A 3-Dimensional Suture Technique for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: Flexor tendon injury continues to pose a number of challenges for hand surgeons. Improving mechanical properties of repairs should allow for earlier and unprotected rehabilitation. A 3-dimensional (3D) 4-strand suture technique has been proposed to combine high tensile strength and low gliding resistance without causing suture pullout due to tendon delamination. Our hypothesis is that the 3D technique can result in better mechanical properties than the Adelaide technique. METHODS: Four groups of 10 porcine flexor tendons were sutured using the 3D or Adelaide technique with a 3-0 polypropylene or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture. The axial traction test to failure was performed on each tendon to measure 2-mm gap force and ultimate tensile strength. RESULTS: The mean 2-mm gap force was 49 N for group A (3D + polypropylene), 145 N for group B (3D + UHMWPE), 47 N for group C (Adelaide + polypropylene), and 80 N for group D (Adelaide + UHMWPE). Failure mode was caused by suture breakage for group A (10/10) and mainly by suture pullout for the other groups (8/10 up to 10/10). With the UHMWPE suture, the mean ultimate tensile strength was 145 N for the 3D technique and 80 N for the Adelaide technique. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine flexor tendons repaired using the 3D technique and UHMWPE suture exceeded a 2-mm gap force and tensile strength of 140 N. The ultimate tensile strength was superior to that of the Adelaide technique, regardless of the suture material. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This in vitro study on porcine flexor tendon suture highlights that the mechanical properties of 3D repair are better than those of 3D repair using the Adelaide technique when a UHMWPE suture is used.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus on the type of surgical treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle due to its rarity. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence in favor of a surgical technique and to explore factors correlated with bone consolidation. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature and an analysis of the data for each subject, including all available subjects from the published series and clinical cases since 1990. Fisher's exact tests or T-tests were used to evaluate the effect of independent variables (age at surgery and type of treatment) on bone healing. RESULTS: The literature search provides 305 articles; 30 were selected, reporting 191 patients and 194 clavicles. One hundred and fifty-one clavicles were operated on at a mean age of nine years and four months (from 8 months to 21 years). Thirteen clavicles (8, 6%) had not consolidated at the last follow-up. Concerning the type of fixation, the rate of healing was similar for plates and pins (p = 0.27). The rate of consolidation was higher with autograft than with allograft, xenograft, or no graft (p = 0.00001), and was 100% for vascularized graft. The mean age at surgery was higher for patients who healed at the last follow-up (118 vs. 61 months, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the event of surgical indication for congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle, it is recommended to perform autograft and stable fixation (level 4) after seven years old (level 4).

PredictMed: A Machine Learning Model for Identifying Risk Factors of Neuromuscular Hip Dysplasia: A Multicenter Descriptive Study.

Neuromuscular hip dysplasia (NHD) is a common and severe problem in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Previous studies have so far identified only spasticity (SP) and high levels of Gross Motor Function Classification System as factors associated with NHD. The aim of this study is to develop a machine learning model to identify additional risk factors of NHD. This was a cross-sectional multicenter descriptive study of 102 teenagers with CP (60 males, 42 females; 60 inpatients, 42 outpatients; mean age 16.5 ± 1.2 years, range 12-18 years). Data on etiology, diagnosis, SP, epilepsy (E), clinical history, and functional assessments were collected between 2007 and 2017. Hip dysplasia was defined as femoral head lateral migration percentage > 33% on pelvic radiogram. A logistic regression-prediction model named PredictMed was developed to identify risk factors of NHD. Twenty-eight (27%) teenagers with CP had NHD, of which 18 (67%) had dislocated hips. Logistic regression model identified poor walking abilities (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] infinity; 95% confidence interval [CI] infinity), scoliosis (p = 0.01; OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.30-7.92), trunk muscles' tone disorder (p = 0.002; OR 4.81; 95% CI 1.75-13.25), SP (p = 0.006; OR 6.6; 95% CI 1.46-30.23), poor motor function (p = 0.02; OR 5.5; 95% CI 1.2-25.2), and E (p = 0.03; OR 2.6; standard error 0.44) as risk factors of NHD. The accuracy of the model was 77%. PredictMed identified trunk muscles' tone disorder, severe scoliosis, E, and SP as risk factors of NHD in teenagers with CP.

