Olecranon fractures are common injuries representing roughly 5% of pediatric elbow fractures. The traditional surgical management is open reduction and internal fixation with a tension band technique where the pins are buried under the skin and tamped into the triceps. We have used a modification of this technique, where the pins have been left out of the skin to be removed in clinic. The purpose of the current study is to compare the outcomes of surgically treated olecranon fractures using a tension-band technique with buried k-wires (PINS IN) versus percutaneous k-wires (PINS OUT).

We performed a retrospective chart review on all pediatric patients (18 years of age or less) with olecranon fractures that were surgically treated at a pediatric academic center between 2015 to present. Fractures were identified using ICD-10 codes and manually identified for those with an isolated olecranon fracture. Patients were excluded if they had polytrauma, metabolic bone disease, were treated non-op or if a non-tension band technique was used (ex: plate/screws). Patients were then divided into 2 groups, olecranon fractures using a tension-band technique with buried k-wires (PINS IN) and with percutaneous k-wires (PINS OUT). In the PINS OUT group, the k-wires were removed in clinic at the surgeon's discretion once adequate fracture healing was identified. The 2 groups were then compared for demographics, time to mobilization, fracture healing, complications and return to OR.

A total of 35 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 28 patients in the PINS IN group with an average age of 12.8 years, of which 82% male and 43% fractured their right olecranon. There were 7 patients in the PINS OUT group with an average age of 12.6 years, of which 57% were male and 43% fractured their right olecranon. All patients in both groups were treated with open reduction internal fixation with a tension band-technique. In the PINS IN group, 64% were treated with 2.0 k-wires and various materials for the tension band (82% suture, 18% cerclage wire). In the PINS OUT group, 71% were treated with 2.0 k-wires and all were treated with sutures for the tension band. The PINS IN group were faster to mobilize (3.4 weeks (range 2-5 weeks) vs 5 weeks (range 4-7 weeks) p=0.01) but had a significantly higher complications rate compared to the PINS OUT group (6 vs 0, p =0.0001) and a significantly higher return to OR (71% vs 0%, p=0.0001), mainly for hardware irritation or limited range of motion. All fractures healed in both groups within 7 weeks.

Pediatric olecranon fractures treated with a suture tension-band technique and k-wires left percutaneously is a safe and alternative technique compared to the traditional buried k-wires technique. The PINS OUT technique, although needing longer immobilization, could lead to less complications and decreased return to the OR due to irritation and limited ROM.

Rapid discharge pathways (RDP) have been implemented throughout most areas of orthopaedics. The primary goal of these pathways is to standardize the post-surgical hospital course for patients in order to decrease hospital length-of-stay (LOS). Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains one of the most invasive pediatric orthopaedic procedure and is routinely associated with a prolonged hospital stay. The implementation of RDPs following surgery for AIS has shown to be successful; however, all of these studies have been conducted within the United States and it has been shown previously that there exists major differences in hospital LOS and in post-operative complications between Canada and the United States. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if the implementation of a RDP at a single children's tertiary-referral centre in Canada could decrease hospital LOS without increasing post-operative complications.

A retrospective chart review was completed for all patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF) between March 1st, 2010 and February 28th, 2019, with date of implementation being March 1st, 2015. Patient pre-operative, operative, and post-operative information was collected from the charts along with the primary outcome variables: LOS, wound complication, 30-day return to the OR, 30-day emergency department admission, and 30-day hospital readmission. An interrupted time series analysis with a robust linear regression model was utilized to assess for any differences in outcomes following implementation of the RDP. Ninety days before and after the implementation of the RDP was not included in this analysis due to variances in practice that were occurring at this time.

