Are Generative Pretrained Transformer 4 Responses to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Clinical Scenarios Universal? An International Review.

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing interest in applying artificial intelligence chatbots like generative pretrained transformer 4 (GPT-4) in the medical field. This study aimed to explore the universality of GPT-4 responses to simulated clinical scenarios of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) across diverse global settings. METHODS: Seventeen international experts with more than 15 years of experience in pediatric orthopaedics were selected for the evaluation panel. Eight simulated DDH clinical scenarios were created, covering 4 key areas: (1) initial evaluation and diagnosis, (2) initial examination and treatment, (3) nursing care and follow-up, and (4) prognosis and rehabilitation planning. Each scenario was completed independently in a new GPT-4 session. Interrater reliability was assessed using Fleiss kappa, and the quality, relevance, and applicability of GPT-4 responses were analyzed using median scores and interquartile ranges. Following scoring, experts met in ZOOM sessions to generate Regional Consensus Assessment Scores, which were intended to represent a consistent regional assessment of the use of the GPT-4 in pediatric orthopaedic care. RESULTS: GPT-4's responses to the 8 clinical DDH scenarios received performance scores ranging from 44.3% to 98.9% of the 88-point maximum. The Fleiss kappa statistic of 0.113 ( P = 0.001) indicated low agreement among experts in their ratings. When assessing the responses' quality, relevance, and applicability, the median scores were 3, with interquartile ranges of 3 to 4, 3 to 4, and 2 to 3, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the prognosis and rehabilitation domain scores ( P < 0.05 for all). Regional consensus scores were 75 for Africa, 74 for Asia, 73 for India, 80 for Europe, and 65 for North America, with the Kruskal-Wallis test highlighting significant disparities between these regions ( P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the promise of GPT-4 in pediatric orthopaedic care, particularly in supporting preliminary DDH assessments and guiding treatment strategies for specialist care. However, effective integration of GPT-4 into clinical practice will require adaptation to specific regional health care contexts, highlighting the importance of a nuanced approach to health technology adaptation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Clinical Characteristics and Distribution of Pediatric Fractures at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern France: A 20-Year-Distance Comparative Analysis (1999-2019).

Background and objectives: The epidemiology and distribution of pediatric fractures change over time and are influenced by a multitude of factors including geography, climate, and population characteristics. The aims of our work were to study the distribution of traumatic pediatric orthopedic injuries admitted to the Lille University Hospital (LUH) Pediatric Emergency Department in 1999 and in 2019 and to analyze the epidemiological differences 20 years apart. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, comparative, monocentric, and epidemiological study involving all children between 0 and 15 years and 3 months of age who consulted the pediatric emergencies of LUH from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999 and from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. On admission, the following data were collected: sex, age at the time of injury, month and time of the day the trauma occurred (4:00 a.m to 11:59 a.m, 12:00 p.m. to 19:59 p.m, and 20:00 p.m to 3:59 a.m.), mechanism of injury, laterality (right or left), anatomical location, type of injury, and whether the fracture was closed or open. The type of treatment (orthopedic or surgical) was collected from the medical records. Results: A total of 939 children were included in 1999 compared with 781 in 2019 (21% decrease); the average age of children with fractures was significantly higher in 1999 (8.81 years) than in 2019 (7.19 years). This difference was explained by the majority involvement of older children (10-15 years) in 1999 (43% of fractures in 1999 versus 25% of fractures in 2019). Conversely, small children (1-5 years) had significantly more fractures in 2019 (36%) than in 1999 (24%). Conclusions: Overall, the types and sites of fractures did not change over the studied time despite a change in the population and mechanism of injury. This suggested that the reflexes of breaking a fall still tended to implicate and damage the same bone segments. Finally, the proportion of fractures managed surgically versus orthopedically has not evolved since 1999. Exploring this is a possible area of further research that would complement our study.

