How Long Can You Delay? Curve Progression While Awaiting Vertebral Body Tethering Surgery.

Background: The implications of delaying surgical intervention for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) wishing to undergo vertebral body tethering (VBT) have not yet been explored. It is important to understand how these delays can impact surgical planning and patient outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective review that analyzed all AIS patients treated between 2015 and 2021 at a single tertiary center. Time to surgery from initial surgical consultation and ultimate surgical plan were assessed. Patient characteristics, potential risk factors associated with increased curve progression, and reasons for delay were also analyzed. Results: 174 patients were evaluated and 95 were scheduled for VBT. Four patients later required a change to posterior spinal fusion (PSF) due to excessive curve progression. Patients requiring PSF were shown to have significantly longer delays than those who received VBT. Additionally, longer delays, younger age, greater curve progression, and lower skeletal maturity were correlated with significant curve progression (≥5 degrees). Conclusions: Surgical delays for AIS patients awaiting VBT may lead to significant curve progression and necessitate more invasive procedures. Patients with longer delays experienced an increased risk of needing PSF instead of VBT. Of those requiring PSF, the majority were due to insurance denials. Optimizing surgical timing and shared decision-making among patients, families, and healthcare providers are essential for achieving the best outcomes.

Tibial Spine Fractures in the Child and Adolescent Athlete: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are uncommon injuries that may result in substantial morbidity in children. A variety of open and arthroscopic techniques are used to treat these fractures, but no single standardized operative method has been identified. PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature on pediatric TSFs to determine the current treatment approaches, outcomes, and complications. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating treatment and outcomes of patients <18 years old were included. Patient demographic characteristics, fracture characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize categorical and quantitative variables, and a meta-analytic technique was used to compare observational studies with sufficient data. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies were included, totaling 1922 TSFs in patients (66.4% male) with a mean age of 12 years (range, 3-18 years). The operative approach was open reduction and internal fixation in 291 cases and arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation in 1236 cases; screw fixation was used in 411 cases and suture fixation, in 586 cases. A total of 13 nonunions were reported, occurring most frequently in Meyers and McKeever type III fractures (n = 6) and in fractures that were treated nonoperatively (n = 10). Arthrofibrosis rates were reported in 33 studies (n = 1700), and arthrofibrosis was present in 190 patients (11.2%). Range of motion loss occurred significantly more frequently in patients with type III and IV fractures (P < .001), and secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurred most frequently in patients with type I and II fractures (P = .008). No statistically significant differences were found with regard to rates of nonunion, arthrofibrosis, range of motion loss, laxity, or secondary ACL injury between fixation methods (screw vs suture). CONCLUSION: Despite variation in TSF treatment, good overall outcomes have been reported with low complication rates in both open and arthroscopic treatment and with both screw and suture fixation. Arthrofibrosis remains a concern after surgical treatment for TSF, but no significant difference in incidence was found between the analysis groups. Larger studies are necessary to compare outcomes and form a consensus on how to treat and manage patients with TSFs.

Evidence-based Indications for Vertebral Body Tethering in Spine Deformity.

