External fixator versus elastic stable intramedullary nail for treatment of metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the pediatric distal femur: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Several methods have been used for the treatment of pediatric distal femoral fractures, such as elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), external fixator (EF) and plate osteosynthesis, but there has been no consensus about the optimal method. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome between EF and ESIN techniques used in metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures of the pediatric distal femur. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed operatively treated MDJ fractures of pediatric distal femur between January 2015 and January 2022. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, injury and data of radiography. All of the patients were divided into EF and ESIN groups according to the operation techniques. Malalignment was defined as more than 5 degrees of angular deformity in either plane. Clinical outcomes were measured by Flynn scoring system. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included in this study, among which, 23 were treated with EF, and 15 with ESIN. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (12-24 months). At the final follow-up, all of the fractures were healed. Although there were no statistical differences between the two groups in demographic data, length of stay, estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of open reduction, time to fracture healing and Flynn score, the EF was superior to ESIN in operative time, fluoroscopic exposure and time to partial weight-bearing. The EF group had a significantly higher rate of skin irritation, while the ESIN had a significantly higher rate of malalignment. CONCLUSION: EF and ESIN are both effective methods in the treatment of MDJ fractures of the pediatric distal femur. ESIN is associated with lower rates of skin irritation. However, EF technique has the advantages of shorter operative time, reduced fluoroscopic exposure, and shorter time to partial weight-bearing, as well as lower incidence of malalignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Comparison of pediatric pelvic fractures and associated injuries caused by different types of road traffic accidents.

PURPOSE: To explore the clinical characteristics of pediatric pelvic fracturs caused by traffic accidents and to analyze the accompanying injuries and complications. METHODS: A total of 222 cases involved traffic accidents was enrolled in this case-control study. The data of children with pelvic fractures caused by traffic accidents who were admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Sex, age, Tile classification, abbreviated injury scale score, injury severity score, mortality, and accompanying injuries were studied. The ANOVA was used for measurement data, and the non-parametric rank sum test was used for non-normally distributed data. The Fisher's exact probability method was used for the count data. RESULTS: Of all enrolled cases, 140 are boys and 82 are girls, including 144 aged < 6 years, 65 aged between 6 and 12 years, and 13 aged > 12 years. Depending on the injury mechanism, there are 15 cases involving pedestrians vs. motorcycles (PVM), 91 cases involving pedestrians vs. passenger cars (PVC), 78 cases involving pedestrians vs. commercial vehicles (PVV), and 38 cases involving motor vehicles vs. motor vehicles (MVM). Associated injuries are reported in 198 cases (89.2%), primarily involving the abdomen injury in 144 cases (64.9%), and lower limb injury in 99 cases (44.6%). PVV injury involves longer hospital stay (p = 0.004). Intensive care unit admission rate is significantly higher in the MVM group than in other groups (p = 0.004). Head injury (p = 0.001) and face injury (p = 0.037) are more common in the MVM group, whereas abdominal injury (p = 0.048) and lower limb injury (p = 0.037) are more common in the PVV group. In the MVM group, the brain injury (p = 0.004) and femoral neck injury (p = 0.044) are more common. In the PVM group, the mediastinum (p = 0.004), ear (p = 0.009), lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.008), and spinal cord (p = 0.011) are the most vulnerable regions, while in the PVV group, the perineum (p < 0.001), urethra (p = 0.001), rectum (p = 0.006), anus (p = 0.004), and lower limb soft tissues (p = 0.024) are the most vulnerable regions. Children aged > 12 years have higher pelvic abbreviated injury scale scores (p = 0.019). There are significant differences in the classification of pelvic fractures among children < 6, 6 - 12, and > 12 years of age, with Tile C being more likely to occur in children > 12 years of age (p = 0.033). Children aged > 12 years are more likely to sustain injuries to the spleen (p = 0.022), kidneys (p = 0.019), pancreas (p < 0.001), lumbar vertebrae (p = 0.013), and sacrum (p = 0.024). The MVM group has the highest complication rate (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: PVC is the leading cause of the abdomen and lower extremities injury and has the most concomitant injuries. Different traffic injuries often lead to different associated injuries. Older children are more likely to sustain more severe pelvic fractures and peripelvic organs injuries. The MVM group has the highest extent of injury and complication rates.

