Aims. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of guided growth and varus osteotomy in treating Kalamchi type II avascular necrosis (AVN) after open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. This retrospective study reviewed patients undergoing guided growth or varus osteotomy for Kalamchi type II AVN between September 2009 and January 2019. All children who had undergone open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for DDH with a minimum two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Demographic and radiological data, which included the head-shaft angle (HSA), neck-shaft angle (NSA), articulotrochanteric distance (ATD), Sharp angle (SA), and lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) at baseline, two years, and at the extended follow-up, were compared. Revision rates were evaluated. Clinical outcomes using the Harris Hip Score were assessed two years postoperatively. Results. A total of 24 patients underwent guided growth and 19 underwent varus osteotomy, over a mean period of 3.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 to 3.8) and 5.2 years (95% CI 4.5 to 6.0), respectively. There were no differences in demographic and preoperative radiological data, except for a younger age at time of acetabuloplasty and larger ATD for the osteotomy group. The HSA did not differ at two years and the extended follow-up because of postoperative rebound in the osteotomy group. The NSA of the osteotomy group remained smaller postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the follow-up ATD, SA, and LCEA, except for a smaller two-year ATD of the osteotomy group. Seven patients (29.2%) in the guided growth group underwent revision surgery and none in the osteotomy group. The Harris Hip Score was similar between groups. Conclusion. Guided growth and varus osteotomy had comparable results in improving caput valgum deformity, given the rebound of lateral tilting of the physis after osteotomy correction. There were no differences in clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):902–908

Aims. Medial humeral epicondyle fractures (MHEFs) are common elbow fractures in children. Open reduction should be performed in patients with MHEF who have entrapped intra-articular fragments as well as displacement. However, following open reduction, transposition of the ulnar nerve is disputed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the need for ulnar nerve exploration and transposition. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients who underwent surgical treatment of MHEF in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2022 were collected. The patients were allocated to either transposition or non-transposition groups. Data for sex, age, cause of fracture, duration of follow-up, Papavasiliou and Crawford classification, injury-to-surgery time, preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, intraoperative exploration of ulnar nerve injury, surgical incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, complications, persistent ulnar neuropathy, and elbow joint function were analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 124 patients were followed up, 50 in the ulnar nerve transposition group and 74 in the non-transposition group. There were significant differences in ulnar nerve injury (p = 0.009), incision length (p < 0.001), and blood loss (p = 0.003) between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (p = 0.012) were risk factors for postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. In addition, ulnar nerve transposition did not affect the occurrence of postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (p = 0.468). Conclusion. Ulnar nerve transposition did not improve clinical outcomes. It is recommended that the ulnar nerve should not be transposed when treating MHEF operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):212–218

Aims. The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. Methods. We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively. Results. The blade group had more dorsiflexion at both follow-up consultations: 18.36° versus 18.03° (p = 0.115) at three weeks and 18.96° versus 18.26° (p = 0.001) at three months. The difference of the mean at three months 0.7° is well below the noninferiority margin of 4°. There was no significant difference in Pirani scores. The blade group had more extensive scar marks at three months than the needle group (8 vs 2). No major complications were recorded. Conclusion. The needle tenotomy is noninferior to the blade tenotomy for usage in Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot in children aged below 36 months. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):871–878

