In response to the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures were implemented to limit virus spread. After initial implementation of a province-wide lockdown (Stage 1), there followed a sequential ease of restrictions through Stages 2 and 3 over a 6-month period from March to September 2020 (Table 1). We aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the epidemiology of operative paediatric orthopaedic trauma and to determine differential effects of each stage of lockdown. A retrospective cohort study was performed comparing all emergency department (ED) visits for musculoskeletal trauma and operatively treated orthopaedic trauma cases at a Level-1 paediatric trauma center during Mar-Sep 2020 (pandemic), compared with Mar-Sep 2019 (pre-pandemic). All operative cases were analyzed based on injury severity, mechanism of injury (MOI) and anatomic location (AL). Comparisons between groups were assessed using chi-square testing for categorical variables, and student t-tests and Fisher's exact tests for continuous variables. During the pandemic period, ED visits for orthopaedic trauma decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels by 23% (1370 vs 1790 patients) and operative treatment decreased by 28% (283 vs 391 patients). There was a significant decrease in the number of operative cases per day in lockdown Stage 1 (1.25 pandemic vs 1.90 pre- pandemic; p < 0 .001) and Stage 2 (1.65 pandemic vs 3.03 pre-pandemic; p< 0.001) but no difference in operative case number during Stage 3 (2.18 pandemic vs 2.45 pre-pandemic; p=0.35). Significant differences were found in MOI and AL during Stage 1 (p < 0 .001) and Stage 2 (p < 0 .001) compared to pre-pandemic. During Stage 1 and 2, playground injuries decreased by 95% and 82%, respectively; sports injuries decreased by 79% and 13%, and trampoline injuries decreased 44% and 43%, compared to pre-pandemic. However, self-propelled transit injuries (bicycles/skateboards) increased during Stage 1 and Stage 2 by 67% and 28%, respectively compared to pre- pandemic. During lockdown Stage 3 there were no differences in MOI nor AL. There were no significant differences in injury severity in any lockdown stage compared to pre-pandemic. COVID-19 lockdown measures significantly reduced the burden of operative paediatric orthopaedic trauma. Differences in volume, mechanism and pattern of injuries varied by lockdown stage offering evidence of the burden of operative trauma related to specific childhood activities. These findings will assist health systems planning for future pandemics and suggest that improvements in safety of playgrounds and self-propelled transit are important in reducing severe childhood injury requiring operative intervention. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Applying the concept of a regional trauma network to the UK paediatric trauma population has unique difficulties in terms of low patient volume and variation in paediatric service provision. In addition, no consensus exists as to which radiological investigations should be employed and an increasing trend towards computerised tomography raises concerns over radiation exposure. We carried out a retrospective review of all paediatric trauma calls from April 2010 and March 2013 around becoming a Major Trauma Centre. We aim to analyse the impact this has on trauma calls and assess the radiological investigations currently used in this population. The number of yearly paediatric trauma calls doubled during our study and totalled 132. The commonest mechanisms of injury were road traffic collisions, fall from a height or fall off a horse. 91.7% of children had some form of radiological investigation; 67% plain radiograph, 37.1% trauma CT, 21.2% focused CT and 5.3% abdominal ultrasound scan. Of the 77 CT scans performed 57.1% were reported as normal and 54.5% of these patients were discharged home the same day. Five children re-attended the emergency department within 30 days with two positive findings; a subdural haematoma and a tibial plateau fracture. The current use of harmful radiological investigations in paediatric trauma patients is not uniform. We propose implementation of radiology protocols and clinical guidance to imaging in paediatric trauma to limited radiation exposure

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. Methods. All paediatric patients (≤ 16 years) treated in our institution during the six-week peak period of the pandemic were included. Prospective data for all paediatric trauma and urgent elective admissions and retrospective data for all sarcoma admissions were collected. Telephone interviews were conducted with all patients and families to assess COVID-19 related morbidity at 14 days post-discharge. Results. Overall, 100 children underwent surgery or interventional radiological procedures under GA between 20 March and 8 May 2020. There were 35 trauma cases, 20 urgent elective orthopaedic cases, two spinal emergency cases, 25 admissions for interventional radiology procedures, and 18 tumour cases. 78% of trauma cases were performed within 24 hours of referral. In the 97% who responded at two weeks following discharge, there were no cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in any patient or member of their households. Conclusion. Despite the extensive restructuring of services and the widespread concerns over the surgical and anaesthetic management of paediatric patients during this period, we treated 100 asymptomatic patients across different orthopaedic subspecialties without apparent COVID-19 or unexpected respiratory complications in the early postoperative period. The data provides assurance for health care professionals and families and informs the consenting process. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:287–292

