Total hip arthroplasty in patients with common pediatric hip orthopedic pathology.

Purpose: Literature regarding total hip arthroplasty for pediatric hip diseases is scarce. This review aims to portray the various orthopedic conditions of childhood that can lead to significant impairment of the hip joint and, ultimately, to total hip arthroplasty in adolescence and adulthood. Methods: In total, 61 out of 3666 articles were selected according to (1) the diagnosis of one of the 12 pediatric hip pathologies (Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease, developmental dysplasia of the hip, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, neuromuscular hip dysplasia, post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the proximal femur, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, achondroplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, mucopolysaccharidosis, mucolipidosis, hip infections, and tumors) that required total hip arthroplasty; (2) minimum follow-up of 16 months; (3) assessed outcome with a clinical or radiologic score; (4) Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies quality score of 9 or higher. The following information for each pathology was retrieved: mean age at total hip arthroplasty, reason for total hip arthroplasty, type of total hip arthroplasty, surgical technique, mean follow-up, and outcomes. Results: Overall, the mean age at total hip arthroplasty for pediatric hip disease is in the sixth and seventh decade, except for tumors and skeletal dysplasias. The reason for performing total hip arthroplasty is often osteoarthrosis and abnormal anatomy. Prosthesis types change based on patient's conditions and technological advances; custom-made implants are used for tumors, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and skeletal dysplasias; for other diseases, the most frequent are modular cementless implants. Outcomes are generally good, and all studies portray functional and pain improvements. Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty is performed more frequently than in the past in patients with pediatric hip pathologies; it enhances patients' quality of life by reducing pain and improving function. However, revision rate in these patients is not negligible.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a challenging complication for many patients undergoing arthroplasty, and the literature identifies numerous risk factors. A comprehensive understanding of the primary risk and protective factors for PJI is valuable for surgeons. This article aims to compile and summarize the key risk factors for PJI documented in the literature. Some risk factors are related to the nutritional status of patients, with obesity, weight loss, hypovitaminosis, and malnutrition being frequently reported. Pathologies affecting patients also contribute to PJI risk, including septic arthritis, hepatitis, diabetes, urinary tract infections, anemia, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and dental pathologies. Unhealthy habits, such as tobacco and drug abuse, are significant factors. Previous corticosteroid injections may also play a role in infection development. A few protective factors are also reported in the literature (use of statins, preoperative decolonization, and preadmission skin preparation). The identification of risk factors and the implementation of evidence-based preoperative protocols are essential steps in reducing the incidence of PJI.

Surgical Treatment for Simple Isolated and Displaced Olecranon Fractures: Comparison between Plate and Tension Band Wire Fixation.

Background: Olecranon fractures are common injuries of the upper limb in adults. Simple displaced trasverse fractures are generally surgically treated with tension-band wiring (TBW) or plate fixation (PF). The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical-functional outcome, complications and reoperation rates between TBW and PF for Mayo IIA fractures. Methods: 72 patients treated with PF or TBW at our institution, completed our survey and clinical evaluation and their demographic and clinical data were recorded and analysed. The clinical-functional outcomes were evaluated assessing ROMs and three validated scoring systems: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Patient American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Elbow Assessment score (pASES-e). Results: 38 patients (53%) underwent TBW and 34 (47%) PF. The mean DASH, MEPS and pASES-e scores were respectively 14.5 ± 17.2, 80.5 ± 14.7 and 83.6 ± 12.4 in the TBW group and 21 ± 21.7, 75.6 ± 15.3 and 75.1 ± 19.2 in the PF group (p = 0.16, p = 0.17 and p = 0.03). The mean duration of surgery and hospitalisation period were longer in the PF group (p = 0.002, p = 0.37) whereas the complication and reoperation rates were higher after TBW (p = 0.15, p = 0.24). Conclusions: According to the literature, both TBW and PF resulted comparable valid surgical options for the treatment of simple isolated displaced olecranon fractures. Our results corroborate previous findings, showing good/excellent outcomes without significant differences.

