Aims. Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options. Methods. A systematic literature search in healthcare databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was performed from January 2000 to July 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane ROBINS-I risk of bias tool. Relevant trials studying BPBP with at least five years of follow-up and describing functional outcome were included. Results. Of 5,941 studies, 19 were included after full-text screening. A total of 15 surgical techniques were described. All studies described an improvement in active external rotation (range 12° to 128°). A decrease in range of motion and Mallet score after long-term (five to 30 years) follow-up compared to short-term follow-up was seen in most studies. Conclusion. The literature reveals that functional outcome increases after different secondary procedures, even in the long term. Due to the poor methodological quality of the included studies and the variations in indication for surgery and surgical techniques described, a consensus on the long-term functional outcome after secondary surgical procedures in BPBP patients cannot be made. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):455–464

Aims. We present the clinical and radiographic outcome of 81 children with Gartland type I to III supracondylar humeral fractures at a minimum follow-up of ten years (mean 12.1 years; 10.3 to 16.1) following injury. Patients and Methods. The clinical and functional outcomes are compared with normal age- and gender-matched individuals. The population-based study setting was first identified from the institutional registries; the rate of participation was 76%. Controls were randomly selected from Finnish National Population Registry. Results. According to Flynn's criteria, most fractures (75.3%) resulted in a satisfactory (“good or excellent”) outcome. Satisfactory recovery was achieved in 75.0% of type I fractures treated by closed splinting (p = 0.013). Type II fractures were associated with both satisfactory (57.7%) and unsatisfactory (42.3%) results, regardless of the type of treatment, although the numbers were small in the sub groups. Most type III fractures were treated operatively, and most (76%) had a satisfactory outcome according to Flynn’s criteria (p = 0.015). Compared with none among the normal subjects, flexion of the elbow was reduced by >  10° at long-term follow-up in 20 cases (24.7%, p < 0.001) and 9 (11.1%) had a reduced flexion of > 15° (p = 0.004). In patients who had sustained a type III fracture, the carrying angle was decreased by 35.7% (from 9.8° to 6.3°; p = 0.048). All patients achieved an excellent Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mean 96.4 points). Conclusion. The long-term outcome of extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures is generally good, but not exclusively benign, with the potential for long-term pain and ulnar nerve sensitivity, and a decrease in grip strength and range of movement in type II and type III fractures. Bony remodelling cannot be relied upon to correct any residual deformity. In particular, type II fractures have impaired long-term recovery and justify individual consideration in their treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1410–17

Aims

We aimed to assess the cumulative risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from in situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after a follow-up of almost 50 years.

The aim was to assess the long-term impact of humeral and forearm rodding on functional ability, grip strength, joint range of motion and angular deformity in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 57 children with osteogenesis imperfecta who underwent humeral rodding or forearm rodding at our institution between 1996 and 2013. Functional ability was assessed using the self-care and mobility domains of the Pediatric Evaluation and Disability Inventory (PEDI). Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer and joint range of motion with a goniometer. Deformity was measured on radiographs of the humerus or forearm. Outcomes were assessed pre-operatively and every year post-operatively. Differences between pre-operative and 1-year post-operative outcomes were compared using paired T-tests. In 44 patients with a minimum of 2 years follow-up, outcome measures at 1-year post-surgery were compared to those at the latest clinic visit (mean follow-up = 8.0 years). Humeral and forearm rodding resulted in a significant improvement in PEDI self-care score (mean change =5.75, p=0.028 for the humerus, mean change = 6.77, p=0.0017 for the forearm) and mobility score (mean change =3.59, p=0.008 for the humerus, mean change =7.21, p=0.020 for the forearm) at 1 year post-surgery. Grip strength improved following forearm rodding (mean change = +6.13N, p=0.015) but not humeral rodding. Joint range of movement improved following humeral rodding but not forearm rodding. There was a significant improvement in radiographic angular deformity of the forearm and humerus following surgery (p<0.0001). Over 80% of improvements were maintained in the long-term. Humeral and forearm rodding in children with osteogenesis imperfecta leads to long-term improvement in functional ability and angular deformity

