Eikenella corrodens bone and hip joint infection. A case report and literature review.

Eikenella corrodens (EC) is a human commensal microorganism of the mouth flora. This bacterium is rarely reported in bone and joint infections in children, but the consequences on the joint function can be devastating and irreversible. We report the case of septic arthritis of the hip following an oral wound in a 12-year-old boy. The progression of the condition was favorable with no complications or pain observed after antibiotic treatment. Clinical and radiological examinations showed a satisfactory outcome at 6 months with no sign of recurrence or complication (growth disorder). Children's osteomyelitis and arthritis caused by EC have been mostly reported after human bites or extremity pricks. This slow-growing organism is rarely diagnosed but should be considered as a potential pathogenetic agent and treated aggressively, especially since the antibiotic therapy is simple and achieves good results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Anatomical and functional evaluation of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children under 6 years old.

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate both the anatomical and functional consequences of our treatment protocol of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children under 6 years old Methods : We conducted a retrospective analysis of a series containing 50 children in Strasbourg University Hospital whom had traumatic diaphyseal femoral fractures and underwent conservative treatment by traction followed by casting with a mean follow-up period of 25 months. Results : All fractures healed without complications i.e. gait disorders, back pain and limitation of activity. Results showed a significant correlation between the initial varus angulation and shortening which could influence the final remodeling result within the first 24 months. Using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, we developed the Initial Displacement Index on Traction (IDIT) which is the sum of both the initial varus in degrees and the initial shortening in millimeters. Conclusion : The treatment by initial traction followed by a cast for childrens ≤ 6 years old gives clinical and radiological results comparable with those reported for immediate casting method. The hospitalization period is longer in the traction method but with less exposure to general anesthesia (GA) and risks of secondary displacements.

Popliteal artery dissection presented 12 hours after admission for a Salter III fracture of proximal tibia.

A 16-year-old boy sustained a salter III fracture of the upper tibia following a motorcycle accident. Except for well localized knee pain, the patient did not have any other symptom. Repeated clinical examination did not reveal any absent peripheral pulse. Given the state of the fracture, anatomical reduction and screw fixation was planned in the operating room.  Twelve hours after admission the patient was taken to the operating room. During the period preceding surgery he continued to have normal vascular clinical examinations. Further clinical assessment was performed in the operating room and remained to be normal. However after induction and upon extension of the lower limb, peripheral pulses in the affected side were abruptly lost. Urgent vascular exploration of the area showed a popliteal artery dissection necessitating a bypass graft to restore blood flow.  We present a review of the literature alongside a case report showing how popliteal artery pathology in a similar context can present late and be for a period of time clinically undetectable.