Do Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Increase the Risk of Infection after Shoulder Arthroscopy or Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Corticosteroid injections have demonstrated short-term benefits for shoulder pain. This symptomatic treatment method is used in various inflammatory conditions that affect the shoulder joint. Corticosteroid joint injections are not without risks and complications. Adverse effects have been documented, including damage to the articular cartilage, tendon rupture, and attenuation of the subject's immune response. The aim of this study was to examine the timing of preoperative corticosteroid injections on infectious outcomes of shoulder arthroscopies and shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), the PubMed, Cochrane, and Science Direct databases were systematically reviewed by two independent authors in January 2024. After full-text reading and checking the reference lists, 11 article were included. RESULTS: Patients who received a shoulder injection within three months prior to undergoing shoulder arthroplasty exhibited a markedly elevated incidence of infection. In addition, a significantly increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) at 90 days postoperatively in patients who received CSIs (corticosteroid injections) within 1 month prior to shoulder arthroplasty was found. Different authors consider CSI injections within the 2 weeks prior to shoulder arthroscopy surgery principally associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. DISCUSSION: There is still no consensus on the correct timing of preoperative CSIs in both arthroscopic and arthroplasty procedures. The literature does not identify whether the number of preoperative injections could increase the risk of periprosthetic infection. Obesity, sex, and smoking did not have a significant effect on PJIs; alcohol abuse could be considered as a risk factor for PJIs with CSIs. Both in prosthetic surgeries and in arthroscopy procedures, modifiable and unmodifiable factors play secondary roles. The risk of postoperative infection is greater within 3 months, although it is almost comparable at one- and two-year follow-ups.

Proximal humeral multiple fragment fractures in patients over 55: Comparison between Conservative treatment and Plate Fixation.

Proximal humerus fractures account for about 5% of fragility fractures. These involve a significant burden of disability and a reduced quality of life. This study aims to compare functional results and surgical outcomes (closed reduction and internal fixation with the internal closure system of the proximal humerus) and the conservative management of proximal humerus fractures by 2-, 3-, 4-parts, in patients older than 55 years. Between January 2017 and April 2019, 65 patients with 2, 3 or 4-part fractures were retrospectively analyzed: 29 patients (5 males and 24 females) with an average age of 70.8 ± 9.9 years treated non-surgically (conservative group (CG)) and 36 patients (11 males and 25 females) with an average age of 66.2 ± 7.1 years treated surgically with plate fixation (operating group (OG)). Using different evaluation scores, we compared the OG and the CG. Through the DASH score we have seen how at 12 months there is a satisfactory result in patients with conservative treatment (p = 0.0019). Constant-Murley scale shows no difference between the two treatments (p = 0.2300). BARTHEL scale and SST score did not give statistically satisfactory results. Also, after one year of follow-up, patients treated with conservative therapy had a higher improvement in their Range of Motion (ROM) values than patients treated with surgical treatment. The results in terms of pain in NPRS at 3, 6, 12 months are better for conservative groups (p = 0,0000). Our findings suggest that conservative treatment in proximal humeral fractures, particularly in multi-fragmented fractures in patients over 55 years of age, designs an excellent alternative to the surgical option.

The Role of Biofeedback in Patellofemoral Pain Conservative Treatment: A Systematic Review.

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of the association between different types of biofeedback techniques and therapeutic exercises in the conservative treatment of patellar femoral pain (PFP). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines have been used and followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Between April and June 2023, the following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIOMED Central, Cochrane Library, and PEDro. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Following the search, 414 records were found, and after using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 RCTs were retrieved to include in this systematic review, assessing 513 patients. The association between biofeedback and therapeutic exercise may be beneficial for pain, function (AKPS), extensor muscle strength, reduction of the dynamic knee valgus and vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) (EMG) optimization. All these results were valued in the short term. Regarding the intervention type, it was possible to correlate the EMG biofeedback with the benefits of the knee extensor strength and the EMG activity of VM and VL. Conversely, using mirror, verbal, and somesthetic (hands and band) feedback seems to be linked to the reduction of the knee dynamic valgus.

Catania flatfoot score: A diagnostic-therapeutic evaluation tool in children.