Clinical characteristics of and risk factors for poor outcomes in children with bacterial culture-negative septic arthritis of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis of the hip is a serious infection in children. However, blood and joint fluid cultures are often negative, which makes the diagnosis and treatment challenging. We analyzed the clinical features of children with septic arthritis of the hip with negative bacterial cultures and identified the risk factors for poor outcomes. METHODS: The clinical data of children with septic arthritis of the hip with negative bacterial cultures who were treated at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the culture-negative cohort were compared with those of children with positive bacterial cultures treated during the same period. Culture-negative patients were divided into a group with good outcomes and a group with poor outcomes. The differences between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-nine children with culture-negative septic arthritis of the hip were compared with 37 children with culture-positive sepsis. Compared with the culture-positive group, the culture-negative group had a significantly younger mean age and a significantly lower mean serum C-reactive protein concentration. Logistic regression analysis of culture-negative patients with good versus poor outcomes revealed that the independent risk factors for poor outcomes were an increased serum C-reactive protein concentration and prolonged time from onset to surgery. The cut-off values for predicting a poor outcome in the culture-negative group were a time from onset to surgery of greater than 21 days and a C-reactive protein concentration of greater than 23 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Culture-negative septic arthritis of the hip has similar clinical features to culture-positive septic arthritis of the hip and can result in sequelae of varying severity. Therefore, active anti-infective and hip drainage therapy should be performed when children present with clinical symptoms, inflammatory marker concentrations, and imaging findings that are clinically diagnostic for septic arthritis of the hip. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, retrospective study.

Compression screw internal fixation versus non-weight-bearing cast immobilization for Jones fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: Several methods have been used to treat pediatric Jones fractures, but there has been no consensus about the optimum method. The purposes of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes between compression screw and non-weight-bearing techniques used in pediatric Jones fractures and clarify the most suitable treatment option for this population. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who presented with Jones fractures between January 2015 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into the compression screw group (n=10) and cast immobilization (n=11) group. The following parameters were compared between them: demographic data; times to radiographic union, full weight bearing, and return to daily life; and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) foot scores at 3 months postoperatively and the final follow-up. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, sex, laterality, and preoperative displacement. The mean immobilization time and times to radiographic union, full weight bearing, and return to daily life were significantly shorter in the compression screw group than in the cast immobilization group. The AOFAS scores at the final follow-up did not differ significantly between the two groups. One case of refracture and delayed union each were observed in the non-weight-bearing cast group. However, no patients experienced nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Compression screw and non-weight-bearing cast techniques are effective methods for treating pediatric Jones fractures. The complication rate was lower in pediatrics than in adults. However, compared with the non-weight-bearing cast technique, the compression screw technique has the advantages of a shorter radiographic union time, shorter immobilization times, and earlier return to full weight bearing and daily life. We recommend compression screw fixation for widely displaced fractures and school-age and active adolescents to avoid delays in healing, nonunion, disruption to daily living, and time off school. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Clinical features of pediatric femoral neck fractures and analysis of risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective case-control study of 45 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the clinical features of pediatric femoral neck fractures and analyze the risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the case data of pediatric femoral neck fractures treated in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2022, including gender, age, fracture type, causative factors, and surgical details. The occurrence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head was recorded and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: From January 2010 to December 2022, a total of 45 cases of femoral neck fractures were treated in our hospital with a median age at onset of 93 months (IQR=81) and a median time from injury to surgery of 96 hours (IQR=46). Closed reduction was performed in 36 cases, while open reduction was performed in 9 cases. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 29 cases postoperatively, while it did not occur in 16 cases. Increased time from injury to surgery and greater degree of fracture displacement were independent risk factors for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The risk of avascular necrosis in Garden IV type femoral neck fractures was significantly higher than in Garden II and III type patients. An injury-to-surgery time exceeding 82.5 hours was identified as a critical threshold for the development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. CONCLUSION: Pediatric femoral neck fractures have a low incidence rate and are mostly caused by high-energy trauma, often resulting in severe injuries. Therefore, actively maintaining stable vital signs and properly managing associated injuries, timely surgical intervention for femoral neck fractures, achieving good reduction and fixation of displaced fractures are crucial in the treatment of pediatric femoral neck fractures.

Associated injuries and complications in pediatric pelvic fractures requiring hospitalization: A series of 315 cases.

