Medial Discoid Meniscus in Children: A Multicenter Case Series of Clinical Features and Operative Results.

BACKGROUND: The discoid medial meniscus is a rare congenital anomaly of the knee. The literature is limited to small case series. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: Our purpose is to report the clinical manifestations and operative treatments of discoid medial menisci in children from multiple centers in North America. We hypothesized that symptoms and signs, arthroscopic findings, surgical treatments, and outcomes are similar to those for symptomatic discoid lateral menisci. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review identified patients with a diagnosed discoid medial meniscus confirmed at surgery across 8 children's hospitals between January 2000 and June 2021. The literature on discoid lateral menisci was reviewed and summarized for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (9 female, 12 male) with 22 discoid medial menisci were identified. The mean ± SD age at the time of diagnosis was 12.8 ± 3.8 years. The most common symptoms and signs were locking and/or clunking, present in 12 of 22 knees (55%), similar to that reported in patients with discoid lateral menisci. Twelve discoid medial menisci were complete (55%); 8, incomplete (36%); and 2, indeterminate (9%). Tears were present in 13 knees, most commonly horizontal cleavage (54%). Five discoid medial menisci were unstable (23%): 3 for posterior tears and 2 for rim insufficiency. All 22 knees underwent arthroscopic saucerization, and of the 13 torn menisci, 7 (54%) were repaired. The median follow-up was 24 months (range, 2-82 months). Four knees underwent reoperation. All knees that required reoperation had undergone repair for a posteriorly located tear. There was a significant association between operative repair and need for reoperation (P = .0048). High rates of peripheral instability were also noted in case series of patients with discoid lateral menisci. CONCLUSION: Patient presentations and treatments for those with discoid medial menisci were similar to those reported for patients with discoid lateral menisci. Knees with discoid medial menisci also demonstrated instability attributed to peripheral insufficiency and posterior tears. Tears were present in over half of knees with discoid medial menisci, and reoperation was more common in knees that underwent repair of tears than those without repair.

Does the American College of Surgeons New Level I Children's Surgery Center Verification Affect Treatment Efficiency and Narcotic Administration in Treating Pediatric Trauma Patients with Femur Fracture?

BACKGROUND: In 2015, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) created a new hospital improvement program to enhance the performance of pediatric care in US hospitals. The Children's Surgery Verification (CSV) Quality Improvement Program is predicated on the idea that pediatric surgical patients have improved outcomes when treated at children's hospitals with optimal resources. Achieving ACS level I CSV designation at pediatric trauma centers may lead to greater benefits for pediatric trauma patients; however, the specific benefits have yet to be identified. We hypothesize that achieving the additional designation of ACS level I CSV is associated with decreased narcotic use perioperatively and improved efficiency when managing pediatric patients with femur fractures. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis of traumatic pediatric orthopaedic femur fractures treated at a verified level I pediatric trauma center before and after CSV designation (2010 to 2014 vs 2015 to 2019). Efficiency parameters, defined as time from admission to surgery, duration of surgery, and duration of hospital stay, and narcotic administration in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were compared. RESULTS: Of 185 traumatic femur fractures analyzed, 80 occurred before meeting ACS level I CSV criteria, and 105 occurred after. Post-CSV, there was a significant decrease in mean wait time from admission to surgery (16.64 hours pre-CSV, 12.52 hours post-CSV [p < 0.01]) and duration of hospital stay (103.49 hours pre-CSV, 71.61 hours post-CSV [p < 0.01]). Narcotic usage was significantly decreased in both the preoperative period (40.61 OMEs pre-CSV, 23.77 OMEs post-CSV [p < 0.01]) and postoperative period (126.67 OMEs pre-CSV, 45.72 OMEs post-CSV [p < 0.01]). CONCLUSIONS: Achieving ACS level I CSV designation is associated with increased efficiency and decreased preoperative and postoperative narcotic use when treating pediatric trauma patients.

Measuring the impact of a "Virtual Pediatric Trauma Center" (VPTC) model of care using telemedicine for acutely injured children versus the standard of care: study protocol for a prospective stepped-wedge trial.

