Pelvic tilt affects superolateral coverage, but not superomedial coverage of the femoral head following periacetabular osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic tilt is an important sagittal parameter that varies greatly among individuals. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of pelvic tilt on femoral head coverage and range of motion in a dysplastic population following periacetabular osteotomy. METHODS: Twenty-three dysplastic hips from 19 patients (17 female, 2 male) were included in this study. Three-dimensional models were reconstructed using pre-operative CT images, and patient-specific neutral pelvic tilt was obtained on an anteroposterior X-ray. Following a simulated periacetabular osteotomy, the pelvic tilt was changed from -15° to +15°, and the effects on femoral head coverage and hip range of motion was quantified using a customized MATLAB program. FINDINGS: Pelvic tilt did not significantly affect total femoral head coverage (P > 0.2). However, a 15° anterior tilt from neutral resulted in a 17.72 ± 9.45% increase in anterolateral coverage and a 23.96 ± 7.48% decrease in posterolateral coverage (P < 0.0001), as well as an 18.2 ± 8.4° loss of internal rotation at 90° of hip flexion. Contrarily, posterior pelvic tilt led to a 26.79 ± 9.04% reduction in anterolateral coverage (P < 0.0001) and an 18.02 ± 9.57% increase in posterolateral coverage (P < 0.0001), and the maximum internal rotation increased 11.8 ± 3.7°. INTERPRETATION: While pelvic tilt did not affect total femoral head coverage, it had a significant impact on the distribution of coverage within the superolateral region of the femoral head. Anterior pelvic tilt led to increased anterolateral coverage, but also had a negative impact on hip range of motion. An optimal surgical plan should achieve adequate coverage while not significantly limiting the patient's mobility.

Relationship Between Age and Pathology With Treatment of Pediatric and Adolescent Discoid Lateral Meniscus: A Report From the SCORE Multicenter Database.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment options of discoid lateral meniscus in pediatric patients consist of saucerization with or without meniscal repair, meniscocapular stabilization, and, less often, subtotal meniscectomy. PURPOSE: To describe a large, prospectively collected multicenter cohort of discoid menisci undergoing surgical intervention, and further investigate corresponding treatment of discoid menisci. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A multicenter quality improvement registry (16 institutions, 26 surgeons), Sports Cohort Outcomes Registry, was queried. Patient characteristics, discoid type, presence and type of intrasubstance meniscal tear, peripheral rim instability, repair technique, and partial meniscectomy/debridement beyond saucerization were reviewed. Discoid meniscus characteristics were compared between age groups (<14 and >14 years old), based on receiver operating characteristic curve, and discoid morphology (complete and incomplete). RESULTS: In total, 274 patients were identified (mean age, 12.4 years; range, 3-18 years), of whom 55.6% had complete discoid. Meniscal repairs were performed in 55.1% of patients. Overall, 48.5% of patients had rim instability and 36.8% had >1 location of peripheral rim instability. Of the patients, 21.5% underwent meniscal debridement beyond saucerization, with 8.4% undergoing a subtotal meniscectomy. Patients <14 years of age were more likely to have a complete discoid meniscus (P < .001), peripheral rim instability (P = .005), and longitudinal tears (P = .015) and require a meniscal repair (P < .001). Patients ≥14 years of age were more likely to have a radial/oblique tear (P = .015) and require additional debridement beyond the physiologic rim (P = .003). Overall, 70% of patients <14 years of age were found to have a complete discoid meniscus necessitating saucerization, and >50% in this young age group required peripheral stabilization/repair. CONCLUSION: To preserve physiological "normal" meniscus, a repair may be indicated in >50% of patients <14 years of age but occurred in <50% of those >14 years. Additional resection beyond the physiological rim may be needed in 15% of younger patients and 30% of those aged >14 years.

