The Masquelet technique, also known as the ‘induced membrane technique’ has been utilised in adult reconstruction with varied success. However, there is limited literature on its use in children and this study aims to share our experience.

Introduction

Limb deformity is usually assessed clinically assisted by long leg alignment radiographs and further imaging modalities (MRI and CT). Often decisions are made based on static imaging and simple gait interpretation in clinic. We have assessed the value of gait lab analysis in surgical decision making comparing surgical planning pre and post gait lab assessment.

Aims

Patients undergoing limb reconstruction surgery often face a challenging and lengthy process to complete their treatment journey. The majority of existing outcome measures do not adequately capture the patient-reported outcomes relevant to this patient group in a single measure. Following a previous systematic review, the Stanmore Limb Reconstruction Score (SLRS) was designed with the intent to address this need for an effective instrument to measure patient-reported outcomes in limb reconstruction patients. We aim to assess the face validity of this score in a pilot study.

Introduction. LIMB-Q Kids is a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for children with Lower limb differences (LLDs). The objective is to conduct an international field test study. Materials & Methods. A mixed method multiphase approach was used to develop LIMB-Q Kids. In phase one, a systematic review was conducted to identify concepts from existing PROMs used in research with children with LLDs. A preliminary conceptual framework derived from the systematic review informed an international qualitative study. The data from qualitative interviews were used to form the LIMB-Q Kids, which was further refined through multiple rounds of cognitive debriefing interviews with children. Input was obtained from parents and healthcare professionals from Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, India, UK, and the USA. LIMB-Q Kids was translated and culturally adapted into multiple languages. Results. The final field-test version consists of 11 scales (159 items) that measure appearance, physical function, symptoms (hip, knee, ankle, foot, and leg), leg-related distress, and school, social and psychological function. This version was rigorously translated into Danish and German. Translations that are in progress include Arabic, Finnish, Hindi, Swahili, Portuguese, Spanish, and Luganda. An international field-test study is underway in nine countries (15 sites with a target recruitment of 150 participants per country). At the time of abstract submission, 190 patients from seven sites have completed LIMB-Q Kids. The UK collaborative has worked on language adaption for the UK and is currently validating the score across five paediatric limb reconstruction units. Conclusions. No internationally applicable PROM exists for children with LLDs. We present the current progress in developing and validating such a score. Data from the international field-test study will be used to reduce items and perform psychometric testing of LIMB-Q Kids. The rigorous translation and cultural adaption process will provide versions of LIMB-Q Kids in different languages. Once completed, the LIMB-Q Kids will provide a common metric for outcome assessment for children with lower limb differences internationally

Introduction. We present the first 12 consecutive patients, undergoing elective paediatric limb reconstruction with an external fixator, for the 12-month period October 2020-October 2021. This is a single surgeon series for a newly appointed Consultant with limited previous experience. Arrangements were made for mentoring by a senior surgeon recently retired from the NHS but still active in private practice. Materials and Methods. The average age of patients was 10.5years at the time of frame application (5—15 years). Four frames in three patients were for Blount's; two for sequelae of NF1; two for posteromedial tibial bow with shortening, two for fibula hemimelia; one congenital short femur, one for sequelae of neonatal sepsis and one for bone loss following tumour resection. Results. We present early outcomes and complications for this challenging cohort. Two frames were revision frames, and a further two had had previous frame treatment. Where shortening was a primary component of the deformity (six cases) the mean lengthening required was 5cm (4–6cm). Conclusions. The benefits of this arrangement include enabling newly appointed Consultants to take on complex cases from the start of appointment, dealing with enormous waiting pressures and minimising complications. The BOA reported this year that 25% of the over 45 consultant workforce intend to retire within three years. In this context, a renewed focus is needed on succession planning, proleptic appointments, and novel schemes to retain experienced surgeons within complex NHS practice: we present a successful example of this strategy

