Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in combination with a modified grammont technique leads to favorable mid-term results in adolescents with recurrent patellofemoral dislocations.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to present the outcome of a cohort of adolescent patients with trochlear dysplasia and elevated tibial tuberosity trochlear groove (TTTG) distance suffering from recurrent patellar dislocation. Treatment consisted of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and a modified Grammont procedure. METHODS: MRI examinations were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Trochlear dysplasia was classified according to Déjour, and TTTG was measured on MRI. The Tegner Activity Scale and the Kujala Knee Score were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up. The Kujala Knee score and the IKDC 2000 knee score were documented at follow-up (median 50, range 20-61 months; SD 16.6). RESULTS: Seven knees of six patients (median age 16.5 years, range 14-17 years) with trochlear dysplasia and elevated TTTG distance (median 17 mm, range 16.1-21.9 mm; SD 2.8) were treated. Trochlear dysplasia was classified as Déjour type A in 1, type B in 5, and type C in 1 knee. The Kujala Knee Score significantly increased from values of 55 (range 17-88; SD 25.9) to 94 (range 73-100; SD 9.1) at follow-up (p = 0.028). TAS improved from preoperative 2 (range 0-7; SD 2.5) to 5 (range 4-9; SD 1.8) at follow-up (p = 0.034). Median IKDC 2000 Knee Score at follow-up was 89 (range 61-100, SD 13.4). No re-dislocations were encountered. CONCLUSION: In selected adolescents with recurrent patellofemoral instability, MPFL reconstruction in combination with a modified Grammont technique yields excellent functional outcome and could, therefore, help to avoid major procedures, such as osteotomies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Balloon kyphoplasty and percutaneous fixation of lumbar fractures in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Type A fractures of the spine requiring operative stabilization are rare injuries in the pediatric population. Current reports have demonstrated the safety of the combination of balloon kyphoplasty and minimal invasive management of thoraco-lumbar fractures in adults. There is no information about the efficacy of this approach in managing pediatric vertebral fractures. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to report the outcome of a small series of children with A fractures of the lumbar spine treated with the combination of the abovementioned techniques. RESULTS: Three male patients without neurological deficits aged 11, 12 and 14 years were treated with fractures located at L1, L1/L2 and L2/L3, respectively. In total, six kyphoplasties were performed (monolateral in 4 vertebrae, bilateral in one vertebra). Neither cases of cement leakage nor intra- or postoperative complications were noted. Minimally invasive kyphoplasty and stabilization led to a significant improvement of the sagittal index of all five treated vertebrae which could be maintained at follow-up (14, 19 and 20 months postoperatively). CONCLUSION: This study is the first one to present an excellent outcome of children with type A fractures treated with a combination of balloon kyphoplasty and percutaneous stabilization.

The influence of brace immobilization on the remodeling potential of thoracolumbar impaction fractures in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: Different treatment methods including immediate mobilization with or without brace, bed rest or immobilization using thoracolumbosacral orthosis have been applied for stable compression fractures of the pediatric spine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of bracing on the remodeling capacity of pediatric thoracolumbar type A 1.2 impaction fractures. Additionally, the prevalence of pain and functional disabilities were assessed. METHODS: All children treated conservatively between 2000 and 2011 with impaction fractures of the thoracolumbar spine (A 1.2) were included and re-invited for a clinical [including VAS 0-100, Oswestry disability index (ODI)] and radiological follow-up examination. Changes of the sagittal index (SI) at the time of the accident, the latest control visit and at the follow-up examination were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients with a mean age of 12 years (1.8-18 years) and a total number of 133 fractured vertebrae were included. The mean SI at the time of injury was 0.76 (range 0.45-0.94, SD 0.08); 34 patients with 67 fractured vertebrae were included in the follow-up examination after a mean of 7.9 years (2.4-13.1 years). The mean SI of the 67 affected vertebrae at follow-up significantly increased to 0.92 (range 0.74-1, SD 0.06). The initial treatment regimen (brace vs no brace) did not influence the remodeling capacity. More than half of the patients (n = 18, 53 %) complained about occasional back-related pain which was not associated with the remodeling process. The mean ODI was 5.8 (range 0-26, SD 6.6) and the mean VAS of the re-evaluated patients was 87 (range 53-100, SD 14). CONCLUSIONS: A significant remodeling capacity of thoracolumbar vertebral impaction fractures sustained in childhood is demonstrated. Bracing does not seem to influence the long-term outcome of these injuries. More studies have to be performed to define the role of bracing in these fractures.

The origin points of the knee collateral ligaments: an MRI study on paediatric patients during growth.

