Comparison of internal fixation vs. external fixation after corrective osteotomy in children with cubitus varus.

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus deformity is a well-known late complication of supracondylar fractures in children. In this retrospective study, the primary objective was to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes of lateral closing-wedge osteotomy with either internal fixation or external fixation in pediatric patients with cubitus varus deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2017, 35 consecutive patients with cubitus varus deformities secondary to supracondylar fractures were included in this study. After corrective osteotomy was performed via a limited lateral approach, the method of definitive fixation was chosen between internal and external. Retrospectively, patients who underwent external fixation on the lateral aspect of the elbow were defined as group I (n = 16) whereas patients with unilateral single-plate fixation were defined as group II (n = 19). The functional outcome was evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Flynn criteria. RESULTS: No significant difference in age was found between the 2 groups (P = .15). Significantly lower costs, a shorter operation duration, smaller scars, and a shorter time for plaster cast use postoperatively were found in group I (P < .001). No nonunion or failure of fixation was found. No significant difference was noted in postoperative elbow range of motion or Mayo Elbow Performance Score (P = .64). Both groups achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with cubitus varus, both methods of fixation after lateral closing-wedge corrective osteotomy are reliable, with a low rate of complications and satisfactory functional results. External fixation is more advantageous in terms of easier preoperative planning, shorter operative times, lower costs, and easier postoperative fixation removal.

Health-related Quality of Life After Fractures of the Lateral Third of the Clavicle in Children and Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The health-related quality of life after pediatric fractures of the lateral third of the clavicle is unknown. Given the trend in the literature toward surgical management of clavicular fractures in adults, we frequently receive referrals for surgical management of lateral clavicular fractures in children.Therefore, we examined (1) the health-related quality of life of patients who sustained a fracture of the lateral third of the clavicle in childhood and who were treated at a large regional pediatric trauma center, (2) if the health-related quality of life was associated with the age at the time of the injury, and (3) whether fracture and displacement patterns were associated with health-related qualify of life. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. We were able to identify 69 patients (21 girls and 48 boys) who sustained a fracture of the lateral third of the clavicle between the period spanning from January 2004 to June 2015. These patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included the Quick version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) (primary outcome) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). Until July 2017, we were able to get a response from 56 of these patients, resulting in a follow-up of 81%. RESULTS: Treatment was conservative in all cases but one. In these cases, after a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 1 to 13.2 y), the mean Quick-DASH was 1.2 (SD, 4.4) at a scale of 0 to 100, with lower values representing better quality of life. The mean physical function score of the Peds-QL was 97.8 (SD, 4.4), and the mean psychosocial function score was 91.8 (SD, 10.8), both at a scale of 0 to 100, with higher values representing better quality of life.There was no statistically significant association of age at the time of injury on the primary outcome Quick-DASH.There were no statistically significant associations between fracture or displacement patterns with regard to health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment of lateral clavicular fractures in children and adolescents is associated with excellent health-related quality of life, as measured with the disease-specific Quick-DASH and the non-disease-specific Peds-QL at a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 1 to 13.2 y). There was no effect of age at the time of injury, and we were unable to identify associations to commonly analyzed risk factors, such as displacement patterns.As the conservative treatment of this type of fracture in children and adolescents is associated with such a good health-related quality of life, it is unlikely that these results could be further improved by surgical interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Bernese-type triple pelvic osteotomy through a single incision in children over five years: a retrospective study of twenty eight cases.

