Plantar intermetatarsal perforator flap for first web skin-graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Foot-syndactyly has long been managed through conventional surgical procedures, each having its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. While these methods, which do not require skin grafts, exhibit a lower incidence of long-term complications, they lead to undesirable scarring on the dorsal side of the foot and reduced patient satisfaction. In this study, we introduce an innovative technique involving an intermetatarsal plantar flap, supported by an anatomical investigation and clinical application. METHODS: Eight freshly preserved lower limbs were injected with colored latex to examine the cutaneous vessels on the plantar surface, a skin-flap was designed in an elliptical shape to address first web conjoined toes. The flap was extended from the center of each affected ray measuring ~30% of the sole's length. Using the mentioned novel approach, a flap was created and dorsally extended with a straight incision to release bilateral simple foot-syndactyly in an 8-year-old child presented with Apert's Syndrome. RESULTS: We identified cutaneous branches originating either from the medial plantar vessels or the lateral proper artery of the hallux. On average, the mean number of cutaneous branches found over the first intermetatarsal web spaces was 5.8 (ranging from 5 to 8) most of them originating from medial plantar vessels with a mean of 5.1 branches (range 4-6) while proper lateral great-toe digital artery provided a mean of 0.6 branches (range 0-2). Intra-operatively, in our patient, advancing the plantar flap ensured complete coverage of the commissure, obviating the necessity for skin grafts. Incisions healed uneventfully and a wide first web was obtained. Over a 15 months follow-up, no complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the skin-graftless first web release of syndactyly using a plantar intermetatarsal flap is a reliable and straightforward procedure with good cosmetic results, offering a promising alternative to conventional techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Treatment of Freiberg's disease using a reverse pedicled metatarsal bone flap: Case report.

Despite no surgical procedures receiving unanimous support for treating Freiberg's disease, several surgical treatment options have been described. For the past few years, bone flaps have been shown in children to present promising regenerative properties. We report a novel technique using a reverse pedicled metatarsal bone flap from the first metatarsal to treat one case of Freiberg's disease in a 13-year-old female. The patient presented 100% involvement of the second metatarsal head, with a 6 × 2 mm defect, unresponsive to 16 months of conservative measures. A 7 mm × 3 mm pedicled metatarsal bone flap (PMBF) was obtained from the lateral proximal first metatarsal metaphysis, mobilized and pedicled distally. It was inserted at the dorsum of the distal metaphysis of the second metacarpal towards the center of the metatarsal head, reaching the subchondral bone. Initial favorable clinical and radiological results were maintained for over 36 months during the last follow-up. Based on the powerful vasculogenic and osteogenic properties of bone flaps, this novel technique could effectively induce bone revascularization and prevent further collapse of the metatarsal's head.

Pedicled palmar intermetacarpal perforator flap for skin-graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsal hand skin flaps have been described in order to avoid digit skin grafting in syndactyly release. Although these skin-graftless techniques present a lower rate of long term complications, they result in unsightly dorsal scarring and worse patient satisfaction. We describe a novel technique using an intermetacarpal palmar flap by performing an anatomic study and clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten colored-latex-injected fresh upper limbs were used to study the palmar cutaneous perforators to second to fourth intermetacarpal space skin flaps designed elliptical, its width extending from the center of each involved ray and measuring 40%-50% the length of the palm. RESULTS: The anatomical study revealed a mean 2.77 (range 1 to 4) cutaneous perforators originating from either the common or proper digital vessels for every intermetacarpal space and measuring 0.4 mm (range 0.3 to 0.5 mm) in diameter. CLINICAL APPLICATION: This flap, measuring a mean of 21.5 mm (range 20 to 23 mm) in length and 9.5 mm (range 9 to 10 mm) in width, was used to release simple syndactylies in three patients of mean age 24 months (range = 18-30 months). After skin incision, cutaneous septa to the digital canal were released to permit flap advancement to the web space. Cutaneous perforators were not dissected. Intra-operative palmar-flap advancement provided commissure coverage in all children with no skin grafts needed. Over a mean follow-up of 15 months, no complications occurred, mean palm scar VSS was 2.4 (range 2 to 3) while it was 3 (range 3 to 3) for the commissure scars. CONCLUSIONS: Skin-graftless syndactyly release using a palmar intermetacarpal flap seems both reliable and easy-to-perform. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Real-world evidence to assess the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of knee degenerative pathology: a prospective observational study.

