The aims of this study was to determine the incidence of malnutrition in children with supracondylar fractures. It was hypothesised that the presence of malnutrition will increase the severity type of fractures. The study was a retrospective, cross-sectional study at a single institution. Children between 0 years and 12 years of age, who sustained documented supracondylar fracture treated surgically as a result of low velocity trauma were included in the study. Patients who sustained high velocity trauma, who had known bone disorders or had incomplete chart data, were excluded from the study Data was captured from children's’ notes who have been treated surgically for supracondylar fractures from casualty, theatre and the clinic notes. The nutritional status of children and fracture grade were identified and the two sets of data were compared against each other to try to identify a possible relation between fracture severity and malnutrition. Data was analysed in STATA and 5% level of significance was used to signify statistically significant associations. 150 patients were identified and included in the study. The majority of patients reviewed were in the normal nutritional range according to their z-scores. The severity of the fracture was not only associated with a poorer nutritional status however children with high and low z-scores (over weight as well as undernourished children) had the more severe fracture patterns, while children with normal z-scores had a fracture patterns of varying severity. Children who were malnourished were more likely to sustain more severe fracture types. The results highlighted the need for all children to have a good nutritional status as this may play a role in preventing more complex fractures

Paediatric bone and joint infections remain common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to determine the complication rate and incidence of disseminated infection in paediatric bone and joint infections in an LMIC setting. Secondly, we aimed to elucidate factors associated with complications and disseminated disease. We retrospectively reviewed our database for children that presented with bone and joint infections between September 2015 and March 2019. Data were extracted to identify factors that were associated with development of complications and disseminated infection. We analysed 49 children. The median age at presentation was 6 years (range 1 month to 12 years). Locally advanced disease was present in 13 children (27%). The remaining 36 children were evenly divided (18/49 each, 37%) between isolated AHOM and SA, respectively. Disseminated disease was present in 16 children (33%) and was associated with locally advanced disease, an increase in number of surgeries and an increased length of stay. Twenty-six complications were documented in 22 (45%) children. Chronic osteomyelitis developed in 15/49 (31%) cases, growth arrest in 5/49 (10%), and pathological fracture, DVT and septic shock in 2/49 (4%) each. Complicated disease was associated with locally advanced disease, a higher number of surgeries, disseminated disease and an increased length of stay. Sixty five percent of cases cultured Staphylococcus aureus, while 25% (12/49) were culture negative. The median time from admission to surgery was one day, and the median time from onset of symptoms to surgery was seven days. We found a high complication rate. One third of patients had locally advanced disease, and this was associated with the development of complications and disseminated disease. Further studies are needed to be able to predict which children will have poor outcomes

Open tibia fractures are common injuries in our paediatric population and are often associated with high-energy trauma such as pedestrian-vehicle accidents. At our institution, these injuries are routinely treated with debridement and mono-lateral external fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of open tibia fractures treated according to this protocol, as well as the complication rate and factors contributing to the development of complications. We performed a retrospective folder review of all patients with open tibia fractures that were treated according to our protocol from 2015–2019. Patients treated by other means, who received primary treatment elsewhere, and with insufficient data, were excluded. Data was collected on presenting demographics, injury characteristics, management, and clinical course. Complications were defined as pin tract infections, delayed- or non-union, malunion, growth arrest, and neurovascular injury. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed. One-hundred-and-fifteen fractures in 114 children (82 males) with a median age of 7 years (IQR 6–9) were included in the analysis. Pedestrian vehicle accidents (PVA's) accounted for 101 (88%) of fractures, and the tibial diaphysis was affected in 74 cases (64%). Fracture severity was equally distributed among the Gustillo-Anderson grades. The median Abbreviated Injury Score was 4 (IQR 4;5). Ninety-five fractures (83%) progressed to uneventful union within 7 weeks. Twenty patients (17%) developed complications, with delayed union and fracture site infections being the most common complications. Gustillo-Anderson Grade 3 fractures, an increased Abbreviated Injury Score, and the need for advanced wound closure techniques were risk factors for developing complications. Surgical debridement and external fixation in a simple mono-lateral frame is an effective treatment for open tibia fractures in children and good outcomes were seen in 83% of patients. More severe injuries requiring advanced wound closure were associated with the development of complications

