Compressive chylothorax after lumbar spine fracture.

A 14-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital after an episode of blunt trauma to the thorax, resulting in a Chance fracture of L1 and a compressive chylothorax 72h after admission. After initial drainage in the operating room, conservative management was successful. This case study documents one of the rare complications of spinal fractures in the context of high-energy blunt trauma. It is the first detailing a noniatrogenic post-traumatic compressive chylothorax in pediatrics responding positively to conservative management. Drainage should be considered the first-line procedure for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Surgery is required if the leakage is still present after parenteral feeding and the implementation of a fat-free diet for 5-7 days.

Rare ACL enthesis tears treated by suture in children. A report of 14 cases after a mean 15 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: ACL enthesis tears are rare in children and there are very few reports in the literature. Characterized by avulsion of the ligament that tears off a very thin piece of cartilage or a bone fragment at the ACL epiphyseal insertion site, we hypothesize that conservative treatment by suture could reduce the number of patients requiring later ligament reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent surgery between 1986 and 2014 and were included in this retrospective study. Patients were selected according to the following criteria: suture failure requiring ligament reconstruction, reoperation-free survival for secondary injury and the subjective and objective IKDC scores by comparative laximetry. RESULTS: After almost 15 years of mean follow-up, reoperation-free survival was approximately 85%. Three patients required one or more additional surgeries; one for suture failure requiring 2 additional ligament reconstructions, one for a meniscal tear with a mechanical block requiring partial meniscectomy and one patient with secondary pain requiring arthroscopic surgery that was inconclusive. DISCUSSION: Rare and often misdiagnosed, ACL enthesis tears in children can be treated by suture with satisfactory results. Careful analysis of plain films and an X-ray centered on the intercondylar notch often provide the diagnosis. In case of doubt, MRI, which is now more accessible, can prevent missing this entity. Improved standard surgical techniques and careful patient selection could make conservative treatment an option once again while avoiding the risks associated with ligament reconstruction technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Neonatal complications related to shoulder dystocia]. / Complications néonatales de la dystocie des épaules: facteurs de risque et prise en charge.

OBJECTIVE: To describe neonatal complications related to shoulder dystocia. METHODS: This systematic evidence review is based on PubMed search, Cochrane library and experts' recommendations. RESULTS: The risks of brachial plexus birth injury, clavicle and humeral fracture, perinatal asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and perinatal mortality are increased after shoulder dystocia. The medical team should be able to provide neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room in case of perinatal asphyxia following shoulder dystocia, according to national and international guidelines. The initial clinical examination should search for complications such as brachial plexus birth injury or clavicle fracture. CONCLUSION: The risk of perinatal complications is increased in newborn after shoulder dystocia. The medical team should be able to manage these complications.

The progression of lumbar curves in adolescent Lenke 1 scoliosis and the distal adding-on phenomenon.

INTRODUCTION: The postoperative deterioration of the curve below spinal fusion instrumentation resulting in a distal adding-on (AO) phenomenon in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (IAS) frequently requires surgical revision with disappointing secondary clinical results. HYPOTHESIS: Analysis of AP (coronal) range of motion (cROM) and lateral (sagittal) range of motion (sROM) on dynamic (side-bending, flexion, extension) X-rays to determine the choice of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) can help reduce distal adding-on. The goal of this study was to study the postoperative progression of the lumbar curve in Lenke 1 scoliosis operated on with a LIV based on dynamic X-ray results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right-sided Lenke 1 IAS that was treated surgically by posterior arthrodesis alone with a follow-up of at least 2 years was included in the study. The following radiographic parameters were evaluated: the Cobb angles of the curves, reducibility of the curves, the apex of the scoliosis, the central sacral vertical line, the stable vertebra (SV), the neutral vertebra (NV), the distances between the CSVL and the centroids of the LIV and of the first vertebra below instrumentation, as well as the tilt of the superior endplates. sROM and cROM were determined on dynamic X-rays. RESULTS: Fifty IAS were evaluated/185 files. Only three cases fulfilled the criteria for AO including two that were secondary to peri- or postoperative complications. The lumbar curve presented with a loss of correction of 0.9° at one year and 1.14° at the final follow-up. None of the parameters studied were correlated to the deterioration of the lumbar curve. DISCUSSION: The choice of the LIV has been shown to influence the deterioration of the lumbar curve and the development of AO. The choice of the LIV based on an analysis of AP (coronal) and lateral (sagittal) range of motion seems to prevent the development of AO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, retrospective study.

