Pioneering a chick embryo model to explore the intrauterine etiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip in oligohydramnios conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of oligohydramnios on fetal movement and hip development, given its association with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) but unclear mechanisms. METHODS: Chick embryos were divided into four groups based on the severity of oligohydramnios induced by amniotic fluid aspiration (control, 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL). Fetal movement was assessed by detection of movement and quantification of residual amniotic fluid volume. Hip joint development was assessed by gross anatomic analysis, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for cartilage assessment, and histologic observation at multiple time points. In addition, a subset of embryos from the 0.4 mL aspirated group underwent saline reinfusion and subsequent evaluation. RESULTS: Increasing volumes of aspirated amniotic fluid resulted in worsening of fetal movement restrictions (e.g., 0.4 mL aspirated and control group at E10: frequency difference -7.765 [95% CI: -9.125, -6.404]; amplitude difference -0.343 [95% CI: -0.588, -0.097]). The 0.4 mL aspirated group had significantly smaller hip measurements compared to controls, with reduced acetabular length (-0.418 [95% CI: -0.575, -0.261]) and width (-0.304 [95% CI: -0.491, -0.117]) at day E14.5. Histological analysis revealed a smaller femoral head (1.084 ± 0.264 cm) and shallower acetabulum (0.380 ± 0.106 cm) in the 0.4 mL group. Micro-CT showed cartilage matrix degeneration (13.6% [95% CI: 0.6%, 26.7%], P = 0.043 on E14.5). Saline reinfusion resulted in significant improvements in the femoral head to greater trochanter (0.578 [95% CI: 0.323, 0.833], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oligohydramnios can cause DDH by restricting fetal movement and disrupting hip morphogenesis in a time-dependent manner. Timely reversal of oligohydramnios during the fetal period may prevent DDH.

Treatment and Outcome of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children Over 10 Years of Age at the Time of Injury: A Review of 60 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the treatment and outcomes of supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) in children older than 10 years of age at the time of injury. METHODS: The study analyzed clinical data from 60 patients who sustained SHF, all over the age of 10 years, were analyzed. The patients included 49 males and 11 females with a mean age of 10.9 ± 0.9 years (range, 10 to 14.5). All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Closed reduction (CR) and percutaneous fixation were the primary treatment, with open reduction and internal fixation being employed only in cases CR was unsuccessful. The study assessed the healing of fractures by measuring the radiographic angles, including the carrying angle (RCA), Baumann's angle (BA), and metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) on anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow joint. In addition, the study evaluated whether the anterior humeral line (AHL) appropriately passed through the middle third of the capitellum. The final follow-up visit used the Mayo Elbow Performance Index score (MEPI) and Flynn's criteria to analyze the recovery of elbow function. RESULTS: There were 15 (25%) SHF type II, 17 (28.3%) type III and 28 (46.7%) type IV. Of the 60 patients, 56 (93.3%) underwent successful CR, whereas 4 (6.7%) required open reduction and internal fixation because of an unsuccessful CR. The final follow-up showed the average BA as 72° ± 5.3°, the average MDA as 88.3° ± 2.8°, and the average RCA as 9.6° ± 3.9°. The AHL bisected accurately the capitellum in 59 cases (98.3%). The average range of elbow flexion-extension was 146.6° ± 8.6°, whereas the average MEPI score was 99.9 ± 0.6; 98.3% (n=59) were rated as excellent and 1.7% (n=1) were rated as good. According to Flynn's criteria, 86.7% had an excellent outcome (n=52), 10% had a good outcome (n=6), and 3.3% had a poor outcome (n=2). Only 1 patient (1.7%) experienced redisplacement. Eight cases of nerve injury were reported, with 7 involving the radial nerve and 1 involving the ulnar nerve; all resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: CR and percutaneous fixation have been shown to be effective in treating SHF in 93.3% of children aged 10 years old and older at the time of injury, with favorable radiographic and functional outcomes and a low risk of secondary displacement. Open reduction should only be considered when CR is ineffective.

