PD following closed reduction was associated with loss of reduction. Procedural sedation during reduction was strongly associated with success. The HGA and PD were consistent parameters used to determine effective management of type IIa fractures. This study adds support for a nonoperative closed reduction under sedation with immobilization of selected type IIa supracondylar humerus fractures.

Validation and Modification of a Severity of Illness Score for Children With Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Children with osteomyelitis demonstrate a wide spectrum of illness. Objective measurement of severity is important to guide resource allocation and treatment decisions, particularly for children with advanced illness. The purpose of this study is to validate and improve a previously published severity of illness scoring system for children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO). METHODS: Children with AHO were prospectively studied during evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary team who provided care according to evidence-based guidelines to reduce variation. A severity of illness score was calculated for each child and correlated with surrogate measures of severity. Univariate analysis was used to assess the significance of each parameter within the scoring model along with new parameters, which were evaluated to improve the model. The scoring system was then modified by the addition of band count to replace respiratory rate. The modified score was calculated and applied to the prospective cohort followed by correlation with the surrogate measures of severity. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight children with AHO were consecutively studied. The original severity of illness score correlated well with length of stay and other established measures of severity. Band percent of the white blood cell differential ≥1.5% was found to be significantly associated with severity and chosen to replace respiratory rate in the model. The modified calculated severity scores correlated well with the chosen surrogate measures and significantly differentiated children with osteomyelitis on the basis of causative organism, length of stay, intensive care, surgeries, bacteremia, and disseminated or multifocal disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study validate the previously published severity of illness scoring tool in large cohort of children who were prospectively evaluated. The replacement of respiratory rate with band count improved the scoring system.

Electronic Medical Record Use and Satisfaction Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic medical record (EMR) use among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons has evolved substantially within the past decade. In response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, large hospitals and tertiary pediatric medical centers rapidly acquired and implemented EMRs with uncertainty as to the potential impact on patient care and operational efficiency of subspecialists. This study reviews the background and regulatory framework for Meaningful Use of EMR and assesses the current landscape of EMR utilization by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: In 2015, the Practice Management Committee distributed a survey regarding EMR use and satisfaction to members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Survey responses from 324 members were used to analyze levels of satisfaction by EMR platform and practice type and to consider drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction of end users. RESULTS: Although there were no differences in overall satisfaction based on vendor or practice type, significant differences were noted for 5 specific parameters of satisfaction, including: usefulness of templates, efficiency of practice workflow, information services support, number of logon events, and speed of the system. A user/vendor map is provided to facilitate networking among providers and groups utilizing common EMR platforms to help bring about rational improvements in EMR functionality for the future. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial effort needs to be made to improve subspecialty-specific EMR documentation, order entry, research tools, and clinical workflows to enhance the processes of care for children with orthopaedic conditions in the era of EMR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Current Issues Affecting the Practice of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons: Results of the 2014 Workforce Survey of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Orthopaedics.

INTRODUCTION: The opinions of the pediatric orthopaedic workforce are shaped by market forces, regulatory processes, and local experience. The purpose of this report is to summarize the findings of the recent Workforce Survey of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Orthopaedics (SOOr). This submission has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). METHODS: In 2014, the AAP generated a survey to assess perceptions of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons about current issues that affect practice. The survey was sent to 856 POSNA and 141 AAP-SOOr members. Responses were topically organized to report current workforce composition, practice patterns, and perceptions about electronic medical records (EMRs). RESULTS: Responses were collected from August to December, 2014, from 496 (50%) survey recipients including 83 of 141 (59%) AAP-SOOr members and 413 of 856 (48%) POSNA members. Analyses were restricted to the 397 respondents who reported that they are currently practicing pediatric orthopaedics. Nearly all of these (390/391, 100%) indicated that they provide direct patient care and work an average of 60 hours per week. Many (105/378, 28%) indicated that they would soon limit their practice or retire. A majority (299/394, 76%) indicated that they face competition in their geographic area, predominantly due to pediatric orthopaedic subspecialists (269/299, 90%). Major business changes had recently occurred or were anticipated by 21% of participants. Respondents reported that use of EMR makes them less efficient (252/397, 63%) and interferes with the patient-physician relationship (172/397, 43%). DISCUSSION: This workforce survey suggests that pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are concerned with challenges of competition despite concurrent increasing volume and complexity of referrals. External processes such as EMR changes are perceived to negatively impact practice efficiency and satisfaction.