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot (FFF) is a very common condition in children, but no evidence-based guidelines or assessment tools exist. Yet, surgical indication is left to the surgeon's experience and preferences. AIM: To develop a functional clinical score for FFF [Catania flatfoot (CTF) score] and a measure of internal consistency; to evaluate inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the CTF Score; to provide a strong tool for proper FFF surgical indication. METHODS: CTF is a medically compiled score of four main domains for a total of twelve items: Patient features, Pain, Clinical Parameters, and Functionality. Each item refers to a specific rate. Five experienced observers answered 10 case reports according to the CTF. To assess inter- and intra-observer reliability of the CTF score, the intra-class correlation coefficients' (ICCs) statistics test was performed, as well as to gauge the correlation between the CTF score and the surgical or conservative treatment indication. Values of 75% were chosen as the score cut-off for surgical indication. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLHR), negative likelihood ratio (NLHR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: Overall interobserver reliability ICC was 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.892; P < 0.001]. Overall intra-observer reliability ICC was 0.883 (95%CI: 0.854-0.909; P < 0.001). A direct correlation between the CTF score and surgical treatment indication [Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.94 (P < 0.001)] was found. According to the 75% cut-off, the sensitivity was 100% (95%CI: 83.43%-100%), specificity was 85.71% (95%CI: 75.29%-92.93%), PLHR was 7 (95%CI: 3.94-12.43), NLHR was 0 (95%CI: 0-0), PPV was 75% (95%CI: 62.83%-84.19%) and NPV was 100% (95%CI: 100%-100%). CONCLUSION: CTF represents a useful tool for orthopedic surgeons in the FFF evaluation. The CTF score is a quality questionnaire to reproduce suitable clinical research, survey studies, and clinical practice. Moreover, the 75% cut-off is an important threshold for surgical indication and helps in the decision-making process.

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee in Pediatric Patients: What Do We Know? A Scoping Review.

The knowledge on the anatomy, function and biomechanics and the role of surgical procedures on the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is still controversial. Only a few papers have examined the ALL in children. The aim of this review is to analyze all the available literature about ALL in the pediatric population. Following the PRISMA criteria, the literature was systematically reviewed, examining all the articles about ALL in pediatric patients. Eight articles were involved in this study. Five cadaveric studies, two diagnostic studies, and one cross-sectional study were found. The identification of the ALL is not always possible in diagnostic studies using magnetic resonance (MRI) or in dissecting specimens. A high variability in the presence of the ligament and in its origin and insertion were found among the studies. It is more difficult to identify the ligament in younger patients than in older children, suggesting that its presence may develop at some point during the growth. Further studies are needed for a detailed knowledge of the ALL.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes and Treatment Algorithm for Septic Arthritis in Children.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis (SA) in children is an acute inflammatory disease of the joints. If not treated promptly, it could become a surgical emergency. The incidence of the disease in children in Europe is approximately 2-7 per 100,000 children. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate which of these treatments-arthrocentesis, arthrotomy, and arthroscopy-provides better results in children and when to use them. METHODS: Three independent authors conducted a systematic review of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE databases to assess studies with any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of SA. Two senior investigators evaluated and approved each stage's findings. RESULTS: A total of 488 articles were found. After screening, we chose 24 articles that were suitable for full-text reading based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of our analysis showed that there are no numerically significant differences reported in the literature on clinical and radiographic outcomes by surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an algorithm that could be used if septic arthritis is suspected. Based on our results, the surgical technique to be used will depend on the operator who will perform it.

The Onset of Musculoskeletal Pain in the COVID-19 Era: A Survey of Physiotherapy Students in Sicily.

