Calf circumferences in fetuses and neonates with and without talipes equinovares. A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Children and adults with talipes equinovarus (TEV) have smaller calves and shorter feet compared to non-affected controls. Do these changes have a prenatal onset? METHODS: A prospective cohort study (January 2020-July 2021) was conducted with serial ultrasonographic measurements at 20 and 28 weeks gestation and measurements directly and 6 weeks after birth. Calf circumference and width, foot length and length of humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia and fibula were measured in TEV and were compared to a control population. Calculated sample size necessitated a minimal population of 10 cases with TEV and 50 controls. RESULTS: Twenty cases with TEV and 62 controls were included. Fetal calf circumference (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.001) were smaller in the TEV group in comparison to the control group, which persisted after birth. Growth in foot length (p < 0.001) and calf width (p 0.003) declined prenatally over time. The bone lengths and upper leg circumference were not smaller or shorter in TEV compared to controls. CONCLUSION: This prospective cohort study demonstrated the prenatal onset of reduced calf and foot size in fetuses with TEV from 20 weeks and onwards, which persists directly after birth. To investigate whether reduction in circumference initiates TEV or is caused by TEV, further examination is needed.

Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in the Skeletally Immature Population: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Skeletally immature osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are underreported and little is known about the clinical efficacy of different treatment options. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of different conservative and surgical treatment options. The secondary aim was to assess return to sports (RTS) and radiologic outcomes for the different treatment options. METHODS: An electronic literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CDSR, CENTRAL, and DARE from January 1996 to September 2021 to identify suitable studies for this review. The authors separately screened the articles for eligibility and conducted the quality assessment using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Clinical success rates were calculated per separate study and pooled per treatment strategy. Radiologic outcomes and sports outcomes for the different treatment strategies were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty studies with a total of 381 lesions were included. The mean MINORS score of the included study was 7.6 (range: 5 to 9). The pooled success rate was 44% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37%-51%] in the conservative group (n=192), 77% (95% CI: 68%-85%) in the bone marrow stimulation (BMS) group (n=97), 95% (95% CI: 78%-99%) in the retrograde drilling (RD) group (n=22), 79% (95% CI: 61%-91%) in the fixation group (n=33) and 67% (95% CI: 35%-88%) in the osteo(chondral) autograft group (n=9). RTS rates were reported in 2 treatment groups: BMS showed an RTS rate of 86% (95% CI: 42%-100%) without specified levels and an RTS rate to preinjury level of 43% (95% CI: 10%-82%). RD showed an RTS rate of 100% (95% CI: 63%-100%) without specified levels, an RTS rate to preinjury level was not given. RTS times were not given for any treatment option. The radiologic success according to magnetic resonance imaging were 29% (95% CI: 16%-47%) (n=31) in the conservative group, 81% (95% CI: 65%-92%) (n=37) in the BMS group, 41% (95% CI: 18%-67%) (n=19) in the RD group, 87% (95% CI: 65%-97%) (n=19) in the fixation group, and were not reported in the osteo(chondral) transplantation group. Radiologic success rates based on computed tomography scans were 62% (95% CI: 32%-86%) (n=13) in the conservative group, 30% (95% CI: 7%-65%) (n=10) in the BMS group, 57% (95% CI: 25%-84%) (n=7) in the RD group, and were not reported for the fixation and the osteo(chondral) transplantation groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that for skeletally immature patients presenting with symptomatic OLTs, conservative treatment is clinically successful in 4 out of 10 children, whereas the different surgical treatment options were found to be successful in 7 to 10 out of 10 children. Specifically, fixation was clinically successful in 8 out of 10 patients and showed radiologically successful outcomes in 9 out of 10 patients, and would therefore be the primary preferred surgical treatment modality. The treatment provided should be tailor-made, considering lesion characteristics and patient and parent preferences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-systematic review and meta-analysis.

What are the best diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint? : a systematic review of 27 studies.

