Ultrasonography of the pediatric elbow.

Ultrasound of the elbow can be incorporated into routine pediatric practice in the radiology department, emergency department, orthopedic clinic, and interventional suite. Ultrasound is complementary to radiography and magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of elbow pain in athletes with overhead activities or valgus stress, focusing on the ulnar collateral ligament medially and capitellum laterally. As a primary imaging modality, ultrasound can be used for a variety of indications including inflammatory arthritis, fracture diagnosis, and ulnar neuritis/subluxation. Ultrasound is also well-suited to guide diagnostic and therapeutic elbow joint interventions with precise localization of anatomic landmarks and needle placement. Here, we describe technical aspects of elbow ultrasound and illustrate its application in pediatric patients from infants to teen athletes.

Leveraging Telehealth: Utilizing Digital Health Technology to Improve Patient Care in Orthopaedics.

The past decade has seen a shift in health care delivery models to be more value-based: patient-centered, accessible, and cost-effective. One of the primary modes of addressing these needs has been through the implementation of telemedicine-digital health care technology that streamlines and enhances traditional health care delivery. In the orthopaedic setting, there are various methods of telemedicine utilization, each uniquely optimized for different clinical scenarios. There are certain financial and technological limitations when utilizing telemedicine for orthopaedic care that pose notable barriers to uniform utilization across the specialty. Nonetheless, these challenges are currently being tested as orthopaedic surgeons continuously become more innovative and creative as to how they deliver care. As we enter our "new normal" in the post-COVID-19 era, the availability and use of telemedicine will equip orthopaedic surgeons to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible care in an ever-changing health care landscape.

A case series of peripheral nerve blocks in pediatrics and young adults with skeletal dysplasia.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to report our experience with peripheral nerve blockade in pediatric and young adult patients with skeletal dysplasia undergoing knee arthroscopy. BACKGROUND: The incidence of skeletal dysplasia is 1:4000 live births. These patients have biomechanical predispositions to knee joint degeneration, which is often palliated by arthroscopic surgery. Regional anesthesia has been proven to improve the cost and quality of care in adults undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of patients with skeletal dysplasia undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery from 2012-2014 at a tertiary-care, pediatric hospital. Data pertaining to block effectiveness, technique, adjunct local anesthetic, rates of postoperative nausea/vomiting and admissions, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients with skeletal dysplasia underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the study period. Ten of these patients received peripheral nerve blockade (12 procedures). All patients received femoral, femoral/sciatic, or femoral/sciatic/obturator blocks. One patient required opioid, constituting a block failure. The same patient required overnight admission for pain control. No patients suffered from PONV. There were no complications associated with any of the blocks performed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with skeletal dysplasia receiving lower extremity nerve blocks consume minimal opioid and report no major complications. Anesthesiologists should consider this mode of anesthesia in these patients. While no nerve injuries were discovered, further study is necessary to determine whether rates of nerve injury are comparable to that in the general pediatric population. Given the size of the skeletal dysplasia population, this type of study would require close to a decade of metadata from numerous institutions.

First-rib stress fracture in two adolescent swimmers: a case report.

