Variables affecting complication rates in type III paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

Purpose Unstable supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures may have different outcomes as a result of direction of displacement and pin configuration. This study evaluates the impact of fracture displacement, pin configuration and fellowship training on clinical and radiographic outcomes in unstable fractures. Methods A total of 99 patients with completely displaced type III fractures were identified at an academic centre and a local community hospital. Patient characteristics and the fellowship training of the treating surgeon were recorded, and injury films documented the direction of displacement. Pin configuration, coronal and sagittal alignment were recorded from postoperative radiographs and at healing. Radiographic outcomes including coronal, sagittal and rotational malunion as well as clinical complications were analyzed. Results Fractures with direct posterior displacement had a lower composite malunion rate compared with those with posterolateral (PL) or posteromedial (PM) displacement (6.9%, 36.4%, 29.2% respectively; p = 0.019). PM displacement had a higher rate of coronal malunion compared with PL (18.2% versus 0%; post hoc p = 0.024). All-lateral constructs resulted in more rotational malunions (20.9% versus 1.8%; p = 0.002) compared with crossed pinning. PL fractures treated with all-lateral fixation showed a trend toward increased rotational instability or malunion (23.8% versus 1.3%; p = 0.073). Higher composite complication rates were noted in patients treated by surgeons with non-paediatric, non-trauma fellowship training. Conclusion For displaced SCH fractures, all-lateral fixation is associated with higher rates of rotational instability and malunion. Posteromedially and posterolaterally displaced fractures have higher rates of malunion compared with fractures with straight posterior displacement. Fellowship training other than paediatric or trauma was associated with increased complications. Level of Evidence Level III

The unstable hip in children with cerebral palsy: does an acetabuloplasty add midterm stability?

Purpose This study addresses whether an additional pelvic procedure is superior to a varus derotation osteotomy femur (VDRO) alone in unstable hips in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods All patients had unstable hips utilising the Melbourne Cerebral Palsy Hip Classification System (MCPHCS). We compared one group that underwent VDRO alone with one that had a combination of VDRO and Dega osteotomy (VDRO+). Measurements were taken before surgery, postoperatively, two years after surgery and at latest follow-up. Generalised estimating equations were used to account for known and unknown correlations between hips from bilateral cases. Results In total, 74 hips in 57 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There was no outcome difference between Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III, IV and V. Age at time of operation ranged from three to 16 years (mean 9.8 years). Mean follow-up was 49.1 months. In the VDRO group (28 hips) migration percentage (MP) changed from 61% preoperative to a final value of 35.7%. In the VDRO+ group (46 hips) the MP changed from 64.4% to 19.3%. At final follow-up 15 hips (54%) were stable in the VDRO group, 37 hips (83%) in the VDRO+ group. The odds ratio (OR) of hip stability at final follow-up was 3.5-times higher in the VDRO+ group versus the VDRO group (OR = 3.9; 95% confidence interval = 1.5 to 9.7; p = 0.004). Conclusion Reconstruction of unstable hips via VDRO + Dega in children with CP provides a higher likelihood of long-term stability than an isolated VDRO. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study