The Duration of Hardware Retention After Radiologic Union of Surgically Treated Femoral Neck Fractures in Children May Predict the Aggravation or Occurrence of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head or Neck After Hardware Removal.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of aggravation or occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) following hardware removal in surgically treated pediatric femoral neck fractures who achieved radiologic consolidation is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for this complication. METHODS: Seventy-one pediatric (mean age: 9.8±3.9 y) were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors (age, sex, laterality, severity of initial displacement, type of fracture, time from trauma to reduction, reduction and fixation method, quality of reduction, time required to achieve radiologic union, duration of hardware retention, presence of AVN before hardware removal and follow-up time) were recorded. The severity of AVN was assessed based on radiographs with Ratliff's classification. RESULTS: Following hardware removal, the aggravation/occurrence of AVN was detected in 11 hips (15.5%). Among the 5 hips (7%) with aggravation of AVN, 1 (1.4%) with type II AVN and 3 (4.2%) with type III AVN exhibited aggravation of type I AVN, while the remaining hip (1.4%; type I) showed enlargement of the involved AVN area. Six hips (8.5%) developed AVN following hardware removal: 2 (2.8%) were classified as type I and 4 (5.6%) as type III. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that hardware retention >7 months after union is associated with a decreased rate of aggravation or occurrence of AVN of the femoral neck or head following hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of aggravation or occurrence of AVN following hardware removal in surgically treated pediatric femoral neck fractures is 15.5%; hardware retention >7 months after radiologic union may reduce the risk of aggravation or occurrence of AVN of the femoral neck or head postimplant removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Are Generative Pretrained Transformer 4 Responses to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Clinical Scenarios Universal? An International Review.

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing interest in applying artificial intelligence chatbots like generative pretrained transformer 4 (GPT-4) in the medical field. This study aimed to explore the universality of GPT-4 responses to simulated clinical scenarios of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) across diverse global settings. METHODS: Seventeen international experts with more than 15 years of experience in pediatric orthopaedics were selected for the evaluation panel. Eight simulated DDH clinical scenarios were created, covering 4 key areas: (1) initial evaluation and diagnosis, (2) initial examination and treatment, (3) nursing care and follow-up, and (4) prognosis and rehabilitation planning. Each scenario was completed independently in a new GPT-4 session. Interrater reliability was assessed using Fleiss kappa, and the quality, relevance, and applicability of GPT-4 responses were analyzed using median scores and interquartile ranges. Following scoring, experts met in ZOOM sessions to generate Regional Consensus Assessment Scores, which were intended to represent a consistent regional assessment of the use of the GPT-4 in pediatric orthopaedic care. RESULTS: GPT-4's responses to the 8 clinical DDH scenarios received performance scores ranging from 44.3% to 98.9% of the 88-point maximum. The Fleiss kappa statistic of 0.113 ( P = 0.001) indicated low agreement among experts in their ratings. When assessing the responses' quality, relevance, and applicability, the median scores were 3, with interquartile ranges of 3 to 4, 3 to 4, and 2 to 3, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the prognosis and rehabilitation domain scores ( P < 0.05 for all). Regional consensus scores were 75 for Africa, 74 for Asia, 73 for India, 80 for Europe, and 65 for North America, with the Kruskal-Wallis test highlighting significant disparities between these regions ( P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the promise of GPT-4 in pediatric orthopaedic care, particularly in supporting preliminary DDH assessments and guiding treatment strategies for specialist care. However, effective integration of GPT-4 into clinical practice will require adaptation to specific regional health care contexts, highlighting the importance of a nuanced approach to health technology adaptation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes in children with delayed surgical treatment of medial humeral condyle fractures.