A total of 244 participants were identified, with 113 patients in the conventional pathway and 131 patients in the RDP cohort. No significant differences in pre-operative or operative characteristics existed between the groups, except for the RDP group having approximately a 50 larger pre-operative curve and the conventional pathway having on average 200mL greater intra-operative blood loss (p<0.05). Hospital LOS was found to be significantly shorter in the RDP group, with the median LOS being 5.2 [95% IQR 4.3–6.1] days in the conventional group and 3.4 [95% IQR 3.3–3.5] days in the RDP group (p<0.05). Patients in the RDP group were also found to stand 0.9 days earlier, walk 1.1 days earlier, their Foley catheter was discontinued 0.5 days earlier and their personal controlled analgesia was discontinued 12 hours sooner (p<0.05). There were no differences in post-operative complications between the two groups (p>0.05).

This study demonstrates that implementing a RDP following PSIF for AIS can successfully decrease hospital LOS without increasing post-operative complications in a single payer universal healthcare system. The associated decrease in LOS could correlate with decreasing costs for both the healthcare system and for the patient's family.

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is defined as adjacent segment kyphosis >10° between the upper instrumented vertebrae and the vertebrae 2 levels above following scoliosis surgery. There are few studies investigating the predictors and clinical sequelae involved with this relatively common complication. Our purpose was to determine the radiographic predictors of post-op PJK and to examine the association between PJK and pain/HRQOL following surgery for AIS.

The Post-Operative Recovery after Scoliosis Correction: Home Experience (PORSCHE) study was a prospective multicenter cohort of AIS patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Pre-op and minimum 2 year f/u scoliosis and sagittal spinopelvic parameters (thoracic kyphosis–TK, lordosis–LL, pelvic tilt-PT, sacral slope-SS, pelvic incidence-PI) were measured and compared to numeric rating scale for pain (NRS) score, SRS-30 HRQOL and to the presence or absence of PJK (proximal junctional angle >100). Continuous and categorical variables were assessed using logistic regression and binomial variables were compared to binomial outcomes using chi-square.

163 (137 females) patients from 8 Canadian centers met inclusion criteria. At final f/u, PJK was present in 27 patients (17%). Pre-op means for PJK vs No PJK: Age 14.1 vs 14.7yr; females 85 vs 86%; scoliosis 57±22 vs 62±15deg; TK 28±18 vs 19±16deg ∗, LL 62±11 vs 60±12deg, PT 8±12 vs 10±10deg, SS 39±8 vs 41±9deg, PI 47±14 vs 52±13deg, SVA −9±30 vs −7±31mm. Final f/u for PJK vs No PJK: Scoliosis 20±11 vs 18±8deg, final TK 26±12 vs 19±10deg∗, LL 60±11 vs 57±12deg, PT 9±12 vs 12±13deg, SS 39±9 vs 41±9deg, PI 48±17 vs 52±14deg, SVA −23±26 vs −9±32mm∗. Significant findings: Pre-op kyphosis >40deg has an odds ratio (OR) of 4.41 (1.50–12.92) for developing PJK∗. The presence of PJK was not associated with any significant differences in NRS or SRS-30. ∗denotes p<0.05.

This prospective multicenter cohort of AIS patients demonstrated a 17% risk of developing PJK. Pre-op thoracic kyphosis >40deg was associated with the development of PJK; however, the presence of PJK was not associated with increased pain or decreased HRQOL.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of adults with spina bifida cystica (SBC) who had been treated either operatively or non-operatively for scoliosis during childhood.

We reviewed 45 patients with a SBC scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥ 50º) who had been treated at one of two children’s hospitals between 1991 and 2007. Of these, 34 (75.6%) had been treated operatively and 11 (24.4%) non-operatively. After a mean follow-up of 14.1 years (standard deviation (sd) 4.3) clinical, radiological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes were evaluated using the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire (SBSQ) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Although patients in the two groups were demographically similar, those who had undergone surgery had a larger mean Cobb angle (88.0º (sd 20.5; 50.0 to 122.0); versus 65.7º (sd 22.0; 51.0 to 115.0); p < 0.01) and a larger mean clavicle–rib intersection difference (12.3 mm; (sd 8.5; 1 to 37); versus 4.1 mm, (sd 5.9; 0 to 16); p = 0.01) than those treated non-operatively. Both groups were statistically similar at follow-up with respect to walking capacity, neurological motor level, sitting balance and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.