Objective: The present work aims to analyse the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in degenerative knee pathology based on real-world data and to evaluate possible factors influencing the response to treatment. Methods: In total, 531 cases were analysed collecting data on gender, age, body mass index, pathology location, severity, number of cycles and route of administration. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 6 and 15 months after treatment, using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and obtaining percentages of Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII). Blood and PRP samples were randomly tested as a quality control measure to ensure the correct properties. Comparative statistical tests and multivariate regression were performed for the analysis of the variables. Results: The PRP applied had a platelet concentration factor of 1.67, with no leukocytes or erythrocytes. The percentage of patients with MCII at 6 and 15 months after PRP application was 59.32% and 70.62%, respectively. Patients with MCII were younger (p = 0.0246) and with lower body mass index (p = 0.0450). The treatment had a better response in mild/moderate cases than in severe cases (p = 0.0002). Intraosseous PRP application in severe cases improved the effect of intraarticular PRP (p = 0.0358). The application of a second cycle of PRP only improved the response in patients without MCII at 6 months (p = 0.0029), especially in mild/moderate cases (p = 0.0357). Conclusion: The applications of PRP in degenerative knee pathologies is an effective treatment, but this effectiveness nonetheless depends on several variables. Real-world data can complement that from clinical trials to provide valuable information.

Triceps to teres minor motor nerve transfer to restore glenohumeral external rotation after neonatal brachial plexus injury.

INTRODUCTION: Attaining active glenohumeral external rotation (aGHER), whether via primary reconstruction or spontaneous recovery, is infrequent in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPI). We evaluated the effectiveness of triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfers to restore this function, both performed primarily (i.e., in conjunction with microsurgical plexus reconstruction) or secondarily (after primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 12 children with NBPI undergoing triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfer via an axillary approach, six undergoing primary surgery and six secondary. The primary outcome was post-operative restoration of aGHER in abduction. The primary-surgery group consisted of six children of mean age 8 months (range 5-11) with partial injuries ranging from C5-C6 to C5-C8. The secondary-surgery group included six patients with C5-C6 injuries of mean age 43 months (range 23-120), undergoing re-operation a mean 40 months (range 18-116) after their primary surgery. RESULTS: No complications occurred after surgery. At a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 14-30), aGHER in abduction only was restored in one patient in the primary group while in the secondary group, aGHER in abduction was restored in all patients to a mean 73° (range 70-80) after a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 6-26). CONCLUSIONS: Triceps-to-teres minor motor branch transfer is not indicated as primary surgery for NBPI. However, they can be effective in children in whom primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER, even if the spinal accessory nerve is unavailable for transfer to the infraspinatus motor branch.

Unsuccessful mid-term results for distal humeral hemiepiphysiodesis to treat cubitus varus deformity in young children.

Cubitus varus is the most common complication following a pediatric humeral supracondylar fracture. No reports are available on the result of hemiepiphysiodesis to correct this deformity. We report the use of a transphyseal crossed cannulated screw (Metaizeau technique) in five very young children (mean 3 years and 7 months). No correction was observed after a mean of 3 years and 10 months of follow-up. The low growing capacity of the distal humeral physis makes corrective osteotomy the procedure of choice for cubitus varus deformity correction in children.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: Rate of and time to bone union following contralateral vascularized periosteal tibial graft transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is one of the most challenging orthopedic disorders. The use of a vascularized tibial periosteal grafts has been recently reported as a powerful tool to obtain bone union. We report its use in CPT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective short-term study of 29 children (18 male/11 female, 15 right-sided/14 left-sided) of mean age 45 months (range 11-144 months), operated upon after October 2014. Nonunion site was debrided, and the periosteum of the involved limb was excised. A vascularized tibial periosteal graft (mean length 10.7 cm (range 9-15 cm) with a monitoring skin island (mean length 4.1 cm (range 3-5 cm) and based on the anterior tibial vessels, was obtained from the contralateral tibia. Anterior tibial vessels were always the recipient vessels. Most cases were stabilized with an LCP plate. The rate of and time to bone union were analyzed. Charts only were evaluated through the first 3 months after bone union was achieved. RESULTS: The flap survived and bone union was obtained in all cases, through a periosteal callus, in a mean time of 5.1 weeks (range 3-6 weeks). Mean follow-up was 8.3 months (range 7-19 months). No union failures occurred 3 months after resuming unprotected weight bearing. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel technique produced a consistent, rapid capacity for CPT union, superior to previously-reported techniques. However, it cannot be recommended as a standard method of treatment until consistent, long-term, refracture-free follow-up is documented.

