Outcomes After Operative Treatment of Pediatric Monteggia Fracture-Dislocations: Comparison Between Open and Closed Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Open pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations are a relatively uncommon injury pattern, with limited numbers reported in previous series. Open fracture-dislocations frequently represent more severe injury patterns with potential for contamination. We aim to determine differences in long-term clinical and functional outcomes in the operative management of closed versus open pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations. METHODS: A retrospective review of operatively treated pediatric Monteggia fracture-dislocations was performed. Closed versus open injuries were compared in both clinical outcomes, as well as patient-reported outcomes through Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 30 operatively treated injuries, 12/30 (40%) were open fracture-dislocations. Patients were followed clinically for an average of 15.65 months in open injuries and an average of 4.61 months in closed injuries. A trend toward increased time to union was observed, however, significance was not achieved; open injuries averaged 8.0 versus 5.8 weeks for closed injuries ( P =0.07). Two patients (11%) in the closed fracture group experienced postoperative complications; both were minor. Five patients (42%) in the open fracture-dislocation group experienced a total of 6 postoperative complications; 5 of the 6 complications were major. QuickDASH scores were obtained at an average of 5 years postoperatively; mean QuickDASH scores were higher in the open fracture group, 13.1, compared with the closed fracture group, 5.9 ( P =0.038). Increased QuickDASH scores were independently associated with presence of postoperative complications. QuickDASH score could be expected to increase by 12.5 points in those with major complications ( P =0.044). CONCLUSION: We present the largest single cohort of pediatric open Monteggia fracture-dislocation injuries to date. These injuries are predictive of poorer outcomes including trend toward increased time to union, increased risk of major complication, and can independently predict worse long-term patient-reported functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-these data represent a retrospective comparative study of clinical and functional outcomes.

Incidence of Ipsilateral Femoral Neck and Shaft Fractures in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence, patient characteristics, and effectiveness of radiographic screening methods for detecting ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures in pediatric and adolescent trauma patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric trauma hospital. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients younger than 18 years treated for a femoral shaft fracture between 2004 and 2018 were reviewed. Pathologic (metabolic bone disease or bone lesion), periprosthetic, and penetrating traumatic femoral shaft fractures were excluded. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND COMPARISONS: Patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, treatment methods, and associated injuries were analyzed. Pretreatment x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed for the identification of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. RESULTS: Among the 840 pediatric patients included in this study, 4 patients (0.5%) sustained ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. All the femoral neck fractures were observed in adolescents (aged 13-17 years) and involved in high-energy traumas. In adolescents involved in high-energy trauma, the incidence increased to 1.7%. Pretreatment sensitivity of both x-rays and CT scans was only 50% for the detection of femoral neck fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures in pediatric patients are rare, occurring in adolescents involved in high-energy trauma. The findings suggest the need for a selective, rather than routine, use of CT scans based on the patient's age and the mechanism of injury. The use of alternative imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to balance diagnostic accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Associated injuries in children and adolescents with spinal trauma.

BACKGROUND: Over half of children and adolescents with spinal trauma have associated injuries, most commonly involving the appendicular skeleton, head and neck, and thorax. The incidence and characteristics of these associated injuries have been well described, but to our knowledge there has been no evaluation of the relationship between the injury characteristics and the patient age. METHODS: Data were obtained from the trauma registries of the local pediatric and adult level 1 trauma centers, and patients aged 0 to 19 years with spinal trauma were identified. For analysis, patients were divided into 3 age groups: 0 to 3, 4 to 12, and 13 to 19 years. Associated injuries were divided into 5 groups: head, thoracic, abdominal, appendicular skeletal fracture, and neurological. RESULTS: Overall, 25 patients had isolated dislocations and 307 patients had 366 spinal fractures or fracture-dislocations: 36% cervical, 31% thoracic, and 51% lumbar. Most (84%) of the injuries occurred in the 13- to 19-year-old group. Sixty-two percent of patients had associated injuries, most commonly thoracic injuries (pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, rib fracture); 45% had multilevel spinal fractures, 39% of which were noncontiguous. Nearly three fourths of the noncontiguous fractures occurred in a different spinal region; cervical fracture with concomitant thoracic fracture was the most frequent pattern. CONCLUSIONS: This large series of consecutive patients highlights several important concepts concerning pediatric spinal fractures, including age-related patterns of injury, frequent associated injuries, and a high rate of multiple spinal injuries, especially noncontiguous injuries. It also emphasizes the importance of careful full-body examination and imaging of the entire spine in children and adolescents with a known spinal injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Pediatric Medial Malleolus Reconstruction and Cartilage Preservation Using Iliac Crest Bone Graft After Ankle Trauma: A Case Report.