Aims. Open reduction is required following failed conservative treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The Ludloff medial approach is commonly used, but poor results have been reported, with rates of the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) varying between 8% and 54%. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the long-term radiographic and clinical outcome of dislocated hips treated using this approach. Patients and Methods. Children with a dislocated hip, younger than one year of age at the time of surgery, who were treated using a medial approach were eligible for the study. Radiographs were evaluated for the degree of dislocation and the presence of an ossific nucleus preoperatively, and for the degree of AVN and residual dysplasia at one and five years and at a mean of 12.7 years (4.6 to 20.8) postoperatively. Radiographic outcome was assessed using the Severin classification, after five years of age. Further surgical procedures were recorded. Functional outcome was assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) or the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), depending on the patient’s age. Results. A total of 52 children (58 hips) were included. At the latest follow-up, 11 hips (19%) showed signs of AVN. Further surgery was undertaken in 13 hips (22%). A total of 13 hips had a poor radiological outcome with Severin type III or higher. Of these, the age at the time of surgery was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in those with a good Severin type (I or II). The patient-reported outcomes were significantly worse (p < 0.05) in children with a poor Severin classification. Conclusion. This retrospective long-term follow-up study shows that one in five children with DDH who undergo open reduction using a medial surgical approach has poor clinical and/or radiological outcome. The poor outcome is not related to the presence of AVN (19%), but due to residual dysplasia. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:822–7

Aims. This study compared the long-term results following Salter osteotomy and Pemberton acetabuloplasty in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We assessed if there was a greater increase in pelvic height following the Salter osteotomy, and if this had a continued effect on pelvic tilt, lumbar curvature or functional outcomes. Patients and Methods. We reviewed 42 children at more than ten years post-operatively following a unilateral Salter osteotomy or Pemberton acetabuloplasty. We measured the increase in pelvic height and the iliac crest tilt and sacral tilt at the most recent review and at an earlier review point in the first decade of follow-up. We measured the lumbar Cobb angle and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Harris hip scores were collected at the most recent review. Results. During the first decade of follow-up, there was a greater increase in pelvic height in the children who had a Salter osteotomy (Salter, 10.1%; Pemberton, 4.3%, p < 0.001). The difference in the increase in pelvic height was insignificant at the most recent review (Salter, 4.4%; Pemberton, 3.1%, p = 0.249). There was no significant difference between the two groups for the lumbar Cobb angle, (Salter, 3.1°; Pemberton, 3.3°, p = 0.906). A coronal lumbar curve was seen in 41 children (97%), 30 of these had a compensatory curve. Sacral tilt was the radiographic parameter for pelvic imbalance that correlated most with the lumbar Cobb angle (Pearson correlation co-efficient 0.59). The Harris hip score and SF-36 were good and showed no differences between the two groups. Conclusion. In the long-term, we found no difference in the functional results or pelvic imbalance between Salter osteotomy and Pemberton acetabuloplasty in the management of children with DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1145–50

Aims. To assess the long-term effect of distal trochanteric transfer (DTT) on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes’ disease (LCPD) following a varus derotational osteotomy (VDRO). Patients and Methods. For this single centre cross-sectional retrospective study we analysed the data of 22 patients (24 hips) with LCPD who had greater trochanteric overgrowth (GTO), following a VDRO performed in our institution between 1959 and 1983. GTO was defined as an articular trochanteric distance (ATD) of < 5 mm. We compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent DTT for GTO (ten patients, ten hips) with those who did not (12 patients, 14 hips). Age at presentation was 6.9 years (4 to 10) and 8.0 years (3.2 to 12) respectively. Symptoms associated with the hip and general quality of life were assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS) and the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaires. Results. At long-term follow-up of the DTT group, the ATD was 21.7 mm (standard deviation (. sd. ) 9.8) and the centro-trochanteric distance (CTD) was 13.8 mm (. sd. 8.3). In the control group the ATD was -0.6 mm (. sd. 7.8) and the CTD was 32.5 mm (. sd. 10.2). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean HHS and SF-36 scores were 68.4 (. sd. 25.0) and 62.0 (. sd. 27.7) for the DTT group and 73.2 (. sd. 24.2) and 73.3 (. sd. 21.5) for the control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the HHS (p = 0.63) or SF-36 score (p = 0.25). There were four patients who had undergone hip arthroplasty in the DTT group (40%) and one patient (7.1%) in the control group (p = 0.07). The mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 45.3 years (42.1 to 56.5) and 43.6 years respectively. Six patients in the DTT group suffered from moderate to severe osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade 2 or 3) compared with eight patients in the control group (60% versus 57.1%, p = 0.61). Conclusion. Although DTT improved the radiographic results in the long-term follow-up of patients with GTO following VDRO, there was no clinical benefit seen in the HHS, SF-36 or incidence of osteoarthritis compared with patients who had not undergone DTT. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:987–92

