Development and validation of a delayed presenting clubfoot score to predict the response to Ponseti casting for children aged 2-10.

The aim of the study was to develop a simple and reliable clinical scoring system for delayed presenting clubfeet and assess how this score predicts the response to Ponseti casting. We measured all elements of the Diméglio and the Pirani scoring systems. To determine which aspects were useful in assessing children with delayed presenting clubfeet, 4 assessors examined 42 feet (28 patients) between the ages of 2-10 years. Selected variables demonstrating good agreement were combined to make a novel score and were assessed prospectively on a separate consecutive cohort of children with clubfeet aged 2-10, comprising 100 clubfeet (64 patients). Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement was found to be greatest using the following clinically measured angles of the deformities. These were plantaris, adductus, varus, equinus of the ankle and rotation around the talar head in the frontal plane (PAVER). Measured angles of 1-20, 21-45 and > 45 degrees scored 1, 2 and 3 points, respectively. The PAVER score was derived from both the sum of points derived from measured angles and a multiplier according to age. The sum of the points was multiplied with 1, 1.5 or 2 for ages 2-4, 5-7 and 8-10, respectively. This demonstrated a good association with the total number of casts to achieve a full correction (tau = 0.71). A score greater than 18 out of 30 indicated a cast-resistant clubfoot. The score could be used clinically for prognosis and treatment, and for research purposes to compare the severity of clubfoot deformities.

A systematic review of long-term patient reported outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the skeletally immature.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the available literature regarding outcomes for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the skeletally immature at skeletal maturity or more than five years after surgery. METHODS: A systematic search was performed of seven online databases for literature reporting patient reported outcomes for the treatment of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature. A systematic review of this literature was performed examining the outcomes and their association with skeletal immaturity and treatment techniques. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles reported the outcomes of 425 subjects. The mean age at surgery ranged from 10.3 to 15 years. Mean follow-up ranged from 36 to 163 months. Ten studies followed up subjects until skeletal maturity. Mean outcome scores were similar for extraphyseal (Lysholm 96.2 (95.7 to 97.4), Tegner 6.75, IKDC 95.4 (94 to 100)) and transphyseal surgery (Lysholm 94.3 (84.6-100), Tegner 7.6 (6 to 8.7), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 93.6 (84 to 99)). However, the lower range boundary for Lysholm and IKDC was worse for the transphyseal group. The results for non-surgical treatments were worse (Lysholm 63.2, Tegner 4.8, IKDC 87). No significant differences were found in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy (p = 0.32), coronal plane growth disturbance (p = 0.48), graft rupture (p = 0.88) and persistent symptomatic instability (p = 0.11) with transphyseal and extraphyseal surgical techniques. CONCLUSION: Both transphyseal and extraphyseal reconstructive techniques produced good patient reported outcomes, with no significant differences in the incidence of limb-length discrepancy, coronal plane growth disturbance, graft rupture and persistent symptomatic instability. They compare favourably with the repair techniques reviewed and the natural history of the condition. Further high-quality studies comparing the transphyseal and extraphyseal techniques are required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: results of a survey of the members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society.

AIM: To determine current practice recommendations for the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) among members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire with 4 case vignettes of a 12-year-old boy presenting with a stable and unstable SCFE. Each, stable and unstable slips, was of mild (20° epiphyseal-shaft angle) and of severe (60° epiphyseal-shaft angle) degree was sent to all members of EPOS in 2009 in order to ascertain their views on the best management of SCFE. Specifically, respondents were asked about the role of reduction, methods of fixation, prophylactic fixation of the non-affected hip, postoperative management and their view on the anticipated need for secondary surgery. RESULTS: The response rate was 25% (72/287). The participating surgeons' average workload was 76% in paediatric orthopaedics, with mean 16 years of experience. Surgeons were most consistent in their advice for stable slips, where around 90% of the respondents did not recommend a reduction of the slip regardless of severity of slip. Seventy per cent of the respondents recommended the use of only one screw for fixation of a stable slip and for mild unstable slips. For severe unstable slips, 46% of surgeons recommended reduction only by positioning of the hip on the fracture table, 35% by manipulation and 11% advised open reduction. Responders were less consistent in their advice on the anticipated need for secondary osteotomies (in mild slips about 40% and about 60% in severe slips would advise an osteotomy) and on treatment of the contralateral hip (with 32% of surgeons recommending prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip). CONCLUSION: Within members of EPOS, there is controversy on several aspects of the management of SCFE particularly on aspects of the treatment of unstable SCFE. SIGNIFICANCE: Members of EPOS predominantly use traditional means of treatment for patients with SCFE. In contrast, the more modern treatment concepts, such as open reduction via surgical dislocation, are rarely used.