INTRODUCTION: Bernese-type triple pelvic osteotomy (BTPO) combines periacetabular and triple innominate osteotomy techniques. However, studies that evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of BTPO are scarce. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of ambulatory children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) managed with BTPO that were older than five years of age at the time of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 consecutive patients with DDH or LCPD (mean age 7.6 ± 1.8; 28 hips) who were treated with the reported technique. All patients had regular clinical and radiographic follow-up. Post-operatively, changes in the acetabular index (AI) and centre-edge angle of Wiberg (CEA) were measured in all patients. The presence/absence of avascular necrosis of the femoral epiphysis was also noted in patients with DDH. Final radiographic results were evaluated with the Severin and Stulberg classifications. The Harris hip score was used in the functional evaluation of all patients. RESULTS: In patients with DDH, the mean age at the time of surgery was 7.5 ± 1.8 years and the mean follow-up time was 22.2 ± 10.7 months. Prior to surgery, the mean AI was 37.9° ± 7.6°. At their final follow-up visit, the mean AI and CEA were 10.8° ± 5.4° and 40.9° ± 8.6°, respectively. Moreover, 66.7% of hips (14/21) were graded as Severin type I, and 33.3% (7/21) were graded as type II. The overall AVN rate was 14.3% (3/21). The mean Harris score was 92.1 ± 7.7. In patients with LCPD, the mean age at the time of surgery was 7.9 ± 1.8 years, and the mean follow-up time was 18.4 ± 6.1 months. Prior to surgery, 85.7% of hips were graded as Herring C, and 14.3% were graded as grade B. Prior to surgery, the mean AI and CEA were 19.4° ± 5.3° and 19.1° ± 12.6°, respectively. At the final follow-up visit, the mean AI and CEA were 5.8° ± 3.4° and 50.3° ± 12.0°, respectively, and 57.1% of hips were graded as Stulberg II. The mean Harris score was 94 ± 5.4. Ischial osteotomy non-unions were recorded in three patients (10.7%). CONCLUSIONS: BTPO through a modified anterior Smith-Peterson approach is an alternative treatment for DDH and LCPD in older children who are skeletally immature. It not only provides for a large acetabular correction but also achieves good biomechanical stability.

High Survivorship and Little Osteoarthritis at 10-year Followup in SCFE Patients Treated With a Modified Dunn Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The modified Dunn procedure has the potential to restore the anatomy in hips with slipped capital femoral epiphyses (SCFE) while protecting the blood supply to the femoral head and minimizing secondary impingement deformities. However, there is controversy about the risks associated with the procedure and mid- to long-term data on clinical outcomes, reoperations, and complications are sparse. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Among patients treated with a modified Dunn procedure for SCFE, we report on (1) hip pain and function as measured by the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score, Drehmann sign, anterior impingement test, limp, and ROM; (2) the cumulative survivorship at minimum 10-year followup with endpoints of osteoarthritis (OA) progression (at least one Tönnis grade), subsequent THA, or a Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score < 15; (3) radiographic anatomy of the proximal femur measured by slip angle, α angle, Klein line, and sphericity index; and (4) the risk of subsequent surgery and complications. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2005, all patients who presented to our institution with SCFE were treated with a modified Dunn procedure; this approach was applied regardless of whether the slips were mild or severe, acute or chronic, and all were considered potentially eligible here. Of the 43 patients (43 hips) thus treated during that time, 42 (98%) were available for a minimum 10-year followup (mean, 12 years; range, 10-17 years) and complete radiographic and clinical followup was available on 38 hips (88%). The mean age of the patients was 13 years (range, 9-18 years). Ten hips (23%) presented with a mild, 27 hips (63%) with a moderate, and six hips (14%) with a severe slip angle. Pain and function were measured using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score, limp, ROM, and the presence of a positive anterior impingement test or Drehmann sign. Cumulative survivorship was calculated according to the method of Kaplan-Meier with three defined endpoints: (1) progression by at least one grade of OA according to Tönnis; (2) subsequent THA; or (3) a Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score < 15. Radiographic anatomy was assessed with the slip angle, Klein line, α angle, and sphericity index. RESULTS: The Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score improved at the latest followup from 13 ± 2 (7-14) to 17 ± 1 (14-18; p < 0.001), the prevalence of limp decreased from 47% (18 of 38 hips) to 0% (none in 38 hips; p < 0.001), the prevalence of a positive Drehmann sign decreased from 50% (nine of 18 hips) to 0% (none in 38 hips; p < 0.001), and both flexion and internal rotation improved meaningfully. Cumulative survivorship was 93% at 10 years (95% confidence interval, 85%-100%). Radiographic anatomy improved, but secondary impingement deformities remained in some patients, and secondary surgical procedures included nine hips (21%) with screw removal and six hips (14%) undergoing open procedures for impingement deformities. Complications occurred in four hips (9%) and no hips demonstrated avascular necrosis on plain radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, the modified Dunn procedure largely corrected slip deformities with little apparent risk of progression to avascular necrosis or THA and high hip scores at 10 years. However, secondary impingement deformities persisted in some hips and of those some underwent further surgical corrections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF).