Posterior spinal fusion has long been established as an effective treatment for the surgical management of spine deformity. However, interest in nonfusion options continues to grow. Vertebral body tethering is a nonfusion alternative that allows for the preservation of growth and flexibility of the spine. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a practical and relevant review of the literature on the current evidence-based indications for vertebral body tethering. Early results and short-term outcomes show promise for the first generation of this technology. At this time, patients should expect less predictable deformity correction and higher revision rates. Long-term studies are necessary to establish the durability of early results. In addition, further studies should aim to refine preoperative evaluation and patient selection as well as defining the benefits of motion preservation and its long-term effects on spine health to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Automated measurements of interscrew angles in vertebral body tethering patients with deep learning.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Vertebral body tethering is the most popular nonfusion treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The effect of the tether cord on the spine can be segmentally assessed by comparing the angle between two adjacent screws (interscrew angle) over time. Tether breakage has historically been assessed radiographically by a change in adjacent interscrew angle by greater than 5° between two sets of imaging. A threshold for growth modulation has not yet been established in the literature. These angle measurements are time consuming and prone to interobserver variability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop an automated deep learning algorithm for measuring the interscrew angle following VBT surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Single institution analysis of medical images. PATIENT SAMPLE: We analyzed 229 standing or bending AP or PA radiographs from 100 patients who had undergone VBT at our institution. OUTCOME MEASURES: Physiologic Measures: An image processing algorithm was used to measure interscrew angles. METHODS: A total of 229 standing or bending AP or PA radiographs from 100 VBT patients with vertebral body tethers were identified. Vertebral body screws were segmented by hand for all images and interscrew angles measured manually for 60 of the included images. A U-Net deep learning model was developed to automatically segment the vertebral body screws. Screw label maps were used to develop and tune an image processing algorithm which measures interscrew angles. Finally, the completed model and algorithm pipeline was tested on a 30-image test set. Dice score and absolute error were used to measure performance. RESULTS: Inter- and Intra-rater reliability for manual angle measurements were assessed with ICC and were both 0.99. The segmentation model Dice score against manually segmented ground truth across the 30-image test set was 0.96. The average interscrew angle absolute error between the algorithm and manually measured ground truth was 0.66° and ranged from 0° to 2.67° in non-overlapping screws (N=206). The primary modes of failure for the model were overlapping screws on a right thoracic/left lumbar construct with two screws in one vertebra and overexposed images. An algorithm step which determines whether an overlapping screw was present correctly identified all overlapping screws, with no false positives. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated an algorithm which measures interscrew angles for radiographs of vertebral body tether patients with an accuracy of within 1° for the majority of interscrew angles. The algorithm can process five images per second on a standard computer, leading to substantial time savings. This algorithm may be used for rapid processing of large radiographic databases of tether patients and could enable more rigorous definitions of growth modulation and cord breakage to be established.

BrAIST-Calc: Prediction of Individualized Benefit From Bracing for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter study data were used for model derivation and externally validated using retrospective cohort data. OBJECTIVE: Derive and validate a prognostic model of benefit from bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) demonstrated the superiority of bracing over observation to prevent curve progression to the surgical threshold; 42% of untreated subjects had a good outcome, and 28% progressed to the surgical threshold despite bracing, likely due to poor adherence. To avoid over-treatment and to promote patient goal setting and adherence, bracing decisions (who and how much) should be based on physician and patient discussions informed by individual-level data from high-quality predictive models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Logistic regression was used to predict curve progression to <45° at skeletal maturity (good prognosis) in 269 BrAIST subjects who were observed or braced. Predictors included age, sex, body mass index, Risser stage, Cobb angle, curve pattern, and treatment characteristics (hours of brace wear and in-brace correction). Internal and external validity were evaluated using jackknifed samples of the BrAIST data set and an independent cohort (n=299) through estimates of discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: The final model included age, sex, body mass index, Risser stage, Cobb angle, and hours of brace wear per day. The model demonstrated strong discrimination ( c -statistics 0.83-0.87) and calibration in all data sets. Classifying patients as low risk (high probability of a good prognosis) at the probability cut point of 70% resulted in a specificity of 92% and a positive predictive value of 89%. CONCLUSION: This externally validated model can be used by clinicians and families to make informed, individualized decisions about when and how much to brace to avoid progression to surgery. If widely adopted, this model could decrease overbracing of AIS, improve adherence, and, most importantly, decrease the likelihood of spinal fusion in this population.

Radiation exposure in navigated techniques for AIS: is there a difference between pre-operative CT and intraoperative CT?

