Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica in the Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Because of the rarity of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), little is known about the relationship between disease classification and clinical symptoms or patient outcomes. This studies therefore aims to characterize DEH of the lower extremity and correlate radiographic classification to presenting symptomatology and need for surgical intervention. METHODS: A multi-center, retrospective review of all patients with DEH of the lower extremity over a 47-year period was conducted. Demographic data, presenting complaints, treatments, and symptoms at final follow-up were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed to classify lesions using the Universal Classification System for Osteochondromas (UCSO) and document the presence of solitary or multiple lesions within the involved joint. Correlative statistics were used to determine whether presenting complaints, lesion location or radiographic classification predicted the need for surgery or a pain-free outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria with an average age at presentation of 7.8 years. The ankle was the most commonly affected joint with 20/28 patients (71%) having lesions of the talus, distal tibia, or distal fibula. Patients with chief complaints of pain were more likely to undergo surgery than those with complaints of a mass or deformity ( P =0.03). Ankle lesions were more likely to be managed operatively than those of the hip or knee ( P =0.018) and all 12 patients with talar lesions underwent surgery. Neither the number of lesions nor lesion classification was predictive of surgical intervention or a pain-free outcome after surgery. Patients presenting with pain were more likely to have a pain-free outcome (11/14 patients) after surgery ( P =0.023) whereas all patients presenting with deformity who underwent surgery had pain at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although no single radiographic characteristic of DEH was predictive of surgical intervention or outcome, painful lesions of the ankle, and lesions of the talus were more likely to be managed operatively. Although surgery does not always result in a pain-free outcome, the operative management of painful lesions was more likely to provide a pain-free outcome than surgery for deformity or a mass.

Operative Fixation Versus Cast Immobilization: Tibial Shaft Fractures in Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in the adolescent age group. Potential complications from the injury or treatment include infection, implant migration, neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, malunion, or nonunion. METHODS: Published literature was reviewed to identify studies which describe the management options, complications, and outcome of tibial shaft fractures in adolescents. RESULTS: Acceptable alignment parameters for tibial shaft fractures have been defined. Operative indications include open fractures and other severe soft tissue injuries, vascular injury, compartment syndrome, ipsilateral femoral fractures, and polytrauma. Relative indications for operative treatment are patient/family preference or morbid obesity. Closed reduction and cast immobilization necessitates radiographic observation for loss of reduction over the first 3 weeks. Cast change/wedging or conversion to operative management may be required in 25% to 40%. Flexible nailing provides relative fracture stability while avoiding the proximal tibial physis, but the fracture will still benefit from postoperative immobilization. Rigid nailing provides greater fracture stability and allows early weight bearing but violates the proximal tibial physis. Plate and screw osteosynthesis provide stable anatomic reduction, but there are concerns with delayed union and wound complications related to the dissection. External fixation is an excellent strategy for tibia fractures associated with complex wounds but also requires observation for loss of reduction. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The majority of adolescent tibia shaft fractures can be successfully managed with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Unstable fractures that have failed cast treatment should be treated operatively. Flexible intramedullary nailing, rigid intramedullary nailing, plate and screw osteosynthesis, and external fixation are acceptable treatment options that may be considered for an individual patient depending upon the clinical scenario.

Factors That Drive Annual Variation in Pediatric Elbow Fracture Occurrence, Severity, and Resource Utilization.

BACKGROUND: Elbow fractures are the most common pediatric fractures requiring operative treatment. To date, few studies have examined what annual factors drive pediatric elbow fracture incidence and no studies have examined which annual factors drive elbow fracture severity or resource utilization. The goal of this study was to not only document the annual patterns of pediatric elbow fracture incidence and severity but also the impact of these patterns on resource utilization in the emergency department, emergency medical service transportation, and the operating room (OR). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 4414 pediatric elbow fractures from a single tertiary hospital (2007 to 2017). Exclusion criteria included outside treatment or lack of diagnosis by an orthopaedist. Presentation information, injury patterns, transport, and treatment requirements were collected. Pearson correlations were used to analyze factors influencing fracture incidence, severity, and resource utilization. RESULTS: Pediatric elbow fracture incidence positively correlated with monthly daylight hours, but significantly fewer elbow fractures occurred during summer vacation from school compared with surrounding in school months. While fewer overall fractures occurred during summer break, the fractures sustained were greater in severity, conferring higher rates of displacement, higher risk of neurovascular injury, and greater needs for emergency transportation and operative treatment. Yearly, elbow fractures required 320.6 OR hours (7.7% of all pediatric orthopaedic OR time and 12.3% of all pediatric orthopaedic operative procedures), 203.4 hospital admissions, and a total of 4753.7 miles traveled by emergency medical service transportation to manage. All-cause emergency department visits were negatively correlated with daylight hours, inversing the pattern seen in elbow fractures. CONCLUSION: Increased daylight, while school was in session, was a major driver of the incidence of pediatric elbow fractures. While summer vacation conferred fewer fractures, these were of higher severity. As such, increased daylight correlated strongly with monthly resource utilization, including the need for emergency transportation and operative treatment. This study provides objective data by which providers and administrators can more accurately allocate resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective comparative study.

