Descriptive analysis of pediatric orthopedic surgical emergencies during the COVID-19 lockdown: Single-center observational study in a pandemic red-zone area in France.

INTRODUCTION: Lockdown involved strict confinement of children at home, radically affecting their way of life, with increased risk of domestic accidents and the temptation to step outside of the legal framework. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of lockdown on pediatric emergency turnover in a university reference center situated in a high-risk "red zone" and to describe specific management measures. HYPOTHESIS: Pediatric emergency turnover and the corresponding lesion mechanisms were altered by lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children undergoing emergency orthopedic surgery during lockdown (group 1) were prospectively included, then retrospectively compared to series operated on during the same period in the previous 3 years. Demographic and surgical data were analyzed, and the pathway changes that were developed were detailed. RESULTS: Turnover fell by a mean 33.5%, without change in indications. The most frequent lesions were wounds (54.3%), followed by fractures (34.3%) and infections (11.4%); the upper limbs were involved in 84.6% of cases. Lockdown had been infringed in 9.7% of traumas, mainly concerning fractures (55%). Postoperative management was modulated during lockdown in 34% of cases, without complications at the time of writing. DISCUSSION: Pediatric emergency turnover decreased, without major change in lesion mechanisms. Accidents associated with lockdown infringement were rare (<10%), demonstrating good adaptation on the part of these children living in an urban area. The adapted care pathway was beneficial, and will no doubt continue to optimize management in future, with accelerated circuits and use of telemedicine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, comparative retro-prospective study.

Is magnetic resonance imaging reliable for assessing osteosarcoma of the knee joint in children?

INTRODUCTION: The study of tumor extension in knee osteosarcomas is an essential diagnostic tool that helps determine the surgical approach. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key component in this decision-making process, but the interpretation of signals can be difficult because peritumoral edema and inflammation may be mistaken for the tumor. HYPOTHESIS: There is a discrepancy between MRI and histopathology findings in the assessment of joint involvement in pediatric osteosarcomas of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children who underwent an extra-articular resection for an osteosarcoma of the knee between 2007 and 2016 were included. This was indicated if there was at least one of the following MRI signs: presence of articular effusion, involvement of either the peripheral capsuloligamentous structures, central pivot or patella, or lesion abutting the articular cartilage. RESULTS: Nine patients were operated on with a mean age of 13±2.7 years. There were at least two of the described signs, mainly the involvement of the peripheral capsuloligamentous structures (78%) and central pivot (56%). The histopathology confirmed that the resection margins were healthy in all cases, but the indication for extra-articular resection could have been avoided in 89% of them. DISCUSSION: MRI is the current gold standard for assessing tumor extension, but the signs contraindicating the transarticular approach remain poorly defined. Joint effusion detected by clinical or radiological assessment is the least reliable one. It seems that the tumor's proximity to the articular cartilage, as long as there is no loss of continuity in the latter, or its extension into the central pivot should no longer be considered as relevant signs. The involvement of the peripheral capsuloligamentous structure remains an indication criterion because oncologic resection is otherwise impossible, and the risk of false-negative histopathologic diagnoses is higher. Other MRI sequences could better assess the true extension into the joint space. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Post-traumatic Radioulnar Synostosis in Distal Forearm Fractures in Children: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASES: Two pediatric cases of post-traumatic distal radioulnar synostosis are reported, accompanied by a literature review summarizing evidence on the management of these conditions. Radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication of distal forearm fractures, which impairs upper-extremity function. The numerous surgical procedures that have been described to treat this condition in adults typically involve synostosis resection and an interposition graft to reduce recurrence. The optimal treatment in children has not been established. CONCLUSIONS: Post-traumatic radioulnar synostoses are rare conditions in pediatric patients who can be successfully treated with surgical excision of the synostoses and without the use of interposition grafting.

Treatment of Recalcitrant Nonunion of the Radius With Posterior Interosseous Bone Flap in Children.