Differentiation of Deep Venous Thrombosis Among Children With or Without Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Children with osteomyelitis are at risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This study evaluates the characteristics of DVT among children to differentiate between those with and without osteomyelitis. METHODS: Children with DVT of any cause were studied between 2008 and 2016. Children with DVT and osteomyelitis were compared with those with DVT without osteomyelitis. Another comparison cohort included children with osteomyelitis but without DVT. Comorbidities, severity of illness (SOI), and clinical course were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: DVT was identified in 224 children, a prevalence of 2.5 per 10,000 children. Among those with DVT, 28 (12.1%) had osteomyelitis. The DVT rate among 466 children with osteomyelitis was 6.0%. Children with osteomyelitis and DVT had greater SOI (9.1 vs. 2.7), bacteremia rate (82.1% vs. 38.4%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus rate (89.3% vs. 21.2%), surgeries per child (2.1 vs. 0.7), and intensive care unit admission rate (67.9% vs. 5.9%) than that of children without DVT (P<0.00001). Of 196 children who had DVT without osteomyelitis, 166 (84.7%) had comorbidities including defined hypercoagulability (27 or 13.8%). Children with DVT due to osteomyelitis were without comorbidities or hypercoagulability (P<0.00001). The rate of pulmonary embolism was similar for children with DVT with or without osteomyelitis (3/28, or 10.7% vs. 18/196, or 9.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Children with DVT and osteomyelitis differ substantially from other children with DVT by the absence of comorbidities or post-thrombotic syndrome. They also differ from children with osteomyelitis without DVT by higher SOI, methicillin-resistant S. aureus rate, and occurrence of intensive care. Awareness of for the characteristics of DVT among children with osteomyelitis will reduce delay to diagnostic ultrasound and improve anticoagulation management which must be carefully coordinated given the high rate of surgery of these children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic, retrospective cohort comparison.

A Novel Classification System Based on Dissemination of Musculoskeletal Infection is Predictive of Hospital Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs) are a common cause of pediatric hospitalization. Children affected by MSKI have highly variable hospital courses, which seem to depend on infection severity. Early stratification of infection severity would therefore help to maximize resource utilization and improve patient care. Currently, MSKIs are classified according to primary diagnoses such as osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, etc. These diagnoses, however, do not often occur in isolation and may differ widely in severity. On the basis of this, the authors propose a severity classification system that differentiates patients based on total infection burden and degree of dissemination. METHODS: The authors developed a classification system with operational definitions for MSKI severity based on the degree of dissemination. The operational definitions were applied retrospectively to a cohort of 202 pediatric patients with MSKI from a tertiary care children's hospital over a 5-year period (2008 to 2013). Hospital outcomes data [length of stay (LOS), number of surgeries, positive blood cultures, duration of antibiotics, intensive care unit LOS, number of days with fever, and number of imaging studies] were collected from the electronic medical record and compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients with greater infection dissemination were more likely to have worse hospital outcomes for LOS, number of surgeries performed, number of positive blood cultures, duration of antibiotics, intensive care unit LOS, number of days with fever, and number of imaging studies performed. Peak C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, and temperature were also higher in patients with more disseminated infection. CONCLUSIONS: The severity classification system for pediatric MSKI defined in this study correlates with hospital outcomes and markers of inflammatory response. The advantage of this classification system is that it is applicable to different types of MSKI and represents a potentially complementary system to the previous practice of differentiating MSKI based on primary diagnosis. Early identification of disease severity in children with MSKI has the potential to enhance hospital outcomes through more efficient resource utilization and improved patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic study.

Key Concepts of Musculoskeletal Infection.

Over the past few decades, musculoskeletal infections have increased in both incidence and severity. The clinical manifestations of musculoskeletal infections range from isolated osteomyelitis to multisite infections with systemic complications. Although this increased incidence of musculoskeletal infections correlates with the increased incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, other nonresistant infectious organisms have been associated with severe musculoskeletal infections; this finding supports the likelihood that an antibiotic resistance profile is not a major factor in bacterial virulence. Instead, a multitude of virulence factors allow infectious organisms to manipulate and evade the immune response of the host. Organisms such as S aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are able to hijack the acute phase response of the host, which allows for protected proliferation and dissemination. The serum factors produced by the acute phase response, including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, erythrocytes/fibrinogen, and platelets, can be used to assess musculoskeletal infection severity and monitor treatment. Bacterial genome sequencing has identified virulence factors in a wide variety of clinical manifestations of musculoskeletal infections and may help identify targets for clinical therapy. Currently, however, the management of musculoskeletal infections relies on accurate organism identification and a thorough recognition of the sites of infection and the tissues that are involved. MRI aids in the localization of musculoskeletal infection and identification of sites that require surgical débridement.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Workforce in 2014: Current Workforce and Projections for the Future.