Attention to Detail: The Effect of Fluoroscopic Parallax on Limb Alignment Assessment During Corrective Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of a corrective osteotomy is dependent on many factors. One error rarely considered is using noncentered fluoroscopic imaging to assess intraoperative alignment. This study quantified the coronal alignment error produced by visual parallax per interval changes in vertical and horizontal positioning of the C-arm and alignment rod during intraoperative evaluation. METHODS: Unilateral hip, ankle, and knee fluoroscopic images were obtained from a single intact cadaveric specimen. A center-center fluoroscopic image was obtained by moving the C-arm appeared in the center square of the nine-box grid. With the base of the C-arm stationary, the radiograph generator/intensifier portion of the C-arm was translated medially until the target bone appeared on the edge of the fluoroscopic image. RESULTS: One hundred eight images were obtained. Measurement error increased by an average of 14% per 10 mm of horizontal C-arm offset. Minimal effect was seen if the obtained image was within 5 mm of the true center; however, once 55 mm of offset was reached, all experimental conditions resulted in at least 10 mm of parallax error. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that small variations in C-arm positioning can create statistically significant inaccuracies when assessing limb alignment using intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Age, Sex, and BMI Differences Related to Repairable Meniscal Tears in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of meniscus tears and ACL tears in pediatric patients continues to rise, bringing to question the risk factors associated with these injuries. As meniscus tears are commonly repaired in pediatric populations, the epidemiology of repairable meniscus tears is an important for consideration for surgeons evaluating treatment options. PURPOSE: To describe meniscal tear patterns in pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent meniscal repair across multiple institutions and surgeons, as well as to evaluate the relationship between age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) and their effect on the prevalence, type, and displacement of repaired pediatric meniscal tears. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Data within a prospective multicenter cohort registry for quality improvement, Sport Cohort Outcome Registry (SCORE), were reviewed to describe repaired meniscal tear patterns. All consecutive arthroscopic meniscal repairs from participating surgeons in patients aged <19 years were analyzed. Tear pattern, location, and displacement were evaluated by patient age, sex, and BMI. A subanalysis was also performed to investigate whether meniscal tear patterns differed between those occurring in isolation or those occurring with a concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Analysis of variance was used to generate a multivariate analysis of specified variables. Sex, age, and BMI results were compared across the cohort. RESULTS: There were 1185 total meniscal repairs evaluated in as many patients, which included 656 (55.4%) male and 529 (44.6%) female patients. Patients underwent surgery at a mean age of 15.3 years (range, 5-19 years), with a mean BMI of 24.9 (range, 12.3-46.42). Of the 1185 patients, 816 (68.9%) had ACL + meniscal repair and 369 (31.1%) had isolated meniscal repair. The male patients underwent more lateral tear repairs than the female patients (54.3% to 40.9%; P < .001) and had a lower incidence of medial tear repair (32.1% vs 41.4%; P < .001). Patients with repaired lateral tears had a mean age of 15.0 years, compared with a mean age of 15.4 years for patients with repaired medial or bilateral tears (P = .001). Higher BMI was associated with "complex" and "radial" tear repairs of the lateral meniscus (P < .001) but was variable with regard to medial tear repairs. CONCLUSION: In pediatric and adolescent populations, the data suggest that the surgical team treating knees with potential meniscal injury should be prepared to encounter more complex meniscal tears, commonly indicated in those with higher BMI, while higher rates of lateral meniscal tears were seen in male and younger patients. Future studies should analyze correlates for meniscal repair survival and outcomes in this pediatric cohort undergoing knee surgery.

Is Prior Hip Arthroscopy Associated With Higher Complication Rates or Prolonged Opioid Claims After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Hip arthroscopy (HA) procedures have increased exponentially in recent years. Their effect on outcomes after subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. Purpose: To compare rates of complications and opioid claims after elective THA among patients with prior HA versus controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent THA were identified in the PearlDiver database. Arthroplasty performed for hip fractures and hip avascular necrosis were excluded. Within this population, patients with HA before arthroplasty (n = 3156) were propensity score matched 1:1 with controls on age, sex, US region, and several comorbidities. Rates of medical complications within 90 days and prosthesis-related complications within 2 years were queried. The number of patients with an opioid claim within 0 to 30 days and subsequent opioid claim(s) during the 90-day global period were obtained to assess rates of prolonged opioid use after arthroplasty. Rates of postoperative complications and opioid claims were compared using logistic regression. Results: Patients with prior HA exhibited significantly lower rates of readmission (5.6% vs 7.3%; odds ratio [OR], 0.72), pulmonary embolism (0.2% vs 0.6%; OR, 0.45), urinary tract infection (3.1% vs 4.0%; OR, 0.75), and blood transfusion (3.6% vs 6.1%; OR, 0.55). The prior HA cohort also exhibited a significantly lower rate of prosthetic joint infection at 1 year postoperatively (0.6% vs 1.3%; OR, 0.50). Rates of dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, mechanical complications, and aseptic revision arthroplasty were statistically comparable between the cohorts within 2 years. The prior HA cohort was significantly less likely to file persistent opioid claims after 30 days postoperatively, including between 31 and 60 days (27.2% vs 33.1%; OR, 0.74) and 61 to 90 days (16.2% vs 20.9%; OR, 0.71). Conclusion: After elective THA, patients with prior HA exhibited significantly lower rates of medical complications and prolonged opioid claims within 90 days and prosthetic joint infection at 1 year. Rates of all other prosthesis-related complications within 2 years were statistically comparable.