Purpose: Pediatric pelvic fractures are uncommon. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric pelvic fractures requiring hospitalization and analyze their correlation with associated injuries and complications. Methods: Data from 315 pediatric pelvic fracture patients admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Sex, age, modified Torode-Zieg classification, abbreviated injury scale score, injury severity score, mortality, and concomitant injuries were analyzed. Results: Of the 285 (90.5%) cases of combined injuries, most injuries occurred in the abdomen (64.8%) and lower extremities (47.6%), followed by the chest (45.4%) and head (34.6%). A total of 78 patients (24.8%) were transferred to the intensive care unit. In total, 94 patients (29.8%) had complications during hospitalization. There were differences based on injury mechanism (p = 0.001), with the highest complication rate in the fall injury group (32 cases (46.4%)). Approximately 51.4% of patients received surgical treatment for problems that were not related to pelvic fractures. Among these, 30.2% necessitated surgical intervention on the lower limbs. Abdominal surgery was necessary in 19.0% of patients. Conclusions: Children who have pelvic fractures frequently require hospitalization due to the presence of severe injuries in other areas of their bodies. IIIB pelvic fractures frequently occur in conjunction with more severe abdominal injuries; therefore, the prompt management of cavity and organ injuries is of particular importance. Blood transfusion and injury severity score were associated risk factors for intensive care unit admission.

Conservative versus surgical treatment of Gartland type II supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of conservative and surgical treatments for Gartland type II supracondylar humerus fractures in children. We assessed 142 patients with type II supracondylar humerus fractures treated in our hospital from February 2018 to February 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: initial conservative treatment (Group A) and initial surgical treatment (Group B). Clinical outcomes were measured by the Flynn scoring system. Variables were analyzed using a statistical approach between those groups. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The rate of loss reduction was 19.8% in patients treated conservatively, and the incidence of pin infections was 7.1% in patients treated surgically. Although there were no statistical differences between the three groups in fracture healing time and Flynn score, the conservative treatment was superior to surgical treatment in functional recovery times. At the last follow-up, all fractures had healed without iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury, Volkmann's contracture, or cubit varus deformity. Conservative treatment is safe and effective for the treatment of Gartland type II supracondylar fracture and represents a faster recovery time of elbow range of motion as compared with surgical treatment. Type IIB had a 41.3% risk of secondary displacement versus 5.3% for IIA, but we still prefer closed reduction. However, closed reduction of Garland type II must be followed accurately in the first 2 weeks to identify patients with loss of reduction. The patients who loss reduction can be treated with percutaneous pinning, and the clinical effect was consistent with immediate surgical treatment. Level of evidence: level III.

Analysis of poor prognostic factors for septic arthritis of the hip in children: a case series of 76 patients.

The clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of children with septic arthritis of the hip in our hospital were analyzed to identify the risk factors for a poor prognosis. The clinical data of 76 children with septic arthritis of the hip who were treated at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the most recent follow-up data, the patients were classified as good prognosis or poor prognosis. The differences between the two groups were analyzed. From January 2010 to December 2020, a total of 76 children with septic arthritis of the hip were admitted to our hospital, comprising 52 (68.4%) with a good prognosis and 24 (31.6%) with a poor prognosis. The risk of a poor prognosis was significantly higher in the group with time from onset to surgery >22 days than in the group with time from onset to surgery <11 days. The risk of poor prognosis in the group with C-reactive protein (CRP) > 100 mg/L was significantly higher than that in the group with CRP < 20 mg/L. Time from onset to surgery >14 days and CRP > 93 mg/L were the cutoff values for a poor prognosis. Significant elevation of CRP and prolonged time from onset to surgery in children with septic arthritis of the hip are risk factors for a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are very important because delays in these factors can lead to a poor prognosis. Level of Evidence: Level II, retrospective study.

External fixator as a safe method in the treatment of distal tibial fractures in children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results of external fixator application in the treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures in children and to analyze differences between stable and unstable fractures. METHODS: Medical records of children with distal tibial MDJ fracture confirmed by imaging from January 2015 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into stable and unstable groups and parameters, including clinical and imaging data and Tornetta ankle score were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-five children, comprising 13 with stable and 12 with unstable fractures, were included in our study. The mean age was 7 years (range, 2-13.1 years), and there were 17 males and 8 females. All children had closed reduction, and the basic clinical data of the two groups were comparable. Stable fractures showed shorter intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation, and fracture healing times than unstable fractures. No significant difference in Tornetta ankle score was observed. Twenty-two patients had excellent ankle score, and three had a good ankle score, for a combined incidence of 100%. Two patients in the stable fracture group and one in the unstable fracture group developed a pin site infection, and one patient with unstable fracture showed a length discrepancy (discrepancy<1 cm). CONCLUSION: External fixator is safe and effective for the treatment of distal tibial MDJ fractures, whether the fracture is stable or not. It has the advantages of minimally invasive, excellent ankle function score, few major complications, needless auxiliary cast fixation, and early functional exercise and weight bearing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Treatment of unstable pelvic fractures in children with an external fixator: Retrospective study of 56 patients.