Prevention of surgical site infections in pediatric spines: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To describe the potential issues in the methodology of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention and how it was investigated and corrected in a single institution. METHODS: A pediatric orthopedic unit experienced an increase of SSI, concerning up to 10% of scoliosis surgery cases from 2011 to 2013. An institutional procedure of multimodal and interdisciplinary risk evaluation was initiated, including a review of the literature, a morbi-mortality meeting, internal and external audits concerning the hygiene conditions in the operating room, the antibiotic prophylaxis, patients, and sterile material pathways. Several preventive actions were implemented, including the improvement of air treatment in the operating room, wound irrigation with 2L of saline before closure, application of topic vancomycine in the wound, verification of doses and timing of antibiotics injection, and use of waterproof bandages. We compared the rates of spine SSI before (retrospective group, 2011-2013) and after the implementation of various preventive measures (prospective group, 2014-2018). RESULTS: SSI occurred in 12 patients (6 idiopathic and 6 neuromuscular) out of 120 operated on (93 idiopathic, 18 neuromuscular, 9 others) in the retrospective group and 2 (both neuromuscular) out of 196 (150 idiopathic, 33 neuromuscular,13 others) in the prospective group (10% vs 1%, odds ratio=9.7, p=0.001). The groups were comparable for age, etiology, duration of surgery, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, number of levels fused, and blood loss (p>0.2). CONCLUSION: The systematic analysis of SSI allowed for the understanding of the failures and correcting them. The current process is effectively preventing SSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: prospective series with case-control analysis.

Surgical increase in thoracic kyphosis predicts increase of cervical lordosis after thoracic fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The modification of cervical lordosis (CL) after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery is influenced by the correction of thoracic hypokyphosis. The quantification of the increase of CL as a function of the increase of thoracic kyphosis (TK) has never been calculated. METHODS: A total of 92 consecutive AIS patients who underwent a posterior thoracic selective fusion, corrected by simultaneous translation on 2 rods technique, with minimum 24-month follow-up, were analyzed from a prospective database. We evaluated global sagittal kyphosis and lordosis. CL was divided by the horizontal line in proximal (PCL) and distal cervical lordosis (DCL), likewise TK in proximal (PTK) and distal TK (DTK), and lumbar lordosis (LL) in proximal (PLL) and distal LL (DLL). RESULTS: The mean TK gain was 16°, 14° and 28° in the whole cohort, normokyphosis group and hypokyphosis group, respectively. The mean DCL gain was, respectively, 9°, 7° and 20° and the mean CL gain 8°, 5° and 21°. There was a strong correlation between TK gain and CL gain (coefficient = 0.86) and between TK gain and DCL gain (coefficient = 0.74). The regression equation was defined as DCLgain = - 3 + 0.75 × TKgain (p < 0.0001) corresponding on average to 60% of the TK gain. CONCLUSION: 60% of the TK gain was transferred to DCL gain. Correlations reflect the geometrical equivalence between PTK and DCL. The use of sagittal global measurements shows that DCL is equivalent to PTK and can be expressed as a function of pelvic parameters (DCL = PT + LL-PI). DCL must be considered to optimize the postoperative sagittal alignment of the spine.

Botulinum Toxin in Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Update.

Injected in a muscle, the botulinum toxin causes localized and temporary paralysis by acting on the neuromuscular synapse. Currently, it is widely prescribed for the treatment of limb spasticity in children from the age of 2 years. Combined with rehabilitation and other treatments, it helps to progress in motor learning, promotes functional progression, and delays orthopaedic degradations.Numerous randomized, placebo-controlled studies have shown efficacy in reducing spasticity, improving passive and active mobility, reducing pain, and improving upper limb comfort care. The side effects are rare and commonplace.The injection technique is accessible after specific training and practice. The indication is better evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. A precise clinical evaluation, assisted by an instrumental analysis (videography, spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography), makes it possible to determine the aims of the treatment and to evaluate the outcome.The objective of this review is to present current evidence base and practices regarding the use of botulinum toxin in children with cerebral palsy.

Lumbopelvic parameters can be used to predict thoracic kyphosis in adolescents.

