Background: Fractures of the distal femur include metadiaphyseal fractures and physeal injuries. Treatment with cast alone is often excluded because of the inability to achieve and maintain reduction, polytrauma, and pathological fractures. Furthermore, operative treatment can also be challenging as the physis is still open and can be damaged by the fracture itself or by the fixation device, the metaphyseal fragment is short and problematic to fixate, and some of the fractures are intraarticular.

The goal of the study was to review the pattern of these fractures and report the midterm outcomes of various treatment options.

Study design: Inclusion criteria for this retrospective study were: age 9–16 years, fracture in the distal third of the femur treated surgically, growth plates open and availability to follow-up. From 2003–2006, fourteen children (mean age 11.5 years) met inclusion criteria. Over the same period, a search based on ICD-9 codes identified 49 patients with femur fractures that had undergone surgery.

Patient charts and radiographs were reviewed and the children were evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon not involved in the patient management. Parameters recorded included: time to union, time to achieve 0–110° knee range of motion (ROM), and emergency surgery, limited knee ROM and premature physeal arrest.

Results: Fractures of the distal femur were frequent among teenagers accounting for 28% of all femoral fractures. a) Injury was related to sport activities (n=10), motor vehicle accidents (n=3) and blast injury (n=1). b) Fracture types: Salter-Harris physeal injuries (n=6) and metaphyseal fractures (n=8). Three of the meta-diaphyseal fractures were pathological fractures through bone cysts.

Treatment: The following methods were employed: a) external fixators (n=2), b) screws, pins and cast (n=6), c) Plates (n=5), and d) Titanium elastic nails (n=1). The mean follow-up was 16 months (range 3–38 months). d) There were no major complications. The knee ROM at 6 weeks was 35° after pins and cast, and 80° after other methods. The knee ROM was at least 110° at 3 months after plate fixation and at six months after pins and cast.

Conclusions: We identified two main subgroups of treatment in teenagers: plates in 5, and screws or Kirschner wires with cast augmentation in 6. The teenagers treated with plates had better short-term outcomes but, at 6 months, there was no difference between the groups. It appears that, if fracture configuration allows, the percutaneous locking plates should be the first treatment option. Bone cysts appear to be a significant risk factor in this age group. The midterm outcome of distal femur fractures was overall good without physeal arrest or malalignment.

Labral tears can lead to disabling hip pain however underlying structural (femoroacetabular impingement) and developmental abnormalities predisposing to labral pathology may be left untreated if the peripheral compartment is ignored during hip arthroscopy. Femoroace-tabular impingement (FAI) can be secondary to abnormal morphologic features involving either the proximal femur and/or the acetabulum. Both acetabular labral tears and FAI lead to premature osteoarthritis of the hip. Early diagnosis and treatment of these hip pathologic abnormalities is important, not only to provide pain relief but also to prevent the development of osteoarthritis.

Purpose: To describe the technique for arthroscopy of the peripheral compartment of the hip joint without traction.

Methods: We performed 9 hip arthroscopies without traction from a lateral and and anterolateral portals in the supine position.

After a traditional central arthroscopy with traction, 60 degrees of flexion at the hip joint without traction allowed relaxation of the anterior capsule and increased the intra-articular volume of the peripheral compartment.

Results: Inspection of the peripheral compartment was obtained from the anterolateral portal. The anterior neck area, medial neck area, medial head area, anterior head area, lateral head area and lateral neck area were viewed. In 3 patients, loose bodies were removed. In 1 patient with PVNS synovial biopsy was taken and synovectomy was performed. Osteochondroplasty was performed in 5 patients for femoroacetabular impingement. No complications were observed.

Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy without traction is mandatory to complete assessment and adequate treatment of the painful hip.

Introduction: Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhydrosis (CIPA) is a rare genetic disease transmitted through an autosomal recessive mode. It is known also as HSAN (Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy) type 4. Affected patients suffer from: anhydrosis, mental retardation, poikilothermia and musculo-skel-etal anomalies. The actual knowledge on musculo-skel-etal aspects in CIPA is based on case reports.

Aim of the study: To describe systematically the musculo-skel-etal aspects related to CIPA in a large group of patients followed over the years.

Material and Methods: 40 patients with CIPA were followed in our institution. The age range was 3 months to 19 years of age, and the mean follow up was 8 years. There was some degree of relationship between the parents Their charts were reviewed, radiographs, and bacterial cultures were examined.

Results: The main features that we observed: a) Joint instability with a spectrum that varies from positive provocative test to recurrent dislocation. b) Bone and Joint infection-often with high production of purulent discharges and associated with subluxation of affected joint or with pathologic fractures. Infections can be multimicrobial, are difficult to eradicate and lead to bacteremia episodes. c) Wound healing problems. Wounds hardly heal in CIPA patients. The scar is formed slowly if at all. Chronic sinus drainage and frequent wound dehiscence is the rule. d) Radiological abnormalities: osteomyelitis, pathological fractures with giant callus formation, vanishing bones, heterotrophic ossification, and pseudo-arthrosis were observed.