We reviewed the radiological and clinical long-term results after the nailing in situ of slipped upper femoral epiphysis in 59 hips in 43 patients. The displacement of the epiphysis had been measured as the ‘slipping angle’ before operation and related to the results at follow-up at a mean of 30.9 years (27 to 34). The mean age at follow-up was 44.2 years (39 to 50). Radiographic re-examination of 41 hips with slipping angles of ≤30° at the time of operation showed that eight (20%) had developed mild osteoarthritis and one had severe changes. For 18 hips with slipping angles ranging from 31 to 50° at surgery six (33%) had mild osteoarthritis and three had severe changes. The differences did not quite achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). Clinical re-examination of the 41 hips with slipping angles of ≤30° showed fair or poor results (Harris hip score < 90) in three (7%). In the 18 hips with slipping of 31 to 50°, four had fair or poor results (22%) (p= 0.13). We conclude that nailing in situ for slipping of ≤30°, using one thin nail, can give excellent long-term results. At present we recommend that hips with slips ranging from 31 to 50° should also be nailed in situ, but further long-term studies are required, especially on the choice between nailing in situ and corrective osteotomy for slips in excess of 50°

We reviewed the long-term radiological outcome, complications and revision operations in 19 children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and hip dysplasia who underwent combined peri-iliac osteotomy and femoral varus derotation osteotomy. They had a mean age of 7.5 years (1.6 to 10.9) and comprised 22 hip dislocations and subluxations. We also studied the outcome for the contralateral hip. At a mean follow-up of 11.7 years (10 to 15.1) the Melbourne cerebral palsy (CP) hip classification was grade 2 in 16 hips, grade 3 in five, and grade 5 in one. There were five complications seen in four hips (21%, four patients), including one dislocation, one subluxation, one coxa vara with adduction deformity, one subtrochanteric fracture and one infection. A recurrent soft-tissue contracture occurred in five hips and ten required revision surgery. In pre-adolescent children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy good long-term outcomes can be achieved after reconstruction of the hip; regular follow-up is required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:259–65

Our aim was to determine whether abnormalities noted on MRI immediately after reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip could predict the persistance of dysplasia and aid surgical planning. Scans of 13 hips in which acetabular dysplasia had resolved by the age of four years were compared with those of five which had required pelvic osteotomy for persisting dysplasia. The scans were analysed by two consultant musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the outcome in each child. The postreduction scans highlighted a number of anatomical abnormalities secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip, but statistical analysis showed that none were predictive of persisting acetabular dysplasia in the older child, suggesting that the factors which determine the long-term outcome were not visible on these images

We reviewed the long-term results of the treatment of slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) using realignment procedures in 36 patients (37 hips) at an average follow-up of 33.8 years (26 to 42). There were serious short-term complications in seven of the 22 hips treated by subcapital osteotomy, three of the 11 hips treated by intertrochanteric osteotomy and three of the four hips treated by manipulative reduction. At re-examination, the clinical and radiological results were excellent or good in 41% of the hips treated by subcapital osteotomy, in 36% treated by intertrochanteric osteotomy and in none treated by manipulative reduction. In all, seven hips (19%) had had arthrodesis or total hip replacement. The natural history of SUFE was probably not improved by any of the treatments used in our study. We therefore discourage the use of subcapital and intertrochanteric osteotomy as well as manipulative reduction in the primary treatment of chronic SUFE

Over a 20-year period we treated 29 patients (31 dislocated hips) by non-operative reduction after nine months of age, using horizontal traction. They were followed up for a mean of 11.7 years, and 12 hips required secondary extra-articular surgery.

