Radiological long-term follow-up up to 12 years of initially ultrasound unstable hip types D, III and IV after treatment with the Tübingen splint worn as a plaster.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of ultrasound unstable hips with the Tübingen splint is currently under discussion. However, there is a lack of long-term follow-up data. This study presents to the best of our knowledge first radiological mid-term to long-term data of the successful initial treatment with the Tübingen splint of ultrasound unstable hips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2022 the treatment of ultrasound unstable hips type D, III and IV (age ≤ 6 weeks, no severe limitation of abduction) with the Tübingen splint worn as a plaster is evaluated. Based on data derived from routine X-rays during the follow-up period, a radiological follow-up (FU) analysis until the age of 12 years was performed. The acetabular index (ACI) and center-edge angle (CEA) were measured and classified according to Tönnis as normal findings (NF), slightly (sliD) or severely dysplastic (sevD). RESULTS: 193 of 201 (95.5%) unstable hips could be successfully treated showing normal findings with an alpha angle > 65°. The few patients showing treatment failures were successfully treated applying a Fettweis plaster (human position) under anesthesia. The radiological FU of 38 hips showed a favorable trend with increase of normal findings from 52.8% to 81.1% and decrease of 38.9% to 19.9% of sliD respectively 8.3% to 0% of sevD hips. The analysis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head showed 2 cases (5.3%) of grade 1 according to Kalamchi and McEwen, which were improving over time in the further course. CONCLUSIONS: The Tübingen splint as alternative to replace a plaster has proven a successful therapeutic option for ultrasound unstable hips type D, III and IV with favorable and over time improving radiological parameter up to the age of 12 years.

Outcome after subtalar screw arthroereisis in children with flexible flatfoot depends on time of treatment: Midterm results of 95 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The subtalar screw arthroereisis (SSA) is a treatment option for painful pediatric flexible flatfeet (PFF). Hence, the optimal time point for a SSA is discussed controversially. Therefore the present study evaluates the influence of the patient's age at surgery on the radiological outcome to provide further evidence in this matter. METHODS: From 08/2007 to 12/2015 50 patients with 95 PFF were included. Inclusion criteria were: 1) Patients with PFF under or equal 15 years of age, 2) treatment with SSA and 3) presence of pre-op, post-op and follow up (FU) routine biplane radiographs. A subdivision was made into group A: 5-8 years, group B: 9-12 years and group C: 13-15 years. The radiographs were analyzed for: 1) calcaneal-pitch (CP), 2) lateral talocalcaneal angle (lat. TCA), 3) a.p. talocalcaneal angle (a.p. TCA, kite angle) and 4) navicular-cuboidal-index (NCI) and meary angle. RESULTS: Our study showed the best deformity correction when surgery was conducted between 9 and 12 years of age (group B), with significant improvement in all measured parameters without secondary deterioration during FU. In group A, the SSA show inferior results with poorer long-term success with only an improvement in the a.p. TCA. Group C showed mixed results. While CP and NCI improved, the lat. TCA deteriorated in FU. In conclusion, the ideal age for surgical intervention by SSA is between 9 and 12 years. Surgery before the age of 8 years did not show long-term success and delayed treatment at the age of 13-15 was only partially successful with deterioration during FU period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The association between a low critical shoulder angle and SLAP lesions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromion index (AI) and further acromion parameters in patients with isolated SLAP lesions compared with patients without SLAP lesions. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, the CSA, AI, lateral acromion angle (LAA) and acromion slope (AS) were radiologically examined in consecutive patients > 18 years having had a shoulder arthroscopy with isolated SLAP lesion types II-IV. These were compared to controls without SLAP lesions and without (control group I) or with (control group II) complete supraspinatus tendon (SSP) tears. RESULTS: 75/103 patients with isolated SLAP lesion types II-IV with a mean age of 46.5 years (± 13.0, 18.1-76.3) were analyzed, 61% of them being male. For control, n = 211 consecutive patients (47% male) with an intact SSP and SLAP complex and a mean age of 52.3 years (± 15.0, 18.6-88.4) and n = 115 patients (60% male) with an intact SLAP complex but complete SSP tears, mean age 66.6 years (± 9.3, 44.7-87.9) were examined. The CSA in SLAP patients was 29.6° (± 3.5, 21.0-38.0), 33.8° (± 3.7, 25.1-46.9) in no SLAP and no SSP (p < 0.001) and 36.7° (± 3.6, 29.1-46.6) in no SLAP but SSP (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for CSA was 0.83 for SLAP lesions resulting in a probability of 83% for patients with SLAP lesion to be associated with a specific CSA. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated SLAP lesion types II-IV are associated with a low CSA < 30°. The AI, the AS as well as the LAA showed no correlation with SLAP lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Osteochondritis dissecans shows a severe course and poor outcome in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a matched pair study of 22 cases.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are both common diseases which may affect joints and bony structures in pediatric patients. In some cases, JOCD and JIA occur at the same time. In this study, the course of JOCD in patients with JIA was therefore evaluated to provide possible recommendations for further treatment opportunities and control examinations. From 06/2012 to 03/2018 55 children with JOCD with or without JIA were examined. Inclusion criteria were: (1) age ≤ 16 years, (2) diagnosis of a JOCD with or without JIA and (3) two routine MRI controls. The JOCD evaluation based on the classification according to Bruns and the measurement of the largest extent via MRI. 18 of these 55 children met our criteria: 11 JOCD findings of 7 patients with JIA (group A) were matched according to age and localization of JOCD to 11 patients without JIA (group B). Mean age of disease onset of JIA was 8.2 years (oligo JIA) and of JOCD 11.6 years. The mean time follow-up was 17.7 months. At all observation time points more JOCD findings (with stage III° and IV°, respectively) along with a significant deterioration was seen in group A compared to group B. The comparison of the last MRI control between group A and group B shows a significant smaller defect size (decrease of 54.5%, p = 0.028) in group B (97.9 ± 48.9 mm2) as in group A (185.1 ± 102.9 mm2). In comparison of first (169.7 ± 84.2 mm2) and last MRI (97.9 ± 48.9 mm2) a significant decrease in lesion size of JOCD in group B was seen (decrease of 58.4%, p = 0.048). Patients with JIA show a more progressive and severe course of JOCD. Therefore, we recommend (1) the early use of MRI in patients with JIA and persistent joint pain to detect potential JOCD and (2) in presence of JIA and JOCD regular MRI follow-up controls to identify deteriorating JOCD findings and prevent early joint destruction in pediatric patients.

