Aims. This study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an informal
This study describes the development and initial validation of a new disease-specific outcome measure of health status and burden of care in children with severe cerebral palsy. The instrument,
Aims. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and responsiveness to hip surgery of a four-point modified Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (mCCHQ) scoring tool in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V. Methods. This was a population-based cohort study in children with CP from a national surveillance programme. Reliability was assessed from 20
Hip displacement is the second most common deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A displaced, and particularly a dislocated hip, can have significantly adverse effects on an individual. Surgical intervention to correct progressive hip displacement or dislocation is recommended for children with CP. Success of surgical intervention is often described using radiological outcomes. There is evidence that surgical treatment for displaced or dislocated hips decreases pain and hip stiffness and improves radiological outcomes. However, there is no information in the literature regarding the impact of surgical treatment on the health related quality of life (HRQOL) in these children. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of surgical treatment of hip displacement or dislocation on HRQOL in children with CP. This prospective longitudinal cohort study involved children attending a tertiary care hospital orthopaedic department. Children with CP between the ages of 4 and 18 years, with hip displacement/dislocation, defined as a Reimer's migration percentage (MP) of >40% on a pre-operative x-ray, and undergoing surgical reconstruction were eligible for inclusion. Quality of life was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively using the CPCHILD Questionnaire. Twelve patients (one child was GMFCS level III, 4 were level IV, and 7 were level V), aged 4.0 to 17.3 years, were assessed pre-operatively and then again at least six months post-operatively. All underwent unilateral (5) or bilateral (7) reconstructive hip surgery. The migration percentage of hips undergoing reconstruction was reduced by an average of 52% (9–100%). The average change in CPCHILD score showed an increase of 6.4 points [95% CI: −1.4–14.2]. In this pilot study, no significant change was noted in HRQOL following reconstructive hip surgery, despite a marked reduction in Reimer's MP. However, only 4 of 12 parents reported that their child had daily pain pre-operatively. A larger sample size will be required to draw more accurate conclusions from these findings. There is an evident need for a multicentre study examining this issue in a larger patient population in order to determine the long-term impact of different hip interventions on quality of life in children with CP.
At-home softcast removal with no routine clinical follow-up has shown to be safe and effective following paediatric orthopaedic trauma. It minimises clinician contact time and reduces cost. However, there is limited data on the
The objectives of this study are to ascertain primary
The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their
Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis (AHO) remains a cause of severe illness among children with the possibility of long-term consequences for growth and development. Previous research on sequelae from AHO rarely considers outcomes more than two years following treatment. This study aims to establish the quality of life of patients diagnosed with AHO in childhood up to 13 years after diagnosis, evaluating the impact on social, emotional, physical, and school function. Children treated for AHO between 2008–2018 at a tertiary referral centre in New Zealand were identified. PedsQL™ questionnaires were conducted via phone with either the child or primary
Child abuse is an essential discussion within society and poses many challenges. The international literature describes patient and family based risk factors and suspicious injuries. We have created a protocol for the identification and investigation of children with suspected non-accidental injuries. The paediatric orthopaedic ward experiences many children being delayed in the ward once fit for discharge. This study aimed to quanitify those delayed discharges and describe the demographics and risk factors for abuse within the local population. After obtaining ethics clearance, we conducted a retrospective review of records from the Teddy Bear Clinic, as well as admission records. The study examined demographic characteristics, family, injury characteristics and referral to Child Welfare. The delay of discharge from hospital was quantified and was compared to those characteristics. Records were collected from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021. Seventy-nine complete records were included. There were 40 males and 39 females with an average age of 20 months. 75.9% were under 36 months old. 94.1% of the cases sustained lower limb fractures. Fifty-two cases had a delayed discharge. The delay ranged from 1 to 233 days. There was an association between an age less than 36 months and delayed discharge. There were no significant correlations between
The increased demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is having a significant impact on healthcare resources, resulting in increased interest in outpatient care pathways to reduce resource consumption. This study compared costs between patients who underwent outpatient THA using a Direct Anterior (DA) approach compared to a Direct Lateral (DL) approach to understand the effect of surgical approach on resource use. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial for DA patients undergoing primary THA. We compared patients in the outpatient arm of the trial to a prospective cohort of outpatient DL approach THAs. We recorded all costs including: equipment, length of stay in hospital, and laboratory or other medical tests. Following discharge, participants also completed a self-reported cost diary recording resource utilization such as emergency department visits or subsequent hospitalizations, tests and procedures, consultations or follow-up, healthcare professional services, rehabilitation, use of pain medications, informal care, productivity losses and out of pocket expenditures. We report costs from both Canadian public health care payer (HCP) and a societal perspective. The HCP perspective includes any direct health costs covered by the publicly funded system. In addition to the health care system costs, the societal perspective also includes additional costs to the patient (e.g. physiotherapy, medication, or assistive devices), as well as any indirect costs such as time off paid employment for patients or
