Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Pediatric Proximal Humerus Fractures:A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background@#Proximal humerus fractures account for 2% of all pediatric fractures. A nonoperative approach is the treatment of choice for most of these fractures; however, debates continue regarding the treatment of displaced fractures, especially in adolescents. In this study, we aimed to examine demographic data and treatment strategies for proximal humerus fractures in the pediatric population by conducting a meta-analysis. Additionally, we investigated the preferred surgical technique for operative treatment. @*Methods@#A systematic online search of databases, including Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, was conducted to identify studies that matched our search criteria. Data collection was completed on May 1, 2022. Age, sex, degree of angulation, Neer-Horwitz classification, Salter-Harris classification, treatment method (operative vs. nonoperative), and instrument used for internal fixation were classified and documented. Effect size analysis was performed using odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), based on data types. @*Results@#Eight studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 33% of the patients (n = 195) underwent operative treatment, whereas 67% of them (n = 392) received nonoperative treatment. Among the demographic risk factors, severely displaced fracture type (OR, 10.00; 95% CI, 1.56−64.22; p = 0.020) and older age (WMD, 3.26; 95% CI, 2.29−4.23; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with operative treatment. There was no significant difference in the preference for percutaneous pinning or intramedullary nailing, the most frequently employed surgical techniques (OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 0.65−39.58; p = 0.120). @*Conclusions@#The operative treatment rate in pediatric proximal humerus fractures was 33%, which increased to 60% in severely displaced fractures (Neer-Horwitz grade III/IV). Severely displaced fractures and older age significantly contributed to the establishment of a treatment strategy for operative treatment. The choice of surgical technique may seem to be based on the anatomical location of the fracture rather than the surgeon’s preference.

Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus in Children and Adolescents / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is a disease affecting the subchondral bone and articular cartilage of the talus, which may cause fragmentation and displacement of the osteochondral lesion. The stability of the joint and the size of the lesion are important prognostic factors. Conservative treatment is preferred in the initial treatment of OLT in skeletal immature patients because it has a more favorable prognosis than adult OLT in terms of the healing potential and improvement of symptoms. Surgery is recommended when the conservative outcome is unsatisfactory and the fragment is large or displaced. Surgical procedures, including marrow stimulation technique, autologous osteochondral transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation, were performed depending on the condition of the osteochondral lesion.

Single Bone Fixation with Flexible Intramedullary Nail for Displaced Both Forearm Bone Shaft Fractures in Children / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: In the present study, the usefulness of single bone flexible intramedullary nail fixation in pediatric displaced both forearm bone shaft fractures was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006, we treated 14 consecutive pediatric both forearm bone shaft fractures using a single bone flexible intramedullary fixation. The average age of patients was 8.6 years (range, 3-12 years). We nailed the one bone of the two that showed either greater deformity in the initial radiographs, or difficulty in maintaining reduction, which in our cases was usually the radius. The operation time, duration of cast removal, functional recovery and complications were evaluated. The bony alignment, maintained until bony union, was analyzed by radiographic assessment. These data were compared with 27 cases of both bone nailing, which was the standard treatment in our institution prior to 2006. RESULTS: All cases in both groups healed without secondary intervention. All cases recovered to a normal functional status after postoperative average 12 weeks. In regards to their clinical and radiographic results, there was no significant difference between the single bone fixation group and the both bone fixation group, except that there was a shorter operation time, and longer period of cast immobilization, for the single bone fixation group. CONCLUSION: Single bone flexible intramedullary fixation is a useful method for the treatment of displaced forearm bone shaft fractures in children. The strategy of fixating the bone that exhibits greater deformity or difficulty in maintaining reduction, which was usually the radius, was found to be effective in our cases.

The Efficiency of Additional Fixation of the Alternative Bone Substitute in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures of Femur Treated with Gamma Nail

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of additional fixation of the alternative bone substitute in unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute and only with gamma nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic comparison was done between forty-four patients of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (AO type A2.2, A2.3) during six months. The patients were divided into two groups, a group treated with gamma nail and alternative bone substitute (22 patients, group 1) and another group treated only with gamma nail (22 patients, group 2). Postoperative reduction status, Cleveland index, Tip-apex distance and complications during the follow-up period was compared. Lag screw slippage and femoral neck-shaft angle change were measured between two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference of reduction status, Cleveland index and Tip-apex distance was found. In group II, there was a 1 more case of cutting-out of the lag screw, but also there was a significant difference. Lesser change in lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change was investigated. CONCLUSION: As there are lesser lag screw slippage and neck-shaft angle change, alternative bone substitutes applied in unstable intertrochanteric fractures seems to be useful in maintaining reduction and preventing failure of internal fixation when proper reduction and screw insertion is performed.