Interdisciplinary Orthopedic Management of Pediatric Patella Dislocation and Instability: An Educational Case Series.

Pediatric patellar instability and/or dislocation is a challenging diagnosis category that requires an interdisciplinary team consisting of orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists for optimized patient outcomes. This educational case series outlines core concepts for three patients with unique patellar dislocation presentations. Case 1 is a 16-year-old male who presented with a history of five knee traumatic patellar dislocations with self-reduction and underwent knee arthroscopic surgery with debridement and microfracture of the patella chondral defect, arthroscopic lateral release to improve the patellar tilt, and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Case 2 is a 15-year-old female who presented with chronic knee pain and patella instability who underwent knee arthroscopic surgery with abrasion arthroplasty, microfracture of the patella, lateral release, tibial tubercle osteotomy medializing osteotomy, and MPFL reconstruction. Case 3 is a 14-year-old male who presented after a single episode of lateral patella dislocation and underwent open reduction and fixation of the lateral femoral condyle osteochondral fracture, a Grammont patellar medialization procedure, and MPFL reconstruction. All three patients received postoperative physical therapy (PT) to improve function and outcomes. These cases represent important concepts of patellar containment, risk factors for recurrent instability, associated pathology, and appropriate surgical care and postoperative rehabilitation. Furthermore, this case series highlights management decisions and pathways for three patients with different symptoms related to patellar instability, subsequent surgical correction, and postoperative physical therapy. Overall, interdisciplinary care of common pediatric orthopedic conditions can help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. By understanding the biomechanics and decision-making surgical parameters regarding patellofemoral instability, clinicians can provide patients with better care.

Triceps-to-Biceps Tendon Transfer for Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Brachial Plexus Injury.

PURPOSE: Restoring elbow flexion is a reconstructive priority in patients with brachial plexus injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the results and assess factors contributing to outcomes of triceps-to-biceps tendon transfer in patients presenting with delayed or chronic upper brachial plexus injury. METHODS: Patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries undergoing triceps-to-biceps tendon transfer at a single institution's multidisciplinary brachial plexus center between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The entire triceps tendon was transferred around the lateral aspect of the arm, secured to the radius with a tenodesis button, and reinforced with a side-to-side tendon transfer to the biceps tendon. Primary outcomes include the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) elbow flexion strength and active elbow range of motion. RESULTS: Twelve patients (eight men and four women; mean age, 45.2 years) were included. The mean follow-up was 10.4 (range, 5-34) months. Nine patients achieved mBMRC ≥3. Five patients achieved mBMRC 4. Average active elbow flexion was 119°, with average extension deficit of 11°. There were three patients with unsatisfactory results, achieving mBMRC 2 elbow flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Triceps-to-biceps tendon transfer is an excellent tendon transfer option for restoring elbow flexion in certain patients with an adequately functioning triceps muscle, who present with a delayed or chronic brachial plexus injury. Although most patients achieved mBMRC ≥3 elbow flexion, there was an expected permanent loss of elbow active extension with a residual elbow flexion contracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation for Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunions.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) is a technique to reconstruct the proximal pole scaphoid nonunion associated with an intact dorsal and volar scapholunate ligament. This study aimed to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who underwent OAT for this indication. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent proximal pole scaphoid nonunion reconstruction with a femoral trochlea OAT was undertaken between 2018 and 2022. Patient demographics, scaphoid nonunion characteristics, surgery details, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were obtained. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent the procedure at an average of 18.2 months from injury. Four patients failed prior attempts at scaphoid union surgery, one of whom failed two prior surgeries. Four had no prior surgery. The average follow-up was 11.8 months. The postoperative wrist flexion-extension arc of motion was 125° or 87% of the contralateral wrist. Grip strength averaged 30.0 kg or 86% of the contralateral side. Adjusted grip strength for hand dominance was 81% of the contralateral side. All OATs healed. Computed tomography scan confirmed the union in 6 patients between 6 and 10 weeks. Two patients whose radiographs demonstrated OAT incorporation at the time of follow-up did not undergo advanced imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondral autograft transplantation is an attractive surgical reconstructive procedure for patients with proximal pole scaphoid nonunions associated with an intact scapholunate ligament. Osteochondral autograft transplantation mitigates the need for vascularized bone grafting, has a rapid time to osseous incorporation, and has a simple postoperative course in which patients can expect early union, near-full range of motion, and grip strength. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Triceps tongue versus olecranon osteotomy for intra-articular distal humeral fractures: a matched-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are various approaches to the distal humerus when managing a distal humeral fracture, and controversy exists regarding which approach is optimal. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of the triceps tongue (TT) approach when used for osteosynthesis of AO type 13-A, B, and C distal humeral fractures. Secondarily, we aimed to compare the outcomes of the TT approach vs. olecranon osteotomy (OO) when used for osteosynthesis of AO type 13-C distal humeral fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with distal humeral fractures treated with open reduction-internal fixation by either a TT or OO approach between 2007 and 2019 at 2 separate institutions. TT patients with AO type 13-C fractures were matched to OO patients at a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, and fracture characteristics. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, elbow motion, fracture union, complications, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were compared. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients treated with the TT approach were assessed, and the matched TT and OO cohorts each comprised 15 patients. The TT group showed less blood loss (119.3 mL vs. 268.5 mL, P = .03), had greater maximal flexion (126° vs. 116°, P = .03), and achieved a larger flexion-extension arc (108° vs. 93°, P = .05) than the OO group. In the OO cohort, 27% of patients had complications directly related to the OO, and OO patients had a higher rate of postoperative ulnar nerve neuritis (33% vs. 0%, P = .04). There was no difference in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (P = .08), procedure time (P = .2), total number of patients with ≥1 complication (P = .5), difficulty with union (P = .7), or number of patients requiring revision surgery (P = .7). CONCLUSIONS: The TT approach is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of distal humeral fractures. When compared with the OO approach for AO type 13-C fractures, the TT approach did not differ regarding functional outcomes but showed increased range of motion, decreased intraoperative blood loss, and a lower rate of postoperative ulnar nerve neuritis. The TT approach should be considered as a safe and reliable first-line approach for intra-articular distal humeral fractures because it allows adequate visualization of the articular surface, eliminates complications related to osteotomy including delayed union or nonunion and hardware failure or irritation, and allows for easy conversion to total elbow arthroplasty.