Introduction and Aims: In order to evaluate the hypothesis that ‘Botulinum A Toxin (BoNT-A) improves function and health-related quality of life in patients and their
Introduction. Several hexapod external fixator devices are used in the treatment of bone fracture and deformity corrections. One characteristic of all of them is the requirement for manual adjustment of the fixator struts. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel robotic system that executes automatic adjustment of the struts. Materials and Methods. Ten patients were treated for various bone deformities using a hexapod external fixator with Auto Strut system, which implemented automatic adjustment of the fixator struts. Patients arrived at the clinic for follow during the correction period until the removal of the hardware. During each visit, the progress of the correction was assessed (clinically and radiographically) and reading of the strut scale numbers was performed. Results. All patients completed the treatment plan during the follow up period achieving all planned correction goals. Healing of the bone ranged between approximately one to seven months. Duration of distraction ranged between 10 and 90 days. The distraction index ranged between 8 and 15 days/cm. The length of distraction varied between 1 and 6 cm. The planned corrections were fully attained in all patients who completed the treatment (n=10). No device related adverse events were reported. One patient was not available for registration of struts length, one patient switched to manual struts due to personal preference.48 struts of eight patients were recorded, 94% of the final strut number readings presented a displacement of 0–1 mm, three struts (6%) had 2–3 mm displacement due to inter-observer reading errors. indicating high precision of the automatic adjustment. Conclusions. This study presents preliminary result, showing that Auto Strut can successfully replace the manual strut adjustment providing important advantages that benefit the patient, the
During the last decade primary total hip arthroplasty surgery (THA) has increased with 30% in Sweden. Current law guarantees the patient a right to treatment within 90 days. The public health system has had difficulties meeting the increasing demand. Therefore, in 2012 a systematic review of the patients planned for THA was initiated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital's joint replacement unit. In late 2013 the value-based health care (VBHC) management was introduced in our unit. In 2012 a systematic approach based on the Fast-Track concept was implemented in the joint replacement unit. In 2013 a workgroup consisting of health care professionals involved in the treatment of THA patients was created to improve chosen outcome parameters. During 2011–2016 the number of elective THA has increased from 317 to 486. The cost per patient has decreased from 75,000 SEK to 65,000 SEK. Length of stay has decreased from 5.9 days to 2.5 days. Satisfaction with outcome of surgery one year after THA increased from 76% to 88%. The number of adverse events decreased from 29% to 11%. Number of re-operations within 2 years decreased from 2,7% to 1,9%. Fast-Track and VBHC management was initially received with modest enthusiasm in our unit, and was regarded as means to increase production whilst possibly endanger the well-being of the patients. By using continuous feedback using the data collected it was possible to effectively communicate to patients and
The aims of this study were to report functional
outcomes of salvage procedures for patients with cerebral palsy (CP)
who have chronic dislocation of the hip using validated scoring
systems, and to compare the results of three surgical techniques. We reviewed 37 patients retrospectively. The mean age at the
time of surgery was 12.2 years (8 to 22) and the mean follow-up
was 56 months (24 to 114). Patients were divided into three groups:
14 who underwent proximal femoral resection arthroplasty (PFRA group
1), ten who underwent subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy (SVO group 2),
and 13 who underwent subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy with resection
of the femoral head (SVO with FHR group 3). All patients were evaluated
using the
Chronic spastic hip dislocation in patients with spastic quadriplegia can lead to restricted range of movement and severe pain, inability to sit, respiratory and urinary infections, perineal hygiene problems and decubitus ulceration. The Castle procedure is designed to relieve pain and prevent these complications. This investigation evaluates whether the Castle procedure succeeds as a salvage procedure in a pediatric population. Patients with cerebral palsy who had undergone a proximal femoral resection according to Castle’s description were identified. Exclusion criteria included age over nineteen years at time of surgery, acute hip dislocation, and diagnoses other than cerebral palsy. Eight children completed a chart and radiographic review, and a clinical review. A staff physician evaluated range of motion, apparent discomfort of the child, and the state of the perineal skin. A questionnaire was given the primary