Online teaching has resulted in university students adopting a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity due to pandemic restrictions have led to musculoskeletal pain in various body areas, significantly impacting students' quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effects of remote learning on Sicilian physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain. An observational study was conducted using an online survey administered through Google Forms. The survey consisted of 26 multiple-choice questions and was distributed to students enrolled in physiotherapy programs at the universities of Catania, Messina, and Palermo. Participants were contacted via social channels or email, and data collection spanned 5 weeks. The collected data were analyzed using R software. A total of 128 questionnaires were collected. At the time of compilation, most respondents (n = 103/201, 51.2%) were enrolled in the third year of the course of study in physiotherapy at the universities of Catania, Messina, and Palermo. Their ages ranged between 22 and 25 years (43.3%), and most were female (n = 104/201, 51.7%). More than half of the students (51.6%) reported dedicating 15-22 h per week to distance learning for a duration of 6-12 months (50%). Regarding study location, most students preferred studying at a desk (82.8%), and slightly over half (57.8%) adopted a backrest while studying remotely. Analysis of the students' posture during study hours revealed common positions, including tilting the head forward by more than 20 degrees (47.8%), leaning the trunk forward by more than 20 degrees (71.9%), hunching both shoulders forward (57.0%), wrists positioned above the level of the elbows (46.1%), thighs pointing upwards (41.4%), and one or both feet in a downward or dorsiflexed position (69.5%). In conclusion the questionnaire responses indicate that the lifestyle of university students, influenced by online teaching, has deteriorated, leading to musculoskeletal pain, including myofascial pain. These results are primarily influenced by the adopted posture and the duration of time spent in these positions. Additionally, research is needed to identify the most effective therapeutic approaches for managing musculoskeletal pain.

Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: How to Stay out of Trouble?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common hip disorder affecting children and adolescents aged between 9 and 16 years, affecting approximately 10 per 100,000 children per year. The diagnosis of SCFE is often delayed, leading to an increased risk of complications. This study aims to provide the latest evidence concerning the causes of diagnostic delay and risk factors for SCFE and to educate general practitioners and paediatricians to help reduce delays in diagnosis and provide earlier therapeutic intervention. A literature search was conducted in the ScienceDirect and PubMed databases according to the PRISMA statement. Suitable studies for this systematic review included 22 articles discussing the aetiology of SCFE, risk factors, and causes of late diagnosis. Causes of delayed diagnosis include underestimation by patients, initial diagnostic approach by a non-orthopaedic professional, inadequate imaging, failure to recognize morphological changes, and variation in symptomatic presentation. The underlying risk factors for SCFE are likely part of a multifactorial process which involves anatomical variations and the metabolism of leptin, growth hormone, insulin, and other metabolic parameters. This review highlights the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of SCFE and proposes an algorithm for physicians to approach children who may have this condition.

Effectiveness of Therapeutical Interventions on the Scapulothoracic Complex in the Management of Patients with Subacromial Impingement and Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review.

Shoulder pain is one the most common musculoskeletal complaints. The most common pathological causes of shoulder pain in the general population are subacromial impingement syndrome and adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as "frozen shoulder". The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the scapulo-thoracic complex, particularly in scapular kinematic functions, in rehabilitative interventions for shoulder pain in patients suffering from these two common conditions. This systematic review was performed using the scientific search engines PubMed, PEDro and Cochrane Library, considering only randomized controlled clinical trials. Selected articles were evaluated according to the level of evidence and methodological quality. Thirteen randomized clinical trials were selected. Interventions have been divided into three macro-categories: (1) manual therapy in patients with subacromial impingement, (2) therapeutic exercise programs including interventions on the scapulothoracic complex in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, and (3) therapeutic exercise programs including interventions on the scapulothoracic complex in patients with frozen shoulder. Following this, a qualitative analysis was performed according to outcomes such as pain, shoulder function, and scapular kinematics. Physiotherapy exercise programs that included scapular motor control training and scapular mobilizations, in particular, those of the scapulo-thoracic complex in scapular kinematic function, represent valid alternatives in the management of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

The Role of Patient Position in the Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus: Comparison of Prone and Supine Position.

Background and Objectives: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCHF) make up about one-third of pediatric fractures and are the most common elbow fractures in children. Reduction and fixation of SC fractures can be performed with the patient in the prone or supine position. However, the role of the patient's position during surgery is still unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate, based on data from the literature, the role of patient position during closed reduction and fixation of pediatric SCHFs. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the current literature from 1951 to 2021 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified from 6 public databases. Articles were screened and abstracted by two investigators and the quality of included publications (n = 14) was assessed (MINORS criteria). Statistical analyses were performed using R studio 4.1.2. Results: The systematic literature review identified 114 articles, from which, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were identified. A total of 741 children were treated in the prone position and 538 in the supine position. The results of the systematic review showed that there were no statistical differences between the two positions with regard to clinical, radiographic, and complication outcomes. Conclusions:: The functional and radiographic outcome of displaced SCHFs is generally excellent regardless of the position, prone or supine, in which the patient is positioned for surgery. The choice of how to position the patient depends on the habit and experience of the surgeon and anesthesiologist performing the surgery.

