We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to evaluate the extent of periprosthetic bone remodelling around a prosthesis for distal femoral reconstruction, the Kotz modular femoral tibial replacement (KMFTR; Howmedica, Rutherford, New Jersey). A total of 23 patients was entered into the study which had four parts: 1) 17 patients were scanned three times on both the implant and contralateral legs to determine whether the precision of DEXA measurements was adequate to estimate bone loss surrounding the anchorage piece of the KMFTR; 2) in 23 patients the bone mineral density (BMD) in different regions of interest surrounding the diaphyseal anchorage was compared with that of the contralateral femur at the same location to test whether there was consistent evidence of loss of BMD adjacent to the prosthetic stem; 3) in 12 patients sequential studies were performed about one year apart to compare bone loss; and 4) bone loss was compared in ten patients with implants fixed by three screws and in 13 without screws.

The mean coefficients of variation (SD/mean) for the 17 sets of repeated scans ranged from 2.9% to 7.8% at different regions of interest in the KMFTR leg and from 1.4% to 2.5% in the contralateral leg. BMD was decreased in the KMFTR leg relative to the contralateral limb and the percentage of BMD loss in general increased as the region of interest moved distally in the femur. Studies done after one year showed no consistent pattern of progressive bone loss between the two measurements. The ten patients with implants fixed by screws were found to have a mean loss of BMD of 42% in the most distal part of the femur, while the 13 without screw fixation had a mean loss of 11%.

DEXA was shown to have adequate precision to evaluate loss of BMD around the KMFTR. This was evident relative to the contralateral leg in all patients and generally increased in the most distal part of the femur. In general, it stabilised between two measurements taken one year apart and was greater surrounding implants fixed by cross-locking screws.

We report the results of medial physeal stapling in 16 knees with primary genu valgum and 27 with secondary genu valgum. In the primary group, stapling was undertaken at a mean chronological age of 12 years in girls and 13 years in boys. The medial femoral physis was stapled in ten knees and the medial femoral and tibial physes in six knees. At skeletal maturity, all patients had excellent or good leg alignment. Secondary genu valgum is due to skeletal dysplasia, haematological or endocrine disorders, or to juvenile chronic arthritis. Stapling was at a mean chronological age of 11 years in girls and 14 years in boys. The medial femoral physis was stapled in 13 knees, the medial tibial physis in three and both in 11 knees. At skeletal maturity, 85% had excellent or good leg alignment, and correction had occurred within one year. Two of the poor results were due to staple extrusion from osteoporotic bone, and two to overcorrection. Rebound growth was minimal and unpredictable after the removal of staples. Medial physeal stapling is a suitable method of treatment for both primary and secondary genu valgum in late childhood and in adolescence. At least one year of knee growth is required to achieve correction, and care is needed to avoid overcorrection of the secondary genu valgum.

We have developed a clinical method for the graphic recording, analysis and planning of treatment of leg-length discrepancy during growth. Initially, the clinically determined discrepancy is plotted against the chronological age yearly, and then in late childhood at six-monthly intervals. CT and measurements of skeletal age are made in middle and late childhood to confirm the clinical findings. In a prospective study in 20 children, we observed that only eight had a linear increase in discrepancy. The observed pattern of increase was therefore used to estimate the mature discrepancy. Epiphyseodesis reference slopes were used to determine the most appropriate time and type of epiphyseodesis. In all children, the leg-length discrepancy at maturity was within 1 cm of the predicted amount. Changes in discrepancy due to leg lengthening or correction of deformity were also plotted graphically. We conclude that the clinical graphic method is simple to use, takes into account the varying patterns of discrepancy, and minimises radiation dosage.