PURPOSE: Utilization of navigation improves pedicle screw accuracy in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Our center switched from intraoperative CT (ICT) to an optical navigation system that utilizes pre-operative CT (PCT). We aim to evaluate the radiation dose and operative time for low-dose ICT compared to standard and low-dose PCT used for optical navigation in AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion. METHODS: A single-center matched-control cohort study of 38 patients was conducted. Nineteen patients underwent ICT navigation (O-arm) and were matched by sex, age, and weight to 19 patients who underwent PCT for use with an optical-guided navigation (7D, Seaspine). A total of 418 levels were instrumented and reviewed. PCT was either a standard dose (N = 7) or a low dose (N = 12). The mean volume CT dose index, dose-length product, overall effective dose (ED), ED per level instrumented, and operative time per level were compared. RESULTS: ED per level instrumented was 0.061 ± 0.029 mSv in low-dose PCT and 0.14 ± 0.05 mSv in low-dose ICT (p < 0.0001). ED per level instrumented was significantly higher in standard PCT (1.46 ± 0.39 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 mSv; p < 0.0001). Mean operative time per level was 31 ± 7 min for ICT and 33 ± 3 min for PCT (p = 0.628). CONCLUSION: Low-dose PCT resulted in 0.70 mSv exposure per case and 31 min per level, standard-dose was 16.95 mSv, while ICT resulted in 1.34-1.62 mSv and a similar operative time. Use of a standard-dose PCT involves radiation exposure about 9 times higher than ICT and 23 times higher than low-dose PCT per level instrumented. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Differences in Trampoline-Related Knee Injuries Between Children and Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Little is known about the specific risk of knee injuries due to trampoline accidents in adults compared with children. Purpose: To investigate the differences in trampoline-related knee injuries between children and adults and identify risk factors and protective strategies to reduce injury incidence. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data on 229 consecutive patients treated for trampoline-related knee injuries in a single institution were prospectively collected, analyzed, and included. Risk factors, injury patterns, and clinical treatments were compared between skeletally immature and skeletally mature patients. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios for specific risk factors for trampoline-related injuries-including body mass index (BMI), trauma mechanism, patient age, and accident location. Results: A total of 229 patients met the inclusion criteria; 118 (52%) patients (women, 54.2%; mean age, 8.5 ± 4.1 years) were skeletally immature at the time of injury, and 111 (48%) patients (women, 72%; mean age, 31.9 ± 13.1 years) had closed physes on initial presentation and were classified as skeletally mature. A total of 63 patients (28%) required surgical treatment for their knee injury. Overall, 50 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, 46 fractures, 39 meniscal tears, 31 ligamentous tears other than ACL, 22 patellar dislocations, and 38 soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, were recorded. Skeletally mature patients had 7.8 times higher odds (95% CI, 1.6-46.8; P < .05) and 19.1 increased odds (95% CI, 5.5-74.9; P < .05) of an ACL tear or another ligamentous tear, respectively, compared with skeletally immature patients. Patients who described instability and giving way of the knee as relevant trauma mechanisms had odds of 3.11 (95% CI, 0.9-14.8; P < .05) of an ACL tear compared with other trauma mechanisms. Meniscal tears were observed more frequently in the skeletally mature cohort (P < .05). An elevated BMI was associated with a significantly higher relative risk of an ACL tear, a ligamentous tear other than the ACL, and an injury requiring surgery. A third of surgically treated patients were subject to a delayed diagnosis. Conclusion: Adults had a significantly increased risk of ligamentous and meniscal tears and required operative intervention more often than skeletally immature individuals. Elevated BMI, age, and instability events in terms of trauma mechanism conveyed an increased risk of structural damage to the knee.

Long-Term Outcomes at Skeletal Maturity of Combined Pelvic and Femoral Osteotomy for the Treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

Surgical treatment for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is recommended for older children with moderate to severe disease. We sought to determine whether double osteotomies lead to improved radiologic outcomes compared to reported non-operative outcomes. Patients older than 6 years of age diagnosed with LCPD lateral pillar B or C who were treated with pelvic and femoral osteotomies were included. Radiologic outcomes and leg-length discrepancies were assessed using the Stulberg classification and were compared with the current literature. Fifteen hips in fourteen patients were treated with double osteotomy for LCPD, and seven had lateral pillar C disease (47%). The mean age at surgery was 8.6 years (range, 7.2-10.4) and the mean age at follow-up was 20.2 years (range, 14.2-35.6). At a mean 11.6-year follow-up (range: 6.3-25.2), double osteotomy resulted in 40% of patients having Stulberg I/II scores, 27% having Stulberg III scores, and 33% having Stulberg IV/V scores. The mean leg-length discrepancy was 1.4 cm in lateral pillar C patients compared to 0.8 cm in lateral pillar B patients. Four patients underwent additional surgeries, including two who required total hip arthroplasty. Double osteotomy as an alternative surgical procedure for the treatment of LCPD did not show improved outcomes when compared to historic non-operative cohorts.