CASE: This case report describes cartilage preservation and medial malleolus reconstruction using tricortical iliac crest autograft in a pediatric patient who sustained an ankle injury resulting in near-complete medial malleolus bone loss. CONCLUSION: Medial malleolar bone loss precluding open reduction and internal fixation is a challenging surgical problem, and there are few studies describing treatment. Our case report adds to the literature because our described technique resulted in a successful outcome for this patient.

Metaphyseal Dysplasia, Spahr Type; A Case Report of Variable Expressivity in Non-Consanguineous Filipino Siblings.

Introduction: Metaphyseal dysplasia describes a heterogenous group of skeletal dysplasias with varying inheritance patterns, which preferentially demonstrate dysplastic changes within the metaphyseal region of long bones. The clinical consequences of these dysplastic changes are highly variable, but most uniformly include decreased stature, increased upper-to-lower segment proportions, genu varus, and knee pain. Metaphyseal dysplasia, Spahr type (MDST) [MIM: 250400] is a rare primary bone dysplasia that was first clinically described in 1961 in four of five siblings with moderate short stature, metaphyseal dysplasia, mild genu vara, and no biochemical signs of rickets. For many decades, MDST was a clinical diagnosis, but the underlying genetic etiology was determined to be due to biallelic pathogenic variants in matrix metalloproteinases 13 [MIM: 600108] in 2014. Clinical case reports of this disease are limited; this paper aims to present the clinical manifestations and treatment for 3 Filipino siblings with a confirmed of MDST. Case Report: Patient 1 presented at age 8 for medial ankle pain and bilateral lower extremity bowing of several years. Radiographs showed bilateral metaphyseal irregularities, and the patient underwent bilateral lateral distal femoral and proximal tibial physeal tethering at 9 years 11 months. At 16 months post tethering, she reports reduced pain although varus deformity persists. Patient 2 presented to clinic at age 6 for concern of bilateral bowing. He has had no reported pain and demonstrates milder metaphyseal irregularities than patient 1 on radiographs. To date, patient 2 has no significant changes or gross deformity. Patient 3 examined at 19 months without observable deformity. Conclusion: Suspicion for MDST should be elevated in the setting of short-stature, upper-to-lower segment disproportionality, focal metaphyseal irregularities, and normal biochemical presentation. At present, no standard of care exists for treatment of patients with these deformities. Further, identification and evaluation of impacted patients are needed to progressively optimize management.

Factors associated with conversion to open reduction of type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Background: The US News and World report utilizes the number of supracondylar humerus fractures treated in an open procedure, excluding open fractures and vascular exploration, as a metric in assessing Pediatric Orthopedic trauma care. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that increase the likelihood of a patient needing open reduction for Gartland Type 3 SCH fractures. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent surgical management of closed, Type 3 SCH fractures at our Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center between 2011 and 2017 were considered for inclusion. Patient age greater than 16 years, patients with closed physes and open fractures were excluded. Electronic medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed. Student's t- and chi-squared tests were used, and logistic regression was performed comparing closed v open reduction. Results: 362 subjects were included in this study. 318/362 (87.8%) were treated with closed reduction. 44/362 (12.2%) required open reduction. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, BMI, concomitant ipsilateral extremity fractures, Type 4 unstable fracture or patients that underwent hospital transfer. The mechanisms of injury with the greatest percentage requiring open reduction were fall from furniture and trampoline. Of those patients that underwent open reduction, 65.9% had posterolateral displacement of the fracture. Those with displacement >4 mm had 3.14 higher odds of requiring an open reduction (p = 0.002). The anterior spike fracture pattern had the highest rate of failed closed reduction of 66.7%. Of those patients that had an open reduction, 13/44 (29.5%) had a neuropraxia and 5/44 (11.4%) had vascular compromise. Those with neuropraxia had 3.26 higher odds of requiring an open reduction (p = 0.005). Time to operating room was significantly shorter in patients that underwent open reduction (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our rate of open reduction for Type 3 SCH fractures, 12.2%, is consistent with previously described rates. Posterolateral displacement of fractures, displacement >4 mm, fractures with an anterior spike and fractures associated with neurovascular compromise are more likely to undergo open reduction. Transfer status, BMI and patient age were not associated with open reduction. Open reduction was associated with shorter time to the operating room, likely representing the urgent care of significantly displaced fractures associated with neurovascular compromise. Level of evidence: Level III.