Adverse effects following botulinum toxin A injections in children with cerebral palsy.

The study aimed to analyze the adverse events associated with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The literature search was completed using the Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from the earliest date possible up to December 2021. Search terms included 'botulinum toxin', 'cerebral palsy', 'spasticity', 'adverse effects', 'side effects', 'undesirable effects', 'complications', 'lower limb', 'upper limb', and 'children' including combinations of index and free-text terms. Fifty-five studies were included in the study. Data on 6333 pediatric patients and more than 14 080 BoNT-A injections were collected. Respiratory symptoms and respiratory tract infections were the most frequently registered adverse events (AEs). Other common AEs included procedural/focal AEs, flu-like symptoms, and asthenia. Sentinel events including four cases of death were reported. AEs were more frequent and severe in high-dose patients; however, the capacity of BoNT-A to spread systemically remains unclear. Since severe adverse events are not common, further research is needed to collect more definitive clinical and homogeneous data to support the findings of the present research and clarify the safety profile of BoNT-A, especially regarding the incidence of respiratory issues and complications in GMFCS IV or V patients.

Functional and radiological outcome of C-shaped intercondylar fractures in children.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of displaced C-shaped intercondylar fractures of the humerus in children and adolescents, and evaluate upper-extremity function with the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome questionnaire (Quick DASH). We retrospectively reviewed the data of nine children with displaced C-intercondylar fractures that were treated surgically. Age, sex, laterality, mechanism of injury, amount of displacement, type of treatment, fixation method, and outcome were recorded. The outcome of C-shaped fractures was compared with that of T-intercondylar fractures published by the same surgeons in a previous study. A total of nine consecutive patients (median age, 12 years; range, 9-14 years) with displaced C-intercondylar fractures of the humerus (3 females) were included; in six cases (67%), the left side was affected. Median follow-up was 2 years (range, 2-6). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation by screws ( n = 5), Kirschner-wires ( n = 3), or both ( n = 1). Overall, four out of nine patients developed a total of five complications (55.5%): one case of secondary displacement, one case of fishtail deformity, two cases extension deficit, and one case of limited flexion/extension requiring release. The median Quick DASH score at last follow-up visit was 0 (range, 0-4.5). C-intercondylar fractures should be added as a class to complete the Tnoniolo and Wilkin's classification. The prognosis is similar to that of T-intercondylar fractures because, in both cases, fractures are intra-articular and require open reduction and internal fixation.

The Incidence of Bracing Treatment on Static and Dynamic Baropodometric Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Postural balance is an important but not well-studied concept in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether conservative treatment with Sforzesco bracing induced negative perturbations on postural stability, as related to static, postural, and dynamic baropodometric indicators. Twelve subjects (12 females, aged 11−16) with moderate AIS, were selected among a group of 97 patients. Inclusion criteria were: (1) confirmed diagnosis of moderate AIS (Cobb angle of 21° to 35° for the primary curve); (2) thoracic or thoracolumbar primary curve; (3) skeletal immaturity with growth cartilage visible on pretreatment radiographs (Risser < 5); (4) chronological age between 11 and 16 years; and (5) Sforzesco bracing treatment. All patients underwent a physical examination and radiological measurements with anteroposterior and lateral scans. Static, postural, and dynamic assessments were performed twice by barefoot patients, with and without Sforzesco bracing. Comparison between demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data highlighted a homogeneity of the sample. We evaluated the point of maximum pressure with and without bracing and found no statistically significant differences (p value = 0.22). In postural measurements, the laterolateral oscillations, anteroposterior oscillations, and average speed of oscillations were evaluated, comparing measurements with and without bracing. There were no statistically significant differences, except for the mean rate of oscillation, which was slightly increased in the recordings with a brace compared to those without a brace, p value = 0.045. Our findings show no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in static, postural, and dynamic baropodometric indicators.

Pain Education in the Management of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.