PURPOSE: Distal thoracic kyphosis (DTK) equivalent to proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL) is the sum of pelvic tilt (PT) and the difference (Δ) between lumbar lordosis (LL) and pelvic incidence (PI): PLL = DTK = PT + Δ. With the assumption that proximal thoracic kyphosis (PTK) is similar to DTK, we propose the equation TK = 2(PT + LL - PI) to express the relationship between thoracic kyphosis (TK) and pelvic parameters. The objective of this work is to verify this relationship in a normal population. METHODS: Full spine radiographs of 100 adolescents and young adults (13 to 20 years old), free from vertebral pathology, were analyzed. Measurements included pelvic parameters, LL, PLL, DLL, TK, PTK, DTK and C7 global tilt. The measured global TK was compared with the theoretical TK calculated according to the formula TK = 2(PT + LL - PI). RESULTS: The difference between measured TK and calculated TK was + 2.3° and correlated with the C7 global tilt (r = 0.86). There was a significant linear regression between TK and PT + ∆ (p < 0.0001). Given radiographs' inter-rater reliability of 5° for angled measurements, the p value (0.047) between measured TK and calculated TK is statistically significant to support the hypothesis. CONCLUSION: This work validates the formula TK = 2(PT + LL - PI) which allows the calculation of global TK as a function of PT, LL and PI. This calculated TK can be used as a target for sagittal correction of adolescents with spine deformities. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Brachial Artery after Reduction and Fixation of a Displaced Supracondylar Elbow Fracture in a Child.

About 10% of supracondylar humerus fractures in children are associated with distal ischemia. In case of acute limb ischemia after reduction and fixation, it is recommended to explore the brachial artery surgically without delay. However, there is no consensus on the management of intermediate situations, like a perfused hand with a weak pulse after fracture fixation. A 6-year-old boy presented a displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fracture with no radial or ulnar pulse and hand ischemia. Immediately after closed reduction and internal fixation, the pulses were still missing. A duplex ultrasound of the radial artery showed an arterial flow, although diminished compared to the contralateral limb. Ten minutes later, a weak radial pulse was noticed and the hand perfusion was progressively increasing. Therefore, we suspected an arterial spasm. At 48 hr, distal pulse was present and the saturometer showed 98% of O2. The patient was discharged. At day 11, the patient complained about a painful tumefaction above the elbow. An injected computed tomography scan showed a pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery surrounded by an hematoma. Forearm arteries were patent. The injured segment of the brachial artery was resected and replaced by a venous graft. At 2-month follow up, there were no vascular or cutaneous complications, duplex ultrasound examination was normal and the fracture was healed. This case highlights a "gray zone" between complete ischemia and complete recovery after supracondylar fracture fixation with initial ischemia. In such situations, a full duplex ultrasound examination, or a contrast computed tomography scan of the upper limb arteries seem appropriate.

Surgical increase in thoracic kyphosis increases unfused lumbar lordosis in selective fusion for thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), there is a close relationship between thoracic kyphosis (TK) and proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL). The hypothesis states correction of hypokyphosis increases lumbar lordosis (LL) through increase in PLL after surgical correction of TK. METHODS: 111 consecutive thoracic AIS, Lenke 1 or 2 who underwent posterior selective thoracic fusion with reduction by simultaneous translation on 2 rods and 2 years follow-up have been prospectively selected and analyzed. Instrumentations below L1 and anterior releases were excluded. Global TK and LL were measured by a dedicated software. Mean values were compared through T test, correlations assessed through Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS: Global TK increased from 27° to 46° at the last follow-up (p < 0.0001) and LL from 58° to 65° (p < 0.0001). PLL increased by 8° (15°-23°), and distal lumbar lordosis remained stable (42°). The gains were higher for the Hypo-Kyphosis group than for the Normo-Kyphosis group (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation (coef = 0.65) between TK and PLL as well as between the gain of TK and the gain of PLL (coef = 0.70). LL increased after the first postoperative month. At 1 month, there was a significant increase in pelvic tilt and decrease in sacral slope, offsetting the LL increase, and indicating a temporary pelvic retroversion. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in TK led to increase in uninstrumented LL through increase in PLL with a continuous correlation between TK and PLL. These results allow surgeons to calculate the TK required during surgical correction of thoracic AIS to adapt LL to pelvic incidence. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

