Introduction

Major trauma during military conflicts involve heavily contaminated open fractures. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) commonly causes infection within a protective biofilm. Lactoferrin (Lf), a natural milk glycoprotein, chelates iron and releases bacteria from biofilms, complimenting antibiotics. This research developed a periprosthetic biofilm infection model in rodents to test an Lf based lavage/sustained local release formulation embedded in Stimulin beads.

7% of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients also present with a pars defect. To date, there are no available data on the results of fusion ending proximal to a spondylolysis in the setting of AIS. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in this patient cohort, to investigate if maintaining the lytic segment unfused represents a safe option.

Retrospective review of all patients who received PSF for AIS, presented with a spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis and had a min. 2-years follow-up. Demographic data, instrumented levels and preoperative radiographic data were collected. Mechanical complications, coronal or sagittal parameters, amount of slippage and pain levels were evaluated.

Data from 22 patients were available (age 14.4 ± 2.5 years), 18 Lenke 1–2 and four Lenke 3–6. Five patients (24%) had an isthmic spondylolisthesis, all Meyerding I. The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the instrumented curves was 58 ± 13°. For 18 patients the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) was the last touched vertebra (LTV); for two LIV was distal to the LTV; for two, LIV was one level proximal to the LTV. The number of segments between the LIV and the lytic vertebra ranged from 1 to 6. At the last follow-up, no complications were observed. The residual curve below the instrumentation measured 8.5 ± 6.4°, the lordosis below the instrumented levels was 51.4 ± 13°. The magnitude of the isthmic spondylolisthesis remained constant for all included patients. Three patients reported minimal occasional low back pain.

The LTV can be safely used as LIV when performing PSF for the management of AIS in patients with L5 spondylolysis

In 2010, we published results of Ponseti versus primary posteromedial release (PMR) for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) in 51 prospective patients. This study reports outcomes at a median of 15 years from original treatment.

We followed 51 patients at a median of 15 years (range 13–17 years) following treatment of CTEV with either Ponseti method (25 patients; 38 feet) or PMR (26 patients; 42 feet). Thirty-eight patientsd were contacted and 33 participated in clinical review (65%), comprising patient reported outcomes, clinical examination, 3-D gait analysis and plantar pressures.

Sixteen of 38 Ponseti treated feet (42%) and 20 of 42 PMR treated feet (48%) had undergone further surgery. The PMR treated feet were more likely to have osteotomies and intra- articular surgeries (16 vs 5 feet, p<0.05). Of the 33 patients reviewed with multimodal assessment, the Ponseti group demonstrated better scores on the Dimeglio (5.8 vs 7.0, p<0.05), the Disease Specific Instrument (80 vs 65.6, p<0.05), the Functional Disability Inventory (1.1 vs 5.0, p<0.05) and the AAOS Foot & Ankle Questionnaire (52.2 vs. 46.6, p < 0.05), as well as improved total sagittal ankle range of motion in gait, ankle plantarflexion range at toe off and calf power generation. The primary PMR group displayed higher lateral midfoot and forefoot pressures.

Whilst numbers of repeat surgical interventions following Ponseti treatment and primary PMR were similar, the PMR treated feet had greater numbers of osteotomies and intra-articular surgeries. Outcomes were improved at a median of 15 years for functional data for the Ponseti method versus PMR, with advantages seen in the Ponseti group over several domains. This study provides the most comprehensive evaluation of outcomes close to skeletal maturity in prospective cohorts, reinforcing the Ponseti Method as the initial treatment of choice for idiopathic clubfeet

This study aimed to identify long-term physical and psychosocial health outcomes in children with overwhelming musculoskeletal sepsis.

Children admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2017 with a musculoskeletal focus of infection were identified. A medical notes review was completed to determine survival and morbidity. Present-day clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems along with questionnaires on health-related quality of life, mental health and sleep were performed.

