Supracondylar Dome Osteotomy With a Posterior Triceps-splitting Approach for Acute Correction of Posttraumatic Cubital Axis Deformities in Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Fractures around the elbow are common in children. Their management remains challenging. Inadequate treatment often leads to malunion, causing growth disturbance or avascular necrosis. This can develop into cubital axis deformities. This study evaluated our modified supracondylar dome osteotomy technique for acute correction of posttraumatic cubital axis deformities in adolescent patients. METHODS: Eighteen cases of posttraumatic cubital axis deformity that underwent acute correction through supracondylar dome osteotomy in our department between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The radiologic results were measured through the carrying angle. The clinical functional outcomes were assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index. RESULTS: No neurovascular injuries occurred and there was no notable loss of muscular strength or functional deficiencies in any of the patients. Symmetrical cubital axes were achieved in all cases. All cases were consolidated in a timely matter and no malunion was observed upon consolidation. Besides 1 case of hardware damage caused by a severe fall due to heavy alcohol intoxication, there was no correction loss, no secondary displacement, and no implant-related discomfort. None of the patients were left with a limited range of motion or reduced weight-bearing capacity. An excellent level of elbow functionality was achieved in all cases, with an average Mayo Elbow Performance Index of 97.8. CONCLUSIONS: The supracondylar dome osteotomy technique showed promising results in both radiologic outcomes and clinical performance, with a low complication rate. The dome-shaped osteotomy allows simultaneous multiplanar correction of not only varus or valgus deformities but also additional extension or flexion deformities. This technique also enables translation of the distal fragment in the frontal plane, which contributes to a more balanced anatomic geometry of the distal humerus. We consider the posterior triceps-splitting approach to be a safe technique that preserves muscle strength and improves the cosmetic appearance of the surgical scar. We recommend a cast-free plate fixation to allow early movement after surgery. We believe any residual deformities that present 18 months after the initial trauma should be addressed through surgical correction before clinical symptoms become apparent to avoid the chronic manifestation of functional deficiencies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study, case series.

Surgical dislocation for pediatric and adolescent hip deformity: clinical and radiographical results at 3 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiographic short-term results and complications after surgical hip dislocation in young patients (≤18 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed in patients who underwent a surgical hip dislocation Ganz-type approach between 2008 and 2012. Diagnosis included Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, femoroacetabular impingement, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, multiple hereditary exostoses and pigmented villonodular synovitis. Clinical data, the modified Harris hip score, nonarthritic hip score, 12-item short form health survey, the Stulberg classification, morphometric indexes, signs of osteonecrosis and osteoarthrosis were used for the evaluation. RESULTS: After a mean 3 years follow-up (range 0.5-6 years), 53 hips (51 patients) were evaluated. The most common diagnoses were Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, femoroacetabular impingement and multiple hereditary exostoses. Mean age at surgery was 14 years (range 10-18 years). Through this approach femoral head-neck osteoplasty, Dunn-type osteotomy, labrum refixation, synovectomy, femoral head mosaicplasty open reduction and fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis were performed, finally in association with pelvic or intertrochanteric osteotomy. At follow-up, better outcome scores were obtained, progression of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head was observed in four cases and three further patients required the implant of a total hip prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 years follow-up, results are comparable to previous studies and patients have a high rate of satisfaction, however the effectiveness of those procedures have to be proved on the long term. Results and complications seem to be related with preoperative lesion(s) and type of treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study, case series.

Arthroscopic Anatomy of the Dislocated Hip in Infants and Obstacles Preventing Reduction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy as seen arthroscopically, the role of the labrum and its relevance in luxation and reduction procedures, and secondary changes to the cartilaginous acetabular roof and to determine the main obstacles preventing reduction of dislocated hips in infants and young children. METHODS: A specialized pediatric medial approach to hip arthroscopy was performed on 25 hip joints in 21 patients younger than 4 years of age. The arthroscopic procedure was conducted using a 2.7-mm cannulated instrument. A subadductor portal was used for the 70° arthroscope, and a high anterolateral portal served as a working portal. The anatomic findings of the individual hip joints were recorded. We examined the femoral head, the teres ligament, the transverse ligament, the acetabulum, and the acetabular labrum. The obstacles preventing reduction were successively resected. RESULTS: An arthroscopic investigation of all major structures and arthroscopic reduction was possible in 25 hip joints. A hypertrophic teres ligament was present in 23 of the 25 hips. Capsular constriction prevented reduction in 22 of the 25 hips. The acetabular labrum was not inverted in any of the examined hip joints and was also never an obstacle to reduction. Secondary changes to the cartilaginous preformed acetabular roof were present in 10 hips. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that arthroscopy of a developmentally dislocated hip can be safely performed using the subadductor portal. Through this arthroscopic approach, we were able to identify the previously described pathologic structures-the limbus, neolimbus, pulvinar, hypertrophic teres ligament, and capsular constriction. The capsule was the most common block to reduction, followed by the teres ligament. Successful reduction can be achieved by removal of intra-articular tissues, the pulvinar, and the teres ligament, and nearly always a capsular release. The limbus and neolimbus were not factors in achieving reduction in our series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

[Stress injuries of bone in children and adolescents]. / Stressverletzungen des Knochens bei Kindern und Jugendlichen.