Gartland Type-IV Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Preoperative Radiographic Features and a Hypothesis on Causation.

BACKGROUND: The diagnose of Gartland Type-IV (G-IV) supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) has been reported to only be possible via fluoroscopy intra-operatively. HYPOTHESIS: A preoperative radiographic fracture pattern can indicate a G-IV SCHF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective qualitative analysis of radiographs and reduction techniques used in twenty-seven GIV SCHF. RESULTS: Anterior-posterior radiographs demonstrated lateral translation or angulation in 21 cases (valgus type) and medial translation or angulation in 6 cases (varus type). In spite of a complete cortical disruption, lateral radiographs showed that the distal fragment was vertically aligned with the proximal fragment. Reduction was achieved in semi-extension, via supination in valgus type fracture and pronation for varus type fractures. DISCUSSION: Our conjecture is that a trauma vector in the coronal plane would result in a near-circumferential periosteal disruption, with which either a medial or lateral periosteal hinge remains. The distal fragment would be vertically aligned in lateral radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Diagnostic.

Vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap for forearm nonunion in children.

We report our experience with the use of a vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap to treat forearm nonunion in children. Seven children underwent surgical treatment of radial diaphysis nonunion with this technique. The mean duration of nonunion prior to the flap was 9 months. Significant postoperative improvements were observed in pain severity (mean visual analogue scale score of 0.6), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (mean score of 7.1) and grip strength (89% higher than preoperative status). Union was achieved in all patients, with a mean time to union of 3 months. One patient developed distal radioulnar synostosis as a postoperative complication. A vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap is a reliable and versatile technique for treating forearm nonunion in children, associated with both good outcomes and low donor morbidity.Level of evidence: IV.

Treatment of hallux valgus in children and adolescents.

Juvenile hallux valgus is one of the most common pathologies of the forefoot in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, its treatment is still controversial. This deformity has some distinct anatomical features, particularly a lateral tilt of the articular facet of the head of the first metatarsal and congenital metatarsus adductus, which often occur in combination. Some mediocre surgical treatment results can be explained by the lack of correction of all these factors when we approach the problem as we would in adults. A double osteotomy to correct the DMAA and varus of the first metatarsal is a good solution in most cases with satisfactory functional outcomes. A percutaneous approach seems efficient in the pediatric population, given that the periosteum and growth plates, which are very active in younger children, help the osteotomies to heal and remodel. Guided growth surgery - using this approach is a viable alternative in this age bracket. Finally, minimally invasive surgery for juvenile hallux valgus allows another surgery to be done on minimally or undamaged tissues if needed later on.

Free vascularized iliac periosteal graft for bilateral forearm nonunion reconstruction in a child with bilateral transfemoral amputation.

Vascularized periosteal flaps have been reported as very effective for treating biologically complex bone nonunion in pediatric patients, owing to their high angiogenic and osteogenic potentials. The purpose of this article is to report a case of a 6-year-old patient with nonunion involving both forearms and a very limited bone flap donor site in the context of prior bilateral transfemoral amputation due to meningococcal sepsis. Two free vascularized iliac periosteal flaps (VIPF), supplied by the deep circumflex iliac vessels, were used in two stages to reconstruct the forearms. In the first stage, the left forearm, which had a diaphyseal bone defect of 5 cm diameter in the ulna and 4 cm in the radius, was combined with an iliac-crest bone allograft, fixed with two longitudinal 1.8 mm Kirschner wires and surrounded with a free VIPF of 24 cm2 . Consolidation was achieved 3 months after left forearm surgery, while complete allograft revascularization and remodeling was observed at 12 months. In the second stage, the right forearm, which had a diaphyseal bone defect of 3 cm diameter in the ulna and 1 cm in the radius, was fixed the radius with a 2.7 mm plate and surrounded with a free VIPF of 24 cm2 . The radius nonunion healed 6 weeks after surgery. There were no postoperative complications. Two years postoperatively, the patient had again resumed his arm gait painlessly and without a splint. VIPF may be considered a valuable and reliable surgical option for nonunion reconstruction in complex clinical scenarios in children.

