Spine Injuries in Child Abuse.

BACKGROUND: Although rare, spinal injuries associated with abuse can have potentially devastating implications in the pediatric population. We analyzed the association of pediatric spine injury in abused children and determined the anatomic level of the spine affected, while also focusing on patient demographics, length of stay, and total hospital charges compared with spine patients without a diagnosis of abuse. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Kids' Inpatient Database was conducted from 2000 to 2012 to identify pediatric patients (below 18 y) who sustained vertebral column fractures or spinal cord injuries. Patients with a documented diagnosis of abuse were identified using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Our statistical models consisted of multivariate linear regressions that were adjusted for age, race, and sex. RESULTS: There were 22,192 pediatric patients with a diagnosis of spinal cord or vertebral column injury during the study period, 116 (0.5%) of whom also had a documented diagnosis of abuse. The most common type of abuse was physical (75.9%). Compared with nonabused patients, abused patients were more likely to be below 2 years of age (OR=133.4; 95% CI, 89.5-198.8), female (OR=1.67; 95% CI, 1.16-2.41), and nonwhite (black: OR=3.86; 95% CI, 2.31-6.45; Hispanic: OR=2.86; 95% CI, 1.68-4.86; other: OR=2.33; 95% CI, 1.11-4.86). Abused patients also presented with an increased risk of thoracic (OR=2.57; 95% CI, 1.67-3.97) and lumbar (OR=1.67; 95% CI, 1.03-2.72) vertebral column fractures and had a multivariate-adjusted mean length of stay that was 62.2% longer (P<0.001) and mean total charges that were 52.9% higher (P<0.001) compared with nonabused patients. Furthermore, 19.7% of all pediatric spine patients under 2 years of age admitted during the study period belonged to the abused cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Spine injuries are rare but can be found in the pediatric population. With an additional documented diagnosis of abuse, these injuries affect younger patients in the thoracolumbar region of the spine, and lead to longer lengths of stay and higher hospital costs when compared with nonabused patients. Because of these findings, physicians should maintain a higher level of suspicion of abuse in patients with spine injuries, especially patients under 2 years of age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence-a case-control study.

ORIF versus arthroplasty for open proximal humerus fractures: Nationwide Inpatient Sample data between 1998 and 2013.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists in analyzing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and arthroplasty in the management of open proximal humerus fractures. We analyzed differences in hospital course between these procedures, patient demographics, complication rate, length of stay, hospital charges, and mortality rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. ICD-9 codes identified patients hospitalized for open proximal humerus fractures from 1998 to 2013 who underwent ORIF or shoulder arthroplasty (hemi-, total, or reverse). Demographics and in-hospital complications were compared. Logistic regression controlling for age, gender, and Deyo index tested the impact of ORIF vs ARTH on any complications. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty patients were included (ORIF, n = 662 vs ARTH, n = 68). ORIF patients were younger (p < 0.001), more likely to be males (p < 0.001), and had a lower Deyo score (p = 0.012). Both groups had comparable complication rates (21.4% vs 18.0%, p = 0.535), lengths of stay (7.86 days vs 7.44 days, p = 0.833), hospital charges ($76,998 vs $64,133, p = 0.360), and mortality rates (0.2% vs 0%, p = 0.761). Type of surgery was not a predictor of any complications (OR = 0.67 [95% CI 0.33-1.35], p = 0.266), extended length of stay (OR = 1.01 [95% CI 0.58-1.78], p = 0.967), or high hospital charges (OR = 1.39 [95% CI 0.68-2.86], p = 0.366). CONCLUSION: We revealed no differences in hospital course between ORIF and arthroplasty for management of open proximal humerus fractures. Although differences in demographics existed, no differences in complication rates, length of stay, hospital charges and mortality rates were noted. Future studies can evaluate the long-term outcomes of these procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Tendon Transfers, Balloon Spacers, and Bursal Acromial Reconstruction for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

Several options exist for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears without advanced arthritic changes. Tendon transfer poses technical challenges and has limited but promising outcomes data. Newer procedures such as balloon spacers and bursal acromial reconstruction are currently being investigated as a reproducible solution to this challenging problem. Ultimately the decision to continue with conservative measures, use one of the aforementioned techniques, or proceed with reverse shoulder arthroplasty remains a decision to be made in the context of patient's unique demands and provider comfort with the various modalities of treatment.

Incidence and risk factors for pseudosubluxation of the humeral head following proximal humerus fracture.