First-rib stress fractures have been described in adolescent athletes in various sports, with only one prior case report of first-rib stress fractures in an adolescent female swimmer. There is a need for research on the cause, management, and prevention of these injuries as they lead to significant morbidity and critical time away from sport for these aspiring athletes. We aimed to describe first-rib stress fractures as a potential cause for non-specific atraumatic chronic shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and to discuss the different presentations, unique risk factors, treatment, and potential injury prevention strategies of such fractures. We discussed two such cases which were successfully treated with activity modification with restriction of all overhead activity, gradually progressive physical therapy and a return to swimming protocol. First-rib stress fractures can vary in presentation and should be in the differential diagnosis in adolescent swimmers with chronic shoulder pain. These injuries can be successfully managed with rest from overhead activities and physical therapy. Gradual return to competitive swimming can be achieved even with non-union of a first-rib stress fracture. Emphasis on balanced strength training in different muscle groups and proper swimming technique is essential to prevent these injuries.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Discoid Lateral Meniscus Tears in Children With Achondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia that presents to the pediatric orthopaedist. More than half of achondroplasia patients are affected with knee pain. It is thought that the majority of this pain may be due to spinal stenosis, hip pathology, or knee malalignment. Discoid menisci can be a source of lateral knee joint pain in skeletally immature patients in general. We present the first case series of patients with achondroplasia who had symptomatic discoid lateral menisci treated with arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: The charts of 6 patients (8 knees) with achondroplasia who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery for symptomatic discoid lateral menisci were collected. History and physical examination data, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and operative reports were reviewed. Meniscal tear configuration and treatment type (meniscectomy vs. repair) were noted. RESULTS: Each patient was found to have a tear of the discoid meniscus. All menisci were treated with saucerization. In addition, meniscal repair was performed in 2 cases, partial meniscectomy in 3 cases, and subtotal meniscectomy in 3 cases. Two patients had bilateral discoid meniscal tears which were treated. Average follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 1 to 4.5 y) and the average pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (pedi-IKDC) score was 85.3% (range, 75% to 95.4%). At final follow-up, all patients were pain free and able to return to full activities. CONCLUSIONS: Discoid meniscus tears may be a source of lateral joint line pain in patients with achondroplasia. These injuries can be successfully treated with arthroscopic surgery in this patient population. Future studies need to be done to determine the exact incidence of discoid menisci in achondroplasia patients and also to determine whether there is a genetic relationship between the 2 conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Characterize Pediatric Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Accidents in the State of Delaware.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric pedestrian motor vehicle-associated of injuries correlated with a particular census tract's trauma is a significant public health concern for children. demographic composition. GIS mapping software was used We aimed to use geographic information systems (GIS) to examine the relationship between motor vehicle pedestrian injuries in children and the demographics of the region in which they occurred for the state of Delaware. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of collected data from the Delaware State Trauma Registry form January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2012. The records of all patients younger than 18 years who went to one of the state's six trauma centers during the study were reviewed. For each injury event, patient demographic information was recorded, and latitude/longitude coordinates of the injury site were determined. Median income, minority population, education level, and percentage of males and children in the census tract were obtained from state census data. Analysis of variance was used to characterize how the frequency of injuries correlated with a particular census tract's demographic composition. GIS mapping software was used to identify specific "hot spots" throughout the state where the examine the relationship between motor vehicle pedestrian frequency of traffic crash events was the highest. RESULTS: Urban and poorer areas had tile highest number of injury events, with Wilmington having the highest frequency Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of collected data of injuries per capita. Census tracts with low median income, from the Delaware State Trauma Registry from January 1, lack of high school degree, and increased percentage of 2002, to December 31, 2012. The records of all patients African Americans and females had significantly higher injury younger than 18 years who went to one of the state's six counts compared with other census tracts. CONCLUSIONS: In the state of Delaware, children in urban and poor areas are disproportionately affected by motor vehicle-associated pedestrian injuries. Specific risk factors for accidents in these areas need to be identified to facilitate the development of focused prevention strategies.