Evolution over Time of Leg Length Discrepancy in Patients with Syndromic and Isolated Lateralized Overgrowth.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information on evolution over time of leg length discrepancy in patients with syndromic and isolated lateralized overgrowth. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study investigates leg length discrepancy longitudinally in 105 patients with lateralized overgrowth either isolated (n = 37) or associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (n = 56) or PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (n = 12). Discrepancy was measured by standard methods and categorized as minor, mild, severe, and critical, based on the thresholds of 1, 2 and 5, respectively. RESULTS: The period of observation from diagnosis was 1.7 ± 2.6 to 9.0 ± 6.0 years. Leg length discrepancy was 11.0 ± 7.2 mm at diagnosis and 17.1 ± 14.4 mm at last visit. Both final leg length discrepancy and change over time were correlated with discrepancy at diagnosis (r2 = 0.45, P < .001 and r2 = 0.05, P = .019, respectively). Among minor leg length discrepancy at diagnosis, 47.5% remained minor, 40.0% become mild, and 12.5% severe. Among patients with discrepancy classified as severe at diagnosis, 84.6% remained severe and 15.4% evolved to critical. The isolated lateralized overgrowth group showed a milder evolution over time compared with Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum and PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum groups. Among patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann, those with paternal chromosome 11 uniparental disomy had more severe leg length discrepancy at diagnosis and evolution over time. CONCLUSIONS: Leg length discrepancy associated with isolated or syndromic lateralized overgrowth tends to worsen with growth and correlates with discrepancy at first observation. Among the genotypic groups, isolated lateralized overgrowth tends to have a milder evolution, whereas Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum predisposes to a more severe outcome, especially if associated with paternal chromosome 11 uniparental disomy genotype.

Synthetic Cast Material Versus Plaster of Paris for the Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot by the Ponseti Protocol: A Comparative Analysis of 136 Feet.

BACKGROUND: Synthetic casting materials have been used as alternatives to plaster of Paris (POP) in the treatment of clubfoot using the Ponseti method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of children with idiopathic clubfoot managed by the Ponseti method using POP versus semirigid fiberglass (SRF). METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all newborns with idiopathic clubfoot who underwent manipulation and casting by the Ponseti technique between January 2013 and December 2016 at 2 different institutions. In all, 136 consecutive clubfeet were included, of which 68 underwent casting with POP (Group A), and 68 were casted using SRF (Group B). Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test for categorical variables, and the unpaired t test for quantitative parameters. RESULTS: Mean age at time of first cast was 10 days (range, 3 to 21 d). Mean Pirani score at start of treatment was 4.6 and 4.5 in Groups A and B, respectively. Mean number of casts for each patient in Group A was 5.2 against 4.2 in patients in Group B. Mean follow-up was 63.8 months (range, 42 to 88 mo). In each group, 4 cases of relapse were reported (2.9%). No complications related to cast phase or brace phase were recorded. Shorter duration of cast treatment was recorded in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its higher cost and slightly lower moldability, the use of SRF in experienced hands showed comparable results in idiopathic clubfeet treated by the Ponseti technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Congenital isolated clubfoot: Correlation between prenatal assessment and postnatal degree of severity.

OBJECTIVE: Since prenatal diagnosis of isolated clubfoot has a false positive rate (FP) of 10%-40%, fetal parameters that might correlate with post-natal confirmation and grade of severity were investigated. METHOD: Retrospective analysis (2013-2019) of cases analysed with three-dimensional multiplanar view. The following data were recorded: the angle between the long axis of foot and lower leg; width, length and width-to-length ratio (W/L) of the foot; tibia length and calf width (T/C) ratio. Severity after birth was assessed using the Pirani classification. RESULTS: Diagnosis was confirmed in 45/53 neonates (84.9%, FP 15%). Values were higher for both angle and W/L in true vs false positive cases (median angle 100.4° versus 69.55°, p <.000; median W/L 0.53 vs 0.45, p = .001), no difference for T/C (3.77 vs 3.48, p = .8). The area under the curve for angle was 0.98 (CI 0.94-1.00), with a diagnostic cut-off of 84.7° (PPV of 100%, NPV of 66.7%). Median Pirani score, available for 33 neonates (73.3%) was 3 (IQR 3-4): only angle correlated with Pirani score (Spearman coefficient 0.36, p = .04) CONCLUSION: Measuring the angle between the foot and lower leg can reduce the FP rate of prenatal congenital clubfoot diagnosis and better predict the need for postnatal treatment.

Intraoperative Issues and Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Femur Fractures Treated With Flexible Nails: A Comparison of Cases Utilizing Skeletal Traction and a Traction Table to Cases Using Manual Traction Only.

