The unstable patella in children.

The authors reviewed 102 unstable patellas which had been observed and treated from 1964 to 1990. They were divided according to whether they suffered from traumatic dislocations, recurrent dislocations or malformative instability. The clinical findings were the major stage of the check up. In the field of imaging, standard X-rays had to be performed in all cases. MRI was of interest in the congenital dislocations, in order to thoroughly investigate the soft tissue anomalies. Two types were described: Type 1 was observed in children with joint laxity, but without major X-ray anomalies; Type 2, a major femoropatellar dysplasia could be formed with some bone deformity. The latter was observed in the malformative instability. Four different surgical procedures have been used, from the release of the retinacula of patella to the medial displacement of the patellar tendon or the tibial tuberosity. This study emphasises the concept of a true development dysplasia of patella (DDP) which can gather the different varieties of the instability of patella.

Solitary bone cyst: controversies and treatment.

The solitary bone cyst (SBC) has not yet revealed all its secrets. The pathogeny of the SBC is thus considered and also its evolutivity. Conservative treatment has been used in attempts to heal this tumor-like bone. In the case of surgery, an original technique is described. The SBC still remains mysterious in many of its aspects. At the time of this writing, nobody can predict the occurrence modalities of this benign bone tumor. In a similar way, the reality of this tumor-like lesion cannot be precisely described. This emphasizes the first controversial point about this lesion. Indeed, must we consider differently the bone cysts that remain close to the growth plate and those which located in the diaphysis? Must we regard the true unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) differently and those that are multilocular? Moreover, are the cysts located in the long bones identical to the those of the short cancellous bones? Alas, SBC was supposed to be a lesion in children that disappeared after growth ended. Is it still true since some cases have been reported more recently in adults? This study represents a long follow-up. It includes the different aspects of the SBC and emphasizes an original technique in case surgery becomes indicated.

Closed flexible intramedullary nailing of the femoral shaft fractures in children.

We treated 34 femoral shaft fractures in 32 children with elastic intramedullary nailing using titanium rods. The 24 boys and 8 girls ranged from 6-17 years. All fractures united. The weight bearing was authorized at an average of 67 days and was complete at an average of 89 days. All children returned to school before the end of the second postoperative month. An an average of 2.5 years, no rotational malalignment was present. Neither anteroposterior nor frontal malalignment of more than 2 degrees was noticed. A leg length discrepancy of more than 10 mm was present in 3 patients (8%). No injury of femoral head vascularization or of the proximal or distal growth plate was noticed. In our experience, this technique seems to be safe for the surgical treatment of the immature femoral shaft fractures. The elastic properties of titanium provide a very good stability of the montage, when the technique is correctly performed.

Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced subtraction MR imaging--a simple technique for the early diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the simple technique of dynamic gadolinium-enhanced subtraction MR imaging, which is available on standard MR units, can detect ischemia of the femoral head in children with early Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone perfusion of eight hips in four patients (mean age 7.5 years) was studied using dynamic gadolinium-enhanced subtraction MR imaging at the onset of proven LCP (with initial negative plain films). Enhancement of subtracted images was compared with that on standard MR images and with bone scintigraphy findings. RESULTS: Subtraction MR imaging depicted ischemia as a widespread absence of enhancement and was in good agreement with bone scintigraphy. The subtraction technique improved the sensitivity and the specificity of MR imaging in two children. Furthermore, subtraction MR imaging allowed recognition of the pattern of early reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results indicate that dynamic gadolinium-enhanced subtraction MRI is a simple and promising means of early recognition of ischemia in LCP.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: evaluation of different modes of treatment.

We reviewed 91 hips with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after an average follow-up period of 6 years 6 months. Different treatment methods used, according to types and stages of slipping, are discussed. In situ fixation appears to be the best procedure for SCFE with < 60% displacement. Careful reduction-fixation is indicated in acute and acute-on-chronic SCFE > 60%. Primary rotation osteotomies are associated with a high percentage of complications. Secondary osteotomies should be simple (preferably a subtrochanteric derotation osteotomy) to reduce the risk of necrosis. Preventive contralateral fixation is indicated when the growth cartilage is still open.

Ultrasonographic approach to the neonatal foot: preliminary study.

We report our preliminary experience with use of ultrasound in clubfoot and describe our protocol and initial results in the use of this technique.

