Aims

Hip disease is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and can decrease quality of life and function. Surveillance programmes exist to improve outcomes by treating hip disease at an early stage using radiological surveillance. However, studies and surveillance programmes report different radiological outcomes, making it difficult to compare. We aimed to identify the most important radiological measurements and develop a core measurement set (CMS) for clinical practice, research, and surveillance programmes.

In cerebral palsy patients, while upper limb function is acknowledged as being important, it has traditionally taken a back seat to lower limb function. This is partly due to inexperience and partly due to difficulty deciding on the best way of improving upper limb function. In Swansea since June 2008 we have been offering a multi-disciplinary service for the assessment and treatment of upper limb problems in cerebral palsy. The core team consists of a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, a consultant plastic surgeon with a special interest in CP upper limb problems, a consultant paediatric neurologist, a community paediatric physiotherapist and a community paediatric occupational therapist. Upon referral, the physiotherapist and occupational therapist carry out initial functional assessment of the patient. This is followed by a joint assessment by the whole team in a special clinic held every 3 months. If required, the child is offered surgery, botox injections or both. Further follow-up is in the special clinic until the child is suitable for follow-up in a normal clinic. We present our initial experience with this multi-disciplinary approach, the problems encountered in setting up the service and our plans for the future

Aim. To review the infants in our district general hospital receiving delayed treatment for DDH i.e. those infants who had more than one ultrasound scan prior to diagnosis and treatment. In this group all scans were abnormal at the time of treatment but the scans at first presentation were normal for age when reviewed by our senior radiologist. Method. An audit was performed of all the children attending our institution from 2008–2011 for treatment of DDH following diagnosis with clinical examination and dynamic ultrasound. A senior radiologist and consultant orthopaedic surgeon independently assessed the scans. Two questions were asked (a) were the scans at the time of treatment normal or abnormal and (b) in those who were treated following a repeat scan, was the initial scan normal. Results. 33 infants were treated for DDH, 8 of whom received treatment after more than one scan. In 3 cases the child had evidence of instability at first examination, 1 had limited abduction and 1 had asymmetrical thigh creases. The remaining 3 had scans that were deemed normal for age by the radiologist but due to suspicion from the treating surgeon they had a repeat examination and scan. Conclusion. This study although small in numbers highlights the need for a completely normal examination in the presence of a normal ultrasound scan before the diagnosis of DDH can be dismissed

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The aim of this study was to gain an agreement on the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) up to walking age in order to provide a benchmark for practitioners and guide consistent, high-quality care for children with CTEV.

Aims

Fixation techniques used in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) that allow continued growth of the femoral neck, rather than inducing epiphyseal fusion in situ, have the advantage of allowing remodelling of the deformity. The aims of this study were threefold: to assess whether the Free-Gliding (FG) SCFE screw prevents further slip; to establish whether, in practice, it enables lengthening and gliding; and to determine whether the age of the patient influences the extent of glide.

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This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hip shape and mid-term function in Perthes’ disease. It also explored whether the modified three-group Stulberg classification can offer similar prognostic information to the five-group system.

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A national screening programme has existed in the UK for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) since 1969. However, every aspect of screening and treatment remains controversial. Screening programmes throughout the world vary enormously, and in the UK there is significant variation in screening practice and treatment pathways. We report the results of an attempt by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) to identify a nationwide consensus for the management of DDH in order to unify treatment and suggest an approach for screening.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the UK with musculoskeletal infection (including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and discitis). This consensus can then be used to ensure consistent, safe care for children in UK hospitals and those elsewhere with similar healthcare systems.

Purpose. To assess the use of radiographic measurement compared to descriptive classification in the evaluation of Perthes' disease. Method. Fifteen consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeons, members of the BOSS Collaborative from different UK centres, were asked to rate a series of 100 healed AP radiographs of hips affected by Perthes' Disease from the Liverpool Perthes' Disease Register using the Stulberg' s grading. Two independent observers categorised roundness error using Digitimizer™ software. Kappa scores were used to determine the inter-observer concordance amongst the 15 observers for Stulberg classification. Lin concordance was used to determine roundness error assessment. The relationship between the two outcomes was explored statistically and graphically; considering the mean Stulberg grade recorded by the 15 observers as a continuous outcome. Results. There was moderate to fair agreement regarding the Stulberg' s grading among the Consultant surgeons with an overall Kappa error of 0.377 (95% 0.353 – 0.393). The Lin concordance between the two independent observers evaluating roundness error was 0.50 (95% CI 0.36–0.64). There was a strong correlation between the Stulberg grading and roundness error measurement. Using a box and whisker chart the roundness error correlated well with modal Stulberg grade. Conclusion. Roundness error appears to be a useful radiographic measure of hip shape in Perthes' disease by offering a continuous estimate of hip deformity. It correlates well with surgeon-reported hip shape and can be a useful tool in clinical trials