AIMS: This study aimed to answer two questions: what are the best diagnostic methods for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint?; and what are the most commonly used definitions for bacterial arthritis of a native joint? METHODS: We performed a search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for relevant studies published between January 1980 and April 2020. Of 3,209 identified studies, we included 27 after full screening. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and Youden index of diagnostic tests were extracted from included studies. We grouped test characteristics per diagnostic modality. We extracted the definitions used to establish a definitive diagnosis of bacterial arthritis of a native joint per study. RESULTS: Overall, 28 unique diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint were identified. The following five tests were deemed most useful: serum ESR (sensitivity: 34% to 100%, specificity: 23% to 93%), serum CRP (sensitivity: 58% to 100%, specificity: 0% to 96%), serum procalcitonin (sensitivity: 0% to 100%, specificity: 68% to 100%), the proportion of synovial polymorphonuclear cells (sensitivity: 42% to 100%, specificity: 54% to 94%), and the gram stain of synovial fluid (sensitivity: 27% to 81%, specificity: 99% to 100%). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic methods with relatively high sensitivities, such as serum CRP, ESR, and synovial polymorphonuclear cells, are useful for screening. Diagnostic methods with a relatively high specificity, such as serum procalcitonin and synovial fluid gram stain, are useful for establishing a diagnosis of bacterial arthritis. This review helps to interpret the value of various diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint in clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1745-1753.

Rapid reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 variant-of-concern Alpha detected in a nurse during an outbreak at a non-covid inpatient ward: lessons learned.

We describe the lessons learned during a SARS-CoV-2 variant-of-concern Alpha outbreak investigation at a normal care unit in a university hospital in Amsterdam in December 2020. The outbreak consisted of nine nurses and two roomed-in patient family members. (attack rate 18%). One nurse tested positive with a phylogenetically distinct variant, after a documented infection 83 days prior. Three key points were taken from this investigation. First, it was controlled by adherence to existing guidelines, despite increased transmissibility of the variant. Second, viral sequencing can inform transmission cluster inference, but the epidemiological context is essential to draw appropriate conclusions. Third, reinfections with Alpha variants can occur rapidly after primary infection.

Chondrodysplasia, enchondromas and a chest deformity causing severe pulmonary morbidity in a boy with a PTHLH duplication: A case report.

Parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) plays an important role in bone formation. Several skeletal dysplasias have been described that are associated with disruption of PTHLH functioning. Here we report on a new patient with a 898 Kb duplication on chromosome 12p11.22 including the PTHLH gene. The boy has multiple skeletal abnormalities including chondrodysplasia, lesions radiographically resembling enchondromas and posterior rib deformities leading to a severe chest deformity. Severe pulmonary symptoms were thought to be caused by limited mobility and secondary sputum evacuation problems due to the chest deformity. Imaging studies during follow-up revealed progression of the number of skeletal lesions over time. This case extends the phenotypic spectrum associated with copy number variation of PTHLH.

Radiographic Anatomy of the Pediatric Lisfranc Joint.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the Lisfranc joint in children and adolescents are rare. The incomplete ossification of the bones of the foot makes it difficult to detect injuries.The aim of this study was to determine age-specific radiographic measurements of the Lisfranc joint to provide guidance to the radiologist, emergency physicians, and surgeons to decrease misdiagnosis of Lisfranc injuries and improve detection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all foot radiographs without traumatic injury made between August 2014 and February 2015 in all patients younger than 18. The attendance list of the Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinic of a level-1 trauma center were used. Using a non-weight-bearing anteroposterior-view of the foot the distance between the base of metatarsal 1 and metatarsal 2 (MT1-MT2) and the distance between the medial cuneiform (MC) and the base of metatarsal 2 (MC-MT2) were measured. Median normal values were calculated per age. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients between the age of 0 and 18 years were screened for eligibility. Excluded were 109 patients because of anatomic abnormality, a fracture, inadequate radiograph, pain at the base of the first metatarsal, second metatarsal or MC, persisting pain at the Outpatient Clinic checkup or no follow-up. Included in the analysis were 243 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the base of MT1-MT2 was constant below 3 mm. Measurements for both MT1-MT2 and MC-MT2 distance approached adult values at the age of 6. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Closed reduction of congenital dislocation of the hip: prediction factors and results.

