Management of Juvenile Osteochondral Fractures Utilising Absorbable PLGA Implants.

The incidence of articular injury, particularly osteochondral fractures (OCFs), has seen a cinnotable increase in recent years. Regardless of their location, fragments can be overlooked by plain radiographs, which might lead to osteoarthritis in the long run. Diagnostic imaging has a pivotal role in the assessment and classification of the fracture severity, as well as the presence of any associated dislocations. These fractures require surgical intervention for the restoration of joint function and the reduction of long-term complications. This paper aims to present the surgical correction and post-operative treatment of osteochondral fractures with absorbable implants in four children. The following affected areas are discussed: lateral condyle of the femur, patella and radial head. Utilising absorbable implants for the management of OCFs provides numerous advantages, including the elimination of the need for re-anaesthesia and reoperation, reduction of complications and facilitation of early rehabilitation. This approach also minimises the period of hospitalisation and proves effective in pediatric OCF treatment.

A Complex Case of Clino-Syndactyly with Fourth Metacarpal Aplasia.

Syndactyly is the most common congenital malformation of the hand, leading to the fusion of the digits and frequently affecting the ring and middle fingers. The incidence is 1 out of 2500 children, predominantly occurring in boys and Caucasians. Clinically, the malformation may present as a soft tissue or bony fusion, resulting in the union of the fingers characterised as complete or incomplete. This fusion may involve the phalanges but may also extend to the carpal/tarsal bones, even to the metacarpal or metatarsal level, rarely to the distal end of the forearm and lower leg. The malformation is mostly isolated but may occur together with other disorders or malformations such as synostosis, acro-syndactyly, cleft hand, clinodactyly, or polydactyly. Syndromic syndactyly can be observed in cases of Apert syndrome, Poland's syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and many others. A girl born in June of 2019 was diagnosed with congenital malformation of the right hand at birth-affecting the right middle, ring, and little fingers, respectively. After X-ray imaging, the fusion of the third and fourth proximal phalanges to a common metacarpal was identified, forming a unique diagnosis of clino-syndactyly with metacarpal aplasia. Surgical intervention was advocated for, including a wedge osteotomy to correct the synchondrosis at the phalangeal base and a dorsal flap to close the interdigital space created during the correction of the III and IV. fingers. A trapezoid flap for the release of the syndactyly of the IV and V. fingers was applied. The paper aims to present this surgical correction and its results regarding an atypical case of syndactyly with clinodactyly and metacarpal aplasia.

[The treatment of traumatic cardiac arrest]. / A baleseti keringésmegállás kezelése.

The pathophysiology, formation and course of traumatic cardiac arrest differs from other types of circulatory arrests, leading to some specific considerations regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in this condition. The treatment of reversible causes takes a higher priority than initiating chest compressions. The success of the management and treatment of patients suffering traumatic cardiac arrest depends on early timing and a well-organized chain of survival, including not only advanced prehospital care, but also further therapy in special trauma centers. In our review article, we briefly summarize the pathophysiology of traumatic cardiac arrest - to help the understanding of each therapeutic element - as well as the most important diagnostic and therapeutic tools applied during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The most common causes of traumatic cardiac arrest are described with the solution strategies necessary for their rapid elimination. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(13): 499-503.

Pediatric medial humeral epicondyle fracture in children: Are biodegradable pins with tension band absorbable sutures efficient?