BACKGROUND: The current standard of care in the treatment of children with physical trauma presenting to non-designated pediatric trauma centers is consultation with a pediatric trauma center by telephone. This includes contacting a pediatric trauma specialist and transferring any child with a potentially serious injury to a regionalized level I pediatric trauma center. This approach to care frequently results in medically unnecessary transfers and may place undue burdens on families. A newer model of care, the "Virtual Pediatric Trauma Center" (VPTC), uses telemedicine to make the expertise of a level I pediatric trauma center virtually available to any hospital. While the use of the VPTC model of care is increasing, there have been no studies comparing the VPTC to standard care of injured children at non-designated trauma centers with respect to patient- and family-centered outcomes. The goal of this study is to compare the current standard of care to the VPTC with respect to family-centered outcomes developed by parents and community advisory boards. METHODS: We will use a stepped-wedge trial design to enroll children with physical trauma presenting to ten hospitals, including level II, level III, and non-designated trauma centers. The primary outcome measures are parent/family experience of care and distress 3 days following injury. Secondary aims include 30-day healthcare utilization, parent/family out-of-pocket costs at 3 days and 30 days after injury, transfer rates, and parent/family distress 30 days following injury. We expect at least 380 parents/families of children will be eligible for the study following an emergency department physician's request for a level I pediatric trauma center consultation. We will evaluate parent/family experience of care and distress using previously validated instruments, healthcare utilization by family recollection and medical record abstraction, and out-of-pocket costs using standard economic analyses. DISCUSSION: We expect that the findings from this study will inform other level I pediatric trauma centers and non-pediatric trauma centers on how to improve their systems of care for injured children. The results will help to optimize communication, confidence, and shared decision-making between parents/families and clinical staff from both the transferring and receiving hospitals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04469036. Registered July 13, 2020 before start of inclusion.

COVID-19 and Youth Sports: What Are the Risks of Getting Back on the Field Too Quickly?

The widespread shutdown in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, although varied across state and county levels, has undoubtedly impacted everyone to some degree. Within the pediatric population, the closure of schools and organized youth athletic programs has resulted in a unique situation that has made athletes physically deconditioned and at risk for injury. As sports and competition gradually restart, there are considerable risks to the skeletally immature athlete. The anatomic and physiologic changes that occur to bone and cartilage during growth make the young athlete particularly susceptible to both acute and overuse injuries. In the context of the pandemic, deconditioning, obesity, lack of variety, and the resultant mental health burden pose unique challenges in ensuring that young athletes safely return to the field. This review aims to identify risk factors for sport-related injuries and to outline strategies for minimizing these injuries as pediatric patients return-to-play after COVID-19. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(11):e465-e469.].

Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: History, Perspective, and Tips for Residents.

Introduced in 1963, the orthopaedic in-training examination (OITE) is a standardized, national test administered annually to orthopaedic residents by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The examination consists of 275 multiple-choice questions that cover 11 domains of orthopaedic knowledge, including basic science, foot and ankle, hand, hip and knee, oncology, pediatrics, shoulder and elbow, spine, sports medicine, trauma, and practice management. The OITE has been validated and is considered predictive of success in both orthopaedic surgery residency and on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery part I examination. This article provides a historical overview of the OITE, details its current structure and scoring system, and reviews currently available study materials. For examination preparation, the residents are encouraged to (1) start the examination preparation early, (2) practice on old OITE or self-assessment examination questions, (3) focus on the questions answered incorrectly, (4) focus on comprehension over memorization, and (5) recognize and avoid burnout. Finally, the residents should have a systemic way of approaching each multiple-choice question, both during practice and on the actual examination.