The clinical result was excellent in 25 hips, good in four and fair in two. Of the 29 hips for which detailed radiographs were available, 18 achieved Severin grade I, nine grade II and two grade III. There were no major complications and, in particular, no cases of avascular necrosis.

The non-operative reduction of late-presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip is still a viable option. It has a potential for excellent results and a very low complication rate.

Aims. The paediatric trigger thumb is a distinct clinical entity with unique anatomical abnormalities. The aim of this study was to present the long-term outcomes of A1 pulley release in idiopathic paediatric trigger thumbs based on established patient-reported outcome measures. Methods. This study was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care orthopaedic centre. All cases of idiopathic paediatric trigger thumbs which underwent A1 pulley release between 2004 and 2011 and had a minimum follow-up period of ten years were included in the study. The abbreviated version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was administered as an online survey, and ipsi- and contralateral thumb motion was assessed. Results. A total of 67 patients completed the survey, of whom 63 (94%) had full interphalangeal joint extension or hyperextension. Severe metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension (> 40°) was documented in 15 cases (22%). The median QuickDASH score was 0 (0 to 61), indicating excellent function at a median follow-up of 15 years (10 to 19). Overall satisfaction was high, with 56 patients (84%) reporting the maximal satisfaction score of 5. Among 37 patients who underwent surgery at age ≤ two years, 34 (92%) reported the largest satisfaction, whereas this was the case for 22 of 30 patients (73%) with surgery at aged > two years (p = 0.053). Notta’s nodule resolved in 49 patients (73%) at final follow-up. No residual triggering or revision surgery was observed. Conclusion. Surgical release of A1 pulley in paediatric trigger thumb is an acceptable procedure with excellent functional long-term outcomes. There was a trend towards higher satisfaction with earlier surgery among the patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):736–741

Aims. To examine the long-term outcome of arthrodesis of the hip undertaken in a paediatric population in treating painful arthritis of the hip. In our patient population, most of whom live rurally in hilly terrain and have limited healthcare access and resources, hip arthrodesis has been an important surgical option for the monoarticular painful hip in a child. Methods. A follow-up investigation was undertaken on a cohort of 28 children previously reported at a mean of 4.8 years. The present study looked at 26 patients who had an arthrodesis of the hip as a child at a mean follow-up of 20 years (15 to 29). Results. The mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) increased from 39.60 (SD 11.06) preoperatively to 81.02 (SD 8.86; p = 0.041) at final review. At latest follow-up, the HHS was found to be excellent in four patients (15%), good in 11 (42%), and fair in 11 (42%). A total of 16 patients (62%) reported mild low back pain, five (19%) had moderate pain, and five (19%) patients had no back pain. Mild ipsilateral knee pain was reported by 19 (73%), moderate pain by one (4%), and no pain by six (23%) patients. Mild contralateral hip pain was reported by ten patients (38%), and no pain by 16 (62%). The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores were very good in four patients (15%), good in 18 (70%), and poor in four (15%), with a mean score of 70.92 (SD 12.65). Of 13 female patients who had given birth, 12 did so with uncomplicated vaginal delivery. All patients had to modify their posture for toileting, putting on lower body clothes, foot care, and putting on shoes. Conclusion. Our results show that with hip arthrodesis, most patients have relatively good function at long-term follow-up, although some pain is experienced in adjacent joints, and modification in some activities of daily living is common. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1089–1094