70 patients were identified over 15 years. Seven children died acutely (five Pasifika and two Māori children) indicating 10% mortality. Recurrence/chronic infection affected 23%. Growth disturbance affected 18%. The hip joint and proximal femur suffered the worst long-term complications. Children under 2 years most at risk of long-term disability. No patients had chronic respiratory illness beyond 90 days. Fifteen children had symptoms of acute neurological impairment, three of whom had permanent acquired brain injury. Twenty-six survivors (41%) were assessed a mean of 8.2 years (SD 4.5, range 2– 18 years) after discharge. Health-related quality of life scores were on par with normative data. All patients who underwent pulmonary function tests had normal results. Six patients and eight parents screened positive for moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Paediatric multifocal musculoskeletal sepsis can result in complex illness with multi-organ complications for some children. Māori and Pasifika children are most at risk. Children under 2 years and those with proximal femur and/or hip involvement are most likely to have chronic musculoskeletal sequelae and permanent disability. Other outcomes are favourable with no evidence of chronic lung disease or mean reduced quality of life. A period of rehabilitation for children with identified acquired brain injury should be part of discharge planning.

Augmented reality simulators offer opportunities for practice of orthopaedic procedures outside of theatre environments. We developed an augmented reality simulator that allows trainees to practice pinning of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) in a radiation-free environment at no extra risk to patients. The simulator is composed of a tangible child's elbow model, and simulated fluoroscopy on a tablet device. The treatment of these fractures is likely one of the first procedures involving X-ray guided wire insertion that trainee orthopaedic surgeons will encounter. This study aims to examine the extent of improvement simulator training provides to real-world operating theatre performance.

This multi-centre study will involve four cohorts of New Zealand orthopaedic trainees in their SET1 year. Trainees with no simulator exposure in 2019 - 2021 will form the comparator cohort. Trainees in 2022 will receive additional, regular simulator training as the intervention cohort. The comparator cohort's performance in paediatric SCHF surgery will be retrospectively audited using routinely collected operative outcomes and parameters over a six-month period. The performance of the intervention cohorts will be collected in the same way over a comparable period. The data collected for both groups will be used to examine whether additional training with an augmented reality simulator shows improved real-world surgical outcomes compared to traditional surgical training. This protocol has been approved by the University of Otago Health Ethics committee, and the study is due for completion in 2024.

This study is the first nation-wide transfer validity study of a surgical simulator in New Zealand. As of September 2022, all trainees in the intervention cohort have been recruited along with eight retrospective trainees via email. We present this protocol to maintain transparency of the prespecified research plans and ensure robust scientific methods. This protocol may also assist other researchers conducting similar studies within small populations.

Survival of sepsis has been documented worldwide, but little is documented about the long-term health outcomes of multifocal sepsis from acute musculoskeletal infection - the first study of its kind in New Zealand.

Children admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) from 1^st January 2002 to 31^st December 2017 with a musculoskeletal focus of infection were identified from hospital coding data. Notes review from discharge to present day determined survival and morbidity. Present-day clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems along with questionnaires on health-related quality of life, mental health and sleep were performed.

Seventy patients were studied. Seven children died acutely (five Pasifika and two Māori children) indicating 10% mortality. Long-term survival was favourable with no recorded deaths after discharge. Recurrence/chronic infection occurred in 23%, a mean of 1.1 year after discharge. Growth disturbance occurred in 18%, a mean of 3 years after discharge. The hip joint and proximal femur have the worst complications. Children under 2 years are most at risk of long-term disability. No patients had chronic respiratory illness beyond 90 days. Fifteen children had symptoms of acute neurological impairment, three of whom had permanent brain injury. Twenty-six survivors (41%) were assessed a mean of 8.2 years after discharge. Health-related quality of life scores were on par with normative data. Six patients and eight parents screened positive for moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Paediatric multifocal musculoskeletal sepsis can result in complex illness with long hospital stay and multi-organ complications. Māori and Pasifika children, those under two and those involving the proximal femur/or hip are most at risk. Other outcomes are favourable with no evidence of chronic lung disease or poor quality of life. A period of rehabilitation for children with identified acquired brain injury should be part of discharge planning.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors for distal construct failure (DCF) in posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We observed an increased rate of DCF when the pedicle screw in the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) was not parallel to the superior endplate of the LIV, however this has not been well studied in the literature. We hypothesise a more inferiorly angled LIV screw predisposes to failure and aim to find the critical angle that predisposes to failure.

A retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients who underwent PSIF for AIS at the Starship Hospital spine unit from 2010 to 2020. On a lateral radiograph, the angle between the superior endplate of the LIV was measured against its pedicle screw trajectory. Data on demographics, Cobb angle, Lenke classification, instrumentation density, rod protrusion from the most inferior screw, implants and reasons for revision were collected.

Of 256 patients, 10.9% (28) required at least one revision. The rate of DCF was 4.6% of all cases (12 of 260) and 25.7% of revisions were due to DCF. The mean trajectory angle of DCF patients compared to all others was 13.3° (95%CI 9.2° to 17.4°) vs 7.6° (7° to 8.2°), p=0.0002. The critical angle established is 11°, p=0.0076. Lenke 5 and C curves, lower preoperative Cobb angle, titanium only rod constructs and one surgeon had higher failure rates than their counterparts. 9.6% of rods protruding less than 3mm from its distal screw disengaged.

We conclude excessive inferior trajectory of the LIV screw increases the rate of DCF and a screw trajectory greater than 11° predisposes to failure. This is one factor that can be controlled by the surgeon intraoperatively and by avoiding malposition of the LIV screw, a quarter of revisions can potentially be eliminated.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may lead to premature degenerative arthritis requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is general concern that THA survival in DDH is inferior to that of the general population. We have investigated the results of primary THA performed in patients with DDH in New Zealand.

Through the New Zealand Joint Registry we identified all patients with DDH undergoing primary THA (n = 1205) and all patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing primary THA (n = 40589) between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2008. Postoperative outcomes (including six month Oxford Hip Score (OHS), revision rate, and six month mortality) were analysed and compared between the DDH and the OA groups. Baseline information and operative characteristics were also compared between the two patient groups.

There was no statistically significant difference in six month OHS between the DDH and OA groups from the uncorrected comparison (mean 41.5 vs. 40.8, p=0.056) and from the comparison corrected for known confounding variables (p=0.54). There was no statistically significant difference in revision rate between the DDH and OA groups from the uncorrected comparison (0.79 vs. 0.61 revisions per 100 component years, p=0.121) and from the comparison corrected for known confounding variables (p=0.674). There was no statistically significant difference in six month mortality between the DDH and OA groups from the uncorrected comparison (0.5% vs. 0.8%, p=0.284), however the corrected comparison identified a higher mortality rate in the DDH group (p=0.016).

The DDH group was significantly younger (49.3 years vs. 67.6 years, p<0.001), more often female (74% vs. 52%, p<0.001) and had a lower ASA class (p<0.001) than the OA group. The right hip was involved most often (51% DDH, 54% OA, p=0.03). Bone grafting (4% vs. 0.9%, p<0.001) and uncemented implants (68.3% vs. 28.1%, p<0.001) were more common in the DDH group. Surgical approach did not differ substantially between groups. The DDH group required a longer operative time than the OA group (mean 94.4 minutes vs. 79.7 minutes, p<0.001).

THA in patients with DDH patients is demanding. Despite the complexities inherent to THA in these patients, comparable functional outcomes and revision rates to patients with OA can be expected. Our results supports THA as a successful surgical option for the management of degenerative hip arthritis in patients with DDH.

Osteomyelitis continues to be a common problem amongst the paediatric population. Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is an uncommon problem that still poses a problem to the treating physician. The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively review a large series of paediatric patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis. We compare our experience with that in the literature to determine any factors that may aid earlier diagnosis and or improve treatment outcomes.