Preoperative 3D Modeling and Printing for Guiding Periacetabular Osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving adequate acetabular correction in multiple planes is essential to the success of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing has the potential to improve preoperative planning by accurately guiding intraoperative correction. The authors therefore asked the following questions: (1) For a patient undergoing a PAO, does use of 3D modeling with intraoperative 3D-printed models create a reproducible surgical plan to obtain predetermined parameters of correction including lateral center edge angle (LCEA), anterior center edge angle (ACEA), Tonnis angle, and femoral head extrusion index (FHEI)? and (2) Can 3D computer modeling accurately predict when a normalized FHEI can be achieved without the need for a concomitant femoral-sided osteotomy? METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 42 consecutive patients that underwent a PAO. 3D modeling software was utilized to simulate a PAO in order to achieve normal LCEA, ACEA, Tonnis angle, and FHEI. If adequate FHEI was not achieved, a femoral osteotomy was simulated. 3D models were printed as intraoperative guides. Preoperative, simulated and postoperative radiographic ACEA, LCEA, Tonnis angle, and FHEI were measured and compared statistically. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients had a traditional PAO, and 2 had an anteverting-PAO. The simulated LCEA, ACEA, Tonnis angle, and FHEI were within a median difference of 3 degrees, 1 degrees, 1 degrees, and 0% of postoperative values, respectively, and showed no statistical difference. Of those that had a traditional PAO, all 34 patients were correctly predicted to need a traditional acetabular-sided correction alone and the other 6 were correctly predicted to need a concomitant femoral osteotomy for a correct prediction in 100% of patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that for PAO surgery, 3D modeling and printing allow the surgeon to accurately create a reproducible surgical plan to obtain predetermined postoperative hip coverage parameters. This new technology has the potential to improve preoperative/intraoperative decision making for hip dysplasia and other complex disorders of the hip.

Defining length stability in paediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nails.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal paediatric femoral shaft fracture patterns or lengths amenable to titanium elastic nail stabilization have not been well defined. The purpose of this study is to identify radiographic parameters predictive of treatment failure with flexible intramedullary nails based upon fracture morphology. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all femoral shaft fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nails over a five-year period. All patients with at least six weeks of postoperative radiographic imaging were included. Fracture characteristics included location, pattern, length, obliquity, angulation, translation and shortening. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to determine shortening and angulation. RESULTS: There were 58 patients with 60 femoral shaft fractures stabilized with titanium nails, with 46 healing within acceptable parameters and 14 considered malunions. Six of the 14 malunions developed complications requiring early unplanned intervention. No patients in the treatment success group had a complication. Between the treatment success and failure groups, fracture pattern, location, length, obliquity, angulation, translation or shortening were not statistically different. Mean nail canal fill was significantly lower in the failure group (0.72 versus 0.81; p = 0.0146), with a receiver operating characteristic curve identifying canal fill 76% as the optimal threshold. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to measure the length and obliquity of paediatric femoral shaft fractures and to determine their relationship to radiographic alignment after healing. None of the preoperative fracture characteristics were predictive of malalignment or shortening. We recommend the use of larger nail sizes in the treatment of paediatric femoral shaft fractures, especially if there is concern for residual instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Three-Year Outcomes After MACI for Glenoid Cartilage Loss in an Adolescent Athlete: A Case Report.

CASE: We report the 3-year outcomes of a 14-year-old boy who anteriorly dislocated his shoulder playing football and suffered a 9-cm2 chondral defect of the anterior glenoid and subsequently treated with matrix-applied characterized autologous chondrocytes (MACI) of the defect with open labral repair. CONCLUSION: The management of glenohumeral chondral lesions in adolescent patients remains a challenge. Our case of the successful treatment of a glenoid chondral defect with MACI offers hope as a potential treatment option for adolescent patients with this challenging problem.

What Neuromonitoring Changes Can Be Expected During Hip Arthroscopy in the Pediatric Population?

BACKGROUND: As its indications have evolved, hip arthroscopy is now performed more frequently in pediatric patients. However, despite this increase, there is a lack of evidence in the literature about its safety in this population in regard to traction injury of the nerves of the lower extremity. PURPOSE: To determine neuromonitoring changes of the sciatic, femoral, and obturator nerves during hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population and determine the rate of and risk factors for clinical neurapraxia. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with neuromonitoring from December 2013 to October 2018. Neuromonitoring included somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in the peroneal and posterior tibial nerves and electromyography (EMG) signal for the obturator, femoral, and peroneal and posterior tibial nerves. Traction was applied using a radiolucent traction table. We recorded total traction time, surgery time, SSEP changes >50% after traction application, and EMG activity. We also recorded whether there was a clinical neurapraxia and when nerve function returned, and analyzed surgical and patient characteristic data for risk factors for neurapraxia. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients had hip arthroscopy (median traction time, 69 minutes). SSEP changes >50% occurred in 78% of patients in the peroneal nerve and 73% in the posterior tibial nerve. EMG activity was observed in 9% of patients in the obturator nerve, 8% in the femoral nerve, 12% in the peroneal nerve, and 8% in the posterior tibial nerve. Clinical neurapraxia was seen in 19% of patients in either the peroneal nerve or posterior tibial nerve but resolved by 2 days postoperatively. Those who sustained a neurapraxia had a 32-minute longer surgery and 6-minute longer traction time. The clinical rate of neurapraxia of the pudendal nerve was 0%. CONCLUSION: Neuromonitoring changes are common during hip arthroscopy and nearly 1 in 5 pediatric patients will have some decreased sensation in either the peroneal or the posterior tibial nerve that resolves within 1 to 2 days after surgery. In pediatric patients, longer surgery and traction times during hip arthroscopy are associated with a higher rate of neurapraxia than that reported for adults.

