Treatment options for soft tissue defects in severe foot trauma in children.

OBJECTIVE: Severe foot trauma in children is a therapeutic challenge, with presence of devitalised and soiled distal tissues. Several reconstruction and covering procedures can be applied, including artificial dermis (AD), negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), fasciocutaneous flaps and free flaps. Here, we have developed and evaluated an algorithm for treating severe foot injuries with skin defects in children. METHOD: Paediatric cases of severe foot injury treated over a 16-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics of the injuries, surgical procedures, complications and the modified Kitaoka score (clinical and functional rating score of the ankle and foot) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 18 children were included. The mean age at the time of injury was four years and 10 months (range: 1-11 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.2 years. Of the children, 13 presented with an amputation (12 partial foot amputations and one whole ankle and foot). The skin defect was combined with tendon exposure in nine cases, and/or bone and cartilage in seven cases, and heel damage in two cases. A flap was implemented in eight cases, of which one failed. NPWT was used in 13 patients (for an average of 21 days) and was combined with AD in six patients. The mean modified Kitaoka score was 68 (range: 55-80). Additional surgery during the follow-up period was required in seven patients (dorsal skin retraction, a thick flap, osteoma, trophic ulcer or ankle deviation). CONCLUSION: Our algorithm suggests different therapeutic strategies for skin coverage and healing, depending on the size of the lesion and the exposed structures, and seems to offer good results. These procedures should be combined with NPWT to optimise these results (improved healing, reduced infections, decreased skin defects and enhanced granulation tissue) and so should be used more frequently.

Long-Term Outcomes of Atasoy Flap in Children With Distal Finger Trauma.

PURPOSE: Distal finger trauma is one of the most frequent emergencies in children and has the potential for functional and cosmetic damage to the hand. The Atasoy flap (AF) is a vascularized, subcutaneous pedicle V-Y advancement flap used to cover a loss of distal finger substance. Our hypothesis was that the AF is a safe, reliable flap that results in few complications and gives satisfactory functional and cosmetic results in children. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed children with distal finger trauma and AF pulp reconstruction in our pediatric orthopedic department between 2008 and 2017. The lesion zone was classified, and we also evaluated necrosis, infection, the shape of the pulp, pulp sensitivity (Weber test), hyponychial scarring, and the presence of a hook nail deformity. Lastly, we compared patients who developed a hook nail with those who did not. RESULTS: Thirty children were included (mean age at trauma, 6.4 years [range, 1.3-15.7 years]). In 21 cases, the finger damage was located in Ishikawa subzone II. No cases of necrosis or infection were reported. Epicritical tactile sensitivity was good in 20 patients (67%). A hook nail deformity was observed in 15 children (50%) and hyponychial scarring in 22 patients (73%). The pulp had a normal shape in 13 children (43%). The hook nail group displayed more hyponychial scarring, greater nail dystrophy, and lower pulp sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The AF yielded contrasting results. High reliability, good coverage, and minimal donor-site morbidity were compromised by suboptimal tip length/shape, nail appearance, and sensitivity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Middle Phalangectomy for the Correction of Toe Clinodactyly With Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket in Young Children.

Toe clinodactyly is often owed to the presence of a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket. We developed middle phalangectomy as a simple surgical solution for correction of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in childhood. Ten children (ages 1-5 years) were operated on by the same surgeon between October 2007 and May 2012 (n = 15 feet). The same surgical technique was used in all the cases. A clinical evaluation included the appearance of the foot, the parents' level of satisfaction, and the presence or absence of bothersome symptoms (such as pain and discomfort when wearing footwear). A radiological evaluation under weight-bearing conditions enabled us to 1) rate the achievement of a natural-looking toe parabola and 2) detect the recurrence of clinodactyly (defined as an angle of >40° between 2 adjacent phalanges). The mean follow-up period was 5.4 (range 3.3 to 8.1) years. Nine sets of parents (90%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. None had difficulties wearing boots, and only 1 child (10%) had residual pain during sports activities. Clinodactyly recurred in 3 feet in 3 patients (20% of feet, 30% of patients). Two (20%) of the latter patients underwent repeat surgery and achieved a lasting, satisfactory outcome. Middle phalangectomy is an appropriate procedure for the treatment of toe clinodactyly because of longitudinal epiphyseal bracket in young children. However, the patients' long-term outcomes (notably once bone growth has ended) must be assessed.

