Salter-Harris II fractures of the distal tibia affect children frequently, and when they are displaced present a treatment dilemma. Treatment primarily aims to restore alignment and prevent premature
Purpose of study: A single dynamic hip screw is the recommended method of fixation for slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE). Current practice favours placement of the screw in the centre of the femoral head on both anteroposterior and lateral planes. This study investigated screw placement in the femoral head for SUFE and the prevalence of AVN, chondrolysis, late slippage, and time to
Aim. With the link between obesity and Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) well established and a rising number of paediatric orthopaedic patients presenting with vitamin D deficiency, the aim of our study was to establish the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in SUFE patients and whether low vitamin D levels increases the time to proximal femoral physeal fusion post surgical fixation. Method. All paediatric patients presenting to the orthopaedic department at University Hospital Southampton with a SUFE and tested for vitamin D between June 2007 to present day and who were subsequently found to have low levels of vitamin D, were eligible for inclusion in the study. A deficient level of vitamin D (25-(OH)D) was determined as < 52 nmols/L and insufficiency between 52–72 nmols/L. Levels > 72 nmols/L were considered to be normal. The normal time for 50% of physeal fusion on anteroposterior radiograph quoted in the literature is 9 months. Results. This study includes a cohort of 28 patients and 45 hips. All of these patients were treated with pinning insitu. Eighty six per cent were found to be vitamin D deficient. The mean
Purpose. The importance of femoral head-neck morphology in the development of early hip osteoarthritis is recognized in femeroacetabular impingement (FAI), however no studies have examined FAI morphology in the developing hip, i.e. pre-closure of the proximal femoral physis. We developed a pilot project to study prevalence of CAM-type FAI hip morphology in both the pre- and post-closure proximal femoral physes of asymptomatic children using MR-imaging. We also examined biologic markers possibly related to FAI etiology, including Vitamin D metabolites, BMI, family history, and activity levels. Method. Recruitment included volunteers with asymptomatic lower extremities, and either pre- or post-closure of the proximal femoral physis. Males were 10–12 years (pre-closure) or 15–18 years (post-closure); females were 8–10 years or 14 18 years. Phlebotomy and urine sampling were used to assess metabolic markers. MRI of bilateral hips and a clinical exam including hip impingement tests were conducted. MR imaging assessment was independent and blinded and recorded using established parameters including alpha angles measured at both the 3:00 (anterior head-neck junction) and 1:30 (antero-superior head-neck junction) radial image positions. Results. Fifty-two volunteers were recruited (32 boys, 20 girls), of whom 44 had bilateral hips imaged (88 hips). Radiographic analysis showed no CAM-type morphology in pre-closure hips and 14% in post-closure hips, using established criteria (alpha > 50.5). The difference between alpha angle measurements at 3:00 and 1:30 positions (5.16) appears significant in developing hips. Conclusion. Results confirm our ability to recruit a cohort of asymptomatic children for the proposed methodology. Collected data found FAI in 14% of the closed-physes group and 0 % in the open physes group suggesting possible
Purposes:. See if permanent damage of the growth plate after physeal distraction is the rule and. Identify factors with influence on the viability of the physis after physeal distraction. Introduction: Surgeons have always been concerned about the fate of the growth plate after physeal distraction and for that reason this technique has usually been considered only in patients nearing maturity. Previous experimental work has shown that the velocity of distraction has an influence on the viability of the growth plate at follow-up (recommended rate: 0.5 mm/day). Clinically, it has also been our observation that the condition of the physis prior to distraction is another important factor related to physeal function in the long term. Patients and methods: Since 1987 we have used low velocity physeal distraction in 43 bone segments of which 37 cases have been followed-up at least for 24 months and this has been the group included in this study. The indications were lengthening (14), angular deformity correction (19) and resection of benign bone tumours (4). Most patients (24) were older than 10 y.o. and 22 of them were followed-up until maturity. We have retrospectively reviewed these patients looking at the radiological morphology and function of the distracted growth plate at follow-up. Results: Out of the 24 children older than 10 y.o., twenty showed a premature complete
