We present the results of 17 children of Tanner stage 1 or 2 who underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament between 1999 and 2006 using a transphyseal procedure, employing an ipsilateral four-strand hamstring graft. The mean age of the children was 12.1 years (9.5 to 14). The mean follow-up was 44 months (25 to 100). Survival of the graft, the functional outcome and complications were recorded. There was one re-rupture following another injury. Of the remaining patients, all had good or excellent results and a normal International Knee Documentation Committee score. The mean post-operative Lysholm score was 97.5 (. sd. 2.6) and the mean Tegner activity scale was 7.9 (. sd. 1.4). One patient had a mild valgus deformity which caused no functional disturbance. No other abnormality or discrepancy of leg length was seen. Measurements with a KT1000 arthrometer showed no significant difference between the normal and the operated legs. In this small series, transphyseal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament appeared to be safe in these young children

Recent reports have suggested an increase in the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children, although their true incidence is unknown. The prognosis of the ACL-deficient knee in young active individuals is poor because of secondary meniscal tears, persistent instability and early-onset osteoarthritis. The aim of surgical reconstruction is to provide stability while avoiding physeal injury. Techniques of reconstruction include transphyseal, extraphyseal or partial physeal sparing procedures. In this paper we review the management of ACL tears in skeletally immature patients. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1562–9

The acute childhood diseases haematogenous staphylococcal osteomyelitis and septic arthritis were studied concurrently using avian models which closely resemble the human diseases. Ultrastructural studies during the initial stages of bone and joint infection showed that adherence of bacteria to cartilage, bacterial proliferation, cartilage destruction and subsequent bacterial spread along the vascular channels within cartilage were common to both disease processes. Histological studies revealed that transphyseal blood vessels were present in the growing chickens and were a likely explanation for the frequency of the concurrence of acute osteomyelitis and adjacent joint infection following intravenous injection of bacteria. Transphyseal vessels provide a direct connection between the growth plate (physis) and epiphyseal cartilage supplying a route for bacteria to spread from an osteomyelitic focus in the metaphysis to the epiphysis and subsequently to the joint lumen

Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS) has been developed for the treatment of lower limb discrepancies with the aim of replacing traditional open procedures. The goal of this study was to evaluate its efficacy and safety at skeletal maturity. A total of 45 consecutive patients with a mean skeletal age of 12.7 years (8.5 to 15) were included and followed until maturity. The mean efficacy of the femoral epiphysiodesis was 35% (14% to 87%) at six months and 66% (21% to 100%) at maturity. The mean efficacy of the tibial epiphysiodesis was 46% (18% to 73%) at six months and 66% (25% to 100%) at maturity. In both groups of patients the under-correction was significantly reduced between six months post-operatively and skeletal maturity. The overall rate of revision was 18% (eight patients), and seven of these revisions (87.5%) involved the tibia. This series showed that use of the PETS technique in the femur was safe, but that its use in the tibia was associated with a significant rate of complications, including a valgus deformity in nine patients (20%), leading us to abandon it in the tibia. The arrest of growth was delayed and the final loss of growth at maturity was only 66% of that predicted pre-operatively. This should be taken into account in the pre-operative planning.

Aims. Guided growth has been used to treat coxa valga for cerebral palsy (CP) children. However, there has been no study on the optimal position of screw application. In this paper we have investigated the influence of screw position on the outcomes of guided growth. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 61 hips in 32 CP children who underwent proximal femoral hemi epiphysiodesis between July 2012 and September 2017. The hips were divided into two groups according to the transphyseal position of the screw in the coronal plane: across medial quarter (Group 1) or middle quarter (Group 2) of the medial half of the physis. We compared pre- and postoperative radiographs in head-shaft angle (HSA), Reimer’s migration percentage (MP), acetabular index (AI), and femoral anteversion angle (FAVA), as well as incidences of the physis growing-off the screw within two years. Linear and Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify factors related to HSA correction and risk of the physis growing-off the screw. Results. A total of 37 hips in Group 1 and 24 hips in Group 2 were compared. Group 1 showed a more substantial decrease in the HSA (p = 0.003) and the MP (p = 0.032). Both groups had significant and similar improvements in the AI (p = 0.809) and the FAVA (p = 0.304). Group 1 presented a higher incidence of the physis growing-off the screw (p = 0.038). Results of the regression analysis indicated that the eccentricity of screw position correlated with HSA correction and increases the risk of the physis growing-off the screw. Conclusion. Guided growth is effective in improving coxa valga and excessive femoral anteversion in CP children. For younger children, despite compromised efficacy of varus correction, we recommend a more centered screw position, at least across the middle quarter of the medial physis, to avoid early revision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1242–1247