Spinal fusion in SBC scoliosis corrects coronal deformity and stops progression of the curve but has no clear effect on HRQOL.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1244–51

Introduction

Trends in hallux valgus surgery continue to evolve. Basal metatarsal osteotomy theoretically provides the greatest correction, but is under-represented in the literature. This paper reports our early experience with a plate-fixed, opening- wedge basal osteotomy, combined with a new form of distal soft tissue correction (in preference to Akin phalangeal osteotomy).

Lag screw fixation with plate osteosynthesis is the usual recommendation for oblique non-comminuted lateral malleolus fractures. Lag screw fixation may sometimes pose varying difficulties depending on the orientation of the fracture and in osteoporotic bones where the process may cause disintegration of the bone.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether additional lag screw fixation with plate osteosynthesis offered any advantage over plate only fixation in non-comminuted oblique fractures of the lateral malleolus. A simple method of fixation was employed where the fracture was reduced and held temporarily with a K wire. After fixation with plate the K wire was removed. A total of 20 patients who had non-comminuted unstable oblique fractures of their lateral malleolus that had been surgically fixed plate only fixation were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were aged between 17 and 70 yrs. Evaluation of the success of fixation, complications, resultant mobility and patient satisfaction was based on information gathered from X-ray findings and clinic notes. These results were compared to an agematched group of 20 consecutive patients treated with lag screw fixation and plate osteosynthesis. There was no significant difference in the rate of or functional outcomes in either groups. Lag screw fixation offers no additional advantage when combined with plate synthesis of non-comminuted oblique lateral malleolus fractures.

Background: Local blocks, as the sole means of anaesthesia, in forefoot surgery have previously been described. This technique is not widely practised in the UK but we have routinely used such blocks for many years. Our aim was to assess how well patients tolerated this technique.

Methods: 64 consecutive day cases of fore-foot surgery were recruited prospectively for local anaesthetic block. A range of operations were performed including basal osteotomy of 1st metatarsal and MTPJ arthrodesis. No patients declined to be included. Peripheral nerve blockade was performed by the orthopaedic surgeon or his registrar. Efficacy of block was assessed intra-operatively with a visual analogue score (VAS) of 0 to 10 (10 being worst pain imaginable and 0 being no pain). Overall satisfaction with the anaesthetic procedure was assessed on a 5 point scale (from 1 = very unsatisfied to 5 = very satisfied) at 2 weeks.

Results: Average time to perform the block was 6 minutes (range 3 to 12 mins). Mean VAS for knife to skin was 0.38 (95% confidence ± 0.31) and for ankle tourniquet was 1.44 (95% confidence ± 0.51). At follow up mean satisfaction at 2 weeks was 4.2 out of 5 (95% confidence ± 0.30) with only 9 patients lost to follow up (86% of patients followed up). No complications were reported.

Conclusion: Our experience is that these blocks are quick and easy to perform in the hands of orthopaedic surgeons. They are well tolerated and effective. They result in a considerable cost saving in terms of theatre efficiency and anaesthetist and ODP resources. These savings are still being evaluated.

Purpose: To evaluate retrospectively the functional and radiographic outcome of patients who had a thumb trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthrodesis using a T-plate, chevron bone cuts and autologous punch graft harvested from ipsilateral distal radius.

Material and Methods: Between 2001 and 2006, 32 trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint fusions were performed in 24 patients using the above technique. The study group comprised of 16 females and 8 males with average age 52 years (range 42–62 years). Average follow-up was 14.8 months (range 14–60 months). Indications for surgery were: failure of conservative treatment; severe pain; and diminished thumb function hampering everyday life. All patients had radiological evidence of advanced TM joint arthritis (Eaton and Littler grade II to III).

In all cases, chevron bone cuts have been used. The fixation has progressed from K-wires, through single and double lag screws, tension-band wire, to an AO mini T-plate which is the present technique. With the K-wire, or simple screw methods, the failure rates were up to 50%, leading to many revision operations. Bone graft is used; in first 15 cases this was ‘Allomatrix’ but we now use local bone from the distal radius, taken with an AO tap guide used as a trephine.