This study was performed to evaluate the results of transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children with open physes. Between 2001 and 2009, 31 knees in 29 patients with a mean age of 14.1 years (10-16) underwent transphyseal, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using an autogenous four-strand hamstrings graft. The technique was identical to that used in the adult population in our unit, except that care was taken to ensure fixation did not cross the physes. The patients were followed up to the point of
Out of a total of 112 children with displaced forearm shaft fracture treated with Percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire fixation in the past 9 years, 84 cases with fracture of both the radius and ulna were reviewed. 64 (76%) had fixation of both the radius and ulna, 10 (12%) the radius only and the other 10 (12%) the ulna only. In 60 (71%) patients were successful with one stage close reduction and pinning, while in the remaining 24 (29%) a semi- open reduction through a small incision was required. The K-wire was inserted through the radial styloid or the Lister tubercle for the radius, and through the tip of the olecranon for the ulna. All the patients reviewed were found to have good functional results with no non-union, deep infection or premature
Purpose of study: The majority of children with cerebral palsy suffer from fixed flexion contractures of their knees. Procedures commonly used to correct these deformities include hamstring releases, anterior femoral hemi-epiphyseodesis and femoral extension osteotomies. The latter procedure can cause neurovascular complications. Femoral stapling procedures are unpopular because of the risk of permanent
Purpose. To document the incidence and nature of complications associated with hemiepiphysiodesis using a screw and plate device (8-plate, Orthofix). Methods. We reviewed case notes and radiographs of 71 children (130 segments) with lower limb deformities treated with temporary hemiepiphyseal arrest using the 8-plate. 96% of deformities were in the coronal plane, 4% sagittal. 72% of coronal deformities demonstrated valgus malalignment. We defined three types of complications:. early (perioperative) complications eg infection and/or wound breakdown, bleeding, neurological impairment. implant related complications such as soft tissue irritation, plate breakage or migration,. complications involving the growth plate including rebound deformity, early
Introduction: Majority of children with cerebral palsy patients suffer from fixed flexion contractures of their knees. Procedures commonly used to correct knee flexion deformities include hamstring release, anterior femoral hemiepiphyseodesis and femoral extension osteotomies. The latter procedure can cause neurovascular complications. Femoral stapling procedures are not very popular because of a theoretical risk of permanent
Introduction: Majority of children with cerebral palsy patients suffer from fixed flexion contractures of their knees. Procedures commonly used to correct knee flexion deformities include hamstring release, anterior femoral hemiepiphyseodesis and femoral extension osteotomies. The latter procedure can cause neurovascular complications. Femoral stapling procedures are not very popular because of a theoretical risk of permanent
The purpose of this study is TO describe and illustrate a new method of reversible hemi-physeal tethering utilized for correcting various angular deformities of the extremities. Since hemi-physeal stapling was first introduced by Dr. Blount in 1950, this method has waxed and waned in popularity. Some associated problems include staple migration or breakage necessitating premature revision surgery. The author has devised a new construct comprising a two-hole plate and two screws to achieve gradual correction of deformities while averting the problems of hardware migration or breakage. In a pilot study, 25 children with 40 physeal deformities have been treated since 2001 utilizing the plate method. The children ranged in age from 19 months to 15 years and had a variety of underlying diagnoses. The plate is placed extraperiosteally and is removed upon attaining a neutral mechanical axis. No postoperative immobilization or limitation of weightbearing is required. In all cases short-term follow-up reveals improvement or resolution of deformity without need for osteotomy. Complications have included two early migration of short screws (<
16 mm) necessitating exchange for longer screws. There have been no premature or permanent