Prevalence of Propionibacterium acnes in the glenohumeral compared with the subacromial space in primary shoulder arthroscopies.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the prevalence of Propionibacterium acnes in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroscopy is equal in the glenohumeral space compared with the subacromial space. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or older with shoulder arthroscopies were included. The exclusion criteria were prior shoulder operations, complete rotator cuff tears, systemic inflammatory diseases, tumors, shoulder injections within 6 months of surgery, and antibiotic therapy within 14 days preoperatively. After standardized skin disinfection with Kodan Tinktur Forte Gefärbt, a skin swab was taken at the posterior portal. Arthroscopy was performed without cannulas, prospectively randomized to start either in the glenohumeral space or in the subacromial space, with direct harvesting of a soft-tissue biopsy specimen. Sample cultivation was conducted according to standardized criteria for bone and joint aspirate samples and incubated for 14 days. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight spectrometry was used for specimen identification in positive culture results. RESULTS: The study prospectively included 115 consecutive patients with normal C-reactive protein levels prior to surgery (54.8% men; mean age, 47.2 ± 14.6 years). P acnes was detected on the skin after disinfection in 36.5% of patients, in the glenohumeral space in 18.9%, and in the subacromial space in 3.5% (P = .016). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of P acnes is significantly higher in the glenohumeral space compared with the subacromial space in primary shoulder arthroscopies. The results do not confirm the contamination theory but also cannot clarify whether P acnes is a commensal or enters the joint hematologically or even lymphatically or via an unknown pathway. Despite standardized surgical skin disinfection, P acnes can be detected in skin swab samples in more than one-third of patients.