Medial humeral epicondyle fractures account for 10% to 20% of elbow injuries in children. We hypothesized that in the fixation of medial humeral epicondyle fractures, safety and efficiency of bioabsorbable poly(l-lactide-co-glycolic acid) implant are comparable to traditional metallic and other novel approaches. A retrospective cohort study was performed between 2016 and 2019, analyzing 24 children who had medial humeral epicondyle fractures. Every fracture was stabilized with biodegradable poly(l-lactide-co-glycolic acid) implants (Bioretec® ActivaPin®) and tension band polydioxanone sutures. Indications for surgery included closed fractures with >1 cm dislocation and incarcerated fractures. Postoperatively, the degree of anatomic reduction and the presence or absence of nonunion or fragmentation were confirmed with X-rays. In this clinical study, we evaluated the operation time, age, and gender distribution. The mean age at the time of injury was 12.3 (8-16 years). In the fourth week, every patient's X-ray showed callus formation, and the range of motion of the elbow after 6 months of the operation was almost complete in all children. Transient ulnar nerve palsy was developed in 1 patient, which was spontaneously resolved in the fourth postoperative month. No other complications were observed during the average follow-up period of 34 months (16-60 months). Bioabsorbable pins with absorbable sutures are a good alternative treatment of medial epicondyle humeral fracture. No permanent complications were noted while using this technique. We suggest this method because it does not require a secondary (metal removal) operation.

Pilot Study and Preliminary Results of Biodegradable Intramedullary Nailing of Forearm Fractures in Children.

(1) Background: Diaphyseal forearm fractures are a common injury in children and adolescents. When operative treatment is needed, elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the most common surgical procedure. Although there is no clear evidence, hardware removal after fracture healing is performed in many patients. Often, the primary minimal invasive incision needs to be widened during implant removal. In order to decrease the burden of care of pediatric fractures, significant efforts were made to develop biodegradable implants, which make hardware removal unnecessary. Our study will conduct an observational trial on the clinical use of the Activa IM-Nail™ in forearm fractures in children between 3 and 13 years of age. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the risks and benefits of the Activa IM-Nail™. Among other objectives, the rate of refracture will be determined. (2) Methods: An international Europe-based, multicenter, prospective, single-arm, open-label study will be performed to ascertain the rate of refracture and to determine the subjective benefits of Activa IM-Nail™ for patients, parents and other caregivers. The study will include clinical follow-up including early post-operative complication, radiographs until bony healing and an additional follow-up after 1 year. At this stage, preliminary results and early complications on 76 patients are analyzed in this study and presented. (3) Results: As of April 2022, 76 patients were enrolled as per study protocol. There were 31 girls (40.8%) and 45 boys (59.2%). The mean age at the time of inclusion was 8.9 years (±2.4 years). The mean operation time was 58.9 ± 22.9 min (range, 15-119 min). The mean follow-up time was 8.9 ± 5.1 months (range, 0.2-18.6). Up to now, one refracture has occurred in one child falling from a height of about one meter 7 months after index surgery (1/76; 1.3%). (4) Conclusion: The research project assesses the safety and effectiveness of Activa IM-Nails™ as part of the surgical treatment of dislocated forearm fractures in children in the context of a PMCF study. The use of Activa IM-Nails™ with regard to various objectives, including postoperative complications and refracture rate, seems to be equal to the standard titan ESIN procedure compared to the literature. Preliminary results are encouraging and are made available.

Making Hardware Removal Unnecessary by Using Resorbable Implants for Osteosynthesis in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Following osteosynthesis, children generally require a second surgery to remove the hardware. This becomes unnecessary, by using resorbable implants. Limiting the number of required surgeries and their associated risks, this technique provides critical aspects of minimally invasive surgery. This review focuses on resorbable implants for osteosynthesis for the treatment of fractures in children and discusses their clinical features. METHOD: We provide an overview of the two most common technologies used in resorbable osteosynthesis materials: polymer- and magnesium-based alloys. Clinical examples of osteosynthesis are presented using polymer-based ActivaTM products and magnesium-based Magnezix® products. RESULTS: Polymer-based implants demonstrate surgical safety and efficacy. Due to their elasticity, initial placement of polymer-based products may demonstrate technical challenges. However, stability is maintained over the course of healing. While maintaining good biocompatibility, the rate of polymer-resorption may be controlled by varying the composition of polyesters and copolymers. Similarly, magnesium-based implants demonstrate good mechanical stability and resorption rates, while these characteristics may be controlled by varying alloy components. One of the significant shortcomings of magnesium is that metabolism results in the production of hydrogen gas. Both technologies provide equally good results clinically and radiographically, when compared to non-resorbable implants. CONCLUSION: Resorbable osteosynthesis materials demonstrate similar therapeutic results as conventional materials for osteosynthesis. Resorbable implants may have the potential to improve patient outcomes, by sparing children a second surgery for hardware removal.