INTRODUCTION: The use of the orthopaedic traction table (OTT) during elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in the management of displaced diaphyseal femur fractures (DFFs) is still debated. In most centers, children with displaced DFF are treated using an OTT. In some other institutions, however, fracture reduction and stabilization by ESIN are performed on a radiolucent table without an OTT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcome of children with displaced DFF managed by ESIN with and without the use of an OTT. METHODS: Charts and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for all pediatric patients sustaining DFF managed by ESIN from 2011 to 2017 at 2 different institutions. In all, 69 consecutive children with displaced DFF were recorded, of whom 35 underwent operative treatment by ESIN with the use of an OTT with skeletal traction (Group A), and 34 by ESIN without OTT (Group B). The titanium elastic nails outcome measure scale score and Beaty radiologic criteria were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: Average patient age at time of injury was 9 years (range, 5 to 13) and 10 years (range, 4 to 15) in Groups A and B, respectively. The mean follow-up was 54 months (range, 24 to 96). Overall, complications were observed in 6 patients (8.6%). Complication rate was higher among children managed without OTT (11.8%) than among children treated with OTT (2.5%); no complication related to pin insertion for skeletal traction was recorded. However, the number of patients with a poor outcome according to the titanium elastic nails outcome score was higher in Group A (20%) than in Group B (5.8%). Beaty radiologic criteria were comparable between the 2 groups. Mean length of surgery and mean cumulative time of radiation exposure during surgery were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, both techniques work equally well although patients treated by ESIN with the use of an OTT and skeletal traction tended to have a lower rate of complications and radiologic outcome was worse than for patients treated without using an OTT; however, no statistically significant difference was found.Despite their limitations, the results of this study suggest that displaced DFF can be safely managed by ESIN with or without the use of intraoperative OTT and skeletal traction, according to the surgeon's preference. Further studies are now needed to consolidate these conclusions and clarify the role of the OTT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Extra-articular proximal femur fractures in children and adolescents treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing.

PURPOSE: Extra-articular proximal femur fractures (EPFF) remain challenging for their intrinsic instability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of extra-articular proximal femur fractures in children and adolescents. METHODS: A retrospective monocentric study of children treated by ESIN for EPFF between 2012 and 2018 was conducted. We included all patients sustaining a fracture within 10% of the femur length below the lesser trochanter. Studied data were age, sex, femur length, fracture distance below the lesser trochanter, number of days of hospitalization, time to nail removal, and complications. Beaty's criteria and the titanium elastic nailing (TEN) outcome measure scale were used to evaluate radiologic outcome and assess clinical recovery, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 24 cases were reviewed (18 males, 6 females). Mean age was 8.23 years (range 5-13). Mean duration of hospitalization was 3.7 days (range 2-12). Mean time to nail removal was 28 weeks (range 12-53). Malalignment was observed in five patients, but in all cases, angulation did not exceed 10°. No limb length discrepancy was observed. Twenty out of 24 patients had excellent Beaty's radiological and TEN clinical outcome scores. No poor results were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that good outcomes following surgical treatment by ESIN should be expected in children younger than 14 years of age with displaced EPFF. Excellent radiological and clinical outcomes were observed in 83.7% of the cases, with a low rate of complications and short hospital stay.

Post-operative radiograph assessment of children undergoing closed reduction and spica cast immobilization for developmental dysplasia of the hip: does experience matter?

PURPOSE: Closed reduction and spica cast immobilization are routinely used for young patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip with reducible hips. Our primary objective was to assess the interpretation quality of immediate post-operative pelvis radiographs after treatment. METHODS: A series of 28 randomly selected patients (30 hips) with pre- and post-operative pelvis radiographs and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging were included. Each was presented twice with an interval of two weeks, in alternating orders. Raters with different experience and specialties from different institutions rated the quality of reduction (hip in or out) after treatment. RESULTS: Thirteen surgeons and three radiologists evaluated 30 hips (28 patients). Agreement was not satisfactory (κ = 0.12). Experienced clinicians demonstrated similar agreement to inexperienced raters (κ = 0.04). Consistency at a two week interval was moderate (κ = 0.48, percent of agreement at 82%). The mean number of errors from the two ratings were 8.6 ± 2.5 and 8.9 ± 2.7, respectively (P = 0.72). There was no significant difference between surgeons with different levels of experience; radiologists did better than surgeons, but the difference was insignificant. Raters from different institutions had similar performance in poor judgment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show poor concordance between observers and ratings. Post-operative radiographs are unreliable for assessing the quality of hip reduction. The level of experience, subspecialty, and geographical origin do not impact the radiographic assessment. Based on the present findings, we recommend performing post-operative magnetic resonance imaging rather than anteroposterior pelvis radiograph to assess the hip. Compared to standard radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging allows more reliable interpretation while decreasing radiation exposure.