Background and purpose - To achieve a common understanding when dealing with long bone fractures in children, the AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (AO PCCF) was introduced in 2007. As part of its final validation, we present the most relevant fracture patterns in the upper extremities of a representative population of children classified according to the PCCF. Patients and methods - We included children and adolescents (0-17 years old) diagnosed with 1 or more long bone fractures between January 2009 and December 2011 at the university hospitals in Bern and Lausanne (Switzerland). Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed and fractures were classified from standard radiographs. Results - Of 2,292 upper extremity fractures in 2,203 children and adolescents, 26% involved the humerus and 74% involved the forearm. In the humerus, 61%, and in the forearm, 80% of single distal fractures involved the metaphysis. In adolescents, single humerus fractures were more often epiphyseal and diaphyseal fractures, and among adolescents radius fractures were more often epiphyseal fractures than in other age groups. 47% of combined forearm fractures were distal metaphyseal fractures. Only 0.7% of fractures could not be classified within 1 of the child-specific fracture patterns. Of the single epiphyseal fractures, 49% were Salter-Harris type-II (SH II) fractures; of these, 94% occurred in schoolchildren and adolescents. Of the metaphyseal fractures, 58% showed an incomplete fracture pattern. 89% of incomplete fractures affected the distal radius. Of the diaphyseal fractures, 32% were greenstick fractures. 24 Monteggia fractures occurred in pre-school children and schoolchildren, and 2 occurred in adolescents. Interpretation - The pattern of pediatric fractures in the upper extremity can be comprehensively described according to the PCCF. Prospective clinical studies are needed to determine its clinical relevance for treatment decisions and prognostication of outcome.

The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF).

Background and purpose - To achieve a common understanding when dealing with long bone fractures in children, the AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (AO PCCF) was introduced in 2007. As part of its final validation, we present the most relevant fracture patterns in the lower extremities of a representative population of children classified according to the PCCF. Patients and methods - We included patients up to the age of 17 who were diagnosed with 1 or more long bone fractures between January 2009 and December 2011 at either of 2 tertiary care university hospitals in Switzerland. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. Results - More lower extremity fractures occurred in boys (62%, n = 341). Of 548 fractured long bones in the lower extremity, 25% involved the femur and 75% the lower leg. The older the patients, the more combined fractures of the tibia and fibula were sustained (adolescents: 50%, 61 of 123). Salter-Harris (SH) fracture patterns represented 66% of single epiphyseal fractures (83 of 126). Overall, 74 of the 83 SH patterns occurred in the distal epiphysis. Of all the metaphyseal fractures, 74 of 79 were classified as incomplete or complete. Complete oblique spiral fractures accounted for 57% of diaphyseal fractures (120 of 211). Of all fractures, 7% (40 of 548) were classified in the category "other", including 29 fractures that were identified as toddler's fractures. 5 combined lower leg fractures were reported in the proximal metaphysis, 40 in the diaphysis, 26 in the distal metaphysis, and 8 in the distal epiphysis. Interpretation - The PCCF allows classification of lower extremity fracture patterns in the clinical setting. Re-introduction of a specific code for toddler's fractures in the PCCF should be considered.

The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF).