Purpose of study: To evaluate the results of a consecutive series of displaced intracapsular paediatric femoral neck fractures treated by early closed reduction and Austin Moore Pin fixation. Method: Between 2001 and 2004, 14 paediatric patients with a mean age of 10 years suffering femoral neck fractures were identified. All traumatic epiphyseal, trans-cervical and basi-cervical femoral neck fractures were included. Pathological and intertrochanteric fractures were excluded. There were 11 male and 3 female patients. All patients were treated by reduction and internal fixation using Austin Moore pins. Patients were allowed to mobilize non-weight bearing with crutches for 3 months, followed by partial to full weight bearing. The mechanism of injury, associated injuries, time to reduction and time to union were reviewed. All patients were followed up till union. Mean follow up was 18 months. Patients were assessed clinically for pain, limp, use of walking aid, walking distance, stair climbing, cross leg sitting and squatting. Hip movements and limb length discrepancy were noted. Radiographs were analyzed to determine the adequacy of reduction, fracture healing and changes of avascular necrosis (AVN). Results: Mean injury-operation interval was 38.5 hours. Mean time to union was 16 weeks. All patients had excellent initial reduction which was maintained till healing. All patients’ fractures healed uneventfully. There were no complications in the form of non-union, AVN, premature
We appraised whether deformity of the inferior limbs, routinely treated with external fixation (EF), can be corrected when synthesis with locked intramedullary nails is associated with the synthesis and what the indications are. In all, 24 patients with a deformity of the inferior limbs treated between 1997 and 2003 were included in the study and divided into two groups: (1) patients with external fixation, average 23 years, deformity axial 20° (9–28°); and (2) patients with osteotomy and interlocked nailing. average 35 years, deformity axial 16° (10–25°). The indications for treatment with interlocked nail were set according to the following criteria: (a) possibility to correct the deformity with only restoration of the anatomical axis without necessity of lengthening; (b) previous use of EF; (c) EF refused by the patient, and (d)
Treatment of patellar instability in adolescents is controversial. Some investigators have advocated early repair of the medial structures, whereas others have treated this injury nonoperatively. The medial patellofemoral ligament, is a primary restrictor and stabilizer of the patella, and has acquired a significant role in the treatment of instability in children and adolescents. The authors present a prospective study of 39 consecutive patients (45 knees), without
The majority of pediatric proximal humerus fractures are successfully treated non-operatively. Significantly displaced fractures have traditionally been treated surgically with percutaneous pinning. This review of twenty-three surgically treated patients demonstrates a high rate of infection associated with percutaneous pinning. The technique of cannulated screw fixation offers a safe surgical alternative for the treatment of these fractures in the adolescent population. To compare the results of percutaneous pinning to cannulated screw fixation for the treatment of pediatric proximal humerus fractures. A high complication rate, including pin tract infection and loss of reduction, was observed in the percutaneous pinning group. Given the rigid fixation afforded by cannulated screws and the minimal morbidity associated with proximal humeral physeal arrest in the older adolescent, this technique offers a safe alternative for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Average age was 13.0 years for the pinning group and 14.7 years for the cannulated screw group. Regardless of fixation technique, all fractures healed completely with no difference in rates of
Introduction. Paediatric hip fracture accounts for less than one percent of paediatric fractures. Previous studies report complication rates between 20 and 92%. Method. We retrospectively identified patients with fixation for neck of femur fractures at Birmingham Children's Hospital. All patients were under age sixteen. Data were reviewed over a 10 year period (1997-2006). Fractures were classified by Delbet's classification and Ratliff's system to grade avascular necrosis (AVN). Function was assessed using Ratcliff's criteria, incorporating clinical examination and radiographic findings. Results. 15 femoral neck fractures were treated in 14 patients over a ten year period (R=1997-2006). One patient sustained bilateral fractures. Three patients had osteogenesis imperfecta and one osteopetrosis. Mean age at injury was 10.3 years (R=6-14 years). Mean follow-up was 31 months (R=6-110 months). Two fractures were Delbet type-I (13.3%), four type-II (26.7%), six type-III (40%) and three type-IV fractures (20%). Associated injuries included calcaneal fracture, head injury, pubic rami, acetabular and tibial fractures, hip dislocation, and depressed skull fracture with extradural haematoma. Eleven patients were operated on within 24 hours (R=4-19 hours) and four after 24 hours (R=2-11 days). One patient operated on within seven hours had a poor outcome. Premature