Deep postoperative spine infection treated by negative pressure therapy in patients with progressive spinal deformities.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to review the outcome of using the VAC system in children and adolescents who have developed postoperative spinal infection after posterior instrumented spinal fusion, and to evaluate whether this technique is also feasible in patients treated with posterior instrumented fusion with polyester sublaminar bands. METHODS: A total of 11 out of 118 consecutive children and adolescents (5 males) with deep postoperative spinal infection were identified; infections were categorised as early (acute), delayed (subacute) or late (chronic) according to time of onset. Irrespective of the etiology and the onset, all the deep infections were managed with the reported technique. All the patients had regular clinical and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: Eight out of 11 patients developed an early (72.7%), 2 a delayed (18.2%) and 1 a late deep postoperative infection (9.1%); 7 out of 11 (63.6%) showed severe mental compromise. No statistically significant differences were observed for mean number of VAC dressing changes (p = 0.81) and mean length of hospitalisation comparing patients with early infection versus patients with delayed or late infections (p = 0.32). Mean number of VAC dressing changes (p = 0.02) and mean number of hospitalisation days (p = 0.05) were higher in patients with underlying neurological disorders than in those without, while mean length of hospitalisation was longer in neuromuscular patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the VAC system, as an adjunct to surgical debridement and adequate antibiotic therapy, is a reliable method for the treatment of postoperative infection in children and adolescents undergoing spinal instrumentation and fusion. It can reduce the need for further complex soft-tissue procedure, removal of hardware with consequent loss of correction, and pseudoarthrosis. Finally, the use of VAC therapy is not contraindicated in patients treated with hybrid constructs with sublaminar bands. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical treatment for symptomatic non-ossifying fibromas of the lower extremity with calcium sulfate grafts in skeletally immature patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-ossifying fibromas (NOFs) are common benign bone lesions found in children and adolescents. They usually involve metaphysis of long bones, tend to gradually disappear with age and usually do not require surgery, while they are not associated with pathological fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and efficacy of a single-stage procedure, comprising curettage of the lesion and calcium sulfate pellet (CaSP) grafting, in skeletally immature patients with large, symptomatic NOF of the lower extremity, and the possible limitations of the procedure. METHODS: Nine skeletally immature patients with symptomatic NOF of the lower extremity were treated between 2013 and 2016. Details of age, history of presentation, location and size (in mm) of the lesion, histology and follow-up details were recorded. Lesions were classified in Ritschl radio-morphological stages. CaSP integration was assessed by Irwing's classification. The average size of lesions was 54.6 mm in length (range 31-95). All lesions were symptomatic. The average bone expansion in relation to the bone diameter was 67.4% in the transversal plane (range 31-100) and 77.8% in the sagittal plane (range 55-100). Mean patient age at time of treatment was 9.8 years (range 7-14); mean follow-up was 2 years (range 2-4). All the patients were symptomatic, and 8 out of 9 (89%) NOFs were Ritschl type B. All the patients were treated surgically with a single-step approach, as described. RESULTS: On average, 86 mL of CaSPs was used per case (range 10-250). None of the patients required internal fixation. At last follow-up visit, CaSPs were fully incorporated in all the patients according to Irwing's classification (Stage 3). No serous drainage from wounds was recorded in any of the patients. No cases of pathological fracture, bone deformity, growth arrest or growth disturbance or infection were observed. At last follow-up visit, all the patients had resumed full sport and daily life activities. CONCLUSIONS: CaSPs offer a safe, cheap, convenient alternative to the autograft as an implant substitute that helps regeneration of bone in the defects produced by curettage of large, symptomatic NOFs. Chemical cauterization of bone walls does not interfere with CaSP integration into bone tissue.

