Hypertrophy Associated With Vascular Malformations: Analysis of Growth and Results of Epiphysiodesis.

Limb-length inequality is a clinical problem in children with hypertrophy associated with vascular malformations. The purpose of this study was to determine a pattern of growth, predict discrepancy at maturity, and evaluate the timing and results of epiphysiodesis. Hypertrophy with vascular malformation, follow-up from childhood until maturity, annual physical examination, and annual orthoroentgenograms and anteroposterior left hand-wrist radiographs were the inclusion criteria. The developmental pattern of the growth discrepancy was established. Limb-length discrepancy and remaining growth were calculated. All 3 patients underwent distal femur or proximal tibia and fibula percutaneous epiphysiodesis. All cases showed the constant upward slope of the developmental pattern of discrepancy until the time of epiphysiodesis. The length of the uninvolved limb at maturity corresponded to the length predicted by the methods that used skeletal age, allowing calculation of the proper timing for epiphysiodesis. The multiplier and the rule of thumb methods failed, with skeletal age not corresponding to chronological age. In these 3 cases, limb-length discrepancy was successfully treated with percutaneous epiphysiodesis, and there were no complications. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(4):e574-e579.].

Level of the conus in pediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia.

OBJECT: Skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect bone development and can result in reduced vertebral body growth and short stature. The level of the conus medullaris is unknown in this population. The purpose of this review was to determine the level of the conus in a population of pediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a 7-year period was undertaken at a tertiary care pediatric hospital to identify patients in whom skeletal dysplasia had been diagnosed. Radiographs and MR imaging studies were evaluated to discern the level of the conus with respect to the bony vertebral column. RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-seven patients with skeletal dysplasia were identified. One hundred eleven patients had quality MR images. Forty-seven different skeletal dysplasias were observed. The mean conus level was found at the L-1 vertebral body. No difference was noted with respect to the age of the patients or the type of skeletal dysplasia. Two patients (1.7%) had a conus level lower than L-2. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal dysplasia leads to abnormal bone formation and can result in short stature. The location of the conus with respect to the vertebral bodies appears to be stable at the L-1 level regardless of patient age or the type of skeletal dysplasia involved. However, the appearance of a low-level conus and associated tethered cord syndrome may be slightly increased in this population.

Diagnostic evaluation using whole-body technetium bone scan in children with cerebral palsy and pain.

BACKGROUND: Pain in noncommunicative children can be difficult to localize and diagnose. The purpose of this study is to report our experience using a 3-phase whole-body technetium bone scan as a screening tool in identifying the source of persistent pain in children with profound disabilities who cannot communicate. METHODS: We reviewed the medical and imaging records of 45 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study, which included a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy with severe motor and cognitive impairment, persistent pain of more than 1 week in duration with no recognizable source, and a 3-phase whole-body bone scan as part of the pain workup. RESULTS: The study group included 26 females and 19 males with an average age at presentation of 13.5 years (range, 3-20 years). A positive bone scan was seen in 24 patients (53%). The diagnosis and the source of pain were identified in all 24 patients with a positive bone scan, with the bone scan being instrumental in establishing a diagnosis or localization in 22 patients. An orthopaedic diagnosis was not established in the 21 other patients with a negative bone scan. Based on the bone scan results, additional imaging was obtained at the anatomical location indicated. The bone scan was used to establish a diagnosis of fracture in 10 of 24 patients. Other diagnoses included 3 patients with painful internal hardware, 2 with sinusitis, 2 with infections, and 1 with an obstructed kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body bone scan is a viable imaging option to identify the source of persistent pain in children who are noncommunicative. The bone scan can assist in localizing the source of pain and direct the location for further imaging as needed.

Bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis: predictive factors for contralateral slip.

The primary goal in treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is to prevent further slip by stabilizing the physis. Debate exists concerning prophylactic fixation of the uninvolved hip at presentation. Our goal was to determine predictive factors for a contralateral slip after presentation with a unilateral SCFE. Ninety patients with SCFE and complete radiographs were followed up until the bilateral closure of the proximal femoral physis. Chronological age at presentation, sex, and race were recorded. Open or closed triradiate cartilage was recorded, and a modified Oxford bone age assessment was performed. Twenty patients (22%) had bilateral SCFE at presentation, and 70 patients (78%) were unilateral. Of these 70 patients, 16 (23%) later developed a contralateral SCFE. Analysis revealed that chronological age was the only significant (P = 0.010) predictor for developing a contralateral slip. All girls younger than 10 years and all boys younger than 12 years who presented with unilateral SCFE developed a contralateral slip. Twenty-five percent of girls younger than 12 years and 37% of boys younger than 14 years developed a contralateral slip. No girl older than 13 years and no boy older than 14 years developed a contralateral slip in our series. Surgical complications were infrequent and isolated to the side of the initial SCFE. Chronological age is a predictor for a contralateral slip in patients presenting with a unilateral SCFE. The authors recommend that all girls younger than 10 years and all boys younger than 12 years presenting with unilateral SCFE should undergo strong consideration for prophylactic screw fixation on the contralateral side. In older age groups, prophylactic treatment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.