A 15 year prospective, observational cohort study was undertaken to assess selective screening of DDH in males and females referred with risk factors only. Individuals born breech or with evidence of a strong family history for DDH were the ‘risk factors’ studied. All were clinically examined and sonographically screened by one Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeon. Irreducible hip dislocation rate was the primary outcome measure. From a cohort of 64670 live births, 2,984 neonates/infants, 46.1 per 1000 live births [95% CI 44.6 to 47.8 per 1000 live births] were referred and sonographically screened with ‘pure’ risk factors of breech presentation and/or family history, with clinical stability. 1360 were male, of which 4 were identified as having ‘pathological’ DDH; an incidence of 1 in 333 of those males referred [95 CI 0.001, 0.008]. 1624 were female, of which 45 were identified as having ‘pathological’ DDH; an incidence of 1 in 36 of those females referred [95% CI 0.021, 0.037]. There was a significant difference in the number of female individuals sonographically diagnosed as having ‘pathological’ DDH compared to males (p<0.001). Four individuals were diagnosed with irreducible hip dislocation, 0.06 per 1000 live births [95% CI 0.24, 0.159 per 1000 live births]. All were in females. Additionally, there were 2 female individuals; both with family history of DDH (1. st. cousin splinted and sister splinted, respectively) as a risk factor, referred late. Our study suggests that there is a significant difference between the incidence of female and male individuals diagnosed with ‘pathological’ DDH, in those referred purely with risk factors (breech and family history). These findings question the current screening policy for ultrasound examination of males with risk factors in the absence of clinical instability, and may influence future DDH screening programme policy. Level of evidence: II

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The aim of this study was to review the value of accepting referrals for children with ‘clicky hips’ in a selective screening programme for hip dysplasia.

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The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the neonatal hip instability screening programme.

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The significance of the ‘clicky hip’ in neonatal and infant examination remains controversial with recent conflicting papers reigniting the debate. We aimed to quantify rates of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in babies referred with ‘clicky hips’ to our dedicated DDH clinic.

Controversy remains whether the contralateral hip should be fixed in patients presenting with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). This retrospective study compares the outcomes and cost of those patients who had prophylactic fixation with those who did not.

Between January 2000 and December 2010 a total of 50 patients underwent unilateral fixation and 36 had prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip. There were 54 males and 32 females with a mean age of 12.3 years (9 to 16). The rate of a subsequent slip without prophylactic fixation was 46%. The risk of complications was greater, the generic health measures (Short Form-12 physical (p < 0.001) and mental (p = 0.004) summary scores) were worse. Radiographic cam lesions in patients presenting with unilateral SCFE were only seen in patients who did not have prophylactic fixation. Furthermore, prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip was found to be a cost-effective procedure, with a cost per quality adjusted life year gained of £1431 at the time of last follow-up.

Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip is a cost-effective operation that limits the morbidity from the complications of a further slip, and the diminished functional outcome associated with unilateral fixation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1428–34.

We report the effect of introducing a dedicated Ponseti service on the five-year treatment outcomes of children with idiopathic clubfoot.

Between 2002 and 2004, 100 feet (66 children; 50 boys and 16 girls) were treated in a general paediatric orthopaedic clinic. Of these, 96 feet (96%) responded to initial casting, 85 requiring a tenotomy of the tendo-Achillis. Recurrent deformity occurred in 38 feet and was successfully treated in 22 by repeat casting and/or tenotomy and/or transfer of the tendon of tibialis anterior, The remaining 16 required an extensive surgical release.

Between 2005 and 2006, 72 feet (53 children; 33 boys and 20 girls) were treated in a dedicated multidisciplinary Ponseti clinic. All responded to initial casting: 60 feet (83.3%) required a tenotomy of the tendo-Achillis. Recurrent deformity developed in 14, 11 of which were successfully treated by repeat casting and/or tenotomy and/or transfer of the tendon of tibialis anterior. The other three required an extensive surgical release.

Statistical analysis showed that children treated in the dedicated Ponseti clinic had a lower rate of recurrence (p = 0.068) and a lower rate of surgical release (p = 0.01) than those treated in the general clinic.