BACKGROUND: The changing nature of the United States (US) health care system has prompted debate concerning the physician supply. The basic questions are: do we have an adequate number of surgeons to meet current demands and are we training the correct number of surgeons to meet future demands? The purpose of this analysis was to characterize the current pediatric orthopaedic workforce in terms of supply and demand, both present and future. METHODS: Databases were searched (POSNA, SF Match, KID, MGMA) to determine the current pediatric orthopaedic workforce and workforce distribution, as well as pediatric orthopaedic demand. RESULTS: The number of active Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) members increased over the past 20 years, from 410 in 1993 to 653 in 2014 (155% increase); however, the density of POSNA members is not equally distributed, but correlates to population density. The number of estimated pediatric discharges, orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic, has remained relatively stable from 6,348,537 in 1997 to 5,850,184 in 2012. Between 2003 and 2013, the number of pediatric orthopaedic fellows graduating from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and non-Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education programs increased from 39 to 50 (29%), with a peak of 67 fellows (71%) in 2009. DISCUSSION: Although predicting the exact need for pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (POS) is impossible because of the complex interplay among macroeconomic, governmental, insurance, and local factors, some trends were identified: the supply of POS has increased, which may offset the expected numbers of experienced surgeons who will be leaving the workforce in the next 10 to 15 years; macroeconomic factors influencing demand for physician services, driven by gross domestic product and population growth, are expected to be stable in the near future; expansion of the scope of practice for POS is expected to continue; and further similar assessments are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-economic and decision analysis.

Prevalence of Discoid Meniscus During Arthroscopy for Isolated Lateral Meniscal Pathology in the Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Meniscus tears in the young patient are becoming more prevalent. Knowledge of presenting characteristics and morphology can affect treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to review and evaluate all the isolated lateral meniscus pathology that required arthroscopic treatment in a pediatric sports medicine practice and compare presenting characteristics between those with a discoid meniscus and those with normal meniscal morphology. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all isolated lateral meniscus arthroscopic procedures from 2003 to 2012 in a high-volume pediatric sports practice. Presentation, radiographs, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. The prevalence and clinical findings of a discoid meniscus in this population and among all age groups were compared with those with a meniscus tear occurring in a normal meniscus. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one arthroscopies were performed for symptomatic isolated lateral menisci pathology. Of these, 75% were discoid in nature; the remainder was tears occurring in normal menisci. Ninety-six of 99 patients (97%) with lateral meniscus pathology under the age of 13 had a discoid meniscus and 66% presented with no injury. There was a transition within the population at 14 years of age, with a rise in the incidence of normal meniscal body tears. Even after this transition point, meniscal pathology incidence remained notable; 59% of isolated lateral meniscus pathology in patients between the ages of 14 and 16 years old were a discoid meniscus. Magnetic resonance imaging criteria for discoid meniscus (3 consecutive sagittal cuts or coronal mid-compartment measure) were unreliable after the age of 13 years old. The ratio of complete to incomplete discoids in all age groups was 4 to 3. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, discoid menisci have a high prevalence in isolated lateral meniscus pathology requiring knee arthroscopy. Clinical presentation, imaging, characteristics, and treatment may be different among different age groups. In the adolescent age group (14 to 16 y old), the presentation of a discoid meniscus may not be different from a meniscus tear with normal morphology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-diagnostic.

The Clinical Usefulness of Polymerase Chain Reaction as a Supplemental Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation and the Treatment of Children With Septic Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Culture-negative septic arthritis occurs frequently in children. The supplemental use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques improves the detection of bacteria in the joint fluid. This study evaluates the clinical utility of PCR at a tertiary pediatric medical center. METHODS: Children with septic arthritis were studied prospectively from 2012 to 2014. Culture results and clinical infection parameters were recorded. PCR was performed whenever sufficient fluid was available from the joint aspiration. A statistical comparison was made for the rates of identification of the causative organism by these methods. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the correspondence of clinical and laboratory parameters with the results of joint fluid culture and PCR. RESULTS: Ninety-nine children with septic arthritis were enrolled consecutively. A broad range of parameter results was identified among these children with an average of 3.6 of 6 parameters per child that met thresholds of infection. Joint fluid cultures were positive in 34 of 97 (35.1%) children from whom they were sent. Among the 68 children from whom the material was sent for PCR, the result was positive in 32 (47.1%). The combination of blood culture, joint fluid culture, and PCR resulted in bacterial detection in 49 of 97 (50.5%) children. PCR improved the rate of detection of Kingella kingae markedly when compared with joint fluid culture. PCR results were available at an average of 14.6 days after the acquisition of joint fluid. 16S PCR results were reported at an average of 17.5 days, whereas Kingella PCR took 5.1 days. DISCUSSION: PCR provides supplemental information for diagnostic confirmation through an increased rate of detection of bacteria. The timing of results and the inability to provide antibiotic sensitivity are factors that limit its clinical usefulness currently.