Complications and functional outcomes after transolecranon distal humerus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Transolecranon distal humerus fractures are uncommon injuries. This is the first multipatient case series to describe outcomes and complications following transolecranon distal humerus fractures in the adult population. METHOD: Design: retrospective; setting: single level 1 trauma center; patients/participants: 16 patients; intervention: surgical management of transolecranon distal humerus fracture; main outcome measurement: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire after a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients with open (n = 12) or closed (n = 4) transolecranon distal humerus fractures were identified. Nine female and 7 male patients with a mean age of 47 years were included. Mechanisms of injury included motor vehicle collisions (n = 3), motorcycle crashes (n = 4), ground-level falls (n = 3), falls from height (n = 4), train collision (n = 1), and an industrial accident (n = 1). Seven patients (44%) presented with nerve injury. Patients underwent open reduction with internal fixation (n = 15), external fixation (n = 6), or both (n = 5). Additional surgeries were ultimately required in 11 patients (69%), with a mean of 3 surgeries to manage each patient's elbow injuries. All patients returned for at least 3 clinical follow-up visits; mean clinical follow-up was 15.8 months and mean radiographic follow-up was 12.3 months. Complications were observed in 15 patients (94%). Eleven patients (69%) had limited range of motion with a flexion arc of less than 100° at their last clinic visit. Seven patients (44%) developed deep wound infections requiring repeat débridement and intravenous antibiotics. Implant removal was performed in 10 patients (62.5%) because of infection (n = 5), symptomatic hardware (n = 4), or device failure (n = 1). Heterotopic ossification was seen in 8 patients (50%) and post-traumatic arthrosis in 4 (25%). Two patients (12.5%) required flap reconstruction for soft tissue defects. Nonunion occurred in 7 patients (44%). DASH scores were obtained for 10 patients (62.5%) at a mean of 3.8 years after injury. The mean DASH score was 40.2, ranging from 4.2 to 76.5. Among respondents, 7 (70%) were able to resume working, with an average DASH work module score of 25. CONCLUSION: Management of transolecranon distal humerus fractures remain a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Complication rates, including deep infection and nonunion, are high, with frequent long-term functional limitations posed to the patient, as evidenced by DASH scores.

A cadaveric study of radial and ulnar bowing in the sagittal and coronal planes.