This study shows that a dedicated Ponseti clinic, run by a well-trained multidisciplinary team, can improve the outcome of idiopathic clubfoot deformity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1424–6

Previous studies have identified clinical and demographic risk factors for recurrence in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus). Evertor muscle activity is not usually considered amongst them. This study aimed to evaluate whether recurrence could be predicted by demographic, clinical and gait parameters. From a series of 103 children with clubfeet, 67 had completed a follow-up of two years: 41 male and 26 female, 38 with idiopathic and 29 with non-idiopathic deformities. The mean age was 3.2 years (2.1 to 6.3). Primary correction was obtained in all 38 children (100%) with an idiopathic deformity, and in 26 of 29 patients (90%) with a non-idiopathic deformity. Overall, 60 children (90%) complied with the abduction brace regime. At a mean follow-up of 31.4 months (24 to 62), recurrence was noted in six children (15.8%) in the idiopathic and 14 children (48.3%) in the non-idiopathic group. Significant correlation was found between poor evertor activity and recurrence in both groups. No statistically significant relationship was found between the rate of recurrence and the severity of the initial deformity, the age at the time of treatment, the number of casts required or the compliance with the brace.

After correction of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method, only poor evertor muscle activity was statistically associated with recurrence. The identification of risk factors for recurrent deformity allows clinicians to anticipate problems and advocate early additional treatment to improve muscle balance around the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1264–8.

The Ponseti method of clubfoot management requires a period of bracing in order to maintain correction. This study compared the effectiveness of ankle foot orthoses and Denis Browne boots and bar in the prevention of recurrence following successful initial management. Between 2001 and 2003, 45 children (69 feet) with idiopathic clubfeet achieved full correction following Ponseti casting with or without a tenotomy, of whom 17 (30 clubfeet) were braced with an ankle foot orthosis while 28 (39 clubfeet) were prescribed with Denis Browne boots and bar. The groups were similar in age, gender, number of casts and tenotomy rates. The mean follow-up was 60 months (50 to 72) in the ankle foot orthosis group and 47 months (36 to 60) in the group with boots and bars. Recurrence requiring additional treatment occurred in 25 of 30 (83%) of the ankle foot orthosis group and 12 of 39 (31%) of the group with boots and bars (p < 0.001). Additional procedures included repeat tenotomy (four in the ankle foot orthosis group and five in the group treated with boot and bars), limited posterior release with or without tendon transfers (seven in the ankle foot orthosis group and two in the group treated with boots and bars), posteromedial releases (nine in the orthosis group) and midfoot osteotomies (five in the orthosis group, p < 0.001).

Following initial correction by the Ponseti method, children managed with boots and bars had far fewer recurrences than those managed with ankle foot orthoses. Foot abduction appears to be important to maintain correction of clubfeet treated by the Ponseti method, and this cannot be achieved with an ankle foot orthosis.

The crucial differentiation between septic arthritis and transient synovitis of the hip in children can be difficult. In 1999, Kocher et al introduced four clinical predictors which were highly predictive (99.6%) of septic arthritis. These included fever (temperature ≥ 38.5°C), inability to bear weight, white blood-cell count > 12.0 × 10⁹ cells/L and ESR ≥ 40 mm/hr; CRP ≥ 20 mg/L was later added as a fifth predictor. We retrospectively evaluated these predictors to differentiate septic arthritis from transient synovitis of the hip in children over a four-year period in a primary referral general hospital. When all five were positive, the predicted probability of septic arthritis in this study was only 59.9%, with fever being the best predictor. When applied to low-prevalence diseases, even highly specific tests yield a high number of false positives and the predictive value is thereby diminished.

Clinical predictors should be applied with caution when assessing a child with an irritable hip, and a high index of suspicion, and close observation of patients at risk should be maintained.

We have investigated the annual incidence of Perthes’ disease in Dumfries and Galloway (Southwest Scotland), in relation to the population density and socio-economic status. The incidence of Perthes’ disease in rural Scotland is comparable with that in urban areas (15.4 per 100 000). There was a direct association between the incidence of Perthes’ disease and deprivation scores, with the highest incidence in the most deprived areas. A higher incidence of Perthes’ disease was noted in areas with a lower population density compared with those with a higher density. We found no correlation between population density and deprivation scores for individual electoral wards within the region.

We present the results of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infancy with the Pavlik harness using a United Kingdom screening programme with ultrasound-guided supervision. Initially, 128 consecutive hips in 77 patients were reviewed over a 40-month period; 123 of these were finally included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the start of treatment was five weeks (1 to 12). All hips were examined clinically and monitored with ultrasound scanning. Failure of treatment was defined as an inability to maintain reduction with the harness. All hips diagnosed with dysplasia or subluxation but not dislocation were managed successfully in the harness. There were 43 dislocated hips, of which 39 were reducible, but six failed treatment in the harness. There were four dislocated but irreducible hips which all failed treatment in the harness. One hip appeared to be successfully treated in the harness but showed persistent radiological dysplasia at 12 and 24 months. Grade 1 avascular necrosis was identified radiologically in three patients at 12 months.