The December 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Establishing best practice for managing idiopathic toe walking in children: a UK consensus; Long-term outcomes of below-elbow casting in paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures; Residual dysplasia risk persists in developmental dysplasia of the hip patients after Pavlik harness treatment; 3D printing in paediatricorthopaedics: enhancing surgical efficiency and patient outcomes; Pavlik harness treatment for hip dysplasia does not delay motor skill development in children; High prevalence of hip dysplasia found in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on routine spine radiographs; Minifragment plates as effective growth modulation for ulnar deformities of the distal radius in children; Long-term success of Chiari pelvic osteotomy in preserving hip function: 30-year follow-up study.

Introduction. Epiphysiodesis, defined as the process of closing the growth plate (physis), have been used for several years as a treatment option of cases where the predicted leg-length discrepancy (LLD) falls between 2 to 5 cm. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing literature on the effectiveness of three different epiphysiodesis techniques with implant usage for the treatment of leg-length discrepancy in the pediatric population. The secondary aim was to address the reported complications of staples, tension-band plates (TBP) and percutaneous epiphysiodesis screws (PETS). Method. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus for studies on skeletally immature patients with LLD treated with epiphysiodesis with an implant. The extracted outcome categories were effectiveness of epiphysiodesis (LLD measurements pre/post-operatively, successful/unsuccessful) and complications that were graded on severity. Result. Forty-four studies (2184 patients) were included, from whom 578 underwent TBP, 455 PETS and 1048 staples. From pooled analysis of the studies reporting success rate, 64% (150/234) successful TBP surgeries (10 studies), 78% (222/284) successful PETS (9 studies) and 52% (212/407) successful Blount staples (8 studies). Severe complications rate was 7% for PETS, 17% for TBP and 16% for Blount staples. TBP had 43 cases of angular deformity (10%), Blount staples 184 (17%) while PETS only 18 cases (4%). Conclusion. Our results highlighted that PETS seems to be the most successful type of epiphysiodesis surgery with an implant, with higher success rate and lower severe complications than TBP or Blount staples

Angular proximal femoral deformities increase the technical complexity of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs). The goals were to determine the long-term implant survivorship, risk factors, complications, and clinical outcomes of contemporary primary THAs in this difficult cohort. Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify 119 primary THAs performed in 109 patients with an angular proximal femoral deformity between 1997 and 2017. The deformity was related to previous femoral osteotomy in 85%, and developmental or metabolic disorders in 15%. 53% had a predominantly varus angular deformity. The mean age was 44 years, mean BMI was 29 kg/m. 2. , and 59% were female. An uncemented metaphyseal fixation stem was used in 30%, an uncemented diaphyseal fixation stem in 28%, an uncemented modular body stem with metaphyseal fixation sleeve in 24%, and a cemented stem in 18%. Simultaneous corrective femoral osteotomy was performed in 18%. Kaplan-Meier survivorships and Harris hip scores were reported. Mean follow-up was 8 years. The 10-year survivorships free of femoral loosening, aseptic femoral revision, any revision, and any reoperation were 95%, 93%, 90% and 88%, respectively. Revisions occurred in 13 hips for: aseptic femoral component loosening (3), stem fracture (2), dislocation (2), aseptic acetabular loosening (2), polyethylene liner exchange (2), and infection (2). Preoperative varus angular deformities were associated with a higher risk of any revision (HR 10, p=0.03), and simultaneous osteotomies with a higher risk of any reoperation (HR 3.6, p=0.02). Mean Harris hip scores improved from 52 preoperatively to 82 at 10 years (p<0.001). In the largest series to date of primary THAs in patients with angular proximal femoral deformities, we found a good 10-year survivorship free from any revision. Varus angular deformities, particularly those treated with a simultaneous osteotomy due to the magnitude or location of the deformity, had a higher reoperation rate. Keywords: Proximal femoral deformity; dysplasia; femoral osteotomy; survivorship; revision. Level of evidence: Level III, comparative retrospective cohort