Classification of clubfoot.

Clubfeet must be classified according to severity to obtain reference points, assess the efficacy of orthopaedic treatment, and analyze the operative results objectively. A scale of 0-20 was established on the basis of four essential parameters: equinus in the sagittal plane, varus deviation in the frontal plane and derotation around the talus of the calcaneo-forefoot (CFF) block and adduction of forefoot on hindfoot in the horizontal plane. Four grades of clubfeet can be individualized: (a) Benign feet so-called "soft-soft feet," grade I, similar to postural feet, with a score of 5 to 1 (these mild feet must be excluded from any statistics as they tend to increase good results); (b) moderate feet, so-called "soft > stiff feet," grade II (reducible but partly resistant, with a score of 5-10); (c) severe feet, so-called "stiff > soft feet," grade III (resistant but partly reducible, with a score of 10-15); and (d) very severe, pseudoarthrogryposic feet, so-called "stiff-stiff feet," grade IV (score of 15-20 points). To avoid risks of errors, our method is based on a very complete checklist and on diagrams. Our training material inculdes an audiovisual package.

Final evaluation of clubfoot.

After analyzing the multiple evaluations described in the literature, we propose an evaluation that can be used during growth. The global score is based on 50 points. The normal foot is scored 0. The functional evaluation (passive motion, muscle function, and gait analysis) is based on 28 points. The morphology is based on 12 points. The radiographic analysis is scored on 10 points. The final evaluation score is linked to the initial classification at birth. The gain during the treatment is the difference between the score at birth and the score of the final evaluation. It is noted as a percentage.

[Echography of the foot in newborn infants. Preliminary study]. / L'échographie du pied du nouveau-né. Etude préliminaire.

Xrays are of a poor help in the diagnosis of the deformities of the foot in the neonate. As a modern imagying, ultrasounds allow to show the cartilaginous frames and also the soft-tissues. Some special views are used which can give interesting informations about the abnormal connexions of the hindfoot and also the midtarsal joint. This procedure is also used for the follow up during the treatment in order to appreciate its efficiency.

[Patellar instability in children]. / Instabilités rotuliennes de l'enfant.

Current work on disease states involving the patella has led to increased interest in patellar instability. We reviewed a series of patellar luxations. True trauma-induced luxations are rare. Most cases are recurrent luxations in subjects with a morphological anomaly of the knee extensor system. Because of the growth cartilages, selective therapeutic techniques are needed to stabilize the patella. Recurrent or permanent luxations of the patella result from congenital malformations of the muscles or skeleton. A complete MRI study is highly indicated. The patella can be correctly realigned by surgical release. In cases with femoropatellar dysplasia, which is not specific for children, well conducted rehabilitation therapy often leads to favourable outcome.

Dominant carpotarsal osteochondromatosis.

Dominant carpotarsal osteochondromatosis is a particular disorder of the wrist and tibiotalar joints with abnormal bone proliferation and osteochondromas. Two patients, a mother and son, are described here; a similar condition has previously been described in seven affected members of a family. The upper and the lower limbs are affected in the same patient and the lesion can be bilateral. Autosomal dominant inheritance is a further criterion allowing the diagnosis of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica.

[Bone hemangioma of the limbs. A report of two cases in children]. / Les angiomes osseux des membres. A propos de deux cas chez l'enfant.

Hemangiomas of bone are rare lesions corresponding approximately to 1% of all primary bone tumors. Cases of hemangiomas in the vertebral bodies and in the skull occur fairly frequently but are unusual in other bones. The authors reported two cases of unusual and fairly rare aspects of this vascular tumor in children. In both cases, recurrences occurred and leaded to a wide bone resection in case one and to several curettage in case two. In these two case the histological type of hemangioma was the capillary one. In reviewing the literature we found no indication for wide resection of the benign forms in children.

[Impact of angiodysplasia on bones]. / Retentissement osseux des angiodysplasies.