Factors associated with conversion to open reduction of type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Background: The US News and World report utilizes the number of supracondylar humerus fractures treated in an open procedure, excluding open fractures and vascular exploration, as a metric in assessing Pediatric Orthopedic trauma care. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that increase the likelihood of a patient needing open reduction for Gartland Type 3 SCH fractures. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent surgical management of closed, Type 3 SCH fractures at our Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center between 2011 and 2017 were considered for inclusion. Patient age greater than 16 years, patients with closed physes and open fractures were excluded. Electronic medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed. Student's t- and chi-squared tests were used, and logistic regression was performed comparing closed v open reduction. Results: 362 subjects were included in this study. 318/362 (87.8%) were treated with closed reduction. 44/362 (12.2%) required open reduction. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, BMI, concomitant ipsilateral extremity fractures, Type 4 unstable fracture or patients that underwent hospital transfer. The mechanisms of injury with the greatest percentage requiring open reduction were fall from furniture and trampoline. Of those patients that underwent open reduction, 65.9% had posterolateral displacement of the fracture. Those with displacement >4 mm had 3.14 higher odds of requiring an open reduction (p = 0.002). The anterior spike fracture pattern had the highest rate of failed closed reduction of 66.7%. Of those patients that had an open reduction, 13/44 (29.5%) had a neuropraxia and 5/44 (11.4%) had vascular compromise. Those with neuropraxia had 3.26 higher odds of requiring an open reduction (p = 0.005). Time to operating room was significantly shorter in patients that underwent open reduction (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our rate of open reduction for Type 3 SCH fractures, 12.2%, is consistent with previously described rates. Posterolateral displacement of fractures, displacement >4 mm, fractures with an anterior spike and fractures associated with neurovascular compromise are more likely to undergo open reduction. Transfer status, BMI and patient age were not associated with open reduction. Open reduction was associated with shorter time to the operating room, likely representing the urgent care of significantly displaced fractures associated with neurovascular compromise. Level of evidence: Level III.

Outcomes After Operative Treatment of Pediatric Monteggia Fracture-Dislocations: Comparison Between Open and Closed Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Open pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations are a relatively uncommon injury pattern, with limited numbers reported in previous series. Open fracture-dislocations frequently represent more severe injury patterns with potential for contamination. We aim to determine differences in long-term clinical and functional outcomes in the operative management of closed versus open pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations. METHODS: A retrospective review of operatively treated pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations was performed. Closed versus open injuries were compared in both clinical outcomes, as well as patient-reported outcomes through Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 30 operatively treated injuries, 12/30 (40%) were open fracture-dislocations. Patients were followed clinically for an average of 15.65 months in open injuries and an average of 4.61 months in closed injuries. A trend toward increased time to union was observed, however, significance was not achieved; open injuries averaged 8.0 versus 5.8 weeks for closed injuries ( P =0.07). Two patients (11%) in the closed fracture group experienced postoperative complications; both were minor. Five patients (42%) in the open fracture-dislocation group experienced a total of 6 postoperative complications; 5 of the 6 complications were major. QuickDASH scores were obtained at an average of 5 years postoperatively; mean QuickDASH scores were higher in the open fracture group, 13.1, compared with the closed fracture group, 5.9 ( P =0.038). Increased QuickDASH scores were independently associated with presence of postoperative complications. QuickDASH score could be expected to increase by 12.5 points in those with major complications ( P =0.044). CONCLUSION: We present the largest single cohort of pediatric open Monteggia fracture-dislocation injuries to date. These injuries are predictive of poorer outcomes including trend toward increased time to union, increased risk of major complication, and can independently predict worse long-term patient-reported functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-these data represent a retrospective comparative study of clinical and functional outcomes.