PURPOSE: Medial humeral condyle (MHC) fractures are easily overlooked in young patients. This can lead to delayed or incorrect diagnosis, resulting in delayed treatment, which is often associated with complications such as nonunion, osteonecrosis, fishtail deformity, and cubitus varus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes in a cohort of paediatric patients who underwent delayed surgery for an untreated MHC fracture. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2022, we conducted a retrospective study of paediatric patients who underwent delayed treatment for a MHC fracture. In all cases, the initial diagnosis was incorrect and surgery was performed at least one week after injury. Patients were divided into two groups based on the time between trauma and surgery: Group 1 consisted of individuals who underwent early delayed treatment within seven to 30 days of injury, while Group 2 consisted of those who underwent late delayed treatment more than one month after injury. Elbow function was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and range of motion (ROM). The related literature was also reviewed (1970-2023). RESULTS: We enrolled 12 patients (7 boys, 5 girls); the average age at the time of surgery was 7.7 years (range, 2-14 years). Six patients underwent early delayed treatment (Group 1) while another six underwent late delayed treatment (Group 2). The mean time from injury to surgery was 17.7 days (range, 7-30 days) and 33.3 months (range, 70 days-9 years) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed via a medial approach in 11 patients, while one patient underwent closing wedge osteotomy and internal fixation to correct cubitus varus deformity. The mean duration of follow-up was 39.4 months (range, 8-60 months). The average MEPS score was 98.3 in Group 1 (range, 95-100) and 94.2 in Group 2 (range, 85-100; P = 0.21). The following postoperative complications were recorded: heterotopic ossification (n = 2), fishtail deformity (n = 1), MHC necrosis (n = 1), and reduction of elbow ROM (n = 1); one complication occurred in Group 1 and five occurred in Group 2 (P = 0.18). We reviewed nine related studies (n = 14 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of MHC fractures can be challenging in paediatric patients, especially in younger individuals with incompletely ossified trochlea. Patients requiring surgery for delayed MHC fractures with an unossified trochlea should undergo ORIF to prevent progressive varus deformity. On the other hand, in patients with cubitus varus and an already ossified trochlea, distal humeral osteotomy should be considered instead of ORIF. This will minimize the potential negative impact on joint mobility.

Radiologic, clinical, and functional evaluation of children with displaced T-condylar fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

PURPOSE: T-condylar (T-C) fractures of the distal humerus are rare in children. There is no accepted treatment for such an injury, and there is a lack of reports evaluating the outcome of T-C fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire and screw (CRPKS) fixation in patients with type II and III T-C fractures according to the Toniolo-Wilkins classification modified by Canavese et al. (TWC classification). METHODS: The clinical data of 12 consecutive patients (8 males, 4 females) who were younger than 14 years of age and who had a T-C fracture that was managed by CRPKS were retrospectively evaluated. Fractures were classified according to the TWC classification. The baseline information of the patients, carrying angle (CA) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were used to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes; related complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of injury was 11.6 ± 1.8 years (range, 8-14). The time from injury to surgical treatment was 1.5 ± 1.0 days (range, 0-3), and the mean follow-up duration was 33.7 ± 12.3 months (range, 18-61). Surgery lasted 45.7 ± 7.6 min on average (range, 35-58). All fractures healed in 4.9 ± 1.0 weeks on average (range, 4-7). At the last follow-up visit, the CA was 12.6° ± 5.8° on the injured side and 13.8° ± 1.8° on the uninjured side (p=0.432). The MEPS was 100 (95, 100) on the injured side and 100 (100, 100) on the uninjured side (p=0.194). Three complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Good functional and radiological outcomes can be expected in pediatric patients with type II and III T-C fractures treated by CRPKS. The technique is relatively simple to perform and has a lower rate of complications.

Is posterior vertebral arthrodesis at the end of the electromagnetic rod lengthening program necessary for all patients? Comparative analysis of sixty six patients who underwent definitive spinal arthrodesis and twenty four patients with in situ lengthening rods.

PURPOSE: Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) should be removed or changed at most two years after their implantation in the treatment of patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) (Safety notice July 2021). However, in the face of patients at high risk of intraoperative complications and relying on the principle of auto-fusion of the spine, some surgeons would prefer a more wait-and-see attitude. The aim of this study was to report on patients who did not undergo final fusion at the end of the lengthening program with MCGR and to compare them with those who did. METHODS: This was a multicenter study with ten centres. We collected all graduate patients with EOS who had received MCGR between 2011 and 2022. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients had final fusion at the end of the lengthening program and 24 patients kept MCGRs in situ. The mean total follow-up time was 66 months (range, 25.3-109), and the mean follow-up time after final lengthening was 24.9 months (range, 3-67.7). Regarding the main curve and thoracic height, there was no significant difference in the percentage of correction over the whole follow-up between the two groups (p = 0.099, p = 0.176) although there was a significant difference between the end of lengthening and the last follow-up (p < 0.001). After completion of the lengthening program, 18 patients who had final fusion developed 24 of the 26 recorded complications (92.3%). CONCLUSION: Contrary to the manufacturer's published safety notice, not all patients systematically benefited from the removal of the MCGRs. Although arthrodesis significantly improved the scoliotic deformity, no significant difference was found in terms of radiographic outcome between patients who underwent spinal fusion and those who kept the MCGRs in situ.