Concurrent and overlapping surgery: perspectives from surgeons on spinal posterior instrumented fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine perspectives of surgeons regarding simultaneous surgery in patients undergoing posterior spine instrumentation and fusion (PSIF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods A survey was administered to orthopaedic trainees and faculty regarding simultaneous surgery for primary PSIF for AIS. A five-point Likert scale (1: ‘Strongly Disagree’ to 5: ‘Strongly Agree’) was used to assess agreement with statements about simultaneous surgery. We divided simultaneous surgery into concurrent, when critical portions of operations occur at the same time, and overlapping, when noncritical portions occur at the same time. Results The 72 respondents (78.3% of 92 surveyed) disagreed with concurrent surgery for ‘one of my patients’ (response mean 1.76 (sd 1.03)) but were more accepting of overlapping surgery (mean 3.94 (sd 0.99); p < 0.0001). The rating difference between concurrent and overlapping surgery was smaller for paediatric and spine surgeons (-1.25) than for residents or those who did not identify a subspecialty (-2.17; p = 0.0246) or other subspecialty surgeons (-2.57; p = 0.0026). Respondents were more likely to agree with explicit informed consent for concurrent surgery compared with overlapping (mean 4.32 (sd 0.91) versus 3.44 (sd 1.14); p < 0.001). Conclusion Orthopaedic surgeons disagreed with concurrent but were more accepting of overlapping surgery and anaesthesia for PSIF for AIS. Respondents were in greater agreement that patients should be explicitly informed of concurrence than of overlap. The surgical community’s evidence and position regarding simultaneous surgery, in particular overlapping, must be more effectively presented to the public in order to bridge the gap in perspectives. Level of Evidence IV

Outcomes following endoscopic-assisted Woodward procedure for Sprengel deformity

Purpose An endoscopic-assisted approach for Sprengel deformity has been previously reported. Our objective was to assess outcomes of the endoscopic Woodward procedure in a series of patients. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed of children with a Sprengel deformity treated between November 2014 and February 2018. Recorded data were demographic, pre- and postoperative active shoulder elevation and deformity severity according to Cavendish. Results A total of 12 children (four girls and eight boys, ten right-sided/two left-sided) with a mean age of nine years two months (3 years 5 months to 16 years 1 month) and mean follow-up 19.8 months (10 to 48) were assessed. Nine children were classified as Cavendish Grade III and three as grade IV, respectively. Mean preoperative active shoulder forward elevation was 100.8° (70° to 120°), while postoperatively it increased to 149.2° (100° to 170°). Mean preoperative scapular high difference was 4.5 cm (2.8 to 5.2), while postoperatively it was 1.33 cm (0 to 2.8). Conclusion The endoscopic assisted Woodward procedure is an effective technique. Further comparative studies will ascertain advantages in functional and cosmetic results compared to the standard Woodward procedure. Level of Evidence Therapeutic study, Level IV

Are there any differences between the shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in the conservative treatment of paediatric clavicle fractures?

Purpose Clavicle fractures are treated conservatively in the paediatric age group, except in rare types of fractures. We investigated whether there was a difference between using shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in this age group. Methods This study was designed as a retrospective study. In all, 41 children among 53 who underwent conservative treatment with a shoulder-arm sling or figure-of-eight bandage between 2014 and 2019 were included in the study and divided into two groups. Treatment results were compared clinically with respect to pain intensity, muscle strength and radiological examinations. Results Group A comprised 20 children with a figure-of-eight bandage and group B comprised 21 children with shoulder sling. According to the Robinson classification, ten fractures were displaced in group A and 12 in group B (p = 0.647). The mean time until the first appointment after the index visit that started the management course was 25.5 days (21 to 31) in group A and 24 days (20 to 30) in group B (p = 0.129). Fracture healing was observed in all patients at the first follow-up and the treatment was discontinued. There was no difference between the groups in the muscle strength examination and shoulder joint range of movement examination at the first-year follow-up (p = 1.00). Conclusion In the paediatric age group, there was no significant difference between shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in the conservative treatment of clavicle fractures. Since the shoulder-arm sling is more suitable for treatment, it may be the primary preference. Level of Evidence Level III (retrospective comparative study)

Docking phenomenon and subsequent acetabular development after gradual reduction using overhead traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip over six months of age