BACKGROUND: Forearm nonunion is a rare condition in children, and its treatment is usually successful. However, nontraumatic nonunion can be resistant to treatment. Although the vascularized fibular bone graft has been frequently used for complex forearm nonunion, there is no consensus on the best treatment method. In this study, we aimed to investigate the outcome of the antegrade posterior interosseous bone flap (PIBF) in treating children with complex radius nonunion. METHODS: The participants consisted of 3 girls and 1 boy ranging from 31 months to 9 years of age. They were treated with PIBF surgery, and the nonunion of the radius was fixed with a plate or an external fixator. The nonunion was due to congenital pseudoarthrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or infantile osteomyelitis. All patients were evaluated for a clinical and radiologic union. RESULTS: The radiologic union was achieved 2 to 3 months after the surgery in all cases. The functional recovery of the elbow, forearm, and wrist was satisfactory except for 1 patient who experienced donor site fracture, and finally radioulnar synostosis accompanied by radial head dislocation. CONCLUSION: Because of the simplicity of its technique and short duration of surgery, PIBF can be a reliable and less-demanding alternative to vascularized fibular bone graft in the treatment of complex forearm nonunion in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Surgically Treated Pediatric Hand and Fingers Palmar Wounds Caused by Metal Fences: Analysis Over a 5-Year Period.

BACKGROUND: Hand wounds are frequent in children (31% of hand injuries) and one possible mechanism responsible for profound laceration is metal fences while climbing. These injuries usually require a surgical look to explore soft-tissue damages, but the literature is poor regarding surgical findings and outcomes after this kind of traumatism. The aim of the study was therefore to report a consecutive series of hand and finger wounds caused by metal fences in children, focusing on surgical findings and potential complications. METHODS: All consecutive hand or finger deep wounds caused by metal fences treated between January 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were age below 18 years and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Complications and surgical revisions were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1265 patients were operated for hand or finger deep wounds during the study period, among which 74 were caused by metal fences. The mean age at surgery was 11.3±0.4 years, and the majority of patients were men (80%). Associated injuries were found in 55.4% of the patients including nerves (n=29) or tendons sections/disinsertion (n=6), and sheath (n=16) and pulleys (n=6) tearing. At a mean follow-up of 2.6±0.2 years, 12% of the patients required revision surgery for an irreducible flexion contracture secondary to a contractile scar and consisted of complete scar excision and zigzag flap. Additional tenoarthrolysis was required during the procedure, for 6 patients because of a persisting flexion contracture after excision. CONCLUSIONS: Metal fences surgical palmar wounds in children are impressive lesions by their extended skin damages. Serious associated lesions (collateral pedicle or flexor tendons) were found in 1 case of 3. However, these injuries are not benign and should be carefully monitored clinically during the first postoperative month to look for potential contractile scars that can require revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.

Upper limb extravasation of cytotoxic drugs: results of the saline washout technique in children.

PURPOSE: Extravasation of cytotoxic vesicant drugs is a surgical emergency (within six hours) since this incident can lead to severe skin and soft-tissue damage. Outcomes after the saline washout procedure have been extensively described in adults, but rarely in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of early saline washout procedure for upper limb cytotoxic drug extravasation in children. METHODS: All consecutive children with vesicant drug extravasation were retrospectively reviewed. The saline washout procedure was performed. Cosmetic aspect, residual pain and range of movement were analyzed as well as time to surgery and chemotherapy resumption at last follow-up. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2018, 13 cytotoxic vesicant drug extravasations occurred (mean age 8 years (sem 5)), including 11 treated by the saline washout procedure. At mean follow-up of 11 months (sem 7), the patients had no or low pain and ranges of movement were fully conserved. Two patients (one within the six hours' delay) had soft-tissue necrosis leading to extensive reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: The saline washout procedure is safe and easy and significantly reduces the incidence of extensive skin damage. Early referral to a specialized department is essential. However, the key parameter remains prevention by educating medical staff and nurses about these injuries and by training them for early and urgent management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

