Results of central ray metacarpal resection after failure of digit replantation in children.

Central ray amputation results severe esthetic blemish and functional and psychological sequelae. Three main reconstruction procedures have been reported in adults: digital translocation, intracarpal osteotomy, and metacarpal resection; none of these, however, have been studied in children. The aim of this study was to report medium-term results for treatment of central ray amputation by proximal metacarpal resection following failure of digit replantation in children (i.e., skeletally immature patients). All children consecutively operated on by metacarpal resection after failure of digit replantation for complete central ray amputation between 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively included. The surgical procedure consisted in metacarpal resection through a palmar approach, with deep transverse metacarpal ligament reconstruction. At last follow-up, adjacent finger range of motion, pain, rotational deformity and grip strength were evaluated, as well as metacarpal laxity. Metacarpal migration index and metacarpal divergence were measured on standard X-ray. Eleven children with a mean age of 11 ± 8 years were included. At mean 18 ± 3 months' follow-up, range of motion in adjacent digits was conserved in all cases, with no intermetacarpal laxity. Grip strength was 28% lower than for the contralateral side. Two patients showed rotational malalignment in extension, without functional impairment. In 4th ray amputation (n = 8), metacarpal migration index was decreased by 65% due to radial migration of the 5th metacarpal, but metacarpal divergence was conserved in all cases. Isolated metacarpal resection of the central ray for replantation failure is a reliable and safe procedure with good radiological and functional results in skeletally immature children.

Abdominal musculature segmentation and surface prediction from CT using deep learning for sarcopenia assessment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to build and train a deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) algorithm to segment muscular body mass (MBM) to predict muscular surface from a two-dimensional axial computed tomography (CT) slice through L3 vertebra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ensemble of 15 deep learning models with a two-dimensional U-net architecture with a 4-level depth and 18 initial filters were trained to segment MBM. The muscular surface values were computed from the predicted masks and corrected with the algorithm's estimated bias. Resulting mask prediction and surface prediction were assessed using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and root mean squared error (RMSE) scores respectively using ground truth masks as standards of reference. RESULTS: A total of 1025 individual CT slices were used for training and validation and 500 additional axial CT slices were used for testing. The obtained mean DSC and RMSE on the test set were 0.97 and 3.7 cm2 respectively. CONCLUSION: Deep learning methods using convolutional neural networks algorithm enable a robust and automated extraction of CT derived MBM for sarcopenia assessment, which could be implemented in a clinical workflow.

Diagnosis of focal liver lesions from ultrasound using deep learning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to create an algorithm that simultaneously detects and characterizes (benign vs. malignant) focal liver lesion (FLL) using deep learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We trained our algorithm on a dataset proposed during a data challenge organized at the 2018 Journées Francophones de Radiologie. The dataset was composed of 367 two-dimensional ultrasound images from 367 individual livers, captured at various institutions. The algorithm was guided using an attention mechanism with annotations made by a radiologist. The algorithm was then tested on a new data set from 177 patients. RESULTS: The models reached mean ROC-AUC scores of 0.935 for FLL detection and 0.916 for FLL characterization over three shuffled three-fold cross-validations performed with the training data. On the new dataset of 177 patients, our models reached a weighted mean ROC-AUC scores of 0.891 for seven different tasks. CONCLUSION: This study that uses a supervised-attention mechanism focused on FLL detection and characterization from liver ultrasound images. This method could prove to be highly relevant for medical imaging once validated on a larger independent cohort.

Detection and characterization of MRI breast lesions using deep learning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of a deep learning model to discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and characterize different histological subtypes of breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a deep learning model that simultaneously learns to detect lesions and characterize them. We created a lesion-characterization model based on a single two-dimensional T1-weighted fat suppressed MR image obtained after intravenous administration of a gadolinium chelate selected by radiologists. The data included 335 MR images from 335 patients, representing 17 different histological subtypes of breast lesions grouped into four categories (mammary gland, benign lesions, invasive ductal carcinoma and other malignant lesions). Algorithm performance was evaluated on an independent test set of 168 MR images using weighted sums of the area under the curve (AUC) scores. RESULTS: We obtained a cross-validation score of 0.817 weighted average receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-AUC on the training set computed as the mean of three-shuffle three-fold cross-validation. Our model reached a weighted mean AUC of 0.816 on the independent challenge test set. CONCLUSION: This study shows good performance of a supervised-attention model with deep learning for breast MRI. This method should be validated on a larger and independent cohort.

