Usefulness of digital measurements for functional evaluation of paediatric elbow range of motion.

BACKGROUND: Elbow immobilization due to fractures of the upper limb is frequent in paediatric patients. Proper follow-up is critical to assess elbow functional recovery. Telemedicine can be an option for remote monitoring of these patients. The purpose of this study was to compare personal and virtual evaluation of elbow range of motion after long arm cast withdrawal in paediatric patients. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out which included all paediatric patients with elbow immobilization in long arm casts treated at our centre. After cast withdrawal, elbow range of motion was evaluated by telemedicine and in office consultation in all four movements (flexion, extension, pronation and supination). RESULTS: Ninety-three patients met the selection criteria. Median age at time of immobilization was 8 years. Mean elbow immobilization time was 23 days (range 18-56 days). When comparing office and remote measurements, no statistical differences were found for any of the four elbow movements measured in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Remote evaluation of elbow range of motion by telemedicine is technically feasible. We evaluated elbow range of motion in paediatric patients after immobilization and we did not find differences between digital and in office measurements. The results were similar to those obtained through assessment in the office. We believe that this is a useful tool to facilitate remote patient follow-up.

Subtalar arthroereisis in pediatric flexible flat foot: Functional and radiographic results with 5 years of average follow-up.

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical-functional and radiographic results in pediatric patients with painful and disabling Flexible Flat Foot (FFF) refractory to conservative treatment who underwent percutaneous subtalar arthroereisis with a Maxwell Brancheau Arthroereisis® (MBA) implant. Patients aged 8-14 years old with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. A pre and postoperative radiographic evaluation was carried out analyzing Meary's angle, internal Moreau-Costa-Bartani´s angle, Talar declination angle, Calcaneal Pitch, Kite's angle, Talar-1st metatarsal angle, and Talonavicular coverage angle. In those patients with more than 5 years of follow-up, the development of subtalar osteoarthritis was evaluated. A clinical-functional evaluation was carried out using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot rating scale. Pre and postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Postoperative complications were described. Fourteen patients (19 feet) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 12 years old with a mean follow-up of 68.26 months. All radiographic angles improved significantly. No signs of subtalar osteoarthritis were identified. The mean pre and postoperative pain according to VAS was 7.05 and 0.77 respectively. The mean pre and postoperative AOFAS was 75.42 and 97.05 respectively. One female patient had persistent pain in both feet (VAS = 4). However, she was able to do sports and daily life activities without restrictions. None of the implants needed to be removed due to intolerance or pain. Subtalar arthroereisis seems to be effective to improve the clinical-functional and radiographic parameters in moderate pediatric FFF.

Radius shortening as a limiting factor for closed reduction in pediatric forearm fractures. / El acortamiento del radio como factor limitante para la reducción cerrada en fracturas de antebrazo pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: Diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients are common injuries that account for 30% of upper extremity fractures in this age group. There are cases with unstable injuries or unacceptable reductions, in which surgical resolution by reduction and stabilisation with percutaneous elastic endomedullary nailing is indicated. One of the advantages of this system is that it avoids an approach to the fracture site, allowing closed reduction in the vast majority of fractures. However, it is not always possible to achieve an acceptable closed reduction and opening of the fracture site is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are preoperative factors to predict the difficulty of performing closed reduction in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective study of skeletally immature patients with acute diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with elastic endomedullary nailing by the same paediatric surgeon was performed. The primary outcome variable was defined as the need for open reduction; considered as a direct surgical approach to the fracture site. Demographic characteristics of the included patients and radiographic characteristics of the fracture were analysed. RESULTS: We found that the median percentage of preoperative radial shortening in the closed reduction and open reduction groups was 1 and 5%, respectively; resulting in a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Radial shortening on preoperative radiographs predicts an increased risk of requiring an open reduction of the fracture (39% association); thus we understand that this variable should be considered by the general traumatologist as a prognostic factor in defining the referral of these patients.