External fixation: Role in decreasing postoperative complications of complex syndactyly release - A review of 18 patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary and revision surgery for complete complex congenital syndactyly (CCCS) of the hand carries a risk of complications such as web maceration, which can result in flap or graft loss and alter the final appearance. No consensus emerges from the scant published data on postoperative care after CCCS surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the role for temporary external fixation in stabilising the commissure and facilitating surgical wound care. HYPOTHESIS: Using external fixation after CCCS release facilitates postoperative wound care and decreases the complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients requiring primary CCCS surgery or revision CCCS surgery due to adhesions or web creep were included in a single-centre retrospective study. After release, an external fixator made of Kirschner pins was installed to temporarily immobilise the inter-phalangeal joints. The dressing was changed every 3 days for 3 weeks, and the external fixator was then removed. The parents and nurses completed questionnaires that used 0-10 point scales to assess ease and duration of dressing changes and perceptions and apprehensions experienced by parents and nurses, as well as pain by patients, during dressing changes. RESULTS: No patient experienced maceration or failure of a graft or flap. Pin site discharge was noted in 1 patient and resolved fully after pin removal. Pain intensity was estimated at 4.2/10 during the first dressing change and 1.3/10 during the last dressing change. In the parents, apprehension was 9.6/10 and 5.1/10 during the first and last dressing changes, and stress was 8.1/10 and 4.1/10, respectively. Dressing change difficulty was rated 1.1/10 at the first and 0.9/10 at the last dressing change. Dressing change duration decreased from 13 to 10minutes. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results support temporary commissure stabilisation by an external fixator to decrease postoperative complication rates and facilitate dressing changes after CCCS release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

Complications and Pitfalls after Finger Replantation in Young Children.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Objective The authors report surgical outcome in a series of very young children who underwent finger replantation after traumatic amputation. Methods During a 10-year period, 65 children were treated with replantation for finger amputation in two institutions. This study focused on replantation of 15 fingers in 13 young patients under 6 years of age (mean age: 2.9 years; range: 1.1-5.7 years). Early postoperative complications were categorized into major or minor. At the time of assessment, the authors evaluated everyday life activities, pain and cold tolerance, total active range of motion (TAM) in patients with successful replantation, and growth disturbance. Results The overall success rate for children younger than 6 years was 47% (7 out of 15), and the authors had 67% of major complications, mainly in patients with crush injuries. There was venous ischemia in 13 (86%) fingers treated with controlled bleeding. The hemoglobin level decreased more than 2 g/dL in six patients, and blood transfusion was necessary in two patients. At the last follow-up, patients with successful replantation had a mean TAM of 72%. Conclusion Despite numerous complications mainly in relation with venous congestion, the functional outcome is satisfactory after successful replantation in young children, which should always be attempted. Level of Evidence/Type of Study Level III, case series, therapeutic study.

Autologous arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis using microsurgery techniques in children weighing less than 20 kg.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the efficiency and longevity of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis (HD) in children weighing ≤20 kg. METHODS: We collected data of all AVFs created using microsurgery techniques between 1988 and 2015. Success was considered as the ability to use the AVF for HD. Primary and secondary patency rates were measured. RESULTS: Forty-eight AVFs (35 forearm, 13 upper arm) were created in 41 children with a median weight of 13.5 kg (range 5.5-20). The need for a second AVF was significantly higher in younger and thinner children at the time of AVF creation (p = 0.046 and p = 0.019, respectively). Successful use for HD occurred in 42 AVFs (87.5%), while six (12.5%) resulted in failure for early thrombosis or nonmaturation. Median time to first cannulation was 18.8 weeks (range 2-166.3). Primary and secondary patency rates at 1, 5, and 10-year follow-ups were 54.2%, 29.2%, and 13.7%; and 85.4%, 57.7%, and 33%, respectively. Almost one third of thromboses after first AVF cannulation were observed at kidney transplantation (KT) perioperatively. At the end of the follow-up (median duration 5.07 years, range 0-17.95), one patient was still on HD via AVF, two died of unrelated reason, and 38 were transplanted-one of whom returned to HD with a new AVF. CONCLUSIONS: AVF using microsurgery techniques is feasible in young children, showing an early failure rate of 12.5%. Time to first cannulation may be rather long, but secondary patency is excellent. Thrombosis rate is high during KT.

Pulseless supracondylar humeral fractures in children: vascular complications in a ten year series.

PURPOSE: The management of pulseless supracondylar fractures remains controversial. The aims of this study were to: (1) analyse functional and vascular outcomes of conservative treatment for cases with absent pulse before reduction, whether patients showed limb ischaemia or not; and (2) identify factors associated with vascular complications. METHODS: Twenty-seven children with absent pulses on presentation were treated consecutively between 1999 and 2009. The brachial artery was surgically explored in cases of persistent signs of ischaemia after reduction. Signs of vascular impairment were recorded in the early post-operative period and at a mean final follow-up of 3.5 years. RESULTS: Recurrent ischaemia with a compartment syndrome occurred in a patient with initial ischaemia and a pink, pulseless hand after reduction. Patients with an initially well-perfused hand and those with pre-operative ischaemia and palpable pulses after reduction had satisfactory outcomes, as did patients with early arterial exploration. No patient showed signs of chronic vascular impairment. The need for vascular repair was significantly correlated with open fracture, initial ischaemia and nerve impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of supracondylar fractures with absent pulses avoided long-term vascular complications provided that patients with a pulseless, well-perfused hand on presentation were closely monitored after reduction. Further study is necessary to determine whether a forearm Doppler would help identify children with absent pulses after reduction who need surgical revascularisation due to an insufficient collateral circulation.