Introduction. Coronal malalignment and leg length discrepancies (LLD) are frequently associated. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (tHED) is commonly employed for the correction of limb malalignment in skeletally immature patients. For treatment of LLD greater than 2 cm, lengthening with intramedullary legnthening nails is a safe and reliable technique. However, the combined application of these approaches in skeletally immature patients has not yet been investigated. Materials & Methods. Retrospective radiological and clinical analysis of 25 patients (14 females, 11 males) who underwent intramedullary femoral lengthening with an antegrade PRECICE® lengthening nail as well as tHED of the distal femur and / or proximal tibia between 2014 and 2019. tHED was conducted by implantation of flexible staples (FlexTack™) either prior (n = 11), simultaneously (n = 10), or subsequently (n = 4) to femoral lengthening. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years (±1.4). Results. The median initial LLD was 39.0 mm (35.0–45.0). 21 patients (84%) presented valgus and 4 (16%) showed varus malalignment. Leg length equalization was achieved in 13 patients at skeletal maturity (62%). The median LLD of patients with a residual LLD > 10 mm was 15.5 mm (12.8–21.8). Limb realignment was obtained in nine of seventeen skeletally mature patients (53%) in the valgus group, and in one of four patients (25%) in the varus group. Conclusions. The combination of antegrade femoral lengthening and tHED can efficiently correct LLD and coronal limb malalignment in skeletally immature patients. Nevertheless, achieving limb length equalization and realignment may render difficult in cases of severe LLD and angular deformity. Furthermore, the reported techniques ought to be thoroughly planned and executed and require regular clinical and radiological examinations until skeletal maturity to avoid - or timely detect and manage - adverse events such as overcorrection and rebound of deformity

Aims

As an alternative to external fixators, intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) can be employed for distraction osteogenesis. While previous studies have demonstrated that typical complications of external devices, such as soft-tissue tethering, and pin site infection can be avoided with ILNs, there is a lack of studies that exclusively investigated tibial distraction osteogenesis with motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach.

Aims

The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child’s distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach.

The aim of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the use of guided growth for correcting rotational deformities of long bones. Guided growth is routinely used to correct angular deformities in long bones in children. It has also been proven to be a viable method to correct rotational deformities, but the concept is not yet fully examined. Databases searched include Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar. All identified citations were uploaded into Rayyan.ai and screened by at least two reviewers. The search resulted in 3569 hits. 14 studies were included: 1 review, 3 clinical trials and 10 pre-clinical trials. Clinical trials: a total of 21 children (32 femurs and 5 tibiae) were included. Surgical methods were 2 canulated screws connected by cable, PediPlates obliquely oriented, and separated Hinge Plates connected by FiberTape. Rotation was achieved in all but 1 child. Adverse effects reported include limb length discrepancy (LLD), knee stiffness and rebound of rotation after removal of tethers. 2 pre-clinical studies were ex-vivo studies, 1 using 8-plates on Sawbones and 1 using a novel z-shaped plates on human cadaver femurs. There were 5 lapine studies (2 using femoral plates, 2 using tibial plates and 1 using an external device on tibia), 1 ovine (external device on tibia), 1 bovine (screws and cable on metacarp) and a case-report on a dog that had an external device spanning from femur to tibia. Rotation was achieved in all studies. Adverse effects reported include implant extrusions, LLD, articular deformities, joint stiffness and rebound. All included studies conclude that guided growth is a viable treatment for rotational deformities of long bones, but there is great variation in models and surgical methods used, and in reported adverse effects

The concept of guided growth was proposed by Andry in 1741. In the last decades the concept has been widely used as implants has been introduced that can modulate the growth of the bone and pediatric longitudinal and angular deformities is widely treated by this technique. However, there is there is a huge variation in techniques and implants used and high-quality clinical trials is still lacking. Recently implants correcting rotational bony deformities have been proposed and clinical case series have been published. The current status of guided growth will be presented in this narrative review and preliminary experiences with rotational guided growth will be shared. Is guided growth to be considered a safe treatment at this time point?