Lumbo-sacral motion conserved after isthmic reconstruction: long-term results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results of repair of the interarticularis pars defect by a modified Buck's repair technique in patients with symptomatic spondylolysis with grade 1 spondylolisthesis. These patients with painful spondylolisthesis are the most eligible for direct repair of the defect rather than lumbo-sacral fusion in an attempt to save motion segments. METHODS: Forty-six patients with symptomatic spondylolysis with grade 1 spondylolisthesis and normal L4-L5 and L5-S1 disks, following the failure of conservative treatment, underwent surgery between 1988 and 2010. All interventions involved direct pars repair by a modified Buck's repair technique with internal fixation of the defect using screws and cancellous bone grafting. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Healing of the pars defect was assessed by plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Motion of the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments was measured with dynamic radiographs in flexion and extension. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 10 years. Functional outcome was excellent in 22 patients (ODI ≤ 10) and good for 8 patients (10 < ODI ≤ 20); five patients continued to have pain (ODI >20). Isthmus bone union occurred in 32 of 35 patients (91.4 %). L4-L5 motion was conserved with a mean angle of 11.8° (0-22); the mean lumbo-sacral angle was 9.9° (0-21). CONCLUSION: Direct repair of spondylolisthesis was described to avoid fusion in young patients with slight slipping and painful symptoms. A modified Buck's repair technique allows the conservation of L4-L5 motion with a rate of consolidation comparable to other series. The anatomy and stability of the spine were normalized by restoring the continuity of the loose posterior elements using this modified Buck's technique.

Lumbosacral arthrodesis for neuromuscular scoliosis using a simplified Jackson technique.

UNLABELLED: Treating patients with severe neuromuscular scoliosis by long spinal fusion improves their quality of life and provides significant comfort for the patient and caregivers. But lumbosacral (L5-S1) fusion is challenging in these patients because of the significant deformities that result in poor bone anchoring quality and a risk of impingement between the skin and implants. In 1993, Jackson described a L5-S1 fusion technique using S1 pedicle screws and intrasacral rods (implanted under X-ray guidance) that are linked to the construct above with connectors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results and the postoperative complications of a simplified version of this technique, which does not require connectors or X-ray guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 4years (average 82months). Frontal balance, sagittal balance, Cobb angle, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis and lateral pelvic tilt in the frontal plane were assessed on preoperative, postoperative and follow-up X-rays. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Complete fusion was obtained in 32 patients. The average Cobb angle was 62° initially and was reduced to 20° after surgery and 24° at the final follow-up. The average lateral pelvic tilt was 10.3° (0 to 26°) initially; it was surgically corrected to an average of 7.5° (0 to 24°); the average secondary loss of correction was 1.2° (0 to 9°). The sacral slope was corrected to an average of 11.2°; an average of 0.2° had been lost at the last follow-up (0 to 18°). Although the average for lumbar lordosis was unchanged, the standard deviation went from 29° to 16° after the corrective surgery and 17° at the last follow-up, with large cluster of measurements around the average value of 40°. The deformity correction was comparable to the results with other techniques (Galveston, sacroiliac screws); the complication rate was similar but the non-union rate was lower. This simplified Jackson technique appears to be an effective, simple method for L5-S1 fusion to correct neuromuscular scoliosis as it provides stable results over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.

The concordance of MRI and arthroscopy in traumatic meniscal lesions in children.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic meniscal lesions in children must be diagnosed quickly and efficiently as a priority in order to conserve the meniscus and safeguard the future of the knee. They are often isolated and difficult to identify clinically. In the diagnostic work up stage, an excessive resort to diagnostic arthroscopy has given way to increasing use of MRI by radiologists without pediatric specialization. The present study examined the agreement between MRI aspect and arthroscopic exploration in traumatic meniscal lesions in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine knees in children aged 9 to 16 years having undergone MRI followed by arthroscopy for knee trauma between 1995 and 2008 were included in a retrospective design. Discoid meniscus was excluded. Files were reviewed by a single clinician and MRI scans by a radiologist specialized in pediatric pathology. Cases of epiphyseal fusion were excluded. All files were analyzable. Agreement with arthroscopic findings as reference was assessed for presence, location and type of meniscal lesion. RESULTS: Overall agreement with arthroscopy was respectively 78% and 82% on first and second MRI readings: 77% and 80% for the medial, and 78% and 84% for the lateral meniscus. On the first reading, there were 13 false positives for the medial and 5 for the lateral meniscus, versus 9 and 0 respectively on second reading. Overall sensitivity was 70% on first reading and 64% on second, and overall specificity 81% and 90%, respectively. DISCUSSION: The present results, in line with the literature, may appear encouraging, but hide considerable disparity between analysis of the medial and of the lateral meniscus: MRI overestimated medial and underestimated lateral meniscus lesions. CONCLUSION: MRI serves only as a support and does not provide sure diagnosis of meniscus lesion. Interpretation should take account of the clinical examination and the pediatric orthopedic specialist's experience.

Physeal-sparing reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament tears in children: results of 57 cases using patellar tendon.

This study evaluated the results of a physeal-sparing technique of intra-articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, with particular reference to growth disturbance. Between 1992 and 2007, 57 children with a mean age of 12.2 years (6.8 to 14.5) underwent ACL reconstruction using the same technique. At a mean of 5.5 years (2 to 14) after surgery, 56 patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation. At that time, 49 patients (87.5%) had reached bony maturity and 53 (95%) achieved A or B according to the IKDC 2000 classification. Four patients had stopped participation in sports because of knee symptoms, and three patients (5.4%) had a subsequent recurrent ACL injury. There was no clinical or radiological evidence of growth disturbance after a mean growth in stature of 20.0 cm (3 to 38). This study demonstrates that ACL reconstruction sparing the physes in children is a safe technique protecting against meniscal tears and giving better results than reconstruction in adults, without causing significant growth disturbance.