PURPOSE: Different femoral origins for both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) have been reported in the growing skeleton (epiphyseal and metaphyseal). Knowledge about the exact attachment sites is mandatory for anatomically correct reconstruction. This study assesses the femoral origins of the knee collateral ligaments in skeletally immature individuals using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: MRIs of 336 knee joints (median age 15 years (range 2-18 years), m = 209 and f = 127) were retrospectively analysed to assess the distances between the femoral origins of the MCL and LCL to the distal femoral growth plate. In 175 patients, the body sizes were additionally retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Both MCL and LCL ligament origins were invariably located on the epiphysis. Mean MCL origin-growth plate distance was 9.6 mm (SD 2.1 mm; range 2.2-13.6 mm) in boys and 8.6 mm (SD 1.5 mm; range 3.4-12.0 mm) in girls. Mean LCL origin-growth plate distance was 9.3 mm (SD 1.8 mm; range 4.3-13.0 mm) in boys and 8.2 mm (SD 1.5 mm; range 3.4-11.8 mm) in girls. The distance between the growth plate and both collateral ligaments as well as the length of the LCL correlated positively with patients' age and body size (MCL R(2) = 0.673 and 0.556, LCL R (2) = 0.734 and 0.645, LCL length R(2) = 0.589 and 0.741; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During growth, the femoral origins of the MCL and the LCL are constantly located on the distal femoral epiphysis. There is a linear increase in the distances from the ligaments' origins to the growth plate according to age and body size. This new information may be of clinical importance for reconstructive surgery of the knee's collateral ligaments.

Judet type-IV radial neck fractures in children: Comparison of the outcome of fractures with and without bony contact.

Background and purpose - Heavily displaced radial neck fractures in children are sometimes associated with poor outcome. A substantial number of these fractures require open reduction. We hypothesized that Judet type-IV fractures with a completely displaced radial head would result in a worse outcome than radial neck fractures with remaining bony contact. Patients and methods - We analyzed 19 children (median age 9.7 (4-13) years) who were treated for Judet type-IV radial neck fractures between 2001 and 2014. The outcome was assessed at the latest outpatient visit using the Linscheid-Wheeler score at a median time of 3.5 (1-8) years after injury. The patients were assigned either to group A (9 fractures with remaining bony contact between the radial head and the radial neck) or to group B (10 fractures without any bony contact). Results - The 2 groups were similar concerning age and sex. The rate of additional injuries was higher in group B (7/10 vs. 1/9 in group A; p = 0.009). The rate of open reduction was higher in group B (5/10 vs. 0/9 in group A; p = 0.01). Poor outcome was more common in group B (4/10 vs. 0/9 in group A; p = 0.03). In group B, the proportion of children with poor outcome (almost half) was the same irrespective of whether open or closed reduction had been done. Interpretation - The main causes of unfavorable results of radial neck fracture in children appear to be related to the energy of the injury and the amount of displacement-and not to whether open reduction was used.

The pediatric knee: diagnosis and management of ligament injuries.

In the last few decades, sports injuries in pediatric and adolescent athletes have increased dramatically, with ∼ 38 million young athletes participating in organized sports annually in the United States. Starting at the age of 2 years, an increase of the incidence of knee injuries until adulthood with a peak at 6 and at 13 years of age has been observed. Due to a physiologic laxity of the ligaments, ligament injuries are uncommon in these patients, but they are getting more frequent. In the growing knee, open physis are the points of minor resistance. Therefore apophyseal injuries of the pediatric knee are more common. Diagnostics and treatment of ligament injuries of the pediatric and adolescent knees are challenging. This article presents an overview of ligament injuries in the pediatric and adolescent knee, their diagnostic work-up, and their treatment in the growing patient.

Diagnosis and treatment of apophyseal injuries of the pelvis in adolescents.

An avulsion fracture occurs when the growth plate of an apophysis is injured due to a sudden and forceful contraction of the attaching musculotendinous unit. Usually it is adolescents who sustain these injuries, and a significant male preponderance has been found. Even though apophyseal fractures have been described in a variety of locations, the apophyses of the pelvis and hip are more prone to these injuries. Due to their rarity, avulsion fractures of the pelvis are often misdiagnosed. Additionally, patients can present late, and other pathologies are suspected initially. In most acute cases conservative treatment is successful. However, some cases require operative intervention. To plan an optimal treatment regimen, it is important to be familiar with the typical pathomechanism, the typical clinical findings, and the most commonly applied imaging modalities of these injures. The present review analyzes the currently available literature on the most frequently encountered apophyseal injuries of the pelvis in adolescent patients. Some case examples are also presented.