Functional outcomes were assessed using Quick DASH score, and Gartland and Werley score. There was also a radiographic review. The grip and pinch strength were compared with the contralateral side. We also looked at the progression of disease at scaphotrapezial joint after the fusion of TM joint.

Results: Patient-rated outcome scores indicated very good pain relief with preservation of grip and pinch strength. There were 2 cases (7%) of non-union which required revision surgery and were probably due to poor screw placement in the trapezium. In 8 patients (25%), pain related to prominent metalwork required plate removal. In no case was there x-ray or symptomatic progression of the disease at scaphotrapezial joint. Clinically, 75% rated good, 15% fair, and 10% poor results.

Conclusion: The present form of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis is reproducible and offers an excellent alternative to trapeziectomy especially in younger patients.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Purpose: To evaluate retrospectively the functional and radiographic outcome of patients who had a thumb trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthrodesis using a T-plate, chevron bone cuts and autologous punch graft harvested from ipsilateral distal radius.

Material and Methods: Between 2001 and 2006, 32 trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint fusions were performed in 24 patients using the above technique. The study group comprised of 16 females and 8 males with average age 52 years (range 42–62 years). Average follow-up was 14.8 months (range 14–60 months). Indications for surgery were: failure of conservative treatment; severe pain; and diminished thumb function hampering everyday life. All patients had radiological evidence of advanced TM joint arthritis (Eaton and Littler grade II to III).

In all cases, chevron bone cuts have been used. The fixation has progressed from K-wires, through single and double lag screws, tension-band wire, to an AO mini T-plate which is the present technique. With the K-wire, or simple screw methods, the failure rates were up to 50%, leading to many revision operations. Bone graft is used; in first 15 cases this was ‘Allomatrix’ but we now use local bone from the distal radius, taken with an AO tap guide used as a trephine.

Functional outcomes were assessed using Quick DASH score, and Gartland and Werley score. There was also a radiographic review. The grip and pinch strength were compared with the contralateral side. We also looked at the progression of disease at scaphotrapezial joint after the fusion of TM joint.

Results: Patient-rated outcome scores indicated very good pain relief with preservation of grip and pinch strength. There were 2 cases (7%) of non-union which required revision surgery and were probably due to poor screw placement in the trapezium. In 8 patients (25%), pain related to prominent metalwork required plate removal. In no case was there x-ray or symptomatic progression of the disease at scaphotrapezial joint. Clinically, 75% rated good, 15% fair, and 10% poor results.

Conclusion: The present form of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis is reproducible and offers an excellent alternative to trapeziectomy especially in younger patients.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Shoulder Instability impacts on the ability of military personnel to fulfil their operational role and maintain sporting competence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Arthrogram (MRA) are increasingly available as diagnostic adjuncts. We analysed MR reports from personnel undergoing stabilisation, correlating clinical diagnosis with operative findings and reviewed the literature in order to recommend improvements.

This was a retrospective, consecutive case note analysis of 106 personnel undergoing open anterior capsulolabral reconstruction (ACLR) by a single surgeon.

70 patients had MR (48 MRA, 22 MRI). Commonly reported pathology included Hill Sachs Lesions (41%), Soft tissue (59%) and bony Bankart lesions (16%), capsular laxity (20 %), supraspinatus lesion (20%), ACJ disease (13%) and SLAP tear (12%). The sensitivity of MR for identification of labral lesions was 82% with a specificity of 86%. For bony glenoid lesions, sensitivity was 63% and specificity 94%. Disparity between report and operative findings occurred mainly in standard MRI. Patients with lesions unrelated to instability achieved a pain free functioning shoulder following stabilisation. 100% of patients referred for ACLR with clinical evidence of instability without MR had positive pre-operative and operative correlation with instability. In 5 cases, the original equivocal MRI was repeated by MRA due to clinical suspicion of instability. In all cases the repeat MRA correlated with pre-operative and operative findings of instability. In 5 cases with equivocal clinical findings, MRA provided confirmation of instability. Delay in referral due to scanning and follow up ranged from 0–15 weeks.