A 10-year retrospective review was performed of clinical records of all cases of Paediatric calcaneal osteomyelitis managed at the two children’s orthopaedic departments in the Auckland region. The Osteomyelitis Database was used to identify all cases between 1997 and 2007, at Starship Children’s Hospital, and 1998 and 2008 at Middlemore’s Kids First Hospital.

Sixty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average duration of symptoms was 6.8 days. 40% of patients had a recent episode of trauma. 82% of patients could not weight bear on admission. Only 22% of patients had a temperature above 38 C. 27% of patients had positive blood cultures with Staph aureus being the most commonly cultured organism. X Rays, bone scans and MRI were all used to aid the diagnosis. ESR was elevated in 81% and the CRP was elevated in 77% of patients. 20% of patients had surgery with an average of 1.3 surgeries for those who progressed to surgery. Treatment length was an average of 2 weeks 6 days of oral antibiotics and 3 weeks 2 days of oral treatment. There was no post surgical complications and 10 readmissions, 3 for relapse, 3 for PICC line problems and 4 for antibiotic associated complications.

Although a sometimes more difficult diagnosis to make, calcaneal osteomyelitis can be diagnosed with an appropriate history, clinical examination and investigations. Treatment with intravenous and oral antibiotics and surgical debridement if indicated can lead to a good clinical outcome with minimal complications

Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in children is relatively uncommon but delay in diagnosis and inadequate treatment can result in significant morbidity. Most recently evidence has suggested conservative treatment with adequate antibiotic therapy should be the mainstay, with provision for surgical intervention in those who fail to respond to conservative management. The outcome of primary management has been evaluated in this review.

Retrospective analysis of an osteomyelitis database was conducted on individuals presenting to Auckland’s Starship and Middlemore Hospital with an ICD-10 diagnosis of Osteomyelitis between January the 1st 1999 and December the 31st 2008.

813 children fulfilled the criteria for inclusion into this review. The annual incidence of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in the paediatric population in Auckland over this period was approximately 1:4,000. 64% were male and 36% were female. The majority were New Zealand European (35%), with the other significant ethnic groups represented being New Zealand Maori (22%), and Pacific Island (30%). 23% of patients were aged less than three. 51% of patients were between three and ten, and 26% older than ten. Only 32% had an elevated white cell count on admission. A responsible pathogen was isolated in 50% with the most common being Staphylococcus aureus, which was isolated in 77% of this group. Diagnosis was made radiologically in 66%, clinically in 27%, and surgically after exploration in 7%. The most common site of osteomyelitis was the femur in 254 individuals, followed by the tibia in 198 individuals. 49 had multi-focal involvement. Flucloxacillin was the most common antibiotic used, with 510 individuals being administered flucloxacillin at one point in time during their management. The average length of treatment was 43.7 days, which included intravenous therapy of 22.3 days, and oral therapy of 21.4 days. 60% had a range of duration of therapy from greater than three weeks through to six weeks. 44% required surgical intervention. The relapse rate was 6.8%. The average duration till relapse was 5.8 months. Only 1.7% of the total population went on to develop chronic osteomyelitis.

The incidence of paediatric acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in this population appears to be relatively high. The average length of treatment was longer than that now reported to be successful for eradication. This could possibly be a factor in the relatively low rate of relapse and low subsequent rate of chronic osteomyelitis.

Arthroscopic labral debridement has become and accepted mode of treatment for acetabular labral tears (ALTs) and yet results in literature are few and conflicting especially with regards presence of cartilage damage and its influence on outcome.

Aim of our prospective cohort study was to look at outcome of ALTs post arthroscopic limbectomy using validated questionnaires at average of 2 years. We also looked at the sensitivity of MR arthrography in detecting ALTs and cartilage damage.

