The aim was to assess the effect of caudal block on patients who have had proximal femoral &/or pelvic osteotomy compared to patients who have had epidural anaesthesia with regards to pain relief and hospital stay. We looked at two patient cohorts; epidural & caudal pain relief in aforementioned procedures. Interrogation of our clinical database (WinDip, BlueSpeir&clinical notes) identified 57 patients: 33 proximal femoral osteotomy, 13 pelvic osteotomy and 11 combined(25 Males 32 Females), aged 1–18 years-old between 2012–2014, in two institutions. A database of demographics, operative indications, associated procedures, analgesia and type of anaesthesia was constructed in relation to daily pain score and length of hospital stay. 39 patients had epidural anaesthesia, and 18 had caudal block. Cerebral palsy with unstable hips was the commonest indication(21), followed by dysplastic hip(10), Perthes disease(8) and other causes(18). The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability(FLACC) scale was used to assess pain. Length of hospital stay in caudal block patients was 3.1 days(1–9), in epidural anaesthesia patients stay was 4.46 days(2–13). Paediatrics high dependency unit after an epidural was needed in 20(Average stay 3.4 days) compared to 1 who received caudal block. Caudal block FLACC pain score in the first 36 hours was 1.23(0–4) compared to 0.18(0–2) in patients who had an epidural. Caudal block is associated with less hospital stay and fewer admissions to the high dependency unit, it also provides adequate pain relief post osteotomies when compared to epidural, therefore could be performed at units lacking epidural facilities. A change in related practice however should be cautious and supported by further studies

Introduction: We describe the successful treatment of advanced Perthes’ disease in 5 patients using a combined pelvic and femoral osteotomy. To our knowledge, there are no reports in orthopaedic literature describing simultaneous pelvic and femoral osteotomy as treatment for healed Perthes disease. Method: There were 4 males and 1 female, age range 10 years to 18 years (mean 13 years). All five patients were rated as Stulberg IV. We used a Tonnis pelvic osteotomy and a 20° valgus femoral osteotomy. Clinical parameters, measured pre and post operatively, included range of movement, Harris hip and pain scores (patient and parent perception of pain on an analogue scoring system). Results: The mean improvement in Harris hip score was 30 points and the mean reduction in pain score was 6. Range of movement was not affected. Complications included one case of non-union of the femoral osteotomy, successfully treated by open reduction and internal fixation with bone graft. Conclusions: Simultaneous pelvic and femoral osteotomy may improve symptoms and function in symptomatic patients with healed Stulberg IV Perthes disease

Aims. When the present study was initiated, we changed the treatment for late-detected developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) from several weeks of skin traction to markedly shorter traction time. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate this change, with special emphasis on the rate of stable closed reduction according to patient age, the development of the acetabulum, and the outcome at skeletal maturity. Methods. From 1996 to 2005, 49 children (52 hips) were treated for late-detected DDH. Their mean age was 13.3 months (3 to 33) at reduction. Prereduction skin traction was used for a mean of 11 days (0 to 27). Gentle closed reduction under general anaesthesia was attempted in all the hips. Concurrent pelvic osteotomy was not performed. The hips were evaluated at one, three and five years after reduction, at age eight to ten years, and at skeletal maturity. Mean age at the last follow-up was 15.7 years (13 to 21). Results. Stable closed reduction was obtained in 36 hips (69%). Open reduction was more often necessary in patients ≥ 18 months of age at reduction (50%) compared with those under 18 months (24%). Residual hip dysplasia/subluxation occurred in 12 hips and was significantly associated with avascular necrosis (AVN) and with high acetabular index and low femoral head coverage the first years after reduction. Further surgery, mostly pelvic and femoral osteotomies to correct subluxation, was performed in eight hips (15%). The radiological outcome at skeletal maturity was satisfactory (Severin grades 1 or 2) in 43 hips (83%). Conclusions. Gentle closed reduction can be attempted in children up to three years of age, but is likely to be less successful in children aged over 18 months. There is a marked trend to spontaneous improvement of the acetabulum after reduction, even in patients aged over 18 months and therefore simultaneous pelvic osteotomy is not always necessary