Abnormal patella height has been found to be one of the main reasons for abnormal contact between patella and trochlear groove leading to patellar instability in children. Many methods have been described to diagnose patellar instability but most of them are justified only in adults. The reason being incomplete ossification in the paediatric population. These methods have been divided into direct and indirect methods. We analysed the MRI scan of knee of 57 children between 12–14 years of age with no previous diagnosis of patellar instability. Patients with a diagnosis of patellar instability, previous surgery on the knee or trauma and poor MRI scan were excluded from the study. We used Insall -Salvati Index (ISI), Caton-Deschamp Index (CDI) and Patella-Trochlear Index (PTI) and compared the results. We found that 40% of measurements by CDI and 41% by ISI showed patella alta in patients with normal patella height. 10% of patients in PTI readings had value suggestive of abnormal patella height. We concluded that PTI is a more reliable index to be used in children as it uses the length of articular surface and does not rely on bony landmarks. Studies done show PTI is a more reliable and accurate method of measuring patella height

Minimally displaced paediatric proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) can be reliably managed non-operatively, however there is considerable debate regarding the appropriate management of severely displaced PHFs, particularly in older children and adolescents with limited remodelling potential. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to answer the questions: “What are the functional and quality-of-life outcomes of paediatric PHFs?” and “What factors have been associated with a poorer outcome?”. A review of Medline and EMBASE was performed on 4. th. July 2021 using search terms relevant to PHFs, surgery, non-operative management, paediatrics and outcomes. Studies including ≥10 paediatric patients with PHFs, which assessed clinical outcomes by use of an established outcome measure, were selected. The following clinical information was collected: participant characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes. Twelve articles were selected, including four prospective cohort studies and eight retrospective cohort studies. Favourable outcome scores were found for patients with minimally displaced fractures, and for children aged less than ten years, irrespective of treatment methodology or grade of fracture displacement. Older age at injury and higher grade of fracture displacement were reported as risk factors for a poorer patient-reported outcome score. An excellent functional outcome can be expected following non-operative management for minimally displaced paediatric PHFs. Prospective trials are required to establish a guideline for the management of severely displaced PHFs in children and adolescents according to fracture displacement and the degree of skeletal maturity

A huge commitment is required from patients and families who undergo a limb reconstruction procedure using the hexapod frame. This includes turning the struts on the frame, pin site care and intensive rehabilitation. Montpetit et al (2009) discovered that function, participation, engagement in regular activities of daily living is severely impacted during the hexapod lengthening period. Due to the long duration and burden for families, it is imperative that healthcare professionals understand the impact that the hexapod frame has on functional abilities and health related quality of life (HRQL). This project involved a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on function and HRQL during two periods of time: (1) when the hexapod frame is applied on the child's lower extremity and (2) when the lengthening phase is completed, and the hexapod frame is removed. Data from 38 children (mean age: 12 years SD 3.8) who completed lower extremity reconstruction using the hexapod frame and completed either or both the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL) and Pediatric Outcomes data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was included. Analysis included, standardized response means, the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and effect size calculation. A Wilcoxon signed rank test for those children who completed pre and post frame PODCI’;s revealed those scores were significantly greater once the hexapod frame was removed (Md=85.10, n=10) compared to during (Md=66.50, n=10) with a large effect size, r= 1.45. Similar, the PedsQL scores improved post frame removal (Md= 66.30, n=10) compared to during treatment (Md = 53.34, n=10), with a medium size effect, r= 0.62. All subtests improved once the frame was removed. This study provides essential insights into the burden of the hexapod frame for children and provides valuable information for all allied healthcare professionals targeted interventions for health domains. This study shows that children's function improves once the hexapod frame is removed. However, this study highlights the importance for all healthcare professional to address health domains for the duration of the hexapod procedure where the child scored lower e.g. sports and physical function, pain and comfort, happiness from the PODCI. The PedsQL identified lower mean scores in physical and emotional function

