The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively.Aims
Methods
Aim. Following successful adoption of the Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment, a team of physiotherapists and orthotists and one surgeon in Jalalabad, Afghanistan have begun to treat Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT) by the technique described by Dodds et al, adapted to locally available resources. We have reviewed the outcome. Method. Since 2010, 38 feet in 31 patients have been treated. Diagnosis of CVT is confirmed with a stress radiograph. The underlying conditions are diverse. The technique involves serial passive stretches and plaster of Paris casts. Once the talo-navicular joint is judged to be reduced, the joint if fixed with a percutaneous pin under local anaesthetic and an Achilles tenotomy performed. Post-operative treatment is as per the Iowa technique with night-time bracing and an AFO for ambulant patients. Results. There have been no major complications and no complete relapses. The result was compromised in 6 patients at the beginning of the series by omission of talo-navicular fixation or tenotomy, since which time the protocol has been followed more closely with improved results. All patients are reported to be wearing normal footwear with no complaints of pain. Conclusion. Specialist surgical treatment for children is not readily available in Afghanistan and the risk of
To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to utilize a national paediatric inpatient database to determine whether obesity influences the operative management and inpatient outcomes of paediatric limb fractures. The Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) was used to evaluate children between birth and 17 years of age, from 1997 and 2012, who had undergone open and closed treatment of humeral, radial and ulna, femoral, tibial, and ankle fractures. Demographics, hospital charges, lengths of stay (LOS), and complications were analyzed.Aims
Patients and Methods