Purpose:. Non-contiguous spinal injury can add significant complexity to the diagnosis, management and outcome in children. There is very little in the paediatric literature examining the nature, associated risk factors, management and outcomes of non-contiguous spinal injuries. The objective is to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of non-contiguous spinal injuries in a paediatric population. The secondary objective is to identify high risk patients requiring further imaging to rule out non-contiguous spinal injuries. Methods:. All children up to 18 years of age with a spinal injury, as defined by ICD-09 codes at one paediatric trauma hospital were included (n=211). Data for patient demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal levels involved, extent of neurologic injury and recovery, associated injuries, medical complications, treatment and outcome were recorded. Results:. Twenty five (11.8%) out of 211 patients had non-contiguous spinal injuries. The mean age was 10.7 years. The most common pattern of injury was a double thoracic non-contiguous injury. 16% of cases of NCSI were initially missed, but with no clinical deterioration due to the missed diagnosis. Associated injuries occurred in 52% of patients with NCSI. Twenty-four percent of patients with multiple non-contiguous spinal injuries had a neurologic injury compared to 9.7% in patients with single level or contiguous injuries (p=0.046). Conclusions:. There is a high incidence of children with multiple non-contiguous spinal injuries who are more likely to suffer neurological injuries compared to patients with single level or contiguous spinal injuries. Patients with a single level spinal injury on existing imaging and a neurological injury should have entire spine lateral radiographs to exclude non-contiguous injuries. In patients without neurologic injury and a single spinal fracture, radiographs showing at least 7 levels above and below the fracture should be performed. All children with spinal injury should have associated injuries carefully excluded

Purpose of Study. We report the outcome of five cases of chronic paediatric Monteggia lesion treated with a modified Bell-Tawse procedure. Methods. Five patients with a chronic Monteggia lesion were treated over an eight-year period (2004–2012) at our institution. All underwent a modified Bell-Tawse procedure. The patient medical records were retrospectively analysed. We report the outcome in five patients. Results. Four girls and one boy were treated for a chronic Monteggia lesion in the period studied. The mean age at time of surgery was 8 years old (range 4–14 years). The mechanism of injury was post-traumatic in four of the five cases, while in one case the mechanism was uncertain. All children underwent modified Bell-Tawse procedure. All children ultimately required ulnar osteotomy, while two also required radial osteotomy. At a mean follow-up of 22 months (range 16–38 months), four children had experienced complications. Symptomatic metalwork was removed in one case, two children re-dislocated the affected joint, and one child required revision Bell-Tawse procedure. No nerve palsies were noted on follow-up. Conclusion. Paediatric elbow trauma necessitates early, senior management. We report a series of five patients who underwent modified Bell-Tawse procedure for chronic Monteggia lesion. Four of the five children experienced complications. All required shortening osteotomies. The chronic Monteggia lesion is an unusual but troublesome presentation in the paediatric population. Further research in the area is necessary

This single centre study was a prospective analysis from 2000 to 2008, aiming to explore and characterise the incidence and management of orthopaedic injuries sustained from motorcycle-related accidents in children under 16 years of age in Far North Queensland. In addition, it aimed to recognise factors contributing to crash occurrence, injury pattern and severity.

Prospective survey data has been collected for the past eight years looking at various aspects of non-fatal motorcycle injuries in children up to the age of 16 years who present to Cairns Base Hospital. The study incorporated a simple 12-point questionnaire that was completed upon the child's first presentation to the hospital in either an in- or out-patient clinical setting. The aspects addressed by the survey included: number of accidents, use of safety gear, experience level, injury and management, and cause of the accident. Little research has been conducted on characterising the nature and occurrence of off-road motorcycle accidents in children and adolescents.

A total of 238 children were admitted to Cairns Base Hospital with injuries related to motorcycle accidents. The results of 210 children who sustained orthopaedic injuries are presented. Motorcycle accidents involving children were responsible for over 340 presentations to the Emergency department and for a total of more than 500 hospital bed-days upon admission.

The majority of accidents occurred off-road with over 40% on public property. An average of 11% of riders was female.

This study gives evidence that off-road motorcycle accidents in children are the result of inexperience, utilise a significant proportion of our orthopaedic resources, and that programs and policies directed at reducing the number of injuries from off-road motorcycle riding need implementation.