Screw versus plate fixation of proximal first metatarsal crescentic osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus associated with metatarus primus varus is a deformity that disrupts normal foot function. Standard treatment has often included distal or proximal metatarsal osteotomy with or without a distal soft tissue procedure. The intrinsically unstable proximal crescentic osteotomy relies on operative fixation for stability. This study examined the strength of fixation of a single screw versus a plate for stabilization of proximal first metatarsal crescentic osteotomies for correction of hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A crescentic osteotomy was performed on nine pairs of fresh/frozen cadaveric feet. The distal fragment was rotated laterally and the osteotomy was temporarily stabilized with a Kirschner wire. The osteotomized metatarsal fragments were fixed with a cancellous screw on one side and single plate on the contralateral side. Each specimen was loaded in a mechanical testing machine, and its response was measured by monitoring the opening of the osteotomy and change in alignment of the fragments. Position and alignment of the proximal and distal fragments were calculated. RESULTS: All of the measures of fixation strength were statistically greater in specimens treated with a plate rather than with screw fixation. Plate fixation provided approximately twice the resistance to disruption of the osteotomy under cyclic loading conditions. CONCLUSION: The dorsal plate is biomechanically more stable than a single cancellous screw when applied to proximal crescentic osteotomies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The greater stability of the plate construct may be helpful in selecting the fixation device for these osteotomies.

Chronic anterior midtibial stress fractures in athletes treated with reamed intramedullary nailing.

BACKGROUND: A chronic anterior midtibial stress fracture is a serious, difficult-to-treat injury that can adversely affect an athlete's career. HYPOTHESIS: The use of a reamed intramedullary nail for a chronic anterior tibial stress fracture is a safe and effective treatment for an athlete. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Seven collegiate-level athletes with 11 chronic anterior midtibial stress fractures were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing between 1997 and 2000. These patients were followed for a mean duration of 17 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of stress fracture diagnosis was 17 years. Seven of the fractures occurred in male athletes, whereas 4 occurred in female athletes. All patients had failed nonoperative treatment, including rest, activity modification, use of an orthosis, and low-intensity ultrasound stimulation, for a minimum of 4 months. Patients had experienced symptoms for a mean duration of 12 months. Clinical and radiological union occurred at a mean of 2.7 and 3 months, respectively. The mean duration for return to sports after surgery was 4 months. At last follow-up, all patients had full range of motion at the knee and ankle joints and were satisfied with the results. One patient developed bursitis at the tibial nail insertion site that was resolved with a steroid injection. Another patient sustained a traumatic fracture of the distal tibia 1 year after intramedullary nailing of the tibial stress fracture. This fracture healed with nonoperative treatment. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing of the tibia for chronic stress fracture has a high union rate, allows for a low complication rate, and allows for an early return to competitive sports. This procedure is an excellent alternative treatment for those fractures that have failed nonsurgical treatment.