The use of minimally invasive techniques in multi-level surgery for children with cerebral palsy: preliminary results.

This study compares the initial outcomes of minimally invasive techniques for single-event multi-level surgery with conventional single-event multi-level surgery. The minimally invasive techniques included derotation osteotomies using closed corticotomy and fixation with titanium elastic nails and percutaneous lengthening of muscles where possible. A prospective cohort study of two matched groups was undertaken. Ten children with diplegic cerebral palsy with a mean age of ten years six months (7.11 to 13.9) had multi-level minimally invasive surgery and were matched for ambulatory level and compared with ten children with a mean age of 11 years four months (7.9 to 14.4) who had conventional single-event multi-level surgery. Gait kinematics, the Gillette Gait Index, isometric muscle strength and gross motor function were assessed before and 12 months after operation. The minimally invasive group had significantly reduced operation time and blood loss with a significantly improved time to mobilisation. There were no complications intra-operatively or during hospitalisation in either group. There was significant improvement in gait kinematics and the Gillette Gait Index in both groups with no difference between them. There was a trend to improved muscle strength in the multi-level group. There was no significant difference in gross motor function between the groups. We consider that minimally invasive single-event multi-level surgery can be achieved safely and effectively with significant advantages over conventional techniques in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

Surgical treatment of late developmental displacement of the hip. Results after 33 years.

The outcome of displaced hips treated by Somerville and Scott's method was assessed after more than 25 years. A total of 147 patients (191 displaced hips) was reviewed which represented an overall follow-up of 65.6%. The median age at the index operation was two years. During the first five years, 25 (13%) hips showed signs of avascular change. The late development of valgus angulation of the neck, after ten years, was seen in 69 (36%) hips. Further operations were frequently necessary. Moderate to severe osteoarthritis developed at a young age in 40% of the hips. Total hip replacement or arthrodesis was necessary in 27 (14%) hips at a mean age of 36.5 years. Risk factors identified were high dislocation, open reduction, and age at the original operation. Two groups of patients were compared according to outcome. All the radiographic indices were different between the two groups after ten years, but most were similar before. It takes a generation to establish the prognosis, although some early indicators may help to predict outcome.

Rang retractors for sciatic notch exposure during pelvic osteotomy.

We present simple but effective retractors used in pairs to expose the sciatic notch during Salter innominate osteotomy. We have found them to be useful for a wide range of procedures requiring similar exposure. We present them here in tribute to the memory of the designer Mercer Rang.

Synovial cyst of the pulp of the little finger--origin from the wrist joint.

Synovial cysts of the pulp of the little finger in three elderly patients were shown by arthrography to arise from leakage of synovial fluid from the wrist joint into the ulnar bursa and thence into the flexor synovial sheath in the digit. Distant as well as local sources of the contents of synovial cysts should be considered when the local anatomy permits communication between a degenerate joint and an adjacent tendon sheath.

Shielding reproductive organs of orthopaedic patients during pelvic radiography.

The use of gonadal shielding has been advocated for patients undergoing pelvic radiography before and during the reproductive years. The aim of this study is to look at the adequacy of gonadal shielding used in a district general hospital for young patients having pelvic radiographs. A total of 200 radiographs were reviewed of 49 patients below the age of 45 years. Full coverage was achieved in only 36% of cases. Amongst females, only 22% received adequate shielding. None of the patients in their reproductive years (16-45 years) had gonad shields. The reasons for inadequate coverage were, in order of frequency: (i) no shielding was used; (ii) malposition of the shielding device; and (iii) the use of inappropriately shaped or sized devices. Suggestions for improvement are proposed.

Interobserver and intraobserver variation in classification systems for fractures of the distal humerus.