The diagnosis of those instigating referral is accurate. Reporting of MR is open to variation and has cost implications. MRA performed by a radiologist with a musculoskeletal specialist interest is recommended on an individual basis only and routine use of non-arthrographic studies should be discontinued. This will improve the efficiency of the fast track pathway.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare medical complication of scoliosis surgery. In order to delineate the clinical features, progression and treatment of duodenal obstruction due to SMA syndrome after spinal fusions and to determine the relationship between spinal deformity correction and SMA syndrome, a retrospective study of all patients developing SMA syndrome following spinal fusion was conducted at a tertiary care center.

Charts were reviewed for symptoms of SMA syndrome, type and magnitude of spinal deformity, age at surgery, radiographic correction, complications, and other medical problems. The information gathered was divided according to non-orthopaedic and orthopaedic parameters.

All patients (five female and three male) in this study had spinal fusions performed. Overall, the patients were skeletally mature with a Risser stage average of 3.6. The average correction in the coronal plane was 28.4% in the thoracic spine and 44.6% in the lumbar spine. Sagittal correction averaged 25.9 % and 27% in the thoracic and lumbar spines respectively.. BMI index average was 17.6 (i.e. under-weight individuals). Signs and symptoms of SMA syndrome such as nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, bloating, and weight loss developed at an average of 11.6 days. Seven patients were managed conservatively, and only one patient required surgery. All patients recovered fully.

This study identified purely asthenic body habitus (low BMI) and significant coronal correction in the lumbar region as risk factors for the development of SMA syndrome after spinal fusion Prolonged nausea and vomiting after spinal fusion requires GI imaging to rule out SMA syndrome, particularly within the first seven-ten days of surgery. Clinicians should also be aware of the possible delayed onset of symptoms in some patients. Nutritional support should be started immediately to prevent further adverse outcomes.

Hip fractures are a major challenge and impose high demand on orthopaedic services.

DHS has been proved to be a gold standard method of treatment in uncomplicated extracapsular fractures. The introduction of Intramedullary devices has provided us with a wider choice of construct. Since there was conflicting literature evidence comparing the outcomes of DHS and IMHS, we set out to analyse the same in our practice.

Forty patients in each group operated in the year 2000, comparable in fracture pattern, age and sex distribution were studied. The operating time, fluoroscopic exposure, blood loss, complications (Intra-op, Post-op and Deaths), duration of hospital stay and the discharge destinations were studied from the clinical notes and Hospital information system. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for all the available data.

Statistically, the DHS has a lesser duration of surgery, lower fluoroscopic exposure and lesser duration of hospital stay. However, clinically it appears that the IMHS is fraught with more complications.

Subtrochanteric femoral fractures are uncommon in children, consequently there are no good treatment guidelines in the literature. This series reviewed all subtrochanteric femur fractures in skeletally immature adolescents older than ten years treated at a pediatric trauma center. There were fifteen adolescents with open growth plates. Treatment was non-operative in four and operative in eleven. Each of the adolescents treated non-operatively developed an unsatisfactory result, while eight of the eleven who were treated operatively experienced a satisfactory result. These results suggest improved outcome with operative treatment in this patient population.

It was the purpose of this study to describe treatment options and make recommendations for management of subtrochanteric femur fractures among skeletally immature adolescents older than ten years of age.

This series consisted of a retrospective review of all cases of subtrochanteric fractures in adolescents with open growth plates. The outcome was classified on the basis of radiographic criteria.

There were fifteen adolescents with an average age of thirteen years and one month. The average length of follow-up was two years and nine months. Treatment was non-operative in four and operative in eleven, utilizing a variety of fixation devices. There was fracture union in each case, although there was one delayed union. Complications included limb length discrepancy in three, each of which were treated non-operatively, one transient peroneal nerve palsy and asymptomatic heterotopic ossification. One adolescent, treated with a rigid intramedullary rod, developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The result was unsatisfactory in each of the non-operative cases, while eight of the eleven treated operatively developed satisfactory results.