Background and purpose - The AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF) describes the localization and morphology of fractures, and considers severity in 2 categories: (1) simple, and (2) multifragmentary. We evaluated simple and multifragmentary fractures in a large consecutive cohort of children diagnosed with long bone fractures in Switzerland. Patients and methods - Children and adolescents treated for fractures between 2009 and 2011 at 2 tertiary pediatric surgery hospitals were retrospectively included. Fractures were classified according to the AO PCCF. Severity classes were described according to fracture location, patient age and sex, BMI, and cause of trauma. Results - Of all trauma events, 3% (84 of 2,730) were diagnosed with a multifragmentary fracture. This proportion was age-related: 2% of multifragmentary fractures occurred in school-children and 7% occurred in adolescents. In patients diagnosed with a single fracture only, the highest percentage of multifragmentation occurred in the femur (12%, 15 of 123). In fractured paired radius/ulna bones, multifragmentation occurred in 2% (11 of 687); in fractured paired tibia/fibula bones, it occurred in 21% (24 of 115), particularly in schoolchildren (5 of 18) and adolescents (16 of 40). In a multivariable regression model, age, cause of injury, and bone were found to be relevant prognostic factors of multifragmentation (odds ratio (OR) > 2). Interpretation - Overall, multifragmentation in long bone fractures in children was rare and was mostly observed in adolescents. The femur was mostly affected in single fractures and the lower leg was mostly affected in paired-bone fractures. The clinical relevance of multifragmentation regarding growth and long-term functional recovery remains to be determined.

Head reduction osteotomy with additional containment surgery improves sphericity and containment and reduces pain in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: Severe femoral head deformities in the frontal plane such as hips with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) are not contained by the acetabulum and result in hinged abduction and impingement. These rare deformities cannot be addressed by resection, which would endanger head vascularity. Femoral head reduction osteotomy allows for reshaping of the femoral head with the goal of improving head sphericity, containment, and hip function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Among hips with severe asphericity of the femoral head, does femoral head reduction osteotomy result in (1) improved head sphericity and containment; (2) pain relief and improved hip function; and (3) subsequent reoperations or complications? METHODS: Over a 10-year period, we performed femoral head reduction osteotomies in 11 patients (11 hips) with severe head asphericities resulting from LCPD (10 hips) or disturbance of epiphyseal perfusion after conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia (one hip). Five of 11 hips had concomitant acetabular containment surgery including two triple osteotomies, two periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs), and one Colonna procedure. Patients were reviewed at a mean of 5 years (range, 1-10 years), and none was lost to followup. Mean patient age at the time of head reduction osteotomy was 13 years (range, 7-23 years). We obtained the sphericity index (defined as the ratio of the minor to the major axis of the ellipse drawn to best fit the femoral head articular surface on conventional anteroposterior pelvic radiographs) to assess head sphericity. Containment was assessed evaluating the proportion of patients with an intact Shenton's line, the extrusion index, and the lateral center-edge (LCE) angle. Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score and range of motion (flexion, internal/external rotation in 90° of flexion) were assessed to measure pain and function. Complications and reoperations were identified by chart review. RESULTS: At latest followup, femoral head sphericity (72%; range, 64%-81% preoperatively versus 85%; range, 73%-96% postoperatively; p = 0.004), extrusion index (47%; range, 25%-60% versus 20%; range, 3%-58%; p = 0.006), and LCE angle (1°; range, -10° to 16° versus 26°; range, 4°-40°; p = 0.0064) were improved compared with preoperatively. With the limited number of hips available, the proportion of an intact Shenton's line (64% versus 100%; p = 0.087) and the overall Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score (14.5; range, 12-16 versus 15.7; range, 12-18; p = 0.072) remained unchanged at latest followup. The Merle d'Aubigné-Postel pain subscore improved (3.5; range, 1-5 versus 5.0; range, 3-6; p = 0.026). Range of motion was not observed to have improved with the numbers available (p ranging from 0.513 to 0.778). In addition to hardware removal in two hips, subsequent surgery was performed in five of 11 hips to improve containment after a mean interval of 2.3 years (range, 0.2-7.5 years). Of those, two hips had triple osteotomy, one hip a combined triple and valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, one hip an intertrochanteric varus osteotomy, and one hip a PAO with a separate valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. No avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral head reduction osteotomy can improve femoral head sphericity. Improved head containment in these hips with an often dysplastic acetabulum requires additional acetabular containment surgery, ideally performed concomitantly. This can result in reduced pain and avascular necrosis seems to be rare. With the number of patients available, function did not improve. Therefore, future studies should use more precise instruments to evaluate clinical outcome and include longer followup to confirm joint preservation.