Introduction. Patients who are symptomatic with concurrent acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral deformity may have Perthes disease. Osteotomies to correct both the acetabular and proximal femur deformities may optimise biomechanics and improve pain and function. In this study, we assessed the long-term results for such a combined procedure. Methods. We included patients who underwent concurrent pelvic and proximal femoral osteotomies by the senior surgeon (JNOH) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. A modified triple pelvic interlocking osteotomy was performed to correct acetabular inclination and/or version with a concurrent proximal femoral osteotomy to correct valgus/varus and/or rotational alignment. We assessed functional scores, radiological paramenters, arthroplasty conversion rate, time interval before conversion to arthroplasty and other associated complications. Results. We identified 63 patients (64 hips) with a mean age of 29.2 years (range 14.3–51) at a mean follow-up of 10.1 years (range 5.1–18.5). The mean sourcil inclination postoperatively was 4.9. O. (range 1–12) compared to 24. O. (range 14.5–33) preoperatively. The mean Tonnis grade postoperatively was 2.2 (1–3) compared to 1.8 (range 1–2) preoperatively. At the last follow-up assessment, the mean Oxford Hip Score was 56 (range 60–47), Non-arthritic Hip Score was 71 (range 59–80) and UCLA activity score was 8 (range 5–10). There were 12 (18.8%) conversions to arthroplasty at a mean of 7.9 years (range 2.2–12.2) after surgery. Other associated complications include 1 sciatic nerve injury, 1 deep infection and 5 non-unions that required refixation. Discussion. Symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with concurrent proximal femoral deformity is difficult to treat. The use of combined pelvic and femoral osteotomies can optimise acetabular and femoral head alignment to improve pain and function with more than 4 out of 5 hips preserved at 10 years

Introduction. Patients who are symptomatic with concurrent acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral deformity may have Perthes disease. Osteotomies to correct both the acetabular and proximal femur deformities may optimise biomechanics and improve pain and function. In this study, we assessed the long-term results for such a combined procedure. Methods. We included patients who underwent concurrent pelvic and proximal femoral osteotomies by the senior surgeon (JNOH) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. A modified triple pelvic interlocking osteotomy was performed to correct acetabular inclination and/or version with a concurrent proximal femoral osteotomy to correct valgus/varus and/or rotational alignment. We assessed functional scores, radiological paramenters, arthroplasty conversion rate, time interval before conversion to arthroplasty and other associated complications. Results. We identified 63 patients (64 hips) with a mean age of 29.2 years (range 14.3–51) at a mean follow-up of 10.1 years (range 5.1–18.5). The mean sourcil inclination postoperatively was 4.9. O. (range 1–12) compared to 24. O. (range 14.5–33) preoperatively. The mean Tonnis grade postoperatively was 2.2 (1–3) compared to 1.8 (range 1–2) preoperatively. At the last follow-up assessment, the mean Oxford Hip Score was 56 (range 60–47), Non-arthritic Hip Score was 71 (range 59–80) and UCLA activity score was 8 (range 5–10). There were 12 (18.8%) conversions to arthroplasty at a mean of 7.9 years (range 2.2–12.2) after surgery. Other associated complications include 1 sciatic nerve injury, 1 deep infection and 5 non-unions that required refixation. Discussion. Symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with concurrent proximal femoral deformity is difficult to treat. The use of combined pelvic and femoral osteotomies can optimise acetabular and femoral head alignment to improve pain and function with more than 4 out of 5 hips preserved at 10 years