Introduction. Amputation or disarticulation is a reliable option for management of severe foot deformities and limb-length discrepancies, the surgical restoration of which are unpredictable or unfavourable. Of the various surgeries involving foot ablation, Syme's amputation is preferred for congenital deformities as it provides a growing, weight bearing stump with proprioception and cushioning. Materials and Methods. We reviewed data of all children who underwent Syme's amputation over the past 13 years at our institution. Surgical technique followed the same principles for Syme's but varied with surgeons. Results. Ten boys and ten girls, with an average age of 18 months and average follow up of 70 months were included in the study. The most common indication was fibular hemimelia. Wound complications were reported in three children, phantom pain in one, heel pad migration in two. None had wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, stump overgrowth, or calcaneal regrowth. None of this required surgical intervention. One child required an amputation at a higher-level secondary to a congenital malformation of nervous tissue in the affected leg. Prosthetic compatibility was 94.7 % and none used mobility aids. Six children participated in sports. Conclusions. Syme amputation is a safe and potentially advantageous procedure in children, with a low incidence of complications to offer patients with non-salvageable foot conditions. It offers good prosthetic use with minimal risk of complications and can offer patients a functional solution with only one surgical intervention throughout their childhood

Children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) frequently present with coxa vara (CV). Skeletal fragility, severe deformity and limited fixation options make this a challenging condition to correct surgically. Our study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Fassier technique to correct CV and determine the complication rate. Retrospective, descriptive case series from a tertiary hospital. We retrospectively reviewed records of a cohort of eight children (four females, 12 hips) with OI (6/8 Sillence type III, 2/8 type IV) who had surgical treatment with Fassier technique for CV between 2014 and 2020. Inclusion Criteria: All patients with CV secondary to OI treated surgically with Fassier technique. Exclusion Criteria: Patients older than 18 years; Patients with CV treated non-operatively or by surgical technique different to Fassier technique. Data relating to the following parameters was collected and analyzed: demographic data, pre- and postoperative neck shaft angle (NSA), complications and NSA at final follow-up. The mean age at operation was 5.8 years (range 2–10). The mean NSA was corrected from 96.8° preoperatively to 137º postoperatively. At a mean follow-up of 38.6 months, the mean NSA was maintained at 133°, and 83% (10/12) of hips had an NSA that remained greater than 120°. There was a 42% (5/12) complication rate: three Fassier–Duval rods failed to expand after distal epiphyseal fixation was lost during growth; one Rush rod migrated through the lateral proximal femur cortex with recurrent coxa vara; and one Rush rod migrated proximally and required rod revision. The Fassier technique effectively corrected CV in children with moderate and progressively deforming OI. The deformity correction was maintained in the short term. The complication rate was high, but mainly related to the failed expansion of the Fassier–Duval rods

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 caregiver and responses analysed. 40 patients met inclusion criteria, were contactable by phone, and consented to participate. The mean age was 7 years (range 0–15) and most were female (60%). Health related quality of life (HRQOL) was scored as a percentage with most participants scoring >80% (n=27). Those who do experience reduced quality of life following treatment for AHO were likely to complain of pain, stiffness, or anxiety. The impact of significant childhood illness on mental health was not adequately captured by the PedsQL™ but was highlighted in qualitative feedback. We conclude that the majority of children treated for AHO reported excellent health-related quality of life up to 13 years following treatment although an negative impact on mental health was reported using qualitative analysis. A refined scoring system is needed to assess the long-term impact of musculoskeletal infection

Introduction. There is a drive to reduce length of stay in children undergoing limb reconstruction but a reduction in community physiotherapy input and a consequent pressure to ensure children are as independent as possible prior to discharge. This study aims to look at time taken and potential factors effecting the achievement of pre-set mobility goals and length of stay in this population. Materials and Methods. Between June 2018 and November 2021 data was collated for patients who underwent limb reconstruction at Great Ormond Street hospital. 77 patients were reviewed. Data collected included type and location of lengthening device and length of stay. A modified version of the Goal Attainment Score (GAS) was used and included 3 goals which the child needed to achieve within 7 days post-operatively. Results. All children achieved their goals within the 7 days. Length of stay with intramedullary devices was shorter than with external fixators (average of 5 vs 10 days). For children with frames, including the ankle significantly increased hospital stay, whereas inclusion of the knee had no significant effect, and. Bilateral frames were associated with a longer stay. Conclusions. The use of GAS with pre-defined clinically driven goals could be considered feasible within the limb reconstruction population and possibly used for other patient groups. This data may enable us to more accurately predict length of stay in patients undergoing limb reconstruction and will provide a baseline for future comparisons of different interventions in this patient group