Aims. Management of displaced paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures remains widely debated and actual practice is unclear. This national trainee collaboration aimed to evaluate surgical and postoperative management of these injuries across the UK. Methods. This study was led by the South West Orthopaedic Research Division (SWORD) and performed by the Supra Man Collaborative. Displaced paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures undergoing surgery between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were retrospectively identified and their anonymized data were collected via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Results. A total of 972 patients were identified across 41 hospitals. Mean age at injury was 6.3 years (1 to 15), 504 were male (52%), 583 involved the left side (60%), and 538 were Gartland type 3 fractures (55%). Median time from injury to theatre was 16 hours (interquartile range (IQR) 6.6 to 22), 300 patients (31%) underwent surgery on the day of injury, and 91 (9%) underwent surgery between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am. Overall, 910 patients (94%) had Kirschner (K)-wire) fixation and these were left percutaneous in 869 (95%), while 62 patients (6%) had manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) and casting. Crossed K-wire configuration was used as fixation in 544 cases (59.5%). Overall, 208 of the fixation cases (61%) performed or supervised by a paediatric orthopaedic consultant underwent lateral-only fixation, whereas 153 (27%) of the fixation cases performed or supervised by a non-paediatric orthopaedic consultant used lateral-only fixation. In total, 129 percutaneous wires (16%) were removed in theatre. Of the 341 percutaneous wire fixations performed or supervised by a paediatric orthopaedic consultant, 11 (3%) underwent wire removal in theatre, whereas 118 (22%) of the 528 percutaneous wire fixation cases performed or supervised by a non-paediatric orthopaedic consultant underwent wire removal in theatre. Four MUA patients (6%) and seven K-wire fixation patients (0.8%) required revision surgery within 30 days for displacement. Conclusion. The treatment of supracondylar elbow fractures in children varies across the UK. Patient cases where a paediatric orthopaedic consultant was involved had an increased tendency for lateral only K-wire fixation and for wire removal in clinic. Low rates of displacement requiring revision surgery were identified in all fixation configurations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):82–87

Aims. We aimed to assess the cumulative risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from in situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after a follow-up of almost 50 years. Methods. In this study, 138 patients with 172 affected hips treated with in situ fixation were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 97 patients (70%) were male and the mean age was 13.6 years (SD 2.1); 35 patients (25%) had a bilateral disease. The median follow-up time was 49 years (interquartile range 43 to 55). Basic demographic, stability, and surgical details were obtained from patient records. Preoperative radiographs (slip angle; SA) were measured, and data on THA was gathered from the Finnish National Arthroplasty Register. Results. The preoperative SA was a mean of 39° (SD 19°). At follow-up, 56 of the patients had undergone THA for a hip previously fixed in situ for SCFE (41%) and 64 of all affected hips had been replaced (37%). Kaplan-Meier analysis gave a median prosthesis-free postoperative survival of 55 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 45 to 64) for the affected hips. In a multivariate analysis, female patients had a two-fold risk for THA (hazard ratio (HR) 2.42 (95% CI 1.16 to 5.07)) and a greater preoperative SA increased the risk of THA (HR 1.03 for every increment of 1° (95% CI 1.01 to 1.05)), while patient age at surgery, slip laterality, stability of slip, or diagnostic delay did not have a statistically significant effect on the risk of THA. Conclusion. SCFE treated primarily with in situ fixation may lead to THA in more than 40% of affected hips at a near 50-year follow-up. This risk is approximately 15-times the reported lifetime risk in the Finnish general population. Female sex and increasing preoperative SA significantly predicted higher risk of THA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1321–1326

Aims. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical treatment with the best healing rate for patients with proximal femoral unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) after initial surgery, and to determine which procedure has the lowest adverse event burden during follow-up. Methods. This multicentre retrospective study was conducted in 20 tertiary paediatric hospitals in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and included patients aged < 16 years admitted for UBC treatment in the proximal femur from January 1995 to December 2017. UBCs were divided into seven groups based on the index treatment, which included elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) insertion with or without percutaneous injection or grafting, percutaneous injection alone, curettage and grafting alone, and insertion of other orthopaedic hardware with or without curettage. Results. A total of 201 patients were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.7 years (SD 3.9); 77% (n = 156) were male. The mean follow-up was 9.4 years (SD 3.9). ESIN insertion without complementary procedure had a 67% UBC healing rate after the first operation (vs 30% with percutaneous injection alone (p = 0.027), 43% with curettage and grafting (p = 0.064), and 21% with insertion of other hardware combined with curettage (p < 0.001) or 36% alone (p = 0.014)). ESIN insertion with percutaneous injection presented a 79% healing rate, higher than percutaneous injection alone (p = 0.017), curettage and grafting (p = 0.028), and insertion of other hardware combined with curettage (p < 0.001) or alone (p = 0.014). Patients who underwent ESIN insertion with curettage had a 53% healing rate, higher than insertion of other hardware combined with curettage (p = 0.009). The overall rate of postoperative complications was 25% and did not differ between groups (p = 0.228). A total of 32 limb length discrepancies were identified. Conclusion. ESIN insertion, either alone or combined with percutaneous injection or curettage and grafting, may offer higher healing rates than other operative procedures. Limb length discrepancy remains a major concern, and might be partly explained by the cyst’s location and the consequence of surgery. Therefore, providing information about this risk is crucial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):508–514