Bioresorbable implants vs. Kirschner-wires in the treatment of severely displaced distal paediatric radius and forearm fractures - a retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatric patients. Severely displaced fractures may require surgical intervention. The gold standard surgical method is percutaneous K-wire osteosynthesis followed by immobilisation. Metal implants can be removed with a second intervention; however, these extra procedures can cause further complications. Several studies confirm the benefits of bioabsorbable implants for paediatric patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the complication rates of displaced distal metaphyseal radius (AO 23r-M/3.1) and forearm (AO 23-M/3.1) fractures in children operated on with K-wires versus a novel technique with bioresorbable implants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 94 patients in three paediatric trauma centres who underwent operations due to severely displaced distal forearm or metaphyseal radial fractures between January 2019 and January 2020. The mean age was 8.23 (ranging from 5-12). 30 patients (bioresorbable group, BR-group) were treated with biodegradable PLGA implants (Bioretec®, ActivaPin®), 40 patients with one or two stainless steel Kirschner-wires (K-wires, Sanatmetal®) which were buried under the skin (KW I-group) and 24 children with K-wires left outside the skin. (KWII. Group). We examined the number of minor and major complications as well as the need for repeated interventions. Follow-up was at least one and half year. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the complication rates at the two KW groups (p = 0.241; Cramer's V = 0.211), while the complication rate of the BR group was significantly lower. (p = 0.049; Cramer's V = 0.293 and p = 0.002; Cramer's V = 0.418 respectively). No later than half a year after the injury, no difference was observed between the functional outcomes of the patients in each group. One and a half years after the injury, no signs of growth disturbance were found in any of the children. No second surgical intervention was required in the BR group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeries with bioresorbable intramedullary implants may have fewer complications than K- wire osteosynthesis in the treatment of severely displaced distal forearm fractures. The benefits are most pronounced in the first six weeks after surgery, reducing the number of outpatient visits and increasing the child's sense of comfort. As no second intervention is required, this can lead to significant cost savings. After half a year, there is no difference in the outcomes between the different surgical treatment strategies.

Pediatric tracheal injuries: Report on 5 cases with special view on the role of bronchoscopy and management.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of these case reports is to draw the attention to the difficulties of diagnosing trachea injuries in children, who are often part of a polytrauma scenario. MATERIALS: A retrospective multicenter analysis of 5 cases were analysed. The age of the children was between 1 and 16 years old. Injury mechanism was blunt thoracic trauma, misintubation and shot injury. RESULTS: Case No.1. a three-year-old child suffered a train accident. Resuscitation and decompression of the tension pneumothorax were performed. CT found a pneumomediastinum and bubbles along the trachea. Thoracolaparotomy was performed. Bronchoscopy could not rule out a tracheal injury. The child died of a cerebral edema. Case No. 2: a 13 month drowned and was resuscitated. A chest drain was inserted to treat the pneumothorax. CT revealed a pneumomediastinum, which was drained and a small tear of the trachea. Bronchoscopy was not preformed. Case No. 3: 9 year-old polytrauma patient was airlifted with bilateral mini thoracostomies and chest drains for pneumothorax. CT revealed bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. The chest drains were repositioned oxygenation improved, but some ventilation difficulties remained. CT revealed pneumomediastinum and a tracheal injury. This was bridged by a tube, and the mediastinum drained. The ventilation difficulties were resolved. Case No. 4: an eight-year-old boy was shot on the neck. The region was explored surgically and the laceration of the trachea was sutured. Case No. 5: 12-year-old girl suffered blunt thoracic trauma. CT revealed bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Bilateral thoracic drainage was performed, some ventilation problems persisted. CT and fiberoscopy revealed a rupture of the trachea. Thoracotomy was performed and the laceration was closed. CONCLUSION: Pneumomediastinum and persistent ventilation difficulties should raise suspicion of a tracheal injury in a typical clinical scenario. Bronchoscopy is recommended for early diagnosis, despite the possibility of misdiagnosis. In certain cases CT scan only and close observation may be considered.