Mitigating Risk of Ankle Valgus From Ankle Osteochondroma Resection Using a Transfibular Approach: A Retrospective Study With Six Years of Follow-Up.

To prevent worsening of ankle valgus and functional repercussions, a distal inter-tibiofibular osteochondroma can be removed using a transfibular approach. We evaluated the difference between the preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt at the last follow-up examination and the clinical and radiologic outcomes. We included 10 consecutive ankles that had undergone removal of an osteochondroma using a transfibular approach. The mean patient age was 10.6 years. One ankle was lost to follow-up. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 5.9 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar tilt was 7.2° and 7.1°, respectively, with no significant difference. The mean postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.4. Tibiofibular synostosis developed in 7 cases. Osteochondroma recurred in 1 case. The transfibular approach stabilizes ankle valgus and is associated with good functional outcomes. However, it is an extensive procedure associated with postoperative synostosis and, thus, should be considered primarily when surgical access for an anterior approach is limited.

Tarsal Coalitions: Preliminary Results After Operative Excision and Silicone Sheet Interposition in Children.

Symptomatic tarsal coalitions that begin in early adolescence are usually treated by resection and interposition (fat, muscle, or bone wax) to prevent recurrence. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to describe our operative technique and report our clinical and radiologic outcomes with sterile silicone sheet interposition after resection of painful tarsal coalitions in 4 children (4 feet). The present series included 1 case of talocalcaneal synchondrosis and 3 of synostosis (2 talocalcaneal and 1 cuboid-navicular). Two validated functional scales were used to assess the patients' overall outcome and satisfaction with the procedure: the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score and the Foot Function Index. Conventional radiography, computed tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed at the final follow-up visit. The mean follow-up period was 40 (range 12 to 80) months. The mean age at surgery was 10.5 (range 8 to 13) years. All patients had achieved their desired activity level at 6 months postoperatively. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 93.5 (range 74 to 100), and the mean Foot Function Index was 3.25% (range 0% to 13%). No recurrence of the coalition on imaging at the final follow-up visit was observed in this patient series. Sterile silicone sheet interposition can be used to prevent recurrence of tarsal coalition in symptomatic tarsal coalitions after failure of conservative management.