Bilateral Destructive Hip Disease from Untreated Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

We report a novel case of a pediatric patient with bilateral hip destruction from untreated Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). She was presented at the age of 9 with hip pain associated with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and a dislocated left femoral head. Only 1.5 years later, the patient developed complete destruction of the left femoral head and dislocated right femoral head. The authors have not identified literature describing a similar case report of bilateral femoral head destruction resulting from Persistent Oligoarticular JIA. Pediatric patients presenting with rapidly evolving destructive process should be evaluated for rheumatologic, infectious, and spinal etiologies.

The medial epicondyle of the distal femur is the optimal location for MRI measurement of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon cross-sectional area.

PURPOSE: Graft diameter ≥ 8 mm reduces the risk of failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ALCR) with hamstring tendon autograft. Pre-operative measurement of gracilis (GT) and semitendinosus (ST) cross-sectional area using MRI has been utilized but the optimal location for measurement is unknown. The main purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional areas of GT + ST at different locations and develop a model to predict whether a doubled hamstring graft of GT + ST will be of sufficient cross-sectional area for ACLR. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 154 patients who underwent primary ACLR using doubled hamstring autograft. Cross-sectional area measurements of GT + ST on pre-operative MRI axial images were made at three locations: medial epicondyle (ME), tibiofemoral joint line (TJL), and tibial physeal scar (TPS) and calculated the correlation of intra-operative graft size for each location using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) established a threshold that would predict graft diameter ≥ 8 mm. RESULTS: Measurement of GT + ST at the ME had a stronger correlation (r = 0.389) to intra-operative graft diameter than measurements at the TJL (r = 0.256) or TPS (r = 0.240). The ROC indicated good predictive value for hamstring graft diameter ≥ 8 mm based on MRI measurement at the ME with the optimal threshold with the highest sensitivity and specificity as 18 mm2. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional area measurement of GT + ST at the ME correlated most closely to intra-operative diameter of a doubled hamstring autograft compared to measurements at the TJL or the TPS. As graft diameter < 8 mm is correlated with higher failure rates of ACL surgery, the ability to pre-operatively predict graft diameter is clinically useful. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Anterior centre-edge angle on sagittal CT: a comparison of normal hips to dysplastic hips.

PURPOSE: The anterior centre-edge angle (ACEA) describes anterior acetabular coverage on false profile radiographs. Variability associated with pelvic tilt, radiographic projection, and identifying the true anterior edge, causes discrepancies in measuring an accurate ACEA. Computed tomography (CT) has the potential of improving the accuracy of ACEA. However, because the ACEA on sagittal CT has been shown to not be equivalent to ACEA on false profile radiographs, the normal range of ACEA on CT currently remains unknown and cannot reliably be used to determine over/under coverage. We therefore asked: what is the normal variation of ACEA corrected for pelvic tilt on sagittal CT and how does this compare to dysplastic hips? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients 10-35 who underwent CT for non-orthopedic related issues and patients with known hip dysplasia. The ACEA was measured on a sagittal slice corresponding to the centre of the femoral head on the axial slice and adjusted for pelvic tilt. A statistical comparison was then performed. RESULTS: A total of 320 normal patients and 22 patients with hip dysplasia were reviewed. The mean ACEA for all ages was 50° ± 8°, (range: 23-81º), with a larger mean ACEA for males (51°) than females (49°). The ACEA mean for dysplastic hips was 30° ± 11° with a statistically significant difference in mean from the normal hip group ( p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The ACEA can be reliably measured on sagittal CT and significantly differs from dysplastic hips. ACEA measurements above 66° or below 34° may represent anterior over and under coverage.