Consecutive cohort of 82 patients who were suspected of having ALTs by senior author had MR arthrography followed by hip arthroscopy. All patients filled out a WOMAC, NAHS scores before and after the operation. All patients who were followed up also filled an especially designed five-point functional questionnaire. At time of arthroscopy the presence of labral tear, its position in the acetabulum and degree of cartilage damage (based on Outerbridge classification) were recorded and correlated with Mra and patient outcome.

Seventy six patients were found to have a labral tear, with majority of these lesions in the anterior or antero-superior quadrant. 59% of patients were shown to have an associated degree of cartilage damage. Although overall all patients showed significant improvement in their functional scores, those with high grade cartilage damage had poorer results in comparison. We also found that patients with older age are at higher risk of requiring a THJR in the first 2 years following arthroscopy. MRa proved to a sensitive tool at detecting labral pathology but not so at identifying presence of cartilage damage.

Arthroscopic debridement of ALTs in patients presenting with mechanical hip symptoms provides good functional outcome, however it should be used with caution in those with high grade articular cartilage damage and older age group where there is higher likelihood of failure.

The aim was to evaluate the Intraobserver and Interobserver reliability of Pelvic Incidence as a fundamental parameter of sagittal spino-pelvic balance in patients with spondylolisthesis compared to controls with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.

A blinded test retest study including multi-surgeon assessment of Pelvic Incidence in patients with spondylolisthesis and Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis was carried out. We assessed the agreement between the pelvic incidence measurements using the Bland and Altman method and mean differences (95% confidence interval) are reported.

Forty patients seen at Starship Children’s Hospital between 1992 – 2003 by two spinal surgeons were retrospectively identified. The main group had 20 patients with spondylolisthesis (Isthmic and/or Dysplastic types) and the control group consisted of 20 patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis. Five observers with different levels of experience included the two orthopaedic surgeons, one fellow, one senior trainee and one non-trainee registrar. Prior to the initial test phase, a consensus-building session was carried out. All five observers arrived at a standardised method for measuring the Pelvic Incidence. In the test phase randomly ordered lateral lumbosacral radiographs were independently evaluated by the five observers and pelvic incidence was measured. Assessment of the Pelvic Incidence was repeated one week later in the re-test phase. The radiographs were presented in a randomly pre-assigned order. Bland and Altman plots were constructed and mean differences (95% confidence interval) reported to evaluate the agreement between the Pelvic Incidence measurements among the five independent observers. All analysis was performed on the statistical software package SAS. P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The spondylolisthesis group had 11 (55%) males and 9 (45%) females with an average age of 14 ± 4.2. 2 patients had high-grade (Meyerding Class III, IV, V) and 16 had low-grade (Meyerding Class I, II) spondylolisthesis. 2 patients were post-reduction of spondylolisthesis. In the Scoliosis group there were 2 (10%) males and 18 (90%) females with an average age of 15 ± 2.9. There was no significant difference between male and females pelvic incidence measurement (60° ± 18.7° vs. 57° ± 14.6°, p=0.540) or age (15 ± 2.9 vs. 14 ± 3.8, p=0.181). There was no difference in pelvic incidence across the Meyerding groups, p=0.257. There was a significant difference between spondylolisthesis and scoliosis pelvic incidence measurements 65° ± 15.6° vs. 51° ± 12.8°, p=0.003. In the Spondylolisthesis Group the interobserver reliability between five clinicians, expressed as the mean difference in pelvic incidence measurement was 0.6° (95%CI −0.81, 1.91) and was not significantly different from zero p=0.423. The agreement limits were from −12.8° to 13.9°. The intraobserver reliability of pelvic incidence showed the mean difference ranging from −2.1° to 1.4° (p=0.129 and 0.333 with 95% CI). One had marginal evidence of a significant difference of 3.3° (95% CI 0.05° to 6.55°, p=0.047). In the Scoliosis Group the interobserver reliability was 0.3° (95% CI −0.81, 1.49) and was not significantly different from zero p=0.726. The agreement limits were from −11.0° to 11.6°. The intraobserver reliability among four observers ranged from −1.7° to 0.5° (p=0.178 and 0.661). One had a significant difference in readings of 4.1° (95% CI of 0.70° to 7.40°, p= 0.020).