A simulation model of nail bed suture and nail fixation: description and preliminary evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Wounds of the finger nail bed represent a frequent injury, especially in children. Residents often learn nail bed repair on patients without prior training. We aimed to develop and evaluate a "low-fidelity" simulation model of nail bed repair. METHODS: The model consists of a false nail on a plastic finger and a hydrocolloid dressing, which is pasted on the nail bed site and cut horizontally. This model allows nail bed suture and nail fixation. The cost of each model is about $1. Thirty-three doctors evaluated this model on 10 items, rated out of five, concerning the realism, the difficulty of the procedure, and the educational value. The duration of the procedure was also noted. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness by comparing through Fisher's exact test the ratio of unsuitable events (revision surgeries, surgical site infections, and complaint letters) on two periods-3 y before and 18 mo after the implementation of this model in our institution, respectively. RESULTS: Average mark was 4.16/5. The model was considered reliable, reproducible, and realistic. All the testers recognized a big educational value. The overall duration of the procedure averaged 23 min for residents and 11 min for surgeons. We collected 17 unsuitable events out of 84 patients from the period "before" and 2 out of 54 patients from the period "after" (P = 0.005). Revision surgeries were 10/84 from the period before and 2/54 from the period after (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the internal and clinical evaluations are encouraging. We suggest integration of this model into the training program of residents.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: classifications and prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) represents idiopathic avascular necrosis of femoral head in pediatric population. Indications for treatment depend mostly on prognosis about femoral head sphericity and hip congruence at the end of growth. The aim of this review is to highline prognostic factors of LCPD. METHODS: Bibliographic search in PubMed allowed selection of 33 articles concerning prognostic factors and/or classification of LCPD. CONCLUSION: Clinical factors of poor prognosis are overweight, female sex, age exceeding 6 years old, and lack of hip abduction. Radiologically, Herring's classification is consensual because of its high prognostic value and very good reproducibility. The other signs of femoral head "at-risk" and the assessment of the reduction in abduction of the femoral head in the acetabulum are also prognostic of late evolution. MRI seems to be a future tool in assessing the fate of hips in LCPD. It is likely that a better understanding of LCPD etiology would precise the prognosis of this disease.

Infantile myofibromatosis of the iliac bone.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary infantile myofibromatosis (IM) of bone is a rare benign osseous tumor of childhood with low rate of recurrence. Well documented within the multicenter form, its solitary intraosseous location is less well described. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of intraosseous myofibromatosis arising the iliac bone of a 11-year-old girl, who was operated at 2 months of life for a retroauricular subcutaneous MF with unbalanced translocation t(9;16). She presented with a limping associated to a stiffness of the hip without pain. Imaging disclosed a 4×4×1cm intraosseous, lytic and heterogeneous mass with a soft tissue component on the medial cortical of the left iliac bone. Open biopsy was performed. Histology revealed proliferation of fusiform cells with eosinophil cytoplasm embedded in a myxoid and fibrous stroma without mitotic figures. On immunohistochemistry, cells were positive for actin, PS100, KL1, focally positive for EMA, CD34, P63, rarely CD31, which indicated diagnosis of new localization of IM. Cytogenetic analysis revealed absence of translocation t(9;16), which was found in the first tumor. Subsequent total resection was performed. The patient recovered normal function without recurrence of tumor at 3 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of solitary IM of the iliac bone, occurring 12 years after the first localization. Total resection resulted in excellent outcome. However recurrence can happen even long time after the first resection and new localization is possible, as in our case. This suggests close follow-up and clear information about the risk of recurrence.

Patient-Specific Surgical Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review.

The restoration of sagittal alignment is fundamental to the surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Despite established techniques, some patients present with inadequate postoperative thoracic kyphosis (TK), which may increase the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and imbalance. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the effectiveness of patient-specific rods (PSR) with measured sagittal curves in achieving a TK similar to that planned in AIS surgery, the factors influencing this congruence, and the incidence of PJK after PSR use. This is a systematic review of all types of studies reporting on the PSR surgical correction of AIS, including research articles, proceedings, and gray literature between 2013 and December 2023. From the 28,459 titles identified in the literature search, 81 were assessed for full-text reading, and 7 studies were selected. These included six cohort studies and a comparative study versus standard rods, six monocentric and one multicentric, three prospective and four retrospective studies, all with a scientific evidence level of 4 or 3. They reported a combined total of 355 AIS patients treated with PSR. The minimum follow-up was between 4 and 24 months. These studies all reported a good match between predicted and achieved TK, with the main difference ranging from 0 to 5 degrees, p > 0.05, despite the variability in surgical techniques and the rods' properties. There was no proximal junctional kyphosis, whereas the current rate from the literature is between 15 and 46% with standard rods. There are no specific complications related to PSR. The exact role of the type of implants is still unknown. The preliminary results are, therefore, encouraging and support the use of PSR in AIS surgery.