Management of NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis associated with rib heads dislocation into the spinal canal in neurological intact patients: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: The management of scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis in patients with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) among spinal surgeons is still challenging due to the severity of the deformity especially in dystrophic deformity types. This rapid and progressive condition is likely to be associated with dislocated rib heads into the spinal canal, hence representing a real dilemma on the decision making between its resection versus not resection during the corrective surgery, especially in patients with normal neurological status. The objective of this publication is to discuss the management options in this patient population through a literature review. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed for relevant studies using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Previous publications depicting neurologically intact patients with NF-1 and rib dislocation into the canal were reviewed. Articles reporting individual cases or case series/cohorts with patient-discriminated findings were included. RESULTS: The data collection retrieved a total of 55 neurologically intact patients with NF-1 dystrophic scoliosis and rib penetration into the canal who underwent spinal surgery. Among them, 37 patients underwent surgery without head rib resection and 18 patients with rib excision. No patient presented postoperative neurological deficit except for one case of late postoperative neurological deterioration reported in a patient within situ fusion in which the surgeons ignored the presence of previous spinal cord compression. CONCLUSION: Corrective surgery for patients with NF-1 and rib penetration into the canal in neurologically intact patients can be safely performed without the resection of the dislocated rib heads without a higher risk of neurological compromise.

Sequelae of late diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: case report and surgical technique description. / [Secuela de diagnóstico tardío y tratamiento en displasia del desarrollo de la cadera: reporte de caso y descripción de técnica quirúrgica.]

Developmental hip dysplasia (DHD) is a common entity that affects 4 out of every 1000 live births and is a recognized cause of secondary hip osteoarthritis despite routine perinatal controls. In most patients, the early diagnosis of the pathology allows an evolution without sequelae. However, in the basis that patients diagnosed late and with multiple surgeries are patients with open physis, ossification nuclei present and previous surgeries in the approach area, the late diagnosis represents a real challenge for the orthopedist. We report below the case of a patient treated in our center since birth, who evolved with complications associated with late diagnosis and surgical interventions, describing rescue surgery performed at 12 years of age and finally highlighting the importance of routine perinatals and early diagnosis of DHD.

La displasia del desarrollo de la cadera (DDC) es una entidad frecuente que afecta a 4 de cada 1000 nacidos vivos y es una causa reconocida de artrosis de cadera secundaria a pesar de los controles perinatales de rutina. En la mayoría de los pacientes, el diagnóstico precoz de la patología permite una evolución sin secuelas. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico tardío con múltiples intervenciones representa un verdadero reto para el ortopedista, ya que se trata de pacientes con fisis abierta, nucleos de osificación presentes y cirugías previas en la zona de abordaje. Se reporta a continuación el caso de una paciente tratada en nuestro centro desde su nacimiento, que evolucionó con complicaciones asociadas al diagnóstico tardío y a las intervenciones quirúrgicas, describiendo la cirugía de salvataje realizada a los 12 años de edad y destacando finalmente la importancia de los controles perinatales de rutina y el diagnóstico precoz de la DDC.

Luxaciones puras de codo en pacientes pediátricos: tratamiento conservador y complicaciones asociadas a una patología poco prevalente. Serie de 4 casos / Isolated elbow dislocation in pediatric patients: non-operative treatment and complications associated with an infrequent pathology. Series of 4 cases

Si bien el codo es la articulación más frecuentemente luxada en niños, representa el 3-6 % de las lesiones en ese sitio. Las luxaciones sin fracturas asociadas son muy raras y son producto de una caída con el codo en extensión. El paciente consulta por dolor, impotencia funcional y deformidad evidente. La finalidad del tratamiento es restaurar la congruencia articular, lograr estabilidad y minimizar los riesgos de posibles lesiones neurovasculares.Se presentan 4 pacientes tratados con manejo conservador con excelentes resultados funcionales, incluso aquel que presentó una neuropraxia del mediano con restitución ad integrum.Según nuestra experiencia, suelen ser lesiones con buena evolución. Se destaca la importancia de un rápido y preciso examen neurovascular, optando, de ser posible, por una conducta expectante ante las lesiones nerviosas. Se resalta la indicación de una inmovilización acotada con movilización temprana que evite rigidez del codo.

