Patients treated by magnetic growing rods for early-onset scoliosis reach the expected average growth.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are one of the most common procedures to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). One of the major concerns is that patients treated with MGCR do not reach an adequate height with MGCR. The present study has one of the largest sample sizes of EOS patients treated by MGCR. This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of the treatment with MGCR in EOS patients, comparing our results with the estimated growth. METHODS: Patients were consecutively enrolled from July 2011 to July 2022. The same surgical equipe performed all the procedures. The mean length of the patients was assessed by X-ray (T2-T12 and T2-S1 distance) by a team of expert radiologists. The estimated growth by Dimeglio was compared with the mean elongation obtained by year. RESULTS: 65 patients were included. 16 patients underwent final surgery. In group 1, patients reached a growth of 3.6 ± 8.7 mm (T2-T12) and 9.6 ± 27.6 mm (T2-S1). In group 2, patients grew 5.4 ± 5.7 mm (T2-T12) and 9 ± 9 mm (T2-S1).81% of the estimated elongation during the treatment was obtained during the first surgery. The difference between Dimeglio's estimated growth and the value obtained by MGCR was -4.3 ± 8.7 mm(T2-T12) and -12.3 ± 12.2 mm (T2-S1) in group 1 (p < 0.001) and -1.1 ± 4.2 mm (T2-T12) and -6.6 ± 6.0 mm (T2-S1) in group 2 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MGCR patients reached and overlapped the growth target according to the score by Dimeglio. However, the value of growth tended to reduce over the years. Lastly, obtaining the most significant elongation possible at the first surgery is mandatory, comprising 81% of the total value.

Ultrasonographic assessment of magnetic growing rods overestimates the lengthening of the thoracic spine compared to radiographs in early-onset scoliotic patients.

PURPOSE: Magnetic growing rods (MGRs) are one of the most common procedures to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Radiographic examinations (X-ray) or ultrasonographic (US) assessments are used to evaluate the lengthening of the rods. X-ray exposes patients to radiation, while the US has not been validated and may be affected by the radiologist's ability to assess elongation. The research question of the present study is to compare the difference between US and X-ray growth assessments in EOS patients treated with MGRs. METHODS: The study enrolled 65 patients consecutively from July 2011 to July 2022. Noninvasive lengthening was performed every four months, and X-ray follow-up was performed at different intervals. An experienced radiologist assessed the mean US rod elongation per session. The mean elongation/session of T2-T12 and T2-S1 was calculated, and the results were compared using an independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean age at operation was 8.8 ± 2 years, and the mean follow-up was four ± two years. The average rod elongation assessed by the US was 3.1 ± 0.1 mm. The average rod elongation evaluated by X-ray was 1.2 ± 2.9 mm (T2-T12) and 1.8 ± 1.9 mm (T2-S1). The difference between the values measured by US and X-ray was statistically significant in the T2-T12 group (p < 0.05) and not significant in the T2-S1 group (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: This is the most extensive single-center study comparing US and X-ray data for MGRs in EOS patients. US overestimates thoracic spine elongation compared to X-ray. US elongation analysis could be appropriate in long thoracolumbar curves.

Changing Treatment Philosophy of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) after Introduction of the Modified Dunn Procedure (MDP): Our Experience with MDP and Its Complications.

BACKGROUND: The modified Dunn procedure (MDP) has become popular during the last 16 years to treat severely displaced slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) while "in situ" pinning (ISP) has remained valid to treat mild to moderate SCFE, although the indication limit of the Southwick angle (SA) has not yet been established for either procedure. In this context, we reviewed two cohorts of patients with SCFE, one treated by ISP and the other by MDP. We also tried to better elucidate the etiopathogenesis of hip instability, a severe complication of MDP. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients with 62 hips affected by SCFE were treated by us from 2015 to 2019: 48 hips with a SA ≤ 40° had ISP while 14, with the SA > 40°, had MDP. The latter also had a CT scan to better investigate the SCFE morphology. Results were assessed using the Harris Hip Score. RESULTS: The mean length of follow up of the two cohorts was 5.4 years (range: 3 to 8 years). Of the 35 hips operated by ISP with a full follow-up evaluation, 30 had an excellent or good result, 3, fair, and 2, poor. Of the 14 hips that underwent MDP, 11 had an excellent or good result, 1, fair, and 2, poor. A CT scan showed femoro-acetabular incongruency in two unstable hips following MDP. CONCLUSIONS: We performed ISP in chronic SCFE with the SA ≤ 40° and MDP in acute and chronic SCFE with the SA > 40°, with satisfactory results. In both acute-on-chronic and chronic long-lasting SCFE with severe displacement, planned for MDP, a CT scan should be carried out to evaluate possible femoro-acetabular incongruency that may cause hip instability.