New prospective of chronic low back pain (CLBP) management based on the biopsychosocial model suggests the use of pain education, or neurophysiological pain education, to modify erroneous conceptions of disease and pain, often influenced by fear, anxiety and negative attitudes. The aim of the study is to highlight the evidence on the outcomes of a pain education-oriented approach for the management of CLBP. The search was conducted on the Pubmed, Scopus, Pedro and Cochrane Library databases, leading to 2673 results until September 2021. In total, 13 articles published in the last 10 years were selected as eligible. A total of 6 out of 13 studies support a significant reduction in symptoms in the medium term. Disability is investigated in only 11 of the selected studies, but 7 studies support a clear reduction in the medium-term disability index. It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the treatments of pain education in patients affected by CLBP, due to the multimodality and heterogeneity of the treatments administered to the experimental group. In general, methods based on pain education or on cognitive-behavioral approaches, in association with physical therapy, appear to be superior to physiotherapeutic interventions alone in the medium term.

Early developmental milestones in patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated by Ponseti method.

Background: Idiopathic clubfoot, also referred to as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is one of the most common lower limb deformities observed in newborns, leading to significant functional impairment if untreated. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the developmental milestones in patients with CTEV treated by the Ponseti technique, and to compare them to the unaffected controls; (2) evaluate the possible correlation between developmental milestones, severity of the deformity, and number of casts. Materials and methods: Seventy-nine subjects were divided into two groups, CTEV group (43 patients; 72 feet) and control group (36 patients). Age, sex, affected side, attainment of babbles (BAL), independent gait (IG), and combined word (CW) were recorded for all patients. In patients with CTEV, Pirani Score (PRS), number of casts (NC), and clinical outcome were collected according to the Clubfoot Assessment Protocol (CAP), The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Results: IG was achieved later later than the unaffected controls by 12/43 patients (27.9%) with CTEV and 3/36 patients in the control group (8.3%) (p = 0.04) and in a mean time of 16.8 ± 3.5 months and 13.2 ± 2.7 months, respectively (p = 0.001). In the CTEV group the mean value of CAP was 98.6 ± 4.7, of AOFAS of 98.4 ± 4.4 and of FADI equal to 99.9 ± 0.44. There were no statistically significant differences for BAL and CW; and no correlation with PRS, NC, or clinical score were identified. Conclusion: CTEV patients managed by the Ponseti technique achieve independent gait later than the unaffected controls, although they do so within the age limit of developmental. On the other hand, the Ponseti treatment has no impact on attainment of language development.

Mid-Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Legg-Calvè-Perthes Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a common childhood disease that usually occurs in 4- to 12-year-old children. Surgical treatment consists of femoral, pelvic, or combined osteotomies. This comprehensive review aimed to investigate the mid- and long-term outcome of the surgical treatment. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, and MEDLINE databases was performed by two independent authors, using the keywords "outcome", "surgical treatment", "pelvic osteotomy", "femoral osteotomy", and "Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease" to evaluate studies of any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of LCPD. The result of every stage was reviewed and approved by two senior investigators. RESULTS: A total of 2153 articles were found. At the end of the screening, we selected 23 articles eligible for full-text reading according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our analysis showed that the main prognostic factors for surgical outcome in patients with LCPD are the age at onset and the degree of initial disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment in patients older than 6 years has excellent results in Herring B and B/C hips and poor results in Herring C hips, with a slight advantage for patients between 6 and 8 years old.

The Etiology and Risk Factors of Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Systematic Review.

The etiology and etiopathogenesis of Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OD) are not fully understood. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze the available literature about the etiology and risk factors of OD. The literature was systematically reviewed using the PRISMA criteria to evaluate all studies published in the last 25 years (between 1996 and 2021) dealing with the etiology of OD. A total of 16 articles were included. The etiology and risk factors of OD are controversial. The main articles focused on muscular factors (mainly tightness of the rectus femoris), alteration of the patellar tendon or extensor mechanism, mechanical factors (repetitive solicitation, trauma, sports), tibial anatomy (tibial slope or tibial torsion), and histological alteration. Associations with ankle kinematic and behavior disorders were also reported. Many theories about the etiology, risk factors, and associated factors of OD have been reported in the literature, but more studies are needed to fully understand the etiopathogenesis of this disorder.