Magnetic resonance evaluation of the knee in children and adolescents with achondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia. Although the radiographic features are well described, MRI features of the knee in achondroplasia have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe common MRI characteristics of the knee joint in symptomatic children and adolescents with achondroplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 10 knee MRI examinations in 8 children and young adults (age range 11-20 years, mean 16.3 years) with achondroplasia. We measured modified Insall-Salvati index, knee flexion angle, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-Blumensaat line angle, ACL-tibial angle, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) angle, intercondylar notch width index, and intercondylar notch depth index. We compared our findings with an age- and gender-matched control group of 20 children (age range 15-18 years; mean 16 years) with normal knee MRIs. RESULTS: All 10 knees in the achondroplasia group had discoid lateral meniscus; 8 meniscal tears were identified. Patella baja was present in half of the study cases. Greater knee flexion and increased ACL-Blumensaat line and PCL angles were seen in all achondroplasia knees. ACL-tibial angle was similar in the study and in the control group. Children with achondroplasia had deeper A-shape femoral notches that extended more anteriorly than those seen in the control group. MRI findings were confirmed in all seven knees with arthroscopic correlation. CONCLUSION: Discoid lateral meniscus, often with tear, is a consistent feature in knee MRIs of symptomatic children and adolescents with achondroplasia. Other findings include patella baja, knee flexion, deep A-shape intercondylar notch, increased ACL-Blumensaat line angle and taut PCL.

The longitudinal anatomy of the long head of the biceps tendon and implications on tenodesis.

PURPOSE: Regarding biceps tenodesis, there are no evidence-based recommendations for the ideal level at which to cut and stabilize the tendon. The purpose of this study is to provide information referencing the tendon for potential clinical applications during biceps tenodesis. METHODS: Forty-three embalmed shoulder specimens were dissected, and markers were placed at four points along each biceps tendon: (1) proximal border of the bicipital groove, (2) distal border of the bicipital groove, (3) proximal edge of the pectoralis major insertion, and (4) musculotendonous junction. Using the origin as the initial point of reference, measurements were made to the four subsequent sites. The humeral length was recorded by measuring the distance between the greater tuberosity and the lateral epicondyle. RESULTS: Measurements were recorded from the origin of the tendon on the supraglenoid tubercle to each established point along its length, and the mean, minimum, and maximum values (cm) were calculated as follows: origin to the proximal bicipital groove [2.8 (1.9, 4.3)], distal bicipital groove [5.2 (3.8, 7.0)], pectoralis major insertion [8.1 (6.3, 10.4)], and musculotendonous junction [13.8 (7.7, 20.3)], and overall humeral length [29.2 (25.2, 32.7)]. An analysis demonstrated a statistically significant overall increase in tendon length at each anatomic site as the overall humeral length increased (p < 0.05). Utilizing the constant and coefficient data from our regression analysis, a predictive formula was calculated based on humeral length. For example, distance from the origin to each anatomic point was determined by a formula [Tendon length at each anatomic landmark, cm = coefficient (humeral length, cm) + constant] for each respective anatomic landmark along the course of the tendon. CONCLUSION: This work will allow surgeons who prefer tenodesis to more accurately re-approximate the appropriate length-tension relationship of the biceps when tenodesing the tendon in a variety of locations. This benefit will potentially result in the most efficient biceps muscle-tendon function and improve the results of biceps surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Outcomes for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: a retrospective review using the KJOC assessment score with two-year follow-up in an overhead throwing population.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) often results in valgus elbow instability requiring reconstruction. No standardized and validated outcome measure has compared outcomes between surgical techniques and institutions in the overhead throwing athlete. The aim of this study was to use the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score (KJOC score) to report functional outcomes in overhead throwing athletes undergoing UCL reconstruction. We predict that the KJOC score in our general throwing population will provide an accurate assessment of postoperative outcomes consistent with previously published reports. METHODS: A retrospective review of 33 patients undergoing UCL reconstruction was carried out during a 5-year period between 2004 and 2009. Minimum follow-up was 2.2 years with an average of 3.7 years. All surgeries were performed by fellowship-trained surgeons using either the docking (n = 12) or modified Jobe technique (n = 21). Age, sport, position, and return to play status were obtained. The KJOC score was administered to assess final functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 33 athletes underwent UCL reconstruction-30 baseball players and 3 javelin throwers. Of these, 27 (82%) returned to their sport at their previous level in an average of 12.25 months. The overall average KJOC score was 76. Athletes who returned to their previous level of play had a mean KJOC score of 77. Those who were unable to return to play had a mean score of 69. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates consistent outcomes for UCL reconstruction using the KJOC shoulder and elbow score compared with previously reported data.

