Simulated learning is increasingly prevalent in many surgical training programs as medical education moves towards competency based curricula. In orthopaedic surgery, developmental dysplasia of the hip is a commonly treated diagnosis where the standard of care in patients less than six months of age is an orthotic device such as the Pavlik Harness. However, despite widespread use of the Pavlik Harness and the potential complications that may arise from inappropriate application, no formal educational methods exist. A video and model based simulated learning module for Pavlik Harness application was developed. Two novice groups (residents and allied health professionals) were exposed to the module and at pre-intervention, post-intervention and retention testing were evaluated on their ability to apply a Pavlik Harness to the model. Evaluations were completed using a previously validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and a Global Rating Scale (GRS) specific to Pavlik Harness application. A control group who did not undergo the module was also evaluated at two time points to determine if exposure to the Pavlik Harness alone would affect ability. All groups were compared to a group of clinical experts who were used as a competency benchmark. Statistical analysis of skill acquisition and retention was conducted using t-tests and ANOVA. Exposure to the learning module improved resident and allied health professionals' competency in applying a Pavlik Harness (p<0.05) to the level of expert clinicians and this level of competency was retained one month after exposure to the module. Control subjects who were not exposed to the module did not improve nor did they achieve competency. The simulated learning module has been shown to be an effective tool for teaching the application of a Pavlik Harness and learners demonstrated retainable skills post intervention. This learning module will form the cornerstone of formal teaching for Pavlik Harness application in developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Habitual hip subluxation and dislocation is a potentially disabling feature of Trisomy 21. We describe long-term outcomes following precise use of the femoral varus derotation osteotomy to achieve and maintain hip stability and community ambulation. All individuals with Trisomy 21, who had hip surgery at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children between 1998 and 2008, were searched using the hospital databases. 16 hips in 9 children aged less than 10 years, were identified. All had a femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) with a target femoral neck shaft angle (NSA) of 105° and less than 20° external rotation. All were performed by the senior author JHW. The clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed from presentation to final follow up. Continuous variables were assessed for normality with the d'Agostino Pearson test. Normally distributed variables are presented as means with 95% confidence intervals. Pre and postoperative means were compared using the student's t-test for paired samples.Background
Methods
Habitual hip subluxation and dislocation is a potentially disabling feature of Trisomy 21 and we describe long-term outcomes following the precise use of femoral varus derotation osteotomy. 16 consecutive hips, 9 children, with Trisomy 21 aged =10 years, were identified from hospital databases. Clinical notes and radiographs from presentation to final follow-up were reviewed.Purpose
Methods
To determine the effect of the femoral head ossific nucleus on the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) after reduction of a dislocated hip. We included consecutive patients treated for a dislocated hip secondary to DDH with either closed or open reduction under the age of 30 months (mean, 9.6□4.8) in this retrospective cohort study. 85 patients or 100 hips were included. Radiographs were analysed for the presence of the ossific nucleus at the time of hip reduction, and for the presence of AVN at 9.2□3.4 years after hip reduction by 3 blinded assessors. There was no significant effect of the femoral head ossific nucleus on the development of osteonecrosis, with 16/40 (40%) cases of osteonecrosis in infants with an ossific nucleus absent compared with 18/60 (30%) in the group with an ossific nucleus (adjusted relative risk = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.83; p=0.65). When only radiographic changes of grade II or worse were considered osteonecrosis, the association remained statistically insignificant (adjusted relative risk = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.35 to 2.00; p=0.69). Our study reports the longest follow-up addressing the question of a potential protective effect of the ossific nucleus on the development of AVN. We could not demonstrate such an effect. Strategies aimed at delaying the treatment of a dislocated hip in the absence of the ossific nucleus cannot be recommended as they will not affect the risk for subsequent AVN.Purpose
Conclusion
A consecutive series of 76 patients (101 hips) underwent primary open reduction, capsulorrhaphy and innominate osteotomy for late presenting developmental hip dislocation. They were aged 1.5 to 5 years at the time of surgery between 1958 and 1965. This study was designed to review their outcome into middle age. We located and reviewed 60 patients (80 hips) using a public records search. This represents a 79% rate of follow-up at 40-48 years post-operatively. 19 patients (24 hips) had undergone total hip replacement and 3 had died. The remaining 38 patients (53 surviving hips) were assessed by the WOMAC¯ and Oxford hip outcome questionnaires, physical examination and standing pelvic radiograph. The radiographs were analysed for minimum joint space width and the Kellgren and Lawrence score. Accepted indices of hip dysplasia were measured.Background
Methods
Ten operated hips had advanced osteoarthritis which made it impossible to identify acetabular landmarks. Twenty-six hips were readable despite signs of mild to moderate osteoarthritis in some (Group A). 20 contra-lateral hips without DDH which appeared radiographically normal formed control group B. 21 further age and sex matched AP pelvis radiographs were taken from the PACS system at random. All of which had been reported as normal by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist, these formed group C. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare the 4 outcomes, in the 3 groups. A significant difference between the groups was found for contact area (p<
0.001). There was no significant difference between the other 3 outcomes. Anterior coverage (p=0.509), posterior coverage (p = 0.135) and antirversion (p= 0.845).