Knee laxity after anterior tibial eminence fracture in children: A 35-case series.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior tibial eminence (ATE) fractures are characterized by avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament insertion. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of laxity and instability in the aftermath of these fractures. The secondary objective was to identify factors for instability. HYPOTHESIS: ATE fracture in children is responsible for laxity and instability in the medium and long term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 35 isolated fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence during skeletal growth between January 2006 and January 2020. Analysis comprised demographics, laxity measured by GNRB™, range of motion and IKDC and Lysholm scores. Clinical reassessment was performed in 24 patients, the other 11 being interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: Mean laxity on GNRB™ was 1.46mm, and 3 patients had>3mm differential with respect to the healthy knee. Mean IKDC score was 92.2 and mean Lysholm score 93.1. Four patients showed instability, 2 of whom required surgical management. There was no significant difference in occurrence of laxity according to fracture type or reduction quality. Mean follow-up was 5.9years (range, 1.1-14.8). DISCUSSION: Our clinical and functional results were in accordance with the literature. The long-term clinical results were satisfactory. ATE fractures require long-term follow-up to screen for instability and laxity on GNRB™. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Outcomes of pediatric distal tibial physeal fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal tibia involving the physis are relatively common in children. The data reported on long-term complication rates vary between studies. HYPOTHESIS: Pediatric distal tibial fractures cause medium- and long-term growth disturbances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study. We included physeal distal tibial fractures that were treated in the operating room with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The analysis included age, gender, weight status, circumstances and energy of the injury, fracture type, subsequent treatment, complications, duration of follow-up, radiologic findings and functional outcomes using the AOFAS. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included with a mean age of 12.8 years (2.4-15.9 years) and a mean follow-up of 35.8 months (12-119). At the longest follow-up, 7 patients (15.2%) had growth disturbances. The mean AOFAS score was 95/100 and a decreased ankle range of motion was observed in 18 patients, but it was always less than 10°. High-energy injuries (20 patients) resulted in worse clinical outcomes and a significantly higher rate of growth disturbances (p=.03). DISCUSSION: This study confirmed the presence of growth disturbances following pediatric distal tibial fractures, especially in cases of high-energy trauma. Therefore, these fractures should be monitored until the end of the growth period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Induced membrane technique for clavicle reconstruction in paediatric patients: Report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Clavicular reconstruction in paediatric patients is a rarely performed procedure that often raises complex technical challenges and produces unreliable outcomes. The induced membrane technique is an innovative two-stage procedure involving cement spacer placement into the defect to induce the development of a membrane, followed by the implantation of a cortical-cancellous bone graft. The primary objective of this study was to assess the medium- and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of clavicular reconstruction using the induced membrane technique in children and to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of this technique. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the fixation and the outcomes according to age and to the underlying diagnosis. HYPOTHESIS: Clavicular reconstruction using the induced membrane technique produces good outcomes in paediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The induced membrane technique was used for clavicular reconstruction in 4 children with a mean age of 9.7 years (range, 7.4-12.3 years). The diagnosis was congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle in 3 patients and aneurysmal bone cyst in 1 patient. Shoulder pain and mobility were assessed at last follow-up. Radiological bone healing was evaluated using the total radiographic union score (RUS, range, 0-10). Complications and number of procedures per patient were recorded. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 1-8.4 years). None of the patients had pain or motion range limitation. After 6 months, the clavicle was healed with a RUS of 10 in all patients. The mean number of surgical procedures per patient was 3.75 (range, 3-5). Two patients required revision surgery for distal pin migration and another for a subcutaneous abscess under the pin. DISCUSSION: When used for clavicular reconstruction, the induced membrane technique is effective and associated with a low complication rate. The induced membrane technique therefore deserves to be viewed as an alternative to other methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

Congenital dislocation of the knee in a three-year-old-child with Larsen syndrome: Treatment with a hexapod-type external fixator.

Congenital knee dislocation (CDK) is a rare condition, and its treatment is subject to debate. Here, we report on a new treatment for CDK (using a hexapod-type external fixator, HEF) in a three-year-old child with Larsen syndrome and grade III anterior dislocations of both knees. The left knee was treated with serial splints, whereas an HEF was used to treat an irreducible dislocation of the right knee. Two HEF aluminium rings were applied surgically. The procedure involved a distraction of the knee, then tibial posterior translation, and lastly progressive flexion. The clinical and radiological outcomes were good; after four years of follow-up, the right knee had stabilized and had a range of motion of 110°. We conclude that as an innovative, effective option for the management of CDK, the use of an HEF may constitute a relatively advantageous alternative to quadriceps tenotomy.