We assessed the inter- and intraobserver variation in classification systems for fractures of the distal humerus. Three orthopaedic trauma consultants, three trauma registrars and three consultant musculoskeletal radiologists independently classified 33 sets of radiographs of such fractures on two occasions, each using three separate systems. For interobserver variation, the Riseborough and Radin system produced 'moderate' agreement (kappa = 0.513), but half of the fractures were not classifiable by this system. For the complete AO system, agreement was 'fair' (kappa = 0.343), but if only AO type and group or AO type alone was used, agreement improved to 'moderate' and 'substantial', respectively (kappa = 0.52 and 0.66). Agreement for the system of Jupiter and Mehne was 'fair' (kappa = 0.295). Similar levels of intraobserver variation were found. Systems of classification are useful in decision-making and evaluation of outcome only if there is agreement and consistency among observers. Our study casts doubt on these aspects of the systems currently available for fractures of the distal humerus.

Rogers' posterior cervical fusion--a 3-month radiological review.

Rogers described his technique of spinal fusion in 1942, and since then numerous other techniques have been described but no large series describing the anatomical results has been reported. To assess the technical success of Rogers' technique, to identify factors that contribute to less than ideal anatomical results, and to suggest methods of avoiding potential pitfalls, the anatomical results of Rogers' posterior cervical fusion were compared with what we consider an ideal anatomical result by analysis of the 12-week post-operative flexion/extension radiographs. One hundred and sixty-one Rogers-type posterior cervical fusions using either wire or Ethibond were performed for flexion injuries. The 12-week post-operative flexion extension radiographs were assessed for union, fusion of extra levels, residual kyphosis/listhesis, excessive lordosis, and hypermobility. Results were related to the presence of associated fractures, using the chi 2 test. Bony union was seen in 100 per cent of cases. Fusion of additional levels occurred in 40 (25 per cent), residual kyphosis in 54 (34 per cent), listhesis in 14 (9 per cent), and excessive lordosis in seven (4 per cent). Hypermobility at the adjacent level occurred in 10 (6 per cent), and at a distant level in five (3 per cent). Statistically significant associations occurred between fusion of extra levels and fractures, residual kyphosis and fractures, excessive lordosis with the use of wire rather than Ethibond, and the desired anatomical result with absence of fracture. The Rogers technique is a safe, easy and reliable method of achieving cervical fusion, with a 100 per cent fusion rate at 3 months in this series. However, the intended position of fusion, between 1 degree-5 degrees of lordosis, with normal alignment, is not always achieved. There is also a high incidence of fusion of levels other than those intended. We believe that the incidence of these problems could be reduced by more attention to surgical detail.

Fracture of the femoral head without associated hip dislocation following low-energy trauma. A report of two cases.

Two cases of fracture of the femoral head are reported in which no associated hip dislocation occurred after low-energy trauma. This unusual injury can be missed. A possible mechanism for this rare occurrence has been suggested.

Infection after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: are antibiotics really necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To establish the incidence of infection after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and assess the need for antibiotic prophylaxis. DESIGN: Prospective open study. SETTING: University teaching hospital, United Kingdom. SUBJECTS: 253 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between September 1990 and January 1993. INTERVENTIONS: A single intravenous dose of cefuroxime 1.5 g at induction of general anaesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Infective complications. RESULTS: Patients were reviewed at two weeks and 12 months. At two weeks there had been two wound infections (one resolved spontaneously and the other required removal of a gallstone from the subcutaneous tissue), two chest infections (treated with antibiotics orally and physiotherapy), and one subhepatic abscess (drained percutaneously under ultrasonographic control). No other complications were reported at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Routine antibiotic prophylaxis may be unnecessary during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but a randomised controlled trial is necessary to confirm this.

An unusual alteration in c-myc in tissue from a primary breast carcinoma.

We have identified a rearranged c-myc gene in DNA from tumour tissue from a patient with an aggressive carcinoma of the breast. Analysis of this rearranged gene isolated from a size-fractionated genomic library revealed that a deletion had occurred within exon 3. This deletion, of approximately 5 kb, interrupts the coding region of exon 3, and would result in a truncated myc protein with an altered C-terminus. Sequence analysis of the rearranged c-myc gene and the sequence downstream of c-myc which is involved in the deletion has shown precisely where the breakpoint has occurred in both sequences and reveals a short region of homology which could perhaps permit illegitimate recombination between the two sequences.