Pediatric Upper Extremity Trauma Secondary to All-terrain Vehicle Use.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have become popular with respect to recreational activities. Multiple orthopaedic and pediatric organizations currently recommend limiting use of ATVs to older age groups of children with supervision. These recommendations have not generally been adhered to, resulting in a disproportionate number of pediatric orthopaedic trauma, specifically of the upper extremities. A retrospective review of patients 18-years-old and younger who presented to a single, Level I Trauma Center with ATV-related upper extremity trauma between 1996 and 2006 was undertaken to determine the impact of ATV use on the upper extremities of children. A total of 65 patients were identified with an average age of 12.3. Only 29.2% wore helmets and 73.8% were drivers. The hand and elbow were the most common injury sites in patients under age 12, elbow for those between ages 12 and 16, and wrist for those over age 16 (p = 0.031). Fractures/Dislocations were the most common injury in all age groups (p = 0.0077). The most performed surgical procedure was open reduction internal fixation of fractures, and patients required an average of 4.8 total operations. Patients who had non-isolated upper extremity injuries were associated with longer hospital stays (p = 0.011) but not ICU stays (p = 0.10). In order to reduce pediatric upper extremity injuries from ATVs, restrictions must be more stringent and safety education made a priority. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(2):088-091, 2023).

Anterior Displacement of Tibial Spine Fractures: Does Anatomic Reduction Matter?

Background: Operative treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures consists of fixation and reduction of the fragment in addition to restoring tension of the anterior cruciate ligament. Purpose: To determine whether residual displacement of the anterior portion of a tibial spine fragment affects the range of motion (ROM) or laxity in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were gathered from 328 patients younger than 18 years who were treated for tibial spine fractures between 2000 and 2019 at 10 institutions. ROM and anterior lip displacement (ALD) measurements were summarized and compared from pretreatment to final follow-up. ALD measurements were categorized as excellent (0 to <1 mm), good (1 to <3 mm), fair (3 to 5 mm), or poor (>5 mm). Posttreatment residual laxity and arthrofibrosis were assessed. Results: Overall, 88% of patients (290/328) underwent operative treatment. The median follow-up was 8.1 months (range, 3-152 months) for the operative group and 6.7 months (range, 3-72 months) for the nonoperative group. The median ALD measurement of the cohort was 6 mm pretreatment, decreasing to 0 mm after treatment (P < .001). At final follow-up, 62% of all patients (203/328) had excellent ALD measurements, compared with 5% (12/264) before treatment. Subjective laxity was seen in 11% of the nonoperative group (4/37) and 5% of the operative group (15/285; P = .25). Across the cohort, there was no association between final knee ROM and final ALD category. While there were more patients with arthrofibrosis in the operative group (7%) compared with the nonoperative group (3%) (P = .49), this was not different across the ALD displacement categories. Conclusion: Residual ALD was not associated with posttreatment subjective residual laxity, extension loss, or flexion loss. The results suggest that anatomic reduction of a tibial spine fracture may not be mandatory if knee stability and functional ROM are achieved.

Minimum 5-Year Results of Elongation Derotation Flexion Casting for Early Onset Scoliosis: The Story Is Not Over Until Skeletal Maturity.