Cast versus Kirschner wire fixation in type II paediatric phalangeal neck fractures.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of type II pediatric phalangeal neck fractures (PPNFs) treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization (CRCI) versus closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), and evaluated the clinical efficacy of conservative versus surgical treatment of type II PPNFs via meta-analysis. METHODS: Patients aged ≤ 14 years with type II PPNFs were divided into conservative (CRCI) and operative (CRPP) groups. Radiographs measured angulation and translation; hand function was assessed with total active range of motion (TAM) and Quick-DASH. Complication rates were also compared between the groups. A meta-analysis of conservative versus operative treatment confirmed the clinical results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and R studio 3.0 with two-tailed, chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney U or t-tests, P < 0.05. Meta-analysis used fixed or random effects models, calculating mean differences and odds ratios for outcomes, and assessing heterogeneity with I2 and Q tests. RESULTS: Final angulation (3.4° ± 3.7° and 4.9° ± 5.4° vs. 3.6° ± 3.7° and 4.2° ± 4.3°) and displacement (6.3% ± 5.8% and 5.7% ± 4.7% vs. 5.8% ± 5.5% and 3.2% ± 4.2%) in the coronal and sagittal planes were not different statistically between the conservative and surgical groups (P > 0.05), but improved significantly compared to preoperative values (P < 0.05). Although Quick-DASH scores were comparable in both groups (P = 0.105), conservatively treated patients had a significantly better TAM at the last follow-up visit (P = 0.005). The complication rates were 24.2% and 41.7% in the surgical and conservatively treated groups respectively (P = 0.162). However, the latter primarily experienced imaging-related complications, whereas the former experienced functional complications (P = 0.046). Our meta-analysis (n = 181 patients) also showed comparable functional (P = 0.49) and radiographic (P = 0.59) outcomes and complication rates (P = 0.21) between the surgical (94 patients) and conservative (87 patients) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative and surgical treatments are both reliable and safe approaches for managing type II PPNF in children. However, conservatively treated patients generally experience similar radiographic outcomes, lower complication rates, and better functional outcomes than surgically treated ones.

Early radiographic characteristics of the lateral talocalcaneal angle and its predictive significance for relapse in patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method.

In order to evaluate the early radiographic characteristics of the lateral talocalcaneal (L-TC) angle in patients with idiopathic clubfoot (ICF) and to investigate its prognostic significance for relapse after initial treatment with the Ponseti method. We retrospectively included 151 patients (96 males and 55 females; 227 feet) with ICF treated at our Institution between January 2005 and December 2014. The age at initial treatment was less than 6 months, and radiographs were obtained within 3 months of the Achilles tenotomy (mean age: 2.3 months; range: 0.77-6.8). All patients were followed up for at least 7 years (range, 7-18). The participants' feet were classified into three groups: relapsed (Group A), not relapsed (Group B), and normal foot groups which consisted of healthy feet in patients with unilateral ICF (Group C). All angle measurements were expressed in degrees. Forty-seven ICF feet in 33 patients relapsed, while 180 feet in 118 patients did not, and the age at relapse was 5.92±1.91 years. Seventy-five normal feet were included in Group C. The average L-TC angle in Group A and B patients was 33.57°±12.05° and 39.37°±12.55°, respectively, while Group C was 49.61°±9.11°. A significant difference was found among the three groups of patients (F=31.48, P<0.001). The L-TC angle cut-off value below which a recurrence could be predicted was 36.1° (sensitivity, 74.47%). The L-TC angle of ICF patients treated using the Ponseti method were reduced compared to normal feet. An L-TC angle of <36.1° has relative value in predicting ICF relapse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Uninstrumented fusion in cervical kyphosis due to neurofibromatosis type I: report of two paediatric cases.