The approach to elbow pain in the pediatric and adolescent throwing athlete.

Elbow pain in pediatric throwing athletes can be very concerning and challenging to diagnose. Diagnosis involves determining whether the injury is chronic or acute in nature and the anatomical location of the pain. Physicians should be aware of the sport-specific forces that predispose athletes with immature skeletons to injury and should be familiar with the common presentations of these injuries. In order to narrow the diagnosis, physicians should gather a detailed history of how and when the pain occurred in addition to performing a thorough physical exam that includes tests, such as the modified milking maneuver and the moving valgus stress test. Appropriate imaging helps physicians to confirm the diagnosis and elucidates any associated pathology in patients. In most cases, the treatment given to patients is conservative and involves rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, and an appropriate physical therapy regimen with a progressive return to play when symptoms have resolved. When patients fail to respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be needed. Knowing when to refer patients for orthopedic evaluation helps athletes return to play quickly and safely.

A Telemedicine Solution to Minimize Unnecessary Emergency Department Transfers for Low-acuity Pediatric Orthopaedic Patients: A Model for Cost Minimization.

INTRODUCTION: Unnecessary emergency department (ED) transfers represent a notable source of excess costs and misutilization of healthcare resources, particularly with management of acute pediatric musculoskeletal injuries. This study used institutional data to create a model investigating the expected costs of a formal peer-to-peer telemedicine intervention designed to triage pediatric orthopaedic transfers, which we hypothesized would decrease healthcare costs by minimizing unwarranted ED-to-ED transfers. METHODS: In this retrospective modeling analysis, 350 pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients transferred to two in-network referral hospitals from outside facilities were identified and stratified into three groups representing how patients theoretically optimally could have been treated. Group 1 patients required ambulance transfer, group 2 patients required ED-level care but no ambulance transfer, and group 3 patients did not require ED-level care. Base case estimates for the proportions of patients in each group, probability of ambulance transport, and direct costs of care for each patient were derived from the database. A decision tree was developed to evaluate the expected costs of two triaging strategies: (1) transfer everyone or (2) triage first using e-consultation. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to determine how the results of the decision analysis varied across ranges of cost and probability estimates. RESULTS: In the base case analysis, the telemedicine triage strategy was cheaper than the transfer-all strategy ($4,858 versus $6,610). In a 2-way sensitivity analysis comparing cost of a telemedicine visit and proportion of telemedicine triaged patients requiring ambulance transport, the telemedicine triage strategy remained cheaper than the transfer-all strategy across almost all possibilities for both variables. Additional potential benefits of triage before transfer, such as decreased length of time to completion of ED visit, cost to the family, and patient comfort and satisfaction, were not incorporated into this analysis. The potential for misdiagnosis related to telehealth and its potential costs were not included. DISCUSSION: We revealed substantial cost savings for the healthcare system from implementing a telehealth platform for peer-to-peer consultation when considering patient transfer for musculoskeletal trauma. Initial peer-to-peer e-consultations cost less than reflexive ambulance transfer in most situations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level II.

Adolescent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a decade of rising surgical cost.

OBJECTIVES: The number of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) surgeries for adolescent patients has been increasing, and so are the costs for medical care services and the general cost of living. We proposed a novel economic model assessing the cost associated with adolescent ACL-R over time and how this compared with price measures in the US economy. STUDY DESIGN: Economic analysis. METHODS: ACL-R surgeries performed from 2010 to 2022 in a single Level I trauma center were included. The trend of the total charge, charge of anesthesia, and operating room (OR) charge were normalized to 2010 (base year) and compared with the inflation in hospital services, medical care services, and the US economy measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The actual reimbursements-to-charges percentage from the payers was analyzed. Comparing growth rates rather than dollar values circumvented any problematic direct-dollar comparisons across measures. RESULTS: Analyzing 459 qualified ACL-R cases in patients whose ages ranged from 12 to 18 years, the overall total median charge increased 70%, whereas the General CPI, Medical CPI, and Hospital CPI increased 35%, 41%, and 64%, respectively. The anesthesia and OR charges increased 52% and 92%, respectively. The annual reimbursements-to-charges percentage hovered steadily beneath 50%. All inflation measures rose sharply after 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The rising cost of adolescent ACL-R has been outpacing the inflation in the cost of medical services and the general economy in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic and market rigidity in medical services may have impacted these trends. Optimizing OR time usage may mitigate the rising cost.