Stress injuries of bone in childhood and adolescence are the result of an imbalance between physical stress on the growing musculoskeletal system and its intrinsic resilience. Children who are very active in sports are particularly affected. The classical stress injuries mainly occur in the area of the lower leg, the metatarsus and the lower lumbar spine due to the disproportionate load on healthy bone; however, overuse syndromes can also occur in the area of the growth plates and possibly lead to growth plate disorders. The anamnesis usually shows stress-related pain that has existed for a long time without trauma. As part of the differential diagnosis, a stress injury must first be included in the considerations due to it being a rare entity. An X­ray examination can show the first signs of a stress reaction. In the event of a conspicuous periosteal reaction, a malignant event must also be considered. As a rule, the MRI examination is then groundbreaking and in some rare cases biopsies have to be considered. The treatment of stress injuries is usually conservative. Recurrences should be counteracted by exercise control.

[Clavicle shaft fractures in childhood and adolescence : Consensus report of the Pediatric Traumatology Section of the German Society for Trauma Surgery]. / Claviculaschaftfrakturen im Kindes- und Jugendalter : Konsensusreport der Sektion Kindertraumatologie in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie.

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle shaft fractures are among the most common fractures in childhood and adolescence. In the past they were almost exclusively treated conservatively but in recent years there has been an increase in surgical treatment. Nevertheless, exact recommendations for the choice of diagnostics and for the treatment regimen do not yet exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Therefore, our aim was to develop a consensus within the 7th scientific working meeting of the section for pediatric traumatology in the German Society for Trauma Surgery based on expert opinion. RESULTS: Single-plane radiographic imaging is considered the gold standard diagnostic tool. Children younger than 10 years are primarily treated conservatively, and the type of immobilization is secondary. In girls older than 12 years and boys older than 14 years, fractures dislocated by more than the shaft width and shortened by > 2 cm should be treated by open reduction and stabilized by osteosynthesis, followed by free-functional follow-up treatment. CONCLUSION: In addition to X­rays, diagnostics using ultrasound must be further established. Treatment continues to be primarily conservative, but surgical treatment is also important, especially in adolescents. If the indications are correct, a good outcome can be expected regardless of the choice of treatment.

Pediatric aseptic lower leg fracture nonunion.

PURPOSE: Lower leg nonunion in pediatric patients is a rarity. Therefore, eight European pediatric trauma units retrospectively analyzed all patients younger than 18 years suffering lower leg fractures resulting in aseptic nonunion. METHODS: Thirteen children and adolescents less than 18 years old (2 girls and 11 boys) diagnosed with aseptic nonunion of the tibia and/or fibula were evaluated. In all patients, epidemiological data, mechanism of injury, fracture configuration, and the initial treatment concept were assessed, and the entire medical case documentation was observed. Furthermore, potential causes of nonunion development were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 12.3 years with the youngest patient being seven and the oldest being 17 years old. Open fractures were found in six out of thirteen patients (46%). Nonunion was hypertrophic in ten and oligotrophic in three patients. Mean range of time to nonunion occurrence was 7.3 ± 4.6 months. Nonunion healing resulting in complete metal removal was found in 12 out of 13 patients (92%), only in one case of a misinterpreted CPT type II osseous consolidation could not be found during the observation period. Mean range of time between surgical nonunion revision and osseous healing was 7.3 months as well. CONCLUSION: If treatment principles of the growing skeleton are followed consistently, aseptic nonunion of the lower leg remains a rare complication in children and adolescents. Factors influencing the risk of fracture nonunion development include patient's age, extended soft tissue damage, relevant bone loss, and inadequate initial treatment.