Symptomatic Ischial Stress Fractures in Elite Athletes Treated With Percutaneous Screws: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASES: Two high-level athletes with symptomatic gluteal pain with explosive movements that had failed nonoperative management were eventually diagnosed with ischial stress fractures. These were treated with percutaneous posterior column screws. Both patients healed their fractures and made full return to sport. CONCLUSION: Ischial stress fractures should be considered in the differential for athletes with persistent gluteal pain. Percutaneous fixation is a minimally invasive and effective method of treating symptomatic ischial stress fractures that have failed nonoperative treatment.

Pathologic Femur Fracture through Osteoid Osteoma after Radiofrequency Ablation: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

This is a case report of a 4-year-old girl who sustained a femoral shaft fracture 2 weeks after radiofrequency ablation of an osteoid osteoma. The fracture occurred after a relatively low-energy impact, jumping off the second to last step of a staircase. The pathologic fracture was successfully treated with closed reduction and spica casting, with full return to activities. Cases have been reported in the literature of femoral shaft fractures in older patients after radiofrequency ablation, but all are farther out than 2 weeks and none in patients as young as 4 years.

Opioid Claims Prior to Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty and Risk of Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Claims.

INTRODUCTION: The United States is experiencing a national opioid epidemic. This study seeks to analyze recent trends in opioid claims after elective total joint arthroplasty and quantify the effect of preoperative opioid use on risk of prolonged postoperative claim rates. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the PearlDiver database to track annual trends in opioid claims after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Trend analysis of opioid claim rates was done with the Cochran-Armitage test. Rates of postoperative opioid claims were compared between opioid-naïve patients versus patients with opioid claims in the preoperative year through multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 105,860 procedures were included. For all procedures, the proportion of patients filing an opioid claim within 30 days postoperatively trended upward from 2011 to 2017 (all P < 0.001). Patients with one to three opioid claims in the year before arthroplasty were more likely to file an opioid claim within 30 days after arthroplasty (THA: odds ratio [OR], 2.61; TKA: OR, 3.04; and TSA: OR, 4.83), between 31 and 90 days (THA: OR, 2.76; TKA: OR, 2.87; and TSA: OR, 3.22), and between 91 days and 6 months (THA: OR, 4.83; TKA: OR, 4.07; and TSA: OR, 3.77). Patients with more than three prior opioid claims were more likely to file an opioid claim within 30 days (THA: OR, 6.15; TKA: OR, 6.79; and TSA: OR, 8.68), between 31 and 90 days (THA: OR, 20.99; TKA: OR, 14.00; and TSA: OR, 28.40), and between 91 days and 6 months (THA: OR, 46.31; TKA: OR, 33.93; and TSA: OR, 59.06). CONCLUSION: Opioid claims in the preoperative year markedly increase risk of prolonged postoperative opioid claims after arthroplasty. Surgeons should look further before the acute preoperative period when evaluating opioid exposure and assessing risk of chronic opioid dependence after elective arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Technique for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Periacetabular Osteotomy After Concomitant Hip Arthroscopy.

Intraoperative neurologic injury during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia is a major complication that can lead to permanent disability and limit the benefit of correcting the acetabular dysplasia. Current literature reflects the evolution of hip-preservation surgery for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia to include hip arthroscopy to address the intra-articular abnormalities, including labral tears, chondral lesions, and femoral cam morphology. A growing number of young hip surgeons and surgeon teams are subscribing to this approach and now performing concomitant hip arthroscopy and PAO. The value of intraoperative neuromonitoring cannot be understated, both in terms of surgeon confidence as well as patient safety, particularly during the learning curve of PAO, with or without hip arthroscopy. We present our current technique for the application of neuromonitoring to allow free mobility of the operative leg and continuous monitoring during PAO. This reproducible technique allows the use of nonsterile neuromonitoring to be used through a sterile conduit, positioned to allow free mobility of the operative extremity and performance of the PAO. We believe this technique provides additional safety benefit and increases awareness regarding neurologic compromise, particularly for the low-volume PAO surgeon or during the procedural learning curve.