Trends in Hospitalization and Economic Impact of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in Italy.

Vertebral Fractures (VFs) caused by osteoporosis are the most typical reason for performing Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PK). Globally, VF prevalence is not well described in the literature. In Europe, only Sweden has an accurate record of the incidence of this type of fracture. Moreover, the exact incidence of the PK procedure is not reported. Therefore, the annual patterns and financial burden of PK in Europe is not well known, and it could be may better understood by examining national registers. For surgeons, lawmakers, hospital administrators, and the healthcare system, determining the annual national costs of this treatment is helpful. The National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDOs) submitted to the Italian Ministry of Health during the years covered by this study (2009-2015) were used. A total of 13,113 kyphoplasties were performed in Italy, with a prevalence of 3.6 procedures for every 100,000 Italian inhabitants over 15 years. The average age of patients was 68.28 (±12.9). Females represented the majority of patients undergoing PK procedures (68.6%). The median length of hospital stay was 5.33 days. The prevalence of PK procedures increased from 2009 to 2015, while the average days of hospitalization decreased. Older patients were most at risk in undergoing PK procedures. Reporting the national data on PK in Italy could also help compare the findings across nations. The current study aims to determine the trends of PK hospitalisation and patient features in Italy.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Meniscectomy: A Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016.

In the pediatric population, meniscectomy should be exceptional. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and trends of hospitalization of pediatric meniscectomy in Italy. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. This study referred to the pediatric population (0-14 years of age) from 2001 to 2016. A total of 5188 pediatric meniscectomies were performed. The global incidence was 3.9 for every 100,000 Italian residents under 14 years of age. The most frequent age class was 10-14 years. The men/women ratio was 1.1. The average number of days of hospitalization was 1.8 ± 1.4. Men showed more days of hospitalization than women. The 5-9 age group presented the highest length of hospitalization (2.3 ± 1.5 days). The main primary codified diagnoses were as follows: derangement of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, other derangement of the lateral meniscus, old bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus, and derangement of the lateral meniscus. Primary codified procedures were the excision of semilunar cartilage of the knee and knee arthroscopy. The burden of pediatric meniscectomy is relevant in Italy. The information required to develop global standards for managing pediatric meniscal lesions may be provided by conducting further epidemiological studies.

Exploring the association between specific genes and the onset of idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Scoliosis (IS) is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents, accounting for 80% of all spinal deformities. However, the etiology remains uncertain in most cases, being identified as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). IS treatments range from observation and sport to bracing or surgery. Several risk factors including sex and familiarity, have been linked with IS. Although there are still many uncertainties regarding the cause of this pathology, several studies report a greater incidence of the defect in families in which at least one other first degree relative is affected. This study systematically reviews the available literature to identify the most significant genes or variants related to the development and onset of IS. METHODS: The research question was formulated using a PIOS approach on the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The search was performed from July to August 2021, and articles from the inception of the database to August 2021 were searched. RESULTS: 24 of the 919 initially identified studies were included in the present review. The 24 included studies observed a total of 16,316 cases and 81,567 controls. All the considered studies stated either the affected gene and/or specific SNPs. CHD7, SH2B1, ESR, CALM1, LBX1, MATN1, CHL1, FBN1 and FBN2 genes were associated with IS development. CONCLUSIONS: Although association can be found in some candidate genes the field of research regarding genetic association with the onset of IS still requires more information.

Trends in hospitalization for pediatric hip arthroplasty: an epidemiological Nationwide study in Italy from 2001 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of Pediatric Hip Arthroplasty (PHA) is unclear. Prevalence of PHA in Europe was reported in Scandinavian registries, but data on this procedure are not described in other countries. Therefore, it is challenging to redact a complete and valid epidemiological report on PHA in Europe. Nevertheless, national health statistics for PHA are helpful for an international audience, as different treatments are reported between countries. Moreover, sharing national statistics and correlating those to other countries' protocols could be helpful to compare outcomes for different procedures internationally. The principal purpose is to evaluate the yearly hospital admission for PHA in Italy. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2015, 770 PHA hospitalizations were performed in Italy, with an incidence of 0.5 procedures for every 100,000 pediatric Italian inhabitants. The average age of patients was 15.2 ± 4.6 years. The mean length of days of hospitalization was 10.9 ± 8.6 days. The majority of patients were male of 15-19 years old age group. A progressive decrease in days of hospitalizations was found during the years of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In Europe, the incidence of hospital admission for PHA is not fully described. There is a lack of consensus on the best type of surgery to perform on young patients. Epidemiological studies are helpful to understand the national variation of a specific surgical procedure and compare them with other countries.