Introduction. Sheffield Children's Hospital specialises in limb lengthening for children. Soft tissue contracture and loss of range of motion at the knee and ankle are common complications. This review aims to look at therapeutic techniques used by the therapy team to manage these issues. Materials & Methods. A retrospective case review of therapy notes was performed of femoral and tibial lengthening's over the last 3 years. Included were children having long bone lengthening with an iIntramedullary nail, circular frame or mono-lateral rail. Patients excluded were any external fixators crossing the knee/ankle joints. Results. 20 tibial and 25 femoral lengthening's met the inclusion criteria. Pathologies included, complex fractures, limb deficiency, post septic necrosis and other congenital conditions leading to growth disturbance. All patients had issues with loss of motion at some point during the lengthening process. The knee and foot/ankle were equally affected. Numerous risk factors were identified across the cohort. Treatment provided included splinting, serial casting, bolt on shoes, exercise therapy, electrical muscle stimulation and passive stretching. Conclusions. Loss of motion in lower limb joints was common. Patients at higher risk were those with abnormal anatomy, larger target lengthening's, poor compliance or lack of access to local services. Therapy played a significant role in managing joint motion during treatment. However, limitations were noted. No one treatment option gave preferential outcomes, selection of treatment needed to be patient specific. Future research should look at guidelines to aid timely input and avoid secondary complications

Introduction. The purpose of this research is to compare the quality of life in children during gradual deformity correction using external fixators with intramedullary lengthening nails. Materials and Methods. Prospective analysis of children during lower limb lengthening. Group A included children who had external fixation, patients in group B had lengthening nails. Patients in each group were followed up during their limb reconstruction. CHU-9D and EQ-5DY instruments were used to measure quality of life at fixed intervals. The first assessment was during the distraction phase (1 month postop.), the second was during the early consolidation phase (3 months postop.) and the final one was late consolidation phase (6–9 months depends on the frame time). Results. Group B patients reported significantly better utility compared to Group A. This was observed during all the stages of the treatment. Group B children were less worried (P 0.004), less sad (P 0.0001), less pain (p <0.0001), less tired (P 0.0002), better school work (P0.0041), better sleep (p 0.016), more able to do sports activities (p 0.004) and, they were more independent (p <0.0001) compared to group B. QALYS was better for the nails group compared to external fixation group 0.44 compared to 0.36 for external fixators. Conclusions. Lengthening nails had the potential to improve the quality of life and utility compared to external fixation. This will help further economic evaluation to measure ICER to further explore the cost effectiveness of these devices

The primary goal of this study was to understand the subjective impact of a diagnosis of Simple Bone Cyst on children with regards to activity participation and psychosocial development. We aimed to explore the concepts of labeling, embodiment and activity participation to understand the impact of SBC. This was a qualitative study. Ten children between the ages of 4 and 17 years with SBC and their families participated in semi-structured interviews related to activity participation, social interactions and psychological impact of SBC. Interview questions were derived from psychology, sociology and philosophy literatures pertaining to illness and activity, sense of embodiment, self-concept and interactions with the social environment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. First, children and families view SBC as an injury more than an illness and did not experience labeling or significant changes in embodiment. Second, SBCs cause anxiety in children related fear of fracture or pain, however normal function and activity participation were maintained. Third, there were significant shortcomings identified in the communication and the decision-making process between families and physicians regarding SBC management. SBC as a benign disease does not neatly fit into the category of illness or injury based on children's experiences. Children who previously perceived themselves as normal feel different and not normal following diagnosis with SBC. The experience of parents is largely one of anxiety, and much of that anxiety is derived from the uncertainty over the treatment plans for their child. The proposed framework of normality allows for the more temporary and fluid changes in perception experienced by the children in our study. The results of this study suggest that the current decision-making process in SBC is unsatisfactory leading to anxiety and worry. Parents felt pressure to make decisions regarding surgery without feeling that they sufficient information. Though understanding how children experience SBCs and how parents experience the treatment course of their child with SBC, we can shared decision-making as a potential way to reduce parents' anxiety and limit negative experience in children