Purpose This study aimed to explore the docking of the femoral head into the acetabulum after gradual reduction (GR) using traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the impact on subsequent acetabular development. Methods A total of 40 patients with DDH (42 hips) undergoing GR using overhead traction and spica casting were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of inverted labrum and the coronal and axial femoral-acetabular distances (FADs) were compared between MRI immediately and five weeks after spica casting. The change in the acetabular index on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were compared between hips with inverted labrum (residual group) and with normally-shaped labrum (normalized group) on follow-up MRI. Results The mean age at reduction was 13.1 months (7 to 33) and the mean follow-up duration was 7.7 years (4 to 11). The rate of inverted labrum and the FADs significantly decreased between the MRI scans (all p-values < 0.001), and previous Pavlik harness failure had no negative effect on these decreases. The acetabular indices at the ages of three and five years in the residual group were significantly larger than those in the normalized group (both p-values < 0.001). Residual acetabular dysplasia was seen in 84.2% of the residual group compared with 34.8% of the normalized group (p = 0.002). Conclusion The docking phenomenon can occur during spica casting following GR using traction in children with DDH between the ages of six months and three years. The remaining inverted labrum at the cast removal may negatively affect subsequent acetabular development. Level of evidence III - retrospective comparative study

Ogden Type I to III tibial tubercle fractures in skeletally immature patients: is routine anterior compartment fasciotomy of the leg indicated?

Purpose Determine the frequency of compartment syndrome of the leg after displaced, operatively treated modified Ogden I to III tibial tubercle fractures (TTFxs), evaluate the preoperative assessment and use of advanced imaging, and need for prophylactic fasciotomies. Methods Retrospective analysis of operatively treated, displaced modified Ogden I to III TTFxs, at our level 1 paediatric trauma centre between 2007 and 2019. Modified Ogden Type IV and V fracture patterns were excluded. Fracture patterns were determined by plain radiographs. Results There were 49 modified Ogden I to III TTFxs in 48 patients. None had signs nor symptoms of vascular compromise, compartment syndromes or impending compartment syndromes preoperatively. In all, 13 of the 49 fractures underwent anterior compartment fasciotomy at surgery; eight of the 13 had traumatic fascial disruptions, which were extended surgically. All incisions were primarily closed. There were no instances of postoperative compartment syndromes, growth arrest, leg-length discrepancy or recurvatum deformity postoperatively. All patients achieved radiographic union and achieved full range of movement. Conclusion The potentially devastating complications of compartment syndrome or vascular compromise following TTFx did not occur in this consecutive series of patients over 12 years. The presence of an intact posterior proximal tibial physis and posterior metaphyseal cortex (Modified Ogden TTFx Type I to III) may mitigate the occurrence of vascular injury and compartment syndrome. Plain radiographs appear appropriate as the primary method of imaging TTFxs, with use of advanced imaging as the clinical scenario dictates. Routine, prophylactic fasciotomies do not appear necessary in Ogden I to III TTFxs, but should be performed for signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome. Level of evidence Level IV

Defining length stability in paediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nails

Introduction Optimal paediatric femoral shaft fracture patterns or lengths amenable to titanium elastic nail stabilization have not been well defined. The purpose of this study is to identify radiographic parameters predictive of treatment failure with flexible intramedullary nails based upon fracture morphology. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all femoral shaft fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nails over a five-year period. All patients with at least six weeks of postoperative radiographic imaging were included. Fracture characteristics included location, pattern, length, obliquity, angulation, translation and shortening. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to determine shortening and angulation. Results There were 58 patients with 60 femoral shaft fractures stabilized with titanium nails, with 46 healing within acceptable parameters and 14 considered malunions. Six of the 14 malunions developed complications requiring early unplanned intervention. No patients in the treatment success group had a complication. Between the treatment success and failure groups, fracture pattern, location, length, obliquity, angulation, translation or shortening were not statistically different. Mean nail canal fill was significantly lower in the failure group (0.72 versus 0.81; p = 0.0146), with a receiver operating characteristic curve identifying canal fill 76% as the optimal threshold. Conclusion This is the first study to measure the length and obliquity of paediatric femoral shaft fractures and to determine their relationship to radiographic alignment after healing. None of the preoperative fracture characteristics were predictive of malalignment or shortening. We recommend the use of larger nail sizes in the treatment of paediatric femoral shaft fractures, especially if there is concern for residual instability. Level of evidence IV