Scoliosis patients had a significantly smaller pelvic incidence than spondylolisthesis patients. The interobserver reliability of the pelvic incidence measurement was excellent across both groups. The intraobserver reliability was good with only one observer in each group demonstrating a marginally significant difference. Pelvic incidence is therefore a reliable measurement which can be used as a predictor in progression of spondylolisthesis.

Scoliosis is a common problem in cerebral palsy typified by rapid progression that often leads to large curve magnitudes even after skeletal maturity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between curve progression and disease severity in cerebral palsy according to the Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS).

This retrospective study reviewed 34 children with a known diagnosis of cerebral palsy who were scheduled for or have already had surgical stabilization for scoliosis. Two patients (6%) were classified as GMFCS level III, 13 (38%) as GMFCS level IV, and 19 (56%) as GMFCS level V. There were no patients in GMFCS levels I or II.

Between the more severely involved children in GMFCS levels IV and V, there were no significant differences in curve magnitude at first presentation (means, 41.4 and 45.3 degrees, respectively; p=O.72), peak curve progression (28.2 degrees – interval 1.5 years, 31.4 degrees – interval 1. 75 years, respectively; p=O.35), or age at onset of peak curve progression (12.2 and 11.2 years, respectively). When adjusted for age at presentation, however, there was some indication of a difference in initial curve magnitude between GMFCS levels IV and V (least squares means, 35.7 and 49.2 degrees, respectively; p=O.10). The small number of patients in GMFCS level III precluded statistical analysis.

In this study, the nature of scoliosis in cerebral palsy was found to be related to functional level. Once scoliosis has been diagnosed, children in the higher GMFCS levels have an increased risk of rapid and unpredictable curve progression.

The purpose of this study is to audit the early clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of hip arthroscopies performed by one surgeon.

Pre-operative WOMAC and Non Arthritic Hip scores were performed on the patients. All patients had MRI arthrograms. These were correlated with the clinical findings at the time of surgery. Postoperatively all complications were recorded and at one year post surgery the pre-operative scores were repeated.

There are 37 consecutive cases. 15 males and 22 females. Average age 39 years. 76% of cases were accident related. The average length of symptoms pre-operatively was 21 months. There were 2 false negative MRI arthrograms and one false positive. The surgical treatment included debridement of 18 labral tears and 10 labral tears associated with an articular cartilage defect. The average traction time was 39 minutes. The complications were minor and all have resolved.

There are many indications for hip arthroscopy however the outcomes of labral debridement are not clearly defined. This paper attempts to measure the success of arthroscopic labral debridement in a consecutive series of patients. The clinical symptoms and MRI arthrograms seem to have a good correlation with the arthroscopic findings. The short term results of this treatment are encouraging as is the low morbidity associated with the surgery itself.

This study was conducted to quantify the incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity and identify risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity following spinal surgery in children.

A retrospective review was conducted on 253 surgical spinal procedures performed over a 5 year period at Starship Children’s Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors.

Seventy eight (77.9%) percent of the study population developed gastrointestinal morbidity and this significantly prolonged the median post-operative hospital stay (8 days vs. 4 days; p< 0.0001). Emesis (50.6%), paralytic ileus (42.3%) and constipation (22.5%) were the most frequent gastrointestinal morbidities. Significant risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity were fusion surgery, co-morbidities and duration of post-operative opioid use.

The high incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity after paediatric spinal surgery and consequent prolonged hospital stay has clinical implications to both the patient and the institution. Awareness of those with significant risk factors identified by this study could assist in the timely implementation of appropriate treatment.