Introduction. Legg-Calve-Perthes (Perthes Disease) was first recognised by three physicians, Arthur Legg (1874–1939), Jacqui Calve (1875–1954) and George Perthes (1869 – 1927) in 1910. Perthes disease is a rare childhood condition that affects the hip. It occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. Without this blood supply, the bone cells die and avascular necrosis can occur. The Herring classification is used to diagnose the stages of Perthes Disease. It is an important prognostic factor. There are three classifications, Herring A, B and C. Herring A has no involvement of the lateral pillar with no density changes noted on x-ray. Herring B has at least 50% of the lateral pillar height maintained on x-ray. Herring C has less than 50% of the lateral pillar height on x-ray (Herring et al, 1992). Children with Perthes disease require specialist Limb Reconstruction team throughout their treatment journey, this includes Orthopaedic surgery and therapy (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy). The National Limb Reconstruction Therapy Team is based at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh. The therapy team consists of 1 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, 1 Senior Physiotherapist and 1 Senior Occupational Therapist who provide input to this cohort. This study aims to analyse the importance of a comprehensive pre-operative assessment by the therapy team (Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist) to maximise patient outcomes post operatively. Methodology. This is a quantitative research study conducted by the National Limb Reconstructive Therapy Service of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Cappagh, Dublin. The inclusion criteria for this study consisted of:. Age – Patient must be part of the Paediatric Service, i.e., under the age of 16. Diagnosis – Patient must have a diagnosis of Perthes Disease with a Herring Classification documented. Application of a Hip Distractor Frame formed part of the patient's surgical management. Surgery was completed by Mr Connor Green. Surgery was completed between January 2021 and December 2022. Patient were required to have their external hip distractor frame removed by December 2022. Exclusion Criteria: Those not meeting the above inclusion criteria. Following the inclusion criteria, a number of cases were identified of which 10 cases were selected at random. A retrospective analysis of these samples was completed. The medical charts were reviewed as well as patient electronic healthcare records. Microsoft Excel was utilised to analyse the data and capture results. Results. From analysing the data, the following results were identified:. 80% of the sample cohort had a length of stay of 5 days following surgery. There were two outliers due to infection who had a length of stay of 14 days. 90% of the sample received a pre-operative Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy assessment. This assessment included information gathering regarding the child's home and social environment; their functional baseline and anticipated post-operative needs. Standardised and non-standardised assessments were used. 88.89% of those who completed a pre-operative assessment required referral to community Occupational Therapy teams for equipment provision (wheelchair, transfer aids) to allow for timely discharge. On average, each patient in the sample required 17 physiotherapy outpatient sessions prior to handover to the community teams. 100% of our sample required post operation onward referral for MDT input in the community (Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy). Conclusions. The importance of a multi-disciplinary approach towards family and children was highlighted in this study. A comprehensive pre-operative therapy assessment optimizes care for this cohort by preparing them in terms of equipment provisions, local team input and expectations for therapy. The data suggests future Limb Reconstruction team should include Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy as part of the multi-disciplinary team, in the treatment of children with Perthe's Disease. We suggest an MDT pre-assessment is completed to optimize patient care, reduce length of stay and improve patient satisfaction in the acute hospital setting

Introduction. Fully implantable systems are used commonly only after maturity. What are indications to use fully implantable systems at the femur even in children?. Materials and Methods. Implantable lengthening nails (FITBONE) were used retrograde at the femur in minimal invasive technique to correct a limb length discrepancy of >6 cm. In 5 cases a relevant deformity was corrected in the same surgery. In all cases a final step of lengthening was planned at the femur and at the tibia with fully implantable devices at maturity. Results. 18 patients with the medium age of 10,3 years (8–14) were treated. In 17 cases the goal of lengthening was achieved without any complication. In one case of proximal femoral deficiency lengthening had to be stopped because of increasing tendency of knee joint luxation. Bone formation occurred circular around the nail in all cases. Full load bearing was possible in the average after 2,2 days/mm. No technical problems occur. In one case induced deformity in the lateral plane was observed which was corrected at the final step. At the end of treatment functional and cosmetical result was perfect in all cases. Conclusions. Fully implantable motorized distraction nails are a favorable option for lengthening and deformity correction of the femur even for children older than 10 years to correct limb length discrepancy of more than 6 cm. The treatment has a low pain level, is comfortable and nearly no scars are visible