Aims: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if open reduction, with pelvic and femoral osteotomy, for a dislocated hip in children with severe spastic quadriplegia alters the function or symptoms of the patient and to determine radiographic factors that correlate with sypmtoms. Methods: The validated Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and a self-constructed questionnaire asking about pain, hygiene, sitting status and ambulatory status were sent to the caregivers of 52 patients who were operated on. Radiographs were reviewed for changes in centre edge angle, acetabular index, migration index and femoral head defect. Results: 27 caregivers completed the questionnaires. Complete pre-operative radiographs and radiographs from latest follow-up were available in 42 patients and complete radiographs and completed questionnaires were available for 21 patients. The average age at surgery was 9 years with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. The results of the PEDI did not change signiþcantly following surgery. The second questionnaire showed an improvement of hygiene care for 11 patients, weight bearing for transfers for seven, sitting status for 10 and sitting tolerance for 18. Pain improved for 17 and deteriorated for two patients. There was no correlation between radiographic measures and function or symptoms. Conclusions: Open reduction with pelvic and femoral osteotomy for dislocated hips in children with severe cerebral palsy can result in a decrease in pain and a modest improvement in function

Expecting the low wear property and the longevity, since October 1998, we have been using the alumina on alumina bearing for the hip arthroplasty. Until July 2008, for dysplastic 1078 hips we have implanted the bearing couple. Among them, we evaluated 86 hips in 79 patients (male 3, female 76) with the primary arthroplasty, Spongiosa Metal II Total Hip System (GHE: ESKA implants, Lübeck, Germany/Biolox Forte. ®. : Ceramtec AG, Plochingen, Germany), osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia, age 60 or below, and a minimum of five years follow-up. The preoperative diagnosis included the failed pelvic and/or femoral osteotomy, avascular necrosis after DDH, dislocation, and subdislocation. The average age at the surgery was 53 (27 to 60). The average of follow-up period was 6.3 (4.6 to 9.1) years. The implants have a macro-porous structure on the surface. To set the metal shell in the intended position, the sclerotic lesion was adequately resected by the chisels and then we used the acetabulum reamers. Otherwise the sclerotic lesion would prevent the reamer to go into the suitable direction. We reamed the acetabulum until the lamina interna to use the maximum size of the metal shell (i.e. to use the liner as thick as possible) and at the same time for the medialization of the hip center. To avoid impingement, the osteophyte was resected without hesitating. We added the adductor tenotomy for 19 hips, the extensive release of the flexor tendons (including the quadriceps origin, the sartroius origin, and the gluteus maximus insertion) for three hips, and the release of the extensor insertion (the gluteus maximus) for two hips, and the release of the flexor insertion (the iliopsoas) for two hips. The hip score was improved in all patients. The average amount of the hip score was 59 before the surgery and was 90 at the final follow-up. A positive Trendelenburg sign was observed in 53 hips (62%) before the surgery and 12 hips (14%) at the final follow-up. We had no revision, no bearing failure (alumina fracture or excessive wear), no dislocation, and no squeaking in these patients. The average inclination angle of the cup was 41 (29 to 49) degrees. The average anteversion angle of the cup was 19 (13 to 27) degrees. No patient required the revision surgery. At the final follow-up, all implants were stable. In the acetabulum, the radio-lucent line was observed in two hips (2%) (zone I). In the femur the line was observed in 13 hips (15%). All lines existed in the proximal femur. There was no cystic osteolytic lesion. The prevalence of these periprosthetic reactions was less than those in the same type implant with the polyethylene on alumina bearing. Some authors alerted that the alumina on alumina articulation should only be applied in when the optimized implant orientation is obtained so as to prevent the impingement and dislocation. Fortunately the alignment in this study was within the safe zone. However, we must always be very careful of the joint alignment, range of motion, and the muscle tension during the surgery to avoid the bearing failure, as setting an adequate alignment and obtaining a firm uncemented fixation of the cup is relatively difficult in dysplastic hips. From this view point, Spongiosa Metal II cup suits the use of the alumina on alumina bearing especially for dysplastic hips