Even though the elbow is the most often dislocated joint in children, this injury accounts for 3-6 % of elbow pathology. Dislocations without associated fractures are extremely rare. They result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient is always referred with a painful joint, movement impairment and even clinical deformity. Acute treatment aims to achieve quick reduction and adequate joint stability, avoiding neurovascular injuries.We sought to analyze the functional outcomes and the complications after non-operative treatment. Our 4 patien had excellent functional results at the latest follow-up, and one of them suffered from a median nerve palsy without further consequences.In our experience, these injuries presented excellent outcomes and we would like to highlight the importance of a quick and precise neurovascular examination with the possibility of non-surgical management of nerve injuries. A short period of immobilization with early rehabilitation should be indicated to avoid joint stiffness

[Isolated elbow dislocation in pediatric patients: non-operative treatment and complications associated with an infrequent pathology. Series of 4 cases]. / Luxaciones puras de codo en pacientes pediátricos: tratamiento conservador y complicaciones asociadas a una patología poco prevalente. Serie de 4 casos.

Even though the elbow is the most often dislocated joint in children, this injury accounts for 3-6 % of elbow pathology. Dislocations without associated fractures are extremely rare. They result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient is always referred with a painful joint, movement impairment and even clinical deformity. Acute treatment aims to achieve quick reduction and adequate joint stability, avoiding neurovascular injuries. We sought to analyze the functional outcomes and the complications after non-operative treatment. Our 4 patients Luxaciones puras de codo en pacientes pediátricos: tratamiento conservador y complicaciones asociadas a una patología poco prevalente. Serie de 4 casos Isolated elbow dislocation in pediatric patients: non-operative treatment and complications associated with an infrequent pathology. Series of 4 cases had excellent functional results at the latest follow-up, and one of them suffered from a median nerve palsy without further consequences. In our experience, these injuries presented excellent outcomes and we would like to highlight the importance of a quick and precise neurovascular examination with the possibility of non-surgical management of nerve injuries. A short period of immobilization with early rehabilitation should be indicated to avoid joint stiffness.

Si bien el codo es la articulación más frecuentemente luxada en niños, representa el 3-6 % de las lesiones en ese sitio. Las luxaciones sin fracturas asociadas son muy raras y son producto de una caída con el codo en extensión. El paciente consulta por dolor, impotencia funcional y deformidad evidente. La finalidad del tratamiento es restaurar la congruencia articular, lograr estabilidad y minimizar los riesgos de posibles lesiones neurovasculares. Se presentan 4 pacientes tratados con manejo conservador con excelentes resultados funcionales, incluso aquel que presentó una neuropraxia del mediano con restitución ad integrum. Según nuestra experiencia, suelen ser lesiones con buena evolución. Se destaca la importancia de un rápido y preciso examen neurovascular, optando, de ser posible, por una conducta expectante ante las lesiones nerviosas. Se resalta la indicación de una inmovilización acotada con movilización temprana que evite rigidez del codo.

Luxación anterior aislada e irreductible de la cúpula radial en un paciente pediátrico: un raro reporte de caso / Isolated irreducible anterior radial head dislocation in a child: a rare case report

La luxación de la cabeza radial suele asociarse a fractura o deformidad plástica cubital. La luxación aislada es rara. Sin tratamiento, puede evolucionar hacia deformidad cubital en valgo, lesión nerviosa, artrosis precoz y pérdida del rango de movilidad con limitación funcional. Se presenta a un paciente de 9 años que sufrió traumatismo de codo. Acudió a nuestra Institución a los 40 días y se diagnosticó luxación irreductible de la cabeza radial, primero desapercibida. La luxación era irreductible por un ojal en el ligamento anular y requirió ser reducida a cielo abierto. En ausencia de fractura, incluso sin evidencia de deformidad plástica del cúbito, debe sospecharse la luxación de la cabeza radial. La clínica, junto con el par radiográfico bilateral y el conocimiento de esta entidad poco frecuente, son el trípode necesario para alcanzar el diagnóstico y no demorar el tratamiento.

Anterior radial head dislocation in pediatric population is related to Monteggia fracture-dislocations. Isolated radial head dislocation is uncommon. Sometimes, radial head dislocation becomes irreducible. This entity can develop into chronic conditions such as nerve injuries, early osteoarthritis, limited range of motion and cubitus valgus. We describe a case of a 9-year-old patient who suffered elbow trauma. He was admitted to our institution 40 days after, where radial head dislocation was diagnosed. This condition was misdiagnosed at first stage. It was irreducible due to a tear in the annular ligament. He underwent open reduction. Radial head dislocation must be suspected even if there are no fractures or plastic deformity. Pure irreducible radial head dislocation is rare. Physical examination, together with plain bilateral radiographs and full acknowledgement of this rare condition are the basis to reach early diagnosis, which leads to proper non-delayed treatment.

