Open versus closed reduction and internal fixation in children with femoral neck fractures. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Background: Femoral neck fractures in children are uncommon, making up little more than 1% of all paediatric fractures. It's not apparent which type of internal fixation-closed or open-is preferable in these situations when it comes to therapeutic options. When treating children with displaced femoral neck fractures, serious problems can arise. Methods: Five databases were examined: Medline Plus, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The outcomes that were relevant for the meta-analysis were non-union, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis. Using the RevMan file, we extracted the data and carried out the analysis (Review Manager Version 5.3). Results: 294 patients had ORIF procedures and 266 patients had CRIF procedures in the included trials. Regarding the outcome of avascular necrosis, we discovered that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.84, [95% confidence range (CI) = 0.60, 1.18], P = 0.32). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.22, I2 = 27%). When it came to coxa vara, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.69, [95% CI = 0.30, 1.58], P = 0.38). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.22, I2 = 27%). Regarding non-union, the similar outcome was seen (RR = 0.45, [95% CI = 0.16, 1.14], P = 0.12). There was homogeneity in the data (P = 0.49, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Regarding reducing the risk of non-union, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis, we did not find any difference between CRIF and ORIF. To validate this outcome, however, additional research on the various variables (fracture type, age, displacement, fixation technique, and duration of surgery) is required. Sorting patients based on the kind of fracture will ensure that the right approach is used for each type.

Technique for facilitating closed reduction of difficult flexion type supracondylar humeral fracture in children.

The displaced flexion type supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) are inherently unstable and there is great intraoperative difficulty in obtaining and maintaining the fracture reduction by closed means. We introduced a technique for closed reduction and K-wires pinning of displaced flexion type SCHF. Fourteen patients with flexion-type SCHF (9 boys and 5 girls) underwent a reduction technique using a construct of three K-wires. The proximal wire was used for rotational control of the proximal fragment and the two distal wires were used for correction of the flexion and rotational deformity of the distal fragment. The patient's mean age was 7 (6-11) years. Results were evaluated by the anterior humeral line, Baumann's angle, carrying angle radiographically and Flynn's criteria clinically. The mean time for the union was 4.8 (4-6) weeks. The anterior humeral line passed through the middle one-third of the capitulum in 12 patients and the anterior third in two patients. The mean Baumann's angle was 19.60 ± 3.8 and the mean carrying angle was 14.21 ± 3.04. We reported no cases of failed closed reduction. The median operation time in this study was 30 (25-40) min. The mean number of C-arm images was 33.5 ± 5.23. According to Flynn's criteria; 10 cases (71.4%) were excellent and 4 (28.6%) were good. This technique can achieve the accurate reduction of flexion type SCHF and avoid the complications of both repeated closed reduction trials and open reduction. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

A modification of the Ponseti method for clubfoot management: a prospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare our parent-based exercise programem's efficacy with the foot abduction brace (FAB) Ponseti manipulation as a retention programme. METHODS: We conducted this prospective multicentre cohort study between August 2009 and November 2019. The included children were allocated into one of two groups according to the retention protocol. The Pirani and Laaveg-Ponseti scores were used to assess the feet clinically and functionally. Radiological assessment was performed using standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the feet. We assessed the parents' satisfaction and adherence to the retention method. SPSS version 25 was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1265 feet in 973 children were included. Group A included 637 feet managed with FAB, while group B included 628 feet managed with our retention programme. All patients were followed up to the age of four years. At the final follow-up, Pirani scores in group A participants were excellent, good and poor in 515, 90, and 32 feet, respectivel, while in group B the scores were excellent, good and poor in 471, 110 and 44 feet, respectively. The mean total score of Laaveg-Ponseti was 87.81 (sd 19.82) in group A and 90.55 (sd 20.71) in group B (p = 0.02). Group B participants showed higher satisfaction with the treatment method (p = 0.011) and more adherence to the treatment (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The deformity's recurrence related to the brace's non-compliance in the Ponseti method might be reduced by substituting the brace with our home-based daily stretching exercises. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Using Skin of the Cleft as Bipedicle flap for Release of the First Web Space in Congenital Central Deficiency.

We are describing a new technique to utilize the skin of the cleft as a bipedicle flap to reconstruct and to widen the narrow first web space in congenital central deficiency. The skin of the cleft maintains its attachments on the dorsal and palmar aspects of the hand and the index finger is passed (tunneled) underneath it so that the skin of the cleft comes to occupy the first web space. This technique ensures maintenance of good blood supply of the skin of the cleft and a rounded edge of the first web without scars across it.

Treatment and outcomes of arthrogryposis in the upper extremity.

Upper extremity involvement in patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congentia is quite frequent. Treatment initially consists of stretching and splinting as significant gains can be seen in the first years of life. The goal of any surgical procedure is to improve upper extremity function and performance of daily living activities, yet it is important to treat each patient individually and understand that areas do not always need to be addressed surgically. Despite overall lower functioning scores in this patient population, quality of life scores are comparable to the general aged adjusted population. This article will discuss the clinical presentation, treatment procedures and outcomes when addressing the upper extremities of patients presenting with arthrogryposis.

Treatment of the Upper Extremity Contracture/Deformities.

Patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have a characteristic upper extremity resting posture consisting of internal rotation of the shoulders, elbow extension, flexed wrists, thumb-in palm deformities, and variable degrees of finger contractures. Treatment of these patients is aimed at improving independence and performance of activities of daily living. Although each area needs to be assessed independently for the most appropriate surgical procedure, often multiple areas can be addressed at the same operative setting. This limits the number of anesthetic exposures and cast immobilization time. The following is a synopsis of treatment strategies presented at the second international symposium on Arthrogryposis which took place in St Petersburg in September 2014.