BACKGROUND: Early conservative treatment for patients with idiopathic infantile scoliosis (IIS) with elongation derotation flexion (EDF) casting and subsequent serial bracing has become widely utilized. However, the long-term outcomes of patients treated with EDF casting are limited. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone serial elongation derotation flexion casting and subsequent bracing for scoliosis presenting at a single large tertiary center. All patients were followed for a minimum of 5 years or until surgical intervention. RESULTS: Our study included 21 patients diagnosed with IIS and treated with EDF casting. At a mean 7-year follow-up, 13 of the 21 patients were considered successfully treated with a mean final major coronal curvature of 9 degrees compared to a pretreatment coronal curve of 36 degrees. These patients, on average, began casting at 1.3 years old and spent 1 year in a cast. Patients that did not have substantial improvement began casting at mean 4 years old and remained in a cast for 0.8 years. Three patients initially had substantial improvement with the correction to <20 degrees at a mean age of 7; however, their curves worsened in adolescence with poor brace compliance. All 3 patients will require surgical intervention. Of the patients not successfully treated with casting, 7 required surgery at a mean 8.2 years of age, 4.3 years after initiation of casting. A significant predictor of treatment failure was older age of cast initiation ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EDF casting can be an effective cure for IIS patients if initiated at a young age with 15 of 21 patients successfully treated (76%). However, 3 patients had a recurrence in adolescence resulting in an overall success rate of only 62%. Casting should be initiated early to maximize the likelihood of treatment success and periodic monitoring should be continued through skeletal maturity as recurrence during adolescence can occur.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using Allografts in Skeletally Immature Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patellar instability has the highest incidence in adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years. The unique relationship between the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and the distal femoral physis in skeletally immature patients warrants precisely positioned MPFL graft insertion. A paucity of data are available evaluating the results of MPFL reconstruction using allograft tendon before skeletal maturity. PURPOSES: (1) To assess the results of MPFL reconstruction using allograft tendon in skeletally immature patients by analyzing redislocation and reoperation rates, radiological outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes and (2) to determine whether epidemiological, intraoperative, or radiographic factors influence recurrent instability and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed for 69 skeletally immature patients who experienced a first-time or recurrent lateral patellar dislocation and were treated with anatomic MPFL reconstruction. Inclusion criteria were MPFL reconstruction using allograft and the availability of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans in the presence of open or partially open physes. Patients with <2 years of follow-up and patients with previous surgeries on the same knee were excluded from the study. Preoperative radiographic imaging was reviewed and analyzed. Trochlear dysplasia, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and patellar height were evaluated. Descriptive data, concomitant injuries, surgical procedure details, complications, and postoperative history were assessed via review of medical records and patient charts. Validated patient-reported and surgeon-measured outcomes were collected pre- and postoperatively, including Kujala score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. Return-to-sports rate was assessed. The influence of epidemiological, intraoperative, and radiographic parameters on the redislocation rates and clinical outcomes was assessed using a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: A total of 79 physeal-sparing MPFL reconstructions (69 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patient cohort was 14.7 ± 1.8 years (range, 8.5-16.9 years). Within the mean follow-up time of 37.9 ± 12.1 months (range, 24-85 months after surgery, there were 12 patients with clinical failures resulting in reoperation. Eleven patients experienced a redislocation of the patella, and 1 patient sustained a transverse noncontact patellar fracture 6 months after index surgery that required operative fixation. No injuries to the distal femoral physes were clinically observed. At the final follow-up, patients had a mean Lysholm score (1-100) of 96.5 ± 6.7, a mean Kujala score (1-100) of 96.5 ± 7.4, and a mean Tegner Activity Scale score (1-10) of 4.9 ± 1.3. Patellar height and trochlear dysplasia did not influence redislocation or clinical scores. In total, 57 of the 63 patients (90.5%) who were engaged in sports before injury returned to the same or higher level of competition. In a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction (n = 44) without concomitant procedures, 9 patients (20.5%) experienced failure and had a redislocation. A univariate analysis of hazards for failure based on patient-specific variables was carried out. A body mass index ≥30 conveyed a hazard ratio of 2.51 (95% CI, 0.63-10.1; P = .19), and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance by increments of 1 mm was associated with a hazard ratio of 2.02 (95% CI, 0.51-8.11; P = .32). CONCLUSION: Physeal-sparing anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL using an allograft tendon in skeletally immature patients was a safe and effective treatment for patellar instability, regardless of patellar height and trochlear dysplasia. Failure rates decreased when the MPFL reconstruction was performed concomitantly with a tibial tubercle osteotomy.

Comparison of Fixation Techniques for Lower Extremity Rotationplasty.

BACKGROUND: Rotationplasty is a reconstructive, limb-sparing surgery indicated for patients with lower extremity musculoskeletal tumors. The procedure involves rotation of the distal lower extremity to allow the ankle to function as the new knee joint and provide an optimum weight-bearing surface for prosthetic use. Historically there is limited data comparing fixation techniques. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes between intramedullary nailing (IMN) and compression plating (CP) in young patients undergoing rotationplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review of 28 patients with a mean age of 10±4 years undergoing a rotationplasty for either a femoral (n=19), tibial (n=7), or popliteal fossa (n=2) tumor was performed. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (n=24). Fixation was obtained with either an IMN (n=6) or CP (n=22). Clinical outcomes of patients undergoing rotationplasty were compared between the IMN and CP groups. RESULTS: Surgical margins were negative in all patients. The mean time to union was 24 months (range 6 to 93). There was no difference in the meantime to the union between patients treated with an IMN versus those with a CP (14±16 vs. 27±26 mo, P =0.26). Patients undergoing fixation with an IMN were less likely to have a nonunion (odds ratio: 0.35, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-3.54, P =0.62). Postoperative fracture of the residual limb only occurred in patients undergoing CP fixation (n=7, 33% vs. n=0, 0%, P =0.28). Postoperative fixation complications occurred in 13 (48%) patients, most commonly a nonunion (n=9, 33%). Patients undergoing fixation with a CP were more likely to have a postoperative fixation complication (odds ratio: 20, 95% CI: 2.14-186.88, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Rotationplasty is an option for limb salvage for young patients with lower extremity tumors. The results of this study reveal fewer fixation complications when an IMN can be used. As such, IMN fixation should be considered for patients undergoing a rotationplasty, though equipoise should be shown by surgeons when determining technique.