[Isolated irreducible anterior radial head dislocation in a child: a rare case report]. / Luxación anterior aislada e irreductible de la cúpula radial en un paciente pediátrico: un raro reporte de caso.

Anterior radial head dislocation in pediatric population is related to Monteggia fracture-dislocations. Isolated radial head dislocation is uncommon. Sometimes, radial head dislocation becomes irreducible. This entity can develop into chronic conditions such as nerve injuries, early osteoarthritis, limited range of motion and cubitus valgus. We describe a case of a 9-year-old patient who suffered elbow trauma. He was admitted to our institution 40 days after, where radial head dislocation was diagnosed. This condition was misdiagnosed at first stage. It was irreducible due to a tear in the annular ligament. He underwent open reduction. Radial head dislocation must be suspected even if there are no fractures or plastic deformity. Pure irreducible radial head dislocation is rare. Physical examination, together with plain bilateral radiographs and full acknowledgement of this rare condition are the basis to reach early diagnosis, which leads to proper non-delayed treatment.

La luxación de la cabeza radial suele asociarse a fractura o deformidad plástica cubital. La luxación aislada es rara. Sin tratamiento, puede evolucionar hacia deformidad cubital en valgo, lesión nerviosa, artrosis precoz y pérdida del rango de movilidad con limitación funcional. Se presenta a un paciente de 9 años que sufrió traumatismo de codo. Acudió a nuestra Institución a los 40 días y se diagnosticó luxación irreductible de la cabeza radial, primero desapercibida. La luxación era irreductible por un ojal en el ligamento anular y requirió ser reducida a cielo abierto. En ausencia de fractura, incluso sin evidencia de deformidad plástica del cúbito, debe sospecharse la luxación de la cabeza radial. La clínica, junto con el par radiográfico bilateral y el conocimiento de esta entidad poco frecuente, son el trípode necesario para alcanzar el diagnóstico y no demorar el tratamiento.

Massive Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus in a Skeletally Immature Patient Associated With a Tarsal Coalition and Valgus Hindfoot.

Rarely, osteochondral lesions of the talus occur without a history of trauma. Accurate interpretation of the mechanical load distributions onto the ankle leading to potential atraumatic cartilage damage must always be studied. The published data on the optimal treatment of talar osteochondral lesions in skeletally immature patients are scarce, especially when the lesions are associated with hindfoot malalignment. We describe the case of a pediatric female with an atraumatic osteochondral lesion of the talus associated with a talocalcaneal coalition and a valgus hindfoot, which we consider the first case to be reported. She presented with prolonged bilateral ankle pain and catching during gait of approximately 2 years' duration with a restricted range of motion, with the pain more excruciating in the right ankle. Radiographs revealed a large osteochondral lesion located at the lateral talar dome. The patient underwent partial osteochondral allograft transplantation, together with hindfoot realignment and coalition resection with a fat graft interposition. At the 2-year follow-up examination, the patient was free of pain in her right foot and ankle, with no signs of radiologic failure.

Craniocervical spinal instability after type 1 Arnold Chiari decompression: a case report.

To present and describe an unusual case of spinal instability after craniocervical spinal decompression for a type-1 Chiari malformation. Type-1 Chiari malformation is a craniocervical disorder characterized by tonsillar displacement greater than 5 mm into the vertebral canal; posterior fossa decompression is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. Postoperative complications have been described: cerebrospinal fluid leak, pseudomeningocele, aseptic meningitis, wound infection, and neurological deficit. However, instability after decompression is unusual. A 9-year-old female presented with symptomatic torticollis after cervical decompression for a type-1 Chiari malformation. Spinal instability was diagnosed; craniocervical stabilization was performed. After a 12-month follow-up, spinal stability was achieved, with a satisfactory clinical neck alignment. We present a craniocervical instability secondary to surgical decompression; clinical and radiological symptoms, and definitive treatment were described.