Clinical and laboratory parameters associated with multiple surgeries in children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: In the era of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, surgical intervention seems to be increasingly common as an adjunct to treatment for pediatric acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO). The purpose of this study is to identify objective clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with repeated surgical intervention during the acute phase of treatment. METHODS: Fifty-seven children who were consecutively evaluated and treated for AHO at a single institution during 2009 were studied retrospectively. Objective clinical and laboratory parameters related to length of hospitalization were recorded for each child. Univariate analysis was performed with ordinal logistic regression, χ, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank-sum and 2-value tests to identify independent variables associated with the occurrence of surgery in children with AHO. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify parameters associated with repeated surgical intervention. RESULTS: Sixteen children were treated with antibiotics alone and no surgery. There were 41 children who had at least 1 surgery and 12 who underwent ≥2 surgeries. Multiple logistic regression showed that a swollen extremity (P=0.002), initial C-reactive protein (CRP) value >9.9 mg/dL (P=0.02), and respiration rate >27 breaths/min (P=0.02) were significantly associated with the occurrence of at least 1 surgery. The best model to identify the occurrence of repeated surgical intervention in children with AHO included: ≥4 febrile days on antibiotics; and the CRP values at admission (>19.8 mg/dL), 48 hours after the initial surgery (>21.5 mg/dL), and 96 hours after the initial surgery (>15.3 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Children with AHO who have sustained marked elevation of CRP values during the first 96 hours after surgery and who remain febrile while on antibiotics have an increased likelihood of repeated surgical intervention and should be evaluated carefully for additional surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Clinical characteristics of severe supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: The safety of delayed surgical treatment of severe supracondylar elbow fractures in children remains debated. No large studies have evaluated complications of injury and surgery evaluating only type 3 fractures. Our aim was to review the results of our experience treating children with severe supracondylar elbow fractures at various time points after injury. METHODS: All children treated operatively for supracondylar humerus fractures from 2004 to 2007 at a single pediatric trauma center were identified. A total of 1296 children had operative treatment, of which 872 had type 3 fractures. Clinical records were reviewed to identify time to surgery from presentation at our institution. Patients were grouped into 4 cohorts [<6 h (n=325), 6 to 12 h (n=224), 12 to 24 h (n=295), and >24 h (n=28)]. Emergency, operative, inpatient, and outpatient records were reviewed to determine morbidity at presentation as well as operative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was no difference in sex, age, or energy mechanism between children in the various time groups. An absent pulse was found in 54 children (6%) at presentation, of which only 5 ultimately required a vascular intervention. Nerve injury occurred in 105 patients (12%). Use of a medial entry pin was not associated with ulnar nerve injury. Increased time from presentation to surgery was not associated with increased morbidity from the injury or treatment complications. In contrast, there was a trend to steady decrease in morbidity and complication rates with increased time to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest single-center study of severe supracondylar humerus fractures and describes rates of vascular compromise, nerve injury, infection, and other complications of these injuries. Most children with type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures can be treated safely in a delayed manner. Appropriate clinical judgment is imperative to optimize outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III--retrospective comparative study.

Operative treatment of type II supracondylar humerus fractures: does time to surgery affect complications?

BACKGROUND: Because of the changing referral patterns, operative pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are increasingly being treated at tertiary referral centers. To expedite patient flow, type II fractures are sometimes pinned in a delayed manner. We sought to determine if delay in surgical treatment of modified Gartland type II supracondylar humerus fractures would affect the rate of complications following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 399 modified Gartland type II supracondylar fractures treated operatively at a tertiary referral center over 4 years. Mean patient age in the type II group was 5 years (range, 1 to 15 y). A total of 48% were pinned within 24 hours, 52% pinned >24 hours after the injury. RESULTS: No difference was in detected in rates of major complications between the early and delayed treatment group. Four percent of patients sustained a complication (16 patients). There were no compartment syndromes, vascular injuries, or permanent nerve injuries. Complications included nerve injury (3), physical therapy referral for stiffness (3), pin site infection (2 treated with oral antibiotics, 4 treated with debridement), refracture (2), and loss of fixation or broken hardware (2). Of the 3 patients who sustained nerve injuries, all underwent surgery within 24 hours of injury. One patient developed an ulnar motor and sensory nerve palsy after fixation with crossed K-wires. This resolved by 7 weeks postoperatively. Two patients presented with an anterior interosseous nerve palsy-1 resolved 1 week after surgery, the other by 8 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Delay in surgery did not result in an increased rate of major complications following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of type II supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Further prospective work is necessary to determine if there are subtle treatment benefits from emergent treatment of type II supracondylar humerus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative series.