PURPOSE: Severe cervical kyphosis (CK) in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is associated with a high risk for progression and neurologic impairment in children. We present our surgical technique and mid-term outcomes of uninstrumented anterior tibial strut grafting for severe CK secondary to NF-1. METHODS: Case report. The Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development (CARE) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Two paediatric patients (8- and 3-year-old) presented with severe CK secondary to NF-1. A halo body jacket (HV) allowed the progressive distraction of the cervical spine, avoiding neurological compromise and deformity progression. Circumferential fusion was obtained with anterior tibial strut autograft and posterior onlay bone graft. Cervical spine fusion was successfully maintained at a minimum 4-year follow-up in both patients. CONCLUSION: In children with severe CK secondary to NF-1, cervical distraction and immobilisation with a HV followed by uninstrumented anterior tibial strut grafting and posterior bone grafting, provided spinal fusion and stability without increasing the risk of neurological injury and donor site morbidity. The reported surgical technique appears to be a valuable tool in the armamentarium of the spinal surgeon.

Thoracogenic scoliosis: coronal deformity progression in paediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk of developing thoracogenic scoliosis (THS) in paediatric patients, depending on the side of lateral thoracotomy (LT) and of spine deviation in the coronal plane by means of logistic regression and scoliosis-free survival analyses. METHODS: A total of 307 consecutive patients undergoing LT were retrospectively reviewed; 32 patients met the inclusion criteria: 1) underwent LT and developed THS; 2) age < 15 years at LT; 3) clinical and radiographic follow-up ≥ 5 years. Patients were divided into ipsilateral group (convexity ipsilateral to LT) and contralateral group (convexity contralateral to LT). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 10 ± 4.7 in the ipsilateral group (n = 13) and 12 ± 4.8 years in the contralateral group (n = 19). The contralateral group underwent LT at a younger age (4.4 vs 6.4 years, p = 0.55), developed more severe coronal deformity (27.8° vs 18.9°, p = 0.15), had higher rate of THS > 20° (47.5% vs 38.4%; p = 0.34) and > 45° (21.1% vs 0%; p = 0.99). The mean time from LT to THS diagnosis was 4.2 ± 2.9 in ipsilateral group and 5.5 ± 4.2 years in contralateral group. Left-side LT (p = 0.03) and age > 5 years (p = 0.01) showed a lower risk of THS diagnosis. The group variable had a statistically significant effect on the risk of developing THS > 45° (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this series, children that developed THS with a convexity contralateral to the side of LT had more severe and progressive coronal spine deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clinical and radiological results of final fusion in patients who underwent lengthening with magnetically controlled growing rods. About 66 patients with a mean follow-up of 5 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of definitive arthrodesis on frontal and sagittal spine balance in EOS patients treated with MCGR, as well as the complications associated with this procedure and the outcome at last follow-up. METHODS: This was a multicentre study in 10 French centres. All patients who underwent posterior spinal arthrodesis after completion of MCGR treatment, regardless of age, etiology of scoliosis between 2011 and 2022, were included. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients who had a final fusion after the lengthening programme were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 ± 1.7 years (range: 2.1-9). The mean follow-up time after arthrodesis was 24 ± 18 months (range: 3-68) and the mean age at arthrodesis was 13.5 ± 1.5 years (range: 9.5-17). The main and secondary curves were significantly (p < 0.005 and p = 0.03) improved by arthrodesis (16.4° and 9° respectively) and stabilised at the last follow-up. The T1-T12 and T1-S1 distances increased by 8.4 mm and 14 mm with spinal fusion, with no significant difference (p = 0.096 and p = 0.068). There was no significant improvement in the rest of the parameters with arthrodesis, nor was there any significant deterioration at last follow-up. After final fusion, there were a total of 24 complications in 18 patients (27.3%) that routinely led to repeat surgery. CONCLUSION: Final fusion after MCGR provides satisfactory additional correction of the main and secondary curves and a moderate increase in the T1-T12 distance but has no impact on sagittal balance and other radiological parameters. The post-operative complication rate is particularly high in patients at risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Clinical and radiographic evolution of graduate patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods: results of a French multicentre study of 90 patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS) who completed their electromagnetic lengthening rod program to assess the demographics of this population and to analyze the evolution of clinical and radiological parameters and the occurrence of complications. METHODS: This was a multicenter study with 10 French centers. We collected all patients with EOS who had undergone electromagnetic lengthening between 2011 and 2022. They had to have reached the end of the procedure (graduate). RESULTS: A total of 90 graduate patients were included. The mean follow-up time over the entire period was 66 months (25.3-109). Of these, only 66 patients (73.3%) underwent definitive spinal arthrodesis at the end of the lengthening phase, whereas 24 patients (26.7%) kept their hardware in situ with a mean follow-up time from the last lengthening of 25 months (3-68). Patients had an average of 2.6 surgeries (1-5) over the entire follow-up. Patients had an average of 7.9 lengthenings for a mean total lengthening of 26.9 mm (4-75). Analysis of the radiological parameters showed a percentage reduction in the main curve of 12 to 40%, depending on the etiology, with an average reduction of 73-44°, and an average thoracic height of 210 mm (171-214) for an average improvement of 31 mm (23-43). There was no significant difference in the sagittal parameters. During the lengthening phase, there were a total of 56 complications in 43 patients (43.9%; n = 56/98), of which 39 in 28 patients (28.6%) resulted in unplanned surgery. In the graduate patients, there were a total of 26 complications in 20 patients (22.2%), all of which resulted in unscheduled surgery. CONCLUSION: MCGR, allow to decrease the number of surgeries, to progressively improve the scoliotic deformity and to reach a satisfactory thoracic height at the price of an important complication rate linked in particular to the complexity of the management of patients with an EOS.

