Health-related quality of life and associated risk factors in patients with Multiple Osteochondromas: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the health-related quality of life and associated risk factors for Multiple Osteochondromas patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from May to December 2022 during the routine visit to the referral center for rare skeletal disorders. All patients with Multiple Osteochondromas aged ≥ 3 years were included. EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaires, and demographic, clinical, and surgical history data were collected. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, One-sample t-test, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Results are reported following STROBE guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 14 [SD, 10] years. The mean EQ-5D Index Value was 0.863 [SD, 0.200] and the EQ-VAS was 84 [SD, 19] with a positive correlation between two scores [r = 0.541, p < 0.001]. Patients frequently referred problems in pain/discomfort [78.8%], anxiety/depression [50%], and usual activities [38.8%] dimensions. Increasing age was the common risk factor for health-related quality of life [p < 0.000], as well as Index Value and VAS scores were significantly lower in surgical patients [p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Increasing age and surgical procedures were found highly associated with reduced health-related quality of life in Multiple Osteochondromas patients. Our findings provide relevant information to support the establishment of patient-centered healthcare pathways and pave the way for further research into medical and non-medical therapeutic strategies for these patients.

Recurrence and Complication Rates of Surgical Treatment for Blount's Disease in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Blount's disease is a growth disorder of the proximal tibia that causes progressive genu varum in children. Surgical treatment is recommended if the deformity worsens, but which intervention is best remains controversial. This study aims to identify factors influencing outcomes and determine the most effective surgical approach. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of studies published before January 2022. RESULTS: In total, 63 retrospective studies with CEBM IIIb/IV levels were included (1672 knees in 1234 patients). The most commonly reported treatment was acute correction via osteotomy (47%), followed by hemiepiphysiodesis (22%) and gradual correction (18%). Combined procedures were reported in 13% of cases. The overall recurrence rate was 18%, with a significant difference when comparing the recurrence rates after gradual correction with those after hemiepiphysiodesis (7% and 29%, respectively). Major complications beyond recurrence were observed in 5% of cases. A meta-analysis of the available raw data showed a significantly increased recurrence rate (39%) among treated children who were between 4.5 and 11.25 years of age and were followed for a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, poor evidence with which to establish an optimal treatment for Blount's disease was found. This study remarked on the need for early diagnosis, classification, and treatment of infantile tibia vara, since a significant rate of recurrence was found in neglected cases.

A 20-Year Retrospective Study of Children and Adolescents Treated by the Three-in-One Procedure for Patellar Realignment.

BACKGROUND: Patellar instability is the most common disorder of the knee during childhood and adolescence. Surgical treatment significantly reduces the rate of redislocation, but the underlying pathologies and pattern of instability may affect the results. We aimed to report the clinical and functional outcomes of the three-in-one procedure for patellar realignment in a cohort of skeletally immature patients with or without syndromes and various patterns of chronic patellar instability. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 126 skeletally immature patients (168 knees) affected by idiopathic or syndromic patellar instability, who underwent patella realignment through a three-in-one procedure. We classified the instability according to the score proposed by Parikh and Lykissas. RESULTS: Patellar dislocation was idiopathic in 71 patients (94 knees; 56.0%) and syndromic in 55 (74 knees; 44.0%). The mean age at surgery was 11.5 years (range 4-18) and was significantly lower in syndromic patients. Syndromic patients also exhibited more severe clinical pattern at presentation, based on the Parikh and Lykissas score. The mean follow-up was 5.3 years (range 1.0-15.4). Redislocation occurred in 19 cases, with 10 cases requiring further realignment. The Parikh and Lykissas score and the presence of congenital ligamentous laxity were independent predictors of failure. A total of 22 knees in 18 patients required additional surgical procedures. The post-operative Kujala score was significantly lower in patients with syndromic patellar instability. CONCLUSIONS: The type of instability and the presence of underlying syndromes negatively affect the rate of redislocation and the clinical and functional outcome following patellar realignment through the three-in-one procedure. We recommend the consideration of alternative surgical strategies, especially in children with severe syndromic patellar dislocation.