Outcome of Conservative Versus Surgical Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fracture in Children and Adolescents: Comparison Between Nonoperative Treatment (Desault's Bandage), External Fixation and Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced humeral shaft fractures in children treated by Desault's bandage (DB), external fixation (EF), and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). METHODS: During the study period, 36 consecutive children with displaced humeral shaft fracture were treated by DB (Group A), EF (Group B) or ESIN (Group C). All the patients underwent full-length preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the injured humerus. One year after the index surgery, patients were asked to answer the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome questionnaire (Quick DASH). RESULTS: Ten patients (27.8%) were in Group A, 11 (30%) in Group B, and 15 (41.7%) in Group C. Mean age at the time of injury was 10.8±2.3 years (range, 8 to 15.2 y), 11.7±2.5 years (range, 6.8 to 15.9 y), and 12.7±2.2 years (range, 6.9 to 15.3 y) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (P=0.08). Groups A, B, and C did not differ significantly in their demographics (P>0.05).Surgical treatment (Groups B and C) provided a better radiologic outcome than nonoperative treatment (Group A) (P=0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed for preoperative, postoperative and at last follow-up mean displacement between Groups B and C (P>0.05).Overall, 9 of 36 patients developed a complication: 2 in Group A (20%), 4 in Group B (37%), and 3 in Group C (20.1) (P=0.92).Mean Quick DASH score was 3±8.6 (range, 0 to 27.3), 1.4±2.9 (range, 0 to 9), and 1.2±4.7 (range, 0 to 18.2) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. All the patients were able to resume previous physical and sport activities 4 to 6 months after the last fracture reduction procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is not contraindicated in children with displaced humeral shaft fractures. EF and ESIN provide a better radiologic outcome, less posttreatment pain and faster mobilization than DB. However, numerical differences, although statistically significant, were not clinically relevant for all variables but immobilization time. Nonoperative treatment was as efficacious as surgical treatment apart from the length of time for immobilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Radiological, clinical and functional evaluation using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire of children with medial epicondyle fractures treated surgically.

PURPOSE: The main goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes of displaced medial epicondyle fractures with or without associated elbow dislocation in children undergoing surgical treatment and to evaluate upper-extremity function with the Quick Disbilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire. The hypothesis was that patients with associated elbow dislocation would have similar functional outcome to patients with displaced fractures with or without intra-articular entrapment of the medial epicondyle. METHODS: A review of medical charts was performed to identify all children and adolescents who underwent surgical treatment for displaced medial epicondyle humeral fractures managed at a single institution. Patients with a closed fracture on plain radiographs, presence of growth cartilages and managed surgically were included in the study. Fractures were radiologically assessed on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and rated according to Papavasiliou and Crawford classification. Functional outcome was measured with the Quick DASH questionnaire. Sixty-six patients met inclusion criteria, and 38 children presented with isolated displaced medial epicondyle fracture (Group A: type II and type III) and 28 with medial epicondyle fractures associated with elbow dislocation (Group B: type IV). RESULTS: The Papavasiliou and Crawford system classified 36 fractures as type II (54.6%), two (3%) as type III and 28 as type IV (42.4%). All patients underwent open reduction. Fracture fixation was performed with K-wires in 26 (35%) children and a with single screw in 40 (65%). Mean follow-up was 37.5 months (range, 12-68). Overall complication rate was 18%. In particular, three adverse events (3/38, 8%) were recorded in Group -A and nine (9/28, 32%) in Group B (p = 0.003). Mean Quick DASH score at final follow-up was 4.6 ± 3.8 (range, 0-15.9) and was not significantly different between Groups A (5.4 ± 4.3; range, 0-15.9) and B (4.1 ± 3.5; range, 0-15.9) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with type II, III and IV medial epicondyle fractures undergoing surgical treatment have good radiological, clinical and functional outcome but warrant special attention to detect intra-articular entrapment of the broken epicondyle. In these cases, both patient and family should be warned of the potential risk of loss of elbow range of motion and possibly poor functional outcome, especially if treatment is delayed.

