Aims. The number of females within the speciality of trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify: 1) current attitudes and behaviours of UK female T&O surgeons towards pregnancy; 2) any barriers faced towards pregnancy with a career in T&O surgery; and 3) areas for improvement. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study using an anonymous 13-section web-based survey distributed to female-identifying T&O trainees, speciality and associate specialist surgeons (SASs) and locally employed doctors (LEDs), fellows, and consultants in the UK. Demographic data was collected as well as closed and open questions with adaptive answering relating to attitudes towards childbearing and experiences of fertility and complications associated with pregnancy. A descriptive data analysis was carried out. Results. A total of 226 UK female T&O surgeons completed the survey. All regions of the UK were represented. Overall, 99/226 (44%) of respondents had at least one child, while 21/226 (9.3%) did not want children. Median age at first child was 33 years (interquartile range 32 to 36). Two-thirds (149/226; 66%) of respondents delayed childbearing due to a career in T&O and 140/226 (69%) of respondents had experienced bias from colleagues directed at female T&O surgeons having children during training. Nearly 24/121 (20%) of respondents required fertility assistance, 35/121 (28.9%) had experienced a miscarriage, and 53/121 (43.8%) had experienced obstetric complications. Conclusion. A large proportion of female T&O surgeons have and want children. T&O surgeons in the UK delay childbearing, have experienced bias and have high rates of infertility and obstetric complications. The information from this study will support female T&O surgeons with decision making and assist employers with workforce planning. Further steps are necessary in order to support female T&O surgeons having families. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):970–979

The number of women entering medical school has been steadily increasing over the past two decades; however, the number of women pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery has not increased at the same rate. One of the suggested reasons for this discrepancy is the perceived incompatibility of having a family while upholding the demands of a surgical career in orthopaedics. A growing body of scientific literature has also outlined the increased rate of infertility and pregnancy complications in women surgeons. The extent to which these factors play a role in the recruitment and retention of women in orthopaedic surgery is unknown. Understanding pregnancy and parenthood in orthopaedic surgery is a critical first step in addressing this issue. A scoping review was conducted to identify literature pertaining to the perceptions and experiences of pregnancy and/or parenthood of women in orthopaedic surgery. Embase, MEDLINE and PsychINFO were searched on June 7th, 2021 with Boolean operators to combine the following terms: orthop?e*, pregnancy, maternity, motherhood, parenthood, parental, and parenting. Studies pertaining to orthopaedic surgery residents, fellows and staff were included. The Arksey and O'Malley framework for scoping studies was followed. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the included studies while thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke was used to analyze the qualitative data. A total of 17 studies from 2006 to 2021 met inclusion criteria. Over half of the available research was conducted within the last two years (n=9, 53%). The majority of studies were conducted in the United States (n=15, 88%) and the United Kingdom (n=2, 12%). The most commonly used study design was survey-based research (n=13, 76%), followed by review studies (n=3, 18%), and case series (n=1, 6%). Thematic analysis revealed five key themes contributing to the women's experiences of pregnancy and/or parenthood in orthopaedics: (1) women are subtly or blatantly discouraged from becoming pregnant by their colleagues and superiors, (2) women delay childbearing to preserve their professional reputation, (3) there are higher rates of infertility and preterm labor in orthopaedic surgeons than in the general population, (4) the orthopaedic work environment can be hazardous and challenging for the pregnant woman, but accommodations are possible to mitigate risks, and (5) overall, there is limited support for pregnant and/or parenting women in orthopaedics throughout their career. The first woman to be board-certified in orthopaedic surgery in the United States was Ruth Jackson in 1937. Eighty-four years later, orthopaedic surgery has the lowest number of women of the surgical specialties. The barriers related to pregnancy and/or parenthood during a woman's career in orthopaedics may be one cause. This study identified five themes related to pregnancy and parenthood that warrant further investigation. Qualitative research approaches can be used to elucidate the details of women's experiences and to provide suggestions for structural changes in the orthopaedic work environment