Guided Growth Technique for Epiphysiodesis and Hemiepiphysiodesis: Safety and Performance Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Guided-growth modulation is a first-line treatment widely adopted to correct lower-limb angular deformities and limb-length discrepancies (LLD) in the paediatric population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the safety and performance of a new construct (8-Plate Plus or Guided-Growth Plate System Plus, Orthofix S.r.l) used to correct angular deformities and LLD in non-skeletally mature children. The primary endpoint was safety (from plate implantation to removal). The secondary endpoint was performance; patients treated for LLD achieved complete correction if a pre- and post-surgery difference of <0 was observed; angular deformities performance was measured in terms of IMD, ICD, mMPTA, and mLDFA. RESULTS: We performed 69 procedures in 41 patients. A total of 10 patients had an LLD, and 31 had an angular deformity. We observed nine minor complications in the hemiepiphysiodesis group. One patient experienced rebound. All 10 LLD patient treatments were successful. A total of 30/31 patients with an angular deformity had a successful treatment; the remaining patient had a partial correction. CONCLUSIONS: Guided-growth by temporary epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis was safe and effective for angular deformities and limb-length discrepancies. Further prospective and/or randomized controlled trial studies assessing more significant cohorts of patients and a comparison group could add evidence to our findings.

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Clavicle in Children: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare condition due to the failure of the union process of the ossification nuclei of the clavicle. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of relevant case series about the argument to find an up-to-date base of evidence for treatment choice. (2) Methods: an electronic literature research of Ovid, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted, and articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. Demographic data, clinical features, treatment options, outcomes and complications were analyzed. (3) Results: 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, showing a poor overall study quality; 231 pediatric patients (240 clavicles) were analyzed. The condition was typically right sided, showed no sex predominance and no clear predisposing factors. 156 patients underwent surgical treatment, mainly open debridement and refresh of bony ends, fixation with pin or plate and bone graft, with a successful union rate of 87.4%. The nonunion rate was significantly higher in the allograft group (44.4%, p = 0.019). (4) Conclusions: this paper presents an updated systematic review about treatment of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle. We confirm the generally satisfactory results of surgery, demonstrating that successful union is achievable in 87.4% of cases with a prevalence of 15.7% of major complications. Nonetheless our results should be interpreted with caution due to several limitations.

The discoid lateral meniscus in children: a narrative review of pathology, diagnosis and treatment.

Background and Objective: The discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is a congenital abnormality of the meniscal shape, characterized by a typical central hypertrophy and a diameter larger than a regular meniscus, potentially leading to knee pain and symptoms, especially in children. The present study provides an update and a general review of this uncommon meniscal pathology. The incidence of discoid meniscus is about 0.4-17% for the lateral and 0.1-0.3% for the medial, although, being often asymptomatic, the true prevalence is unknown. We aim to enhance awareness on this subject to medical care provider. Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed, including articles written in English until October 2021. Key Content and Findings: The articles regarding etiology, diagnosis and management of DLM in children or in patients younger than 18 years were reviewed using the narrative approach. Conclusions: Recent literature has shown that DLM is one of the most frequent congenital anomalies of the knee encountered during childhood. While asymptomatic children with incidental finding can be managed nonoperatively, symptomatic painful DLM should be addressed surgically, restoring typical anatomy using saucerization, tear repair, and stable fixation of the meniscus. The risk of osteoarthritis progression seems to be higher in children with operated DLM, imposing prolonged follow-up and cartilage preserving strategies for these patients.

Outcomes of Temporary Hemiepiphyseal Stapling for Correcting Genu Valgum in Children with Multiple Osteochondromas: A Single Institution Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple osteochondromas is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by the presence of osteocartilaginous protrusions causing bony deformities, especially around the knee. Guided growth by temporary hemiepiphyseal stapling is the treatment of choice to correct the deformity by modulating the residual physeal growth of the lower limbs. Although this procedure is increasingly practiced, inconclusive evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in children with multiple osteochondromas. The study aims to compare the outcomes of temporary hemiepiphyseal stapling for correcting genu valgum in children with multiple osteochondromas vs. idiopathic cases. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients admitted at a single institution from 2008 to 2018. A total of 97 children (77 idiopathic, 20 multiple osteochondromas) were enclosed, accounting for 184 limbs treated by temporary hemiepiphyseal stapling. We investigated if children with multiple osteochondromas had a similar successful rate of correction, rate of complications, and correction velocity compared to children with idiopathic genu valgum. RESULTS: Overall, 151 limbs (82%) achieved complete correction or overcorrection, with idiopathic cases having a significantly higher rate of success compared to pathologic cases (88% vs. 55%; p < 0.001). In addition, multiple osteochondromas children sustained a higher rate of major complications (p = 0.021) and showed significantly lower correction velocity (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Temporary hemiepiphyseal stapling is effective in both idiopathic and multiple osteochondromas children, although the latter often achieved incomplete correction, had a higher risk of complications, and required a longer time of stapling. We suggest to anticipate the timing of intervention; otherwise, children with multiple osteochondromas and severe valgus deformity, approaching skeletal maturity, could undergo combined femoral and tibial stapling.