Pseudo paralysis of the shoulder and increased C-reactive protein are predictive factors for septic shoulder in children superior to other clinical symptoms: a retrospective case series of 25 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate predictable parameters with the highest sensitivity used in the diagnosis of children septic shoulder arthritis. METHODS: All children treated in our paediatric orthopaedic hospital between 2000 and 2017 with intraoperative verified septic arthritis of the shoulder were included in this retrospective study. Diagnostic procedures e.g. ultrasound, MRI, radiograph or blood samples as well as typical clinical symptoms were evaluated as predictable parameters for septic shoulder arthritis in paediatric patients. Descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity analysis were performed. RESULTS: In all, 25 children, 20 boys and five girls, aged from eight days to 15 years, were included for further statistical analysis. All parameters included were tested for sensitivity with binomial confidence intervals (Cis) of 95%. Predictive parameters with highest sensitivity were pseudo paralysis (100%, CI 0.86 to 1.00) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (96%, CI 0.79 to 0.99) superior to temperature (52%, CI 0.3 to 0.73), white blood count (11%, CI 0.01 to 0.34), radiograph (21%, CI 0.04 to 0.50), ultrasound (71%, CI 0.47 to 0.88) or MRI (100%, CI 0.78 to 1.00). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of a septic arthritis of the shoulder in children can be challenging for the clinician and especially for the resident doctor. Clinical symptoms such as pseudo paralysis and increased CRP level must be considered as predictive markers not to delay further diagnostics and treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Clubfoot associated with preaxial polydactyly.

We report on three children with bilateral, congenital clubfoot. Four of the six clubfeet were associated with preaxial polydactyly. Five of the six clubfeet were treated without extensive surgery. A plantigrade foot was achieved, even in the three clubfeet with polydactyly, using serial casting and percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. Casting was adapted according to the existing polydactyly. One case with tibial hemimelia and a complex clubfoot deformity with preaxial tarsal polydactyly required more comprehensive surgery. A foot with good weight-bearing function was also achieved in this case following resection of the accessory medial ray, including resection of the accessory tarsal bones and posterior release. Remaining limitations in mobility were ascribed to hindfoot pathologies.

Nonunion of forearm shaft fractures in children after intramedullary nailing.

The elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the current treatment of choice for unstable forearm shaft fractures in children. There is no large study on paediatric nonunion of forearm shaft fractures in children after intramedullary nailing. There are only sporadic reports on nonunions after ESIN in children. The aim of this study was to define predisposing factors of nonunions in paediatric forearm fractures. All children who had been treated for forearm fractures by ESIN in our hospital from 1990 to 2006, and all children treated elsewhere surgically and being followed up at our institution were included in the study. In these children, we identified all patients who did not show bony consolidation of the fracture after 6 months from ESIN. Over a period of 16 years, 537 patients were primarily treated in our hospital and 55 children had been initially treated in a different institution. Six children were identified to fulfill the criteria of having developed a pseudarthrosis. Of these six children, three patients had been primarily treated in another hospital and three were our original patients. The average age was 11.1 years (9-14 years). There were only pseudarthroses of the ulna to be observed. In five children, the pseudarthrosis was in the middle third and in one patient in the distal third of the ulna. There were five closed fractures and one first-degree open fracture. Five times an open reduction of the ulna had been performed because closed reduction and insertion of the ESIN was impossible, whereas the radius had been treated closed in five cases and open in one case for intramedullary stabilization. Three cases were refractures, in one child it was a second refracture. In one case, we identified a technical error as cause of the development of the pseudarthrosis. Four children needed a revision surgery. In these children, the ulna was plated. Two patients showed spontaneous healing of the pseudarthrosis. In five patients, there was a hypertrophic pseudarthrosis present and in one case was hypotrophic pseudarthrosis. The reintervention was necessary because of increasing deformity in four patients and implant failure in one case. In conclusion, Non-unions after forearm fractures are observed in children and adolescents mainly in the middle third of the ulna. With the need of initial open reduction or the presence of an open fracture in the first instance, the risk of developing a pseudarthrosis. It may also be higher in such cases, which represent a refracture. Despite the small risk of developing a pseudarthrosis after forearm fracture, the indication for ESIN is clear. The surgical trauma needs to be as minimal as possible in cases with open reduction with as little as possible compromise of the blood circulation of the affected bone.

Determination of hip reduction in spica cast treatment for DDH: a comparison of radiography and ultrasound.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study we compared the efficacy of ultrasound and radiography for determining the position of the femoral head after closed or open reduction in DDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ultrasound was performed using the van Douveren technique by a transinguinal approach through a perineal window of the spica cast. Sixty-eight a.p. radiographs of the pelvis were correlated to 68 ultrasound images. RESULTS: Thirty-two radiographs were not useful for precisely determining the femoral head position, whereas the criteria described by van Douveren et al. could be identified in all ultrasound images. All ultrasound images in the study were useful and gave reliable information about the position of the femoral head. CONCLUSION: Consequently, standard radiographic documentation is no longer used as a standard in our clinic. MRI and CT are reserved for special cases. We recommend transinguinal ultrasound as a standard diagnostic method to determine the position of the femoral head in hip spica casts safely and reliably.