Clinical Practice Guideline by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): 2023 Guideline on Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bacterial Arthritis in Pediatrics.

This clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of acute bacterial arthritis (ABA) in children was developed by a multidisciplinary panel representing the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). This guideline is intended for use by healthcare professionals who care for children with ABA, including specialists in pediatric infectious diseases and orthopedics. The panel's recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ABA are based upon evidence derived from topic-specific systematic literature reviews. Summarized below are the recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ABA in children. The panel followed a systematic process used in the development of other IDSA and PIDS clinical practice guidelines, which included a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of the evidence and strength of recommendation using the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) (see Figure 1). A detailed description of background, methods, evidence summary and rationale that support each recommendation, and knowledge gaps can be found online in the full text.

Staphylococcus aureus isolates from children with clinically differentiated osteomyelitis exhibit distinct transcriptomic signatures.

There is substantial genomic heterogeneity among Staphylococcus aureus isolates of children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) but transcriptional behavior of clinically differentiated strains has not been previously described. This study evaluates transcriptional activity of S. aureus isolates of children with AHO that may regulate metabolism, biosynthesis, or virulence during bacterial growth and pathogenesis. In vitro growth kinetics were compared between three S. aureus clinical isolates from children with AHO who had mild, moderate, and severe illness. Total RNA sequencing was performed for each isolate at six separate time points throughout the logarithmic phase of growth. The NASA RNA-Sequencing Consensus Pipeline was used to identify differentially expressed genes allowing for 54 comparisons between the three isolates during growth. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathways were used to evaluate transcriptional variation in metabolism, biosynthesis pathways and virulence potential of the isolates. The S. aureus isolates demonstrated differing growth kinetics under standardized conditions with the mild isolate having higher optical densities with earlier and higher peak rates of growth than that of the other isolates (p<0.001). Enrichment pathway analysis established distinct transcriptional signatures according to both sampling time and clinical severity. Moderate and severe isolates demonstrated pathways of bacterial invasion, S. aureus infection, quorum sensing and two component systems. In comparison, the mild strain favored biosynthesis and metabolism. These findings suggest that transcriptional regulation during the growth of S. aureus may impact the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the progression of severity of illness in childhood osteomyelitis. The clinical isolates studied demonstrated a tradeoff between growth and virulence. Further investigation is needed to evaluate these transcriptional pathways in an animal model or during active clinical infections of children with AHO.

Increased severity of type III supracondylar humerus fractures in the preteen population.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common operative fractures in children; however, no studies describe the older child with this injury. The purpose of this study was to compare Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures in children older than 8 years of age with those in younger children than age 8. We hypothesized that there would be more complications in older children, reflecting a higher-energy injury mechanism. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of supracondylar humerus fractures managed at a single level I pediatric trauma institution from 2004 to 2007 was performed. Patients with type III fractures were divided into groups based on age at presentation greater or less than 8. Baseline demographics, fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, operative technique, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 1297 pediatric patients with surgically treated supracondylar humerus fractures was retrospectively reviewed including 873 (67.3%) type III fractures. Of those, 160 (18.3%) patients were older than age 8 at time of injury. Older children were more likely to have fractures from high-energy mechanisms (45.1% vs. 28.7%, P<0.001) and more open fracture (3.8% vs. 1.3%, P=0.0097). There was no difference in preoperative or iatrogenic neuropraxias between groups. There was a shorter delay between presentation and surgery in older children (mean, 217 vs. 451 min, P<0.0001). Three or more pins were used more often in older patients (61.8% in older children vs. 43.6% in younger children, P<0.0001). Major complications including reoperation, loss of fixation, or compartment syndrome were rare in both groups (1.1% in younger group vs. 0.6% in older group, P=1.000). There was a trend toward more pin site infections in older children (3.75% vs. 1.56%, P=0.071). Physical therapy was required nearly 4 times more frequently in older children for management of residual stiffness (20.0% vs. 5.7%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Children older than 8 years of age have a higher rate of open supracondylar humerus fractures, although nerve injury rates are similar. Surgeons placed more pins for fixation of fractures in older patients and elbow stiffness requiring physical therapy occurred more commonly after surgical intervention. EVIDENCE: III Retrospective cohort.