News in paediatric orthopaedic surgery: an overview of the latest advances in paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology (2020-2023).

PURPOSE: We propose to survey - even if arbitrarily - the publications in paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology that have had the greatest impact on the specialty during the period extending from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2020 and the end of all health restrictions in March 2023. METHODS: Only studies with a high level of evidence or clinical relevance were selected. We briefly discussed the results and conclusions of these quality articles to situate them in relation to the existing literature and current practice. RESULTS: Publications are presented by dividing traumatology and orthopaedics whose publications are further subdivided according to anatomical districts; articles concerning neuro-orthopaedics, tumours, and infections were presented separately while sports medicine is jointly presented with knee-related articles. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the difficulties encountered during the global COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023), orthopaedic and trauma specialists, including paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, have maintained a high level of scientific output, in terms of quantity and quality of production.

Incidence of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease after conservative or surgical treatment: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) treated conservatively or surgically and factors influencing the incidence of THA. METHODS: Long-term follow-up studies on the conservative or surgical treatments of LCPD from 1950 to 2021 were conducted using six public databases. Articles were screened by two investigators (PRISMA guidelines), and the quality of the included publications (n = 27) was assessed (MINORS criteria). R version 4.2.1 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidences of THA were 6.8% and 5.14% in patients who were treated conservatively and surgically, respectively. At disease onset, the incidences of THA were 6.79% and 6.17% after conservative treatment and surgery in patients aged < seven years, respectively, and 16.97% and 3.61% in patients aged > seven years, respectively. The incidences of THA were 4.91%, 5.19%, and 23.18% in patients who were treated conservatively with ≤ 30, 30-40, and > 40 years of follow-up, respectively, and 3.68%, 3.11%, 9.66%, and 17.92% in patients who were treated surgically with ≤ ten, ten to 20, 20-40, and > 40 years of follow-up, respectively. In patients who received conservative treatment, the incidences of THA were 5.79% and 5.29% in patients with Stulberg I-II and III-V, respectively. In surgically treated patients, the incidence of THA was 0% in Stulberg I-II and 8% in Stulberg III-V. CONCLUSION: Patients with LCPD had relatively low incidences of THA. The greater the age at disease onset and longer the follow-up, the higher the incidence of THA; however, the Stulberg classification was not directly associated with the incidence of THA.