We describe the results of treatment of open fractures of the humerus, radius and ulna in 61 children. Most were due to low-energy trauma and were rarely associated with head or other injuries; 72% were Gustilo type I, 15% type II and 13% type III. Fifteen children (25%) had open diaphyseal, supracondylar or T-shaped fractures of the humerus. Arterial injuries occurred in two (13%) and nerve injuries in 7 (47%). All nerve injuries recovered spontaneously. The long-term results in 13 children were excellent or good in 11 (85%) and fair in two (15%). Forty-six children (75%) had open forearm fractures. Arterial injuries occurred in one (2%), nerve injuries in five (11%) and a compartment syndrome in five (11%). Ruptured radial and ulnar arteries and median and ulnar nerves were repaired in one child. All other nerve injuries resolved spontaneously. Early compartment release in five children prevented Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. Normal union occurred in only 36 children (78%). Delayed union, nonunion, malunion and refracture frequently complicated type-II and type-III fractures of the shafts of the radius and ulna. The long-term results in 38 children were excellent or good in 33 (87%), fair in 4 (11%) and poor in one (2%). The short-term results for open fractures of the humerus were better than for open fractures of the forearm, but the long-term results were similar being excellent or good in 86% of the children.

We studied the long-term results of the Miller operation at a mean age of 13 years in 22 patients (38 feet) with persistently symptomatic mobile flat feet associated with an isolated naviculocuneiform break. At a mean of 12 years (3 to 27) after surgery, 84% of the feet had a satisfactory clinical result. We conclude that the Miller operation is a useful procedure for adolescent patients with persistently symptomatic flat feet with an isolated break at the naviculocuneiform joint.

Over a nine-year period, 20 feet with persistently symptomatic talocalcaneal coalition were treated by resection of the bar. The 17 patients were all under 16 years of age. Excellent or good long-term results were achieved in the ten feet in which preoperative coronal CT had shown that the area of coalition measured 50% or less of the area of the posterior facet of the calcaneum. In these feet heel valgus was less than 16 degrees and there were no radiographic signs of arthritis of the posterior talocalcaneal joint. Talar beaking was present in 70% of these feet but it did not impair the clinical result. Fair or poor results were observed in the ten feet in which preoperative CT had shown the area of relative coalition to be greater than 50%. In these feet, heel valgus was greater than 16 degrees and most had narrowing of the posterior talocalcaneal joint and impingement of the lateral process of the talus on the calcaneum.

We studied 1061 children with myelomeningocele, reviewing 3184 pelvic radiographs from 802 patients. Hip dislocation had occurred by the age of 11 years in 28% of children with a thoracic neurosegmental level, 30% of those with an L1/2 level, 36% of L3, 22% of L4, 7% of L5 and only 1% of those with sacral levels. Hip dislocation was not inevitable even when there was maximal muscle imbalance about the hip. The average hip flexion contracture in children aged 9 to 11 years was significantly greater in those with thoracic (22 degrees) and L1/2 (33 degrees) levels than in those with L4 (9 degrees), L5 (5 degrees) or sacral (4 degrees) levels. Our findings indicate that muscle imbalance is not a significant factor in the production of flexion deformity or dislocation of the hip; both are commonly seen in the absence of imbalance. The restoration of muscle balance should no longer be considered to be the principal aim of the management of the hip in children with myelomeningocele.

We describe 22 patients who presented between the ages of 4 and 14 years with gradual onset of malaise and pain at the sites of multiple bone lesions. The symptoms from the bone lesions were sometimes sequential in onset and often relapsing. The radiological findings were typical of osteomyelitis. Radioisotope bone scans identified some clinically silent lesions. Bone biopsies were performed in 20 patients and the changes of osteomyelitis were seen in 17; microbiological culture was positive in only one. Seven patients had polyarthritis, two had palmoplantar pustulosis and one had psoriasis. Some symptomatic relief was obtained with anti-inflammatory agents and, to a less extent, with antibiotics. No patient had primary immunodeficiency. The mean duration of symptoms from the bone lesions was two years (1 to 4). When arthritis was present the joint symptoms lasted considerably longer (mean 7 years; range 4 to 10). The long-term prognosis was generally good. There was no evidence of altered bone growth or abnormal joint development. One patient developed a progressive kyphosis requiring fusion, but no other surgical intervention was necessary.