Conclusions: There is a wide spectrum of musculo-skel-etal pathologies in CIPA affected children. Their orthopedic conditions determine ambulation capacity, life quality and life expectancy and influence dramatically on their families. Complications both mechanical and infectious are very often. A multidisciplinary approach to this chronic illness is needed.

Introduction: Fracture of the lateral condyle of distal humerus in the pediatric population is a common problem. In children less than 13 year the distal humerus is only partially ossified and it is sometimes impossible to assess whether a fracture extends to the articular surface of distal humerus and whether or not there is a step off. Classic recommendations were to perform an open reduction in order to ensure perfect reduction. There are sporadic reports on use of arthrography or MRI studies

Aim of the Study: Retrospective study- intended to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome in children in whom the articular surface of distal humerus was evaluated by arthrography . Uppon arthrography results undisplaced fractures were percutaneously pinned and displaced fractures underwent formal open reduction and internal fixation.

Patients and Methods: 11 children mean age 7.8 (1.5–15) were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria was a fracture of lateral condyle of humerus suspected to be type II according to Jakob (the fracture is complete but is not diplaced out of the elbow joint). The mean follow up was 2.4y (13m-5.2y). Range of motion. Carrying angle were and neurovascular status were noted and compared with controlateral elbow. Actual X-rays were reviewed.

Results: The patient sample represent around 8% of the whole number of children treated in our Institution during 2000–2005. In 7 patients we were able to avoid open reduction and still to achieve excellent results. In 4 cases that were finally managed by open reduction the intraoperative findings fitted the arthrographic findings.

In Conclusion: Arthrography may prevent unnecessary open reductions for lateral condyle fractures in children.

Purpose of the Study: The outcome after revision knee arthroplasty with structural distal femoral allograft augmentation for major bone loss has been rarely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome for patients managed with such a procedure in our hospital.

Materials and Methods: Since 2001, ten revision knee arthroplasties requiring structural distal femoral allograft for major bone loss were performed in nine patients who underwent surgery at mean age of 68.1±9.8 years and prospectively followed. All patients were operated by the same surgical team. The first assessment was completed for the patients during August 2005 for radiographic and clinical evaluation. The mean follow up time was 22.2±15.1 months.

Results: On radiographic analysis none of the allografts had resorbtion. Implant position

Was preserved in all patients. Two patients had postoperative complications: one had superficial wound infection without need of surgical revision, another patient needed angioplasty because of pseudoaneurisma of popliteal artery and temporary using of knee brace for mild medial instability. Clinical evaluation revealed that mean “Hospital for Special Surgery Score” had improved from 39.8 to 84.1 points and mean range of motions improved from 75.0±42.0 to 103.5±12.5 (p=0.05, paired t-test). Before the surgery all patients used a walker or a crutch, while only one of them used a cane and the remaining patients walked without any support after the operation.

Conclusions: Our preliminary results demonstrate that structural femoral allografts used in revision knee replacement improve clinical and functional outcomes. Further follow-up is planned.

Severely involved patients with spastic diplegia or mild quadriplegia have increasing difficulty remaining ambulatory as they progress to adolescence and young adulthood, often becoming wheelchair bound. This presentation addresses effort to prevent or reverse this progressive state, allowing continued ambulation in a select group of patients. They must be highly motivated to keep walking, have a willingness to undergo extensive rehabilitation and have good psycholsocial support.

The program consists of multiple surgeries to the spine, pelvis/hip, knee, foot and ankle followed by a spika or long casts, leg braces (HKAFO to final GRO), 12–18 months of intense physical therapy and permanent use of crutches.

Seventeen patients, 16 adilescents and young adults, one adult over 50 adult, who were within 6 months of permanent wheelchair existence qualified and underwent this program. They were followed for a minimum of 10 years post surgery. All patients but one have remained supported community ambulators. The extent of the surgery, complications and problems are described.

An additional group of wheelchair bound patients with quandriplegia and severe diplegia were treated with extensive global surgery (described). The purpose was stabile symmetric seating with no pain and allowing the use of the hands and upper extremities for other than support in seating. The ability to achieve these goals has required addressing the controversy associated with extensive surgey in the non-ambulatory patient.

Background: Displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHF) remain a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Conservative treatment yield poor results in the majority of these fractures. Surgical treatment, although preferable, lacks the proper exposure and fixation technique.

The locking compression plate (LCP), which is inserted in a minimal invasive technique, utilizing an anterolateral approach to the proximal humerus, allows adequate reduction and fixation, while minimizing the risk for complications derived from extensive exposure and poor fixation.