The December 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: A comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants; How common are refractures in childhood?; Femoral nailing for paediatric femoral shaft fracture in children aged eight to ten years; Who benefits from allowing the physis to grow in slipped capital femoral epiphysis?; Paediatric patients with an extremity bone tumour: a secondary analysis of the PARITY trial data; Split tibial tendon transfers in cerebral palsy equinovarus foot deformities; Liposomal bupivacaine nerve block: an answer to opioid use?; Correction with distal femoral transphyseal screws in hemiepiphysiodesis for coronal-plane knee deformity.

Abstract. Objectives. Epiphysiodesis is a commonly used treatment for lower limb angular deformities. However, in recent years, distal tibial growth modulation using ‘eight plates’ or screws has emerged as an alternative treatment for paediatric foot and ankle disorders, such as CTEV. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of distal tibial modulation in correcting various paediatric foot and ankle disorders. Methods. This retrospective study analysed 205 cases of paediatric foot and ankle disorders treated between 2003 and 2022, including only cases where the eight plate or screw was fixed on the anterior surface of the distal tibia. Our aim was to measure post-operative changes in dorsiflexion, the distal tibial angle, and the tibiocalcaneal angle by examining clinical records and radiology reports. Results. We identified nine cases (nine feet) meeting the full inclusion criteria, comprising seven cases of CTEV, one case of arthrogryposis, and one case of cavovarus foot. The cohort consisted of five male and four female patients, with a mean age of 10 years and 9 months at the time of surgery. Seven cases involved the left tibia, and two cases involved the right tibia. The mean time between pre-operative X-ray to surgery was 168 days, and the mean turnaround time between surgery and post-operative X-ray was 588 days. A mean change in the distal tibial angle of 4.33 degrees was noted. However, changes in dorsiflexion were documented in only one case, which showed a change of 13 degrees. Notably, our average distal tibial angle was significantly lower than reported in the literature, at 4.33 degrees. Additionally, some studies in the literature used the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children to assess pre- and post-operative outcomes, but it is important to note that it is validated only for children aged 5 to 16. Furthermore, most cases reported an improved tibiocalcaneal angle except for an anomaly of 105 degrees. We assessed satisfactory patient outcomes using patient notes. Out of the 6 procured notes, one has been discharged. The rest are still under yearly or 6-monthly review and are at various stages, such as physiotherapy, removing the eight plate, or requiring further surgery. The most common presentations at review are plantaris deformity and pain. Conclusions. Our study suggests that distal tibial growth modulation can be an effective treatment option for selected paediatric foot and ankle disorders. However, due to the limited number of cases in our study, the lack of documentation of changes in dorsiflexion, and a lack of pre- and post-operative outcomes using a standardised method, further research is needed to investigate this procedure's long-term outcomes and potential complications. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction. Angular deformities of the distal femur can be corrected by opening, closing and neutral wedge techniques. Opening wedge (OW) and closing wedge (CW) are popular and well described in the literature. CW and OW techniques lead to leg length difference whereas the advantage of neutral wedge (NW) technique has several unique advantages. NW technique maintains limb length, wedge taken from the closing side is utilised on the opening side and since the angular correction is only half of the measured wedge on either side, translation of distal fragment is minimum. Leg lengths are not altered with this technique hence a useful technique in large deformities. We found no reports of clinical outcomes using NW technique. We present a technique of performing external fixator assisted NW correction of large valgus and varus deformities of distal femur and dual plating and discuss the results. Materials & Methods. We have treated 20 (22 limbs – 2 patients requiring staged bilateral corrections) patients for distal femoral varus and valgus deformities with CWDFO between 2019 and 2022. Out of these 4 patients (5 limbs) requiring large corrections of distal femoral angular deformities were treated with Neutral Wedge (NW) technique. 3 patients (four limbs) had distal femoral valgus deformity and one distal femoral varus deformity. Indication for NW technique is an angular deformity (varus or valgus of distal femur) requiring > 12 mm opening/closing wedge correction. We approached the closing side first and marked out the half of the calculated wedge with K – wires in a uniplanar fashion. Then an external fixator with two Schanz screws is applied on the opposite side, inserting the distal screw parallel to the articular surface and the proximal screw 6–7 cm proximal to the first pin and at right angles to the femoral shaft mechanical axis. Then the measured wedge is removed and carefully saved. External fixator is now used to close the wedge and over correct, creating an appropriate opening wedge on the opposite side. A Tomofix (Depuoy Synthes) plate is applied on the closing side with two screws proximal to osteotomy and two distally (to be completed later). Next the osteotomy on the opposite side is exposed, the graft is inserted. mLDFA is measured under image intensifier to confirm satisfactory correction. Closing wedge side fixation is then completed followed by fixation of opposite side with a Tomofix or a locking plate. Results. 3 patients (4 limbs) had genu valgum due to constitutional causes and one was a case of distal femoral varus from a fracture. Preoperative mLDFA ranged from 70–75° and in one case of varus deformity it was 103°. We achieved satisfactory correction of mLDFA in (85–90°) in 4 limbs and one measured 91°. Femoral length was not altered. JLCA was not affected post correction. Patients were allowed to weight bear for transfers for the first six weeks and full weight bearing was allowed at six weeks with crutches until healing of osteotomy. All osteotomies healed at 16–18 weeks (average 16.8 weeks). Patients regained full range of movement. We routinely recommend removal of metal work to facilitate future knee replacement if one is needed. Follow up ranged from 4 months to 2 yrs. Irritation from metal work was noted in 2 patients and resolved after removing the plates at 9 months post-surgery. Conclusions. NWDFO is a good option for large corrections. We describe a technique that facilitates accurate correction of deformity in these complex cases. Osteotomy heals predictably with uniplanar osteotomy and dual plate fixation. Metal work might cause irritation like other osteotomy and plating techniques in this location