Nerve transfer to biceps to restore elbow flexion and supination in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

PURPOSE: Nerve transfers to restore elbow flexion have been described for traumatic brachial plexus palsy in adults. Indications are less frequent in infants and the results are less published. METHODS: Ten patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy were operated on for lack of flexion against gravity with ulnar or median nerve transfer to biceps motor branch. The primary endpoint was improvement in elbow flexion and supination. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 12.5 months and mean follow-up was 2.6 years. The Active Movement Scale (AMS) was used to evaluate elbow flexion and forearm supination. At the last follow-up, the average AMS score improved from 0.3 to 5.7 for elbow flexion and from 0.6 to 5.8 for forearm supination. There was no statistical correlation between the age at surgery and the AMS score 18 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch can improve elbow flexion and forearm supination in selected patients with upper lesions and can be safely performed until the age of two years.

Feasibility of a reduction protocol in the emergency department for diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.

INTRODUCTION: Diaphyseal forearm fractures are very common pediatric traumas. At present, distal radius metaphyseal fractures are often successfully treated with closed reduction by emergency physicians. However, the management of diaphyseal fractures remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of diaphyseal forearm fractures in the emergency department (ED) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective 2-year-study, all closed diaphyseal forearm fractures in patients under 15, with an angle of >15° and treated by closed reduction in the ED were included. Fractures with overlapping fragments were excluded. Reduction was performed by an emergency physician, with a standardized analgesic protocol (painkillers and nitrous oxide). Clinical tolerance was checked within the first 24hours, and the radiographic stability of reduction was assessed at days 8 and 15. Initial and final follow-up radiographs were analyzed. Elbow and wrist range of motion was assessed at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty patients (41 boys and 19 girls) were included. Mean age was 5.2 years old (±3). At initial evaluation, the maximum angle was 30° (±11.3). After reduction, the maximum angle was significantly reduced (30° vs. 5°, P<0.001). Mean immobilization in a cast was 11.7 weeks (±2). There were no cast related complications in any of these children. There was no surgery for secondary displacement. Full range of motion was obtained in all patients at the final follow-up. DISCUSSION: The outcome of conservative treatment of closed diaphyseal forearm fractures, without overlapping fragments was excellent. However, reduction is usually performed in the operating room by orthopedic surgeons under general anesthesia and requires hospitalization, which is very expensive. The results of this study show that high quality care may be obtained in the ED by a trained and experienced team. These results are similar to those for distal metaphyseal fractures, which could extend the indications for reduction in the ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.

[Metacarpal osteoarticular injuries in children]. / Traumatismes ostéoarticulaires des métacarpiens chez l'enfant.

Metacarpal fractures and dislocations in the fingers are common injuries in children's hands. Most of these can be treated successfully non-operatively, although a subset requires more aggressive treatment. Results following appropriate care in children are generally good. Twenty percent of them need a reduction, need for surgical stabilization is rare. Each injury is presented, including diagnostic, therapeutic principles, pitfalls to prevent and potential complications.

[Macrodactyly]. / Macrodactylie.

There are two types of congenital enlargement of the finger. In one type, the finger is enlarged as part of a syndrome or because of a tumor or a malformation. In the other, the finger is enlarged as an isolated anomaly called "true macrodactyly", with an abundance of fat mainly on the palmar side of the finger. This condition is a rare congenital malformation and the etiology is unknow. The enlarged portion of the finger or the hand can be in a distribution of a major peripheral nerve, most often the median nerve. This condition is called nerve territory-oriented macrodactyly. Macrodactyly can be static, present at birth and does not increase disproportionately with growth, or progressive with a disproportionate growth of the digit. Treatments are difficult and challenging. The goals of operative treatments are: to control the growth in children, mainly with epiphysiodesis; to reduce the size of the finger with resection of skin and subcutaneous tissue with occasionally recession osteotomy, angulation osteotomy and arthrodesis; amputation in severe progressive macrodactyly. Parents should be informed of the potentiel number of operations necessary and of the limitation of function.

Thenar flap for severe finger tip injuries in children.