Standardized sonographic examination of pediatric elbow injuries is an effective screening method and improves diagnostic efficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Positive role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pediatric elbow injuries were confirmed by many papers but no comprehensive, standardized method has been developed for daily clinical practice. The aim of our prospective diagnostic study was to prove the efficacy of a five point sonographic point of care method for detecting different pediatric elbow fractures or dislocations. METHODS: Between 2016 January and 2017 March 365 children (age 1-14) with suspected closed elbow injury were enrolled in our study. Sonographic point of care examination was carried out by a properly trained resident and two orthopedic surgeons immediately after physical survey. We used a standardized five point sonographic examination. Two plane x-rays were made following sonography according to protocol. Utility of sonographic pictures were analyzed by a radiologist. Cases with images which have not met with standard requirements were excluded. In those cases when primary x-rays were negative and/or any of the ultrasound planes showed positive findings, radiography was repeated after 4 weeks of injury. If we detected callus formation the fracture was considered occult. Cases with images which have not met with standard requirements were excluded. Ultrasonic pictures, evaluation sheets and x-ray results were compared. RESULTS: Out of the 365 cases we identified 165 with positive findings (45, 2%) by primary x-rays. Distribution of the different injuries were the following: Radial condylar fractures, (n = 29) supracondylar humeral fractures (n = 84 proximal radial fractures, (n = 19) proximal ulnar fractures, (n = 7) fractures with joint dislocations (n = 3) joint dislocations without fractures, n = 2 medial epicondyle fractures (n = 14) fracture combinations (n = 7) We did not find injuries in this series that we could not categorize into these groups. Evaluating the abnormal sonographic dorsal fat pad sign (FPS) as a sole parameter for fracture detection we found sensitivity: 0, 97, specificity: 0,97, positive predictive value: 0,97, negative predictive value: 0,97 Evaluating the effectivity of the four cortical planes we calculated sensitivity 0, 85 specificity 0.96 positive predictive value: 0. 95 negative predictive value 0.87. The overall values of the five planes were the following: specificity0.97 sensitivity 1, positive predictive value 0.97 negative predictive value: 1 Interrater agreements on the cortical plane abnormality were considered good at two examiners and very good at one examiner. (Kappa = 0.79, 0, 81, 0, 79) Agreements on differentiation of elevated, normal fat pad) or lipohaemarthrosis in sonographic pictures were very good in all cases. (Kappa = 0,83, 0,86,0,82) While identification of any displacement or dislocation was possible in 96%, of all cases(n = 59)the exact determination of the type of the injury was possible in only 70,3% (n = 116) CONCLUSIONS: Using the five point ultrasonic examination provides enough information for excluding or confirming the presence of any pediatric elbow fractures or dislocations. The method is quick, simple and can help in the immediate differentiation of the severity of injuries. Sonographic lipohaemarthrosis seems to be more sensitive than elevated fat pad sign for the detection of potential occult fractures. Positive cases should be cleared by x-rays because the exact nature of the fractures are not identifiable only by ultrasound.

Two- plane point of care ultrasonography helps in the differential diagnosis of pulled elbow.