Video-assisted functional assessment of index pollicisation in congenital anomalies.

PURPOSE: Functional results of index pollicisation are usually assessed by the clinical score of Percival. This score is based on elementary hand movements and does not reflect the function of the neo thumb in daily life activities. The aim of this study was to develop a new video-assisted scoring system based on daily life activities to assess index pollicisation functional outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive children, operated between 1998 and 2012, were examined with a mean of 77 months after surgery. The mean age at surgery was 34 months. Post-operative results were evaluated by a new video-assisted 14-point scoring system consisting of seven basic tasks that are frequently used in daily activities. The series of tasks was performed both on the request of the examiner and in real-life conditions with the use of a hidden camera. Each video recording was examined by three different examiners. Each examiner rated the video recordings three times, with an interval of one week between examinations. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were calculated. RESULTS: Inter- and intra-observer agreements were excellent both on request (κ = 0.87 [0.84-0.97] for inter-observer agreement and 0.92 [0.82-0.98] for intra-observer agreement) and on hidden camera (κ = 0.83 [0.78-0.91] for inter-observer agreement and 0.89 [0.83-0.96] for intra-observer agreement). The results were significantly better on request than on hidden camera (p = 0.045). The correlation between the video-assisted scoring system and the Percival score was poor. CONCLUSION: The video-assisted scoring system is a reliable tool to assess index pollicisation functional outcomes. The scoring system on hidden camera is more representative of the neo thumb use in daily life complex movements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comparative study of 2 commissural dorsal flap techniques for the treatment of congenital syndactyly.

BACKGROUND: Many commissural reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of syndactyly. This study is the first to compare long-term results of 2 commissural dorsal flap procedures (T-flap and omega-flap). METHODS: Fifty-nine web-spaces in 39 patients, operated on between 1991 and 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six T-flap and 23 omega-flap procedures were performed using full-thickness skin graft in every case for digital resurfacing. Factors that could affect the long-term outcome were collected, including development of web-creep, clinodactyly, and flexion contracture. Patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 5 years and 8 months. RESULTS: Preoperative complexity of syndactyly influenced the development of clinodactyly and flexion contracture. Among the patients who developed clinodactyly, 96% had surgery for complex syndactyly. No difference was found between the 2 flap methods concerning digital deformation and mobility. However, web-creep occurred more frequently after T-flap than after omega-flap procedures (17% vs. 5%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of either dorsal commissural T-flaps or omega-flaps with full-thickness graft to resurface digits is a reliable technique for the treatment of syndactyly with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Long-term results are not influenced by the type of flap. Nevertheless, the omega-flap technique, using 2 triangular lateral-palmar flaps, avoids use of skin graft to cover lateral-palmar aspects of the new commissure, consequently reducing the incidence of web-creep. In cases of syndactyly, the primary prognostic factor is whether the patient has simple or complex syndactyly. In complex syndactyly, the risk of long-term unfavorable results is higher. When complex complicated syndactyly is involved, postoperative complication rates increase. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis: clinical and functional results at maturity.

BACKGROUND: Thirty to 60% of hereditary multiple exostoses patients have forearm deformities. There is no consensus regarding optimal therapy. This long-term retrospective study is the first to compare radiologic and clinical data with patient assessments, to define more precise surgical indications. METHODS: All children presenting with hereditary multiple exostose during the period from 1990 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Masada forearm deformity classification, treatment, clinical course, and radiologic data were included from the preoperative period to the last follow-up. Operated mature patients self-assessed their functional handicap using the QuickDASH score. RESULTS: Eighteen children (27 forearms) were included. Thirteen of the children had forearm operations, one twice, on the average at 11.1 ± 3 years of age. The average age at last follow-up was 17.6 ± 3.7 years. Data analysis showed no significant functional and radiologic improvement between the early postoperative period and last follow-up. Average QuickDASH score was 15.3 ± 14.9 (out of 100), indicating minor self-assessed handicap despite major clinical and radiologic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic radial head instability appears to be an indication for ulnar lengthening surgery. Even severe deformity without dislocation may be managed conservatively given the lack of postoperative functional improvement. Corrective radial osteotomy may be considered near the end of the growth spurt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Digital avulsion with compromised vascularization: study of 23 cases in children.