Introduction. At Sheffield Children's Hospital, treatment of leg length discrepancy is a common procedure. Historically, this has been done with external fixators. With the development in intramedullary technology, internal nails have become the preferred modality for long bone lengthening in the adolescent population. However, it is important to review whether this technology practically reduces the known challenges seen and if it brings any new issues. Therefore, the aim of this review is to retrospectively evaluate the therapeutic challenges of 16 fit-bone intramedullary femoral lengthening's at Sheffield Children's Hospital between 2021–2022. Materials & Methods. The international classification of function (ICF) framework was used to differentiate outcomes. The patient's therapy notes were retrospectively reviewed for themes around structural, activity and participation limitation. The findings were grouped for analysis and the main themes presented. Results. There were 8 males, mean age 17.4 years (range 17–18) and 8 females, mean age 15.9 years (range 14–18). 5 right and 11 left femurs were lengthened. Underlying pathology varied amongst the 16 patients. All patients went into a hinged knee brace post operatively. Structural limitations included: pain, fixed flexion deformity of the knee, loss of knee flexion, quadriceps muscle lag, muscle spasms and gluteal weakness. The primary activity limitation was reduced weight bearing with altered gait pattern. Participation limitations included reduced school attendance and involvement in activities with peers. Access to Physiotherapy from local services varied dramatically. Five of the cohort have completed treatment. Conclusions. Anecdotally, intramedullary femoral lengthening nails have perceived benefits for families compared to external fixators in the adolescent population. However, there remain musculoskeletal and psychosocial outcomes requiring therapeutic management throughout the lengthening process and beyond. Therefore, quantifying these outcomes is essential for measuring the impact on each patient for comparison. To interpret these themes, we need to evaluate the outcomes objectively, this was not done consistently in this review. Future research should look at outcome measures that are sensitive to all aspects of the ICF. With an aim of improving the therapeutic treatment provided and the overall outcome for the children treated

Aim. Kingella kingae seems to be the most common cause of osteoarticular infections (OAI) in children under 48 months of age (1). Recent studies had shown that K. kingae is poorly susceptible to anti-staphylococcal penicillin and some isolates produce beta-lactamase (2). This led to the need for new treatment guidelines for OAI in populations in which K. kingae is frequent. Our study aimed to design a model which could predict K. kingae OAI in order to initiate appropriate empirical treatment on hospital admission. Method. We performed a retrospective cohort study in children from 1 month to 15 years old diagnosed with OAI, hospitalized between 2006 and 2018. Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. The model predicting K. kingae OAI was designed using logistic regression. Results. 247 children were included in the study, 126 (51%) had osteomyelitis (OM), 83 (33.6%) septic arthritis (SA) and 38 (15.4%) combined OM and SA. The median age was 52 (IQR 20–122) months, male-to-female ratio was 1.57:1. Pathogens were isolated in 101 (40.9%) cases with the following frequency: Staphylococcus aureus (n=59), K. kingae (n=13), Streptococcus pyogenes (n=11), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=8). Patients with K. kingae OAI had lower CRP levels compared to other pathogens (p<0.05). WBC was higher compared to S. aureus OAI (p=0.011), children with K. kingae OAI were younger than children infected with S. aureus (p<0.001) and S. pyogenes (p=0.003). Based on this information we designed a predictive model using previous parameters as predictors of outcomes. The model had a 92.3% sensitivity and a 77.5% specificity. Then, we tried to test the model's predictive power based on the treatment failure of empirical anti-staphylococcal antibiotics in the group of children with OAI without the known pathogen. In the subgroup for which the model predicted K. kingae OAI, antibiotic treatment had to be changed in 6/59 cases. It had to be changed in only 1/83 cases in the non-K. kingae group (p=0.021). Conclusions. Despite poor specificity of the model, we found it to be more important to include all K. kingae OAI, that can be then properly treated. Additionally, with good specificity we acquire good negative predictive value, which means that children, for whom the model did not predict K. kingae OAI, can be safely treated with anti-staphylococcal penicillin