Background. Several risk factors for the development of osteonecrosis following treatment of developmental dislocated hip have been reported. The need for further research with a large-enough sample size including statistical adjustment of confounders was demanded. The purpose of the present study was to find reliable predictors of osteonecrosis in patients managed for developmental dislocation of the hip. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of children, who have been hospitalized at our department between January 1998 and February 2007 with a developmental dislocation of the hip, was completed. Sixty-four patients satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Three groups according to age and treatment were identified. Group A and B included patients treated with closed or open reductions aged less than twelve months. Patients of group C were past walking age at the time of reduction and were treated by open reduction combined with concomitant pelvic and femoral osteotomies. The average duration of follow-up for all patients was 6.8 years. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors for the development of osteonecrosis. Results. The overall rate of osteonecrosis in group A and B was 27.4% compared to 88.2% in patients of group C. After pooling of all data, no protective effect of the ossific nucleus of the femoral head on the development of osteonecrosis was found (p = 0.14). Additionally, an increase of surgical procedures in children of group C could not be demonstrated (p = 0.17). By using logistic regression analysis the type of reduction and secondary reconstructive procedure due to residual acetabular dysplasia could be identified as predictors for the development of osteonecrosis. Conclusions. Open reduction combined with concomitant osteotomies and secondary reconstructive interventions due to residual acetabular dysplasia increase the risk for osteonecrosis in the treatment of the developmental dislocated hip. Therefore, we advocate early reduction of the dislocated hip in the first year of life to avoid the need for concomitant osteotomies combined with open reduction. Level of Evidence. Prognostic study, level II-1 (retrospective study)

Aim: To demonstrate that the conservative management of meralgia paraesthetica in children is effective. Method: Clinic case-notes of the senior author (CB) were retrospectively searched between January 1997 and February 2007 to identify cases of meralgia paraesthetica. Sixteen cases were discovered in fourteen patients, 6 right, 6 left, and 2 bilateral. Four patients had had previous pelvic surgery and two combined pelvic and femoral osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip. One underwent bilateral pinning for slipped upper femoral epiphyses. Clinical symptoms were assessed subjectively. All patients were initially managed conservatively with NSAIDs and counselled to avoid tight fitting clothing across the waist. If symptoms had failed to settle at follow-up a local anaesthetic/steroid injection was administered to the site of maximal tenderness. Surgical decompression was performed for intractable cases. Results: There were 10 females and 4 males, with a mean age of 13.6 years (8–17). Mean follow-up was 15 months (1–50). Eleven cases (68.8%) improved with conservative management and a further three cases improved following a local anaesthetic/steroid injection. Two cases (12.5%) who did not improve with these measures underwent surgical decompression with subsequent improvement in symptoms. No side effects were reported from the either the steroid injection or surgical decompression. Conclusions: There is no current evidence supporting the management of meralgia paraesthetica in children. In adults, this elusive diagnosis is managed conservatively to good effect. This retrospective study demonstrates that conservative management is also effective in paediatric patients. In those cases where symptoms prove intractable, surgical decompression produces clinical improvement

Introduction: There are several possibilities for the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease in older age group (more than 10 years of age): varus femoral osteotomies, different pelvic osteotomies (Salter, Chiari, triple), and the combination of pelvic and femoral osteotomies (Salter with femoral shortening). Material and methods: We analyzed 214 hips with LCP disease surgically treated in our Institute in the period 1972–1999. Age of our patients ranged from 10–13 years. All of them were operated in the fragmentation phase of the disease. The distribution according to Catteral classification was: group II – 29 (13,5%), group III – 108 (50,5%), group IV – 77 (36%). Different risk factors were present in 154 (72%) cases. We performed: 69 (32,3%) varus femoral osteotomies, 32 (14,9%) Salter osteotomies, 69 (32,3%) Salter osteotomies with femoral shortening, 23 (10,7%) Chiariosteotomies and 21 (9,8%) triple pelvic osteotomies. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups (preoperatively). Postoperativelly hips were assessed clinically and radiologically. Follow-up period was in average 9,2 years (at least 3 years). Results: All procedures showed improvement in hip containment and functional status. The best anatomical results were in the group of patients treated by triple pelvic osteotomy (p=0,02), very good results were found in the groups of patients treated by varus femoral osteotomy and Salter osteotomy with femoral shortening, whereas the results of treatment in the other groups were slightly worse. Triple pelvic osteotomy and Salter osteotomy (with or without femoral shortening) showed the best functional recovery. Positive Trendelenburg sign and waddling gait were present only in the groups of patients treated by varus femoral osteotomy and Chiariosteotomy. Conclusion: Triple pelvic osteotomy is the best procedure for the treatment of LCP disease in the older age group