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the modified three-group Stulberg classification, which is based on the sphericity of the femoral head, in patients with Perthes’ disease. Methods. A total of 88 patients were followed from the time of diagnosis until a mean follow-up of 21 years. Anteroposterior pelvic and frog-leg lateral radiographs were obtained at diagnosis and at follow-up of one, five, and 21 years. At the five- and 21-year follow-up, the femoral heads were classified using a modified three-group Stulberg classification (round, ovoid, or flat femoral head). Further radiological endpoints at long-term follow-up were osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and the requirement for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Results. There were 71 males (81%) and 17 females. A total of 13 patients had bilateral Perthes’ disease; thus 101 hips were analyzed. At five-year follow-up, 37 hips were round, 38 ovoid, and 26 flat. At that time, 66 hips (65%) were healed and 91 (90%) were skeletally immature. At long-term follow-up, when the mean age of the patients was 28 years (24 to 34), 20 hips had an unsatisfactory outcome (seven had OA and 13 had required THA). There was a strongly significant association between the modified Stulberg classification applied atfive-year follow-up and an unsatisfactory outcome at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Between the five- and 21-year follow-up, 67 hips (76%) stayed in their respective modified Stulberg group, indicating a strongly significant association between the Stulberg classifications at these follow-ups (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The modified Stulberg classification is a strong predictor of long-term radiological outcome in patients with Perthes’ disease. It can be applied at the healing stage, which is usually reached five years after the diagnosis is made and before skeletal maturity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1815–1820

Aims. The Ponseti method is the gold standard treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), with the British Consensus Statement providing a benchmark for standard of care. Meeting these standards and providing expert care while maintaining geographical accessibility can pose a service delivery challenge. A novel ‘Hub and Spoke’ Shared Care model was initiated to deliver Ponseti treatment for CTEV, while addressing standard of care and resource allocation. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and outcomes of the corrective phase of Ponseti service delivery using this model. Methods. Patients with idiopathic CTEV were seen in their local hospitals (‘Spokes’) for initial diagnosis and casting, followed by referral to the tertiary hospital (‘Hub’) for tenotomy. Non-idiopathic CTEV was managed solely by the Hub. Primary and secondary outcomes were achieving primary correction, and complication rates resulting in early transfer to the Hub, respectively. Consecutive data were prospectively collected and compared between patients allocated to Hub or Spokes. Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, or chi-squared tests were used for analysis (alpha-priori = 0.05, two-tailed significance). Results. Between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2023, 92 patients (139 feet) were treated at the service (Hub 50%, n = 46; Spokes 50%, n = 46), of whom nine were non-idiopathic. All patients (n = 92), regardless of allocation, ultimately achieved primary correction, with idiopathic patients at the Hub requiring fewer casts than the Spokes (mean 4.0 (SD 1.4) vs 6.9 (SD 4.4); p < 0.001). Overall, 60.9% of Spokes’ patients (n = 28/46) required transfer to the Hub due to complications (cast slips Hub n = 2; Spokes n = 17; p < 0.001). These patients ultimately achieved full correction at the Hub. Conclusion. The Shared Care model was found to be feasible in terms of providing primary correction to all patients, with results comparable to other published services. Complication rates were higher at the Spokes, although these were correctable. Future research is needed to assess long-term outcomes, parents’ satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):865–872