Displaced supracondylar humeral fractures: influence of delay of surgery on the incidence of open reduction, complications and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction and pinning is the accepted treatment choice for dislocated supracondylar humeral fractures in children (SCHF). Rates of open reduction, complications and outcome are reported to be dependent on delay of surgery. We investigated whether delay of surgery had influence on the incidence of open reduction, complications and outcome of surgical treatment of SCHFs in the authors' institution. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-one children with 343 supracondylar humeral fractures (Gartland II: 144; Gartland III: 199) who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively analysed. The group consisted of 194 males and 149 females. The average age was 6.3 years. Mean follow-up was 6.2 months. Time interval between trauma and surgical intervention was determined using our institutional database. Clinical and radiographical data were collected for each group. Influence of delay of treatment on rates of open reduction, complications and outcome was calculated using logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, patients were grouped into 4 groups of delay (<6 h, n = 166; 6-12 h, n = 95; 12-24 h, n = 68; >24 h, n = 14) and the aforementioned variables were compared among these groups. RESULTS: The incidence of open procedures in 343 supracondylar humeral fractures was 2.6 %. Complication rates were similar to the literature (10.8 %) primarily consisting of transient neurological impairments (9.0 %) which all were fully reversible by conservative treatment. Poor outcome was seen in 1.7 % of the patients. Delay of surgical treatment had no influence on rates of open surgery (p = 0.662), complications (p = 0.365) or poor outcome (p = 0.942). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study delay of treatment of SCHF did not have significant influence on the incidence of open reduction, complications, and outcome. Therefore, in SCHF with sufficient blood perfusion and nerve function, elective treatment is reasonable to avoid surgical interventions in the middle of the night which are stressful and wearing both for patients and for surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (retrospective comparative study).

An epidemiological evaluation of pediatric long bone fractures - a retrospective cohort study of 2716 patients from two Swiss tertiary pediatric hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents are at high risk of sustaining fractures during growth. Therefore, epidemiological assessment is crucial for fracture prevention. The AO Comprehensive Injury Automatic Classifier (AO COIAC) was used to evaluate epidemiological data of pediatric long bone fractures in a large cohort. METHODS: Data from children and adolescents with long bone fractures sustained between 2009 and 2011, treated at either of two tertiary pediatric surgery hospitals in Switzerland, were retrospectively collected. Fractures were classified according to the AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (PCCF). RESULTS: For a total of 2716 patients (60% boys), 2807 accidents with 2840 long bone fractures (59% radius/ulna; 21% humerus; 15% tibia/fibula; 5% femur) were documented. Children's mean age (SD) was 8.2 (4.0) years (6% infants; 26% preschool children; 40% school children; 28% adolescents). Adolescent boys sustained more fractures than girls (p < 0.001). The leading cause of fractures was falls (27%), followed by accidents occurring during leisure activities (25%), at home (14%), on playgrounds (11%), and traffic (11%) and school accidents (8%). There was boy predominance for all accident types except for playground and at home accidents. The distribution of accident types differed according to age classes (p < 0.001). Twenty-six percent of patients were classed as overweight or obese - higher than data published by the WHO for the corresponding ages - with a higher proportion of overweight and obese boys than in the Swiss population (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Overall, differences in the fracture distribution were sex and age related. Overweight and obese patients seemed to be at increased risk of sustaining fractures. Our data give valuable input into future development of prevention strategies. The AO PCCF proved to be useful in epidemiological reporting and analysis of pediatric long bone fractures.

[Imaging in pediatric traumatology and orthopedics]. / Bildgebung in der Kindertraumatologie/Kinderorthopädie.