Aims. To determine the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaediatric admissions and fracture clinics within a regional integrated care system (ICS). Methods. A retrospective review was performed for all paediatric orthopaedic patients admitted across the region during the recent lockdown period (24 March 2020 to 10 May 2020) and the same period in 2019. Age, sex, mechanism, anatomical region, and treatment modality were compared, as were fracture clinic attendances within the receiving regional major trauma centre (MTC) between the two periods. Results. Paediatric trauma admissions across the region fell by 33% (197 vs 132) with a proportional increase to 59% (n = 78) of admissions to the MTC during lockdown compared with 28.4% in 2019 (N = 56). There was a reduction in manipulation under anaesthetic (p = 0.015) and the use of Kirschner wires (K-wires) (p = 0.040) between the two time periods. The median time to surgery remained one day in both (2019 IQR 0 to 2; 2020 IQR 1 to 1). Supracondylar fractures were the most common reason for fracture clinic attendance (17.3%, n = 19) with a proportional increase of 108.4% vs 2019 (2019 n = 20; 2020 n = 19) (p = 0.007). While upper limb injuries and falls from play apparatus, equipment, or height remained the most common indications for admission, there was a reduction in sports injuries (p < 0.001) but an increase in lacerations (p = 0.031). Fracture clinic management changed with 67% (n = 40) of follow-up appointments via telephone and 69% (n = 65) of patients requiring cast immobilization treated with a 3M Soft Cast, enabling self-removal. The safeguarding team saw a 22% reduction in referrals (2019: n = 41, 2020: n = 32). Conclusion. During this viral pandemic, the number of trauma cases decreased with a change in the mechanism of injury, median age of presentation, and an increase in referrals to the regional MTC. Adaptions in standard practice led to fewer MUA, and K-wire procedures being performed, more supracondylar fractures managed through clinic and an increase in the use of removable cast. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:424–430

Aims. The current global pandemic due to COVID-19 is generating significant burden on the health service in the UK. On 23 March 2020, the UK government issued requirements for a national lockdown. The aim of this multicentre study is to gain a greater understanding of the impact lockdown has had on the rates, mechanisms and types of injuries together with their management across a regional trauma service. Methods. Data was collected from an adult major trauma centre, paediatric major trauma centre, district general hospital, and a regional hand trauma unit. Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanism, injury type and treatment required. Time periods studied corresponded with the two weeks leading up to lockdown in the UK, two weeks during lockdown, and the same two-week period in 2019. Results. There was a 55.7% (12,935 vs 5,733) reduction in total accident and emergency (A&E) attendances with a 53.7% (354 vs 164) reduction in trauma admissions during lockdown compared to 2019. The number of patients with fragility fractures requiring admission remained constant (32 patients in 2019 vs 31 patients during lockdown; p > 0.05). Road traffic collisions (57.1%, n = 8) were the commonest cause of major trauma admissions during lockdown. There was a significant increase in DIY related-hand injuries (26% (n = 13)) lockdown vs 8% (n = 11 in 2019, p = 0.006) during lockdown, which resulted in an increase in nerve injuries (12% (n = 6 in lockdown) vs 2.5% (n = 3 in 2019, p = 0.015) and hand infections (24% (n = 12) in lockdown vs 6.2% (n = 8) in 2019, p = 0.002). Conclusion. The national lockdown has dramatically reduced orthopaedic trauma admissions. The incidence of fragility fractures requiring surgery has not changed. Appropriate provision in theatres should remain in place to ensure these patients can be managed as a surgical priority. DIY-related hand injuries have increased which has led to an increased in nerve injuries requiring intervention