Cambios en la lordosis lumbar luego de una artrodesis vertebral posterior de la columna torácica y su relación con la incidencia pelviana / Changes in lumbar lordosis after further spinal fusion of thoracic spine and its relationship to pelvic incidence

Objetivo: Evaluar las variables del plano sagital en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tratados mediante una artrodesis vertebral posterior instrumentada con tornillos pediculares y establecer relaciones entre ellas. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a 20 pacientes. Se compararon los cambios en la lordosis cervical, la cifosis torácica, la lordosis lumbar, la incidencia pelviana, el balance sagital global y la cifosis de la unión proximal en los espinogramas preoperatorio, posoperatorio inmediato y a los dos años de la cirugía. Se correlacionaron los cambios en la lordosis lumbar con la cifosis torácica y la incidencia pelviana. Resultados: Se observó una disminución significativa en la cifosis torácica y en la lordosis lumbar en el espinograma posoperatorio inmediato. Ambos parámetros mostraron un aumento en el espinograma a los dos años. Se halló un aumento significativo en la cifosis de la unión proximal y en la lordosis cervical entre el preoperatorio y el posoperatorio a los dos años. La única correlación posoperatoria significativa fue entre la lordosis lumbar y la incidencia pelviana en el espinograma a los dos años de la cirugía. Conclusiones: La artrodesis vertebral posterior instrumentada con tornillos pediculares en curvas Lenke 1 provoca una reducción posoperatoria de la cifosis torácica y de la lordosis lumbar, y un aumento posoperatorio de la lordosis cervical y de la cifosis de la unión proximal. A los dos años, se observó un aumento de la lordosis lumbar no instrumentada, y que dicha lordosis lumbar se correlaciona significativamente con la incidencia pelviana.

Objective: To evaluate the sagittal profile variables in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent selective thoracic posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion with pedicle screws and to determine relationships among them. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were retrospectively evaluated. Changes in cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, proximal junctional kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence and global sagittal balance were compared in standing lateral radiographs performed before surgery, at the immediate postoperative period, and two years after surgery. Changes in postoperative lumbar lordosis were correlated with changes in thoracic kyphosis and pelvic incidence. Results: There was a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis between preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs, but both parameters showed an increase in the radiographs two years later. A significant increase in proximal junctional kyphosis and cervical lordosis was also found between preoperative and 2-year postoperative radiographs. The only significant postoperative correlation found was between lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence at 2-year follow-up control. Conclusions: Posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion with pedicle screws in Lenke type 1 deformities reduces thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and increases cervical lordosis and proximal junctional kyphosis. Uninstrumented lumbar lordosis increased at 2-year follow-up and it is strongly related to the pelvic incidence.

Análisis con resonancia magnética de la posición de la amígdala cerebelosa antes de la corrección instrumentada por vía posterior y después de ella en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente / Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the position of the cerebellar tonsil before and after posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Objetivo: Analizar, con resonancia magnética, las variaciones de posición de la amígdala cerebelosa, antes de corregir la deformidad espinal mediante una artrodesis vertebral posterior instrumentada y después, en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente sin sintomatología neurológica. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 40 pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente, sin síntomas neurológicos y sometidos a una artrodesis vertebral posterior instrumentada para corregir la deformidad espinal. A todos se les realizó una resonancia magnética de la fosa cerebral posterior y de la columna cervical, antes de la cirugía espinal y después de ella. Resultados: La magnitud preoperatoria promedio de la curva escoliótica fue de 53,15° y la de la cifosis torácica fue de 35,42º. En el posoperatorio inmediato, la magnitud promedio fue de 7,45º y de 27,87º,respectivamente. El valor promedio de la longitud de la columna en el plano coronal fue de 44,5 cm en el preoperatorio y de 48,27 cm en el posoperatorio. El valor promedio de la longitud de la columna vertebral en el plano sagital fue de 50,87 cm en el preoperatorio y de 55,13 cm en el posoperatorio. No se observó unadiferencia significativa respecto de la posición de la amígdala cerebelosa en las mediciones antes de corregir la deformidad espinal y después (p = 0,6042). Conclusión: No se observó una variación significativa en la ubicación de la amígdala cerebelosa respecto del agujerooccipital en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente que fueron sometidos artrodesis vertebral posterior instrumentadapara corregir la deformidad espinal.