Does Shorter Time to Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures Impact Clinical Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Treatment of supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures within 18 hours of presentation is a tracked quality metric for ranking of pediatric hospitals. This is in contrast with literature that shows time to treatment does not impact outcomes in SCH fractures. We aim to determine whether an 18-hour cutoff for pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture treatment is clinically significant by comparing the complication risks ofpatients on either side of this timepoint. Our hypothesis is that there will be no statistically significant differences based on time to treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical outcomes was performed for 472 pediatric patients who underwent surgical management of isolated supracondylar humerus fractures between 1997 and 2022 at a single level I pediatric trauma hospital. The cohort was split based on time to surgery (within or ≥18 h from Emergency Department admission). RESULTS: Surgical treatment occurred within 18 hours of arrival in 435 (92.2%) patients and after 18 hours in 37 (7.8%) patients. Mean age was 5.6±2.2 years and 51.5% of patients were female. Gartland fracture classification was type II [n=152 (32.3%)], type III [n=284 (60.3%)], type IV [n=13 (2.8%)], or flexion-type [n=18 (3.8%)]. There were no differences in demographic characteristics or fracture classification between cohorts. Fractures in the ≥18-hour cohort were treated more commonly with 2 pins (62.2% vs. 38.5%, P =0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in open versus closed reduction, utilization of medial pins, or postoperative immobilization between cohorts. We were unable to detect any differences in postoperative complications, including non-union, delayed union, stiffness, malunion, loss of reduction, iatrogenic nerve injury, or infection. This remained true when type II fractures were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Using an arbitrary time cutoff of <18 hours does not influence clinical outcomes in the surgical treatment of SCH fractures. This held true when type II fractures were excluded. For this reason, we recommend modification to the USNWR guidelines to decrease emphasis on time-to-treatment of SCH fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Normative Femoral and Tibial Lengths in a Modern Population of Twenty-First-Century U.S. Children.

BACKGROUND: The Green-Anderson (GA) leg-length data remain the gold standard for the age-based assessment of leg lengths in children despite their methodologic weaknesses. We aimed to summarize current growth trends among a cross-sectional cohort of modern U.S. children using quantile regression methods and to compare the median femoral and tibial lengths of the modern U.S. children with those of the GA cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of scanograms and upright slot-scanning radiographs obtained in otherwise healthy children between 2008 and 2020 was completed. A search of a radiology registry revealed 3,508 unique patients between the ages of 2 and 18 years for whom a standard-of-care scanogram or slot-scanning radiograph had been made. All patients with systemic illness, genetic conditions, or generalized diseases that may affect height were excluded. Measurements from a single leg at a single time point per subject were included, and the latest available time point was used for children who had multiple scanograms made. Quantile regression analysis was used to fit the lengths of the tibia and femur and overall leg length separately for male patients and female patients. RESULTS: Seven hundred patients (328 female and 372 male) met the inclusion criteria. On average, the reported 50th percentile tibial lengths from the GA study at each time point were shorter than the lengths in this study by 2.2 cm (range, 1.4 to 3.3 cm) for boys and 2 cm (range, 1.1 to 3.1 cm) for girls. The reported 50th percentile femoral lengths from the GA study at each time point were shorter than the lengths in this study by 1.8 cm (range, 1.1 to 2.5 cm) for boys and 1.7 cm (range, 0.8 to 2.3 cm) shorter for girls. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed new growth charts for femoral and tibial lengths in a modern U.S. population of children. The new femoral and tibial lengths at nearly all time points are 1 to 3 cm longer than traditional GA data. The use of GA data for epiphysiodesis could result in underestimation of expected childhood growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcome of bracing vs. surgical treatment in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis based on device measured daily physical activity: a prospective pilot study.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be treated with bracing or surgery, which may affect patient's physical activity (PA). However, there are limited objective assessments of PA in patients with AIS. This study aims to compare the outcome of spinal bracing vs. surgery in patients with AIS based on a device that measured daily PA. In total 24 patients with AIS participated, including 12 patients treated with bracing and 12 with spinal surgery. Daily PA was measured throughout 4 consecutive days using four tri-axial accelerometers and patient-reported functional status was reported using the SRS-22 questionnaire. The participants were assessed both before the treatment and after treatment at a 12-month follow-up. Patients with AIS had no significant change in their PA levels at the 12-month follow-up after surgical correction. On the contrary, patients with AIS following a year-long bracing treatment had significantly reduced time spent active ( P = 0.04) with an average reduction in walking steps by 2137 steps/day ( P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in function, pain, self-image and mental health domains following both treatments, as reported by the SRS-22. There was a significant improvement in satisfaction for both treatment groups ( P ≤ 0.02). Significantly reduced PA and increased sedentary time are reported in patients with AIS following bracing treatment. An objective PA assessment is recommended to track the effect of scoliosis treatment on PA. Patients with AIS should be actively encouraged to achieve and maintain their recommended daily PA levels irrespective of the type of treatment. Level of evidence: Level II.