Introduction. Patients presenting with osteoarthritis as late sequelae following pediatric hip trauma have few options aside from standard Total Hip Replacement (THR). For younger more active patients, Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (HRA) can be offered as an alternative. HRA has been performed in the United States over the past decade and allows increased bone preservation, decreased hip dislocation rates versus THR, and potential to return to full activities. Patients presenting with end-stage hip arthritis as following prior pediatric trauma or disease often have altered hip morphology making HRA more complicated. Often Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) patients present with short, wide femoral necks, and femoral head distortion including coxa magna or coxa plana. There often can be acetabular dysplasia in conjunction with the proximal femoral abnormalities. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) patients have an alteration of the femoral neck and head alignment, which can make reshaping the femoral head difficult. In particular, the femoral head is rotated medially and posteriorly, reducing the anterior and lateral offset. We present a cohort of 20 patients, with history of a childhood hip disorder (SCFE or LCP), who underwent HRA to treat end-stage arthritis. Fifty percent had prior pediatric surgical intervention at an average age of 11. Method. After Institutional Review Board approval, data was reviewed retrospectively on patients with pediatric hip diseases of SCFE and LCP who underwent HRA using the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) by a single orthopaedic surgeon at a teaching institution. Harris Hip Scores (HHS), plain radiographs and blood metal ion levels were reviewed at routine intervals (12 months and annually thereafter). Those who had not returned for recent follow-up were contacted via telephone survey for a modified HHS. Results. Twenty patients had mean follow up of 2.8 years (range 1–7 years). Twelve had LCP and 8 SCFE. Median implant duration was 2.4 years. One-year metal ion testing revealed median chromium level of 2.3 ppb and median Cobalt level of 1.5 ppb. At one-year follow up, plain radiographs demonstrated all patient implants to be well-fixed, without radiolucent lines or osteolysis. Two patients at three and five-year follow-up exhibited heterotopic ossification. Mean HHS for LCP at 6 weeks post-operative was 88, and 98 at one year. Mean HHS for SCFE at 6 weeks post-operative was 77.5, and 98.6 at one year. LLD was significantly improved with an average pre-operative LLD of 12.6 mm and post op of 2.6 mm (p-value <0.001). At most recent follow-up, all retained their implants with overall average HHS of 98. Conclusion. At minimum of one-year following HRA, an increase in functional outcomes is found in patients who underwent HRA for osteoarthritis associated with LCP and SCFE with a mean HHS of 98. No increase was found in complications including femoral neck fracture or implant loosening despite technical challenges of the procedure related to proximal femoral morphologic abnormalities, or presence of acetabular dysplasia [Fig 1]

The objectives of this study are to ascertain primary caregivers' understanding of risks associated with home trampoline use; to educate caregivers in regard to documented literature based risks associated with home trampoline use; and to evaluate if this information will have any influence on their future regulation of home trampoline use for their children. One hundred primary caregivers of patients treated in the paediatric orthopaedic surgery outpatient clinic at London Health Sciences centre were surveyed. All caregivers in clinic were invited to participate. The only exclusion criteria was the inability to provide consent. Caregivers' baseline perceptions on the risks associated with home trampoline use were assessed using a questionnaire. Caregivers then received an information pamphlet outlining documented trampoline safety data. They were then sent the same questionnaire to complete within one week of reading the pamphlet. Using our research electronic database capture (Redcap), the results of the surveys were compiled and analysed using spss 22, paired t-test and repeated measures anova. A sample size of 55 was calculated to result in a power of 80%. Of primary caregivers surveyed, 36% owned a home trampoline, and only 5% had personal experiences with their child sustaining a trampoline injury. Pre-education, when caregivers were asked on a scale of one (not dangerous) to 10 (very dangerous) how dangerous they felt a trampoline was for their child, the average response was six. Post-education, this number changed to eight. Providing education to primary caregivers significantly changed their perceptions on all sections of the questionnaire, yet 47% of primary caregivers were willing to allow their child to use a trampoline at home despite their new understanding of trampoline injury and safety. Providing education to primary caregivers significantly changed their perceptions on all trampoline safety questions, indicating effective comprehension. Despite caregivers' understanding of the risks associated with home trampoline use, approximately half of the study population continue to permit this activity for their children. There is potential to reduce paediatric orthopaedic injuries associated with home trampoline use if safer trampoline related practices are implemented based on information provided

Aims

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of the UK lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopaedic admissions, operations, training opportunities, and theatre efficiency in a large district general hospital.

Aims

We aim to objectively assess the impact of COVID-19 on mean total operative cases for all indicative procedures (as outlined by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST)) experienced by orthopaedic trainees in the deanery of the Republic of Ireland. Subjective experiences were reported for each trainee using questionnaires.

Aims

The exact risk to patients undergoing surgery who develop COVID-19 is not yet fully known. This study aims to provide the current data to allow adequate consent regarding the risks of post-surgery COVID-19 infection and subsequent COVID-19-related mortality.

We have developed a list of 281 competencies deemed to be of importance in the training of orthopaedic surgeons. A stratified, randomised selection of non-university orthopaedic surgeons rated each individual item on a scale 1 to 4 of increasing importance. Summary statistics across all respondents were given. The mean scores and sds were computed. Secondary analyses were computed in general orthopaedics, paediatrics, trauma and adult reconstruction. Of the 156 orthopaedic surgeons approached 131 (84%) responded to the questionnaire. They rated 240 of the 281 items greater than 3.0 suggesting that competence in these was necessary by completion of training.

Complex procedures were rated to be less important. The structure, delivery and implementation of the curriculum needs further study. Learning activities are ‘driven’ by the evaluation of competencies and thus competency-based learning may soon be in the forefront of training programmes.