Effects of Antibiotic Timing on Culture Results and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal infection (MSI) is a common cause of morbidity and hospital resource utilization in the pediatric population. Many physicians prefer to withhold antibiotics until tissue cultures can be taken in an effort to improve culture yields. However, there is little evidence that this practice improves culture results or outcomes in pediatric MSI. Therefore, investigating the effects of antibiotic timing may lead to improved clinical practice guidelines for treating children with MSI. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review was conducted that identified 113 patients aged 0 to 18 who presented to the pediatric emergency room at a tertiary care children's hospital with MSI from 2008 to 2013. Demographic data, culture results, severity markers, and intervention timing were obtained from the medical record. Logistic regression and Cox survival analysis were performed to determine the relationship of antibiotic timing with culture sensitivity and time to discharge. RESULTS: No difference was seen in culture sensitivity antibiotic administration in either the local (55% culture before antibiotics vs. 89% after antibiotics) or disseminated group (76% before vs. 79% after), which persisted when further accounting for disease severity with C-reactive protein. However, later administration of antibiotics in the local infection group correlated with a decreased likelihood of discharge (3.91 d when cultured before antibiotics vs. 2.93 d when cultured after antibiotics; hazard ratio, 0.53; P<0.05). In patients with disseminated infection, antibiotic administration was not shown to correlate with any difference in time to discharge (hazard ratio, 1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The authors were surprised to find that tissue culture sensitivities were not decreased by antibiotic administration in either local or disseminated MSI, suggesting that antibiotic administration should not be delayed to obtain tissue cultures. The correlation of earlier antibiotic administration with shorter length of stay in children with local MSI led the authors to conclude that antibiotics should be initiated as quickly as possible. Further study is necessary to confirm these findings and establish clinical practice guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort.

Internal Rotation Stress Testing Improves Radiographic Outcomes of Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if routine use of an intraoperative internal rotation stress test (IRST) for type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures will safely improve maintenance of reduction. METHODS: An intraoperative protocol for type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures was adopted at our institution, consisting of fracture reduction, placement of 2 laterally based divergent pins, and then an IRST to determine the need for additional fixation with a medial column pin placed through a small open approach. Fractures treated with the prospective IRST protocol were compared with a retrospective cohort before adoption of the protocol (pre-IRST). The primary outcomes were differences in Baumann's angle, lateral humerocapitellar angle, and the rotation index between final intraoperative fluoroscopic images and radiographs at final follow-up. Secondary outcomes were complications such as iatrogenic nerve injury, loss of fixation, or need for reoperation. RESULTS: There were 78 fractures in the retrospective cohort (pre-IRST) and 49 in the prospective cohort (IRST). Overall rotational loss of reduction (>6%), measured by lateral rotation percentage, and major rotational loss of reduction (>12%) were less common in the IRST cohort (6/49 vs. 27/78, P=0.007 overall; 0/49 vs. 8/78, P=0.02 major loss). There were no major losses of reduction for Baumann's angle (>12 degrees) in either cohort. There were 5 subjects in the pre-IRST cohort (6.4%) with a major loss of reduction of the humerocapitellar angle (>12 degrees) and none in the IRST cohort (P=0.16) Loss of proximal fixation with need for reoperation occurred in 3 fractures in the pre-IRST cohort, and none in the IRST cohort (P=0.28). There were no postoperative nerve injuries in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative IRST after placement of 2 lateral pins assists with the decision for additional fixation in type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures. This method improved the final radiographic rotational alignment, and was safely performed using a mini-open approach for medial pin placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prospective cohort compared with a retrospective cohort.

A Clinical Prediction Algorithm to Stratify Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection by Severity.

OBJECTIVE: There are currently no algorithms for early stratification of pediatric musculoskeletal infection (MSKI) severity that are applicable to all types of tissue involvement. In this study, the authors sought to develop a clinical prediction algorithm that accurately stratifies infection severity based on clinical and laboratory data at presentation to the emergency department. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review was conducted to identify patients aged 0 to 18 who presented to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary care children's hospital with concern for acute MSKI over a 5-year period (2008 to 2013). Qualifying records were reviewed to obtain clinical and laboratory data and to classify in-hospital outcomes using a 3-tiered severity stratification system. Ordinal regression was used to estimate risk for each outcome. Candidate predictors included age, temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), and peripheral white blood cell count. We fit fully specified (all predictors) and reduced models (retaining predictors with a P-value ≤0.2). Discriminatory power of the models was assessed using the concordance (c)-index. RESULTS: Of the 273 identified children, 191 (70%) met inclusion criteria. Median age was 5.8 years. Outcomes included 47 (25%) children with inflammation only, 41 (21%) with local infection, and 103 (54%) with disseminated infection. Both the full and reduced models accurately demonstrated excellent performance (full model c-index 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.88; reduced model 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.87). Model fit was also similar, indicating preference for the reduced model. Variables in this model included CRP, pulse, temperature, and an interaction term for pulse and temperature. The odds of a more severe outcome increased by 30% for every 10 U increase in CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and laboratory data obtained in the emergency department may be used to accurately differentiate pediatric MSKI severity. The predictive algorithm in this study stratifies pediatric MSKI severity at presentation irrespective of tissue involvement and anatomic diagnosis. Prospective studies are needed to validate model performance and clinical utility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic study.