To investigate the fears of female patients of child bearing age, who required surgical stabilisation for pelvic fractures, and to assess the outcomes of subsequent pregnancy. Between 1990 & 2002 from a prospectively kept database in our institution, patients sustaining pelvic fractures requiring surgery who were women under 35 years of age at the time of injury were identified and included in this study. Patient’s medical records and radiographs (birth canal status) were reviewed and data collected. All the patients were attempted to be contacted by telephone and a questionnaire completed recording the type of pelvic injury, previous obstetric history, fears regarding future pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, Euroqol pain scores pre & post fracture and painkiller usage. Those who were unable to be contacted by telephone, were followed up by a postal questionnaire. The mean time of follow up from injury was 4.2 years (range 1 to 12 years). Out of 554 patients, 197 (36%) were women and of these, 54 (27%) patients were less than 35 years old at the time of injury. A telephone questionnaire was completed on 31 patients [57 % (study group)], results from the postal questionnaire are being collated. The mean age of the study group at injury was 23.3 years (range 6 to 34 years). There were 14 (45 %) isolated ace-tabular fractures and 17 (55 %) pelvic ring fractures. 11 (36 %) had previously had children prior to the injury, and 22 (71 %) had planned to have children in the future, prior to fracture. 23 (74 %) had expressed fears related to their future ability to have children. Out of 8 (26 %) patients who had subsequent pregnancies, only 1 (12.5%) had a normal vaginal delivery. Out of the rest, 3 (37.5%) patients had investigations for pelvic disproportion; 2 (20%) went on to elective caesarean section for disproportion; 1 patient requested an elective section after concerns regarding delivery; 1 patient had a ventouse assisted delivery for delayed second stage; 1 patient had an ectopic pregnancy; 1 patient had a miscarriage at 18 weeks gestation and 1 patient had infertility problems. 4 out of 31 (13%) patients were advised against future pregnancy and one patient underwent a tubal ligation following this advice. Pelvic fractures represent a serious group of injuries; after initial recovery, many female patients have serious concerns regarding future pregnancy. A number will go on to have further pregnancies, and many will suffer the risk of complications following their pelvic injury

Introduction: There are protocols on the management of polytrauma in obstetric patients. However, there is little information about osteo-articular injuries sustained in these patients. The object of this study is to review the management of these patients and to suggest a guideline. Material and method: Inclusion criteria: Pregnant patients treated during the last 6 years, treated as inpatients in our center during pregnancy due to osteo-articular injuries. Variables studied: Gestational age, mechanism of injury, fracture type, management, termination of pregnancy and sequelae. Results: We treated 13 patients with 21 fractures in our center, with an incidenc of 2,13 fractures/10.000 births. The mechanism of injury was low degree trauma in 6 cases (60% 3rd trimester) and high-degree in 7 (83% 1st and 2nd trimester). There was a predominance of lower extremity fractures, especially tibia and fibula (7 cases) and pelvis (3 cases). Gestational age was 1st trimester (3 cases), 2nd trimester (5 cases), 3rd trimester (5 cases). 10 women were treated surgically, 8 before finishing gestation. Gestation ended as and induced abortion (3 cases, 1 due to fetal death and 2 due to teratogenic risk), and birth (10 cases, all alive, 50% eutocic). Only 3 babies needed type II or type III neonatal reanimation. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women can get injured by low-energy trauma, especially during the third trimester. Pregnancy does not necessarily compromise surgical management of fractures. We review diagnostic and therapeutic management strategies for these patients