Relationship between thoracic hypokyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal pelvic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Sagittal spine and pelvic alignment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is poorly described in the literature. It generally reports the sagittal alignment with regard to the type of curve and never correlated to the thoracic kyphosis. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal pelvic parameters in thoracic AIS. METHODS: Spinal and pelvic sagittal parameters were evaluated on lateral radiographs of 86 patients with thoracic AIS; patients were separated into hypokyphosis group (n = 42) and normokyphosis group (n = 44). Results were statistically analyzed. The lumbar lordosis was lower in the hypokyphosis group, due to the low proximal lordosis. The thoracic kyphosis was not correlated with any pelvic parameters but with the proximal lordosis. The pelvic incidence was correlated with sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis and highly correlated with distal lumbar lordosis in the two groups. There was a significant linear regression between thoracic kyphosis and proximal lordosis and between pelvic incidence and distal lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: We can consider that the proximal part of the lordosis depends on the thoracic kyphosis and the distal part depends on the pelvic incidence. The hypokyphosis in AIS is independent of the pelvic parameters and could be described as a structural parameter, characteristic of the scoliotic deformity.

Three-dimensional morphologic study of the child's hip: which parameters are reproducible?

BACKGROUND: Biplanar x-ray images obtained with patients in a standing weightbearing position allow reconstruction of three-dimensional (3-D) bone geometries, with lower radiation exposure than CT scans and better bone definition than MRI. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the reproducibility of 3-D parameter values of the hips and pelves of healthy children, using biplanar x-ray images. METHODS: We built 3-D models of the hips of 33 children without musculoskeletal problems: 10 subjects younger than 9 years and 23 who were 9 years or older. Three anatomic landmarks and nine hip and pelvic parameters were computed for each reconstruction. To determine the reliability of these landmarks and parameters, each bone was reconstructed four times by two independent observers, leading to a total of 264 reconstructions, and parameters were studied for the two age groups and compared between dancers and nondancers. RESULTS: Taking into account all reconstructions, the interobserver reproducibility ranged from 2 to 4 mm for landmark positions or distance parameters, and 2° to 6° for angular parameters. The most reproducible point was the center of the femoral head (range, 0.2-17 mm). The distance between this center and its projection on the plane fitting the edge of the acetabulum, and the pelvic tilt were the most reproducible parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Reproducible 3-D reconstructions of hips and pelves of children were possible using biplanar x-ray images, regardless of the children's ages. Although we report preliminary values for 3-D parameters in healthy children's hips, further work is needed to obtain direct validation of our parameters using CT reconstructions of cadaveric specimens to avoid high doses of radiation.

Long-term results of treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot in 187 feet: outcome of the functional "French" method, if necessary completed by soft-tissue release.

BACKGROUND: Two main options for treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot are the "French" functional method and the Ponseti method. The goal of this article was to evaluate the results of the functional treatment method, which, if necessary, is completed by a surgical release. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 187 feet (129 patients) underwent functional conservative treatment. At first evaluation, the feet were classified according to the classification of Dimeglio. All patients then underwent daily physiotherapy and splintage, which was progressively stopped during childhood. Among these 187 feet, 85 feet (45.5%) required soft-tissue release to correct the remaining deformity. Surgery, when required, consisted of a complete posterolateral and medial release procedure, combined with a lengthening of the tibialis anterior tendon in most cases and a bony lateral procedure in case of forefoot adduction. RESULTS: At the latest follow-up (14.7 y; range, 7.4 to 23 y), results were "good" or "very good" in almost 98% of feet, according to the Ghanem and Seringe score. Severe feet at first consultation showed a worse result and required surgery more often than did the less severe ones. Among nonoperated feet, very good results were found in 99% of feet, and none had a fair or bad result. The average age at surgery was 2.5 years. Feet operated upon had lower results compared with the others. At last follow-up, among the operated feet, the results were excellent or good in 95% of the feet. The results were fair or bad in 4 cases; all 4 feet had been operated upon more than once. The results were not statistically dependent on age at the time of surgery, but feet operated upon before the age of 2 years had statistically more flattening of the talar dome and subtalar stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: The functional treatment of clubfoot leads to a very good result without the need for surgery in more than half of the patients. The initial severity of the feet is the main factor that influences the final result. The rate of feet not requiring surgery should be increased by recent modifications to the method, including percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective series.