Tonnis Angle and Acetabular Retroversion Measurements in Asymptomatic Hips Are Predictive of Future Hip Pain: A Retrospective, Prognostic Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities potentially indicative of femoroacetabular impingement on AP pelvic radiographs in asymptomatic adolescents and young adults and aimed to determine whether the abnormalities were predictive of future hip pain. METHODS: AP pelvis images from scoliosis radiographs were obtained from patients 12 to 25 years of age free of any clinical hip/lower extremity symptoms between January 2006 and September 2009. The following radiographic abnormalities were collected: lateral center-edge angle of Wiberg >40° or <25°, Tönnis angle <0° or >10°, acetabular retroversion (crossover sign with a posterior wall sign), acetabular overcoverage (crossover sign without a posterior wall sign), and anterior offset alpha angle, calculated using alpha angle of Nötzli >50°. Patients were retrospectively followed (average 3.11 years) to identify those who subsequently developed hip pain. RESULTS: Of the 233 patients (466 hips) who were asymptomatic at the time of radiographic evaluation, at least one radiographic abnormality was present in 60% (281/466) of the hips. Within that group of hips (n = 281), 69% (195/281) of hips demonstrated a single abnormality, whereas 31% (86/281) of hips were associated with multiple abnormalities. Among all hips (n = 466), a lateral center-edge angle <25° or >40° was the most common radiographic abnormality, present in 27% (127/466) of hips. Anterior offset alpha angle and acetabular overcoverage were the most common abnormalities to present together, found in 5% (25/466) of hips. In the multivariable model, a decreasing Tönnis angle (hazard ratio per 1-degree decrease: 1.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.42, P = 0.0006) and the presence of acetabular retroversion (hazard ratio: 3.55, 95% confidence interval, 1.15-10.95, P = 0.0272) were predictive of the development of future hip pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of radiographic abnormalities indicative of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic adolescents and young adults. A decrease in Tönnis angle and the presence of acetabular retroversion were predictive of future hip pain.

Comparison of Allograft and Bovine Xenograft in Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy for Flatfoot Deformity in Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The Evan's calcaneal lengthening osteotomy is a treatment method for spastic flatfoot deformity in patients with cerebral palsy that fail nonoperative measures. Autograft and allograft have been reported as potential graft choices. Bovine xenograft has been introduced as an alternative, but limited human data exists supporting its efficacy. This study compares the long-term results of allograft versus xenograft in isolated Evan's procedure performed for correction of flexible spastic flatfoot deformity. METHODS: This retrospective study accessed charts of 4- to 18-year-olds diagnosed with cerebral palsy who received an Evan's procedure. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements (lateral calcaneal pitch, lateral talocalcaneal, lateral talo-first metatarsal, anteroposterior talonavicular coverage, anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal), graft incorporation, recurrence, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded and analyzed between graft types. RESULTS: Sixty-three feet (34 allograft and 29 xenograft) in 36 patients (mean age 9.3 y) were included. Gross Motor Function Classification System between groups was significant (P=0.001). Mean time for preoperative x-rays was 5.3 months before day of surgery (DOS) for allograft and 3.6 months for xenograft. Mean time of first and last postoperative x-ray for allograft was 3.6 and 39.5 months, respectively; for xenograft, 1.8 and 35.1 months, respectively. There was a significant difference in timing of preoperative x-ray to DOS and DOS to first postoperative x-ray (P=0.012, 0.006, respectively). Radiographically, xenograft retained postoperative improvement better than allograft, yet allograft had a higher grade 4 incorporation rate (P=0.036). The allograft group experienced significantly more cast pressure ulcers (P=0.006), but no other differences in complications between groups, and no infections were reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Allograft incorporated better than xenograft, likely with a greater potential to reach grade 5 incorporation, yet both groups retained postoperative improvement. Results indicate both grafts are appropriate; yet incorporation rate could affect correction maintenance, and should be considered during graft selection for Evan's procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This study presents clinical results using a novel bone graft material. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Effect of Different Distal Fixation Augmentation Methods on the Pullout Strength of Fassier-Duval Telescoping Rods.