Children less than ten years of age may be treated non-operatively. However, in skeletally immature adolescents, operative treatment resulted in improved outcomes. Rigid intramedullary fixation is contraindicated in skeletally immature adolescents due to the risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

This series is the first to emphasize treatment and make management recommendations regarding subtrochanteric fractures in this age group.

Internal fixation is more effective than non-operative treatment for subtrochanteric femur fractures in skeletally immature adolescents, however the ideal method of fixation requires further study.

In order to determine the effectiveness of part-time bracing in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) a retrospective review of thirty-four patients treated with a Charleston bending brace for JIS was undertaken. The patients were analyzed in three groups including:

success;

Of twenty-three patients meeting the inclusion criteria, nine achieved success, seven progressed, and seven required surgery. Success correlated with best in brace correction radiograph but not with initial curve magnitude. Part-time bracing is as successful as full-time bracing in JIS and better than the natural history.

In order to determine the effectiveness of part-time bracing in JIS, a retrospective review of thirty-four patients treated with a Charleston bending brace for JIS was undertaken.

Twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria which included: curves greater than twenty degrees at initiation of bracing, Risser zero, bracewear more than twelve months, completion of the bracing program and Risser greater than or equal to four at final follow-up. Patients were analyzed in three groups, including

success (progression less than five degrees or less);

There were seven boys and sixteen girls with thirty-seven curves analyzed. Age at referral averaged 8.3 years. Average curve at time of bracing was thiry degrees. Length of bracing averaged 4.2 years with follow-up averaging 6.2 years. Nine patients met the criteria for success with seven patients progressing and seven patients requiring surgery. Of all curves, nineteen (51%) were successfully managed in the brace. Magnitude of curvature at initiation of bracing was not related to ultimate success, whereas success did correlate with higher best in brace correction radiographs.

Part-time bracing offers potential psychosocial and compliance benefits considering the length of treatment necessary in patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. Although previous bracing studies have included some JIS patients, no authors have dealt specifically with the part-time bracing for JIS.

Part-time bracing is as successful as full-time bracing in JIS and better than the natural history.

Introduction and Aim: In 1995, sterile maggots (blow fly larvae) became available commercially for the first time since the mid-1930s. We have used them in managing ‘problem wounds’ in an orthopaedic unit. We have re-assessed the value of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) in present-day orthopaedics.

Method and Results: To date 95 patients have been treated. (Average age 62; range 16–91). Eighty-five percent of cases involved the lower limb. The remainder were upper limb, apart from one spinal lesion and one sacral sore. Twenty percent of patients had diabetes; six amputation stumps were treated. In 60% of cases a single application was used, the larvae being left in-situ for three to five days. Some wounds required up to three applications. The dressing technique is easily learnt and is ideal for outpatient clinics. The most appropriate wounds are those with a wide opening, extensive slough, and natural drainage. The greatest benefit follows infection with gram-positive cocci, and anaerobes. In eight cases, MRSA infection was cured or controlled.

Larvae provide optimal wound healing conditions, by literally eating pus and bacteria, and also by stimulating granulation tissue to form. However, they cannot produce wound healing if a major sequestrum or implant is present. In general, patient acceptance was good, but five patients requested early removal of maggots. Since 2001, the maggots have been available in sachet form (the so-called ‘Bio-bag’) and this packaged application has made the treatment more readily acceptable, and easier.

Overall we judged that MDT had produced healing or improvement in 80% of infected wounds. Unusual wounds, such as animal bites, a sea -urchin lesion, and infected gout produced some of the most striking cures.

Conclusion: Maggot therapy uniquely minimises both the need for surgical debridement and antibiotics. We therefore recommend its continued use.

To determine the effect of cordotomy on the function of the bladder during surgical correction of congenital kyphosis in myelomeningocele, we reviewed 13 patients who had this procedure between 1981 and 1996.

The mean age of the patients at operation was 8.9 years (3.7 to 16) and the mean follow-up was 4.8 years (1.3 to 10.8). Bladder function before and after operation was assessed clinically and quantitatively by urodynamics.