Introduction. Metal-on-Metal (MoM) bearing surfaces were historically used for young patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, and remain commonplace in modern hip resurfacing. In theory, it has been postulated that metal ions released from such implants may cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the fetus. In light of this potential risk, recommendations against the use of MoM components in women of child-bearing age have been advocated. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate: 1) the Metal-on-Metal bearing types and ion levels found; 2) the concentrations of metals in maternal circulation and the umbilical cord; and 3) the presence of abnormalities in the fetus. Methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of studies published between January 1st, 1975 and April 1st, 2019 using specific keywords. (See Fig 1). We defined the inclusion criteria for qualifying studies for this review as follows: 1) studies that reported on the women who experienced pregnancy and who had a Metal-on-Metal hip implant; 2) studies that reported on maternal metal ions blood and umbilical cord levels; and 3) studies that reported on the occurrence of fetal complications. Data on cobalt and chromium ion levels in the maternal blood and umbilical cord blood, as well as the presence of adverse effects in the infant were collected. Age at parturition and time from MoM implant to parturition were also collected. A total of 6 studies were included in the final analysis that reported on a total of 21 females and 21 infants born. The mean age at parturition was 40 years (range, 24–41 years), and the mean time from MoM implantation to parturition was 47.2 months (range, 11–119 months). Results. Maternal blood cobalt levels were found as a weighted average of 33.94ug/L (0.972–143), while umbilical cord blood cobalt levels were found to be 22.07 ug/L(0.486–75). Cobalt levels were reduced by an average of 35% between maternal and umbilical cord blood. Maternal cord blood chromium levels were found as a weighted average of 9.25 ug/L (1–25), while umbilical cord chromium levels were found to be 1.30 ug/L(0.288–2.3). Chromium levels were reduced by an average of 86% between maternal and umbilical cord blood. No cobalt or chromium was detected in the umbilical cord blood of three patients. Out of the 21 infants born to women with MoM implants, 20 were born healthy with no adverse effects or complications. Conclusion. To date, there is a lack of consensus as to whether Metal-on-Metal hip arthroplasty implants are to be avoided in the child-bearing female population and whether it constitute a hazard to the fetus in-utero. Both chromium and cobalt ions were markedly reduced in levels when transitioning from maternal to cord blood. In particular, chromium showed a greater reduction on average than cobalt (86% vs. 35%). Based on the current evidence, there appears to be no correlation between the presence of metal ions in umbilical cord blood and complications, particularly congenital malformations in the fetus, as none of the infants experienced abnormalities uniquely attributable to the presence of metal ions. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Purpose and background. Over two-thirds of pregnant women experience low back pain (LBP) that interferes with everyday activities, work and sleep. Acupuncture appears a safe, promising intervention but there are no high quality trial data, regarding its clinical or cost-effectiveness in comparison to standard care. Methods. EASE Back was a feasibility and pilot RCT designed to inform a full trial evaluating the addition of acupuncture to standard care for pregnancy-related LBP. In preparation for the pilot trial, phase 1 of EASE Back consisted of semi-structured interviews exploring the views of pregnant women, midwives and physiotherapists about pregnancy-related LBP, use of acupuncture, and participation in clinical trials. Transcript data were anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Three members of the team independently coded a sample of transcripts to develop the coding framework. Results. 17 women, 15 midwives and 21 physiotherapists were interviewed (total n=53). Findings highlighted the impact of LBP in pregnancy, the paucity of effective treatment options and the challenges of recruiting pregnant women with LBP into research. Women and midwives expressed few concerns over the use and safety of acupuncture; physiotherapists were more cautious and had concerns about safety. Conclusions. Acupuncture for pregnancy- related LBP appears to be acceptable to women and midwives. Future research needs to consider strategies to support recruitment and retention, and should consider including interviews with eligible women who decline to take part in order to understand their reasons, as well as with women receiving treatment so as to understand their experiences of taking part. This abstract has not been published in whole or substantial part, nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. This project presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research's Health Technology Assessment Programme (Grant Reference Number 10/69/05) and an NIHR Research Professorship for N.E. Foster (NIHR-RP-011-015). The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, MRC, CCF, NETSCC, the HTA or the Department of Health

Orthopaedics has been left behind in the worldwide drive towards diversity and inclusion. In the UK, only 7% of orthopaedic consultants are female. There is growing evidence that diversity increases innovation as well as patient outcomes. This paper has reviewed the literature to identify some of the common issues affecting female surgeons in orthopaedics, and ways in which we can address them: there is a wealth of evidence documenting the differences in the journey of men and women towards a consultant role. We also look at lessons learned from research in the business sector and the military. The ‘Hidden Curriculum’ is out of date and needs to enter the 21st century: microaggressions in the workplace must be challenged; we need to consider more flexible training options and support trainees who wish to become pregnant; mentors, both male and female, are imperative to provide support for trainees. The world has changed, and we need to consider how we can improve diversity to stay relevant and effective.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-10:893–899.

