Purpose. Rectus femoris avulsion (RFA) injuries in paediatric patients are currently managed conservatively. However, the proximal attachment of the rectus femoris muscle lies in a critical zone in the hip joint with attachments to the anterior hip capsule and anterior inferior iliac spine. Violent avulsions therefore could cause damage to the adjacent acetabular labrum and articular cartilage initiating a process leading to early degenerative changes in the hip. To date, the association between rectus avulsions and labral tears has not been studied. Method. The complete medical records of patients who were presented to McMaster University Medical Center with rectus femoris avulsions between 1983 and 2008 who were between the ages of 2 and 18 were identified. Patients were included if they had documented plain radiographs and magnetic resonance arthrography images of their hip. MRIs were reviewed by an independent musculoskeletal radiologist blinded from the history of the patients. Results. 16 patients were identified in the database with rectus femoris avulsions diagnosed on plain radiograph and 7 were included in the study with documented MRIs. The average age of patients was 13 (Range 7–16). All injuries occurred during sports activity with 43% occurred during running, 29% with kicking during soccer and during skating acceleration while playing hockey. One patient had a concurrent sartorius avulsion. All patients with rectus femoris avulsions had labral tears identified on MRI in the zone adjacent to rectus insertion. All patients were treated conservatively. Clinical records suggested 72% of patients were still limping and 86% were experiencing residual pain at last follow-up. Conclusion. Patients with rectus femoris avulsions may be at risk for concurrent traumatic labral tears. These patients should be assessed for labral pathology including a clinical examination and MRI arthrography. Level of Evidence: Level IV

Aims

The aticularis genu (AG) is the least substantial and deepest muscle of the anterior compartment of the thigh and of uncertain significance. The aim of the study was to describe the anatomy of AG in cadaveric specimens, to characterize the relevance of AG in pathological distal femur specimens, and to correlate the anatomy and pathology with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AG.

Aims

A flexed knee gait is common in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and occurs with increased age. There is a risk for the recurrence of a flexed knee gait when treated in childhood, and the aim of this study was to investigate whether multilevel procedures might also be undertaken in adulthood.

Aims

Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) has been used as an effective intervention in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) for 30 years. To date there is no evidence for SEMLS in adults with BSCP and the intervention remains focus of debate.