Twelve children aged between 18 months and 11 years old who had sustained a severe fingertip amputation with total or subtotal pulp loss were treated with a distal-based thenar flap. The injuries were palmar oblique amputations or avulsion injuries involving the pulp and the nail bed. The pedicles of the thenar flaps were divided after 18 to 25 days and none suffered any necrosis. At the final follow-up, no interphalangeal joint contractures were found, the average two point discrimination was 5mm, the thenar scar was asymptomatic and the subcutaneous tissue of the thenar flap was providing sufficient bulk to produce a rounded contour, like a normal fingertip. The thenar flap is a useful technique for use with severe fingertip injuries when local flaps cannot provide enough soft tissue and replantation is not possible.

[Treatment of phalangeal neck fractures in children: technical suggestion]. / Traitement des fractures des cols des phalanges à grand déplacement chez l'enfant: proposition technique.

INTRODUCTION: Phalangeal neck fractures in children are not very frequent lesions. The purpose of this study is to bring out results of treatment of these fractures and provide an adequate procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with 24 phalangeal neck fractures were reviewed. Seventeen boys and six girls with a mean age of 7 years and 6 months. Open wound fractures were noted in 13 cases. A direct trauma was noted in 17 cases and an indirect trauma in seven cases. Treatment consisted of a closed reduction and cast immobilization in four cases. A closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in seven cases. Open reduction and osteosynthesis in 13 cases. RESULTS: All patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 16 months and functional results were evaluated by measuring the Total Active Motion. Fractures treated orthopedically (4) gave Good results; percutaneous pinning (seven cases) gave one Poor, one Fair and five Good results; open reduction and osteosynthesis gave zero Good, six Fair and seven Poor results. Phalangeal head osteonecrosis was noted in four cases treated by open reduction. DISCUSSION: Closed reduction and percutaneous treatment of these fractures give the best functional results. This study demonstrates that open surgical reduction of these fractures leads to phalangeal head osteonecrosis and poor functional result. We propose here a technical improvement of percutaneous reduction with intrafocal pining and osteosynthesis. CONCLUSION: This technical improvement of percutaneous reduction and pinning allow to combine the advantages of a closed reduction and to avoid distal epiphyseal necrosis.

Repair of the flexor pollicis longus tendon in children.

This is a retrospective study of primary repairs of flexor pollicis longus in 16 children under 15 years of age. Patients with injuries to the median or ulnar nerve at the wrist, crush injuries, skin loss or fracture were excluded. Repairs were carried out within 24 hours using a modified Kessler technique. The mean follow-up was for two years. The final results were evaluated using the criteria of Buck-Gramko and Tubiana. They were good or excellent in all except one patient who had a secondary tendon rupture. When compared with the non-injured thumb, however, there was a significant decrease in active interphalangeal flexion (> 30 degrees) in one-third of cases. A new method of assessment is proposed for the recovery of function of the flexor pollicis tendon which is more suitable for children. Postoperative immobilisation using a short splint had a negative effect on outcome. The zone of injury, an early mobilisation programme or concurrent injury to the digital nerve had no significant effect on the final result.

Fractures of the base of the first metacarpal in children. Role of K-wire stabilisation.

In order to define the factors of instability of fractures of the base of the first metacarpal in children, the authors reviewed 30 children presenting this lesion with a follow-up greater than 10 months. Patients in whom the growth cartilage of the base of the first metacarpal was still open and presenting a fracture with angular displacement greater than 30 degrees or metaphyso-epiphyseal sliding greater than 1 mm were included. Three groups were defined on the basis of radiographic findings: Group A: pure metaphyseal fractures (14 cases: 10 pinnings and 4 orthopaedic treatments); Group B: Salter II epiphyseal detachment fractures with a medial metaphyso-epiphyseal corner (10 cases: 1 pinning and 9 orthopaedic treatments); group C: Salter II epiphyseal detachment fractures with a lateral metaphyso-epiphyseal corner (6 cases: 2 pinnings and 4 orthopaedic treatments). The authors studied early secondary displacements as a function of the emergency treatment modality. No secondary displacement was observed for group B lesions regardless of treatment and for lesions stabilized immediately by intermetacarpal pinning. In contrast, one half of group A and C lesions treated orthopaedically subsequently became displaced, requiring surgical revision with stabilization by pinning. The authors recommend orthopaedic treatment for group B lesions and immediate surgical stabilization for group A and C lesions.

Solitary bone cyst: controversies and treatment.