BACKGROUND: This study provides a comprehensive, full-length assessment of radial and ulnar bowing in anteroposterior (AP) and sagittal planes. METHODS: Radial and ulnar AP and lateral bowing were assessed using orthogonal digital photographs of 211 randomly selected cadaveric bilateral forearms (422 radius, 422 ulna bones) from a well-preserved osteologic collection. RESULTS: In the radial AP plane, an apex-radial bow was present at a mean of 58% of bone length (slightly distal to midpoint), with a mean depth of 1.3 cm. In the radial lateral plane, an apex-dorsal bow occurred at a mean of 45% of bone length, with a mean depth of 0.8 cm. In the ulnar AP plane, apex-radial bow occurred at a mean of 32% of bone length with a mean depth of 1.0 cm. In the ulnar lateral plane, the majority of specimens (81%) had an apex-dorsal bow, whereas 19% had a reverse (apex-volar) bow. Lateral ulnar bow was located at a mean of 33% of bone length with a mean depth of 2.0 cm, with 36% of specimens possessing a lateral bow located at 35% or more distal along the ulna. Side-to-side differences for bow location and depth were less than 2% of bone length. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar lateral bow was found to be more distal than in previously published works, which analyzed only the proximal ulna, and this study describes a reverse ulnar bow in 19% of specimens. This demonstrates lateral ulnar morphology to be more variable than previously defined with minimal side-to-side variability, which are important considerations for fracture fixation and elbow arthroplasty.

Fixation of a Type 3 Flexor Digitorum Avulsion Injury.

This article describes a novel technique for flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) avulsion injuries, useful for Leddy Packer type 3, 4, and 5 injuries. Multidirectional stability is achieved with combination pull-out suture, which neutralizes the deforming force of FDP, and cerclage wire, which holds the bone fragment in an anatomic position and provides interfragmentary compression. Traditional techniques such as interosseous wires, Kirschner wires, or plating risk fragment comminution and loss of reduction due to proximal pull of FDP as demonstrated in this case report of failed Kirschner-wire fixation. The technique presented here eliminates the risk of avulsion fragment comminution and provides stable fixation that allows for early mobilization.

Cord Blood Erythropoietin and Hepcidin Reflect Lower Newborn Iron Stores due to Maternal Obesity during Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity during pregnancy impedes fetal iron endowment. In adults, both iron depletion and hypoxia stimulate erythropoietin (Epo) production, while hepcidin, the primary iron regulator, is inhibited by Epo and stimulated by obesity. To understand this relationship in fetuses, we investigated obesity, inflammation, and fetal iron status on fetal Epo and hepcidin levels. STUDY DESIGN: Epo, hepcidin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin levels were measured in 201 newborns of 35 to 40 weeks' gestation with historical risk factors for a low fetal iron endowment, including half with maternal obesity. RESULTS: Epo was unrelated to fetal size, but Epo was directly related to maternal body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) (p < 0.03) and CRP (p < 0.0005) at delivery. Epo levels were twice as likely to be elevated (≥50 IU/L) while comparing the lowest quartile of ferritin with the upper three quartiles (p < 0.01). Hepcidin was directly related to ferritin (p < 0.001) and indirectly related to maternal BMI (p < 0.015), but BMI became nonsignificant when undergoing multivariate analysis. Hepcidin was unrelated to Epo. CONCLUSION: Although some of the fetal responses involving Epo were similar to adults, we did not find a hepcidin-Epo relationship like that of adults, where fetal liver is the site of both hepcidin and Epo production.

Maternal Obesity Affects Inflammatory and Iron Indices in Umbilical Cord Blood.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of maternal obesity and gestational weight gain across pregnancy on fetal indices of inflammation and iron status. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-five healthy term newborns delivered via elective cesarean were categorized by 2 maternal body mass index (BMI) thresholds; above or below 30 kg/m(2) or above or below 35 kg/m(2). Umbilical cord plasma levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, ferritin, and hepcidin were assayed. Cytokines released by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated umbilical cord mononuclear cells (MNCs) were assayed. RESULTS: Maternal class II obesity, defined as BMI of 35 kg/m(2) and above, predicted higher C-reactive protein and TNF-α in umbilical cord plasma (P < .05 for both), and also proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) from stimulated MNC (P < .05 for all). The rise in plasma TNF-α and MNC TNF-α was not linear but occurred when the threshold of BMI 35 kg/m(2) was reached (P < .005, P < .06). Poorer umbilical cord iron indices were associated with maternal obesity. When ferritin was low, IL-6 was higher (P < .04), but this relationship was present primarily when maternal BMI exceeded 35 kg/m(2) (P < .03). Ferritin was correlated with hepcidin (P < .0001), but hepcidin was unrelated to either maternal BMI or inflammatory indices. CONCLUSIONS: Class II obesity and above during pregnancy is associated with fetal inflammation in a threshold fashion. Although maternal BMI negatively impacted fetal iron status, hepcidin, related to obesity in adults, was related to iron status and not obesity in fetuses. Pediatricians should be aware of these relationships.