Vascular malformations usually have an impact on bones because of hemodynamic disturbances in the muscular and osteoperiosteal systems. In fact, even when these structures are not involved by arterial or venous malformations, the blood flow is altered in them. The consequences for bones affect the longitudinal growth of the skeleton of the malformed limb. Growth rarely becomes slower. On the contrary, the condition usually results in an acceleration of bone growth, which results in an excess in the length of the limb presenting with the vascular malformation. This overlengthening may be variably great, and the therapeutic indications must be adapted to its extent. When it is slight, compensation is sufficient to balance the pelvis. Conversely, when it is greater, its correction must be surgical. This surgery is aimed at equalizing the lower limbs, either by slowing down epiphyseal growth and shortening the longer side, or by progressively lengthening the other side, as the case may be. The respective indications of these methods must be carefully considered and adapted to each case, in order to obtain the best possible result with the smallest surgical risk.

[Three rare fractures of the radius associated with an ulnar slipped epiphyses]. / Trois cas rares de fracture basse du radius associée à un décollement épiphysaire du cubitus.

Over a period of 7 years, three adolescent boys had an associated diaphyseal fracture of the distal third of the radius with separation of the distal ulnar epiphysis. The fracture involved towards early epiphysiodesis of the growth plate of the distal ulna leading to a shortened ulna without any severe functional disability. The mechanisms of injury and complication are described. The treatment of this associated lesion is classical emergency, but the radiological follow-up must be extended in time because the growth potential of the forearm bones is important even during adolescence. The onset of a growth disturbance requires rapid surgical epiphysiodesis of the radius to prevent the development of deformity.

Lower limb bone hemangiomas in children: report of two cases.

Hemangiomas of the bone are rare lesions, accounting for approximately 1% of all primary bone tumors. Hemangiomas occur fairly frequently in the vertebral bodies and the skull, but are unusual in other bones. We report two cases of unusual and fairly rare aspects of this vascular tumor in children. Both cases involved recurrences, which led to a wide bone resection in case 1 and to several curettages in case 2. In these two cases the histological type of hemangioma was capillary. In reviewing the literature we found no indication of wide resection of the benign forms in children.

Congenital dislocation of the hip in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Nine patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) were treated for bilateral congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH). CDH was diagnosed at six months of age in two patients and at two to five years of age in the remaining seven patients. The diagnosis of EDS, based on clinical criteria, was established considerably later. One patient with multiple deformities was only observed; the remaining eight patients were initially treated by closed reduction. Due to difficulties encountered in reduction and especially in stabilization, all hips were subsequently treated surgically, with a total of 42 procedures. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head developed in five hips, four of which had been treated with closed reduction with the patients under general anesthesia. At the follow-up evaluation, six patients had reached adulthood. Clinically, satisfactory results were obtained in 12 of 16 hips but roentgenographically in only six hips. Both femoral and innominate osteotomies are necessary to achieve and maintain the reduction in EDS patients with CDH.

Subtalar posterior displacement osteotomy of the calcaneus: a preliminary report of seven cases.

A preliminary report of a new posterior displacement osteotomy of the calcaneus is presented. Seven calcaneocavus feet in six patients ranging in age from 10 to 18 years were operated on with a follow-up of 2-4 years. The osteotomy was performed just below the subtalar joint after a complete plantar release. The posterior shift obtained was limited only by skin tension. The cavus deformity was corrected, and gait improvement was evident. The geometric study of postoperative lateral radiographs showed an expected 30-50% increase in tendo-Achilles strength.

Practical applications in idiopathic clubfoot: a retrospective multicentric study in EPOS.

We report a European study of idiopathic clubfoot that was compiled with the aid of a detailed questionnaire. The retrospective study was presented at the seventh meeting of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS). Most EPOS members treat idiopathic clubfoot at birth with plaster cast, but a few use physiotherapy and splints. The results of this conservative treatment vary. Operation is usually indicated at an age ranging from 4 to 15 months. Some physicians perform extensive procedures, and others limit operation to the medial and posterior parts of the foot. We propose a classification system for idiopathic clubfoot in an attempt to standardize procedures.

Results of physical therapy for idiopathic clubfoot: a long-term follow-up study.

Physical therapy without anesthesia or plaster casts was used to treat 338 cases of clubfoot (CF). Our technique is based on progressive sequential manipulations at birth. We first reduce the varus and later the equinus component of the CF. The gentle stretches used in this technique are complemented by active physiotherapy stimulating the muscles, and then a simple splint is suited to the foot to fix its degree of realignment. When used alone, this technique achieves 77% good and fair results. In resistant cases, complementary surgery was used. We obtained 96% good and fair results.