This pilot study aimed to identify the important symptomatic, functional and psychosocial aspects of hip disorders from the perspective of adolescent patients and their families in order to begin developing a patient-focused instrument (Bridging Adolescent Self-Reported Hip – BASH - score). This was a qualitative patient-centred study at a tertiary paediatric orthopaedic centre involving 50 adolescents aged 13–17 years, composed of five groups of 10 adolescents with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), hip dysplasia (DDH), labral tears undergoing arthroscopic treatment, lower limb trauma and a miscellaneous group with conditions including Perthes' disease. A control group of 100 adolescents were also interviewed from a local school. Adolescent and separate concurrent parent groups underwent an ‘open’ phase face-to-face or telephone interview (theme development). This involved agreeing or disagreeing with statements, and open exploration of ideas related to the ‘day in the life’ of an adolescent with hip problems in order to generate and specify themes. This was followed by ranking and finally, scoring and testing.Aim
Methods
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not commonly performed in young patients. However, markedly advanced hip disease can cause disabling end-stage arthritis, and THA may be the only available option for pain relief and restoration of function. We report our experience with modern alternative bearing THA in patients younger than 21 years. Twenty-one consecutive primary THAs were performed in 18 patients. Pre- and post-operative Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and any postoperative complications were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed for evidence of premature component loosening. Mean patient age at operation was 18 years (range, 13-20). There were 14 females (78%) and 4 males (22%). Nine patients (50%) were Caucasian, 8 (44%) were African-American, and 1 (6%) was Asian. Average follow-up was 45 months (range, 16-85). All patients failed conservative treatment; 15 patients had prior core decompression and bone grafting. Underlying etiology was chemotherapy induced osteonecrosis (7, 33%), steroid induced osteonecrosis (6, 29%), sickle cell disease (5, 24%), and chronic dislocation (3, 14%); 1 patient underwent THA for fracture of a previous ceramic bearing, 1 patient had a slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and 1 patient had idiopathic joint destruction. Components implanted were ceramic/ceramic (14, 67%), metal/highly cross-linked polyethylene (6, 29%), and metal/metal surface replacement (1, 5%).INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Objective: To review of an uncommon deformity arising in four patients. Method: A clinical and radiological review. Conclusions: heightened awareness and early treatment with monitoring is required. We describe four cases of distal radial epiphyseal dysplasia associated with a localised area of cutis aplasia congenita (CAC) over the dorsum of the distal forearm. The cutis aplasia was diagnosed at birth in all cases, but the radial dysplasia was not recognised until presentation to our orthopaedic department between the ages of 5 and 10 years. Radial dysplasia describes a spectrum of osseous, musculotendinous, and neurovascular dysplasias of the pre-axial border of the upper limb, and is the most common form of longitudinal deficiency. Cutis aplasia congenita involves an ulcerated area lacking in normal skin formation, present at birth. The most common site is on the scalp, but it has been described on the extremities, and overlying embryological malformations. This association, the long-term implications and the requirement for follow-up until skeletal maturity have not previously been described. We emphasise the importance of continued monitoring of these patients as the effects of radial dysplasia did not become obvious for several years, and the potential benefit from achieving early skin cover with grafting rather than allowing healing by secondary intention is discussed. It is important to increase awareness of this condition so that early orthopaedic and plastic surgical opinions can be sought, in order to reduce the disabling effect on the underlying radius.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a syndrome characterised by pain and hyperaesthesia associated with swelling, vasomotor instability and dystrophic changes of the skin. It is rare in children, can occur without any previous history of significant trauma and may be recurrent and migratory. We reported 13 new cases of RSD in children and emphasised the role of a multidisciplinary team approach in management. A review of the literature was included. 13 children (3 boys and 10 girls) with reflex sympathetic dystrophy were presented. They were aged between 8 and 17 years. Mean age at onset was 13 years 4 months. All of them had RSD involving the lower limbs. Thermography was performed in 10 cases. The average time to correct diagnosis was 4 months. Five ankles, 4 knees and 5 hips were involved (14 joints in 13 cases). Psychological assessments revealed abnormalities in all cases. Pain (visual analogue score) and function were assessed before and after treatment. The most common therapy in children is progressive mobilisation supported by analgesic drugs, psychological and physical therapy. We individualised the therapy for each child. A team-care approach with the physiotherapist, psychologist and pain-care team co-ordinated by the Orthopaedic Consultant was the essence of our management. All children received physical therapy including a wide variety of non-standarised approaches involving analgesics and hydrotherapy. 5 patients received guanithidine blocks. Individual therapy was monitored with set achievable goals and weekly assessment of progression of mobility and joint motion. Time from the first RSD episode to resolution averaged 6 months in our series [it was mean 10 weeks in the non-adolescent cases (8 cases) and 7 months in the adolescent one (5 cases)]. The pain and function scores improved remarkably in all patients. RSD in children is not a widely recognised condition. There is often a delay in diagnosis in view of the rarity of the condition as well as the fact that specific diagnostic modalities are not readily available in all centres. Psychological factors should not be underestimated. Early diagnosis with an aggressive, multidisciplinary, monitored, ‘goal-oriented’ team approach should be the basis of management in these cases.
We present the results of treatment for relapsed infantile Blounts disease using a technique of hemiplateau elevation with the Ilizarov frame. 7 patients with a mean age of 10 years 6 months were reviewed at 30 months following hemiplateau elevation with/without ipsilateral tibial lengthening. Preoperatively clinical photographs, long leg standing radiographs and 3D computed tomography images were acquired. The patients were evaluated clinically (presence of knee pain, range of knee motion, knee stability and leg length discrepancy) and radiologically. Schoeneckers objective assessment was undertaken. The results were analysed statistically. Clinically all the patients improved significantly. No patient had knee pain and the range of knee motion was from 0° to more than 100° of knee flexion. The radiological results and Schoeneckers grading are depicted below. The improvement in radiological measurements were statistically significant. Pin site infection was present in all but settled with antibiotics. The results of hemiplateau elevation for relapsed infantile Blounts disease are encouraging.