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

Aims. The aim of this study was to inform the epidemiology and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Methods. This was an anonymized comprehensive cohort study, with a nested consented cohort, following the the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study (IDEAL) framework. A total of 143 of 144 hospitals treating SCFE in Great Britain participated over an 18-month period. Patients were cross-checked against national administrative data and potential missing patients were identified. Clinician-reported outcomes were collected until two years. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected for a subset of participants. Results. A total of 486 children (513 hips) were newly affected, with a median of two patients (interquartile range 0 to 4) per hospital. The annual incidence was 3.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.01 to 3.67) per 100,000 six- to 18-year-olds. Time to diagnosis in stable disease was increased in severe deformity. There was considerable variation in surgical strategy among those unable to walk at diagnosis (66 urgent surgery vs 43 surgery after interval delay), those with severe radiological deformity (34 fixation with deformity correction vs 36 without correction) and those with unaffected opposite hips (120 prophylactic fixation vs 286 no fixation). Independent risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) were the inability of the child to walk at presentation to hospital (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4 (95% CI 1.7 to 11.4)) and surgical technique of open reduction and internal fixation (aOR 7.5 (95% CI 2.4 to 23.2)). Overall, 33 unaffected untreated opposite hips (11.5%) were treated for SCFE by two-year follow-up. Age was the only independent risk factor for contralateral SCFE, with age under 12.5 years the optimal cut-off to define ‘at risk’. Of hips treated with prophylactic fixation, none had SCFE, though complications included femoral fracture, AVN, and revision surgery. PROMs demonstrated the marked impact on quality of life on the child because of SCFE. Conclusion. The experience of individual hospitals is limited and mechanisms to consolidate learning may enhance care. Diagnostic delays were common and radiological severity worsened with increasing time to diagnosis. There was unexplained variation in treatment, some of which exposes children to significant risks that should be evaluated through randomized controlled trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(4):519–528

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. Methods. A cohort of 56 patients, including 45 unilateral EDs for LLD and 11 bilateral EDs for tall stature, were prospectively analyzed. ED was performed with 222 rigid staples with a mean follow-up of 24.4 months (8 to 49). Patients with a predicted LLD of ≥ 2 cm at skeletal maturity were included. Mean age at surgery was 12.1 years (8 to 14). Correction and complication rates including implant-associated problems, and secondary deformities as well as perioperative parameters, were recorded (IDEAL stage 2a). These results were compared to historical cohorts treated for correction of LLD with two-hole plates or Blount staples. Results. The mean LLD was reduced from 25.2 mm (15 to 45) before surgery to 9.3 mm (6 to 25) at skeletal maturity. Implant-associated complications occurred in 4/56 treatments (7%), and secondary frontal plane deformities were detected in 5/45 legs (11%) of the LLD cohort. Including tall stature patients, the rate increased to 12/67 legs (18%). Sagittal plane deformities were observed during 1/45 LLD treatments (2%). Compared to two-hole plates and Blount staples, similar correction rates were observed in all devices. Lower rates of frontal and sagittal plane deformities were observed using rigid staples. Conclusion. Treatment of LLD using novel rigid staples appears a feasible and promising strategy. Secondary frontal and sagittal plane deformities remain a potential complication, although the rate seems to be lower in patients treated with rigid staples. Further comparative studies are needed to investigate this issue. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1428–1437

Aims. Osteonecrosis (ON) can cause considerable morbidity in young people who undergo treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The aims of this study were to determine the operations undertaken for ON in this population in the UK, along with the timing of these operations and any sequential procedures that are used in different joints. We also explored the outcomes of those patients treated by core decompression (CD), and compared this with conservative management, in both the pre- or post-collapse stages of ON. Methods. UK treatment centres were contacted to obtain details regarding surgical interventions and long-term outcomes for patients who were treated for ALL and who developed ON in UKALL 2003 (the national leukaemia study which recruited patients aged 1 to 24 years at diagnosis of ALL between 2003 and 2011). Imaging of patients with ON affecting the femoral head was requested and was used to score all lesions, with subsequent imaging used to determine the final grade. Kaplan-Meier failure time plots were used to compare the use of CD with non surgical management. Results. Detailed information was received for 85 patients who had developed ON during the course of their ALL treatment. A total of 206 joints were affected by ON. Of all joints affected by ON, 21% required arthroplasty, and 43% of all hips affected went on to be replaced. CD was performed in 30% of hips affected by ON. The majority of the hips were grade 4 or 5 at initial diagnosis of ON. There was no significant difference in time to joint collapse between those joints in which CD was performed, compared with no joint-preserving surgical intervention. Conclusion. There is a high incidence of surgery in young people who have received treatment for ALL and who have developed ON. Our results suggest that CD of the femoral head in this group of patients does not delay or improve the rates of femoral head survival. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):589–596