From 2009 to 2015, 15 infants with a congenital dislocation of the hip were treated with closed reduction under anaesthesia, after first being treated with Pavlik bandaging. A retrospective study was carried out with a minimum follow-up of 1 year to assess the success rate of the procedure and predictive factors. Twelve out of 15 (80%) patients achieved successful reduction. In the successful cases, the Barlow test was positive and the safe zone was 20° or more. In the unsuccessful cases, there was a negative Barlow present in the outpatient clinic and the safe zone was less than 20°. These three cases all had teratologic comorbidity, and required additional surgery in the form of open reduction. Avascular necrosis was noted in one out of 15 (6.7%) patients. In nonteratologic hips, a positive Barlow test with a safe zone of 20° is predictive of a successful closed reduction. In these patients, anaesthesia and arthrography might not be necessary.

Treatment of Calcaneal Apophysitis: Wait and See Versus Orthotic Device Versus Physical Therapy: A Pragmatic Therapeutic Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal apophysitis is a frequent cause of heel pain in children and is known to have a significant negative effect on the quality of life in affected children. The most effective treatment is currently unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate 3 frequently used conventional treatment modalities for calcaneal apophysitis. METHODS: Three treatment modalities were evaluated and compared in a prospective randomized single-blind setting: a pragmatic wait and see protocol versus a heel raise inlay (ViscoHeel; Bauerfeind) versus an eccentric exercise regime under physiotherapeutic supervision. Treatment duration was 10 weeks. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age between 8 and 15 years old, at least 4 weeks of heel pain complaints due to calcaneal apophysitis based, with a minimal Faces Pain Scale-Revised of 3 points. Primary exclusion criteria included other causes of heel pain and previous similar treatment. Primary outcome was Faces Pain Scale-Revised at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ). Points of measure were at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS: A total of 101 subjects were included. Three subjects were lost to follow-up. At 6 weeks, the heel raise subjects were more satisfied compared with both other groups (P<0.01); the heel raise group improved significantly compared with the wait and see group for OAFQ Children (P<0.01); the physical therapy group showed significant improvement compared with the wait and see group for OAFQ Parents (P<0.01). Each treatment modality showed significant improvement of all outcome measures during follow-up (P<0.005). No clinical relevant differences were found between the respective treatment modalities at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with wait and see, a heel raise inlay, or physical therapy each resulted in a clinical relevant and statistical significant reduction of heel pain due to calcaneal apophysitis. No significant difference in heel pain reduction was found between individual treatment regimes. Calcaneal apophysitis is effectively treated by the evaluated regimes. Physicians should deliberate with patients and parents regarding the preferred treatment.

Ankle sprain: the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

INTRODUCTION: Injury of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint occurs in about one in 10,000 people per day, accounting for a quarter of all sports injuries. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic overview, aiming to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of acute ankle sprains? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2014 (Clinical Evidence overviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this overview). RESULTS: At this update, searching of electronic databases retrieved 158 studies. After deduplication and removal of conference abstracts, 97 records were screened for inclusion in the overview. Appraisal of titles and abstracts led to the exclusion of 48 studies and the further review of 49 full publications. Of the 49 full articles evaluated, one systematic review and four RCTs were added. We performed a GRADE evaluation for four PICO combinations. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic overview, we categorised the efficacy for three interventions, based on information relating to the effectiveness and safety of oral NSAIDs versus placebo, oral versus topical NSAIDs, selective COX-2 inhibitors versus other NSAIDs, and topical NSAIDs versus placebo.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating acute ankle sprains in adults: benefits outweigh adverse events.

PURPOSE: In the recent clinical guideline for acute lateral ankle sprain, the current best evidence for diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies was evaluated. Key findings for treatment included the use of ice and compression in the initial phase of treatment, in combination with rest and elevation. A short period of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may facilitate a rapid decrease in pain and swelling can also be helpful in the acute phase. The objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral and topical NSAID in the treatment for acute ankle sprains. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials comparing oral or topic NSAID treatment with placebo or each other were included. Primary outcome measures were pain at rest or at mobilisation and adverse events. Trials were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included, and 22 were available for meta-analysis. Superior results were reported for oral NSAIDs when compared with placebo, concerning pain on weight bearing on short term, pain at rest on the short term, and less swelling on short- and intermediate term. For topical NSAIDs, superior results compared with placebo were found for pain at rest (short term), persistent pain (intermediate term), pain on weight bearing (short- and intermediate term) and for swelling (short and intermediate term). No trials were included comparing oral with topic NSAIDs, so conclusions regarding this comparison are not realistic. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is limited due to the low number of studies, lack of methodological quality of the included studies as well as the small sample size of the included studies. Nevertheless, the findings from this review support the use of NSAIDs for the initial treatment for acute ankle sprains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of RCTs, Level I.