Development of unstable hips after treatment with the Tübingen splint: mid-term follow-up of 83 hip joints.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia are widely accepted as major factors for beneficial outcome. However, modalities for reduction and retention as well as for imaging are currently under clinical investigation. Local and general risk factors, e.g., breech presentation and the family's desire to avoid in-hospital treatment are major concerns in the decision-making process and consultation. For treatment of unstable hips in newborns the treatment with the Tübingen splint has proven good results in recent studies. However, mid- and long-term outcome studies are missing. We report on clinical results and X-ray parameter of initially unstable hips after treatment with the Tübingen splint at two time points: 12-24 and 24-48 months of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were newborns with 83 unstable hips (type D, III, IV according to Graf) which were successfully treated with the Tübingen splint-used as reduction splint 24 h per day/7 days per week-until type I hips were documented by ultrasound examination. Measurments are based on routine pelvic X-ray control at the age of 12-24 and 24-48 months. The acetabular angle was determined and according to the Tönnis-Classification evaluated into: normal findings (< 1 s), slightly dysplastic findings (1-2 s) and severely dysplastic findings (> 2 s). Children with secondary hip dysplasia were not included in this series. RESULTS: In 2nd year of life, 45 hips (54.2%; initial hip type D: 47.4%, III: 63.2%, IV: 42.9%) of the formerly unstable hips show normal X-ray findings. Although final ultrasound showed normal findings, at this time point 28 hips (33.7%; initial hip type D: 34.2%, III: 31.6%, IV: 42.9%) were slightly dysplastic and 10 (12.0%%; initial hip type D: 18.4%, III: 5.3%, IV: 14.3%) still severely dysplastic. At the age of 24-48 months, the percentage of radiologic normal hips had increased to 61 hips (73.5%; initial hip type D: 68.4%, III: 81.6%, IV: 57.1%), the number of slightly (19 hips) and severely dysplastic (3 hips) hips had decreased 22.9% (initial hip type D: 28.9%, III: 15.8%, IV: 28.6%) respectively 3.6% (initial hip type D: 2.6%, III: 2.6%, IV: 14.3%). At this time no operative intervention was neccessary. CONCLUSIONS: Our mid-term data show on the one hand a good development of unstable hips after successful treatment with the Tübingen splint. On the other hand despite successful therapy and normal ultrasound findings at the end of treatment further imaging by X-ray are mandatory to close follow-up and to detect those which might need surgical correction of residual dysplasia.

Use of the Tübingen splint for the initial management of severely dysplastic and unstable hips in newborns with DDH: an alternative to Fettweis plaster and Pavlik harness.

AIM: Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal disorders. As a late consequence 20-25% of the patients are at risk to develop secondary osteoarthritis and may require total hip replacement early in life. The treatment principles of hip dislocation are (1) concentric reposition, (2) retention, i.e., plaster in human post or Pavlik harness and (3) maturation in abduction flexion orthesis. The Tübingen splint was introduced as a further development of abduction devices for the treatment of (residual) hip dysplasia with stable hips. The advantages are easy handling, adjustment according to growth and safe limitation of abduction. The aim of this study was to determine the success of treatment of unstable hips with use of the Tübingen splint from early diagnosis until final end of therapy hence normal ultrasound findings. METHODS: From January 2003 to August 2016 79 children with 109 sonographic unstable hips were treated with the Tübingen splint initially consequently 24 h/day. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of type D, type III a/b or type IV hips according to Graf and beginning of treatment at an age of less or equal 6 weeks, without limitation of abduction on clinical examination. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis 51 type D (46.8%), 46 type III (42.2%) and 12 type IV (11.0%) hips were noticed. In 30 patients (38.0%) bilateral hip dysplasia (type D-IV) was diagnosed. 104 of 109 hips (95.4%) treated with the Tübingen splint could be transferred in a type I hip after a mean treatment period of 88.9 days (SD ± 26.0). In 5 cases (4.6%, 1 type III and 4 type IV hips) the treatment failed. CONCLUSION: Our data show, that successful treatment of unstable hips in neonates with the Tübingen splint is a comparably successful treatment modality relative to the Pavlik harness and Fettweis plaster.

Evidence and consensus based GKJR guidelines for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children and adolescents. Immunomodulatory drugs are used frequently in its treatment. Using the nominal group technique (NGT) and Delphi method, we created a multidisciplinary, evidence- and consensus-based treatment guideline for JIA based on a systematic literature analysis and three consensus conferences. Conferences were headed by a professional moderator and were attended by representatives who had been nominated by their scientific societies or organizations. 15 statements regarding drug therapy, symptomatic and surgical management were generated. It is recommended that initially JIA is treated with NSAID followed by local glucocorticoids and/or methotrexate if unresponsive. Complementing literature evidence with long-standing experience of caregivers allows creating guidelines that may potentially improve the quality of care for children and adolescents with JIA.