We describe the results of treatment of open tibial fractures in 92 children; 22 fractures were Gustilo type I, 51 type II and 19 type III. All children received tetanus prophylaxis, systemic antibiotics for 48 hours and thorough debridement and irrigation of the wound. Fifty-one wounds with minimal soft-tissue injury were closed primarily. The other 41 were initially left open; of these, 18 small wounds were allowed to heal secondarily and 23 larger wounds required split skin grafts or soft-tissue local or microvascular free flaps. Stable fractures were reduced and immobilised in an above-knee plaster cast (71%) and external fixation (28%) was used for unstable fractures, extensive soft-tissue injury and multiple injuries. Short-term complications included compartment syndrome (4%), superficial infection (8%), deep infection (3%), delayed union (16%), nonunion (7.5%) and malunion (6.5%): these incidences are similar to those reported in adults. Selective primary closure of wounds did not increase the incidence of infection. External fixation was associated with a greater occurrence of delayed and nonunion than plaster immobilisation, but this technique was used most often for the more severe injuries. Late review, at 1.5 to 9.8 years, showed a high incidence of continuing morbidity including pain at the healed fracture site (50%), restriction of sporting activity (23%), joint stiffness (23%), cosmetic defects (23%) and minor leg-length discrepancies (64%). Open tibial fractures in children are associated with a high incidence of early and late complications, which are more frequent in children with Gustilo type III injuries. The Gustilo classification was a useful guide for predicting the outcome and planning treatment.

A prospective randomised clinical trial was undertaken to compare biodegradable polyglycolic acid pins with standard Kirschner wires used to fix displaced elbow fractures in children. Twenty-four children were enrolled in the trial; 14 had fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus, eight of the medial epicondyle and two had olecranon fractures. Eleven fractures were fixed with Kirschner wires and 13 with polyglycolic acid pins. Fracture union with full function occurred in all cases within six months. Kirschner wires caused problems including infection in three cases, soft-tissue ossification in one and they required removal under general anaesthesia in nine cases. No such complications occurred with polyglycolic acid pins but one patient in this group developed avascular necrosis and premature fusion of the medial epicondyle.

We have evaluated two methods of surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic double major scoliosis in 59 patients. In group 1, 31 patients were treated by fusion of the upper curve only. In group 2, 28 patients had lumbar fusions also including most of the lower curve. The magnitude of the lower curve and the correction obtained in traction were good indicators of the correction achieved postoperatively. Forty-four patients were reviewed at a minimum of 10 years after operation. Those in group 1 showed sustained improvement of the lower curve with minimal stiffness and pain. Group 2 patients had lumbar curves of similar severity at review, but had significantly more low back pain and stiffness. The number of lumbar segments which remained mobile appeared to be a critical factor in determining the outcome. Selective fusion of the upper curve in double major scoliosis produces satisfactory results if the lumbar curve is less than 50 degrees. It may also be appropriate for flexible lumbar curves of larger angle.

The long-term results following the correction of coxa vara by Pauwels' Y-shaped intertrochanteric osteotomy have been evaluated in 14 children. Ten of the children had unilateral hip disease and were otherwise normal while four had bilateral hip disease due to generalised skeletal dysplasias. In each case, the growth plate was vertical, the femoral head was displaced inferiorly and there were abnormalities in the metaphysis of the femoral neck. The results indicate that this osteotomy provides lasting correction of the deformity, regardless of the cause, as long as the inclination of the growth plate is corrected to 40 degrees or less and adequate support is provided for the metaphyseal defect and the displaced femoral head.

We have determined the natural history of hip development in 42 patients with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED). Premature osteoarthritis was a frequent outcome and was almost inevitable before the age of 30 years in those with incongruent hips. There were two types of immature hips: type I, the more severe form, had a fragmented and flattened ossific nucleus and acetabular dysplasia, was misshapen at skeletal maturity and osteoarthritic by 30 years of age; the milder type II hip had a small, rounded, uniformly ossified nucleus and a more normal acetabulum. Type II hips were well formed at maturity and were less prone to premature osteoarthritis. Considerable variations were noted in the manifestations of MED between families but not within families. The prognosis of a child's hip could be predicted; in sporadic cases from the type of immature hip, and in familial cases by also taking into account the outcome of affected relatives.