The mean preoperative kyphosis was 117° (52 to 175) and decreased to 49° (1 to 89) immediately after surgery. At the latest follow-up, a mean correction of 52% had been achieved.

Only one patient showed deterioration in bladder function after operation. Eight out of the nine patients who had urodynamic assessment had improvement in bladder capacity and compliance, and five showed an increase in urethral pressure. One patient developed a spastic bladder and required subsequent surgical intervention.

Cordotomy, at or below the level of the kyphosis, allows excellent correction of the structural deformity.

We investigated the pathogenesis of soft-tissue contracture in club foot, using immunohistochemistry to study 41 biopsy specimens and 12 normal deltoid ligaments from cadavers. Five biopsy specimens were studied by electron microscopy (EM) to determine the presence of myofibroblasts.

All 41 specimens of club foot stained positively for vimentin as against only one of the 12 control specimens. By contrast, there was no difference in staining for desmin or α-smooth muscle actin. EM showed some variability in the appearance of ligamentous cells. Most contained bundles of microfilaments in the cytoplasm and many had abundant pinocytotic vesicles, but no basal lamina or plasmalemmal attachment plaques.

Cells of the medial ligamentous tissue in patients with club foot contain vimentin and others have myofibroblastic characteristics. Both features may contribute to recurrence after soft-tissue release.

We studied prospectively 81 consecutive patients undergoing hip surgery using the Hardinge (1982) approach. The abductor muscles of the hip in these patients were assessed electrophysiologically and clinically by the modified Trendelenburg test. Power was measured using a force plate. We performed assessment at two weeks, and at three and nine months after operation.

At two weeks we found that 19 patients (23%) showed evidence of damage to the superior gluteal nerve. By three months, five of these had recovered. The nine patients with complete denervation at three months showed no signs of recovery when reassessed at nine months. Persistent damage to the nerve was associated with a positive Trendelenburg test.

Seat-belt fractures of the lumbar spine in adolescents and adults are well recognised but there are few reports of these injuries in young children. We reviewed all seat-belt injuries in skeletally immature patients (Risser 0), seen at a tertiary referral centre between 1974 and 1991. There were ten cases, eight girls and two boys, with an average age of 7.5 years (3 to 13). Four distinct patterns of injury were observed, most commonly at the L2 to L4 level. Paraplegia, which is thought to be uncommon, occurred in three of our ten cases. Four children had intra-abdominal injuries requiring laparotomy. There was a delay in diagnosis either of the spinal or of the intra-abdominal injury in five cases, although all had contusion of the abdominal wall, the 'seat-belt sign'. Treatment of the fractures was conservative, by bed rest and then hyperextension casts. The incidence of this potentially devastating injury can be reduced by the optimal use of restraints, but there is often a delay in diagnosis. Our classification system may aid in the early detection and evaluation of this injury.

A programme for early mobilisation using a temporary prosthesis was evaluated in 17 children who had had an amputation above the knee for sarcomata. The temporary prosthesis had a performed adjustable polypropylene quadrilateral socket which was able to accommodate changes in the size of the stump during the first few months after amputation. The adjustable sockets were assembled onto wooden knee-shank-foot units or onto modular components covered with foam. The wooden units were better for routine use as more adjustment was possible between the socket and the knee and because they were more durable in active children. Prosthetic fitting usually took one hour and was carried out 10 days after the amputation to coincide with the start of the chemotherapy programme. The prosthesis was cosmetically acceptable, easy to use and provided a simple and economical way of rehabilitating the amputees and restoring their morale. After two to three months a new prosthesis with a laminated socket suspended by a waistband was supplied. The skin tolerated the closer fit of this socket and the small fluctuations in the size of the stump that occurred with each course of chemotherapy were easily accommodated by varying the thickness of the stump sock. A self-suspending laminated socket was provided after completion of the chemotherapy. The permanent sockets were assembled onto wooden components but the girls usually preferred the modular system covered with foam. The chemotherapy and rehabilitation programmes were successfully co-ordinated so that the children spent as little time as possible away from their normal activities.