BACKGROUND: Avulsion of a digit has not always been an indication for replantation because of extensive injuries. The advent of microsurgery changed this, permitting avulsed digit replantations with varying rates of success. The aim of this study was to analyze surgical management of finger avulsion injuries of an exclusively pediatric series. METHODS: A retrospective study of children with finger avulsion injuries and compromised arterial circulation degloving or amputation, treated primarily in our institution between 1997 and 2007. Factors that could affect the outcome included demographic and clinical data, description of the lesion using Urbaniak's and Tamai's classification, technical data related to surgery, and results of revascularization were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-three children with 23 digital injuries were identified as digital avulsions with compromised vascularization. The mean age was 11 years and 8 months (range, 2 to 15 y). Four cases involved devascularization classified as Urbaniak 2 and the other 19 cases involved amputation or complete degloving, classified as Urbaniak 3. In 7 cases, replantation was not performed because of the extent of the lesions (all were classified as Urbaniak 3). The complete survival rate when revascularization or replantation was attempted was 25%. One case required a new procedure 6 days after the first surgery with a trans-P2 amputation. Injuries classified as Urbaniak 2 had an overall survival rate of 75% and injuries classified Urbaniak 3 had an overall survival rate of 5.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The global rate of survival after revascularization or replantation of avulsed fingers in children seemed to be poor. Urbaniak classification is an important prognostic factor with a good prognosis for lesions classified as Urbaniak 2 and a very poor prognosis for lesions classified as Urbaniak 3.

Six years follow-up of a penis replantation in a child.

Total amputation of the penis is very rare in a child. This article presents a case of a traumatic penile amputation at the base of the perineum, with scissors, in a 4-year-old child. Six hours after the aggression, the penis was replanted. Three weeks after the intervention, except for skin necrosis, the results were excellent. Six years afterward, this child has done very well from pediatric, psychological, urological, and plastic surgery points of view. Sensibility and erections are present and normal. Longer follow-ups particularly during puberty are necessary. Total amputation of the penis is a very rare accident in a child. Partial lesions are more common, particularly during circumcision. As in adult cases, replantation of the penis in a child needs a clean section by scissors or a knife, a correct conservation of the penis (in ice but without direct contact), and a short period between the lesion and the surgical procedure. All these conditions explain that very few cases are reported in the literature. We present a case of amputation of the penis in a 4-year-old child, with good results 6 years afterward.

[Conservative treatment of clubfoot: the Functional Method and its long-term follow-up]. / Carpik ayagin konservatif tedavisi: Fonksiyonel Yöntem ve uzun dönemli izlem.

Despite the presence of a considerable number of papers published in the international literature, talipes equinovarus keeps its secrets. Conservative methods of treatment are currently accepted as advantageous over surgery. Prediction of the future of a clubfoot after treatment is not possible, for this reason, a long-term follow-up is needful. A true Functional Method based solely on gentle manipulations has been used for more than thirty years. Its aim is to correct the deformity and to allow the child to walk without delay. The principle of this method is to distract joint contractures prior to progressive correction of the deformity. No selection is made regarding the severity of the deformity and its etiology. Family plays an important role in performing routine manipulations at home. Concerning this Functional Method, three main series have been published by our team, with excellent-good results accounting for up to 77%. We believe that our Functional Method of conservative treatment of clubfoot is an appropriate way for correction of the deformity and its stabilization.

Buruli's ulcer: three cases diagnosed and treated in France.

The authors report three cases of skin ulcer, called Buruli's ulcer. This is a tropical disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The diagnosis is often belated, because the infection is rare in Europe. Diagnosis is based on the clinical aspects, and can be confirmed by a biopsy and a molecular study. A culture is needed to test antibiotics. Treatment is always surgical, including a wide excision of all lesions, and specific oral antibiotics for 6 months.