Drain options after vertebral body tethering.

PURPOSE: Since the introduction of vertebral body tethering (VBT) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a variety of post-operative chest drainage systems have been utilized. Most surgeons use formal chest tubes with a Pleur-evac, while others use smaller bulb suction drains (e.g., Blake drain). In addition, some centers utilize pleural closure. This multicenter study evaluates whether drain type or pleural closure impact perioperative and 90 day complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted from three institutions with established VBT programs. All preoperative, perioperative and 90 day postoperative data were analyzed to determine differences in outcomes between three cohorts: standard chest tube (SCT), standard chest tube with pleural closure (SCTPC) and 10 French Bulb drain (BD). RESULTS: 104 patients were identified for the study. 57 SCT, 25 SCTPC and 22 BD. All data are listed in order: SCT, SCTPC, BD. Length of stay (3.7, 4.3, 3.0 days) was less in the BD group (p = 0.009); post-operative drainage (460, 761, 485 cc) was less in the SCT and BD groups (p < 0.001); intra-operative estimated blood loss (EBL) 146, 382, 64 cc was less in the BD group (p < 0.001). No significant difference in number of days (3.2, 3.2, and 2.8 days) drainage was in place, groups (p = 0.311). Complication profile was similar with 2 chest tube reinsertions in the SCT and one hemothorax that resolved spontaneously in BD group. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of 104 patients, SCT, SCTPC and BD all had a similar safety profile. All three methods were safe and effective in managing post-operative chest drainage after thoracic VBT. In the series, BD group had significantly shorter LOS than both groups that used chest tubes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective cohort study.

Vertebral body tethering for non-idiopathic scoliosis: initial results from a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) has been described for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Results of the technique for non-idiopathic scoliosis have not yet been reported. METHODS: An international multicenter registry was retrospectively queried for non-idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent VBT with minimum 2-year follow-up. Success at 2 years was defined as Cobb angle < 35 degrees and no fusion surgery. RESULTS: Of the 251 patients treated with VBT, 20 had non-idiopathic scoliosis and minimum 2-year follow-up. Mean age at surgery was 12.4 years (range 10 to 17 years). Mean major Cobb angle at enrollment was 56 degrees. Of those, 18 patients had a major thoracic curve and two had a major lumbar curve. Of the 20 patients, nine met criteria for success (45%). Eight of the 20 patients had poor outcomes (four fusions, four with curve > 50 degrees). Success was associated with smaller preoperative Cobb angle (50 vs. 62 degrees, p = 0.01) and smaller Cobb angle on initial postop imaging (28 degrees vs. 46 degrees, p = 0.0007). All patients with Cobb angle < 35 degrees on 1st postop imaging had a successful result, with the exception of one patient who overcorrected and required fusion. Syndromic vs. neuromuscular patients had a higher likelihood of success (5 of 7, 71%, 2 of 10, 20%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Selected non-idiopathic scoliosis can be successfully treated with VBT, but failure rates are high and were associated with large curves, inadequate intraoperative correction and neuromuscular diagnosis. Achieving a Cobb angle less than 35 degrees on 1st standing radiograph was associated with a successful outcome which was achieved in 45% of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective review study).