Conventional or digital radiography is still the basis of imaging diagnostics of the skeletal system in pediatric patients. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, treatment selection, and follow-up. In addition, procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and also nuclear medicine techniques can and should be used. It is advantageous to use trained radiology technicians who are familiar with the handling of children in X­ray diagnostics. If there is no dedicated pediatric radiology department, it is recommended to follow the guidelines from radiology societies (as low as reasonably achievable [ALARA]) and radiation protection commissions. The present article describes how state-of-the-art tools such as dose monitoring systems and software-controlled image processing and also postprocessing can be used. The article provides information on how the various modalities can be optimally used in order to achieve the best result, i.e., diagnosis, with the least possible effort and burden for the child.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: relevant pathophysiological findings with open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally arthrotomy has rarely been performed during surgery for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). As a result, most pathophysiological information about the articular surfaces was derived clinically and radiographically. Novel insights regarding deformity-induced damage and epiphyseal perfusion became available with surgical hip dislocation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We (1) determined the influence of chronicity of prodromal symptoms and severity of SCFE deformity on severity of cartilage damage. (2) In surgically confirmed disconnected epiphyses, we determined the influence of injury and time to surgery on epiphyseal perfusion; and (3) the frequency of new bone at the posterior neck potentially reducing perfusion during epimetaphyseal reduction. METHODS: We reviewed 116 patients with 119 SCFE and available records treated between 1996 and 2011. Acetabular cartilage damage was graded as +/++/+++ in 109 of the 119 hips. Epiphyseal perfusion was determined with laser-Doppler flowmetry at capsulotomy and after reduction. Information about bone at the posterior neck was retrieved from operative reports. RESULTS: Ninety-seven of 109 hips (89%) had documented cartilage damage; severity was not associated with higher slip angle or chronicity; disconnected epiphyses had less damage. Temporary or definitive cessation of perfusion in disconnected epiphyses increased with time to surgery; posterior bone resection improved the perfusion. In one necrosis, the retinaculum was ruptured; two were in the group with the longest time interval. Posterior bone formation is frequent in disconnected epiphyses, even without prodromal periods. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the cause of cartilage damage (cam impingement) should become an integral part of SCFE surgery. Early surgery for disconnected epiphyses appears to reduce the risk of necrosis. Slip reduction without resection of posterior bone apposition may jeopardize epiphyseal perfusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Surgical suture material-fundamentals]. / Chirurgisches Nahtmaterial ­ Grundlagen.

At the end of surgical therapy, the access is closed with sutures. Surgical sutures are thus used to adapt wound edges and tissues. The task of the suture material is to hold the tissues together until healing. For patients, a cosmetically good suture is often the sign of good surgery. Different tissues and layers have different requirements regarding the suture material. The different types from monofil to polyfil, braided, from absorbable to nonabsorbable are presented. The classification of suture strengths is compared. The areas of application of different strengths and the duration until removal of the sutures for the different body regions are presented. The one-hand and two-hand techniques of surgical knots are explained in detail. The technique of suture removal is presented. In the online material, the suture materials of different composition and manufacturers can be compared.

A novel pre-bending tool for elastic stable intramedullary nailing: An efficient and accurate study.

Purpose: The elastic stable intramedullary nail has been recognized as an accepted technique for treating pediatric long bone fractures. The principle of the technique is "3-point support and fixation," and it should be followed to achieve the optimum outcome without implant failure and complications. However, tools have yet to be reported for pre-bending of the elastic stable intramedullary nail. This study aims to present a novel tool for pre-bending the elastic stable intramedullary nails and the results of using this tool by surgeons. Methods: A designed case of femoral shaft fracture was provided to the participants. All participants were divided into three groups according to their experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique: resident, fellow, and attending groups. The time of completing the pre-bending and coronal plane deviation of the nails after pre-bending was recorded. Statistical analysis compared the data in a conventional way and with the new tools in each group. Results: A total of 30 physicians were recruited in this study. The pre-bending duration with the new tool was significantly shorter than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001). The coronal plane deviation of nails after pre-bending by the new tool was significantly smaller than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This novel tool for elastic stable intramedullary nail pre-bending was convenient and easy to use in achieving the principal role of the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique. Physicians could reduce the coronal plane deviation when pre-bending elastic stable intramedullary nails, especially for physicians with less experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique. Level of evidence: IV.

Clinical stability of slipped capital femoral epiphysis does not correlate with intraoperative stability.