Background: Humeral head pseudosubluxation (HHPS) in relation to the glenohumeral joint is a common finding following fractures of the proximal humerus. The temporary inferior subluxation of the humeral head may be secondary to a transient axillary nerve neuropraxia, pain inhibition of the deltoid, or hemarthrosis or capsular disruption that alters the physiologically negative pressure in the glenohumeral joint. Despite the frequency of this finding, it is not well described in the literature. This study sought to describe the incidence, risk factors, and rate of resolution of HHPS following proximal humerus fracture. Methods: The practice of two fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons was queried for proximal humerus fractures. Patient radiographs were reviewed at the time of injury and all subsequent follow-ups through one year after injury. Data collection included the presence of HHPS, type of fracture based on the Neer classification, operative vs. nonoperative management, and resolution of HHPS. Exclusion criteria included skeletally immature patients, fracture-dislocations, patients treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty, inadequate follow-up, or those patients with incorrect International Classification of Diseases coding. Results: The incidence of HHPS was 20.0% (103 out of 515 patients) overall. Patients who required surgical intervention were more likely to develop pseudosubluxation than those who were treated conservatively (P < .001). There was an increasing incidence of pseudosubluxation based on the Neer classification, with 0-part fractures demonstrating a 2.56% (2/78) rate, whereas 4-part fractures were found to have HHPS in 35.1% (20/57) of cases (P < .001). All patients were found to have resolution of their HHPS at the final follow-up or one year after injury. None of age, sex, obesity, or injury to the dominant arm was associated with the occurrence of HHPS. There was, however, a statistically significant difference in the body mass index of those who developed HHPS (28.4, ± 5.77) vs. those who did not (26.2, ± 5.32, P < .01). Conclusion: This retrospective radiographic study is the largest to date investigating the incidence of HHPS following proximal humerus fracture and first to correlate with Neer classification and operative intervention. We found that HHPS occurs in one-fifth of acute proximal humerus fractures and resolves regardless of intervention. More complex fractures, including those with increasing Neer parts or requiring operative intervention, developed HHPS at higher rates than simpler fracture patterns. This study will help both general orthopedists as well as shoulder surgeons understand the epidemiology of HHPS and provide reassurance to patients that PS is a benign finding with expected spontaneous resolution by one year.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare but serious complication of pediatric scoliosis surgery; sparse current evidence warrants more information on causality and prevention. This systematic review sought to identify incidence of DIC in pediatric patients during or shortly after corrective scoliosis surgery and identify any predictive factors for DIC. METHODS: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid databases were systematically reviewed through July 2017 to identify pediatric patients with DIC in the setting of scoliosis surgery. Patient demographics, medical history, surgery performed, clinical course, suspected causes of DIC, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Thirteen cases from 1974 to 2012 (mean age: 15.3 ± 4.3 years, 72% women) were identified, with neuromuscular (n = 7; 54%) scoliosis as the most common indication. There were no prior bleeding disorder histories; all preoperative labs were within normal limits. Procedures included 8 posterior segmental fusions (54%), 3 Harrington rods (31%), 1 Cotrel-Dubousset, and 1 unit rod. Eight patients experienced DIC intraoperatively and 5 patients experienced DIC postoperatively. Probable DIC causes included coagulopathy following intraoperatively retrieved blood reinfusion, infection from transfusion, rhabdomyolysis, hemostatic matrix application, heparin use, and hypovolemic shock. Most common complications included increased intraoperative blood loss (n = 8) and hypotension (n = 7). The mortality rate was 7.69%; one fatality occurred in the acute postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Prior bleeding disorder status notwithstanding, this review identified preliminary associations between variables during corrective scoliosis surgery and DIC incidence among pediatric patients, suggesting multiple etiologies for DIC in the setting of scoliosis surgery. Further investigation is warranted to quantify associated risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study brings awareness to a previously rarely discussed complication of pediatric scoliosis surgery. Further cognizance of DIC by scoliosis surgeons may help identify and prevent causes thereof.

The Impact of Malnutrition on 30-Day Postoperative Complications following Surgical Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Introduction Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are increasingly managed surgically among fragility fractures due to prolonged life expectancy and surgical advancements. Yet, malnutrition can impact postoperative outcomes and complications. We sought to determine the impact of malnutrition on open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of DRFs during the perioperative and 30-day postoperative periods. Materials and Methods Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, all patients who underwent ORIF of a DRF between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016, were identified and stratified by preoperative serum albumin levels: normal (≥3.5 g/dL; n = 2,546) or hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL; n = 439). Demographical and perioperative data were compared. Operative complications were stratified into major and minor complications, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models. Results Compared with patients with normal levels, a higher proportion of hypoalbuminemia patients had ASA scores > 3 (9.1 vs. 2%) and a longer mean length of stay (3.16 vs. 0.83 days). Hypoalbuminemia patients also had 625% greater odds for developing major complications during the 30-day postoperative period (odds ratio = 7.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.91-27.49). Conclusion Malnutrition significantly affected outcomes and complications of distal radius ORIF. This study highlights the importance of prevention and treatment of malnutrition in the setting of fragility fractures.

Surfing-related head injuries presenting to United States emergency departments.