We report the successful use of tissue expansion in the lower limbs of five children and one young adult. It was possible to replace dense adherent skin grafts by expanded skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such expansion needs to be undertaken slowly, but expanded tissue matches the normal local tissue and has normal sensation. These qualities were particularly important in three amputations which were revised.

We studied the pathogenesis, incidence and consequences of avascular necrosis in 184 children treated for congenital dislocation of the hip. Of 210 hips, 99 (47%) had some evidence of avascular necrosis (total 81, partial 18). The incidence was not influenced by the age at reduction, the duration of traction or the use of adductor tenotomy. Patients treated by closed reduction without preliminary traction did not have a higher incidence of avascular necrosis. At long-term clinical and radiological review of 81 hips, early avascular necrosis significantly increased the chance of a poor outcome but did not predispose to acetabular dysplasia. If review includes minor forms of avascular necrosis, then this condition is common after closed reduction. Its presence is an important determinant of long-term radiological and clinical outcome.

Our experience of five children with chronic thorn synovitis indicates that removal of free thorn fragments and all the macroscopically abnormal synovium is required in order to achieve a complete cure. Four children required total synovectomy for diffuse proliferative synovitis and one needed partial synovectomy of the area immediately around the embedded thorn. Joint washouts and partial synovectomy were unsuccessful in children with diffuse synovitis. Careful review is required following removal of a thorn as fragments may be retained within the joint.

To determine the natural history of dislocation of the hip in cerebral palsy, and to evolve methods to predict dislocation, the notes and radiographs of 462 patients with cerebral palsy were reviewed. Dislocation occurred in 10% of patients by progressive migration and subluxation of the proximal femur in the presence of acetabular dysplasia. Statistical analysis identified the radiographic features that helped to predict dislocation. Measurement of acetabular index, by a method that allows for rotation of the acetabulum, was the most powerful single predictor. Measurement of this index at two and four years of age could identify patients who would dislocate unless effective treatment was undertaken, those at risk of dislocation only if scoliosis developed, and those who would not dislocate. On the basis of this method of screening for dislocation, a logical system of surgical prophylaxis is proposed.

We report four children with sternomastoid contracture combined with torticolis secondary to congenital vertebral anomalies. Two had features of Klippel-Feil syndrome and a proximal release of the contracted sternomastoid produced good cosmetic correction initially. Progression of the deformity occurred subsequently without recurrence of sternomastoid contracture. One child had such mild deformity that it was merely observed. The fourth child was born with torticollis without sternomastoid tightness and a vertebral anomaly was later recognised. He slowly developed a sternomastoid contracture and his condition was considerably improved by sternomastoid release. This combination of causes of torticollis has not, as far as we know, been previously reported. The clinician should be aware of it and should also realise that radiographs of the very immature spine may not disclose the bony anomalies.

We reviewed 13 children with partial growth plate arrest who had been treated by epiphyseolysis. Eight were followed to skeletal maturity and five for at least four years. In three cases the affected limb was restored to normal and in five the operation was successful in improving angular deformity and leg length discrepancy such that further surgery was not necessary. In the five failures, angular deformity had progressed or limb length discrepancy had increased. There were no significant complications and the procedure did not prevent subsequent osteotomy or limb length equalisation. Epiphyseolysis was most effective for small bars and those affecting only the central area of the plate.

We investigated the reproducibility of the various radiological methods of assessment of hip dysplasia by making 474 assessments of hips and quantifying the inter-observer and intra-observer variation. There was a wide range of variability between the readings made by different observers and by one observer on two occasions. A measurement of acetabular index has to be given a range of +/- 6 degrees in order to be 95% confident of including the true measurement. We found the most helpful measurements to be the acetabular index, up to the age of eight years; the centre-edge angle, over the age of five years; and Smith's c/b ratio and neck-shaft angle. We feel, however, that the change in value over a series of radiographs in the same child is much more valuable. Single readings of all the radiological measurements investigated in this study were unreliable.