Aims. Fixation techniques used in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) that allow continued growth of the femoral neck, rather than inducing epiphyseal fusion in situ, have the advantage of allowing remodelling of the deformity. The aims of this study were threefold: to assess whether the Free-Gliding (FG) SCFE screw prevents further slip; to establish whether, in practice, it enables lengthening and gliding; and to determine whether the age of the patient influences the extent of glide. Methods. All patients with SCFE who underwent fixation using FG SCFE screws after its introduction at our institution, with minimum three years’ follow-up, were reviewed retrospectively as part of ongoing governance. All pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. The demographics of the patients, the grade of slip, the extent of lengthening of the barrel of the screw and the restoration of Klein’s line were recorded. Subanalysis was performed according to sex and age. Results. A total of 19 hips in 13 patients were included. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11.5 years (9 to 13) and the mean follow-up was 63 months (45 to 83). A total of 13 FG SCFE screws were used for the fixation of mild or moderate SCFE, with six contralateral prophylactic fixations. No hip with SCFE showed a further slip after fixation and there were no complications. Lengthening occurred in 15 hips (79%), with a mean lengthening of the barrel of 6.8 mm (2.5 to 13.6) at final follow-up. Remodelling occurred in all hips with lengthening of the barrel. There was statistically more lengthening in patients who were aged < 12 years, regardless of sex (p = 0.002). Conclusion. The FG SCFE screw is effective in preventing further slip in patients with SCFE. Lengthening of the barrel occurred in most hips, and thus allowed remodelling. This was most marked in younger children, regardless of sex. Based on this study, this device should be considered for use in patients with SCFE aged < 12 years instead of standard pinning in situ. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):215–219

Aims. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (HED) is applied to children and adolescents to correct angular deformities (ADs) in long bones through guided growth. Traditional Blount staples or two-hole plates are mainly used for this indication. Despite precise surgical techniques and attentive postoperative follow-up, implant-associated complications are frequently described. To address these pitfalls, a flexible staple was developed to combine the advantages of the established implants. This study provides the first results of guided growth using the new implant and compares these with the established two-hole plates and Blount staples. Methods. Between January 2013 and December 2016, 138 patients (22 children, 116 adolescents) with genu valgum or genu varum were treated with 285 flexible staples. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. These results were compared with 98 patients treated with 205 two-hole plates and 92 patients treated with 535 Blount staples. In long-standing anteroposterior radiographs, mechanical axis deviations (MADs) were measured before and during treatment to analyze treatment efficiency. The evaluation of the new flexible staple was performed according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework (Stage 2a). Results. Overall, 79% (109/138) of patients treated with flexible staples achieved sufficient deformity correction. The median treatment duration was 16 months (interquartile range (IQR) 8 to 21). The flexible staples achieved a median MAD correction of 1.2 mm/month/HED site (IQR 0.6 to 2.0) in valgus deformities and 0.6 mm/month/HED site (IQR 0.2 to 1.5) in varus deformities. Wound infections occurred in 1%, haematomas and joint effusions in 4%, and implant-associated complications in 1% of patients treated with flexible staples. Valgus AD were corrected faster using flexible staples than two-hole plates and Blount staples. Furthermore, the median MAD after treatment was lower in varus and valgus AD, fewer implant-associated complications were detected, and reduced implantation times were recorded using flexible staples. Conclusion. The flexible staple seems to be a viable option for guided growth, showing comparable or possibly better results regarding correction speed and reducing implant-associated complications. Further comparative studies are required to substantiate these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(3):331–340