Neglected Fractures of the Lateral Humeral Condyle in Children; Which Treatment for Which Condition?

BACKGROUND: Neglected fractures of the lateral humeral condyle (LHC) are misdiagnosed or insufficiently treated fractures, presenting later than 3 weeks after injury. The management of neglected LHC fractures in children remains controversial. METHODS: Twenty-seven children were included in this retrospective study. Charts and medical records were investigated for demographics, time interval between injury and treatment, and type of treatment. Baseline radiographs were assessed for fracture grading and displacement. Final radiographs were investigated for bone healing, avascular necrosis, elbow deformities and growth disturbances. Complications were classified by the Clavien-Dindo-Sink (CDS) system. Outcomes were assessed according to the Dhillon Score (DhiS) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: The mean time from injury to presentation was 27 months. Treatments included nonoperative management (6 patients), "in-situ" fixation (7 patients), open reduction and internal fixation (11 patients) and corrective osteotomy (3 patients). The mean follow-up was 7 years (range: 2-16). Overall, we observed complications in 16 patients (59%); six complications were considered major (22%) and occurred in Weiss Grade 3 fractures, with lateral displacement ≥5 mm. At the latest follow-up, pain and functional scores improved in 23 of 27 patients (85%). Mean MEPS increased from an average of 62 points preoperatively to 98 points postoperatively, while mean DhiS improved on average from 5 to 8 points. CDS score and time interval between injury and treatment were independent predictors of MEPS and DhiS. CONCLUSION: Our study describes outcomes from a cohort of children undergoing different treatments for neglected LHC fractures. Prolonged time interval between injury and treatment and perioperative major complications negatively impacted the treatment outcomes. Our findings strengthen the requirement for widely agreed guidelines of surgical management in neglected LHC fractures.

Results after treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis: a systematic review and pooled data analysis.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) is one of the most common congenital disorders affecting the elbow and forearm, with the forearm being fixed in a range of positions usually varying from neutral rotation to severe pronation. The aim of this study, apart from a systematic review of all surgical procedures described for CRUS, is to derive any correlation between various influencing factors, outcomes and complications. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format by an electronic literature search of Ovid, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library databases. Grading was according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Demographic data, surgical procedures, outcomes and complications were analyzed. Outcome data were pooled to establish means and ranges across all studies. Spearman correlations were performed. A total of 23 articles, showing a poor overall study quality (all Level of Evidence IV), met the inclusion criteria. A total of 374 forearms with a mean age of 6.7 years (2.0-18.8) were analyzed. Derotational surgeries were more commonly performed (91%) than motion-preserving surgeries (9%). The mean deformity improved from 64.8° pronation (-75° to 110°) to a mean of 2.8° pronation (-50° to 80°). In total, 17.9% of patients presented with complications. A significant correlation was noted between age and major complications, proximal osteotomies and complications, and postoperative loss of reduction and double level osteotomies as the primary treatment modality. Most of the complications occurred above the threshold of 65-70° of correction and in children 7 years and above. Surgery is essential to improve the quality of life of children with CRUS. However, each type of surgery is associated with complications, along with the respective hardware being used in rotation osteotomies. Caution is, nevertheless, warranted in interpreting these results in view of the inherent limitations of the included studies.

Peripheral Nerve Compression Syndromes in Children.

Nontraumatic neuropathies of the upper limb are rare in children. In this paper, we present the latest updates in this field and also critically review the diagnosis and treatment of nerve compression syndromes in children. This review describes the most common manifestations including idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CTS occurring as a component of lysosomal storage diseases (mucopolysaccharidosis) and hereditary neuropathies, ulnar nerve neuropathy, and atraumatic radial nerve neuropathies.