Treatment for ischial tuberosity avulsion fractures in adolescent athletes.

PURPOSE: Avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity are rare sports injuries typically occurring in young athletes. Their misdiagnosis may lead to chronic pain or disability. The aim of this study is to report a retrospective series of patients sustaining a fracture of the ischial tuberosity and to propose decision guidelines. METHODS: The mechanism of accident, the diagnostic management, the mode of treatment and outcome after avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity in adolescents were analysed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (1 female and 12 males) with a median age of 15 years (range 13-16 years) with an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity were included. Twelve of these patients suffered from sports injuries leading to the avulsion fracture. Five of our patients with a displacement of >15 mm were treated operatively. The outcome was excellent in cases of acute presentation and osteosynthesis. Eight patients were treated conservatively: four of them showed a displacement of <15 mm and had an excellent outcome; and the other four patients had a displacement of >15 mm. Two of those patients had excellent outcome with regular bone healing, the remaining two patients developed pseudarthrosis associated with a good outcome. CONCLUSION: The present paper shows that in patients with displacement of <15 mm, conservative treatment yields excellent results and early operative intervention should be considered in physically active patients with displacement of >15 mm.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus Kirschner wire pinning: outcome of severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in juvenile patients.

BACKGROUND: Significantly displaced juvenile proximal humeral fractures (Neer-Horowitz type 3 and 4) usually require reduction and fixation. The most commonly used fixation methods are Kirschner wire (K-wire) pinning or retrograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). However, results comparing the long-term outcome of both methods are absent in the literature. The aim of this study was to provide an outcome comparison of both techniques. METHODS: Included were 40 patients treated between 1998 and 2008 and who had complete records concerning operation time, duration of hospital stay, and time until implant removal. The assessment of clinical (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] and Constant-Murley scores) and radiologic long-term outcome was possible in 31 patients (78%). Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up radiographs of these patients were evaluated for angular deformity, reduction, and remodeling. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of the 31 patients (16 ESIN; 15 K-wire) was 5.8 ± 3.6 (standard deviation) years. The operative time of the primary fixation procedure was shorter in the ESIN group (P < .001), but the hospital stay and the time until implant removal were significantly longer. No significant difference was seen between the groups at follow-up for the mean DASH (ESIN, 1.44; K-wire, 1.66) or Constant-Murley (ESIN, 89.5; K-wire, 92) scores. The neck-shaft angle was significantly improved by reduction in both groups (P < .001) and remained unchanged at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ESIN and K-wire pinning have a favorable and comparable functional outcome and therefore seem to be adequate methods for treating Neer-Horowitz type 3 and 4 proximal humeral fractures in juvenile patients. The initially achieved improvement of the neck-shaft angle can be maintained at long-term follow-up.

Comparison of two treatment eras and sonographic long-term outcome of blunt splenic injuries in children.

UNLABELLED: The treatment of blunt splenic injuries (BSI) has undergone a significant shift away from an operative approach to a conservative treatment regimen in the last decades. Data concerning long-term follow-up of children sustaining BSI are largely confined to telephone surveys. Children treated with BSI over a 33-year period were analyzed. In order to describe the changing treatment, patients were divided into two groups: group I included children treated between 1977 and 1999; group II children treated between 2000 and 2009. Additionally, patients treated nonoperatively between 2000 and 2009 were invited for a sonographic follow-up examination. In group I 81 patients and in group II 89 patients were treated. An increase of male patients from 69 to 88 % was observed, comparing the two eras. While children treated in the earlier period were 8.8-years-old mean (range 1 to 15), the patients treated between 2000 and 2009 were older (mean 10.4 years, range 1 to 17). Between 1977 and 1999, 79 % of the patients were treated nonoperatively. This rate considerably increased to 94 % in the second era. Follow-up examination was performed with a mean age of 6 years (range 1 to 11 years) post-injury. In 79 % of the cases, the spleen healed without sonographic long-term sequelae. In the remaining 21 % of the patients, a scar formation could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: We were able to confirm that the majority of children sustaining BSI can be safely treated conservatively.

Reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint in active patients with the figure-of-eight technique using hamstrings.