Outcomes after distal biceps repair in patients with workers' compensation claims.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have suggested that patients with workers' compensation (WC) related injuries have less successful postsurgical outcomes compared to the general population. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome and return to work for WC patients who have undergone distal biceps tendon repair (DBTR). A group of patients without a WC claim (non-WC) served as a control. METHODS: From July 2002 to December 2009, 60 WC patients and 63 non-WC patients who underwent unilateral, acute (<6 weeks) DBTR and had a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were contacted. Data pertaining to patient age, sex, handedness, smoking status, occupation, time to return to work, and ability to return to original occupation were obtained. Functional outcomes were primarily assessed with the DASH, DASH-Work Module, and DASH Sports/Performance Arts Module questionnaires. Outcomes in the WC group were compared to the non-WC group. RESULTS: Average length of follow-up was 3.55 years (range, 1.5-8.9) in the WC group and 3.64 years (range, 2.2-8.0) in the non-WC group. Mean DASH, DASH-Work Module, and Sports/Performance Arts Module scores were significantly greater (poorer outcome) in the WC group than in the non-WC group. Average time to return to full duty was 3.95 months in the WC group and 1.35 months in the non-WC group. CONCLUSION: WC patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair took longer to return to work and had worse DASH scores than non-WC patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study, Treatment Study.

Approach to the active patient with chronic anterior knee pain.

The diagnosis and management of chronic anterior knee pain in the active individual can be frustrating for both the patient and physician. Pain may be a result of a single traumatic event or, more commonly, repetitive overuse. "Anterior knee pain," "patellofemoral pain syndrome," and "chondromalacia" are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe multiple conditions that occur in the same anatomic region but that can have significantly different etiologies. Potential pain sources include connective or soft tissue irritation, intra-articular cartilage damage, mechanical irritation, nerve-mediated abnormalities, systemic conditions, or psychosocial issues. Patients with anterior knee pain often report pain during weightbearing activities that involve significant knee flexion, such as squatting, running, jumping, and walking up stairs. A detailed history and thorough physical examination can improve the differential diagnosis. Plain radiographs (anteroposterior, anteroposterior flexion, lateral, and axial views) can be ordered in severe or recalcitrant cases. Treatment is typically nonoperative and includes activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, supervised physical therapy, orthotics, and footwear adjustment. Patients should be informed that it may take several months for symptoms to resolve. It is important for patients to be aware of and avoid aggravating activities that can cause symptom recurrence. Patients who are unresponsive to conservative treatment, or those who have an underlying systemic condition, should be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or an appropriate medical specialist.

Outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy in syndromic adolescents with patellar dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of congenital and habitual dislocation of the patella in syndromic adolescents can be difficult due to accompanying soft-tissue and/or osseous abnormalities often present in the knee. The aim of this study was to report the results of surgical treatment of congenital and habitual patellar dislocation with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) in adolescents with an underlying syndrome. METHODS: Syndromic adolescent patients with congenital or habitual patellar dislocation treated with MPFL reconstruction and TTO between 2005 and 2019 with a minimum of one year of follow-up were identified. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and surgical data were recorded, and any complications were noted. Kujala and Lysholm scores were used to quantitate knee function. RESULTS: Seventeen knees in 11 patients met the criteria for inclusion. The mean age at operation was 14.8 years (range, 13.3-18.3 years). Patients were identified as having Ehlers-Danlos (four), Down (two), trichorhinophalangeal (one), McCune-Albright (one), Klippel-Feil (one), and generalized joint hypermobility (two) syndromes. The mean follow-up was 2.2 years for each individual knee (range, 1-5.9 years). The mean Kujala score increased from 56 ± 10 preoperatively to 86 ± 6 at the most recent postoperative visit (p < 0.001). The mean Lysholm score increased from 53 ± 10 preoperatively to 85 ± 7 at the most recent postoperative visit (p < 0.001). Knee flexion increased significantly from 117° ± 15° preoperatively to 154° ± 13° postoperatively (p < 0.001). However, knee extension was no different pre- and postoperatively (4° ± 8° vs. 1° ± 4°, respectively, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Congenital and habitual patellar dislocation in adolescent-aged patients with an underlying syndromic diagnosis can be successfully treated with MPFL reconstruction combined with TTO.

Osteochondrosis: common causes of pain in growing bones.

Osteochondrosis is a term used to describe a group of disorders that affect the growing skeleton. These disorders result from abnormal growth, injury, or overuse of the developing growth plate and surrounding ossification centers. The exact etiology of these disorders is unknown, but genetic causes, repetitive trauma, vascular abnormalities, mechanical factors, and hormonal imbalances may all play a role. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a hip disorder that causes hip pain, an atraumatic limp, and knee pain. Osgood-Schlatter and Sinding-Larsen-Johannson diseases are common causes of anterior knee pain that is aggravated by jumping activities and kneeling. Sever disease causes heel pain that is exacerbated by activity and wearing cleats. It often mimics Achilles tendinitis and is treated with activity and shoe modifications, heel cups, and calf stretches. Freiberg disease and Köhler bone disease often cause foot pain and are disorders of the metatarsal head and navicular bone, respectively. Radiographs show sclerosis, flattening, and fragmentation of bone in both diseases. Elbow pain can be caused by medial epicondyle apophysitis or Panner disease. Medial epicondyle apophysitis is exacerbated by frequent throwing and is treated with throwing cessation and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Panner disease is the most common cause of lateral-sided elbow pain in children younger than 10 years. It may or may not be associated with frequent throwing, and it resolves spontaneously. Scheuermann disease causes back pain and a humpback deformity from vertebral bone anterior wedging.

Institution-initiated text messaging can reduce unplanned emergency department visits after appendectomy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to reduce unplanned Emergency Department (ED) visits for minor complaints in children after appendectomy through proactive institution-driven communication and utilization of telehealth resources. METHODS: We developed a text messaging system to initiate communication with parents of postappendectomy patients and connect them with a telehealth visit or a phone call with a surgical provider as needed. Using descriptive statistics, chi square, and statistical process control analytics, we compared rates of postoperative ED visits for the 8 months pre- and post-implementation of the messaging system and summarized the feedback we received from patients. RESULTS: A total of 791 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in two institutions (preintervention = 382, post-intervention = 409). The postoperative ED visit rate decreased from 5.8% preimplementation to 2.4% post-implementation (p = 0.02). Over one-fifth of families messaged (21.6%) had questions in the postoperative period. The majority expressed interest in a video visit (52.5%), while some preferred to speak with the surgeon's office (25%). Over 90% of respondents found the system helpful, and 4.9% opted out. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a hospital-initiated text messaging system has the potential to reduce ED visits in the immediate postoperative period after appendectomy. This system can be scaled to include different surgeries across multiple disciplines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. TYPE OF STUDY: Clinical Retrospective Pre/Post Intervention Study.

Comparison of Pain Scores and Medication Usage Between Three Pain Control Strategies for Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery.