Methods: All patients admitted to our department with a complicated PHF between Jan 2004 and May 2005 were included. After obtaining informed consent, open reduction and internal fixation was performed through an anterolateral minimal invasive approach. After exposure and reduction with or without acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair, the fracture was fixated with a LCP 3.5mm. Patients were encouraged to perform pendular movements on the first post-operative day.

The patients were followed closely beginning 2 weeks post-operatively and afterwards on a bi-monthly basis. Immediate complications, radiographic and functional outcome were noted.

Results: 22 patients have been treated according to the treatment protocol during the study period. Minimal follow up of three months is available. A single complication was noted (deep wound infection which necessitated hardware removal). No nerve injury or hardware failures were noted.

Functional outcome was good, patients regained 120°±25 of flexion, 112°±27 of abduction and 17°±8 of external rotation.

Conclusions: The anterolateral approach to the shoulder and fixation with a LCP plate is a safe technique in our hospital. Rigid stabilization allows for early shoulder activation which results in a good range of motion and functional outcome on short-term follow up. Further study and long-term follow up are needed to validate this technique in treating complex proximal humerus fractures.

Introduction: Olecranon fractures comprise 4–7% of all fractures around the elbow in the pediatric age group. 80% of these fractures can be treated expectantly. Fractures with 2 mm of displacement or more require surgical intervention. The surgical procedure commonly used is ORIF with 2 Kirschner wires and tension band wire as advocated by the AO technique. All open interventions require removal of hardware under anesthesia. We present our experience of five cases treated with percutaneously placed K-wires and absorbable sutures.

Patients and Methods: Five patients, 4 boys and one girl, average age 6 8/12 years (range 4½-14¼ years) with displaced fractures of the olecranon were treated with ORIF during the years 2000–2004. In two cases additional injuries were noted [a displaced lateral condyle fracture in one and a dislocated radial head (Monteggia variant) in another patient].

Under general anesthesia, the olecranon is approached through a posterior incision. After reduction, fixation is achieved with two K-wires, which are inserted percutaneously. Additional fixation is obtained with a heavy absorbable suture (Dexon, PDS) which is fashioned in a figure of eight around the protruding pins and through a hole in the proximal ulna. Stability is checked under vision before wound closure. K-wires are trimmed and a plaster cast is fitted with the elbow in flexion. The plaster cast and K-wires are removed 4 weeks post surgery after X-rays confirm that the fracture is healed and range of motion is started.

Results: Five patients have been treated with our technique; all fractures were reduced and stable in flexion and extension under vision at the end of surgery.

K-wires were removed 4 weeks postoperatively and patients were allowed free range of motion. No immediate complications were noted, none became infected and no loss of fixation was observed.

Conclusions: Anatomic reduction and stable fixation can be achieved by the surgical technique presented. The usual complication of hardware irritation and the need for additional surgery to remove K-wires and the metal TBW are avoided by the use of absorbable sutures and protruding K-wires. Functional outcome is excellent on short term follow-up. Larger numbers and prospective follow-up will tell whether this technique can replace the commonly used methods of olecranon fracture fixation in the pediatric age group.

In recent years advances in operative techniques have allowed surgeons to perform total hip arthroplasty (THA) through incisions much smaller than those used previously. Potential advantages of these techniques include the reduction of blood loss and pain in the immediate postoperative period and preserving muscle function.

Potential disadvantages might include increased wound infection rate due to skin ischemia, intraoperative neurovascular injuries, and component malposition. This in turn may lead to long term complications, such as instability, osteolysis, and loosening.

The purpose of this study is to present our results with total hip arthroplasty performed through a minimal invasive technique which is a modification of the standard posterolateral approach.

Methods: In this retrospective study 91 consecutive patients underwent primary total hip arthroplasties were reviewed. The surgeries were performed at our institution from January 2001 to December 2003.

Surgical indications included primary osteoarthritis, subcapital fractures, malignancy, hip displasia, Otopelvis, rheumatoid arthritis and AVN. Exclusion criteria included revision hip arthroplasty, and cemented operations.

A modification of the standard posterlateral approach was used. Standard hip arthroplasty instruments along with curved acetabular reamers and impactor were used. Incision extent was determined by the size of the acetabular component. A fully Hidroxyapetite coated stem, and porous coated acetabullar component were used. Immediate full weight bearing postoperative regimen was allowed in all cases.