Septic Arthritis (SA) is considered a surgical urgency/ emergency by physicians around the world. As our understanding grows, and improved diagnostic algorithms are developed, it has become apparent that competing interests in terms of accurately diagnosing concurrent osteomyelitis may supercede rapid surgical intervention when the imaging is timely. Nevertheless, even in cases of isolated SA, many patients will require repeat surgery. We aimed to assess factors which could predict this. A multicenter retrospective redcap database was created involving 20 pediatric centers from the CORTICES study group with the goal of better understanding pediatric musculoskeletal infection (PMSKI). All patients who met inclusion for the database were considered, surgeons for each site determined through imaging and chart review which patients met the diagnosis of isolated SA. Patients with concomitant abscesses or osteomyelitis were expressly excluded. Appropriate non parametric statistics were used to assess univariate significance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess clinical factors associated with an increased likelihood of more than one surgery. Receiver characteristics operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cutoffs to discriminate between children who required more than one surgery compared to those who required only one surgery. A probability algorithm was developed for the number of clinical factors present and the likelihood requiring more than one surgery following SA diagnosis. “Four hundred and fifty-four patients with isolated SA were analyzed from 20 US hospitals. Patients were 5.4 +/− 4.8 years old at admission, and the cohort was 56% male. Of the 454 patients, 47 (10.4%) needed more than one surgery. Bivariate comparisons across surgery groups found significant differences in minimum platelet count (pplatelet, a patient has a 0.3% reduction in the odds of needing more than one surgery (OR=.997; p=0.04). For each additional ten units of CRP, a patient has a 0.1% increase in the odds of needing more than one surgery (OR=1.001; p<0.001). Our predictive algorithm found that children with both risk factors had a 64% chance of requiring multiple surgeries. Higher CRP values and lower platelet values indicate more severe disease in isolated SA with a greater likelihood of repeat surgery. Higher CRP and lower platelet counts may portend multiple surgeries and
Aims: 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 sypmtoms. Methods: The validated Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and a self-constructed questionnaire asking about pain, hygiene, sitting status and ambulatory status were sent to the
Arthroplasty registries have played a key role in the treatment of patients with various joint diseases and conditions since their conception. Swedish hip and knee arthroplasty registries were initiated in late 1970's. The main aim of registries was to create feedback to surgeons. During the last two decades with introduction of patient reported outcomes, data from registries have been increasingly used to compare
Background. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) provides patients with significant improvements in quality of life. Subjective patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are traditionally used to measure preoperative functional status and postoperative outcomes. However, there are limitations to PROMs. In particular, they provide virtually no functional information in the first 3 weeks after surgery, which could be used to guide the patient's recovery. Newly available wearable electronic sensors make it possible to: 1) measure important functional outcomes following TKA; 2) guide the patient's physical therapy (PT); and 3) provide real-time functional and clinical information to the provider. Compliance with PT after TKA is a challenge. Patients cite time, transportation, and cost as deterrents to PT appointments. However, an intensive PT program is essential in TKA. Surface sensor devices may be able to increase PT compliance by guiding patients through exercises at home. Additionally, these devices can transmit PT progress in real-time to the providers, allowing them to monitor and assist the patient's recovery. Our study investigates the feasibility of using a surface sensor device (TracPatch™) on patients following TKA. We sought to answer the following questions: 1) Will patients tolerate the device; 2) Will patients comply with device instructions; 3) Will patients be able to use the smart phone application; 4) Will the device collect, transmit, and store data as it was designed? We believe these fundamental questions must be answered as we enter the era of personal sensor-measured functional outcomes. Methods. 20 patients undergoing primary, unilateral TKA were enrolled in this IRB approved study. At the pre-surgical visit, patients were given instructions for the device and smart phone application. Each patient used the device in the week prior to surgery, and data was collected. The device was again applied in the operating room. For 3 weeks post-operatively, the device collected functional data, along with WOMAC, OKS, KSS, PROMIS, and VAS pain scores. A satisfaction survey was collected on the device. Results. The study results emphasize the importance of clear device instructions. Using the sensor and phone application prior to surgery was very helpful. The device was surprisingly well tolerated. Older patients were able to use the device without significant difficulty. Virtually all patients found the device helpful and, often fun. Physical therapists felt that the devices helped personalize the therapy program. The functional information from the device was much more helpful in guiding care in the first 3 weeks following surgery than PROM scores. Conclusion. It is anticipated that sensor devices of the kind tested in this study will have a major impact on the care of TKA patients. The purpose of this study was not to measure that impact. Our goal was to examine the factors that optimize the use of these devices. It is critical that clear device instructions be given to patients. Office procedures must be established to monitor use of the devices. If protocols are established for their use, surface sensors have the potential to provide invaluable information to TKA patients and
A review of the literature on elbow replacement found no consistency in the clinical outcome measures which are used to assess the effectiveness of interventions. The aim of this study was to define core outcome domains for elbow replacement. A real-time Delphi survey was conducted over four weeks using outcomes from a scoping review of 362 studies on elbow replacement published between January 1990 and February 2021. A total of 583 outcome descriptors were rationalized to 139 unique outcomes. The survey consisted of 139 outcomes divided into 18 domains. The readability and clarity of the survey was determined by an advisory group including a patient representative. Participants were able to view aggregated responses from other participants in real time and to revisit their responses as many times as they wished during the study period. Participants were able to propose additional items for inclusion. A Patient and Public Inclusion and Engagement (PPIE) panel considered the consensus findings.Aims
Methods