[Patellar osteochondral injury as onset of patellar instability]. / Lesión osteocondral patelar como debut de una inestabilidad rotuliana.

Patellar osteochondral fractures with no dislocation are uncommon and usually affect the centromedial facet of the patella. We present the case of a 10 year-old, overweight, female patient. She was seen in the emergency room after suffering an accidental fall, assessed as an osteochondral fracture-dislocation of the right patella with upper-outer displaced free fragments. By patient interview, she referred to no previous episodes of patellar dislocation. To complete the study, we performed an MRI which showed a medial facet patellar fracture, with two osteochondral fragments located in the sub-quadricipital recess, associated with other lesions suggesting patellar subluxation. We considered that the best treatment was surgery, so the following was performed: an open reduction and internal fixation with absorbable bars, lateral patellar release (Ficat technique), patellar coverage by medial portion of quadriceps (Insall technique) and internal moving of the lateral half of the patellar tendon (Goldwaith technique). The injury was checked one year later using arthroscopy. It confirmed a good reconstruction of the articular surface, and right patellar centering. At follow-up, during the physiotherapy period, the patient began to have repeated episodes of instability in the contralateral patella. The CT scan confirmed the patellar lateralisation (TAGT 17). Centering surgery was indicated due to the occurrence of multiple dislocation episodes. The patient currently carries out normal physical activity and she has a complete range of movement. Patellar osteochondral fracture is an injury frequently associated with patellar instability, which may onset in the first episode. The medial location of the lesions and the involvement of the system of medial knee stability is a fundamental finding. This fact reinforces the diagnosis of pre-fracture patellar dislocation. This is not a fracture-dislocation, but a dislocation-fracture. We may, therefore, treat the injury and its cause.

[Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle: a review of nine cases]. / Seudoartrosis congénita de clavícula.

BACKGROUND: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC) is a rare malformation of the scapular waist of unknown etiology. About 200 cases have been reported. The lesion is usually right-sided and unilateral. Physical examination reveals swelling over the midportion of the clavicle, usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is confirmed by plain radiology. The differential diagnosis includes posttraumatic pseudarthrosis, cleidocranial dysostosis and neurofibromatosis. Surgical treatment is indicated in symptomatic patients or those with major deformity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 9 patients with CPC managed in our hospital. RESULTS: We studied 5 girls and 4 boys with unilateral right CPC. None of them had a familial history of CPC. Four complained of local pain, without functional impairment, and clavicular asymmetry on x-ray ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm, without accompanying pathologic findings. Surgical treatment was performed in 5 patients, with resection of fibrous pseudarthrosis, internal fixation, and iliac bone graft. In 4 patients callus response was achieved at 2 months. The remaining patient required withdrawal of orthopaedic material 2 months after surgery because of its protrusion through the skin, without the need for further surgical treatment to date. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, CPC should be included in the differential diagnosis of clavicle abnormalities in children. Good results are achieved with current surgical techniques in patients with clear indication.

[Slipping rib syndrome as a cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children]. / Síndrome de la costilla deslizante como causa de dolor abdominal recidivante en la edad pediátrica.

The slipping rib syndrome can be produced by a direct or indirect traumatism over the sternal tip of the costal cartilages 8, 9 and 10. The main complains are abdominal pain in the right or left upper abdominal, quadrants, and sometimes a sensation of rubbing or slipping of the ribs. The hoocking maneuver is useful in the diagnosis of this syndrome. Three clinical cases of the slipping rib syndrome are reported. This syndrome must be taken into account is the differential diagnosis of the abdominal pain in pediatric patients.