Displaced Tibial Shaft Fractures With Intact Fibula in Children: Nonoperative Management Versus Operative Treatment With Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced tibial shaft fractures with intact fibula in children after nonoperative management and operative treatment by elastic stable intramedullary nailing. METHODS: A study was performed on 80 consecutive children, 56 males, 24 females from 2 Institutions, with displaced and closed tibial shaft fracture with intact fibula. All patients underwent regular clinical and radiographic follow-up visits for at least 2 years after injury. RESULTS: In total, 26 patients (group A-Institution I) were treated surgically by elastic stable intramedullary nailing and 54 patients (18 patients from group B-Institution I and 36 patients from group C-Institution II) were treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and casting. groups A, B, and C did not significantly differ on sex (P=0.37), side (P=0.54), and fracture site (P=0.14).Valgus deformity was significantly controlled in group A patients only (P=0.001); during follow-up in group B patients (P=0.017), and showed no significant change between pretreatment images and last follow-up in group C patients (P=0.71). Procurvatum deformity was significantly controlled in group A patients only (P=0.001); it showed no significant improvement after conservative treatment in group B (P=0.73) and C patients (P=0.8). Recurvatum was significantly improved in group A (P<0.001) and C patients (P<0.001) but remained unchanged in group B patients (P=0.15). Varus deformity improved significantly in all patient groups.Immobilization time was significantly shorter in group A compared with group B and C patients (P<0.001).However, numerical differences, although statistically significant, were not clinically relevant for all variables but immobilization time. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed good functional and radiologic outcomes in the pediatric population who had sustained closed, traumatic, displaced fracture of tibial diaphysis without associated fibula fracture.On the basis of the findings reported here, it is not contraindicated to operate skeletally immature patients with displaced fracture of tibial diaphysis without associated fibula fracture. However, results were essentially the same and either method is a satisfactory choice for pediatric tibia shaft fractures with an intact fibula. In particular, we found that conservative treatment was as efficacious as surgical treatment apart from the length of time for immobilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Complications of elastic stable intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in children weighing fifty kilograms (one hundred and ten pounds) and more.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess treatment outcomes in children weighing 50 kg (110 pounds) or more with displaced femur shaft fractures treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) and to identify potential correlations between nail size/medullary canal diameter ratio and outcome. METHODS: Twenty out of 117 consecutive children surgically treated by ESIN for displaced fractures of the femoral shaft with no associated neurovascular injury weighed 50 kg (110 pounds) or more. All patients underwent regular clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least one year after their index surgery. RESULTS: The average patient age at the time of injury was 13.1 years (25th and 75th interquartile range [IQR] = 11.7-14.5). The mean follow-up was 27.4 months (IQR = 18.4-36.8). Overall, nine (45 %) adverse events were observed. The rate of complications was higher among children weighting 55 kg and over (67 %) than in children weighing less than 55 kg (35 %) and among children aged 13 years old or older (72 %) than among children younger than 13 years old (11 %). DISCUSSION: Femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents weighing 50 kg (110 pounds) and over and older than ten years of age have an increased rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Heavier patients have a greater chance of complications. In particular, patients younger than 13 years old and weighing less than 55 kg can be safely managed with ESIN, but older and heavier patients should preferably be treated with rigid fixation systems due to a greater complication rate. However, further studies are needed to consolidate the conclusions.

Displaced tibia shaft fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing: results and complications in children weighing 50 kg (110 lb) or more.

The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced tibia shaft fractures in children weighing 50 kg (110 lb) or more treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Translation, sagittal and coronal angulations were assessed on plain radiographs in all the patients. Twenty-six out of 106 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average patient age at the time of injury was 13.5 ± 1.3 years (range 11.3-16.1). The mean patient weight was 57 ± 8 kg (range 50-80). This study demonstrates that the use of ESIN for displaced tibia shaft fractures in children and adolescents weighing 50 kg (110 lb) or more, or older than 13 years of age, is not contraindicated. In contrast to data in femoral shaft fractures, we did not find poorer outcomes in older or heavier patients. No correlation between nail size/medullary canal diameter ratio and outcome was observed.

Displaced humeral shaft fractures in children and adolescents: results and adverse effects in patients treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to retrospectively investigate the clinical and radiological outcome of humeral shaft fractures treated by ESIN in children <16 years old and to evaluate the functional outcome of these injuries using the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome questionnaire (Quick DASH(®)). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated children with fractures of the humeral shaft, surgically treated by ESIN. All the patients were regularly followed clinically and radiographically for at least 1 year after their index surgery. After hardware removal, the patients were asked to answer the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome questionnaire (Quick DASH). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at the time of trauma was 11.1 years. Mean follow-up was 30 months. All fractures healed, but three patients had a residual valgus of >10°, two a residual varum of >10°, four a residual recurvatum deformity of >10°, and one a residual procurvatum deformity of >10°. Four complications were observed. Functional outcome was nevertheless good in all the patients, with a mean Quick DASH(®) score of 3. CONCLUSION: The study shows good clinical and functional outcomes in children and adolescents with closed isolated fractures of the humeral shaft surgically treated by ESIN, even with ensuing mild residual frontal and sagittal plane deformity. However, conservative treatment has also been advocated in the scientific literature for this type of injuries, and surgical treatment should not be considered as the only option for the management of humeral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents.