Surgical Management of Multijoint Septic Arthritis due to Rat-Bite Fever in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Study.

In the United States, rat-bite fever is a rare systemic illness principally caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, an organism found in the nasopharyngeal flora of rodents. Infection through direct exposure to rat excreta such as saliva, urine, or feces can lead to fever, rash, and an asymmetric migratory polyarthritis. As rodents are becoming more popular as pets, more pediatric cases are being documented. We report a pediatric case of delayed onset septic arthritis in the left wrist and right knee due to S. moniliformis from a rat bite. Previously reported pediatric case studies of suppurative arthritis due to S. moniliformis have only involved the hip. This case study demonstrates the importance of a thorough exposure history and consideration of zoonotic infections as a cause of septic arthritis in a pediatric patient that requires antibiotics and surgical intervention.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis after Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of a Supracondylar Humerus Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Infectious complications of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humerus fractures are exceedingly rare. Although postoperative Pseudomonas infection is a feared complication associated with noncompliance and a wet cast, there are no reports in the literature of this occurring. We present the devastating complication of a pediatric patient who developed Pseudomonas aeruginosa subperiosteal abscess, osteomyelitis, and elbow septic arthritis after presenting to the clinic multiple times with a wet cast after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humerus fracture. We describe the treatment course for this patient, followed by the sequelae of posterolateral rotary instability. This case not only confirms that patients can get Pseudomonas infections if they get their cast wet but also stresses the importance of patient communication and compliance in preventing unfortunate complications.

Nerve Wrapping of the Sciatic Nerve With Acellular Dermal Matrix in Chronic Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures and Ischial Apophyseal Avulsion Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic injuries of the proximal hamstring can develop significant impairment because of weakness of the hamstring muscles, sciatic nerve compression from scar formation, or myositis ossificans. PURPOSE: To describe the surgical outcomes of patients with chronic injury of the proximal hamstrings who were treated with hamstring repair and sciatic neurolysis supplemented with nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic complete proximal hamstring rupture or chronic ischial tuberosity apophyseal avulsion fracture (mean age, 39.67 years; range, 14-69 years) were treated with proximal hamstring repair and sciatic neurolysis supplemented with nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix. Nine patients had preoperative sciatica, and 6 did not. Retrospective chart review recorded clinical outcomes measured by the degree of pain relief, the rate of return to activities, and associated postoperative complications. RESULTS: All 15 patients were followed in the postoperative period for an average of 16.6 months. Postoperatively, there were 4 cases of transient sciatic nerve neurapraxia. Four patients (26%) required postoperative betamethasone sodium phosphate (Celestone Soluspan) injectable suspension USP 6 mg/mL. Among the 9 patients with preoperative sciatica, 6 (66%) had a good or excellent outcome and were able to return to their respective activities/sports; 3 (33%) had persistent chronic pain. One of these had persistent sciatic neuropathy that required 2 surgical reexplorations and scar excision after development of recurrent extraneural scar formation. Among the 6 without preoperative sciatica, 100% had a good or excellent outcomes and 83% returned to their respective activities/sports. Better outcomes were observed in younger patients, as the 3 cases of persistent chronic sciatic pain were in patients older than 45 years. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that when used as an adjunct to sciatic neurolysis, nerve wrapping with acellular dermal matrix can be a safe and effective method of treating younger patients with and preventing the development of sciatic neuropathic pain after chronic injury of the proximal hamstrings.

Back pain in the pediatric and adolescent athlete.

Clinicians taking care of athletes are likely to see many young patients complaining of back pain. The young athlete places significant repetitive stresses across the growing thoracolumbar spine, which can cause acute and overuse injuries that are unique to this age and patient population. Fortunately, by using a careful and systematic approach, with a sport-specific history, careful physical exam, and proper imaging, most problems can be properly identified. Although it is important to always remember that rare and more serious problems such as a neoplasm or infection maybe a source of pain in the athletic patient, most problems are benign and can be treated conservatively. Accurate diagnosis and management of back pain not only can prevent long-term deformity and disability, but it can also allow young athletes to return to doing what they love to do most: play sports.