[A 20-year-old man with a dislocation of the great toe]. / Een 20-jarige man met een luxatie van de grote teen.

A 20-year-old student came to our Emergency Department with a dislocated great toe with interposition of the sesamoid bone on the plantair side of the proximal phalanx (Miki Type 2 dislocation). Attempts of closed reduction at the Emergency Room were unsuccessful and open reduction and K-wire fixation was performed.

An efficient strategy allowed English-speaking reviewers to identify foreign-language articles eligible for a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess English-speaking reviewers' accuracy in determining the eligibility of foreign-language articles for a systematic review. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of therapy for fibromyalgia. Guided by 10 questions, English-speaking reviewers screened non-English-language articles for eligibility. Teams of two native-language speakers provided reference standard judgments of eligibility. RESULTS: Of 15,466 potentially eligible articles, we retrieved 763 in full text, of which 133 were published in 19 non-English languages; 53 trials published in 11 languages other than English proved eligible. Of the 53 eligible articles, English-language reviewers guided by the 10 questions mistakenly judged 6 as ineligible; of the 80 ineligible articles, 8 were incorrectly judged eligible by English-language reviewers (sensitivity=0.89; specificity=0.90). Use of a simple three-step rule (excluding languages with less than three articles, reviewing titles and abstracts for clear indications of eligibility, and noting the lack of a clearly reported statistical analysis unless the word "random" appears) led to accurate classification of 51 of 53 articles (sensitivity=0.96; specificity=0.70). CONCLUSION: Our findings show promise for limiting the need for non-English-language review teams in systematic reviews with large numbers of potentially eligible non-English-language articles.

Incidence of calcaneal apophysitis in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever's disease, is a traction apophysitis. It is a frequent cause of heel pain in children. Knowledge about the exact incidence of calcaneal apophysitis in the general population, however, is lacking. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: From 34 general practices, records of patients between 6 and 17 years old, visiting the general practitioner (GP), were analysed. Diagnoses of calcaneal apophysitis were counted using computerised registration networks of GPs in 2008, 2009 and 2010. RESULTS: There were 16,383 SOAP files searched and a number of 61 children with calcaneal apophysitis were established over the years 2010, 2009 and 2008, showing an incidence of 3.7 in 1,000 registered patients. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on incidence rates of calcaneal apophysitis in general practice. With an incidence of 3.7 in 1,000 registered patients, it is a common pathologic entity, which requires more research on pathophysiology and therapy. The actual incidence may even be higher due the strict inclusion criteria of this study.