Objective: To evaluate variations in cerebellar tonsil position after posterior spinal fusion in neurologically intact patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 40 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and no neurological symptoms that underwent posterior spinal fusion. Anteroposterior and sagittal standing radiographs, and sagittal hindbrain MRI wereperformed in all patients before and after spinal surgery. We evaluated variations in cerebellar tonsil position in relation to spinal correction and spinal elongation after posterior spinal fusion. Results: Mean preoperative magnitude of the curve was 53.15° and thoracic kyphosis was 35.42º. Mean postoperative valueswere 7.45º and 27.87º, respectively. The average length of the spine in the coronal plane was 44.5 cm in preoperative x-rays and 48.27 cm in postoperative x-rays. The average length in the sagittal plane was 50.87 cm in preoperative x-raysand 55.13cm in postoperative x-rays. There was no significant difference in theposition of the cerebellar tonsil before and after spinal correction (p = 0.6042). Conclusion: Position of the cerebellar tonsil did not change with posterior spinal fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Uso de clavos endomedulares flexibles de titanio para el tratamiento de fracturas diafisarias de antebrazo en pacientes pediátricos / Use of elastic intramedullary nailing in the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures

Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado del tratamiento de niños con fractura desplazada de antebrazo mediante la estabilización con clavos endomedulares flexibles de titanio. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron, en forma retrospectiva, 13 pacientes (edad promedio 11 años; rango 6-15). Se realizó una evaluación comparativa entre el antebrazo operado y el antebrazo sano contralateral. La evaluación radiológica comparó la longitud del radio, y la ubicación y magnitud del lugar de máxima curvatura del radio entre ambos antebrazos. La evaluación funcional comparó el rango de pronosupinación del antebrazo. El seguimiento promedio fue de 37 meses (rango 12-68). Resultados: La longitud del radio operado fue de 18,1 cm y la del radio contralateral sano, de 18,1 cm (p = 1). La localización del lugar de máxima curvatura del radio se ubicó a nivel del 66,8 por ciento de la longitud en el radio operado y a nivel del 61,5 por ciento de la longitud en el radio contralateral no operado (p <0,01). La magnitud de la máxima curvatura del radio fue del 6,2 por ciento y del 6,7 por ciento de la longitud total del radio, en el antebrazo operado y en el no operado, respectivamente (p = 0,26). La pronación del antebrazo operado fue de 87,7 grados y la del contralateral sano, de 88,3 grados (p = 0,26). La supinación fue de 89,9 grados y de 90,9 grados en el antebrazo operado y en el no operado, respectivamente (p = 0,49). Conclusiones: El tratamiento de niños con fracturas desplazadas de antebrazo mediante la estabilización con clavos endomedulares flexibles produce resultados radiológicos y funcionales similares a los del antebrazo contralateral sano. Nivel de Evidencia: III.

Background: To evaluate the results of flexible intramedullary nailing for the treatment of pediatric displaced forearm fractures. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 13 patients (average age 11 years; range 6-15). Radiographically we compare radial length and the amount and location of maximum radial bow between the operate forearm and the contralateral normal side. Functional results compared range of pronosupination between both forearms. Average follow-up was 37 months (range 12-68). Results: The length of the operated radius was 18.1 cm and that of the contralateral normal radius was 18.1 cm (p = 1). The location of maximum radial bow differed significantly between the operated and the contralateral radius (p <0.01). No statistically difference was found in the amount of maximum radial bow between both forearms (p = 0.26). Forearm pronation was 87.7° on the operated side and 88.3° on the contralateral forearm (p = 0.26). Forearm supination was 89.9° and 90.9°, respectively (p = 0.49). Conclusions: The use of flexible intramedullary nailing for the treatment of pediatric displaced forearm fractures gives radiographic and functional results similar to those of the normal contralateral forearm. Level of Evidence: III.

Proximal femoral resection and articulated hip distraction with an external fixator for the treatment of painful spastic hip dislocations in pediatric patients with spastic quadriplegia.

We describe the results obtained with an alternative method of treatment for spastic painful hip dislocations in nonambulatory patients, which consists of a proximal femoral resection with capsular interposition arthroplasty, and the addition of a hinged external fixator for postoperative articulated hip distraction to allow for an immediate upright position and the ability to sit in a wheelchair. We performed this technique in three patients (four hips) with a mean age at the time of surgery of 15 years. Postoperatively, clinical improvement was observed in all four hips, with respect to pain relief, sitting tolerance, perineal care and functional range of motion.