Congenital hypoplasia and aplasia of the quadriceps: Diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Congenital absence of the quadriceps is an extremely rare condition whose management is not standardised. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatments, and outcomes of a multicentre cohort. HYPOTHESIS: Classification of the type of abnormality at birth helps to guide management decisions. METHODS: Fifteen patients (19 knees) were included retrospectively in this multicentre study. Data on joint range-of-motion and management were analysed. We divided the patients into three groups based on whether they had continuous hypoplasia (involving the entire quadriceps), discontinuous hypoplasia (hypoplasia of some of the muscle groups or aplasia of the distal third of the quadriceps), or aplasia (complete absence of the quadriceps with replacement by fat). RESULT: Physiotherapy was provided initially to all patients. The main treatment in the 6 patients with continuous hypoplasia was posterior release and biceps femoris lengthening. At last follow-up all 6 patients were able to walk unaided, although 4 of them had persistent knee extension lag. Quadriceps reconstruction and osteotomy to correct knee recurvatum deformity were performed in most of the 11 patients with discontinuous hypoplasia. Among them, 10 were able to walk unaided at last follow-up, and 5 had knee extension lag. The 2 patients with aplasia required knee arthrodesis after multiple surgical procedures. Both were able to walk. DISCUSSION: Depending on the classification of the abnormality at birth, different surgical procedures should be considered. Surgery should only be performed after non-operative treatment. The treatment goal is to obtain a normal mechanical axis of the limb with the knee in extension and no extension lag, in order to enable walking. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

Pediatric Flatfoot: Is There a Need for Surgical Referral?

Pediatric foot deformities are a common finding, concerning up to 44% of preschool aged children. The absence of accepted international guidelines, as well as heterogeneity in definitions and measurements, makes management of pediatric flatfoot a challenge, and decisions surrounding specialized care referral confusing and biased. The objective of this narrative review is to provide guidance to primary care physicians treating these patients. A non-systematic review of the literature regarding the development, etiology, and clinical and radiographic assessment of flatfeet using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed. The exclusion criteria for the review were adult populations, papers detailing the outcome of a specific surgical procedure, and publications prior to 2001. The included articles showed great heterogeneity in definition and proposed management, which makes the study of pediatric flatfoot challenging. Flatfoot is a common finding in children under 10 years old, and should not be considered pathological unless stiffness or functional limitation are present. Surgical referral should be reserved to children with stiff or painful flatfoot, while simple observation is indicated for flexible, asymptomatic flatfeet.

Enhanced recovery following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A medical and economic study in a French private nonprofit pediatric hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Little data exist on the efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). HYPOTHESIS: ERAS reduces hospital costs (HC) and length of stay (LOS) without increasing pain or complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative medical and economic study of 2 cohorts of patients who underwent PSF for AIS: a prospective group who underwent surgery with an ERAS protocol without a specially assigned care coordinator from 2020 to 2021 (n=30) and a retrospective group (control) who received standard care from 2017 to 2018 (n=30). The key amendments to the ERAS protocol were reduced preoperative investigations, opioid-sparing analgesia, ambulation starting on postoperative day (POD) 1, early resumption of oral diet, and early transition to oral analgesics. Moreover, an intensive care unit (ICU) stay, surgical drainage, and the postoperative CT scan were no longer routine. The discharge criteria were the same for both groups: normal bowel function, independent walking, pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS)<3 without strong opioids, and no signs of complications. The endpoints were: decreased HC (calculated by subtracting the costs of hospital days and complementary exams that were not carried out) and LOS, complications, and postoperative pain according to the VAS on POD 1, POD 3, and discharge. All means were reported with the standard deviation. RESULTS: The mean age of patients undergoing surgery (14.5±1.7 years), sex ratio, curve type according to the Lenke classification, mean Cobb angle (54±12°), and the number of instrumented vertebrae (9±2) were similar in both groups (p>0.5). The HC decreased on average by 3029€ per patient. The mean LOS was 5±0.9 days in the ERAS group versus 6.5±0.6 days in the control group (p<0.001). The VAS scores on POD 1 and POD 3 were lower in the ERAS group. One postoperative complication was noted in each group. CONCLUSION: Implementing an ERAS protocol without a specifically assigned care coordinator for patients with AIS undergoing PSF significantly decreased HC, LOS, and early postoperative pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative study.