Introduction. The medical field has long held largely anecdotal beliefs that polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) vapors are dangerous to a growing fetus, and as such, women who are pregnant should avoid exposure. This study investigates the perceptions of female orthopedic surgeons regarding PMMA cement exposure during pregnancy, and if it influences 1) currently held beliefs / practices and 2) clinical and career choices. Methods. A 23-question survey was distributed via e-mail to active members of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and a private social media group for women in orthopedics. Questions included demographics, current usage of PMMA, previous exposure during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and beliefs regarding current or future willingness of exposure. Additionally, questions were asked regarding PMMA training and whether beliefs influenced specialty choices. Results. There were 278 survey responses received, of which 256 met inclusion criteria. 73% currently utilize PMMA in training/practice, and >90% of survey respondents reported awareness of risks surrounding PMMA in pregnancy. PMMA training was found to have a weak positive correlation with those who remained in the room while pregnant. 43.6% would leave the room in the future if PMMA were being used while they were pregnant, with 26.2% leaving if they were breastfeeding. 24.9% would leave if they were the primary surgeon on the case, and 8.4% admitted that PMMA exposure during pregnancy factored into which subspecialty they chose. Conclusion. This survey demonstrates a lack of consensus amongst female orthopedic surgeons regarding the risks posed by remaining in a room during pregnancy and breastfeeding while PMMA is used. Despite 90% of respondents claiming awareness of the risks of PMMA, beliefs and education practices should be examined to determine if they match the available literature. It is plausible that beliefs regarding this exposure are deterring individuals from pursuing specialties where PMMA is used regularly. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Traumatic acute or chronic tendon injuries are a wide clinical problem in modern society, resulting in important economic burden to the health system and poor quality of life in patients. Due to the low cellularity and vascularity of tendon tissue the repair process is slow and inefficient, resulting in mechanically, structurally, and functionally inferior tissue. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are promising alternatives to the natural healing process for tendon repair, especially in the reconstruction of large damaged tissues. The aim of TRITONE project is to develop a smart, bioactive implantable 3D printed scaffold, able to reproduce the structural and functional properties of human tendon, using FDA approved materials and starting from MSC and their precursor, MPC cell mixtures from human donors. Total cohort selected in the last 12 months was divided in group 1 (N=20) of subjects with tendon injury and group 2 (N=20) of healthy subject. Groups were profiled and age and gender matched. Inclusion criteria were age>18 years and presence of informed consent. Ongoing pregnancy, antihypertensive treatment, cardiovascular diseases, ongoing treatment with anti-aggregants, acetylsalicylic-acid or lithium and age<18 years were exclusion criteria. Firstly, we defined clinical, biological, nutritional life style and genetic profile of the cohort. The deficiency of certain nutrients and sex hormonal differences were correlated with tendon-injured patients. It was established the optimal amount of MPC/MSC human cell (collected from different patients during femoral neck osteotomy). Finally, most suitable biomaterials for tendon regeneration and polymer tendon-like structure were identified. Hyaluronic acid, chemical surface and soft-molecular imprinting (SOFT-MI) was used to functionalize the scaffold. These preliminary results are promising. It will be necessary to enroll many more patients to identify genetic status connected with the onset of tendinopathy. The functional and structural characterization of smart bioactive tendon in dynamic environment will represent the next project step

Introduction. Congenital scoliosis is a prevalent congenital spinal deformity, more frequently encountered than congenital lordosis or kyphosis. The prevailing belief is that most instances of congenital scoliosis are not hereditary but rather stem from issues in fetal spine development occurring between the 5th and 8th weeks of pregnancy. However, it has been linked to several genes in current literature. Our goal was to explore potential pathways through an exhaustive bioinformatics analysis of genes related to congenital scoliosis. Method. The literature from the 1970s to February 2024 was surveyed for genes associated with CS, and 63 genes were found to be associated with AIS out of 1743 results. These genes were analyzed using DAVID Bioinformatics. Result. Our pathway analysis has unveiled several significant associations with congenital scoliosis. Notably, “Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis - chondroitin sulfate / dermatan sulfate” (P-Value:8.8E-3, Fold Enrichment: 20.6), “Central carbon metabolism in cancer” (P-Value:1.3E-3, Fold Enrichment: 10.3), and “Lysine degradation” (P-Value: 9.0E-3, Fold Enrichment: 9.1) emerge as statistically significant pathways. Additionally, “Endocrine resistance” (P-Value:4.4E-3, Fold Enrichment:7.4) and”EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance” (P-Value: 1.7E-2, Fold Enrichment:7.3) pathways are noteworthy. These findings suggest a potential involvement of these pathways in the biological processes underlying congenital scoliosis. Furthermore, “Signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells” (P-Value:4.0E-4, Fold Enrichment:7.1), “Notch signaling pathway” (P-Value:6.7E-2, Fold Enrichment: 7.0), and “TGF-beta signaling pathway” (P-Value:6.2E-3, Fold Enrichment: 6.7) exhibit a less pronounced yet intriguing association that may warrant further investigation. Conclusion. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of the genetic etiology of congenital scoliosis has revealed significant associations with various pathways, shedding light on potential underlying biological mechanisms. While further research is needed to fully understand these associations and their implications, our findings provide a valuable starting point for future investigations into the management and treatment of congenital scoliosis