Aims. Different methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been described for skeletally immature patients before closure of the growth plates. However, the outcome and complications following this treatment remain unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the outcome and complications of different techniques which may be used for reconstruction of the ACL in these patients. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This involved a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar databases using the following combinations of keywords, “knee”, “anterior cruciate ligament”, “reconstruction”, “injury”, “children”, “adolescent”, “skeletally immature”, “open physis” and “surgery”. Results. A total of 53 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. The overall rate of disturbance of growth after ACL reconstruction was 2.6%, with no statistical difference between transphyseal and physeal-sparing techniques. Physeal-sparing techniques had a lower rate of post-operative complications compared with transphyseal techniques (p = 0.0045). Outcomes assessed were Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the IKDC grade, the Tegner score and the KT-1000. Both techniques had similar clinical outcomes. Conclusions. This review reveals low rates of disturbance of growth after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Although limited, the available evidence did not support any particular surgical technique when considering disturbance of growth or clinical outcome. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of differing surgical techniques on outcomes in skeletally immature patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1053–60

A total of 60 children and adolescents with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was seen between 1980 and 1990. Observation of the 23 patients who were treated conservatively revealed that the natural history of the injury resulted in severe instability and poor function of the knee. Associated meniscal tears were present in 15 knees. Three osteochondral fractures occurred and osteoarthritic changes developed in ten knees. In 1990 therefore we introduced reconstruction of the ACL with a four-strand hamstring graft using an anatomical placement with transphyseal tunnels and anchorage well away from the growth plate. Over a period of nine years, 47 knees underwent reconstruction. The mean follow-up was 49 months (12 to 96). No child suffered physeal damage or leg-length discrepancy. The results were satisfactory in 77% and there was little difference between patients treated before the adolescent growth spurt and those treated during or after this time. These results, however, were not as good as those seen in adults during the same period

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of guided growth and varus osteotomy in treating Kalamchi type II avascular necrosis (AVN) after open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Aims

Temporary epiphysiodesis (ED) is commonly applied in children and adolescents to treat leg length discrepancies (LLDs) and tall stature. Traditional Blount staples or modern two-hole plates are used in clinical practice. However, they require accurate planning, precise surgical techniques, and attentive follow-up to achieve the desired outcome without complications. This study reports the results of ED using a novel rigid staple (RigidTack) incorporating safety, as well as technical and procedural success according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework.

Aims

Eight-plates are used to correct varus-valgus deformity (VVD) or limb-length discrepancy (LLD) in children and adolescents. It was reported that these implants might create a bony deformity within the knee joint by change of the roof angle (RA) after epiphysiodesis of the proximal tibia following a radiological assessment limited to anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. The aim of this study was to analyze the RA, complemented with lateral knee radiographs, with focus on the tibial slope (TS) and the degree of deformity correction.

Aims

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in children and the adolescent population has increased steadily over recent years. We used a national database to look at trends in ACL reconstruction and rates of serious complications, growth disturbance, and revision surgery, over 20 years.

Septicaemia resulting from meningococcal infection is a devastating illness affecting children. Those who survive can develop late orthopaedic sequelae from growth plate arrests, with resultant complex deformities. Our aim in this study was to review the case histories of a series of patients with late orthopaedic sequelae, all treated by the senior author (CFB). We also describe a treatment strategy to address the multiple deformities that may occur in these patients.

Between 1997 and 2009, ten patients (seven girls and three boys) were treated for late orthopaedic sequelae following meningococcal septicaemia. All had involvement of the lower limbs, and one also had involvement of the upper limbs. Each patient had a median of three operations (one to nine). Methods of treatment included a combination of angular deformity correction, limb lengthening and epiphysiodesis. All patients were skeletally mature at the final follow-up. One patient with bilateral below-knee amputations had satisfactory correction of her right amputation stump deformity, and has complete ablation of both her proximal tibial growth plates. In eight patients length discrepancy in the lower limb was corrected to within 1 cm, with normalisation of the mechanical axis of the lower limb.

Meningococcal septicaemia can lead to late orthopaedic sequelae due to growth plate arrests. Central growth plate arrests lead to limb-length discrepancy and the need for lengthening procedures, and peripheral growth plate arrests lead to angular deformities requiring corrective osteotomies and ablation of the damaged physis. In addition, limb amputations may be necessary and there may be altered growth of the stump requiring further surgery. Long-term follow-up of these patients is essential to recognise and treat any recurrence of deformity.