Introduction Assessment and management of postoperative pain in the pediatric population after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery can be challenging; the optimal approach to pain control remains controversial. Recent studies show that use of intraoperative nerve blocks may reduce the need for opioids to control pain in the postoperative period. However, it is unclear which block type is most beneficial in the pediatric outpatient setting. This study compared effectiveness of pain control among three different pain management strategies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients aged 12-17 years who received an elective ACL reconstruction between 2013 and 2017. The three groups were femoral nerve block, combined femoral and sciatic block, and intraarticular injection of bupivacaine (n = 50 per group). The primary variable was postoperative pain scores (visual analog scale 1-10) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Results Less than 50% of patients in the combined nerve block group had opioids intraoperatively or in the PACU compared with nearly 100% of patients in the other two groups (p < 0.0001). Also, for patients receiving opioids, the total intraoperative morphine equivalents and PACU pain scores (all patients) were significantly less in the combined block group (p < 0.001). For patients receiving opioids in the PACU, the total morphine equivalents were significantly higher in the intraarticular injection group compared with the nerve block groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Patients in the combined femoral and sciatic nerve block group had significantly better pain scores in the PACU with less cumulative morphine equivalent consumption compared with the femoral nerve block group and the intraarticular injection group.

Incidence of Delayed Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Injury in Pediatric Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the incidence of the delayed diagnosis of orthopaedic injuries in pediatric trauma patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis. SETTING: Level I pediatric trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: All patients with an orthopaedic consultation after a trauma activation with a diagnosis of fracture, dislocation, traumatic arthrotomy, neurovascular injury, amputation, and tendon or ligament injury requiring intervention. A total of 1009 trauma codes and alerts occurred during the study period, of which 196 patients were diagnosed with an orthopaedic injury. INTERVENTION: Charts were reviewed to obtain demographic information, time of presentation, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on presentation, injury severity score (ISS), mechanism of injury, intubation status, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, primary and secondary survey diagnoses, discharge diagnoses, time of additional diagnoses, and reason for delayed diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of delayed diagnosis of injury (DDI). RESULTS: There were 196 patients with a confirmed orthopaedic injury, of which, 18 were classified as a delayed diagnosis (9.18%). The mean time to detection of injury was 77.46 hours and the mean patient age was 132.22 months. One of the 18 patients required surgical intervention while the rest were treated conservatively. The mean GCS score of patients with a DDI were significantly lower than patients without a missed injury, 12 versus 14.19 (P = 0.0009). The median ISS, 21 versus 9 (P = 0.0021), and median hospital length of stay, 4 days versus 3 days (P = 0.0369) were significantly higher for patients with a missed injury compared with those without a missed injury. The intensive care unit length of stay approached significance with a median of 2 days for patients with a missed injury versus 1 day for patients without a missed injury (P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, factors that were associated with a DDI included lower GCS, higher ISS, and greater hospital length of stay. There was only 1 missed injury that required surgical intervention, and the remainder were treated conservatively. The initial evaluation of the trauma patient is able to detect life-threatening injuries, but the tertiary survey remains an important part of patient care to detect missed injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Discoid Meniscus Associated With Achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia. This form of dwarfism is caused by a point mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene, leading to inhibition of endochondral ossification for these patients. This results in a normal trunk height but shortened limbs. The discoid meniscus may be an important associated finding to better understand the common complaints of leg pain for these patients. Although the incidence for a discoid meniscus is between 3% and 5% for the general population, it is unknown with achondroplasia. This case series includes 4 patients, with ages ranging from adolescence to early adulthood, with symptoms of knee pain that were not attributable to some of the more common findings seen in this patient population. Typically, patients with achondroplasia who experience knee pain are evaluated for more common and well-known etiologies such as genu varum, ligamentous instability, and neurogenic claudication. However, the authors propose that symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus should be added to the differential diagnosis for lower-extremity pain in the achondroplasia population. A thorough history and physical examination, in combination with magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in making the diagnosis. Treatment with arthroscopic debridement, saucerization of the meniscus, and repair for unstable injuries has yielded good outcomes for this patient population. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e498-e503.].