Effect of anterior cruciate healing on the uninjured ligament insertion site.

The effect of anterior cruciate healing on the uninjured ligament insertion site after enhanced suture repair with collagen-platelet composites (CPC) has not yet been defined. In this study, we hypothesized that fibroblasts and osteoclasts would participate in generating histologic changes in insertion site morphology after transection and bioenhanced repair of the ACL, and that these changes would be age-dependent. Skeletally immature, adolescent, and adult Yucatan mini-pigs underwent ACL transection and bioenhanced suture repair. The histologic response to repair of the insertion site was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, and 15 weeks. In young and adolescent animals treated with bioenhanced suture repair with CPC, changes in the insertion site included: (1) fibroblastic proliferation with loss and return of collagen alignment in the fibrous zone; (2) osteoclastic resorption within fibrocartilage zones at 2-4 weeks; and (3) partial reappearance of fibrocartilage zones at 15 weeks. In adult animals; however, degenerative changes were noted by 15 weeks: (1) loss of parallel arrangement of collagen fibers in the fibrous zone; and (2) increasing disorganization and loss of columnation of chondrocytes in the fibrocartilage zone. These results suggest that fibroblasts and osteoclasts mediate histologic changes at the insertion site during bioenhanced suture repair of the ACL which may prevent insertion site degeneration, and that the magnitude of these changes may be a function of skeletal maturity.

Long-term follow-up of the surgical management of neuropathic arthropathy of the spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: No studies have discussed the long-term surgical management and outcomes of Charcot arthropathy of the spine. This case series presents nine patients treated over 30 years. The study hypothesis was that surgery would reduce instability, pain, recurrence, and the need for revision surgery in the long-term, given previous study findings of successful fusion of Charcot spine in the short-term. PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgery for Charcot spine. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective case series. Cases took place at Stanford University Medical Center and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. METHODS: All patients had either complete paraplegia or dense paraparesis with both major motor and sensory deficits. Seven patients developed Charcot spine after spinal instrumentation for trauma, one after scoliosis repair for meningomyelocele, and one after spinal instrumentation for neuromuscular scoliosis caused by birth injury resulting in C6-C7 quadraplegia. Average time between initial instrumentation and development of Charcot spine was 7.6 years. Two patients underwent posterior fusion alone, six had anterior-posterior fusion, and one was managed with thoracolumbar orthosis. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 14.3 years. Revisions were necessary in 75% (6 of 8) of patients for complications including nonunion, new Charcot joints, recurrent hardware failure, and osteomyelitis. Achieving fusion often required multiple operations, and there were no deaths or neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up showed a high rate of revision surgery. Solid fusions often resulted in late breakdown or new junctional Charcot arthropathies. Patients initially fused to the lumbar spine instead of the sacrum or pelvis had a higher rate of developing another Charcot joint. Fusion was often difficult with persistent nonunions and functional deficits because of decreased mobility. We recommend that Charcot spine well tolerated without skin, seating problems, or dysreflexia should be cautiously observed with conservative management. For surgical care, we recommend three-column stabilization with either combined anterior-posterior or all posterior approaches with anterior support to obtain and secure greater long-term stability.

Immature animals have higher cellular density in the healing anterior cruciate ligament than adolescent or adult animals.

There has been recent interest in the biologic stimulation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing. However, the effect of age on the ability of ligaments to heal has not yet been defined. In this study, we hypothesized that skeletal maturity would significantly affect the cellular and vascular repopulation rate of an ACL wound site. Skeletally Immature (open physes), Adolescent (closing physes), and Adult (closed physes) Yucatan minipigs underwent bilateral ACL transection and suture repair using a collagen-platelet composite. The response to repair was evaluated histologically at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. All three groups of animals had completely populated the ACL wound site with fibroblasts at 1 week. The Immature animals had a higher cellular density in the wound site than the Adult animals at weeks 2 and 4. Cells in the Immature ligament wounds were larger and more ovoid than in the Adult wounds. There were no significant differences in the vascular density in the wound site. Animal age had a significant effect on the density of cells populating the ACL wound site. Whether this observed cellular difference has an effect on the later biomechanical function of the repaired ACL requires further study.