Rifampicin has - Compared to clindamycin - A dose and time dependent effect on hMSCs during osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The effects of rifampicin and clindamycin on human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) were examined. METHODS: hMSC were cultured with rifampicin and clindamycin (0.5 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml) and examinations of proliferation (Bromodeoxyuridine), calcification (Alizarin red) and mineralization (alkaline phosphatase) were performed after 7th, 14th and 21st days. RESULTS: With rifampicin (50 µg/ml) cultured hMSC showed a significant negative effect during proliferation, mineralization (7, 14 and 21 days) and calcification (21 days). Clindamycin seems to have no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Rifampicin in a dosage of 50 µg/ml showed a negative impact on proliferation, mineralization and calcification of hMSC after 21 days.

Treatment of unstable hips with the Tübingen splint in early postnatal period: radiological mid-term results of 75 hips with mean follow-up of 5.5 years.

PURPOSE: For treatment of unstable hips, the Tübingen splint is a treatment option. After the initial treatment, regular radiological follow-up examinations are recommended but there is a lack of long-term outcome studies. Therefore, the further development of unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint were evaluated. METHODS: From 2004 to 2015 116 patients with 161 unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were: 1) successfully treated unstable hip (type D, III and IV); 2) pelvic radiographs at the age of one to ≤ two, two to ≤ four and four to ≤ eight years. The acetabular index (ACI) of all and the centre-edge angle (CEA) of the third radiograph were measured and classified according to the Tönnis classification. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with 75 unstable hips (type D 34 (45.3%), III 33 (44.0%), IV 8 (10.7%)) were included. In comparison of the first, second and third radiograph, an increase of normal findings was seen in 31 (41.3%) to 53 (70.7%) and 60 (80.0%) hips, respectively. However, a decrease of slightly dysplastic hips from 31 (41.3%) to 19 (25.3%) and 14 (18.7%) respectively and severely dysplastic hips from 13 (17.3%) to three (4.0%) and one (1.3%) hip respectively was detected. In comparison of first to second radiograph, 32 hips improved and five hips deteriorated and of second to third radiograph 16 hips improved and six hips deteriorated. The Tönnis classification of ACI compared with CEA showed no significant differences (p = 0.442). CONCLUSION: This study shows a good development of unstable hips treated with the Tübingen splint with mean follow-up 5.5 years. Nevertheless, unexpected deteriorations could be identified. The CEA is an alternative to the ACI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

MRI reveals unrecognized treatment failures after application of Fettweis plaster in children with unstable hip joints.

We evaluated the success of treatment of unstable hip joints with the Fettweis plaster followed by MRI to detect potential treatment failures. A total of 132 ultrasound-detected unstable hips of type D, III, or IV according to Graf were treated with closed reduction and Fettweis plaster, followed by MRI. We examined 19 type D, 55 type III, and 58 type IV. Mean age at diagnosis was 84.5 days (SD: ± 55.4). Treatment period was 63.2 days (SD: ± 22.2). In 13 cases, the MRI showed a poor reduction. After repetition of this treatment, all 13 showed a concentric reduction. The use of MRI detects 9.8% of treatment failures. We recommend an MRI examination after each closed reduction to ensure the success of the therapy.

Autologous conditioned serum in the treatment of orthopedic diseases: the orthokine therapy.

The common strategies for the treatment of patients with orthopedic diseases do not address the underlying pathogenesis. Several biologically based, local therapies aiming to influence the cytokine imbalance are either in development or in the initial stages of clinical use. A method based on exposure of blood leukocytes to pyrogen-free surfaces (e.g. glass spheres) elicits an accumulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and several growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor-1, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta(1), in the liquid blood phase. Based on these observations, a new therapy using cell-free, autologous conditioned serum (ACS) from the incubation of whole blood with glass spheres was developed. The injection of ACS into affected tissue(s) has shown clinical effectiveness and safety in animal models and studies, as well as in human clinical studies, for the treatment of osteoarthritis, lumbar stenosis, disc prolapse, and muscle injuries.

Arthroscopic Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum is characterized by separation of a circumscript area of the articular surface and the subchondral bone in juvenile patients. In advanced lesions, arthroscopic fragment refixation or fragment removal with microfracturing or drilling can be successful. The purpose of this technical note is to describe an all-arthroscopic surgical technique for 3-dimensional purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the humeral capitellum.