Pyogenic Sacroiliitis in a 13-Month-Old Child: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pyogenic sacroiliitis is exceptional in very young children. Diagnosis is difficult because clinical examination is misleading. FABER test is rarely helpful in very young children. Inflammatory syndrome is frequent. Bone scintigraphy and MRI are very sensitive for the diagnosis. Joint fluid aspiration and blood cultures are useful to identify the pathogen. Appropriate antibiotic therapy provides rapid regression of symptoms and healing. We report the case of pyogenic sacroiliitis in a 13-month-old child.Clinical, biological, and imaging data of this case were reviewed and reported retrospectively.A 13-month-old girl consulted for decreased weight bearing without fever or trauma. Clinical examination was not helpful. There was an inflammatory syndrome. Bone scintigraphy found a sacroiliitis, confirmed on MRI. Aspiration of the sacroiliac joint was performed. Empiric intravenous biantibiotic therapy was started. Patient rapidly recovered full weight bearing. On the 5th day, clinical examination and biological analysis returned to normal. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was switched for oral. One month later, clinical examination and biological analysis were normal and antibiotic therapy was stopped.Hematogenous osteoarticular infections are common in children but pyogenic sacroiliitis is rare and mainly affects older children. Diagnosis can be difficult because clinical examination is poor. Moreover, limping and decreased weight bearing are very common reasons for consultation. This may delay the diagnosis or refer misdiagnosis. Bone scintigraphy is useful to locate a bone or joint disease responsible for limping. In this observation, bone scintigraphy located the infection at the sacroiliac joint. Given the young age, MRI was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Despite the very young age of the patient, symptoms rapidly disappeared with appropriate antibiotic therapy.We report the case of pyogenic sacroiliitis in a 13-month-old child. It reminds the risk of misdiagnosing pyogenic sacroiliitis in children because it is exceptional and clinical examination is rarely helpful. It also highlights the usefulness of bone scintigraphy and MRI in osteoarticular infections in children.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral tibial condyle associated with agenesis of both cruciate ligaments.

Osteochondritis dissecans is a rare cause of painful knees in children. Only 10 cases of lateral tibial condyle involvement have been reported in the literature. Congenital agenesis of both cruciate ligaments has been described even less, and its prevalence is unknown. The authors report an atypical association of osteochondritis dissecans of the tibia with congenital absence of both cruciate ligaments. A 12-year-old male soccer player presented with a painful right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the diagnosis. The child was treated conservatively. At 18-month follow-up, radiographs showed osseointegration of the osteochondritis dissecans, and the patient had resumed normal athletic activity without pain. To the authors' knowledge, this is the only report describing such an association. The authors discuss the possible etiology of osteochondritis dissecans associated with agenesis of the cruciate ligaments and highlight the possibility of this association when osteochondritis dissecans of the tibia is diagnosed in a child with a painful knee. In this patient, the strain due to anteroposterior instability may have been the cause of osteochondritis. Conservative treatment should be considered in this setting.

Isolated rupture of the subscapularis tendon in children: a case report and literature review.

We report the case of an 11-year-old, male, competitive hockey player with a complete rupture of the subscapularis insertion but no avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity. Ultrasound and MRI were performed before surgical repair with suture anchors. The boy regained a normal range of movement after 4 weeks of immobilization and 2 months of rehabilitation. This unique case (with the absence of lesser tuberosity avulsion) is compared with the 16 other cases of paediatric subscapularis avulsion fracture reported in the literature.

Acute effects of Achilles tendon vibration on soleus and tibialis anterior spinal and cortical excitability.

Prolonged vibration is known to alter muscle performance. Attenuation of Ia afferent efficacy is the main mechanism suggested. However, changes in motor cortex excitability could also be hypothesized. The purpose of the present study was therefore to analyze the acute and outlasting effects of 1 h of Achilles tendon vibration (frequency, 50 Hz) on the soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) neuromuscular excitability. Spinal excitability was investigated by means of H-reflexes and F-waves while cortical excitability was characterized by motor evoked potentials (MEPs) obtained by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Twelve subjects performed the experimental procedures 3 times: at the beginning of the testing session (PRE), immediately after 1 h of Achilles tendon vibration (POST), and 1 h after the end of vibration (POST-1H). Prolonged vibration led to acute reduced H-reflex amplitudes for SOL only (46.9% ± 7.7% vs. 32.8% ± 7%; p = 0.006). Mainly presynaptic inhibition mechanisms were thought to be involved because of unchanged F-wave persistence and amplitude mean values, suggesting unaffected motoneuronal excitability. While no acute effects were reported for SOL and TA cortical excitability, both muscles were characterized by an outlasting increase in their MEP amplitude (0.64 ± 0.2 mV vs. 0.43 ± 0.18 mV and 2.17 ± 0.56 mV vs. 1.26 ± 0.36 mV, respectively; p < 0.05). The high modulation of Ia afferent input by vibration led to changes in motor cortex excitability that could contribute to the enhancement in muscular activation capacities reported after chronic use of tendon vibration.