Antegrade telescoping rods have been introduced for use in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) to decrease the incidence of long-bone fractures and to correct and prevent deformities. Recent studies have documented failures of telescoping intramedullary rods due to inadequate distal fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pullout strength of distal fixation of the telescoping rod with and without synthetic calcium phosphate or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation. Four sets of 6 telescoping distal fixation rods were fixed according to standard insertion technique into an open-cell rigid-foam synthetic bone block simulating OI bone. The groups tested were as follows: control (no augmentation), 0.75 mL of PMMA-augmented, 0.75 mL of PMMA-rescued (stripped distal fixation, then resecured after PMMA augmentation), and 0.75 mL of bioabsorbable-calcium phosphate (CP)-augmented. All rods were tested to failure. The peak load was recorded. Average pullout strengths were as follows: control, 20±6.6 N; PMMA, 125±16.8 N; PMMA-rescued, 137±11.9 N; bioabsorbable-CP, 81±10.3 N. All augmented groups had significantly higher pullout strength compared with the control (P<.001). The PMMA and PMMA-rescued groups failed at the PMMA/bone interface, whereas the bioabsorbable-CP group failed at the cement/rod interface. All augmented constructs improved pullout strength by at least 400% compared with the control. Bioabsorbable cement may be less detrimental to the physis if pullout still occurs despite augmentation due to its mode of failure. This study provides biomechanical evidence to support the further in vivo investigation of either PMMA or bioabsorbable cement augmentation to improve pullout strength of distal telescoping rod fixation.

Incidence of meniscal injury and chondral pathology in anterior tibial spine fractures of children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric avulsion fractures of the anterior tibial spine are injuries similar to anterior cruciate ligament injuries in adults. Sparse data exists on the association between anterior tibial spine fractures (ATSFs) and injury to the meniscus or cartilage of the knee joint in children. This research presents a retrospective review of clinical records, imaging, and operative reports to characterize the incidence of concomitant injury in cases of ATSFs in children. The purpose of this study was to better delineate the incidence of associated injuries in fractures of the anterior tibial spine in the pediatric population. METHODS: We identified 58 patients who sustained an ATSF and met inclusion criteria for this study between 1996 and 2011. The subjects were separated by the Myers and McKeever classification into type I, II, and III fractures, and each of these were subclassified by associated injury pattern. RESULTS: 59% of children with an ATSF had an associated soft tissue or other bony injury diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy. The most prevalent associated injuries were meniscal entrapment, meniscal tears, and chondral injury. We found no meniscal or chondral injury associated with type I fractures. Twenty-nine percent of type II injuries demonstrated meniscal entrapment, 33% showing meniscal tears. Seven percent demonstrated chondral injury. Forty-eight percent of type III fractures had entrapment, whereas 12% showed meniscal tears. Eight percent had a chondral injury. CONCLUSIONS: A majority (59%) of displaced ATSF had either concomitant meniscal, ligamentous, or chondral injury. This finding suggests that magnetic resonance imaging evaluation is an important aspect of the evaluation of these injuries, particularly in type II and type III patterns. To date, this study reports the largest number of patients to evaluate the specific question of concomitant injuries in ATSFs in the pediatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Neural synchrony examined with magnetoencephalography (MEG) during eye gaze processing in autism spectrum disorders: preliminary findings.