BACKGROUND: The most important objective of clinical classifications of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is to identify hips associated with a high risk of avascular necrosis (AVN)--so-called unstable or acute slips; however, closed surgery makes confirmation of physeal stability difficult. Performing the capital realignment procedure in SCFE treatment we observed that clinical estimation of physeal stability did not always correlate with intraoperative findings at open surgery. This motivated us to perform a systematic comparison of the clinical classification systems with the intraoperative observations. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Is the classification of an acute versus chronic slip based on the duration of symptoms sensitive and specific in detecting intraoperative disrupted physes in patients with SCFE? (2) Is the stable/unstable classification system based on clinical symptoms sensitive and specific in detecting intraoperative disrupted physes in patients with SCFE? METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 82 patients with SCFE treated by open surgery between 1996 and 2009. We classified the clinical stability of all hips using the classifications based on onset of symptoms and on function. We classified intraoperative stability as intact or disrupted. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of two classification systems to determine intraoperative stability. RESULTS: Complete physeal disruption at open surgery was seen in 28 of the 82 hips (34%). With classification as acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic, the sensitivity for disrupted physes was 82% and the specificity was 44%. With the classification of Loder et al., the values were 39% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Current clinical classification systems are limited in accurately diagnosing the physeal stability in SCFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical technique: The capsular arthroplasty: a useful but abandoned procedure for young patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: Codivilla in 1901, Hey Groves in 1926, and Colonna in 1932 described similar capsular arthroplasties--wrapping the capsule around the femoral head and reducing into the true acetabulum--to treat completely dislocated hips in children with dysplastic hips. However, these procedures were associated with relatively high rates of necrosis, joint stiffness, and subsequent revision procedures, and with the introduction of THA, the procedure vanished despite some hips with high functional scores over periods of up to 20 years. Dislocated or subluxated hips nonetheless continue to be seen in adolescents and young adults, and survival curves of THA decrease faster for young patients than for patients older than 60 years. Therefore, joint preservation with capsular arthroplasty may be preferable if function can be restored and complication rates reduced. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: We describe a one-stage procedure performed with a surgical hip dislocation and capsular arthroplasty. Various additional joint preservation procedures included relative neck lengthening for improved motion clearance and head size reduction, roof augmentation, and femoral shortening/derotation for containment and congruency. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (one male, eight female; age range, 13-25 years) who had such procedures between 1977 and 2010. Function was assessed by the Harris hip score (HHS). Minimum followup was 1 year (median, 2 years; mean, 7.5 years; range, 1-27 years). RESULTS: At latest followup, the mean HHS was 84 (n = 7) (range, 78-94). One patient underwent THA after 27 years. Complications included one deep vein thrombosis and one successfully treated neck fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Our data in these nine patients suggest capsular arthroplasty performed with a surgical hip dislocation and other appropriate adjunctive procedures is useful to treat dislocated hips in young patients with few complications. It may postpone THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Locking Compression Paediatric Hip Plate: technical guide and critical analysis.

PURPOSE: Osteotomies of the proximal femur and stable fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures are demanding operations. An LCP Paediatric Hip Plate was developed to make these operations safer and less demanding. The article focuses on the surgical technique and critically analyses the device. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 30 hips in 22 patients underwent surgery. Patients' demographics, perioperative details, postoperative outcome and complications were retrospectively collected and analysed. RESULTS: Patients' diagnoses included persistent congenital hip dysplasia (n = 4), neuropathic hip dysplasia (n = 9), idiopathic ante/retroversion (n = 8), femoral neck fracture (n = 3), Perthes' disease (n = 2), deformity after slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), congenital femoral neck pseudarthrosis, deformity after pelvic tumour resection and malunion following proximal femoral fracture (one each). In 21 of 22 patients, the postoperative radiographs showed corrections as planned. Two cases had to be revised for screw loosening. Intraoperative handling using the plate was excellent in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our case series of 30 hip operations, the LCP Paediatric Hip Plate was shown to be safe and applicable in the clinical setting with excellent results and a low complication rate. We consider that the LCP Paediatric Hip Plate is a valuable device for correction of pathological conditions of the proximal femur and for fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in children. Larger studies should be carried out to better quantify the risk of clinically relevant complications.

[Femoral head reduction osteotomy to improve femoroacetabular containment in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease]. / Femurkopfreduktionsosteotomie zur Verbesserung des femoroazetabulären Containments bei Morbus Perthes.