All-arthroscopic suprapectoral long head of biceps tendon tenodesis with interference screw-like tendon fixation after modified lasso-loop stitch tendon securing.

Arthroscopic suprapectoral techniques for tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) are appropriate for the treatment of proximal biceps lesions. Several types of techniques and fixation devices have been described and evaluated in biomechanical studies regarding primary stability. In this technical note, we describe an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral technique using the 6.25-mm Bio-SwiveLock device (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for an interference screw-like bony fixation after having armed the tendon with a lasso-loop stitch. Both the interference screw fixation and securing of the lasso-loop tendon have been well described and approved in biomechanical tests concerning the primary stability. One advantage of this technique performed from the glenohumeral space, in addition to the strong and secure fixation with ingrowth of the tendon in a bony canal, is the avoidance of touching the soft tissue above the bicipital groove, which results in a smooth fitting of the tendon into its natural canal and therefore avoids mechanical irritation of the stump at the rotator interval. In conclusion, the all-arthroscopic suprapectoral LHB tenodesis performed from the glenohumeral space with the modified lasso-loop stitch for securing of the tendon and the 6.25-mm Bio-SwiveLock suture anchor for interference screw-like bony tendon fixation is an appropriate technique for the treatment of LHB-associated lesions.

Atlantoaxial instability after minor trauma with os odontoideum in children.

An os odontoideum is mostly diagnosed coincidentally on the basis of either painful movement of the cervical spine or neurological symptoms, or both. Diagnostic and therapeutic options are subjects of controversial discussion in the literature.Our report is about an 11-year-old boy who developed neurological symptoms with transitory tetraparesis after a fall of 1.5 m. Conventional X-ray examination resulted in the diagnosis of a dens fracture; MRI showed atlantoaxial instability and an os odontoideum with significant cord compression. After 4 months of nonoperative treatment, the patient had complete relief of symptoms but a significant atlantoaxial instability remained. A dorsal C1/C2 fusion in a modified Brooks technique was performed.In the event of neurological symptoms or instability, the authors advocate early surgical stabilisation, even in patients with little infirmity, particularly in view of the possible consequences.

Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection technique for the iliopsoas muscle.

Intramuscular botulinum toxin A injections are beneficial for the treatment of functional shortening of the iliopsoas muscle, but it is difficult to achieve precise needle positioning and injection. As a solution to this we present an ultrasound-guided injection technique for the iliopsoas muscle using an anterior approach from the groin. The procedure was performed 26 times in 13 patients (seven males, six females; mean age 11 years, SD 9 years 8 months; age range 4 to 31 years), 10 times bilaterally. Indications were functional iliopsoas shortening due to cerebral palsy (17 hips), hereditary spastic paraplegia (four hips), and Perthes disease (five hips). In all cases the iliopsoas muscle was identified easily by ultrasound; the placement of the injection needle and injection into the site of interest were observed during real time. No complications were encountered. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections have become established as a standard procedure for the treatment of functional shortening of different muscles in persons with spasticity or dystonia (Kessler et al. 1999, Bakheit et al. 2001, Kirschner et al. 2001). Optimal needle placement is essential to avoid severe side effects and to assess lack of response to the drug or incorrect region of injection. While injection into superficial, very palpable muscles is quite easy, the approach to other muscles such as the iliopsoas muscle may be more difficult and the placement of the needle for an optimal injection site is harder to control. As a solution to this, we present an ultrasound-guided injection technique. The main indications for BTX-A injections in the iliopsoas muscle are dynamic hip flexion deformities mostly due to spastic conditions which may compromise walking (increased anterior pelvic tilt during the whole gait cycle, decreased hip extension at terminal stance, increased peak hip flexion during swing; Molenaers et al. 1999. Another indication might be decentration of the femoral head (as part of an injection programme which also includes other muscles like the adductors and the medial hamstrings) for pain relief, reducing care difficulties and, possibly, prevention of further decentration (Porta 2000, Foster et al. 2001, Deleplanque et al. 2002, Lubik et al. 2002). In Perthes disease, BTX-A injections in the iliopsoas muscle and the adductors may prevent a fixed deformity, which is a negative prognostic factor.