Is there an alternative to the Delbet-Colonna classification? Introduction and reliability assessment of a new classification system for paediatric femoral neck fractures: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a new classification system for paediatric femoral neck fractures (PFNFs) and to evaluate its reliability. METHODS: Two hundred and eight unilateral PFNFs (mean patient age: 9.0 ± 4.8 years) were included. Based on preoperative radiographs, the new classification system distinguished PFNFs without anterior or posterior translation (Type I), PFNFs with anterior (Type II) or posterior (Type III) translation, PFNFs with a comminuted medial or posterior column (Type IV), and subtrochanteric femoral fractures (SFFs; Type V). Radiographs were evaluated twice with an interval of two weeks by 19 raters with different specialties, experiences and geographical origins. The results were compared with a selection of 50 patient age-matched unilateral PFNFs and SFFs (mean patient age: 9.1 ± 4.9 years). These were graded twice by the same graders according to the Delbet-Colonna (D-C) classification. RESULTS: Four radiologists and 15 paediatric orthopaedic surgeons from Europe and Asia graded the radiographs. Fair agreement was found between radiologists (κ = 0.296 ± 0.01) and surgeons (κ = 0.3 ± 0.005) (P = 0.17), although more experienced surgeons performed better than less experienced ones; a similar fair assessment was found for raters from Europe (κ = 0.309 ± 0.021) and Asia (κ = 0.3 ± 0.006) and for type II, III and IV fractures; the κ value in the first evaluation (0.309) was similar to that in the second evaluation (0.298). The overall κ value of the D-C classification subtypes was significantly higher (0.599 ± 0.217) than that of the new classification, 0.326 ± 0.162 (t = 3.190 P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The new classification system showed fair reliability relative to the D-C classification. The reliability of the new classification system was not affected by the specialty or geographic origin of the rater or the evaluation round, only by rater experience level. The concordance was worse for PFNFs with anterior or posterior translation or with a comminuted medial or posterior columns.

Advanced Trauma Operative Management in Children.

Fractures in children and adolescents present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the orthopedic surgeon as there are still many uncertainties in the scientific understanding of these injuries [...].

The Role of Patient Position in the Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus: Comparison of Prone and Supine Position.

Background and Objectives: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCHF) make up about one-third of pediatric fractures and are the most common elbow fractures in children. Reduction and fixation of SC fractures can be performed with the patient in the prone or supine position. However, the role of the patient's position during surgery is still unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate, based on data from the literature, the role of patient position during closed reduction and fixation of pediatric SCHFs. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the current literature from 1951 to 2021 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified from 6 public databases. Articles were screened and abstracted by two investigators and the quality of included publications (n = 14) was assessed (MINORS criteria). Statistical analyses were performed using R studio 4.1.2. Results: The systematic literature review identified 114 articles, from which, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were identified. A total of 741 children were treated in the prone position and 538 in the supine position. The results of the systematic review showed that there were no statistical differences between the two positions with regard to clinical, radiographic, and complication outcomes. Conclusions:: The functional and radiographic outcome of displaced SCHFs is generally excellent regardless of the position, prone or supine, in which the patient is positioned for surgery. The choice of how to position the patient depends on the habit and experience of the surgeon and anesthesiologist performing the surgery.

Thoracogenic scoliosis: a retrospective review of 129 pediatric patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years.

PURPOSE: To determine the midterm outcome of lateral thoracotomy (LT) in skeletally immature patients concerning thoracogenic scoliosis development and lung parenchyma resection (LPR) extent. METHODS: In total, 129 children met the inclusion criteria: (1) LT during the study period; (2) skeletally immature at the time of LT; (3) clinical and radiographic follow-up of at least 3 years; and (4) no spinal or thoracic deformity on radiographs before LT. Patients were grouped according to their underlying disease, age at LT, and LPR extent. Radiographic parameters were assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: Of 129, 108 patients underwent pneumonectomy (9; 9.1%), lobectomy (79; 61.2%), segmentectomy (20; 15.5%) and 21 patients LT without LPR. The mean age at LT and at last radiological follow-up was 5.5 years (birth-17.8) and 15.2 years (3.4-33.2). The mean follow-up was 10 years (3-28.1). Scoliosis developed on average 5.3 years after LT. The mean Cobb angle was 22.1° (11-90°); > 10° in 37/129 patients (28.7%), of whom 5/129 (3.9%) had > 45°. The average vertebral rotation was 16.2° (2-43°; grade 0-II). RVAD was 26.5° (8°-33°) and 15.3° (2-43°) in patients with Cobb > 45° and ≤ 45°. Gender, age at surgery, and extent of LPR were not risk factors for post-thoracotomy scoliosis (p > 0.05), although younger patients developed a more severe deformity. CONCLUSION: Although post-thoracotomy scoliosis is not associated with significant rotation, the risk of curve progression > 45° is relatively high. Regular follow-up is required as scoliosis may develop several years after LT with or without LPR.