Intramedullary Nailing for Lower Limb Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia in Children: A Long-term Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND: In children, intramedullary nailing (IN) has been proposed as the best treatment when the femur and tibia are totally affected by fibrous dysplasia (FD). However, in younger children IN must be repeated to maintain stabilization of the affected skeletal segment during growth. We report the long-term results in a cohort of patients in whom more than two-thirds of cases had IN repeated during growth. METHODS: Twenty-nine femurs and 14 tibias totally affected by FD were treated by IN in 21 patients with polyostotic FD and McCune-Albright syndrome. Thirteen patients with 35 femoral and tibial deformities had a painful limp whereas 8 presented fractures. The patients had their first IN at a mean age of 9.26±2.68 years (range: 4 to 14 y). IN was repeated during growth in the younger patients, and all the patients underwent a mean of 2.13 femoral and 1.50 tibial IN per limb. The last IN was performed at a mean age of 16.42±1.95 years (range: 11 to 19 y). Titanium elastic nails and adult humeral nails were used in younger children, whereas adult femoral cervicodiaphyseal and interlocking tibial nails were used in older children and adolescents. At the latest follow-up, the patients were evaluated with a clinicoradiographic scale. All the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up from the last IN was 6.47±3.10 years (range: 3 to 14 y), and the mean age of the patients at follow-up was 22.85±3.53 years (range: 14 to 29 y) when lower limbs were fully grown in all but 1 patient. Satisfactory long-term results were obtained in about 81% of our patients, while complications occurred in 32.5% of the 43 cases. CONCLUSION: Lower limb IN-that was repeated in younger children during growth-provided satisfactory long-term results in most of our patients, with fracture and deformity prevention and pain control, regardless of the high rate of complications that mainly affected the femoral cases. Missing scheduled follow-ups was the main predictor of a poor result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Trends in hospitalization for paediatric flatfoot: an Italian nationwide study from 2001 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot is a common condition in young patients, but usually resolves by adolescence. This study aimed to estimate annual trend hospitalizations for flatfoot in Italian paediatric population from 2001 to 2016. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the years of this paper (2001-2016). The yearly number of hospital admission for flatfoot, the percentage of males and females, the average age, the average days of hospitalization, primary diagnoses and primary procedures in the whole Italian population were calculated using descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: 109,300 hospitalizations for flatfoot of young patients were performed during this period. 59.3% of patients were male and 40.7% female of the 10-14 years-old age class. The average days of hospitalization stay were 1.73 ± 1.27 days. The data highlights that the burden of flatfoot surgery is growing and affecting the healthcare system. The mean rate of hospital admissions in Italy for flatfoot in the young population was 82.14 for 100,000 inhabitants of the same age class. CONCLUSIONS: The data highlights that the cases of flatfoot surgery increased from 2001 to 2016. The most common treatment was the "Internal Fixation Of Bone Without Fracture Reduction, Tarsals And Metatarsals followed by Subtalar Fusion and Arthroereisis. Further prospective studies on this topic may be conducted to improve the evidence of the results.

Trends in hospitalisation of Subtalar Joint Arthroereisis in Italy from 2009 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Subtalar Joint Arthroereisis (SJA) is the most used technique for the treatment of flexible flatfoot. Limited data are reported to trends of hospitalisation for SJA. This study aimed to estimate annual admissions and the geographical distribution of SJA in young Italian patients from 2009 to 2016. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. The yearly number of SJA, sex, age and days of hospitalisation were calculated. Public and Private hospitalisations have been analysed individually. RESULTS: 1.6762 hospitalisations for SJA were performed in Italy during the study period, and the incidence increased from 8.22 to 117.08 (cases/100,000 inhabitants). Men represented the majority of young patients treated by SJA. The mean length of stay was 1.55 ± 0.818 days. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of admissions of young patients for SJA increases from 2009 to 2016. The majority of the procedure was performed in public hospitals, but a shorter length of stay was reported in patients treated in private hospitals (p < 0.001). This study highlighted the limits of ICD-9; in fact, difficulties in procedure codification and heterogeneity in diagnosis and procedures performed were reported.