WITHDRAWN: Different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle ligament ruptures are common problems in present health care. Early mobilisation and functional treatment are advocated as a preferable treatment strategy. However, functional treatment comprises a broad spectrum of treatment strategies and as of yet no optimal strategy has been identified. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament ruptures in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group specialised register (December 2001), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2000), EMBASE (1980 to May 2000), CURRENT CONTENTS (1993 to 1999), BIOSIS (to 1999), reference lists of articles, and contacted organisations and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials describing skeletally mature individuals with an acute lateral ankle ligament rupture and comparing different functional treatment strategies were evaluated for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of included trials and extracted relevant data on treatment outcome. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. Individual and pooled statistics are reported as relative risks (RR) for dichotomous outcome and (weighted) mean differences (WMD) for continuous outcome measures with 95 per cent confidence intervals (95%CI). Heterogeneity between trials was tested using a standard chi-squared test. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials involving 892 participants were included. Lace-up ankle support had significantly better results for persistent swelling at short-term follow up when compared with semi-rigid ankle support (RR 4.19, 95% CI 1.26 to 13.98); elastic bandage (RR 5.48; 95% CI 1.69 to 17.76); and to tape (RR 4.07, 95% CI 1.21 to 13.68). Use of a semi-rigid ankle support resulted in a significantly shorter time to return to work when compared with an elastic bandage (WMD (days) 4.24; 95% CI 2.42 to 6.06); one trial found the use of a semi-rigid ankle support saw a significantly quicker return to sport compared with elastic bandage (RR 9.60; 95% CI 6.34 to 12.86) and another trial found fewer patients reported instability at short-term follow-up when treated with a semi-rigid support than with an elastic bandage (RR 8.00; 95% CI 1.03 to 62.07). Tape treatment resulted in significantly more complications, the majority being skin irritations, when compared with treatment with an elastic bandage (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.86). No other results showed statistically significant differences. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The use of an elastic bandage has fewer complications than taping but appears to be associated with a slower return to work and sport, and more reported instability than a semi-rigid ankle support. Lace-up ankle support appears to be effective in reducing swelling in the short-term compared with semi-rigid ankle support, elastic bandage and tape. However, definitive conclusions are hampered by the variety of treatments used, and the inconsistency of reported follow-up times. The most effective treatment, both clinically and in costs, is unclear from currently available randomised trials.

WITHDRAWN: Immobilisation and functional treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle ligament injuries (ankle sprains) are common problems in acute medical care. The treatment variation observed for the acutely injured lateral ankle ligament complex suggests a lack of evidence-based management strategies for this problem. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of methods of immobilisation for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries and to compare immobilisation with functional treatment methods. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group specialised register (December 2001); the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1966-May 2000), EMBASE (1988-May 2000), reference lists of articles, and contacted organisations and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing either different types of immobilisation or immobilisation versus functional treatments for injuries to the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults were included. Trials which investigated the treatment of chronic instability or post-surgical treatment were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were independently extracted by two authors. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled using fixed effects models. Individual and pooled statistics were reported as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes and weighted (WMD) or standardised (SMD) mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for continuous outcome measures. Heterogeneity between trials was tested using a standard chi-squared test. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one trials involving 2184 participants were included. The mean validity score of the included trials increased from 9.1 (SD 3.0) to 10 (SD 2.9) after retrieving further information (maximum 18 points). Statistically significant differences in favour of functional treatment when compared with immobilisation were found for seven outcome measures: more patients returned to sport in the long term (relative risk (RR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.86); the time taken to return to sport was shorter (WMD 4.88 (days), 95% CI 1.50 to 8.25); more patients had returned to work at short term follow-up (RR 5.75, 95% CI 1.01 to 32.71); the time taken to return to work was shorter (WMD 8.23 days, 95% CI 6.31 to 10.16); fewer patients suffered from persistent swelling at short term follow-up (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.59); fewer patients suffered from objective instability as tested by stress X-ray (WMD 2.60, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.96); and patients treated functionally were more satisfied with their treatment (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.07). A separate analysis of trials that scored 50 per cent or more in quality assessment found a similar result for time to return to work only (WMD (days) 12.89, 95% CI 7.10 to 18.67). No significant differences between varying types of immobilisation, immobilisation and physiotherapy or no treatment were found, apart from one trial where patients returned to work sooner after treatment with a soft cast. In all analyses performed, no results were significantly in favour of immobilisation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Functional treatment appears to be the favourable strategy for treating acute ankle sprains when compared with immobilisation. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, as most of the differences are not significant after exclusion of the low quality trials. Many trials were poorly reported and there was variety amongst the functional treatments evaluated.

What is the evidence for rest, ice, compression, and elevation therapy in the treatment of ankle sprains in adults?