C-Reactive Protein Predicts Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection.

BACKGROUND: The rate of venous thromboembolism in children with musculoskeletal infections (MSKIs) is markedly elevated compared with hospitalized children in general. Predictive biomarkers to identify high-risk patients are needed to prevent the significant morbidity and rare mortality associated with thrombotic complications. We hypothesize that overactivation of the acute phase response is associated with the development of pathologic thrombi and we aim to determine whether elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with increased rates of thrombosis in pediatric patients with MSKI. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study measuring CRP in pediatric MSKI patients with or without thrombotic complications. RESULTS: The magnitude and duration of elevation in CRP values correlated with the severity of infection and the development of pathologic thrombosis. In multivariable logistic regression, every 20 mg/L increase in peak CRP was associated with a 29% increased risk of thrombosis (P<0.001). Peak and total CRP were strong predictors of thrombosis with area under the receiver-operator curves of 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Future prospective studies are warranted to further define the discriminatory power of CRP in predicting infection-provoked thrombosis. Pharmacologic prophylaxis and increased surveillance should be strongly considered in patients with MSKI, particularly those with disseminated disease and marked elevation of CRP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Dilutional coagulopathy in pediatric scoliosis surgery: A single center report.

BACKGROUND: Children undergoing posterior spinal fusion experience high blood loss often necessitating transfusion. An appropriately activated coagulation system provides hemostasis during surgery, but pathologic dysregulation can cause progressive bleeding and increased transfusions. Despite receiving antifibrinolytics for clot stabilization, many patients still require transfusions. AIMS: We sought to examine the association of dilutional coagulopathy with blood loss and blood transfusion in posterior spinal fusion for pediatric scoliosis patients. METHODS: A retrospective, single institution study of children undergoing posterior spinal fusion >6 levels with a standardized, prospective anesthetic protocol utilizing antifibrinolytics. Blood loss was evaluated using a hematocrit-based calculation. To evaluate transfusions, a normalized Blood Product Transfusion calculation was developed. Factors associated with blood loss and blood transfusions were determined by univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling with multicollinearity and mediation analysis. RESULTS: Patients received 73.7 mL/kg (standard deviation ±30.8) of fluid poor in coagulation factors. Estimated blood loss was 42.6 mL/kg (standard deviation ±18.0). There was a significant association between estimated blood loss and total fluids delivered (Spearman's rho = 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.65, P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with normalized Blood Product Transfusion in this cohort included age, weight, scoliosis type, levels fused, total osteotomies, pelvic fixation, total fluid, maximum prothrombin time, and minimum fibrinogen. Regression modeling showed the best combination of variables for modeling normalized Blood Product Transfusion included patient weight, number of levels fused, total fluid administered, and maximum prothrombin time. CONCLUSION: Blood product transfusion remains a frustrating problem in pediatric scoliosis. Identifying and controlling dilutional coagulopathy in these patients may reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion.

What's New in Pediatric Spine Growth Modulation and Implant Technology for Early-Onset Scoliosis?

BACKGROUND: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) affects roughly 1 to 2 out of 10,000 live births per year. Because this subset of patients has a yet to achieve a majority of their skeletal growth, a number of treatment challenges need to be addressed before surgical intervention. If left untreated, EOS can cause a number of problems throughout the patient's lifespan, particularly in regards to the growth of the thorax and pulmonary development. A wide variety of surgical systems and techniques are available to the treating surgeon. METHODS: A review of the orthopaedic literature from 2010 to 2015 relating to pediatric spine growth modulation was performed. Ninety-eight papers were identified and, following exclusion criteria, a total of 31 papers were selected for further review. RESULTS: This paper summarizes the recently published literature regarding growth-friendly spinal implants, the status of their Food and Drug Administration approval labeling as well as the indications, applications, and complications associated with their implementation. CONCLUSIONS: There are a growing number of options at the surgeon's disposal when treating patients with EOS. As surgeons, we must continue to be vigilant in our demand for sound clinical evidence as we strive to provide optimal care for our patients. The rapidly advancing field of spinal growth modulation is exciting. More work must be done to further enhance our ability to predictably modulate growth in the pediatric spine.