New flap for widening of the web space and correction of palmar contracture in complex clasped thumb.

In our experience, previous flaps designed for correction of the skin deficiency in complex clasped thumb do not sufficiently address the palmar contracture of the deformity. Moreover, the index finger flap, previously described by Ezaki and Oishi, provides insufficient skin at its apex with the possibility of incomplete correction and the frequent need of a thenar release incision. This article describes a flap designed for widening of the narrow thumb-index web space and release of the palmar thumb contracture in cases of congenital clasped thumb. This flap provides sufficient correction of the palmar contracture and at the same time provides adequate width and depth of the thumb-index web space.

Liebenberg syndrome: case report and insight into molecular basis.

We report a case of Liebenberg syndrome in a 6-year-old girl, including the clinical, radiological, angiographic, and operative findings. We note that the forearm and hand malformations have similarities to leg and foot anatomy. Our observations may help provide insight into the etiology of this unusual condition.

Congenital cleft scapula with type V ulnar longitudinal deficiency: case report.

A rare case of malformation of the scapula, a cleft scapula, has been encountered. This case is associated with type V ulnar longitudinal deficiency of the ipsilateral upper limb. The scapular malformation has been treated with fusion of the 2 parts, with good aesthetic and functional outcome. In this report, the clinical, radiological, and surgical findings, as well as the surgical technique, are described. Four cases of similar malformation have been reported in the literature, and they were described as complete scapular duplication. According to the current findings and reinterpretation of the previous reports, this malformation is better called cleft scapula rather than scapular duplication.

Repair of chronic rupture of the achilles tendon using 2 intratendinous flaps from the proximal gastrocnemius-soleus complex.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon is a surgical challenge, owing to the presence of a gap between the retracted ends, which renders direct repair almost impossible. PURPOSE: In this study, 2 intratendinous distally based flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemiussoleus complex are used to bridge the gap between the retracted edges of the ruptured Achilles tendon. The flaps are placed in the same line of pull of the ruptured tendon, in an effort to make the graft mimic the original biomechanics as much as possible. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Eleven patients (9 male and 2 female) with neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon with retracted ends were included in this study. Two flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemiussoleus complex were rotated over themselves, passed through the proximal stump, and then securely inserted into a previously prepared bed in the distal stump. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for a period of 6 to 9 years. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to return to their preinjury level of activity within a period of 6 to 9 months. The mean preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 42.27, whereas it was 98.91 at the final follow-up, with a range of 88 (in 1 patient) to 100 points (in 10 patients). All 11 patients showed statistically significant improvement according to the Holz rating system. CONCLUSION: This technique allows for a bridging of the defect present in chronic ruptures of Achilles tendons, with a minimum of complications and a good final outcome.

Results of treatment of idiopathic clubfoot in older infants using the Ponseti method: a preliminary report.

The Ponseti method has become a well-established technique for the treatment of clubfoot presenting in the neonatal period. A few reports have discussed the result of this method in older age group. The purpose of this study is to present the results and clinical experience of using the Ponseti method in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus in infants presented between 4 and 13 months of age with a history of failed manipulations. Thirty-two feet in 20 infants (12 males; eight females) with idiopathic congenital clubfeet were treated using the Ponseti method with minor modifications. The average age at presentation was 7 months (range from 4 to 13 months). We used the Pirani scoring system to assess the feet. After an average follow-up of 19 months, the ultimate overall results were satisfactory in 31 feet. The Pirani score improved from an average of 4.3 (range: 3-6) at presentation to a final follow-up average of 0.5 (range: 0-1). One foot had unsatisfactory result with a pretreatment score of 5.5 and a final score of 3. The results were also presented in terms of the number of casts applied, the need for tenotomy of tendo Achillis, recurrence of the deformity and the ultimate requirement for surgical release. The use of the Ponseti method in older-aged infants with idiopathic congenital clubfoot seems to be an effective method of treatment, obviating the need for extensive surgery.

Characteristics of patients with hypoplastic thumb: a prospective study of 51 patients with the results of surgical treatment.

The aim of this study was to characterize a group of patients with hypoplasia of the thumb, classifying them, describing the associated anomalies and to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of such cases. Thumb hypoplasia is a complex and heterogeneous congenital disorder that is detrimental to hand functions. The characteristics of patients with these anomalies are not well described in the literature. A prospective study on 51 patients with 82 hypoplastic thumbs was done. All the patients' data regarding their personal, family, pregnancy and developmental histories were recorded. All the patients were exposed to thorough clinical examination with genetic assessment and radiological examination including abdominal ultrasonography and echocardiography when requested by the paediatrician. The cases were classified using the modified Blauth classification into five types and we added the five-fingered hand. Surgical treatment was performed for 26 hands in 18 patients and the postoperative results were recorded with an average duration of follow-up of 38.6 months. Of the 51 patients, there was a positive consanguinity in 23.5%. Eighty-six per cent were found to have associated anomalies. Type V thumb hypoplasia was the most common type followed by type IV, with type I being the least common. All the patients' parents were satisfied with the results of surgical treatment and noticed improvement of the performance of the operated hands in the daily activities. We detected some anomalies that have never been described before or described as case reports only; such as lacunar skull, congenital facial palsy and toe amputation; we also described familial radial side dysplasia with variable presentation of congenital anomalies of the thumb in the families. In addition, we think that the five-fingered hand should be added to the classification of thumb hypoplasia. Our study agrees with the literature regarding the distribution of different types of hypoplasia of the thumb, the incidence of associated anomalies and the results of surgical treatment.