True scaphoid fractures of the wrist are difficult to diagnose in children. In 5–40% of cases, a scaphoid fracture may not be detectable on initial X-ray, some fractures may take up to six weeks to become evident. Since missing a scaphoid fracture may have serious implications, many children with a suspected or “clinical” scaphoid fracture, but normal radiographs, may be over-treated. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of true scaphoid fractures in children. A retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic medical records for all patients over a two-year period presenting to a tertiary paediatric hospital with hand or wrist injury. Charts were identified by ICD-10 diagnostic codes and reviewed for pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with either a clinical or true scaphoid fracture were included. When a scaphoid fracture was suspected, but imaging was negative for fracture, the diagnosis of a clinical scaphoid fracture was made. True scaphoid fractures were diagnosed when a fracture was evident on any modality of medical imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) at any time post-injury. Over the two-year study period, 148 patients (60 scaphoid fractures, 88 non-fractures) met inclusion and exclusion criteria for review. Mean (±SD) age was 13±2 years and 52% were male. The left wrist was injured in 61% of cases. Of the 60 true scaphoid fractures, mean age was 14±2 years, and 69% were male. Fracture location was primarily at the waist (48%) or distal pole (45%) of the scaphoid. Sports were the prevailing mechanism of injury. Six (11%) underwent surgery. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that older age, male gender, and right-sided injury were predictors of scaphoid fracture with odds ratios of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.6, p=0.005), 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3–6, p=0.007), and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1–5.2, p=0.025). Older age, male gender, and right-sided injury may be predictors of scaphoid fractures in children. Further evidence to support this may enable the formulation of clinical guidelines or rules to reduce the overtreatment of children presenting with a clinical scaphoid fracture

Introduction. “Bioexpandable” prostheses after resection of malignant bone tumors in children to lengthen the bone using the method of callus distraction may offer new perspectives and better long-term results. Materials and Methods. The bioexpandable prosthesis is equipped with an encapsulated electromotor which enables the device to perform distraction in an osteotomy gap with about 1mm/day. The new bone is improving the ratio from bone to prosthesis and therewith the potential stability of the final stem. The device is indicated, when limb length discrepancy is getting more than 3 cm or at maturity and can be used in a minimal invasive way for femur lengthening. Results. 11 patients were treated with the bioexpandable prosthesis. The mean age of the patients was 13,5 years and the mean amount of lengthening was 74mm. In 2 cases lengthening was performed in 2 steps and in 1 case in 3 steps. All lengthening procedures could be finished without complications. There was no infection and no technical problem. The bone regenerate in one tibia case was poor so that bone grafting from the iliac crest was necessary. Conclusions. The “bioexpandable” prosthesis is a new concept for limb lengthening after tumor resection in children. The latest patented version of the prosthesis under development allows all lengthening manoeuvres and the placement of the final stem via small incisions not only for the femur but also for the tibia

Introduction. Deformations of forearm with different degree of expression and functional restrictions of upper limb in children with hereditary multiple exostosis are formed in almost 80% of the cases. The question of indications for the selection and conduct of surgical procedure remains controversial, existing treatment methods and post-operative recovery methods for children need to be improved. Materials and Methods. The long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of 112 patients diagnosed with “Hereditary Multiple Exostosis” (HME) aged from 2 till 17 years old were researched. Evaluation of surgical treatment results was carried out in accordance with complaints, functional condition of the forearm, radiographs (taking into account reference lines and angles). Depending on the variant of deformation, the following surgical operations were performed: resection of bone-cartilage exostoses (in 20.5%); correction of forearm deformation with external fixator (in 79.5). In 14 cases, for a more accurate correction of deformity a hexapod frame was used. Results. Differentiated approach provided “good” anatomical and functional results in 55.6%; “satisfactory” results in 40.2%; “unsatisfactory” results in 4.2%. Postoperative complications in the form of non-union, pseudoarthrosis, delayed consolidation or neurological disorders were in 6.2%. Conclusions. The choice of surgical treatment is determined by the variant and severity of deformation. This approach allows to improve cosmetic and functional condition of forearm and adjacent joints. The use of hexapod allows to increase accuracy of correction of physiological axis of forearm bones