We have reviewed the serial radiographs of 63 hips in 53 children treated by closed reduction for congenital dislocation with a view to finding a radiological measurement which can predict subsequent acetabular development. All had been followed for more than seven years, and at latest review, 34 hips were dysplastic. Failure to obtain concentric reduction or its loss by migration of the femoral head within one year of reduction were the best predictors of persisting acetabular dysplasia and were best quantitated by the h/b ratio (Smith et al. 1968). The acetabular index at reduction or its decrease in the first year were not reliable predictors. Late treatment was less likely to lead to normal acetabular development, but avascular necrosis did not appear to have a significant influence. The average age at which the acetabulum stopped developing was five years, but ranged from 17 months to eight years. The failure of a dysplastic acetabulum to improve in each annual radiograph after closed reduction should lead to consideration of operation on the acetabulum.

A protocol for the treatment of fractures of the middle third of the femur by the early application of a hip spica has been evaluated in 191 children aged 10 years or less. Children without other injuries spent only a few days in hospital for the application and later removal of the spica. At all ages, anterior angulation of less than 20 degrees and valgus angulation of less than 15 degrees were accepted at the one-week review. Acceptance of shortening varied with the age of the child and the stage of treatment, but was 10% or less of the femoral length at the time of spica removal. At late review leg-length discrepancy was rare and clinically insignificant. This method of treatment was simple and effective. It dramatically reduced the cost of care and freed a number of children's hospital beds.

Seven patients with Ewing's sarcoma of the pelvis were treated by chemotherapy followed by wide resection of the primary tumour. Although good function after operation is possible, survival in this series reflects the poor prognosis associated with the disease; two patients died, two are alive with local recurrence and metastases and three patients are alive with no evidence of disease.

We present three cases of a previously undescribed condition characterised by unilateral tibia vara associated with an area of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia in the medial aspect of the proximal tibia. The three children affected were aged 9, 15 and 27 months respectively. Two required tibial osteotomy, but in one the deformity resolved without treatment. The pathogenesis of the focal lesion remains conjectural; the most likely explanation is that the mesenchymal anlage of the tibial metaphysis has, for unknown reasons, developed abnormally at the insertion of the pes anserinus.

A protocol for the treatment of subacute haematogenous osteomyelitis has been used and evaluated in 71 children. A group of 26 children with a radiologically "aggressive" lesion had biopsy followed by antibiotics and immobilisation for six weeks. A group of 45 children with 48 cavities in the metaphysis or the epiphysis or both was further subdivided according to the presence or absence of clinical signs of pus at subperiosteal level or in a joint. Children with evidence of pus had operation followed by antibiotics and immobilisation while the remaining children were treated similarly but without operation. Intravenous cloxacillin or flucloxacillin and benzylpenicillin were given in hospital for 48 hours and oral antibiotics and immobilisation were then continued at home for six weeks. Staphylococcus aureus was the only pathogen cultured. In all, 91% were cured by a single course of treatment. Of the 48 metaphysial and epiphysial lesions, 77% were treated without operation; and of these, 87% were cured by a single course of treatment, this figure reaching 94% in children under 11 years old.

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.

A protocol of treatment for acute haematogenous osteomyelitis has been evaluated in 75 children. Intravenous cloxacillin and benzylpenicillin were given in hospital until the child had improved after which oral antibodies and immobilisation were continued at home for a total of six weeks. Oral cloxacillin was used most frequently as Staphylococcus aureus was the major pathogen. Simple drainage of subperiosteal pus was carried out in the 17 children with clinical evidence of an abscess. Ninety-two per cent of the 55 children with acute osteomyelitis diagnosed early were cured by a single course of antibiotics without an operation and with less than one week in hospital. Only 25 per cent of the 12 children with late-diagnosed acute osteomyelitis were cured with a single course of antibiotics and an operation. A longer period in hospital, a prolonged course of antibiotics, and secondary operations were required to cure the other children. Seven (88 per cent) of the eight neonates and infants with acute osteomyelitis were cured with a single course of antibiotics and an operation with only one to two weeks spent in hospital. The remaining infant was cured with a further course of antibiotics. The overall cure rate with a single course of treatment was 83 per cent, and the remaining children were cured with further treatment. More children would be cured with a single course of antibiotics and immobilisation without the need for surgical intervention if treated was started within one or two days of the onset of the illness rather than after four to five days when the disease is more advanced with the formation of and abscess.