BACKGROUND: Dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint are rare injuries caused by massive forces applied to the joint. A high rate of complications has been reported following this injury emphasizing the importance of an accurate diagnosis and therapy. METHODS: We report a series of patients with chronic anterior or posterior sternoclavicular instability treated with figure-of-eight gracilis- or semitendinosus-tendon reconstruction. Tendon grafts were collected from the patient's ipsilateral knee. Preoperative and postoperative DASH scores were compared to evaluate the outcome. RESULTS: Six patients (mean age, 22 years; range 15-46; male = 3; female = 3) were included. The patients sustained an isolated dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint resulting from a high-energy trauma. Anterior instability was observed in 3 patients, posterior instability in 2 patients and the remaining patient showed multidirectional instability. The mean time from injury to operation was 8 months (range, 4-33). The semitendinosus tendon was used in 4 patients, the gracilis tendon in 2 patients, respectively. Follow-up examination was after 22 months (range, 14-34). The DASH score improved from 54.3 points (range, 45.7-68.8) preoperatively to 28.8 points (range, 25.8-34.5) postoperatively. All patients returned to full activity without limitations including competitive contact sports. CONCLUSION: Stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint with the figure-of-eight technique seems to be a feasible alternative for young and active patients with remaining instability following conservative treatment.

Long-term outcome of chevron-osteotomy in juvenile hallux valgus.

The long-term outcome of juvenile hallux valgus treated by a modified Austin procedure was investigated. The clinical (subjective, AOFA Scores) and radiological outcome (hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, position of the sesamoid bones and metatarsal index of 15 feet in 12 patients, aged 14 years and 2 months (SD +/- 1 year 10 months) were assessed pre- and postoperatively and after 7 years and 3 months (SD +/- 3 years). A significant improvement of the hallux valgus angle and of the intermetatarsal angle was obtained, persisting until final follow-up. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal and AOFA-Midfoot score were 94.5 points and 853 points, respectively. The modified Austin procedure appears to be an effective procedure to correct a juvenile hallux valgus deformity, with long lasting improvement, no growth disturbances and good functional outcome.

Patella re-alignment in children with a modified Grammont technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In skeletally immature patients, surgical options due to recurrent patella dislocation are limited, because bony procedures bear the risk of growth disturbances. In this retrospective study, we report the long-term functional and radiographic outcome in skeletally immature patients using the modified Grammont surgical technique. PATIENTS: Between 1999 and 2004, 65 skeletally immature knees (49 children) were treated with a modified Grammont procedure: an open lateral release and a shift of the patella tendon insertion below the growth plate on the tuberositas tibia, allowing the tendon to medialize. At mean 8 (5.6-11) years after surgery, 58 knees in 43 patients were evaluated by clinical examination, from functional scores (Lysholm, Tegner), and from radiographs of the knees. RESULTS: Mean Lysholm score was 82 postoperatively. Tegner score decreased from 6.2 to 5. Eight knees had a single dislocation within 3 months of surgery. 3 knees had repeated late dislocations, all with a high grade of trochlea dysplasia. 6 knees showed mild signs of osteoarthritis. No growth disturbances were observed. INTERPRETATION: The modified Grammont technique in skeletally immature patients allows restoration of the distal patella tendon alignment by dynamic positioning. Long-term results showed that there were no growth disturbances and that there was good functional outcome. However, patients with a high grade of trochlea dysplasia tended to re-dislocate.

Pisotriquetral arthrodesis for pisotriquetral instability: case report.

A 22-year-old professional downhill mountain bike rider developed increasing posttraumatic pisotriquetral instability. To preserve full function of the pisiform bone, we performed pisotriquetral arthrodesis using a Herbert screw. Ten months after the splint was removed, the patient was free of symptoms and returned to professional downhill mountain biking without limitations. This uncommon method seems to be a feasible treatment strategy and can be recommended in high-demand patients.

Anatomical landmarks in the paediatric distal radius: a new method for measuring epiphyseal height.

PURPOSE: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing for fixation of paediatric forearm fractures has become the preferred method of osteosynthesis. The aim of the study was to develop a method for finding the correct entry point in the distal radius of children of all ages as a distance from the radial styloid, a landmark which is readily palpable at the wrist. METHOD: MRI scans of the wrist in 19 children aged 2-7 years (mean 5) were reviewed. We noted that the proximal edges of the ossific nucleus of capitate and the tip of the radial styloid were at the same vertical height from the physis. This allowed us to review 519 wrist radiographs of children aged 2-14 years (mean 7.98) to measure the epiphyseal height, as the radial styloid does not ossify until the age of 14 years. RESULTS: The epiphyseal height had a mean of 16.67 mm (13-21 mm). The epiphyseal height in boys was greater than the girls by a mean of 1.2 mm (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: For the absolute safe distance, we recommend an insertion site 40 mm proximal to the tip of the radial styloid, which is safe in all children with an open distal radial physis. This simple and reproducible method allows the identification of the insertion site for the nail with only the minimal use of imaging.

Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury after pin fixation and after antegrade nailing of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ulnar nerve injury may occur after pinning of supracondylar fractures in children. We describe the outcome and compare the rates of iatrogenic injuries to the ulnar nerve in a consecutive series of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children treated with either crossed pinning or antegrade nailing. METHODS: Medical charts of all children sustaining this fracture treated at our department between 1994 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed regarding the mode of treatment, demographic data including age and sex, the time until implant removal, the outcome, and the rate of ulnar nerve injuries. RESULTS: 503 children (55% boys) with an average age of 6.5 years sustained a type-II, type-III, or type-IV supracondylar fracture. Of those, 440 children were included in the study. Antegrade nailing was performed in 264 (60%) of the children, and the others were treated with crossed pins. Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury occurred in 0.4% of the children treated with antegrade nailing and in 15% of the children treated with crossed pinning. After median 3 (1.6-12) years of follow-up, the clinical outcome was good and similar between the 2 groups. INTERPRETATION: Intramedullary antegrade nailing of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures can be considered an adequate and safe alternative to the widely performed crossed K-wire fixation. The risk of iatrogenic nerve injury after antegrade nailing is small compared to that after crossed pinning.

Fractures of the talus--differences between children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the talus represent serious injuries of the foot skeleton. The most significant complications include osteonecrosis and posttraumatic malalignment with subsequent arthritis. The aim of our study was to compare treatment and outcome of fractures of the talus between children and adolescents. METHODS: From 1990 to 2005, 24 patients (18 male, 6 female) presented with 25 fractures of the talus. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up was performed by radiographical grading, and the functional outcome was measured using the Foot-Function-Index. RESULTS: Nine patients were 12 years of age or younger, and 15 patients presenting 16 talar fractures were older than 12 years. Although most fractures of the talus in children younger than 12 years were classified as Marti-Weber type I and II fractures, more than two thirds of the fractures in patients older than 12 years were Marti-Weber type III and IV fractures. Two thirds of the patients younger than 12 years were treated nonoperatively, whereas nonoperative treatment was possible in only three talar fractures in adolescents. No necrosis at follow-up (mean period, 3.2 years; range, 7 months to 8.4 years after end of treatment) was detected in children (<12a), whereas five patients older than 12 years developed persisting necrosis. CONCLUSION: Even though there is no apparent difference in the cause of the trauma leading to fractures of the talus, adolescents present with more severe fractures of the talus compared with children younger than 12 years. In addition, we did not observe persistent osteonecrosis in patients younger than 12 years old, and the outcome is favorable in most cases irrespective of the mode of treatment.

Post-traumatic coxa vara in children following screw fixation of the femoral neck.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The rare displaced fractures of the femoral neck in children need accurate reduction and rigid fixation. The implants commonly used for internal fixation in children are pins or screws. We evaluated the long-term outcome in children who sustained fractures of the proximal femur that were treated by screw fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 22 children (mean age 12 (5-16) years) with fractures of the femoral neck that were treated with screw fixation (mean 2.4 (1-3) screws) at our department between 1990 and 2006 were evaluated. For measurement of outcome, the Harris hip score (HHS) was used and the development of post-traumatic coxa vara was assessed from the difference in the neck-shaft angle postoperatively and at the latest follow-up examination, after mean 4 (2-15) years. RESULTS: A loss of reduction was observed in 12 patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between the HHS and the changes in the neck-shaft angle. INTERPRETATION: Loss of reduction was found in more than half of the children. Screw fixation cannot be recommended for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in children due to a substantial number of post-traumatic coxa vara.

Trampoline-related injuries in childhood.

Recommendations to prevent trampoline injuries were given since the 1970s. However, despite these educational efforts, safety recommendations seem to be ignored and the number of trampoline injuries is increasing. All children referred to our department for injuries related to trampolines over a period of 3 years were included. The patients' records were reviewed and a questionnaire was sent out in order to gain additional information. Injuries were classified as severe and mild. A total of 265 children (46% m, 54% f) with a median age of 8.2 years (range 1 to 14) were included. The injury rate was continuously growing from the year 2005 (10.6%) to 2007 (58.1%). Most of the injuries were recorded between April and September with a peak of injuries in August. Seventy-five percent of all accidents happened in the afternoon; 40% of the injuries were classified as severe, 60% as mild. Nets or equal security devices were used in 56.6%. Trampolining is associated with a significant risk for bodily harm at any age and results in severe injuries in 40% of cases. Though there may be still room for improvement in safety recommendations, all attempts over a period of more than 30 years to reduce the number of trampoline-related backyard injuries failed and the incidence is still increasing. At present, trampolines cannot be made safe for recreational activities and are of an unacceptable risk even under supervision.