[Pediatric osteoarticular infections caused by Kingella kingae from 1995 to 2006 at CHRU de Tours]. / Infections ostéo-articulaires pédiatriques à Kingella kingae de 1995 à 2006 au CHRU de Tours.

Use of molecular biology shows that Kingella kingae is a pathogen frequently involved in osteoarticular infections in young children. This study describes the cases of osteoarticular infections due to K. kingae which happened from 1995 to 2006 in the CHRU of Tours. The description is based on clinical and biological features. A K. kingae specific polymerase chain reaction was performed in our laboratory in order to improve K. kingae osteoarticular infections diagnosis, and is detailed here.

[Madelung deformity due to abnormal radiolunate ligament: report of 4 cases]. / Déformation de Madelung de l'enfant liée à la présence d'un ligament radio-lunaire anormal: à propos de 4 cas.

PURPOSE: To define the value of CT and MR in the demonstration of an abnormal radiolunate ligament contributing to a Madelung deformity and emphasize the features on wrist radiographs suggesting the presence of such ligament. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: Four cases of adolescents presenting with uni- or bilateral wrist pain are reviewed. Standard radiographs demonstrated the present of isolated Madelung deformity with increased inferior radioulnar curvature with triangularization of epiphyses and decreased carpal angle. Each patient underwent either noncontrast CT, CT arthrography or MRI. All cross-sectional imaging studies demonstrated the presence of an abnormal radiolunate ligament with radial insertion within a bony gutter. Retrospectively, the bony gutter could be identified on radiographs. In two cases, excision of the ligament provided partial correction of the deformity and symptoms, without need for classical osteotomy. CONCLUSION: In patients with Madelung deformity, CT or better yet non-ionizing and noncontrast MR may demonstrate a abnormal radiolunate ligament within a bony gutter. Detection of this gutter on radiographs suggests the presence an abnormal ligament. Early release of the abnormal ligament appears to decrease wrist deformity, improve range of motion and reduce symptoms.

[Neurofibromatosis type 1 complications in the pediatric age: follow-up of a hundred cases]. / Complications de la neurofibromatose de type 1 chez l'enfant: à propos d'une série de 100 cas.

UNLABELLED: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a frequent genetic disease. Diagnostic criterias were established in 1988. The patients can exhibit various and unpredictable complications. OBJECTIVES: To check the efficiency of a coordinated follow-up in specialized multidisciplinary centers providing a higher quality of management and to have a better knowledge of the complications including their true frequencies. POPULATION AND METHODS: We report a serie of 100 NF1 children who were followed-up during 4 years in a specialized center at the Tours University Hospital. Three hospital check-up at 2-5, 6-7, 14-15 years of age were performed as well as an annual physical examination. RESULTS: In our serie, the mean age was 7.8 years old with a sex ratio of 1. The mean age at diagnosis was 3.8 years old and the main diagnosis criteria were the café-au-lait spots and the family history for 80% of the patients. The optic nerve glioma has a low frequency of 5%. Learning disabilities clearly represent the most frequent complication (46% of the patients). CONCLUSION: An early detection of these difficulties is a priority for the appropriate management of these children.

[Epiphyseal separations of the knee]. / Les décollements épiphysaires du genou.

Basic principles of treatment of distal femoral and proximal tibial growth plate injuries are described in relation to the anatomical lesions using the Salter-Harris classification. Some strategic recommendations are made for complex fractures: the articular surface must first be reconstructed followed by the metaphysis if possible.

[Palliative treatment of myopathies. Contribution of surgical treatments]. / Traitement palliatif des myopathies. Apport des traitements chirurgicaux.

The knowledge acquired over the last few years on Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) serves as the basis for management of all types of myopathy. After reviewing the current classification of muscle dystrophies and the principles of orthopedic management of these conditions, a historical perspective of surgical procedures used in DMD is presented. The various modes of discovery of myopathy are described. Deformities of the limbs and spine related to DMD are reviewed and their outcome is detailed. In DMD patients, the surgical procedures described allowed to delay loss of the ability to walk by 1 year 7 months to 3 years 8 months according to the severity of the condition, and provided significant improvements in quality of life. Surgical stabilization of the scoliosis ensured preservation of comfortable sitting in every case, as well as preservation of autonomous upper limb motion, with a low rate of complications. Surgical indications in DMD are well-established and serve as the basis for making surgical decisions in the other myopathies, except during early infancy. The principles and orientations of treatment of the other myopathies are defined, in the light of the variability of lesions and of the rate of muscle function loss. In these non-DMD myopathies, medical and surgical treatments are of as yet unquantifiable benefit but provide a substantial improvement in quality of life.