Aim: Many risk factors for DDH are well documented. This study was undertaken to investigate whether multiple pregnancy is a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of hips. Method: During a 10-year period from 1989 to 1998, 39826 newborn babies had their hips scanned. Of these, 1022 (2.6%) babies were non-singletons. Inclusion criteria for our study were all non-singletons, who had their hips scanned in the þrst week after birth. We analyzed the results of their hip scans and calculated the risk for developing DDH either alone or with other risk factor and other variables like the gender, mode of delivery, birthweight and the length of pregnancy. Results: Of the 1022 babies, 825 (80.7%) had their hips scanned in the þrst week. M: F: 49.6%: 50.4%. We had 397 sets of twins, 9 sets of triplets and 1 set of quadruplet. 78% of this group had a normal presentation. 21% (181) of these babies were breech. There was no family history associated with any of the multiple births. Ultrasound abnormality was seen in 30 hips (1.8%). 1 patient had Pavlik harness treatment for persistent ultrasound abnormality. No signiþcant correlation was seen in the gender or in the length of pregnancy. Conclusion: Though it is a general impression that the hips of the non-singletons are under high mechanical stress during pregnancy and would be expected to have a relatively high incidence of DDH, from our study it is evident that the risk is no greater than the normal singletons

Background: Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a common developmental disorder of the foot, affecting between 1 and 4.5 babies per 1000 live births. The etiology is not well elucidated. While both genetic and environmental factors are implicated, no specific genes have been identified and little is known about environmental risk factors. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (ICTEV) in the United Kingdom. 194 cases and 60 controls were recruited. Pedigrees were obtained for 162 cases. Results: The rank of the index pregnancy, maternal education and cesarean delivery were significantly associated with ICTEV risk in a multivariate model. There were suggestions that maternal use of folic acid supplements in the three months before the pregnancy decreased ICTEV risk, and that parental smoking during the pregnancy increased risk. One quarter of pedigrees showed a family history of CTEV, and autosomal dominant inheritance was suggested in some of these. Conclusion: Uterine restriction did not appear to have a strong influence on ICTEV development in our study. Large population-based studies are needed to clarify the etiology of this common developmental disorder

Purpose. Ultrasound of the neonatal and infantile hip is a useful tool in diagnosis and treatment of the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), especially given the fact that numerous cases of DDH do not present any findings in the clinical examination. Methods. Between January 2014 and May 2020, 10536 (5273 neonates and infants, 53% girls, 47% boys) consecutive neonatal and infantile hip joints were studied using the Graf Hip Ultrasound method. Results. 607 hips were diagnosed as abnormal. 523 (5%) hip joints were type IIA, 18 (0.17%) were type ΙΙΒ, 19 (0.18%) were type ΙΙC, 33 (0.31%) were type ΙΙΙ and 14 (0.13%) were type IV. 72% of patients were girls, 55% of patients were firstborns, 35,7% presented breech, 8,2% had a positive family history of DDH, 6% were part of a multiple pregnancy, while 27,2% had no predisposing factor for the disease. Type ΙΙΑ hips were treated with follow- up only and had all matured (turned to normal- type I hips) within a trimester. Type ΙΙΒ και ΙΙC hips were treated using an abductor harness and were normal (type I) within three months. 35.7% of type ΙΙΙ were treated with an abductor harness and 64.3% with hip spica. All type IV hips were treated with hip spica. The duration of therapy for type III and type IV hips was 3 months. Conclusion. The early use of a hip ultrasound provides us with the ability to diagnose and treat DDH efficiently, resulting in a normal hip joint within the first months of life