Emerging National Trends in Ankle Prosthesis: A 15-Year Analysis of the Italian National Hospital Discharge Records.

Total ankle replacement (TAR) has gained popularity in recent years becoming the mainstream treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis and severe osteochondral lesions of the talus. The aim of the study was to assess the nationwide number of implants performed in a 15-year period (2001-2016) and to identify trends like patients' interregional migratory flows and their accessibility to this procedure. Data for this study were obtained from the Italian National Hospital Discharge records (SDO), obtained from the National Ministry of Health. The selected SDOs were evaluated for demographic data, like the patient's age and gender, for geographical data, including the region of hospitalization and the region of origin of the patient, and for hospitalization data, like the hospital stay length and the principal source of payment. In a 15-year span, a sharp increase in the number of TARs was observed with a 600% growth. The incidence was 0.16 per 100,000 persons in 2001 and increased to 0.915 per 100,000 persons in 2016. Most TAR were performed in northern Italy (73.9%), followed by central Italy (16.7%) and lastly southern Italy (9.4%). The rates of utilization of TAR increased every year from 2001 to 2016, indicating that demand for ankle arthroplasties is growing faster regarding to other procedures performed in Italy. The surgical cost was covered, in the majority of cases, by the National Health System and may play a role in the rising rates of TAR.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Clubfoot: Where Are We Now? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The primary methods for prenatal diagnosis of Clubfoot are ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An ultrasound is performed between the 1st trimester and the 28th week of pregnancy and it is reported to be used as a diagnostic method alone or in combination with MRI. So far, an international consensus on the most effective screening method has not been reached. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to establish the most effective and reliable exam for prenatal diagnosis of Clubfoot. The literature search was conducted using a PIOS-approach from May 2021 to June 2021. Studies reporting cases of prenatal diagnosis of Clubfoot made through US and MRI conducted from January 2010 to June 2021 were included in the study and reviewed by 2 authors. The 23 selected studies included 2318 patients. A total of 11 of the studies included details on the accuracy, while the rest were used to obtain information about the primary methodology utilized. In all the selected studies, US was used as the primary diagnostic instrument. Thirteen of the studies used the US exclusively, while three used MRI in addition to US and seven performed karyotyping after US diagnosis. The US has been shown to be the instrument of choice for the prenatal diagnosis of Clubfoot. International guidelines for an ultrasonography classification of congenital clubfoot are required to reduce the inter-variability accuracy of this procedure.

The burden of percutaneous vertebroplasty: an epidemiological nationwide study in Italy from 2009 to 2015.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a minimally invasive technique requiring the injection of polymethylmethacrylate cement into a collapsed or weakened vertebral body to stabilize the fracture. The present study aims to determine the trends in PV procedures over the recent years. The longitudinal analysis of national registers may help to understand the yearly trends and the economic burden of PV. The evaluation of the yearly national costs of this procedure is essential to surgeons, policymaker, hospital administrator and the healthcare system. Moreover, to observe possible variation in the trend of hospitalization between countries, the data of the present study were compared to the US population. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports reported at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the years of this paper (2009-2015). The yearly number of hospital admission for PV, sex, age, days of hospitalization and primary diagnoses in the whole Italian population were calculated. RESULTS: 31,887 vertebroplasties were performed in Italy, with an incidence of 8.8 procedures for every 100,000 inhabitants. Females represented the majority of patients undergoing PV. The median length of hospital stay was 4.15 days. The mean hospital reimbursement was 4,629€ for each PV hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The burden of vertebral fracture is relevant in the Italian population, and PV constitutes a rapid and effective treatment. Compared to other countries, the costs of PV in Italy are relatively lower; however, it is important to define the incidence of this procedure to understand the economic trend of PV.

Developmental Hip Dysplasia: An Epidemiological Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) includes a broad spectrum of hip abnormalities. DDH requires early diagnosis and treatment; however, no international consensus on screening protocol and treatment is provided in the literature. Epidemiological studies are helpful to understand the national variation of a specific surgical procedure and compare it with that of other countries. Data provided by different countries could allow researchers to provide international guidelines for DDH screening and treatment. Limited data are reported regarding trends of hospitalization for DDH, and no public database is available. The purpose of this study was to estimate annual admissions for DDH in Italian patients from 2001 to 2016, based on the hospitalization reports. Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. From 2001 to 2016, 3103 hospitalizations for DDH were recorded in Italy, with a mean incidence of 2.33 (per 100,000 young inhabitants). Females of the 0-4 years old group represented the majority of patients hospitalized for DDH.