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of hip congruence and containment through central femoral head resection/reduction via an extended surgical hip dislocation, while maintaining/respecting the femoral head blood flow. Simultaneous or subsequent reorientation of the acetabulum by triple TPO (Pediatric Triple Osteotomy) or PAO (Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy) may be necessary. INDICATIONS: Surgical hip dislocation with femoral head reduction can be performed at any age in cases with hinge abduction and Stulberg class IV and V deformity. Procedure indicated for patients with active or healed disease. After the resection, a viable residual femoral head must remain, i.e. at least 50% of the expanded femoral head, which is best planned using "comparative" 3D reconstruction. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Completely destroyed cartilage or femoral head. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The same surgical procedure as described for classic surgical hip dislocation is followed. Preparation of retinacular flaps. With detailed knowledge of the vascular supply and precise execution of this technique, blood supply to the femoral head will be preserved; once safely surgically dislocated, the femoral head and neck can be split and the necrotic part of the femoral head removed. Reformation of the femoral head as spherical as possible is achieved by screw fixation of the femoral neck to align the two articular parts of the femoral head. Distalization and fixation of the great trochanter helps to restore offset (functional femoral neck length). Depending on the congruence and stability of the femoral head in the acetabulum, a primary TPO or PAO may also be necessary. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Intraoperative stability must be achieved to ensure functional posttreatment without a hip spica cast. Walking with crutches with toe contact only is advised. Active rotation is not allowed. Active and passive flexion up to 90° allowed. These measures have to be observed for 8-10 weeks. Then, active physiotherapy rehabilitation may commence, depending on healing, as assessed clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: Our published follow-up examinations (currently 21 years) show consistently good results with a technically correct operation and correct indication as well as adequate follow-up treatment. No necrosis of the reduced femoral head has been observed. All split femoral heads and femoral necks are primarily healed.

[Triple osteotomy for patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease]. / Tripleosteotomie bei Morbus Perthes.

OBJECTIVE: Osteotomy of iliac-pubic and ischial bone in order to cover the lateralized femoral head with the acetabulum. With the restoration of the containment of the hip joint, the acetabulum functions as a template for the femoral head, thus, allowing it to keep its sphericity during the vulnerable stages of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. INDICATIONS: Lateralized femoral head in severe Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and visible head at risk signs on the radiographs. Prerequisite is possible concentric reduction of the femoral head (confirmed by preoperative abduction radiograph or arthrography). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hinged abduction. Impossible concentric reduction of the femoral head. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Hip arthrography to confirm the indication of the triple pelvic osteotomy is recommended. Osteotomy of the ischial bone by a modified Ludloff approach. Osteotomy of pubic and iliac bone by anterior approach (Smith Peterson/bikini incision). Turning the acetabulum over the femoral head allows improvement of the containment of the hip. Fixation of the acetabulum with fully threaded Kirschner wires or 3.5 mm cortical screws. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Touch-down weight bearing with crutches (wheelchair in younger children) for 4-6 weeks depending on the age of the child. After radiologic evidence of consolidation, transition to full-weight bearing within 1-2 weeks. RESULTS: Promising results in our own practice. Good functional and radiological results in a to-date unpublished study of 30 patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease after an average 5­year follow-up.

An unusual cause of paralysis of the peroneal nerve: a report of 3 cases.

We present 3 cases of a 12-year-old boy, an 8-year-old girl, and a 9-year-old boy with progressive paresis of the peroneal nerve. Peroneal intraneural ganglia are a rare cause of paralysis of the lower limb in children; more often these symptoms occur because of exostosis. Ultrasound imaging in both patients showed a cystic mass near the fibular neck. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed that the ganglion is communicating with the proximal tibiofibular joint. Surgical exploration in these patients confirmed a cystic formation involving the common peroneal nerve. The ganglion originates from the articular nerve branch to the proximal tibiofibular joint. Total recovery of nerve function was seen 2 years later for the first patient, whereas the other 2 showed immediate postoperative improvement of peroneal nerve function and complete recovery within 6 to 8 weeks. On the other hand, patients with exostosis showed varying outcomes. In children with symptoms suspicious of nerve compression, fast diagnosis and immediate treatment are necessary to ensure the best possible recovery.