Aims. Hip displacement, common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), causes pain and hinders adequate care. Hip reconstructive surgery (HRS) is performed to treat hip displacement; however, only a few studies have quantitatively assessed femoral head sphericity after HRS. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess improvement in hip sphericity after HRS in patients with CP. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed hip radiographs of patients who had undergone HRS because of CP-associated hip displacement. The pre- and postoperative migration percentage (MP), femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), and sphericity, as determined by the Mose hip ratio (MHR), age at surgery, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, surgical history including Dega pelvic osteotomy, and triradiate cartilage status were studied. Regression analyses using linear mixed model were performed to identify factors affecting hip sphericity improvement. Results. A total of 108 patients were enrolled. The mean preoperative MP was 58.3% (SD 31.7%), which improved to 9.1% (SD 15.6%) at the last follow-up. NSA and MHR improved from 156.5° (SD 11.5°) and 82.3% (SD 8.6%) to 126.0° (SD 18.5°) and 89.1% (SD 9.0%), respectively. Factors affecting the postoperative MHR were preoperative MP (p = 0.005), immediate postoperative MP (p = 0.032), and history of Dega osteotomy (p = 0.046). Conclusion. We found that hip sphericity improves with HRS. Preoperative MP, reduction quality, and acetabular coverage influence femoral head remodelling. We recommend that surgeons should consider intervention early before hip displacement progresses and that during HRS, definite reduction and coverage of the femoral head should be obtained. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):198–203

Aims. To compare changes in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after conventional (C-MLS) and minimally invasive (MI-MLS) multilevel surgery for children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods. A retrospective analysis of 19 children following C-MLS, with mean age at surgery of 12 years five months (seven years ten months to 15 years 11 months), and 36 children following MI-MLS, with mean age at surgery of ten years seven months (seven years one month to 14 years ten months), was performed. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and walking speed were collected preoperatively and six, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Type and frequency of procedures as part of MLS, surgical adverse events, and subsequent surgery were recorded. Results. In both groups, GPS improved from the preoperative gait analysis to the six-month assessment with maintenance at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. While reduced at six months in both groups, walking speed returned to preoperative speed by 12 months. The overall pattern of change in GPS and walking speed was similar over time following C-MLS and MI-MLS. There was a median of ten procedures per child as part of both C-MLS (interquartile range (IQR) 8.0 to 11.0) and MI-MLS (IQR 7.8 to 11.0). Surgical adverse events occurred in seven (37%) and 13 (36%) children, with four (21%) and 13 (36%) patients requiring subsequent surgery following C-MLS and MI-MLS, respectively. Conclusion. This study indicates similar improvements in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after C-MLS and MI-MLS for children with diplegic CP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):192–197

Aims. To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). Methods. All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up. Results. All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all functional outcomes and active shoulder abduction and external rotation ROM (p < 0.001). Patients < 2.5 years of age had higher postoperative AMS, abduction ROM and strength scores, and aggregate postoperative Toronto scores (p ≤ 0.035) compared to patients ≥ 2.5 years old. There were 17 patients (16%) who required a subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy; lower preoperative AMS external rotation scores and external rotation ROM were predictive risk factors (p ≤ 0.016). Conclusion. Patients with BPBP who underwent the Hoffer procedure demonstrated significant improvement in postoperative ROM, strength, and functional outcome scores at mid-term follow-up. Patients younger than 2.5 years at the time of surgery generally had better functional outcomes. Limited preoperative external rotation strength and ROM were significantly associated with requirement for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy. In our chort significant improvements in shoulder function were obtained after the Hoffer procedure for BPBP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):246–253