Purpose: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent external fixation treatment for unstable pelvic fractures and evaluated the clinical effects of this treatment and factors influencing pelvic function recovery. Methods: The data of patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with an external fixator between January 2006 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The analyzed parameters included demographic data, fracture healing, pelvic asymmetry, deformity index, and complications. Fractures were categorized using the Tiles classification. Pelvic function was evaluated using the Cole score. Pelvic risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Fifty-six patients (29 and 27 with type B and C fractures, respectively) were included. All fractures were healed at the time of the final follow-up. Nine and three patients had pin tract infections and loosened external fixators postoperatively, respectively. Pelvic asymmetry was reduced from 1.34 ± 0.15 cm to 0.70 ± 0.19 cm (p < 0.01), and the deformity index decreased from 0.13 ± 0.03 to 0.07 ± 0.02 (p < 0.01). The Cole score was excellent and good in 41 and 15 patients, respectively. Risk factors for pelvic function recovery included injury severity score > 25.5, age > 11.3 years, and lower-extremity fractures. Conclusions: External fixation is an effective method for treating unstable pelvic fractures in children, with the advantages of a simple operation, short surgical time, no interference with treatments for associated injuries, and avoidance of re-trauma caused by open reduction. An ISS > 25.5, patient age > 11.3 years, and associated lower-extremity fractures are predictors of pelvic function recovery. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Robot-assisted cannulated compression screw internal fixation for treatment of femoral neck fracture in children: A case series of ten patients.

Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted cannulated compression screw internal fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture in children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of ten children with femoral neck fractures treated by robot-assisted internal fixation from January 2020 to June 2021. The clinical and radiological characteristics, operation duration, and fluoroscopy frequency of robot-assisted screws placement together with the complications and function were evaluated. At the 12-month follow-up, the hip joint function was evaluated using the Ratliff classification. Results: Ten children, six boys and four girls, aged 4-14 years were included. There were eight type II and three type III femoral neck fractures using the Delbet classification. In the process of robot-assisted internal fixation, the median of fluoroscopy frequency was 22 times and the median of operation duration was 47 min. The median of screw parallelism was 1.33° and 0.66° on the anteroposterior and lateral x-ray films, and the median of screw distribution was 41.86% and 44.93% on the anteroposterior and lateral x-ray films, respectively. At the 12-month follow-up, there were two cases of femoral head necrosis, and fracture healing was achieved in all patients, of which eight fractures were excellent and three were good by the Ratliff function classification. Discussion: The application of robot-assisted cannulated compression screw internal fixation could help us achieve more safe and accurate screw placement, as well as a good treatment effect for children's femoral neck fractures. Level of Evidence: Level IV. retrospective case series.

Therapeutic effect of an external fixator in the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: Unstable pelvic fractures in children are serious and complex injuries, and the optimal method to manage these injuries is controversial. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that an external fixator would be a satisfactory method of treating unstable pelvic fractures in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 pediatric patients with unstable pelvic fractures who were treated with an external fixator in Beijing Children's Hospital from June 2006 to June 2016. Postoperative follow-up was 12 to 108 months, with an average of 26 months. One year after the operation, fracture healing, pelvic asymmetry, and deformity index were assessed by X-ray. Pelvic function was evaluated with the Cole evaluation standard, and daily cognitive and motor functions were evaluated by weeFIM. Patient complications were recorded. RESULTS: The average age of the 40 patients was 5.9±3.1 years (2 to 14.5), including 25 boys and 15 girls. Among these cases, 37 (92.5%) had injuries caused by traffic accidents and 3 (7.5%) had injuries caused by falling from height. Based on the Tile classification, there were 18 cases of class B (14 class B2 and 4 class B3) and 22 cases of class C (15 class C1, 6 class C2, and 1 class C3). The X-rays showed good fracture healing at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. The pelvic asymmetry was reduced from 1.13cm before the operation to 0.88cm after (p<0.05), and the deformity index was decreased from 0.09 before to 0.05 after the operation (p<0.05). At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, 36 patients had excellent Cole scores, and 4 had good Cole scores, with a good or excellent rate of 100%. According to the weeFIM, 28 patients had complete independence, 11 had basic independence, and 1 had conditional independence. Three patients (7.5%) had complications, all of which were postoperative pin-site infections. DISCUSSION: For children with horizontally unstable pelvic fractures, an external fixator can be used alone. For children with horizontally and vertically unstable pelvic fractures, after external fixator placement and reduction, lower extremity traction can be performed to achieve better reduction and maintain stability, and the therapeutic effect is satisfactory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational cohort study.