The solitary bone cyst (SBC) has not yet revealed all its secrets. The pathogeny of the SBC is thus considered and also its evolutivity. Conservative treatment has been used in attempts to heal this tumor-like bone. In the case of surgery, an original technique is described. The SBC still remains mysterious in many of its aspects. At the time of this writing, nobody can predict the occurrence modalities of this benign bone tumor. In a similar way, the reality of this tumor-like lesion cannot be precisely described. This emphasizes the first controversial point about this lesion. Indeed, must we consider differently the bone cysts that remain close to the growth plate and those which located in the diaphysis? Must we regard the true unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) differently and those that are multilocular? Moreover, are the cysts located in the long bones identical to the those of the short cancellous bones? Alas, SBC was supposed to be a lesion in children that disappeared after growth ended. Is it still true since some cases have been reported more recently in adults? This study represents a long follow-up. It includes the different aspects of the SBC and emphasizes an original technique in case surgery becomes indicated.

[Pathological fractures of the femoral neck in hemodialyzed patients. Apropos of 26 cases]. / Les fractures pathologiques du col du fémur chez l'hémodialysé. A propos de 26 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study is based on a retrospective analysis of 26 pathological fractures of the femoral neck in 19 chronic haemodialysis patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiological and etiological factors of these fractures in relation to osteo-arthropathy of the dialyzed patient, as well as the results of various treatments, both curative and preventive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 pathological fractures of the femoral neck appeared in 19 chronic haemodialysis patients, 11 men and 8 women, 6 patients presented bilateral fractures. The patient's average age at the time of the fracture was 61 years (27 to 82). The average duration of dialysis was 11 years with a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 21 years. Hyper parathyroidism was found in 14 patients, aluminic intoxication in 6 and amyloidosis at the level of the coxo-femoral joint 18 times. Surgical treatment consisted of 6 osteosynthesis, 2 cephalic arthroplasties, 13 modular arthroplasties and 5 total hip arthroplasties. For each case, we studied the presence of necrosis of the femoral neck due to aluminic intoxication, osteoporosis due to hyperparathyroidism and also the presence of amyloidosis without aluminic intoxication. RESULTS: Cortisonic necrosis and porosis was found 4 times out of 26 cases, hyperparathyroidism once, aluminic osteomalacy 3 times and beta-2-microglobulin amyloid 18 times. Amyloidosis remains the most frequent etiological factor. All patients had been operated for median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel, usually 2.5 years before appearance of the pathological fracture. Non surgical treatment was used 5 times in undisplaced fractures without any sign of amyloidosis and was successful 3 times and unsuccessful twice necessitating a new operation by osteosynthesis. Out of 6 osteosynthesis performed for fractures either with little or no displacement we observed 4 failures, all of them in the cases with intra-osseous amyloidosis. Best results were obtained by arthroplasties. Modular arthroplasty has given us 11 long term excellent results in 11 of 13 cases. DISCUSSION: The analysis of etiological factors shows two very different groups. The first one consisted of 8 fractures without coxofemoral amyloidosis. The average duration of dialysis was 5 years, average age, 44 years. Etiology was 3 times aluminic osteomalacy, once the only factor found was osteoporosis and 4 times necrosis and porosis as a complication, not of haemodialysis but of renal transplantation with concomittant corticosteroid treatment. The second group consisted of 18 fractures with hip amyloidosis in 14 patients. The average age was 63.5 years, the dialysis duration was 11.5 years, the two extremes 5 and 21 years. Etiology was beta-2-microglobulin amylosis. The pathological fracture was due to the presence of voluminous subchondral amyloidosis geodes. Amyloidosis always associated with hyperparathyroidism and aluminic intoxication in one of 3 cases. Osteosynthesis gave good results only in cases presenting no intra-osseous amyloidosis. Modular arthroplasty has allowed us to obtain excellent long term functional results with simpler outcome. Total arthroplasty should be used only for evident acetabular involvement. CONCLUSION: Amyloidosis remains the etiological factor most frequently found in pathological fractures of the femoral neck in chronic haemodialysis patients. The study of the etiological factors is essential since they will guide us in the choice of the mode or treatment. It is totally licit to propose conservative treatment for non displaced fractures without osseous amylosis. In all other cases, prosthetic replacement is necessary and osteosynthesis contra-indicated. When the acetabulum is not altered a modular arthroplasty must be used. We do not recommend preventive surgical treatment for patients having a threatening geode of the femoral neck as all osteosynthesis realized on amyloidotic bone, even without any displacement, resulted