Treatment of first metatarsal longitudinal epiphyseal bracket by excision before closure.

The longitudinal metatarsal epiphyseal bracket is a rare ossification abnormality of tubular bones in which an abnormal epiphysis brackets the diaphysis of a phalanx, metacarpal, or metatarsal. This leads to progressive shortening and angular deformity of the involved bone. When it affects the first metatarsal, the longitudinal metatarsal epiphyseal bracket leads to a short, trapezoidal metatarsal. We present the case of a 6-year-old patient with an ossified longitudinal epiphyseal bracket along the medial side of the first metatarsal. The abnormality was surgically treated by bracket excision before physeal closure. At 6 years' follow-up, the patient displayed a normally aligned hallux of appropriate size in proportion to the other toes. Surgical correction resulted in alteration of the first metatarsophalangeal angle, which went from a preoperative value of 13 degrees of hallux varus to a postoperative value of 9 degrees of hallux valgus; the first metatarsal intraosseous angulation went from a preoperative value of 30 degrees to a postoperative value of 5 degrees , and the metadiaphyseal length index went from a preoperative value of 0.39 to a postoperative value of 0.92. This case study demonstrates that early resection of an ossified abnormal bracket before physeal closure, a relatively simple procedure, can restore longitudinal growth and correct angular deformity.

Comportamiento del segmento lumbar no instrumentado en escoliosis con doble curva. Analisis comparativo utilizando un instrumental con multiples ganchos o un instrumental hibrido con tornillos pediculares lumbares / Behavior of non-instrumented lumbar segment in double curve scoliosis. Comparative analysis using book-rod system or hybrid instrumentation with lumbar pedicle screws

Introducción: Se compararon los resultados radiográficos posoperatorios de escoliosis idiopáticas del adolescente (EIA) con doble curva tratadas mediante correccióny fusión espinal posterior utilizando un instrumental con múltiples ganchos o un instrumental híbrido, comparando los resultados tanto en el segmento instrumentado como en el no instrumentado de la columna lumbar. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron 34 pacientes con EIA y patrones tipo doble curva (Lenke 3) o similares(Lenke 1 C). En 17 pacientes la columna se instrumentó con ganchos múltiples y en 17 se utilizó un instrumental híbrido con tornillos pediculares. Resultados: La utilización de tornillos pediculares logró una corrección significativamente mayor en la traslaciónlateral de la vértebra apical de la curva lumbar, en la inclinación lateral del platillo caudal de la última vértebra instrumentada, en la inclinación lateral del primer disco distal a la primera vértebra no instrumentada y en la rotación de la primera vértebra no instrumentada. Conclusiones: La instrumentación de la columna lumbar con tornillos pediculares mejoró en forma sustancial la corrección de la curva lumbar instrumentada en el plano frontal, obteniéndose además un balance significativamente superior en el plano frontal y en el plano axial de la columna lumbar distal no instrumentada

Arthroscopic fixation of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopic follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is still controversial. PURPOSE: To review a group of patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee who were treated with arthroscopic compressive screw fixation and who were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging studies and a second-look arthroscopic procedure at follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 14 patients (15 knees) with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee were treated with arthroscopic titanium Herbert screw fixation of the osteochondral fragment. A second-look arthroscopic procedure was performed to remove hardware and to evaluate fragment stability. At final follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging studies were used to evaluate potential healing of the subchondral bone. Outcomes were clinically evaluated at a mean follow-up of 50 months (range, 25-104 months) by the Lysholm score and by the International Knee Documentation Committee score. RESULTS: At second-look arthroscopy, 14 of 15 knees showed evidence of a stable fragment with an intact smooth surface. According to magnetic resonance imaging parameters, 14 knees showed evidence of a healing process of the osteochondral fragment. The average Lysholm score improved 18 points from a mean of 79 preoperatively to 97 postoperatively, and according to the International Knee Documentation Committee score, 13 of 15 knees showed a normal result. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging parameters of a healed osteochondral fragment and patients with satisfactory functional results correspond with arthroscopic evidence of fragment stability. According to this study, arthroscopic fixation with compressive screws is an effective method of repair for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.