Deformity progression in congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia: a report of 44 cases.

BACKGROUND: congenital posteromedial bowing of tibia (CPMBT) is a very rare birth defect, characterized by shortened bowed leg and ankle deformity. We described a single institution experience in the management of CPMBT. METHODS: we identified 44 CPMBT in 44 children. The age at presentation was 5.5 ± 5.6 years and the mean age at the final review was 10.1 ± 4.8 years. Radiographic evaluation included the antero-posterior and lateral inter-physeal angle (AP-IPA and L-IPA), the limb length discrepancy (LLD), the morphology of the distal tibia and the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA). During the study period, 26 children underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: the estimated curves showed a progressive spontaneous correction of both AP-IPA and L-IPA during growth, but a progressive increase of the LLD. The L-IPA showed a more predictable behaviour while the AP-IPA showed a scattered correction, with a wider variation of the estimated final angle. The final LDTA was 85.3° ± 4.2° and was correlated with the L-IPA (r = 0.5; p = 0.02). Among the 26 children who underwent surgical treatment, 23 cases had limb lengthening, 1 case had contralateral epiphysiodesis, 1 child underwent tibial osteotomy, 1 patient was treated by hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal tibia to correct ankle valgus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: our study described the largest case series of CPMBT. A combination of surgical treatments, in a staged surgical process, should be tailored to the developmental characteristics of this abnormality. An experience-based algorithm of treatment is also proposed. Further studies are needed to understand which is the best strategy to correct this deformity during childhood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV prognostic study.

Complications during the treatment of missed Monteggia fractures with unilateral external fixation: a report on 20 patients in a 10-year period in a tertiary referral center.

The treatment of a missed Monteggia (MM) fracture dislocation is still controversial. We describe our initial experience with ulnar osteotomy and progressive correction with unilateral external fixator in MM. We retrospectively evaluated 20 children undergoing ulnar osteotomy and progressive distraction angulation by unilateral external fixator to treat MM. Nine patients had closed reduction, whereas 11 patients had simultaneous open reduction, repair, or reconstruction of the annular ligament and K-wire stabilization of the radiocapitellar joint. Patients were followed for an average of 3 (1-11) years. Three children developed aseptic nonunion and one child had delayed union. A distal level of the osteotomy significantly increased the rate of nonunion or delayed union. At the final follow-up, eight children had complete reduction of the radial head, six children had partial reduction, whereas in six cases, the radial head remained dislocated. The angulation and the level of the osteotomy significantly influenced the relocation, whereas the open reduction had no significant effect on the final position of the radial head. At the final follow-up, the Kim's score averaged 93.25. The flexion-extension arc significantly improved postoperatively, and it was positively correlated with the angulation. The ulnar osteotomy and progressive traction-angulation by unilateral external fixator can achieve satisfactory results in MM, if a meticulous surgical technique is applied; care must be taken regarding the level of osteotomy and the progressive traction-angulation.

Comparison between modified Dunn procedure and in situ fixation for severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Background and purpose - The best treatment option for severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is still controversial. We compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of modified Dunn procedure (D) and in situ fixation (S) in severe SCFE. Patients and methods - We retrospectively compared D and S, used for severe stable SCFE (posterior sloping angle (PSA) > 50°) in 29 patients (15 D; 14 S). Propensity analysis and inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to adjust for baseline differences were performed. Patients were followed for 2-7 years. Results - Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurred in 3 patients out of 15, after D, causing conversion to total hip replacement (THR) in 2 cases. In S, 1 hip developed chondrolysis, requiring THR 3 years after surgery. 3 symptomatic femoroacetabular impingements (FAI) occurred after S, requiring corrective osteotomy in 1 hip, and osteochondroplasty in another case. The risk of early re-operation was similar between the groups. The slippage was corrected more accurately and reliably by D. The Nonarthritic Hip Score was similar between groups, after adjusting for preoperative and postoperative variables. Interpretation - Although D was superior to S in restoring the proximal femoral anatomy, without increasing the risk of early re-operation, some concern remains regarding the potential risk of AVN in group D.