Aims. The aims of this study is to report the clinical and radiological outcomes after pre-, central-, and postaxial polydactyly resection in children from a tertiary referral centre. Methods. All children who underwent resection of a supernumerary toe between 2001 and 2013 were prospectively enrolled and invited for a single re-assessment. Clinical parameters and several dedicated outcome scores (visual analogue scale (VAS), Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), Activities Scale for Kids (ASK), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS)) were obtained, as were radiographs of the operated and non-operated feet along with pedobarographs. Results. In all, 39 children (52 feet) with a mean follow-up of 7.2 years (3.1 to 13.0) were included in the study. Resection of a duplicated great toe was performed in ten children, central polydactyly in four, and postaxial polydactyly in 26. The mean postoperative VAS (0.7; 0 to 7), ASK (93.7; 64.2 to 100), and AOFAS range (85.9 to 89.0) indicated excellent outcomes among this cohort and the PODCI global functioning scale (95.7; 75.5 to 100) was satisfactory. No significant differences were found regarding outcomes of pre- versus postaxial patients, nor radiological toe alignment between the operated and non-operated sides. Minor complications were observed in six children (15%). There were seven surgical revisions (18%), six of whom were in preaxial patients. In both groups, below the operation area, a reduced mean and maximum force was observed. Changes in the hindfoot region were detected based on the prolonged contact time and reduced force in the preaxial group. Conclusion. Excellent mid-term results can be expected after foot polydactyly resection in childhood. However, parents and those who care for these children need to be counselled regarding the higher risk of subsequent revision surgery in the preaxial patients. Also, within the study period, the plantar pressure distribution below the operated part of the foot did not return to completely normal. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):415–420

Aims

Given the possible radiation damage and inaccuracy of radiological investigations, particularly in children, ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) may offer alternative methods of evaluating new bone formation when limb lengthening is undertaken in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound combined with SMI in monitoring new bone formation during limb lengthening in children.

Aims

To examine the long-term outcome of arthrodesis of the hip undertaken in a paediatric population in treating painful arthritis of the hip. In our patient population, most of whom live rurally in hilly terrain and have limited healthcare access and resources, hip arthrodesis has been an important surgical option for the monoarticular painful hip in a child.

Aims

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options.

Aims. Current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines for treating femoral fractures in children aged two to six years recommend early spica casting although some individuals have recommended intramedullary stabilization in this age group. The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment and family burden of care of spica casting and flexible intramedullary nailing in this age group. Methods. Patients aged two to six years old with acute, non-pathological femur fractures were prospectively enrolled at one of three tertiary children’s hospitals. Either early closed reduction with spica cast application or flexible intramedullary nailing was accomplished under general anaesthesia. The treatment method was selected after discussion of the options by the surgeon with the family. Data were prospectively collected on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, complications, pain medication, and union. The Impact on Family Scale was obtained at the six-week follow-up visit. In all, 75 patients were included in the study: 39 in the spica group and 36 in the nailing group. The mean age of the spica group was 2.71 (2.0 to 6.9) years and the mean age of the nailing group was 3.16 (2.0 to 6.9) years. Results. All fractures healed without evidence of malunion or more than 2.0 cm of shortening. The mean Impact on Family score was 70.2 for the spica group and 63.2 (55 to 99) for the nailing group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in a univariate analysis suggesting less impairment of the family in the intramedullary nailing group. There was no significant difference between pain medication requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Two patients in the spica group and one patient in the intramedullary nailing group required additional treatment under anaesthesia. Conclusion. Both early spica casting and intramedullary nailing were effective methods for treating femoral fractures in children two to six years of age. Intramedullary stabilization provides an option in this age group that may be advantageous in some social situations that depend on the child’s mobility. Fracture treatment should be individualized based on factors that extend beyond anatomical and biological factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1056–1061