Introduction. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has gained momentum in the orthopaedic literature. The GOAL-LD (Gait Outcomes Assessment List for Limb Deformity) incorporates the framework of The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and correlates highly with the Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) when applied in a limb reconstruction setting. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia, supported by The University of Melbourne is designing and implementing a Limb Reconstruction Registry, prospectively enrolling patients with a number of key conditions and provide a mechanism for capturing surgical data and PROMs at regular follow-up intervals. LimbDREAM (The Limb Reconstruction Registry of Experience, Aspiration and Measures) has begun recruiting participants, and this paper serves as a narrative review of our design and implementation process. Materials & Methods. After provision of a research grant, audit was conducted to examine local case mix and estimate recruitment based on conditions selected. Literature review was focussed on (i) registries in the paediatric limb reconstruction domain and (ii) use of PROMs across conditions selected. A high-level process-flow chart was constructed in order to inform governance and staffing requirements in addition to REDCap Database structure. Local as well as scalable deployment was considered. Alpha and beta testing was performed by principal and associate investigators prior to participant recruitment. Results. Audit identified 6 condition streams for inclusion: Congenital limb deficiencies, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, bone dysplasias, bone tumours, amputation, and complex deformity of other etiology. Literature review identified 20 PROMs used across these conditions, with limited validation studies and significant implementation heterogeneity. REDCap database design took longer than anticipated (planned 10 months, actual 18 months) before being recruitment ready, due to the complexity of ensuring data collection logic would work across highly diverse patient journeys. Initial recruitment across all streams has been promising. Email and text message reminders have proved helpful in increasing survey return rates. Conclusions. Prospective collection of PROMs as well as surgical data via a standardized dataset will provide the basis for future condition-specific research, with the ability to support nested trials. Implementation requires forethought with regard to time frames and staffing for non-automated steps as well as data integrity review. The next phase of the LimbDREAM project will be to integrate use of the Registry into our weekly Limb Reconstruction Meeting to ensure that operative plans and data are captured close to the point of care

Statement of purpose. To determine whether the amount of fibula resection in fibula osteotomy influences outcome in deformity correction surgery. Methods. Retrospective case note and imaging review was performed on a cohort of 45 patients from November 2005 to July 2009 treated with lengthening and/or correction for leg deformity in either an adult or paediatric limb reconstruction centre. Method, extent and level of original fibular resection was recorded, as well as type of fixator, distraction regime and total gap at osteotomy site after distraction. Outcome was measured as premature, expected or non-union and subsequent need for reintervention. Results. Fibula osteotomies were made in 45 patients with a mean age of 23 (median 16, range 6–65). 14 subsequently underwent lengthening only, 15 correction of deformity only and 16 a combination of the two. 32 cases used the Ilizarov frame, four the Taylor-Spatial frame and 9 the Sheffield ring fixator. The mean extent of fibular resection was 3.6 mm (range 0.5–17 mm), with saw osteotomy used more frequently than drill or osteotome. Mean latency from surgery to distractions starting was 6 days. Premature union preventing further distraction/correction occurred in four cases, three of which required repeat osteotomy and one which resolved after increasing the rate of distractions. 37 osteotomies went on to unite, with four non-unions. These non-unions were asymptomatic and did not require further intervention. Conclusion. The extent of fibular resection does not appear to directly influence outcome in terms of symptomatic fibular non-union requiring intervention. Care needs to be taken in the paediatric population to guard against premature union requiring repeat osteotomy

Introduction

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rapidly implemented restructuring of UK healthcare services. The The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, became a central hub for the provision of trauma services for North Central/East London (NCEL) while providing a musculoskeletal tumour service for the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales and an urgent spinal service for London. This study reviews our paediatric practice over this period in order to share our experience and lessons learned. Our hospital admission pathways are described and the safety of surgical and interventional radiological procedures performed under general anaesthesia (GA) with regards to COVID-19 in a paediatric population are evaluated.