Rationale: Osteosarcoma predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Reduced fertility in men is well documented following treatment for osteosarcoma and related to chemotoxicity. We have however not found data about the health of children of patients formerly treated for osteosarcoma. Among our few patients we have had one offspring with an infantile fibrosarcoma successfully treated with high dose chemotherapy and surgery. One mother has secondary gastric malignancy after successful pregnancy. With this contribution we want to draw the attention to include data of children in the long-term implications of osteosarcoma and its treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients: Of 75 patients with osteosarcoma 11 patients (5 women, 6 men) have 16 children‚ produced’ after completed oncologic treatment. All women became pregnant as planned. There are no female patients evidently infertile. One man among our patients shows azoospermia and is infertile. One man with oliogespermia has a healthy daughter after successful vitro fertilisation. All patients have had treatment for osteosarcoma after puberty. Offsprings: Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful for all children. The one girl mentioned above at birth showed a tumor of the Plexus brachialis which was a biopsy proven infantile fibrosarcoma. She received high dose chemotherapy. Resection of the tumor retaining the brachial at 9 months of age showed only scarce tumor residuals; she is disease free at 4 years of age. Her two siblings are healthy. Conclusion: We want to stress that in follow up studies events during pregnancy and health of offsprings should be included

The October 2015 Oncology Roundup. 360 . looks at: Radiotherapy for the radioresistant; Multiple hereditary exostosis; The total femur as a limb salvage option; Survival prediction in osteosarcoma; What happens when chondrosarcoma recurs?; Thumbs up for vascularised fibular graft; Radiotherapy and survival; Musculoskeletal tumours in pregnancy

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the immature femoral head is the final common pathway of the Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. Since cigarette smoking has been linked to the development of vascular disease, a study was performed to see if there was any association between parental smoking and LCP disease. The biological parents of 97 children with LCP disease were questioned on their smoking habits, which were compared to a control group of parents with unaffected children. Further comparison was made with respondents from the Perthes’ Association website who completed an on-line questionnaire. Parents were classified as being smokers or non-smokers on the basis of their smoking habit pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and at the time of diagnosis of LCP being made. There was a higher proportion of children in the LCP group who had parents who smoke (N=67/97, 69%) compared to the control group (N=14/87, 16%). Further analysis showed that the highest rate occurred when both parents smoke before pregnancy (N=37/97, 38%) followed by when only the father smoked (N=23/97, 24 %). Maternal smoking alone appeared to have the least association (N=7/97, 7 %). In the control group the non-smoking rate was 58/87 [67%]. The changes in smoking patterns with respect to the pregnancy concerned were also noted. Fisher’s Exact test was used to determine any difference between the study group and the control group. There was a significant difference between the Perthes’ SE group concerned to the controls in all respects except maternal smoking. Comparison made with data obtained from the Perthes’ association website showed no difference between the two Perthes’ groups. Conclusion: These results support an association between parental smoking and the development of disease LCP disease

Increased intensity of therapy for osteosarcoma in the last 30 years has improved prognosis. 70–80% of patients with non metastatic osteosarcoma can now be cured, but late side effects occur. Fertility of survivors is becoming of greater importance. We retrospectively studied all consecutive female long term survivors of localized osteogenic sarcoma of childhood and adolescence treated at the Schneider Children‘s Medical Center of Israel. Patients were treated with 3 different protocols including the use of Methotrexate, Adriamycin, Cisplatin, Bleomycin, Cytoxan, Vincristine, Actinomycin D, Melphalan and Ifosfamide. Sixteen female survivors of non metastatic osteogenic sarcoma were treated from 1/1977 to 12/2001, with a minimum follow up of 6.3 years (max. 29 years) from the end of therapy. Median age at diagnosis was 11.7 (range 9.0–16.8) years. Twelve out of 16 (75%) are married and have between them 31 children, mean 2.7 (range 1–7) children. Of these 11 have children and one is currently pregnant with her first child. None of the females reported difficulties in conceiving their first child. The maximum interval from marriage to first delivery was 2.5 years. Two females had 3 spontaneous abortions between the 2nd–4th pregnancies. Four out of 9 female survivors who received > 360mg/m2 of adriamycin were treated with cardiomimetic drugs and/or ACE inhibitors during pregnancy. All four had 2–4 children/ female survivor. The children of survivors are healthy with no birth defects. Mean length of pregnancy was 38.6 weeks and mean birth weight was 2865 grams. No survivors had undergone invasive fertility preservation procedure and only one unmarried patient was using GnRH analogs. Despite reports of transient disturbances in menstruation, all married females were fertile. Our results question the need for fertility preservation using GnRH analogs or invasive procedures such as ovary or egg preservation for non metastatic osteogenic sarcoma female patients