Aims. Guided growth has been used to treat coxa valga for cerebral palsy (CP) children. However, there has been no study on the optimal position of screw application. In this paper we have investigated the influence of screw position on the outcomes of guided growth. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 61 hips in 32 CP children who underwent proximal femoral hemi epiphysiodesis between July 2012 and September 2017. The hips were divided into two groups according to the transphyseal position of the screw in the coronal plane: across medial quarter (Group 1) or middle quarter (Group 2) of the medial half of the physis. We compared pre- and postoperative radiographs in head-shaft angle (HSA), Reimer’s migration percentage (MP), acetabular index (AI), and femoral anteversion angle (FAVA), as well as incidences of the physis growing-off the screw within two years. Linear and Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify factors related to HSA correction and risk of the physis growing-off the screw. Results. A total of 37 hips in Group 1 and 24 hips in Group 2 were compared. Group 1 showed a more substantial decrease in the HSA (p = 0.003) and the MP (p = 0.032). Both groups had significant and similar improvements in the AI (p = 0.809) and the FAVA (p = 0.304). Group 1 presented a higher incidence of the physis growing-off the screw (p = 0.038). Results of the regression analysis indicated that the eccentricity of screw position correlated with HSA correction and increases the risk of the physis growing-off the screw. Conclusion. Guided growth is effective in improving coxa valga and excessive femoral anteversion in CP children. For younger children, despite compromised efficacy of varus correction, we recommend a more centered screw position, at least across the middle quarter of the medial physis, to avoid early revision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1242–1247

Aims

The aim of this study was to inform the epidemiology and treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

Aims

Temporary epiphysiodesis (ED) is commonly applied in children and adolescents to treat leg length discrepancies (LLDs) and tall stature. Traditional Blount staples or modern two-hole plates are used in clinical practice. However, they require accurate planning, precise surgical techniques, and attentive follow-up to achieve the desired outcome without complications. This study reports the results of ED using a novel rigid staple (RigidTack) incorporating safety, as well as technical and procedural success according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework.

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and quality-of-life outcomes of children with skeletal dysplasia to those in children with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (EOS) undergoing growth-friendly management. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review of two prospective multicentre EOS databases identified 33 children with skeletal dysplasia and EOS (major curve ≥ 30°) who were treated with growth-friendly instrumentation at younger than ten years of age, had a minimum two years of postoperative follow-up, and had undergone three or more lengthening procedures. From the same registries, 33 matched controls with idiopathic EOS were identified. A total of 20 children in both groups were treated with growing rods and 13 children were treated with vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) instrumentation. Results. Mean preoperative major curves were 76° (34° to 115°) in the skeletal dysplasia group and 75° (51° to 113°) in the idiopathic group (p = 0.55), which were corrected at final follow-up to 49° (13° to 113°) and 46° (12° to 112°; p = 0.68), respectively. T1-S1 height increased by a mean of 36 mm (0 to 105) in the skeletal dysplasia group and 38 mm (7 to 104) in the idiopathic group at the index surgery (p = 0.40), and by 21 mm (1 to 68) and 46 mm (7 to 157), respectively, during the distraction period (p = 0.0085). The skeletal dysplasia group had significantly worse scores in the physical function, daily living, financial impact, and parent satisfaction preoperatively, as well as on financial impact and child satisfaction at final follow-up, than the idiopathic group (all p < 0.05). The domains of the 24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ24) remained at the same level from preoperative to final follow-up in the skeletal dysplasia group (all p > 0.10). Conclusion. Children with skeletal dysplasia gained significantly less spinal growth during growth-friendly management of their EOS and their health-related quality of life was significantly lower both preoperatively and at final follow-up than in children with idiopathic EOS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1563–1569