A significant difference was found for contact area (p<
0.001). There was no significant difference in version (p = 0.845).
Severe acetabular dysplasia with established dislocation of the hip represents a common problem in cerebral palsy. Once significant dysplasia is present little remodeling of the acetabulum occurs with femoral osteotomies alone. Pelvic osteotomies should address the problem of acetabular deficiency in order to restore optimal coverage of the femoral head. Standard innominate oste-otomies are not recommended for neuromuscular hip dysplasia. To address the lack of postero-lateral coverage in this population, a modified periacetabular osteotomy was performed. Between 1991 and 2000 a total of forty-four patients (fifty-two hips) with total body involvement CP underwent this procedure at a mean age of nine, four yrs. The modification includes only one bicortical cut at the posterior corner at the sciatic notch. The cut extends down to the triradiate cartilage, if present, and through the former site of the triradiate cartilage after closure of the acetabular growth plate in adolescence. Additional procedures included: open reduction, femoral varus osteotomy, and soft tissue releases. Follow-up included a subjective and clinical evaluation. Radiographic assessment included measurements of the migration percentage and acetabular index, evidence of AVN, and premature closure of the triradiate cartilage. The mean follow-up period for these patients was 3.5 years (1.0 to 8,1 yrs) after surgery, and 70% of the patients had reached skeletal maturity at that time. The median acetabular index improved from 30% pre-operatively to 18% at follow-up. The median migration percentage was 71% preoperatively, and zero at follow-up. A re-dislocation occurred in one hip, and a re-subluxation in another. All other hips were stable and well contained at follow-up. There were three hips showing signs of postoperative femoral head defects . Premature closure of the triradiate cartilage was not noted. The care-givers had the impression that the surgery had improved personal care, positioning/transferring, and comfort. This osteotomy reduces the volume of the elongated acetabulum and provides coverage by articular cartilage. It provides coverage particularly at the posterior part of the acetabulum. Compared to other techniques this modified periacetabular osteotomy has only one posterior cortical cut which extends down to the sciatic notch. Since this cut is cortical, the fragment can be mobilized extensively and it allows placement of a graft and a better posterior coverage.
Objective: Severe acetabular dysplasia with established dislocation of the hip represents a common problem in cerebral palsy. Once significant dysplasia is present little remodeling of the acetabulum occurs with femoral osteotomies alone. Pelvic osteotomies should address the problem of acetabular deficiency in order to restore optimal coverage of the femoral head. Standard innominate osteotomies are not recommended for neuromus-cular hip dysplasia. To address the lack of postero-lateral coverage in this population, a modified periacetabular osteotomy was performed. Methods: Between 1991 and 2000 a total of 44 patients (52 hips) with total body involvement CP underwent this procedure at a mean age of 9,4 yrs. The modification includes only one bicortical cut at the posterior corner at the sciatic notch. The cut extends down to the trira-diate cartilage, if present, and through the former site of the triradiate cartilage after closure of the acetabu-lar growth plate in adolescence. Additional procedures included: open reduction, femoral varus osteotomy, and soft tissue releases. Follow-up included a subjective and clinical evaluation. Radiographic assessment included measurements of the migration percentage and acetab-ular index, evidence of AVN, and premature closure of the triradiate cartilage. Results: The mean follow-up period for these patients was 3.5 years (1.0 to 8,1 yrs) after surgery, and 70% of the patients had reached skeletal maturity at that time. The median acetabular index improved from 30% pre-operatively to 18% at follow-up. The median migration percentage was 71% preoperatively, and 0 at follow-up. A re-dislocation occurred in 1 hip, and a re-subluxation in another. All other hips were stable and well contained at follow-up. There were 3 hips showing signs of postoperative femoral head defects . Premature closure of the triradiate cartilage was not noted. The caregivers had the impression that the surgery had improved personal care, positioning/transferring, and comfort. Conclusions: This osteotomy reduces the volume of the elongated acetabulum and provides coverage by articular cartilage. It provides coverage particularly at the posterior part of the acetabulum. Compared to other techniques this modified periacetabular osteotomy has only one posterior cortical cut which extends down to the sciatic notch. Since this cut is cortical, the fragment can be mobilized extensively and it allows placement of a graft and a better posterior coverage.
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.