Aims: To study the natural history and treatment of chronic skeletal pelvic pain following childbirth. Methods: 53 patients were studied, of which 13 had surgery to the symphysis pubis (11 fusion, 2 stabilisation). A detailed history was recorded and an examination carried out. Investigations included pelvic X-rays with stress views and MRI of the symphysis pubis in a selected group. Results: Mean age at onset 30.6 years, gestation 39.3 weeks (36–42). 16 of the 17 subsequent pregnancies were associated with recurrence of symptoms. Long term disability showed no relation to type of delivery (p> 0.5). Pain was worse before menstruation. 55% of patients beneþted from conservative management. This did not relate to the site of pain (p> 0.1). Stress views of the symphysis: 39, mean vertical shift 2.2mm. There was no correlation between shift and symptoms. MRI of the symphysis:17, 6 were normal and 11 revealed non-speciþc changes. Surgery:mean age at surgery 34.8 y, time to operation 4.2 y and follow up 23.6 m. Outcome: 7 good, 6 no beneþt. There was a strong reverse correlation between disability and outcome (r=−0.84) while the site of pain had no effect on outcome (p> 0.8). Conclusions: Chronic skeletal pelvic pain following pregnancy is poorly understood and under-diagnosed. It tends to be recurrent and its onset is related to hormonal and mechanical factors in pregnancy. The type of delivery is unlikely to be important although care should be taken with leg and patient positioning. There is no relationship between shift and severity. Conservative treatment is the main standby. Surgery, on the basis of this small study, is useful in those with moderate disability but contraindicated in those with severe disability

Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a rare condition of unknown aetiology affecting middle aged men with no risk factors and women in their third trimester of pregnancy. The condition invariably resolves spontaneously, however, due to its rarity and initially normal plain radiographs, the syndrome is often not appreciated early in its development, and particularly represents a diagnostic problem of differentiation from osteonecrosis. We present a case of unilateral transient osteoporosis of the hip in a 52 year old male and a case of bilateral hip involvement in a 32 year old female in her 35th week of pregnancy. Both cases include the initial and follow-up plain radiographs, MRI and DEXA scan findings, through to symptomatic resolution. We present a literature review of the disease and analyse the current evidence on aetiology, the problems in diagnosis and the current treatment modalities

Aim: Since the thalidomide-catastrophe in the 50th and 60th the sensibility for children with limb defects has become important in the population. Besides the incidence of limb defects, the aetiology of limb defects is a very important question. Method: Like the ESPED-Model (Documentation of rare paediatric diseases in Germany) we send every three months a letter to 1073 gynaecological clinics to ask the number of live and still births and the number of limb defects. If there are limb defects announced, a second letter is send to ask details about pregnancy, birth and family. The limb defects are registered after the ICD-10-classification. Results: Time of registration: 48 months (April 2000 – April 2004). Number of all registered births: 1070541, number of live births with limb defects: 1534 (0,14%), number of still births with limb defects: 55 (1,7%), minor limb defects like polydactyly (22,4%) are more often than major defects of the tibia (1,0%) or of the fibula (1,6%), hereditary in 9,7%, no correlation to the profession of parents or their age, no correlation to nicotine abuses, nothing special concerned pregnancy (amniocentesis in 3,3%, oligohydramnie in 0,5%, etc.) and birth (caesarean section in 29%, etc.). Conclusion: It is very important to continue the registration of limb defects in Germany to terminate the number of incidence of the different types of limb defects and to define there aetiology