BACKGROUND: Gaze processing deficits are a seminal, early, and enduring behavioral deficit in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, a comprehensive characterization of the neural processes mediating abnormal gaze processing in ASD has yet to be conducted. METHODS: This study investigated whole-brain patterns of neural synchrony during passive viewing of direct and averted eye gaze in ASD adolescents and young adults (M Age = 16.6) compared to neurotypicals (NT) (M Age = 17.5) while undergoing magnetoencephalography. Coherence between each pair of 54 brain regions within each of three frequency bands (low frequency (0 to 15 Hz), beta (15 to 30 Hz), and low gamma (30 to 45 Hz)) was calculated. RESULTS: Significantly higher coherence and synchronization in posterior brain regions (temporo-parietal-occipital) across all frequencies was evident in ASD, particularly within the low 0 to 15 Hz frequency range. Higher coherence in fronto-temporo-parietal regions was noted in NT. A significantly higher number of low frequency cross-hemispheric synchronous connections and a near absence of right intra-hemispheric coherence in the beta frequency band were noted in ASD. Significantly higher low frequency coherent activity in bilateral temporo-parieto-occipital cortical regions and higher gamma band coherence in right temporo-parieto-occipital brain regions during averted gaze was related to more severe symptomology as reported on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results suggest a pattern of aberrant connectivity that includes higher low frequency synchronization in posterior cortical regions, lack of long-range right hemispheric beta and gamma coherence, and decreased coherence in fronto-temporo-parietal regions necessary for orienting to shifts in eye gaze in ASD; a critical behavior essential for social communication.

The use of barbed sutures during scoliosis fusion wound closure: a quality improvement analysis.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence in the orthopaedic arthroplasty literature supports the use of running bidirectional barbed suture (barbed suture) for closure of knee arthrotomies. More rapid wound closure and suture line integrity are described as its major advantages. No studies of barbed suture for the closure of posterior spinal wounds exist. The purpose of this project is to compare wound closure times and hospital charges using traditional closure versus barbed suture closure of posterior spine wounds created during scoliosis surgery. METHODS: A quality improvement project was initiated at a single tertiary-referral children's hospital spine program evaluating traditional layered interrupted suture closure (group 1) and running bidirectional barbed suture closure (Quill SRS) (group 2). Data regarding wound closure time, length of incision, fusion levels, suture cost, and hospital charges were prospectively collected over a 1-month period. RESULTS: Ten incisions comprised group 1 and 15 comprised group 2. The average wound closure times were 29.5 and 17 minutes, respectively, P=0.006. The wound lengths between the groups were statistically comparable (P=0.15). Taking into account the wound length, the average closure time in group 1 was 1.29 cm/min compared with 1.97 cm/min in group 2 (P<0.01). When accounting for the extra cost associated with the use of barbed sutures ($62.54; P<0.0001), the impact of a more rapid closure resulted in a difference in hospital charges of $884.60 per case (P=0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: Barbed suture closure of spinal fusion incisions results in a 40% reduction in closure time, resulting in an $884.60 decrease in hospital charges related to operating room time. This may represent significant yearly cost savings in a high-volume spine fusion center and warrants further investigation comparing patient-related outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: This quality improvement analysis provides preliminary economic justification for using barbed suture for scoliosis fusion wound closure resulting in decreased operating room times and subsequent hospital charges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-therapeutic study, prospective nonrandomized cohort.

National Football League athletes' return to play after surgical reattachment of complete proximal hamstring ruptures.

Although hamstring strains are common among professional football players, proximal tendon avulsions are relatively rare. Surgical repair is recommended, but there is no evidence on professional football players return to play (RTP). We hypothesized that surgical reattachment of complete proximal hamstring ruptures in these athletes would enable successful RTP. Ten proximal hamstring avulsions were identified in 10 National Football League (NFL) players between 1990 and 2008. Participating team physicians retrospectively reviewed each player's training room and clinical records, operative notes, and imaging studies. The ruptures were identified and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 10 injuries, 9 had palpable defects. Each of the ruptures was managed with surgical fixation within 10 days of injury. All of the players reported full return of strength and attempted to resume play at the beginning of the following season, with 9 of the 10 actually returning to play. However, despite having no limitations related to the surgical repair, only 5 of the 10 athletes played in more than 1 game. Most NFL players who undergo acute surgical repair of complete proximal hamstring ruptures are able to RTP, but results are mixed regarding long-term participation. This finding may indicate that this injury is a marker for elite-level physical deterioration.

Displaced dorsal metaphyseal cortex associated with delayed extensor pollicis longus tendon entrapment in a pediatric Smith's fracture.

Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon entrapment has been rarely reported as a complication of closed treatment of a pediatric Smith's type distal radius fractures. This article presents the unique case of an initially functional EPL tendon that became entrapped in fracture callus in a 9-year-old boy, the youngest reported in the literature.