Cyclic testing of arthroscopic knot security.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic soft tissue repairs undergo many cycles of tensioning and relaxation before significant tissue healing occurs, and knot security under cyclic loads is essential for good results after these repairs. The current study was designed to assess the security of arthroscopic knots under stepwise cyclic loading. TYPE OF STUDY: In vitro materials testing. METHODS: Three types of arthroscopic knots--sliding knots with loop reversal but without post switching (S=SxSxSxS), modified Revo knots with loop reversal and post switching twice (S=S//xSxS//xS), and the SMC knot backed by 2 throws with loop reversal and post switching (S//xS//xS)--were compared with five-throw square knots tied with an open technique. All knots were tied with No. 2 braided nonabsorbable suture around 2 aluminum rods. They were pretensioned to 10 N, and initial displacement was recorded. The knots were then cycled at 1 Hz for 9 different load levels, with 250 cycles at each level, followed by a 30-second rest period to allow recording of permanent laxity of the suture loop. The first step of cyclic loading was from 10 to 40 N, and the upper limit was increased by 10 N for each successive load level. Any knot surviving cyclical loading was pulled to failure. RESULTS: Ten knots of each configuration were tested. All 3 arthroscopic slip knots showed significantly less initial displacement compared with the square knots (0.26 mm compared with 0.45 mm, respectively, P <.005). All square and modified Revo knots reached the ninth (120 N) loading level, whereas only 6 of the SMC knots and 3 of the arthroscopic knots without post switching reached the ninth loading level. Furthermore, all square and modified Revo knots failed by suture breakage at the knot, whereas 8 arthroscopic knots without post switching and 5 SMC knots failed by slipping. In fact, 3 of the arthroscopic knots without post switching and 1 of the SMC knots failed during the initial cyclic loading from 10 to 40 N. The modified Revo knots reached 3 mm of permanent laxity at significantly higher load levels than the square knots tied with an open technique (96 N v 78 N, P <.005). The SMC knots reached 3 mm of permanent laxity at statistically similar load levels compared with the square knots, but showed considerably more variability. None of the arthroscopic knots without post switching survived the entire cyclic-loading protocol. Four square, 5 modified Revo, and 5 SMC knots that survived cyclic loading reached ultimate failure at statistically similar load levels (157, 156, and 152 N, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Post switching and loop reversal are key to arthroscopic knot security. Arthroscopic slip knots may be tighter at the time of knot construction than openly hand-tied square knots. The modified Revo knots appear to be as durable as openly hand-tied square knots regarding resistance to loosening under cyclic loading conditions. Security of arthroscopic knots without post switching is quite variable, making these knots less reliable. The SMC knot also proved not to be as reliable as the square and modified Revo knots when cyclically tested.

Pretibial cyst formation after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Pretibial cyst formation is a rare occurrence after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We report this complication after ACL reconstruction using a hamstring autograft. Bone grafting of the original tibial tunnels during revision surgeries after failed ACL reconstruction could prevent this rare complication.

Prevalence of ganglion cysts originating from the proximal tibiofibular joint: A magnetic resonance imaging study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in patients undergoing outpatient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. TYPE OF STUDY: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: From November 2000 to June 2001, every MRI of the knee performed at an outpatient imaging center was reviewed by a single examiner for the presence of a proximal tibiofibular ganglion cyst. In addition to the reason for ordering the MRI, demographic information on all patients was gathered. RESULTS: A total of 654 knee MRI scans were performed at the outpatient imaging center during the study period. This study population consisted of 310 men and 344 women, with an average age of 43.4 years (range, 11 to 88 years). There were 308 left and 346 right knees imaged. The most common clinical diagnosis in these 654 patients was meniscal tear (42.8%). A total of 5 patients had a proximal tibiofibular ganglion cyst detected on MRI, yielding a prevalence of 0.76% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1% to 1.4%). These cysts ranged in size from 1.0 to 2.8 cm in maximum diameter. Three were found in men and 2 in women. The mean age of these patients was 47.6 years (range, 42 to 54 years). The most common preimaging diagnosis in these patients was a medial meniscal tear (in 3 of 5). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide data on the prevalence of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in a population of patients with knee pain significant enough to warrant MRI. Over half of the patients found to have proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts had no symptoms or signs attributable to them.

Anatomic and radiographic analysis of arthroscopic tack placement into the anteroinferior glenoid.

Tack location within the anteroinferior aspect of the glenoid when performing simulated repairs of anteroinferior capsulolabral avulsions (Bankart lesions) was evaluated anatomically and radiographically. Arthroscopy was performed on six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, and bioabsorbable tacks were placed through an accessory anteroinferior portal coming into the joint just above the subscapularis tendon using an outside-in technique. Tack location was studied after removal of all soft tissues. In addition to their position on the glenoid, the tacks were also evaluated for being partially or completely within bone. The tacks were recannulated with guide pins and anteroposterior, axillary, and en face glenoid radiographs of each specimen were obtained. This study provides quantitative data about the inferior placement limitations of the insertion angle and location of fixation devices within the anteroinferior glenoid through the anteroinferior accessory portal.