Non-operative treatment methods of idiopathic clubfoot have become increasingly accepted worldwide as the initial standard of care. The Ponseti method has become particularly popular due to published short and long term success rates in North America. The purpose of the current study was to examine the early rate of relapse in a New Zealand population and analyze patient characteristics for factors predictive of relapse.

Fifty-one consecutive babies with seventy-eight club-feet treated by the Ponseti technique were followed prospectively for a minimum of two years from the start of treatment. Recurrence, defined as the need for any operative intervention, was analyzed with respect to severity at presentation, timing of presentation, the number of casts needed to obtain correction, family history of clubfoot, ethnicity, and compliance with abduction bracing. Recurrence was subdivided into minor recurrences, defined as a tendon transfer or Achilles lengthening, and major recurrences, defined as a full posterior or posteromedial release.

Twenty patients (39%) had a recurrence. Eleven patients (22%) had a major recurrence and nine patients (17%) had a minor recurrence. Only three of twenty-five patients (12%) who were compliant with bracing had a major recurrence. Twenty-five of fifty-one patients (49%) were compliant with bracing. The greatest risk factor for recurrence was non compliance with abduction bracing, with an odds ration of 5 (p = 0.009). Although not quite statistically significant (p = .07), ethnicity was also related to recurrence, with Polynesian patients being three times less likely than white Europeans to recur. No statistically significant relationships were found between recurrence and severity at presentation, timing of presentation, the number of casts needed to obtain correction, or family history of clubfoot.

Compliance with abduction bracing is crucial to avoiding recurrence of clubfoot. The Polynesian club-foot seems more amenable to Ponseti technique and less likely to recur than the white European clubfoot. In those patients who are compliant, the Ponseti method is very effective at maintaining a correction, with minimal need for major surgery. However, even among the compliant patients, minor recurrences are common, and among the noncompliant patients, many major and minor recurrences should be expected.

The aim was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of reduction of closed forearm fractures in a paediatric population using Ketamine in the Emergency Department (ED) setting versus reduction under general anaesthesia (GA) in the operating theatre (OT).

A prospective audit of children presenting to our institution with closed fractures of the radius and/or ulna was conducted. Patients presenting to ED were offered manipulation under GA or Ketamine, and then grouped accordingly. Children were followed up until full range of motion had recovered. Outcomes measured at follow up were 1) need for remanipulation, 2) position at union, 3) total hospital stay and 4) functional outcome.

Forearm fractures account for 22% of acute paediatric orthopaedic admissions to our institution. 70% require manipulation and splintage. 221 forearm fractures required manipulation during the study period. 90 patients (41%) were manipulated under Ketamine in the ED, 131 patients (59%) were manipulated in the OT. There was no significant difference in mean angulation of fractures treated by either method (p=0.20). There was no significant difference between the two methods with respect to rates of remanipulation (p=0.73) or poor position at union (p=0.55). There was a significantly shorter hospital stay for those treated in the ED.

Treatment of paediatric forearm fractures in the ED under Ketamine sedation offers an effective alternative for selected fractures. It also offers considerable financial savings and is less of a drain on valuable theatre and staff resources.

Introduction and Aims: Children and adolescents with back pain are a challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. The differential diagnosis includes tumors and infection. The aim of this retrospective review was to determine the incidence amongst the study population and ascertain the clinical markers that could help clinicians to diagnose the underlying pathology.

Method: A clinical records database search identified a cohort of 59 consecutive patients referred to one of two paediatric spinal surgeons with the diagnosis of back pain between January 2000 and July 2003. The record analysis included chart review, radiographic analysis and clinical follow-up at the Starship Children’s Hospital. Patients were excluded from the study if they were referred with a known cause of back pain, had previous spinal surgery or a cervical distribution of pain.