Arthroscopic Calcaneonavicular Coalition and Too-long Anterior Process of the Calcaneus Resection in Children.

Persistent symptomatic calcaneonavicular coalition (CNC) and too-long anterior process of the calcaneus (TLAP) are congenital disorders that can benefit from surgical treatment. The arthroscopic technique for CNC and TLAP resection has previously been described. The aim of this prospective study was to describe outcomes following arthroscopic resection of 12 (38.71%) CNC and 19 (61.29%) TLAP cases in 30 consecutive pediatric patients treated between July 2009 and March 2013. There mean age was 12.4 (range 10 to 15) years, and the mean follow-up was 55.2 (range 24 to 79) months. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, AOFAS pain scores, and patient satisfaction were assessed. All final postoperative imaging scans revealed complete synostosis resection without recurrence. The mean overall AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score increased from 78.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.74 to 81.01) to 93.06 (95% CI 91.10 to 95.03) (p < .001). All patients showed pain reduction after surgery; even 1 patient (3.23%) who initially developed complex regional pain syndrome eventually had a successful outcome. The mean AOFAS pain score increased from 23.87 (95% CI 22.05 to 25.69) to 34.84 (95% CI 32.97 to 36.70) (p < .001). All patients were either satisfied (n = 9 [30%]) or very satisfied (n = 21 [70%]) with the intervention at the final follow-up. Although both arthroscopic CNC and TLAP resection are demanding techniques, they allow for precise coalition resection through a less invasive approach, which may ultimately lead to faster recovery and improved outcomes.

Outcomes following endoscopic-assisted Woodward procedure for Sprengel deformity.

PURPOSE: An endoscopic-assisted approach for Sprengel deformity has been previously reported. Our objective was to assess outcomes of the endoscopic Woodward procedure in a series of patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of children with a Sprengel deformity treated between November 2014 and February 2018. Recorded data were demographic, pre- and postoperative active shoulder elevation and deformity severity according to Cavendish. RESULTS: A total of 12 children (four girls and eight boys, ten right-sided/two left-sided) with a mean age of nine years two months (3 years 5 months to 16 years 1 month) and mean follow-up 19.8 months (10 to 48) were assessed. Nine children were classified as Cavendish Grade III and three as grade IV, respectively. Mean preoperative active shoulder forward elevation was 100.8° (70° to 120°), while postoperatively it increased to 149.2° (100° to 170°). Mean preoperative scapular high difference was 4.5 cm (2.8 to 5.2), while postoperatively it was 1.33 cm (0 to 2.8). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic assisted Woodward procedure is an effective technique. Further comparative studies will ascertain advantages in functional and cosmetic results compared to the standard Woodward procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.

Effect of vascularized periosteum on revitalization of massive bone isografts: An experimental study in a rabbit model.