Adherence of randomized trials within children's surgical specialties published during 2000 to 2009 to standard reporting guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are uncommon in pediatric surgical specialties and the quality of reporting is unknown. Our primary purpose was to analyze published surgical RCTs involving children to measure adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Published RCTs from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009 were reviewed. The trials were evaluated for the presence of 7 CONSORT guidelines and also graded according to the Jadad scale. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight trials were included. Five trials met all 7 CONSORT criteria (2%) and 53 had a Jadad score of ≥3 (23%). Slightly more than 50% of all trials specified primary outcomes and <25% described power calculations according to CONSORT. Adherence to CONSORT guidelines for allocation concealment, randomization description, and attrition details was even lower. There were significant differences between surgical specialties with regard to CONSORT adherence to the majority of the guidelines. Pediatric general surgery had the largest number of published RCTs. Pediatric orthopaedic surgery had the highest proportion of trials with a Jadad score ≥3 (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to CONSORT guidelines is low across the spectrum of children's surgical specialties, although significant differences do exist. Future RCTs in children's surgical specialties should specifically focus on areas of low adherence to reporting guidelines.

Security of knots tied with ethibond, fiberwire, orthocord, or ultrabraid.

BACKGROUND: The security of several popular arthroscopic knots to prolonged, incremental, cyclic loads is unknown, as is the security of knots tied with newer, superstrong sutures. HYPOTHESIS: Some arthroscopic knots are as secure as openly tied square knots, and knots tied with superstrong sutures are more secure than those tied with braided polyester. Some arthroscopic knots are significantly bulkier than openly tied square knots. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Five types of openly tied knots (3-throw square, 4-throw square, 5-throw square, 5-throw slip, open SAK [simple arthroscopic knot]), 6 complex arthroscopic knots backed with 3 reversed half-hitches with alternating posts (RHAPs) (SMC, Weston, taut-line hitch, Tennessee slider, Roeder, Duncan loop), and 2 stacked half-hitch (SHH) arthroscopic knots (surgeon's [S=S=S//xS//xS//xS], SAK [S=S//xSxS//xS]) were tied using No. 2 Ethibond around 2 aluminum rods, which were pulled apart with stepwise, incremental, cyclic loads to a maximum force of 120 N (2250 total cycles). Then, 5-throw square knots openly tied with No. 2 Fiberwire, Orthocord, or Ultrabraid were subjected to the stepwise, incremental, cyclic loading protocol extended to a 260-N load level. Before mechanical testing, the height (maximum diameter) of each knot was measured with digital calipers. RESULTS: For Ethibond, the openly tied 3-throw square knots (56.2 +/- 21.4 N) and 5-throw slip knots (49.9 +/- 26.9 N) reached clinical failure (3 mm of laxity) at significantly lower loads (P < .05) than openly tied 5-throw square knots (90.8 +/- 6.5 N), whereas the openly tied SAK (82.3 +/- 9.4 N) and 4-throw square (84.3 +/- 11.6 N) and all arthroscopically tied knots reached 3 mm of laxity at statistically similar loads. Five-throw square knots openly tied with Fiberwire or Orthocord reached 3 mm of laxity at much higher loads (194.9 +/- 28.4 N and 168.4 +/- 8.6 N, respectively) than those tied using Ethibond (P < .001 for each comparison), but there was no significant difference in performance between Fiberwire knots and Orthocord knots. Although Ultrabraid square knots also were stronger than those tied with Ethibond (137.9 +/- 15.9 N, P < .005), they were not as secure as those tied with Orthocord or Fiberwire (P < .05). Compared with the 5-throw square knots, all arthroscopic knots were significantly bulkier. Especially bulky knots were the Duncan loop and the taut-line hitch. Orthocord square knots demonstrated bulkiness similar to Ethibond square knots, whereas Fiberwire and Ultrabraid square knots were significantly bulkier. CONCLUSIONS: For braided suture, 5-throw knots optimize square knot security. Open or arthroscopic slip knots can achieve similar security with post switching and loop reversal. Fiberwire, Orthocord, or Ultrabraid openly tied square knots offer greater security than those tied with Ethibond. Arthroscopic knots vary in their bulkiness, but all are significantly bulkier than 5-throw openly tied square knots. Square knots openly tied with Fiberwire or Ultrabraid tend to be bulkier than if tied with Ethibond or Orthocord, which are similar to each other. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 5-throw openly tied square knot remains the gold standard, although the openly tied SAK offers similar security when tying in a hole. Arthroscopic knots, whether complex knots backed up by 3 RHAPs, the 6-throw surgeon's knot, or the 5-throw SAK, give security similar to the standard. Square knots tied with the newer sutures in open fashion are more secure than if tied with braided polyester. Using lower profile knots may be especially important when employing Fiberwire or Ultrabraid, as these sutures tend to result in bulkier knots than those tied with Ethibond or Orthocord.