Results: New back pain referrals represented 1.7% of all new referrals to this tertiary level orthopaedic department. There were 59 patients with 32 (54%) females and 27 (46%) males. The average age at presentation was 12 years and the average duration of symptoms was 15.5 months. The most common site of pain was lumbosacral (61%). All patients had plain radiograph studies performed, 28 (47.5%) a bone scan, nine (15%) a CT scan and 15 (25.5%) an MRI. In addition, 21 patients (35.5%) had laboratory investigations including a FBC, ESR and c-reactive protein.

Thirty-four patients representing 58% of the study group had a definitive dignosis made. Fourteen patients (24%) had Scheuerman’s disease, seven (12%) were dignosed with spondylolisthesis and five (8.5%) had a painful scoliosis. Only one patient had osteomyelitis. We did not identify any patients with a tumor.

Patients older than 10 years were almost twice as likely to have a positive diagnosis than those under 10 years of age. There was no single reliable clinical sign or symptom that would help make the diagnosis. Significant haematological abnormalities were only found in one patient who was diagnosed with sacral osteomyelitis. Plain radiographs alone provided the diagnosis in 14 (23.5%) patients. Bone scan, CT and MRI were of variable diagnostic value.

Conclusion: Back pain in children has traditionally been regarded serious enough to warrant comprehensive investigation. We have found a definitive diagnosis in only 58% of patients despite thorough clinical assessment, and haematological and radiological evaluation. Clinicians must remain vigilant for any clues that may help lead to a diagnosis in this group of patients.

Introduction This is an outcome study of the patients with spina bifida treated for scoliosis by anterior and posterior spinal surgery by a single surgeon at one institution.

Method The clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed of all spina bifida patients with scoliosis undergoing surgery between January 1991 and January 2001. In addition all patients were sent the Spina Bifida Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQOL) and the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire (SBSQ).

Results There were 19 consecutive patients with an average age at surgery of 13 years 5 months (range). The average neurologic level was T10 (range). 14 patients had staged procedures. At latest follow-up which averaged 60 months (range), there was an overall improvement in scoliosis of 61% from a mean of 83 degrees preoperatively to a mean of 34 degrees postoperatively. There was a corresponding 70% improvement in pelvic obliquity from 27 degrees preoperatively to 8 degrees postoperatively. At latest follow-up which averaged 60 months (range). The major complications included 4 deep infections and 2 pseudarthroses. The deep infections occurred in older patients with more severe curves and were always staged procedures. The patients scored an average of 68.8 on the SBSQ (what does this mean?). The average score on the HRQOL questionnaire for patients 5–12 year old was 178 and 163 for 13–20 year olds.

Discussion There are good radiological results with combined anterior/posterior surgery in this group of spina bifida patients. The outcome scores show that this group of patients enjoy a good quality of life when compared to control groups of similar children with the same condition. An early single stage anterior and posterior spinal fusion is recommended for these patients before the scoliotic curve becomes too large and stiff.

Introduction This study was conducted to quantify the incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity and identify risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity following spinal surgery in children.

Method A retrospective review was conducted on 253 surgical spinal procedures performed over a 5 year period at Starship Children’s Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors. Co-morbidity included co-existing cardiac, respiratory, genitorurinary or central nervous system problems, or delayed development.

Results Seventy eight (77.9%) percent of the study population developed gastrointestinal morbidity and this significantly prolonged the median post-operative hospital stay (8 days vs.4 days; p< 0.0001). Emesis (50.6%), paralytic ileus (42.3%) and constipation (22.5%) were the most frequent gastrointestinal morbidities. Significant risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity were fusion surgery (p< 0.01), co-morbidities (p-value) and duration of post-operative opioid use (p-value).

Discussion There is a high incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity after paediatric spinal surgery. The consequent prolonged hospital stay has clinical implications to both the patient and the institution. We have further identified risk factors for developing gastrointestinal morbidity, of which the duration of post-operative opioid use is modifiable. Awareness of those with the other significant risk factors identified by this study could assist in the timely implementation of appropriate treatment.