COVID-19 Changed the Incidence and the Pattern of Pediatric Traumas: A Single-Centre Study in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

The first wave of COVID-19 spread worldwide from March to May 2020. Italy was one of the countries in the world where the lockdown period was most prolonged and restrictive. To date, the impact of prolonged lockdown on pediatric traumas has not fully investigated. This paper aimed to analyze, and compare to 2019, the incidence and the fracture pattern in patients admitted to our pediatric hospital during the total lockdown period. A single-center retrospective study was performed. The data were gathered from the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital of Rome (Palidoro). This PED is the pediatric referral center for Rome and the hub for pediatric traumas of the region. Any admission diagnosis for fracture, trauma, sprains and dislocation during the lockdown period (10 March-4 May) were included. The demographic data, diagnosis, type of treatment, fracture segment, bone involvement and time interval between trauma and presentation to the PED were recorded. In 2020, a reduction of total traumas and fractures, compared to 2019 (p < 0.001), occurred (81%). Superior limb and inferior limb fractures decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 (p < 0.05). The identification of pediatric traumas and fractures trend could be useful to reorganize the PED. Epidemiological data from the previous lockdown could be helpful to prepare the healthcare system for new pandemic waves. Moreover, sharing national statistics and correlating those to other countries' protocols, could be helpful to solve problems in case of worldwide emergency situations.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: an epidemiological Nationwide study in Italy from 2001 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (epiphysiolysis of the femoral head, SCFE) is the most common pediatric hip disease in 10-14 years old children. The most used procedure to correct a stable form of SCFE is in situ pinning. Instead, the proper treatment for unstable forms is controversial. The first purpose of this study was to estimate annual admissions for SCFE in Italian patients from 2001 to 2015, basing on the hospitalization reports. The second aim was to assess the difference between regions regarding SCFE procedures. Lastly, a statistical prediction of the volume of SCFE procedures performed in Italy based on data from 2001 to 2015 was performed. METHODS: Data of this study were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the years of this paper. The yearly number of hospital admission for SCFE, the percentage of males and females, the average age, days of hospitalization, primary diagnoses and primary procedures in the whole Italian population were calculated using descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2015, 4893 hospitalizations for SCFE were recorded in Italy, with a mean incidence of 2.9 (cases/100.000 inhabitants). The majority of patients treated by SCFE were males (70.6%). CONCLUSION: National health statistics for SCFE are attractive for an international audience, as different approaches to screening are reported between countries. These differences allow comparing outcomes internationally. Moreover, sharing national statistics and correlating those to other countries protocols, could be helpful to compare outcomes for different procedures internationally. However, further studies are required to understand the specific reasons for regional variation for SCFE procedures in Italy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Trends of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and young adolescents in Italy show a constant increase in the last 15 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of this 15-year nationwide study was to investigate the trend in ACL reconstructive surgeries in patients younger than 15 years old in Italy, as well as their social and economic impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) collected by the Italian Ministry of Health in the 15-year period between 2001 and 2015 were analyzed. This contains anonymous data including patients' age, gender, ICD-9-CM codes for diagnosis and intervention, census region, region of hospitalization, length of the hospitalization, and public or private reimbursement. RESULTS: 1,350 ACL reconstructions were performed in Italy in the population younger than 15 years old, with an incidence rate ranging from 0.16 to 2.04 procedures per 100,000 age-matched individuals. Similarly, the percentage of surgeries in 0-14 year old patients increased with respect to the total number of ACL reconstruction from 0.13% in 2001 to 0.95% in 2015. The age range 10-14 years is the most involved, accounting for 97.3% of surgeries recorded in the study period. The male:female ratio was 1.05 and most of these procedures were performed in the North of Italy (78.3%). CONCLUSION: ACL reconstructions in patients aged 10-14 years are increasing constantly since 2001, and thus, specific actions aimed to define the best management strategy as well as national educational programs to prepare the future surgeons to this new reality are mandatory in the interest of the public health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Epidemiology of Paediatric Shoulder Dislocation: A Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2014.