Introduction: Percutaneous epiphyseodesis is a simple method of achieving leg length equality in cases of minor leg length discrepancy, however few studies document its effectiveness. A retrospective study was undertaken to assess this. Materials and methods: Patient notes and radiographs were reviewed. The growth remaining method was used to estimate timing. Percutaneous epiphyseodesis was performed with a drill and curette under radiological guidance. Results: A total of 24 skeletally mature patients with a mean preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) of 2.8cm were identified. Skeletal age was significantly different from chronological age in 5 of 11 cases where it had been performed. In all patients, there was radiographic evidence of
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is an uncommon condition with potentially severe complications including avascular necrosis (AVN) and chondrolysis. Children with a ‘slip’ are at a significantly higher risk of a contralateral slip. Controversy remains as to when to undertake prophylactic pinning. The primary aim of this study was to assess the Posterior Sloping Angle (PSA, as described by Barrios et al in 2005) as a predictor for contralateral slip in a large, multi ethnic cohort. All consecutive patients treated for SUFE presenting to Waikato Hospital between January 2000 and December 2009 were identified via medical coding. Patients without radiographs and those with bilateral slips on presentation were excluded. Clinical records were reviewed to document demographic data, slip characteristics and follow up outcomes. Radiographic analysis of the PSA in the unaffected hip was performed by a single author. Statistical analysis was performed using a student's t-test with Microsoft Excel 2003. 182 patients were identified, 50 were excluded [26 bilateral slips, 24 no radiograph available] to total a study population of 132 patients. 93 patients were male [72%]. Mean age was 11.8 years [6.2–15.6 years]. 72% were of Maori ethnicity and 26% were of New Zealand European descent. 90 patients [69%] had a unilateral slip, 42 [32%] had a contralateral slip. 48% were not followed until
Distal femoral growth plate (DFGP) fractures were originally described as the ‘wagon wheel’ fractures, because they were noted to occur in the young boys who ran alongside wagons passing at speed and got their leg caught between the spokes. The resultant high energy injury was a forceful hyperextension and twisting of the knee. There was a significant incidence of severe complications with these injuries. In our setting, in a developing country, we noted that DFGP injuries appeared more common and tended to occur with a lower energy mechanism of injury. To investigate if this were a real phenomena, we designed a prospective study looking at DFGP injuries with the primary outcome measure being the mechanism of injury and the secondary outcome measures including method of fixation and functional outcome. The inclusion criteria for the study were all patients that presented with a DFGP fracture over a period of one year. There were no exclusion criteria. All data was collected prospectively on a standard proforma. Patients were treated according to a standard treatment regimen: where the fracture could be reduced closed and was stable, plaster cast only. Where a fracture could be reduced closed and was unstable, percutaneous pin fixation, where a fracture could not be reduced closed, open reduction and internal fixation. Forty-three patients were included in the study. 39/43 (91%) of the patients were boys, and the average age was 15.5 years (standard deviation, SD, 3.2 years). Thirty-three (77%) of the injuries resulted from low energy trauma, with the majority (28/33) resulting from sporting injuries, predominately football, with others having simple falls (3/33) or falling off bicycles (2/33). The 10 high energy injuries resulted from pedestrians (3/10) or cyclists (1/10) hit by cars and falling from a height (6/10). Some significant differences were seen in the mean ages of the high and low energy groups. The low energy group were significantly older, with a mean age of 16.3 years (SD 2.8 years) compared to 13.1 years (SD 3.1 years) for the higher energy group (Student’s t-test, p=0.004). When comparing the type of fracture, according to the Salter Harris classification, significantly more Salter Harris IV and V fractures were seen in the high energy group (Chi Squared test, p=0.039) compared to the low. Open fractures were 1/10 (10%) of the high energy group, but there were no open fractures in the low energy group. Complications including infection and amputation, only occurred in the high energy group. This is the first study to show, that in some countries, the DFGP injury may be more commonly due to a low energy mechanism of injury. The reasons for this may include delayed