Aims

The main aims were to identify risk factors predictive of a radiolucent line (RLL) around the acetabular component with an interface bioactive bone cement (IBBC) technique in the first year after THA, and evaluate whether these risk factors influence the development of RLLs at five and ten years after THA.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if open reduction, with pelvic and femoral osteotomy, for a dislocated hip in children with severe spastic quadriplegia alters the function or symptoms of the patient, and to determine radiographic factors that correlate with symptoms. Between 1989 and 1997 56 patients/hips were operated on. The validated Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and a self-constructed questionnaire asking about pain, hygiene, sitting status, sitting tolerance, weight bearing for transfers, and ambulatory status were sent to all families. Radiographs were reviewed for changes in the centre edge angle (CE), acetabular index (AI), migration index (MI) and femoral head defect (FHD). 27 caregivers completed the questionnaires. Radiographs (pre-operative – latest follow-up) were available for 42 patients. 21 patients had both questionnaire and radiograph information. Logistic regressions were used to test whether the radiographic measures could predict each of the questionnaire outcomes which were grouped as ‘improved’ and ‘not improved’. The average age at surgery was 8.9 years (n=56: 1.8 – 16.5) for all patients, for patients with a completed questionnaire 9.4 years (n=27: 4.2–15.4). Time from surgery to follow-up was in average 5.5 years (1.8–9.5). All but 2 of the patients with completed questionnaire were nonambulatory (2 were functional ambulatory). As a group, the results of the PEDI did not significantly change following surgery. From the results of the second questionnaire: hygiene care improved for 11 patients, weight bearing for transfers improved for 7, sitting status improved for 10, and sitting tolerance improved for 18 patients. At follow-up, pain worsened in 2 patients, did not improve in 2 patients, and the remainder were pain free. The ability to provide hygiene care worsened for the 2 patients with worsening pain. Weight bearing for transfers and sitting status worsened in 3 patients, 2 of who were the patients with worsening pain, and the other had an unreduced dislocation of the opposite hip. Sitting tolerance worsened in 3 patients, 2 of who were the patients with worsening pain. Four patients who did not have femoral head defects prior to surgery developed them after surgery. Two of these four patients were the ones who developed worsening pain but had normal CE, AI and MI measures. Other radiographic measures of the hips did not correspond with function or symptoms. Eight patients had a femoral head defect prior to surgery and none were symptomatic at follow-up. Our assessment method shows that open reduction for the dislocated hip in children with severe cerebral palsy can result in a decrease in pain and a modest improvement in function. However, the postoperative development of a femoral head defect is associated with worse pain and poorer function. A pre-existing femoral head defect is not a contraindication to surgery

The August 2013 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: a multilevel approach to equinus gait; whether screening leads to needless intervention; salvage of subcapital slipped epiphysis; growing prostheses for children’s oncology; flexible nailing revisited; ultrasound and the pink pulseless hand; and slipping forearm fractures.

The April 2012 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at osteonecrosis of the femoral head and surgery for dysplasia, femoral head blood flow during surgery, femoroacetabular impingement and sport in adolescence, the Drehmann sign, a predictive algorithm for septic arthritis, ACL reconstruction and arthrofibrosis in children, spinal cord monitoring for those less than four years old, arthroereisis for the flexible flat foot, fixing the displaced lateral humeral fracture, and mobile phones and inclinometer applications