INTRODUCTION: Pulled elbow (PE) is one of the most common injury in children under the age of five years. Diagnosis of PE is usually based on the typical anamnesis and clinical symptoms. A simple reduction maneuver without the need of any imaging modality can eliminate the problem. Certain fractures however can mimic the physical findings of PE and in this cases reduction should not be attempted. The aim of our prospective diagnostic study was to evaluate the accuracy of a sonographic testing method in the differential diagnosis of PE. METHODS: 205 children aged 0-5 with clinical suspicion for PE were enrolled in our study. Inclusion criteria were the typical clinical sign of PE: painful, motionless, extended or slightly flexed and pronated arm following a traumatic event under the age of five. We excluded older children and patients with pronounced elbow swelling and initially flexed and supinated upper arm position. A two plane point of care sonographic examination was carried out at each patient immediately after history taking and primary physical survey. Presence of the elevated dorsal sonographic fat pad sign(FPS) and the synovial fringe enlargement (SFE) were examined from dorsal and ventral longitudinal planes. Children with FPS positivity and/or unsuccessful reduction were x-rayed. Suspected occult fractures with persistent complains were also x-rayed on the 3rd week. Sonographic pictures and x-rays were analyzed and compared to clinical findings. RESULTS: The diagnosis of PE was confirmed in 196 cases. (95.6%). 9 children had type I. supracondylar humerus fractures. (4.39%) Out of these 2 proved to be occult fractures.(0.97%). SFE positivity was detected only in the PE group (156 cases, 76%) fractures have not shown this sign. Elevated FPS was negative in all but one PE cases, while all fractures showed FPS positivity without exception. Evaluating the two parameters together both sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value were 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The two plane sonographic point of care method is an effective tool for confirming the diagnosis of PE and excluding the presence of fractures. It is an easy, standard and objective procedure which can be used as a fast diagnostic test before reduction attempts.

The Three Step Approach to the management of acute pediatric Monteggia lesions.

BACKGROUND: The literature places the occurrence of paediatric Monteggia lesions between 1.5% and 3% of all childhood elbow injuries. There are circumstances, which may make early correct diagnosis difficult. Failure to make an early correct diagnosis may have catastrophic consequences on joint range of motion in the chronic stage. The goal of this paper is to describe our three-step approach to the treatment of acute Monteggia lesions based on the stability and radiological appearance of the fracture dislocation, to give an overview of possible pitfalls and clinical and radiological signs that aid the diagnostic process. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 23 patients treated for this type of injury at our Department over a period of 6 years was performed. Treatment options were 1. Closed reduction under image intensifier followed by immobilization in over the elbow cast, 2. Open reduction and intramedullary nailing with ESIN, or 3. Open reduction and plate osteosynthesis. Average follow-up was 37 months. In our Department we aim for definitive treatment of fracture-dislocations in children within the acute setting. In the 23 acute cases, the selected procedure-reduction+casting/reduction+ESIN/reduction+plating - was performed within 2 to 16 h of arrival. 10 patients were treated with reduction+casting, 10 with reduction+ESIN and 3 with reduction+plating. RESULTS: 21 patients were available for long-term follow-up. No nerve or tendon injuries or infections were observed in these cases. By managing the patients with the Three Step Method retaining the reduction was successful in all but one of our acute cases in the study period. Excellent range of motion was observed in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Three Step Method allows for primary definitive treatment of these lesions with low complication rates and good range of motion result. Implementing the three step method in the acute phase helps avoid catastrophic consequences on joint range of motion in the chronic stage.

Intraoperative sonography may reduce the risk of extensor pollicis longus tendon injury during dorsal entry elastic intramedullary nailing of the radius in children.