Aims

Knowledge on total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in patients with a history of poliomyelitis is limited. This study compared implant survivorship and clinical outcomes among affected and unaffected limbs in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis undergoing TKAs.

Salter-Harris II fractures of the distal tibia affect children frequently, and when they are displaced present a treatment dilemma. Treatment primarily aims to restore alignment and prevent premature physeal closure, as this can lead to angular deformity, limb length difference, or both. Current literature is of poor methodological quality and is contradictory as to whether conservative or surgical management is superior in avoiding complications and adverse outcomes. A state of clinical equipoise exists regarding whether displaced distal tibial Salter-Harris II fractures in children should be treated with surgery to achieve anatomical reduction, or whether cast treatment alone will lead to a satisfactory outcome. Systematic review and meta-analysis has concluded that high-quality prospective multicentre research is needed to answer this question. The Outcomes of Displaced Distal tibial fractures: Surgery Or Casts in KidS (ODD SOCKS) trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, aims to provide this high-quality research in order to answer this question, which has been identified as a top-five research priority by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):471–473

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and clinical outcome of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous complex post-traumatic femoral malunion who were treated with a clamshell osteotomy and fixation with an intramedullary nail (IMN).

Aims. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (HED) is applied to children and adolescents to correct angular deformities (ADs) in long bones through guided growth. Traditional Blount staples or two-hole plates are mainly used for this indication. Despite precise surgical techniques and attentive postoperative follow-up, implant-associated complications are frequently described. To address these pitfalls, a flexible staple was developed to combine the advantages of the established implants. This study provides the first results of guided growth using the new implant and compares these with the established two-hole plates and Blount staples. Methods. Between January 2013 and December 2016, 138 patients (22 children, 116 adolescents) with genu valgum or genu varum were treated with 285 flexible staples. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. These results were compared with 98 patients treated with 205 two-hole plates and 92 patients treated with 535 Blount staples. In long-standing anteroposterior radiographs, mechanical axis deviations (MADs) were measured before and during treatment to analyze treatment efficiency. The evaluation of the new flexible staple was performed according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework (Stage 2a). Results. Overall, 79% (109/138) of patients treated with flexible staples achieved sufficient deformity correction. The median treatment duration was 16 months (interquartile range (IQR) 8 to 21). The flexible staples achieved a median MAD correction of 1.2 mm/month/HED site (IQR 0.6 to 2.0) in valgus deformities and 0.6 mm/month/HED site (IQR 0.2 to 1.5) in varus deformities. Wound infections occurred in 1%, haematomas and joint effusions in 4%, and implant-associated complications in 1% of patients treated with flexible staples. Valgus AD were corrected faster using flexible staples than two-hole plates and Blount staples. Furthermore, the median MAD after treatment was lower in varus and valgus AD, fewer implant-associated complications were detected, and reduced implantation times were recorded using flexible staples. Conclusion. The flexible staple seems to be a viable option for guided growth, showing comparable or possibly better results regarding correction speed and reducing implant-associated complications. Further comparative studies are required to substantiate these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):331–340

The February 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360. looks at: Trends in management of paediatric distal radius buckle fractures; Pelvic osteotomy in patients with previous sacral-alar-iliac fixation; Sacral-alar-iliac fixation in patients with previous pelvic osteotomy; Idiopathic toe walking: an update on natural history, diagnosis, and treatment; A prediction model for treatment decisions in distal radial physeal injuries: a multicentre retrospective study; Angular deformities after percutaneous epiphysiodesis for leg length discrepancy; MRI assessment of anterior coverage is predictive of future radiological coverage; Predictive scoring for recurrent patellar instability after a first-time patellar dislocation

Aims

Distraction osteogenesis with intramedullary lengthening devices has undergone rapid development in the past decade with implant enhancement. In this first single-centre matched-pair analysis we focus on the comparison of treatment with the PRECICE and STRYDE intramedullary lengthening devices and aim to clarify any clinical and radiological differences.

This annotation reviews current concepts on the three most common surgical approaches used for proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: dorsal, volar, and lateral. Advantages and disadvantages of each are highlighted, and the outcomes are discussed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1329–1333.

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).

Introduction. Angular deformity in the lower extremities can result in pain, gait disturbance, deformity and joint degeneration. Guided growth modulation uses the tension band principle with the goal of treatment being to normalise the mechanical axis. To assess the success of this procedure we reviewed our results in an attempt to identify patients who may not benefit from this simple and elegant procedure. Materials and Methods. We reviewed the surgical records and imaging in our tertiary children's hospital to identify all patients who had guided growth surgery since 2007. We noted the patient demographics, diagnosis, peri-operative experience and outcome. All patients were followed until skeletal maturity or until metalwork was removed. Results. 173 patients with 192 legs were assessed for eligibility. Six were excluded due to inadequate follow-up or loss of records. Of the 186 treated legs meeting criteria for final assessment 19.8% were unsuccessful, the other 80.2% were deemed successful at final follow up. Complications included infection and metal-work failure. Those with a pre-treatment diagnosis of idiopathic genu valgum/ varum had a success rate of 83.6%. Conclusions. In our hands, guided growth had an 80-percent success rate when all diagnosis were considered. Those procedures that were unlikely to be successful included growth disturbances due to mucopolysaccharide storage disease, Blounts disease and achondroplasia. Excluding those three diagnoses, success rate was 85.4%. We continue to advocate the use of guided growth as a successful treatment option for skeletally immature patients with limb deformity