INTRODUCTION: In the last years, limb salvage has become the gold standard treatment over amputation. Today, 90% of extremity osteogenic sarcomas can be treated with limb salvage surgery. However, these reconstructions are not exempt from complications. Massive allografts have been associated to high risk of nonunion (12-57%), fracture (7-30%) and infection (5-21%). Association of vascularized periosteum flap to a massive bone allograft (MBA) has shown to halve the average time of allograft union in clinical series, even compared to vascularized fibular flap. Creeping substitution process has been reported in massive allograft when periosteum flap was associated. However, we have little data about whether it results into allograft revitalization. We hypothesize that the association of a periosteum flap to a bone isograft promotes isograft revitalization, defined as the colonization of the devitalized bone by new-form vessels and viable osteocytes, turning it vital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four New Zealand white male rabbits underwent a 10 mm segmental radial bone defect. In 24 rabbits the bone excision included the periosteum (controls); in 20 rabbits (periosteum group) bone excision was performed carefully detaching periosteum in order to preserve it. Cryopreserved bone isograft from another rabbit was trimmed and placed to the defect gap and was fixed with a retrograde intramedullar 0.6 mm Kirschner wire. Rabbits were randomized and distributed in 3 subgroups depending on the follow-up (control group: 5 rabbits in 5-week follow up group, 8 rabbits in 10-week follow-up group, 7 rabbits in 20-week follow-up group; periosteum group: 5 rabbits in 5-week follow up group, 7 rabbits in 10-week follow-up group, 7 rabbits in 20-week follow-up group). Fluoroscopic images of rabbit forelimb were taken after sacrifice to address union. Each specimen was blindly evaluated in optical microscope (magnification, ×4) after hematoxylin and eosin staining to qualitative record: presence of new vessels and osteocytes in bone graft lacunae (yes/no) to address revitalization, presence of callus (yes/no) and woven bone and cartilage tissue area (mm2 ) to address remodeling (osteoclast resorption of old bone and substitution by osteoblastic new bone formation). RESULTS: No isograft revitalization occurred in any group, but it was observed bone graft resorption and substitution by new-formed bone in periosteum group. This phenomenon was accelerated in 5-week periosteum group (control group: 49.5 ± 9.6 mm2 vs. periosteum group: 34.9 ± 10.4 mm2 ; p = .07). Remodeled lamellar bone was observed in both 20-week groups (control group: 6.1 ± 6.3 mm2 vs. periosteum group: 5.8 ± 3.0 mm2 , p = .67). Periosteum group showed complete integration and graft substitution, whereas devitalized osteons were still observed in 20-week controls. All periosteum group samples showed radiographic union through a bone callus, whereas controls showed nonunion in eight specimens (Union rate: control group 60% vs. periosteum group 100%, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Association of vascularized periosteum to a massive bone isograft has shown to accelerate bone graft substitution into a newly formed bone, thus, no bone graft revitalization occurs.

Analysis of dynamic elbow flexion deformity in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy affects 1 per 1.000 children, and in 83% of the cases upper extremity is involved. Dynamic elbow flexion deformity is a movement disorder observed in individuals with hemiparesis secondary to cerebral palsy. We sought to determine whether children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy exhibit dynamic elbow flexion deformity during daily activities and its influence to reaching function. METHODS: Sixteen children with upper limb hemiparesis and cerebral palsy (age 11y 7mo (SD 3y 2mo); 11 boys, 5 girls; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II) were included in this observational descriptive study. Manual Ability Classification System, Children's Hand-use Experience Questionnaire and Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation were used to evaluate affected upper extremity function. Spasticity was assessed with Modified Ashworth scale. Involuntary elbow flexion was recorded in eight daily activities. Elbow motion during reach function was measured. FINDINGS: Fifteen out of 16 individuals showed dynamic elbow flexion deformity. There was a significative increase of involved median elbow flexion in all the activities studied, except for "high speed stairs climbing" evaluation. Children's Hand-use Experience Questionnaire showed that children were independent in most of the daily activities (21 out of 29). Correlation between dynamic elbow flexion deformity and Shriners Hospital for Children Upper Extremity Evaluation was observed only in sitting-standing activity (Spearman's ρ 0.549, P = 0.028). INTERPRETATION: Dynamic elbow flexion deformity is very common in hemiplegic cerebral palsy and occurs proportionally to the degree of the effort demanded by the activities. Despite of presenting this movement disorder, it does not affect in children participation in daily activities.

Bone nonunion management in children with a vascularized tibial periosteal graft.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized periosteal graft have demonstrated a tremendous bone healing capacity in children. The objective is to report outcomes on the use of vascularized tibial periosteal graft (VTPG) during bone reconstruction in a series of children with complex bone healing problems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases were collected retrospectively since May 2013 to May 2019, excluding cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Mean age at surgery was 12.8 (range 11-18) years. Indications included treatment of recalcitrant bone nonunion and the prevention of bone allograft-host junction nonunion in seven and three patients, respectively. The periosteal flap, based on the anterior tibial vessels, was harvested as a free flap in six instances and as a pedicled flap in four. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 25.2 months (range 8-36). The flap showed a 13.6 cm (range 9-16) and mean width 3.4 cm (range 2.7-3.9). Early bone union was achieved, initially through periosteal callus, followed by cortical union at mean times of 2 and 4 months, respectively, in nine cases. The flap was not successful in a patient with severe comorbidities. No donor site complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: VTPG was fast and high effective for the treatment complex bone nonunion or the prevention of allograft nonunion in children.

Passive range of glenohumeral motion in children with a Sprengel's deformity.