Extensor pollicis longus tendon (EPL) injury is a potential complication of dorsal entry radial elastic nailing technique in children. The aim of this study was to investigate if intraoperative ultrasonographic guidance can reduce the risk of (EPL) injury.Correlation between sonographic and operative findings were examined first in 6 adult cadavers. Position of Lister's tubercle, EPL, and extraosseal end of the elastic nail were detected by ultrasound imaging during a minimally invasive dorsal entry nailing. Radial slope of Lister's eminence was determined as a safe and easily identifiable entry point for opening the medullary canal. Extraosseal ends of the nails were bended in a slight radial direction and cut immediately beneath the skin in a maximally palmar-flexed wrist position. Cadaveric dissections followed our procedures all correlated with ultrasonographic findings, we have not seen tendon damage, obstruction or friction by the implant's end.After cadaveric experiments, we began using intraoperative sonography for monitoring elastic nail insertion in pediatric radial fractures.Between January 2015 and November 2016, 77 pediatric closed diaphyseal radial fractures were operated by dorsal approach ESIN under intraoperative sonographic checking.Procedures were executed by 2 orthopedic surgeons experienced in ESIN technique with basic musculoskeletal ultrasonographic qualifications.Sonographic identification of EPL and Lister's tubercle in the transverse view was possible in all cases. Determination of the position of the nail end to EPL was also possible in all cases. Mean distance of the transverse view center of the EPL and nail was 0.49 cm (range 0.3-0.62 cm, SD = 0.66). Based on the sonographic transverse view, the operator decided repositioning the nails by 2 patients.We have not found EPL injury postoperatively. All patients were followed for at least 12 months after operations. Nails were removed in all children without further complications.Intraoperative sonography helps determining optimal insertion point and the risk of EPL injury may be reduced during dorsal entry approach.Although the procedure is relatively easy, authors take note that surgical and sonoanatomic knowledge, basic sonographic skills and experience in the ESIN technique are equally necessary for its successful application. A greater number of cases is necessary to confirm our initial promising experiences.

Short, double elastic nailing of severely displaced distal pediatric radial fractures: A new method for stable fixation.

RATIONALE: Short double elastic nailing is a minimal invasive, modified ESIN (elastic stable intramedullary nailing) technique for severely displaced distal radial fracture in children. The aim of this technical report is to introduce our new method and evaluate the final results of the procedure. PATIENT CONCERNS: We reviewed retrospectively 24 patients who underwent short double elastic nailing due to distal radial fractures between November 2012 and December 2015. Indications for surgery included closed, severely displaced, unstable metaphyseal or diametaphyseal fractures of the radius. INTERVENTION: The fractures were stabilized by 2 prebent short elastic titanium nails inserted from the distal side of the fracture. In cases of associated ulnar fracture, a classic anterograd ESIN nailing was also performed. Patients were mobilized immediately in a removable short splint which was removed after 1 to 2 weeks. There has been no additional splinting or casting. OUTCOMES: There were 17 males and 7 females with an average age of 9.8 years (range, 4-16 years). The right hand was involved in 16 cases and the left hand in 8 cases. The average follow-up was 17.8 months (range, 7-28 months). Of the 24 patients, 3 presented irritation of the skin, which resolved after removal of the radial nail. All the patients regained full range of motion without any complications. LESSONS: Our technique is an effective, safe, and easily learnable procedure for unstable fractures of the distal third of the radius. It achieves good functional and radiological results, and allows early mobilization without the need of casting. Avoiding the physeal plates, we reduce the risk of iatrogenic postoperative deformity. Further prospective and biomechanical investigations are necessary to verify our experience.

International collaboration on prevention of shaken baby syndrome - an ongoing project/intervention.

Caring for young infants can be stressful. Non-accidental brain or head injury (shaken baby syndrome) is a result of parental stress, and a lack of knowledge of how to respond to a crying infant and the dangers of shaking a child. This article demonstrates the value of international collaboration in projects to prevent child maltreatment. It includes reports of prevention of shaken baby syndrome programmes in Australia, Hungary, Greece, Brazil and Turkey.

[The role of Integra dermal regeneration matrix in skin replacement on the upper extremity]. / Integra irharegenerációs mátrix szerepe a felso végtag borhiányainak pótlásában.

Authors report the application of Integra dermal regeneration matrix in 10 patients in 12 indications (ages 25-74 years, 6 female and 4 male patients). The smallest reconstructed area was 6 cm2, the largest was 500 cm2. Skin coverage was needed on the lower arm in two patients, on the lower arm and the hand in two patients and on the hand in six patients. Skin grafting onto the neodermis was made on days 19-25. The take rate of Integra was equal or higher than 97%, and the take rate of the skin graft was equal or higher than 90%. Integra dermal regeneration template proved to be suitable for the management of complex wounds on the hands and upper extremities.