Outcome of isolated olecranon fractures in skeletally immature patients: comparison of open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.

PURPOSE: The olecranon fracture is an uncommon injury reported to incur many possible complications in children. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of two different surgical techniques in isolated olecranon fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 22 children with isolated olecranon fracture treated by open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. We compared the dislocation before and after surgery by radiography. The patients were evaluated clinically with Quick DASH(®). RESULTS: Both techniques showed good radiological and clinical outcome (Quick DASH(®) 1.82 vs. 3.42) with no statistically significance difference (p > 0.05). In two cases (16.6 %) of the group treated with cannulated screw, it was necessary to convert into open reduction to obtain optimal reduction of the fracture. All the children returned to previous activity. In four cases, the extension of the elbow was slightly reduced (15°-20°), with no statistically significant difference in the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is not contraindicated to operate skeletally immature patients with displaced olecranon fracture. However, results were essentially the same, and so either method is a satisfactory choice for pediatric displaced olecranon fractures, with equally acceptable radiological results and similar rate of complications and clinical outcome at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Outcome of Displaced Fractures of the Distal Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junction of the Humerus in Children Treated With Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). METHODS: During the study period, 14 consecutive children with fractures of the distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction were surgically treated by ESIN. All patients underwent full-length preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the injured humerus. One year after the index surgery, patients were asked to answer the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome questionnaire (Quick DASH). RESULTS: During the study period, fractures of the distal metaphyseal-diaphyseal humeral junction represented 1.5% (16/1100) of all humeral fractures. Fourteen patients underwent surgery and met the inclusion criteria. The male to female ratio was 1:1. The average patient age at the time of injury was 9.7 years (range, 3.6 to 13.7 y). The left and right sides were equally affected. The mean follow-up was 28.1 months (range, 20 to 38 mo).Radiologically, no secondary displacement, nail migration, loss of fixation, consolidation delay, nonunion, or refracture was noted. None of the patients showed signs of growth arrest on either radiologic or clinical assessment.All patients returned to their previous daily and sport activities without discomfort or difficulty, and they were free of pain at their last follow-up visits. The injured elbow range of motion was comparable with that of the contralateral side at the last follow-up visit in all patients. The mean Quick DASH score was 0.81 (range, 0 to 6.8). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend surgery for displaced fractures of the distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. ESIN results in stable reduction, good rotational control, and faster mobilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcome of displaced distal tibial metaphyseal fractures in children between 6 and 15 years of age treated by elastic stable intramedullary nails.

UNLABELLED: From June 1995 to August 2012, 18 children were treated surgically using elastic stable intramedullary nails for displaced closed fractures of the distal metaphysis of the tibia. The patients were followed radiographically and clinically on a regular basis until union was clinically and radiographically achieved. Thirteen boys and five girls with a mean age at trauma of 11 ± 2.9 years (range 6-15) were included in the study. Radiographically, all fractures healed without evidence of delayed union, re-fracture, hardware migration. All patients were pain free at last follow-up and all regained full, normal activities including sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Implants removal in children: results of a survey among Italian orthopaedic surgeons.

In the treatment of paediatric limb disorders, the use of metal implants has been increasing over the last decades. Recent studies have addressed the decision of orthopaedic surgeons regarding the removal of implants after the treatment of fracture, and there is a growing consensus within the scientific community supporting the choice of not removing implants in children. This survey aimed to investigate the rationale behind the Italian orthopaedic community's decision regarding metal implant removal in paediatric patients. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all members of the Italian Paediatric Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society, Italian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society, Italian Club of Osteosynthesis, and South Italy Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology. The survey comprised 34 questions about hardware removal after the treatment of long bone fractures, epiphyseal growth plate injuries, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and flat foot. Of the 3500 orthopaedic surgeons who received the questionnaire, 5.5% responded. The leading indications for implant removal were the patient's intolerance, pain, ROM limitations, and hardware breakage. Removal of elastic nails for long bone fractures, cannulated screws for growth plate injuries, and SCFE and screws for arthroereisis for flat foot correction were analysed in detail. The consensus among Italian Orthopaedic Surgeons is to remove elastic nails and cannulated screws in cases of pain, intolerance, or breakage and to reduce further risks during patient growth. An increasing number of physicians, however, are endorsing and advocating the growing trend in the literature of not routinely removing the hardware.