BACKGROUND: In Sprengel's deformity, loss of shoulder motion has been attributed exclusively to scapulothoracic stiffness. The purposes of this study were to evaluate passive glenohumeral (GH) joint motion in these children. METHODS: A prospective evaluation of 23 children was performed. Obtained data were demographics, Cavendish grade, bilateral active global shoulder elevation, and multidirectional passive GH range of motion, including: (a) GH internal rotation in abduction and GH cross-body adduction to assess for posterior GH contracture; (b) spinohumeral abduction angle (SHABD) to assess for inferior GH contracture; (c) spinohumeral adduction angle to assess for superior GH contracture; and (d) passive external rotation in shoulder adduction and abduction to assess for anterior GH contracture. Paired t tests and both Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 8.1 years (range, 1.4-16.7 years), with 13.4% of deformities Cavendish grade 1, 52.2% grade 2, 13.4% grade 3, and 21.7% grade 4. The involved shoulder showed a statistically significant decrease in mean active global shoulder elevation (117.4° vs. 176.1°), SHABD (14.6° vs. 41.5°), cross-body adduction (43° vs. 71.3°), and internal rotation in abduction (17.8° vs. 49.4°), all at P < .001. Strong inverse correlations were noted between Cavendish grade and both global shoulder elevation (r, -0.784) and SHABD (r, -0.669). Cavendish grade IV patients showed a mean decrease of 45° (range, 40°-60°) of SHABD. CONCLUSION: Shoulder elevation is also impaired by GH joint contractures.

Transverse Anterior Approach to the Elbow for Pediatric Displaced Lateral Humeral Condyle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The anterior approach to the elbow for pediatric lateral condyle fractures (LCF) would provide a better visualization of the articular fracture resulting in better functional results, less complications and a more cosmetically-appealing scar than usually seen with the lateral approach. METHODS: Retrospective study of children undergoing an open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced LCF via an anterior approach with a transverse incision. Bilateral elbow range of motion (ROM), upper limb alignment and complications were registered. A 4-point ordinal Likert-type scale was employed for parents to rate their level of satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the scar. RESULTS: Eighteen children of mean age 76 months (range 27 to 101 months) were included. Fractures were classified as Jackob's Type II in 14 cases and Milch's type II in all cases. Mean follow-up was 12 (range 4 to19) months.Successful condral fracture visualization and reduction was achieved in every case. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred. In all cases bone union was obtained 4 to 5 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up, active elbow ROM of at least 90%, was obtained. All parents claimed to be "very satisfied" with their child's scar. A lateral spur was identified in 66.7% o patients. CONCLUSION: The anterior approach to the elbow was both a feasible and safe allowing full anatomical cartilage reduction. Complications after this technique might decrease compared to the lateral approach but need future comparative studies. The rate of lateral spur did not decreased. Cosmetic scar results seem to be a clear advantage of this approach compared to the classical lateral approach.

Is subtalar extra articular screw arthroereisis (SESA) reducing pain and restoring medial longitudinal arch in children with flexible flat foot?

Subtalar arthroereisis has been accounted for as a minimally invasive, successful and generally safe technique in the treatment of flatfoot in children. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis (SESA) in children with flexible flatfoot clinically and radiologically. This prospective case series study included 84 feet of 42 patients who underwent Subtalar Extra-articular Screw Arthroereisis (SESA) due to symptomatic flexible flatfoot. This study included 26 males (62 ℅) and 16 females (38℅). The mean age at surgery was (9.92 years); range from (7-15 years).The average follow up period was 29.1 months (ranged from 2 to 48 months). The values of the pre- and post-SESA weight bearing X-ray angles were 149 ± 6 and 127° ± 8° respectively for the Costa-Bartani angle, 43° ± 8° and 25° ± 6° respectively for the lateral T-1stMT angle and 26° ± 7° and 8° ± 3° respectively for calcaneal pitch angle 6° ± 4° and 15° ± 5°. The average AOFAS preoperative score was 68.7 ± 5.7 (Range, 58 to 78) whereas post operative AOFAS score was 97.4 ± 2.3 (range, 94 to 100). All data were analyzed statistically with graph instat. With final conclusion that SESA is an optimal technique for the correction of flexible flatfoot (FFF) as it is simple and can be performed rapidly and is effective procedure in reducing pain and restoring medial longitudinal arch in children with flexible flat foot. Level of clinical evidence (LOCE): Level 4.