Results: In 17 patients (group A) the indication for surgery was a recent subcapital fracture. 74 patients (group B) had no trauma. The average age was 64.2 in group A and 65.1 in group B. No case of deep infection was documented in either group. 5 patients in group B had a single event of a posterior dislocation that was treated successfully with closed reduction. No dislocation occurred in group A. 35% (4) of group A and 41% (22) of group B did not require postoperative blood transfusions. 47% (6) and 36% (14) respectively needed transfusion of 3 blood units or more. Average hospitalization time was 6 days. None of the patients in both groups needed re-operation.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty is associated with a short hospitalization period and relatively low rate of blood transfusion. No major wound healing problems were documented in our series. It appears that the relatively high dislocation rate might be explained partly due to the common use of ceramic inserts. Further modification of the technique for proper acetabular component orientation is needed. However, more prospective with longer follow-up research must be conducted before definitive recommendations can be made.

Purpose: To describe a simple method for performing pelvic osteotomies in children that will obtain appropriate femoral head coverage.

Method: The necessary femoral head coverage was preoperatively predicted by assessing the acetabular, Wiberg, and Lequesne angles, and by 3-D CAT scan evaluations of each hip. Postoperative results were evaluated in a similar manner and compared with the preoperative findings. An “almost” percutaneous triple pelvic osteotomy was performed using an adductor incision and a transverse incision.

Results: In spite of the theoretical restrictions in this age group to acetabular movement, i.e. rigid triradiate cartilage, stiff symphysis pubis and rigid sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments, adequate coverage of the femoral head was attained with the described technique.

Conclusion: If a pelvic osteotomy is being considered to better stabilize a child’s hip due to a condition such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, a deformed femoral neck secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis or femoral head necrosis, the “almost” percutaneous triple osteotomy has a decided advantage over other well described pelvic osteotomies since it is simpler to perform and sufficiently covers the femoral head.

Low back pain is not a frequent complaint in adolescents and usually is a self-limited affliction without signs or significant findings in pertinent imaging studies. Adolescent athletes are in an increased risk of overuse injuries to the spine due to their relative ligamentous laxity and lack of proper technique in their chosen sport.

This is a prospective study of adolescent athletes referred to the spine clinic due to low back pain and significant findings on physical examination and/or the imaging studies.

Between 01.08.1998 and 31.03.2001 we have treated 7 athletes, 2 girls and 5 boys, average age 15.67 years (range 13–17). Sports involved were golf in 2, body building in 1, volleyball in 1, handball in 1, track and field in 1, and ballet in 1. Five were eventually diagnosed with L5 pars defects (2 unilateral and 3 with bilateral lesions); L2 spondylolysis was diagnosed in 1 and L5-S1 central disc protrusion in 1. All complained of pain located to the lower back, the patient with disc protrusion complained of pain radiating to her lower extremities. Plain films were diagnostic in 1 patient only with a unilateral L5 pars defect. Technetium bone scan showed increased uptake at the level of the lesion in all 6 patients with spondylolysis and was normal in the patient with L5-S1 disc protrusion. CT scans were performed in 4 patients and were diagnostic 2, MRI was performed in 2 patients and was diagnostic in both.

The six patients with spondylolysis were treated by analgesics, rest for 3 months and then gradual supervised return to sports with modification of the swing in both golfers, decrease of training volume in the body builder and limiting the track and field athlete to running only. Both volleyball and handball players withdrew from athletic activities. The volleyball player with L5-S1 herniation refused surgical treatment.

The evaluation of adolescent athletes with low back pain longer than few weeks, should be by bone scan first and CT and/or MRI later. MRI should be preferred to limit radiation exposure. After proper rest and supervised training they can safely resume their athletic interests.

Introduction: The increasing utilization of total hip arthroplasty and the increasing life expectancy have brought an increasing incidence of revision hip arthroplasty. With severe acetabular, revision surgery with the use of standard cemented or press-fitted components is inadequate for fixation. In these cases the use of proximal femoral allograft can restore the deficiency.

Purpose: To present a new technique and preliminary results of revision total hip arthroplasty using proximal femoral allograft prosthetic composites for massive ace-tabular bone loss. The technique uses the natural vector of forces in the intertrochanteric region in an opposite direction at the acetabular defect.

Methods: From June 2000 to July 2001, seven patients underwent reconstruction of massive acetabular defects with proximal femoral allograft bone. The etiologies for bone loss were infection in 2 patients, aseptic loosening in 4 and acetabular protrusion in 2 patients. In 4 hips there were also femoral defects that was reconstructed with allograft. The average age of the patients was 69.8 years. All patients were wheel chair bound prior to surgery. Harris Hip Score was used to assess preoperative and follow-up function level.

Results: Harris Hip Score improved significantly in all patients. All patients are ambulatory at follow-up. Complications included 2 dislocation and 2 deep-vein thrombosis. No allograft resorbtion was noted at follow-up.

Conclusions: The proximal femoral allograft provides a solid construct for the acetabular cup in large acetabular bone defects. Although failure and complication rates might be higher than revision procedures with lesser bone defects, this reconstructive option for massive ace-tabular defects dramatically improves a patient’s function level.