This study examined the incidence and trends of surfing-related and mild traumatic brain injuries that presented to United States emergency departments between 2001 and 2016. Subjects with surging-related head injuries were retrieved from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. A weighted total of 34,337 surfing-related head injuries were identified. The annual incidence of surfing-related head injuries insignificantly decreased from 2001 to 2016 (R2 = .119; p = .19). Most common injuries included lacerations (50.4%), blunt head injuries (25.7%), and mild traumatic brain injuries (16.1%). Mild traumatic brain injury incidence and annual percentage increased significantly during the study period (R2 = .251; p = .05 and R2 = .346; p = .02, respectively).

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Care in an Underserved Inner-City Population: Screening, Bracing, and Patient- and Parent-Reported Outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. OBJECTIVES: This preliminary investigation sought to identify the quality of care adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients from our large, underserved community had received before presenting at this institution's clinic. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: AIS affects 1% to 4% of children between ages 10 and 16. Barriers to health care for patients in underserved populations have not been well studied. METHODS: Patients who visited a single surgeon's clinic for primary AIS between June 2016 and January 2017 were enrolled. Patients had 36-inch full-spine radiographs and completed a survey of demographics, prior AIS care received (screening, bracing, etc), socioeconomic parameters, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs; Scoliosis Research Society [SRS]-30 Questionnaire and Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire [BIDQ]). Parametric and nonparametric analyses were used and percentages and mean/median values were reported. RESULTS: 47 patients (age: 15 ± 3 years; 82.7% female) were included. Overall, 25.5% of patients reported a family history of scoliosis, and 42.6% had no prior knowledge of scoliosis. Per Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) recommendations, 15 patients required observation (main Cobb angle: <25°), 22 patients were eligible for bracing (25°-45°), and 10 patients were surgical candidates (>45°). In addition, 21.3% of all patients were never screened for scoliosis; of these, 50% had a main scoliosis curve >25°. Seventy percent of surgical candidates never wore a brace, and 59.3% of screened patients who were eligible for bracing were not braced at initial presentation. Patients who were left unbraced when eligible exhibited worse BIDQ scores (1.7 vs. 1.4, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: One of five children in our population was never screened for scoliosis, and nearly three of five children did not receive optimal care as recommended by SRS. AIS patients in our inner-city populations are potentially at risk of continuing to experience a significant disadvantage in health care access. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV case series.

Septic arthritis of the hip and knee treated surgically in pediatric patients: Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated incidence over time, any association between race and demographics, and hospital-related parameters in pediatric patients with septic hip or knee arthritis. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to identify all children with a diagnosis of septic hip or knee arthritis who underwent incision and drainage (1997-2012). RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2012, overall incidence of septic arthritis of the knee (0.20-0.33 per 100,000) and hip (0.12-0.18 per 100,000) increased. CONCLUSION: Incidence of pediatric septic joint arthritis, an emergent orthopaedic condition, has increased over time. Patient demographics may vary with respect to both age and race.

Anatomical Modifications during the Lateral Transpsoas Approach to the Lumbar Spine. The Impact of Vertebral Rotation.

BACKGROUND: We investigated impact of vertebral axial rotation on neurovascular anatomy in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients and provided recommendations on the approach based on degree of axial rotation. In order to isolate vertebral rotation (VR) impact from the superimposed degenerative cascade observed in adulthood, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients were analyzed. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (L1-S1) from 50 right-convex thoracic (left-convex lumbar) AIS patients were analyzed. At each intervertebral level, VR, lumbar plexus depth (LPD), and vascular structure depth (VSD) were evaluated. Paired t test analyses were used to describe anatomic differences between the concave and convex aspect of our patients' curves. Correlation analysis was used to investigate relationships with soft tissue modifications and VR. RESULTS: Fifty AIS patients (17M, 33F) with mean thoracic Cobb of 50.6° ± 17.0° and mean lumbar Cobb of 41.9° ± 13.0° were included. Mean VR at each level was L1-2 = -6.6°, L2-3 = -7.7°, L3-4 = -6.5°, L4-5 = -4.7°, L5-S1 = -2.6° (negative value denotes clockwise rotation). We found significant differences (P < .05) between concave-convex (right-left) LPD at each level (L1-2 = 3.7 mm, L2-3 = 5.1 mm, L3-4 = 4.2 mm, L4-5 = 2.2 mm, L5-S1 = 2.2 mm). Vascular structure depth was significantly different at L1-L2 (3.2 mm) and L5-S1 (3 mm). Significant correlation was found between increasing VR and concave-convex LPD difference (r = 0.68, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that displacement of the lumbar plexus is tied to the magnitude of VR in patients with AIS. When approaching the lumbar spine, this displacement widens the safe surgical corridor on the convex side and narrows the corridor on the concave side. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative review of MRI scans should occur to assess the patient's safe surgical corridor for lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). Adult spinal deformity surgeons who approach a degenerated spine in patients with progressive AIS in adulthood must carefully plan for patient positioning, neurovascular anatomy, and realignment objectives prior to the day of surgical intervention.