CONTEXT: Ankle sprains are common problems in acute medical care. The variation in treatment observed for the acutely injured lateral ankle ligament complex in the first week after the injury suggests a lack of evidence-based management strategies for this problem. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy begun within 72 hours after trauma for patients in the initial period after ankle sprain. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies were published original randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials concerning at least 1 of the 4 subtreatments of RICE therapy in the treatment of acute ankle sprains in adults. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cochrane Clinical Trial Register, CINAHL, and EMBASE. The lists of references of retrieved publications also were checked manually. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted relevant data on treatment outcome (pain, swelling, ankle mobility or range of motion, return to sports, return to work, complications, and patient satisfaction) and assessed the quality of included studies. If feasible, the results of comparable studies were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models. DATA SYNTHESIS: After deduction of the overlaps among the different databases, evaluation of the abstracts, and contact with some authors, 24 potentially eligible trials remained. The full texts of these articles were retrieved and thoroughly assessed as described. This resulted in the inclusion of 11 trials involving 868 patients. The main reason for exclusion was that the authors did not describe a well-defined control group without the intervention of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient evidence is available from randomized controlled trials to determine the relative effectiveness of RICE therapy for acute ankle sprains in adults. Treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis, carefully weighing the relative benefits and risks of each option, and must be based on expert opinions and national guidelines.

Treatment of Mason type II radial head fractures without associated fractures or elbow dislocation: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus as to the best treatment of Mason type II fractures without concomitant elbow fractures or dislocation. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the results of operative and nonoperative treatment of these injuries. METHODS: We systematically screened the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library until September 2011 for studies on nonoperative or operative treatment of Mason type II fractures. We defined successful treatment as an excellent or good result according to the Broberg and Morrey score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, or Radin score. Exclusion criteria were duration of follow-up of less than 6 months, an improperly described therapy or combination of therapies, skeletal immaturity, and articles written in languages other than English. RESULTS: Among 717 studies, 9 retrospective case series (level IV) describing 224 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. Nonoperative treatment was successful in 114 of 142 patients (80%) pooled from the studies (42% to 96% success in individual studies). Open reduction and internal fixation was successful in 76 of 82 patients (93%) (81% to 100% success in individual studies). CONCLUSIONS: Only a few studies with a low level of evidence address the treatment of isolated, displaced, partial articular fractures. There is a need for sufficiently powered randomized, controlled trials. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions on the optimal treatment of isolated, displaced, partial articular Mason type II fractures.

Congenital radial head dislocation with a progressive cubitus valgus: a case report.

Congenital dislocation of the radial head is rare, although it is the most common congenital anomaly of the elbow. A concomitant progressive cubitus valgus of the elbow has not previously been described in literature. We describe a case of an 8-year-old girl with an unilateral congenital radial head dislocation with a progressive cubitus valgus of 35°, caused by a prematurely closing physis of the lateral humeral condyle. This might be caused by an increased pressure on the lateral physis by the anteriorly dislocated radial head. As no complaints or limitations were present, treatment was non-operative with clinical observation, with satisfactory results after a follow-up of 18 months. A concomitant progressive cubitus valgus can be present in patients with a congenital radial head dislocation. Non-operative treatment can provide satisfactory results.

Above- or below-elbow casts for distal third forearm fractures in children? A meta-analysis of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the distal third forearm are common fractures in childhood. Most of these fractures can be treated non-operatively by means of closed reduction and immobilization. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate whether above- or below-elbow cast should be considered the first-choice for conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed in multiple databases to identify all the studies comparing above- and below-elbow cast for the treatment of distal third forearm fractures in children. All RCT's or CCT's were assessed for eligibility. Quality was assessed by the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group assessment. Data were pooled using RevMan 5.0 RESULTS: Three trials involving a total of 300 participants were included. A total of 142 fractures were treated with a below-elbow cast (BEC) versus 158 with an above-elbow cast (AEC). Loss of reduction was encountered in 17 and 36 cases, respectively [odds ratio 0.44 (0.22-0.87)]. For combined radius and ulna fractures 15 of 97 in the BEC group and 34 out of 122 in the AEC group showed loss of reduction [odds ratio 0.55 (0.26-1.15)]. Children treated with BEC missed less school days [mean difference 1.12 (-1.52 to -0.59)], and encountered less difficulties in daily living [odds ratio 112.41 (6.58-1920.77)]. CONCLUSION: Due to heterogeneity, the trials are not fully compared. Based on the presented meta-analysis, we conclude that BEC is not inferior to AEC so that this is a valid treatment option for distal third forearm fractures.