Limited knowledge is accessible concerning the tendencies of hospitalization for skeletally immature patients with episodes of shoulder dislocation. Our research aim was to evaluate annual hospitalizations for shoulder dislocation in paediatric patients in Italy from 2001 to 2014, on the basis of the official data source as hospitalization reports. The second purpose was to investigate geographical diversification in hospitalization for shoulder dislocation in regions of Italy. The last aim was to make statistical predictions of the number of shoulder dislocation hospitalization volumes and rates in skeletally immature patients based on data from 2001 to 2014. An examination of the National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) kept at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the 14 years of our study (2001 through 2014) was conducted. These data are anonymous and include patient's age, gender, domicile, region and time of hospitalization, and the kind of reimbursement (public or private). In the 14-year study time, 344 hospitalizations for shoulder dislocation of patients aged 0-14 years took place in Italy. The male/female hospitalization ratio varied from a maximum of 3.0 (2001) to a minimum of 1.1 (2013), with a mean average ratio in the 2001-2014 timespan of 2.0. Almost half of the hospitalizations (49.1%) were performed in the South. The mean incidence of hospitalizations in Italy for shoulder dislocation in patients with less than 14 years was 0.3 for every 100,000 inhabitants in the same class of age. The most common treatment was a closed reduction (60.8%), followed by open stabilization (16.6%) and arthroscopic procedures (13.7%). The present registry study shows a low incidence of hospitalization for shoulder dislocation in young patients. The most common treatment for a shoulder dislocation in paediatric patients is a closed shoulder reduction. Regions from the south and the centre of Italy are marked by an inferior number of operations and a higher number of hospitalization for closed shoulder reduction.

Clinical results and complication rates of lower limb lengthening in paediatric patients using the PRECICE 2 intramedullary magnetic nail: a multicentre study.

Implantable intramedullary nail lengthening devices (e.g., PRECICE 2 system) have been proposed as alternative method to external fixation for lower limb lengthening surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse our outcomes and complications using the PRECICE 2 (P2) nail system and review them in light of the existing literature. A retrospective multicentre study was conducted on patients <18 years, who were treated for limb lengthening using the P2 system. The inclusion criteria were a limb length discrepancy ≥ 30 mm and a follow-up ≥6 months after the end of treatment. A total of 26 (15 males) patients were included, average age was 14.7 ± 2.3 years; 26 nails (21 femur, 5 tibia) were implanted. The average goal lengthening was 49.4 ± 12.4 mm, while average achieved lengthening was 44.4 ± 11.6 mm. Average distraction and consolidation indexes were 11.9 ± 2.1 days/cm and 25.1 ± 8.1 days/cm, respectively. Nail accuracy and reliability were 91.1% and 88.5%, respectively. A total of five problems (joint contractures), one obstacle (femur fracture) and three complications (hip joint subluxation, deep infection and nail running back) were encountered. The P2 nail system is a valid alternative to external fixator for limb lengthening in young patients with no significant angular or rotation deformities. Our study confirms a favourable complication rate and available evidence from literature suggests a lower complication rate than external fixator systems. Nevertheless, surgeons should keep a watchful eye on risk of joint subluxation and mechanical complications with intramedullary lengthening.

Modified Roux-Goldthwait Procedure for Management of Patellar Dislocation in Skeletally Immature Patients with Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patellar instability is a common problem in Down syndrome patients since their childhood. Several treatment have been proposed, but relapses are frequent and not all surgeries are suitable for growing patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a modified Roux-Goldthwait technique, for the management of patellar instability in children with Down syndrome at minimum 5-year followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 patients (23 knees) affected by Down syndrome surgically treated for patellar dislocation, between 2000 and 2012 were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 9.5 years (range 3.7 - 15 years) and had a Dugdale Grade III, IV, and V patellar dislocation. Trochlear groove dysplasia was present in 15 patients. Each patient was clinically evaluated considering relapse rate, pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM), Kujala score, and modified Lysholm score. Radiographic examination was performed on standard X-ray considering patellar height, trochlear angle, and patellofemoral congruence angle. RESULTS: The mean followup was 134 months (range 62-206 months). No case of relapse of dislocation was registered with an improved ROM (significant for knee extension, P < 0.05). The Kujala score showed significant improvement from a mean preoperative value of 39 ± 6.3 to a mean postoperative value of 92.7 ± 3.4 (P < 0.05) at final followup such as the modified Lysholm score (from mean preoperative 55.6 ± 6.3 to mean postoperative of 94.2 ± 2.6). Radiographs performed at latest followup showed a tendency to normalization of all the parameters considered, with a restored patellofemoral congruence and trochlear groove shape and without signs of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the Roux-Goldthwait procedure is a valid surgical option for the treatment of patellar dislocation in children with Down syndrome.