This study evaluated the results of a physeal-sparing technique of intra-articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, with particular reference to growth disturbance. Between 1992 and 2007, 57 children with a mean age of 12.2 years (6.8 to 14.5) underwent ACL reconstruction using the same technique. At a mean of 5.5 years (2 to 14) after surgery, 56 patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation. At that time, 49 patients (87.5%) had reached bony maturity and 53 (95%) achieved A or B according to the IKDC 2000 classification. Four patients had stopped participation in sports because of knee symptoms, and three patients (5.4%) had a subsequent recurrent ACL injury. There was no clinical or radiological evidence of growth disturbance after a mean growth in stature of 20.0 cm (3 to 38).

This study demonstrates that ACL reconstruction sparing the physes in children is a safe technique protecting against meniscal tears and giving better results than reconstruction in adults, without causing significant growth disturbance.

A total of 25 children (37 legs and 51 segments) with coronal plane deformities around the knee were treated with the extraperiosteal application of a flexible two-hole plate and screws. The mean age was 11.6 years (5.5 to 14.9), the median angle of deformity treated was 8.3° and mean time for correction was 16.1 months (7 to 37.3). There was a mean rate of correction of 0.7° per month in the femur (0.3° to 1.5°), 0.5° per month in the tibia (0.1° to 0.9°) and 1.2° per month (0.1° to 2.2°) if femur and tibia were treated concurrently. Correction was faster if the child was under 10 years of age (p = 0.05). The patients were reviewed between six and 32 months after plate removal. One child had a rebound deformity but no permanent physeal tethers were encountered.

The guided growth technique, as performed using a flexible titanium plate, is simple and safe for treating periarticular deformities of the leg.

Aims

Our aim was to investigate the predictive factors for the development of a rebound phenomenon after temporary hemiepiphysiodesis in children with genu valgum.

The potential harm to the growth plate following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally-immature patients is well documented, but we are not aware of literature on the subject of the fate of the graft itself. We have reviewed five adolescent males who underwent reconstruction of the ligament with four-strand hamstring grafts using MR images taken at a mean of 34.6 months (18 to 58) from the time of operation. The changes in dimension of the graft were measured and compared with those taken at the original operation. No growth arrest was seen on radiological or clinical measurement of leg-length discrepancy, nor was there any soft-tissue contracture. All the patients regained their pre-injury level of activity, including elite-level sport in three. The patients grew by a mean of 17.3 cm (14 to 24). The diameter of the grafts did not change despite large increases in length (mean 42%; 33% to 57%). Most of the gain in length was on the femoral side. Large changes in the length of the grafts were seen.

There is a considerable increase in the size of the graft, so some neogenesis must occur; the graft must grow.

The aim of this study was to determine whether an osteoplasty of the femoral neck performed at the same time as an intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy led to an improved functional outcome or increased morbidity. A total of 20 hips in 19 patients (12 left, 8 right, 13 male, 6 female), who underwent an Imhäuser intertrochanteric osteotomy following a slipped capital femoral epiphysis were assessed over an eight-year period. A total of 13 hips in 13 patients had an osteoplasty of the femoral neck at the same time. The remaining six patients (seven hips) had intertrochanteric osteotomy alone. The mean age was 15.3 years (13 to 20) with a mean follow-up of 57.8 months (15 to 117); 19 of the slips were severe (Southwick grade III) and one was moderate (grade II), with a mean slip angle of 65.3° (50° to 80°); 17 of the slips were stable and three unstable at initial presentation. The mean Non-Arthritic Hip Scores (NAHS) in patients who underwent osteoplasty was 91.7 (76.3 to 100) and the mean NAHS in patients who did not undergo osteoplasty was 76.6 (41.3 to 100) (p = 0.056). Two patients required a subsequent arthroplasty and neither of these patients had an osteoplasty. No hips developed osteonecrosis or chondrolysis, and there was no increase in complications related to the osteoplasty. We recommend that for patients with a slipped upper femoral epiphysis undergoing an intertrochanteric osteotomy, the addition of an osteoplasty of the femoral neck should be considered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1119–23.

We performed a systematic review of the optimal management of septic arthritis in children as recommended in the current English literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and reference lists of retrieved articles without date restrictions up to 31 January 2009. From 2236 citations, 227 relevant full-text articles were screened in detail; 154 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, from which conclusions were drawn on the management of infected joints in children.

Our review showed that no single investigation, including joint aspiration, is sufficiently reliable to diagnose conclusively joint infection. The roles of aspiration, arthrotomy and arthroscopy in treatment are not clear cut, and the ideal duration of antibiotic therapy is not yet fully defined. These issues are discussed. Further large-scale, multi-centre studies are needed to delineate the optimal management of paediatric septic arthritis.