Single versus double percutaneous pinning of pediatric distal radius fractures.

The aim of this study was to compare early clinical and radiographic results of single- versus double-pin fixation of unstable pediatric distal radius fractures. A total of 103 consecutive closed distal radius fractures treated with either single or double percutaneous pinning at a tertiary level I pediatric hospital were analyzed. All patients had open physes and had fractures that failed initial closed reduction and casting. Postoperative fracture displacement was assessed by measuring the difference in angulation of the radius in the anteroposterior and lateral views from intraoperative fluoroscopic images to postoperative radiographs taken on the day of pin removal. Complications were identified from the medical record review. In 103 operative distal radius fractures in 101 patients (70 males, 31 females), 52 and 51 distal radius fractures were treated with single and double pinning, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at the time of surgery was 12.1 (9.0-14.0) years, with the single-pinning group being younger by 1.9 years (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the anteroposterior radiograph (coronal plane) was 2° (1-7°) with one pin versus 1° (0-2°) with two pins (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the lateral radiograph (sagittal plane) was 3° (1-10°) with one pin versus 1° (0-2°) with two pins (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in complications between the single- and double-pinning groups. Double-pin fixation resulted in a statistically significant, but clinically negligible, reduction in postoperative fracture displacement compared with single-pin fixation. Complication rates were similar in both groups. These findings suggest that either single- or double-pinning techniques can be effective, provided appropriate reduction and postoperative immobilization are achieved.

Outcomes of treatment of patella fractures in children and adolescents.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess clinical and functional outcomes in separate cohorts of operatively and nonoperatively managed pediatric patella fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was completed for patients aged 5-19 years treated for a unilateral patella fracture at a single pediatric level-1 trauma center. Patients were excluded for osteochondral fracture associated with patellar dislocation, polytrauma presentation with additional fractures, or <3 months of clinical follow-up. Functional outcomes were assessed via the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee form and the Marx Knee Activity Scale. Results: A total of 53 patients met inclusion criteria; 30 patients were treated operatively and 23 patients were treated nonoperatively. Patients with patellar sleeve/pole fractures were significantly younger by 5.2 years (p < 0.01) and presented with greater variability in mechanism of injury (p < 0.01). The nonoperative cohort achieved bony healing and returned to sports at a median (interquartile range) of 1.7 (1.2-2.3) months and 2.8 (2.3-3.3) months, respectively, post-injury. The operative group achieved bony healing and returned to sports at 2.8 (2.1-3.5) months and 5.9 (4.0-7.1) months, respectively, following surgery. Median (interquartile range) Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee and Marx scores were 98 (89-100) and 14 (10-16), respectively, for the nonoperative group, and 92 (84-99) and 13 (12-16), respectively, for the operative group. No significant differences in patient-reported outcomes were observed between fracture patterns or treatment cohorts. Conclusion: Pediatric and adolescent patients sustaining patella fractures reported long-term functional outcomes comparable to normative values, across multiple fracture patterns and with appropriate operative and nonoperative treatment. Fractures requiring surgery were expectedly associated with slower healing and return to sport timelines. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Early Surgical Results of Pediatric Unicondylar Phalangeal Fractures.

PURPOSE: Conventional teaching dictates that timely diagnosis and expeditious treatment of unicondylar phalangeal fractures are essential to restore articular congruity, which allows for optimal range of motion and function. The objective of this study was to compare the radiographic and clinical results of surgical treatment of acute and chronic unicondylar phalanx fractures in pediatric patients. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with unicondylar phalangeal fractures underwent surgical intervention at a pediatric tertiary care center from 2004 to 2016. A fracture was defined as acute if an interval of 4 weeks or less had elapsed between the date of injury and date of surgery and chronic if an interval of more than 4 weeks had elapsed between the date of injury and date of surgery. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed. The joint alignment was determined by measuring the angle between the longitudinal axis of the phalanx and a line tangential to the articular condyles on anteroposterior radiographs. RESULTS: There were 24 patients (71%) with acute and 10 (29%) with chronic fractures. An oblique volar fracture pattern was most common in both the groups. The average joint alignment obtained from the anteroposterior radiographs at presentation was 6° in the acute group and 12° in the chronic group. The surgical procedures performed included closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, osteoclasis or osteotomy and fixation, and corrective advancement osteotomy. The posttreatment alignment was within 3° of neutral in 21 patients (88%) with acute injury and 8 (80%) with chronic injury. The average interphalangeal joint range of motion at the final clinic visit was 1°-92° in the acute group and 4°-85° in the chronic group. One patient with chronic injury developed avascular necrosis after treatment with corrective osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns and characteristics of unicondylar phalanx fractures are similar between pediatric patients and adults. The radiographic alignment and digital motion are improved with surgical reduction and fixation, regardless of chronicity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Corrective Osteotomy for Symptomatic Radial Head and Neck Malunions in the Skeletally Immature.

BACKGROUND: Radial head and neck fracture malunion can lead to pain, stiffness, deformity, and functional limitations. This study analyzed the early radiographic and functional outcomes of corrective osteotomy for symptomatic radial head and/or neck malunion in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: Thirteen pediatric patients treated with corrective osteotomy for symptomatic radial head and/or neck malunion from 2004 to 2018 were identified. Radiographic union, range of motion, pain, and complications were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Scale. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 12.3 years (range: 8.6 to 16.3). The mean time from injury to osteotomy was 7.5 months (range: 2 to 24.1 mo). Before osteotomy, mean radial head-shaft angulation was 23 degrees (range: 5 to 57 degrees), mean displacement was 76% (range: 0 to 55), average elbow flexion contracture was 18 degrees (range: 0 to 60 degrees), and average elbow flexion was 112 degrees (range: 95 to 135 degrees). After a mean follow-up of 14.3 months, 12 of 13 osteotomies (92%) healed; 1 patient had a painless nonunion. The number of patients reporting pain decreased from 9 to 2 ( P =0.012). Radiographic alignment and range of motion improved in all patients. Mean angulation and displacement improved to 8 degrees (range: 2 to 15 degrees, P =0.001) and 3% (range: 0 to 18 degrees, P =0.001), respectively. Mean elbow flexion contracture was reduced to 5 degrees (range: 0 to 30 degrees, P =0.008), and the average elbow flexion increased to 128 degrees (range: 100 to 135 degrees, P <0.001). Three patients underwent implant removal for complications, including heterotopic ossification and avascular necrosis. Physeal arrest did not lead to any adverse sequelae. The sole case of avascular necrosis had a reduced range of motion but no pain. The mean postoperative Broberg and Morrey score was 91.1; 7 patients had excellent postoperative scores, 4 good, and 2 fair. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective osteotomy for symptomatic malunion of the radial head and/or neck in skeletally immature patients can improve elbow alignment, motion, pain, and function. Preservation of the soft-tissue attachments to the proximal epiphysis and rigid internal fixation are critical components of this surgical technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

Web-Based Self-Directed Exercise Program Is Cost-Effective Compared to Formal Physical Therapy After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Web-based physical therapy (WBPT) is a potential means to reduce costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although outcomes data support the use of self-directed therapy after TKA, there is a paucity of literature evaluating its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to determine utilization trends of either outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) or WBPT after TKA, assess the outcomes of patients based on their use of WBPT, OPPT, or both, and evaluate OPPT costs based on the amount of WBPT used. METHODS: A retrospective review of 701 patients (731 TKAs) was performed. Patients were given a prescription for OPPT and access to a self-directed WBPT program. Functional scores were obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and the rate of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), range of motion, and PT costs were recorded. RESULTS: About 49.8% of patients utilized WBPT, 34.7% of patients utilized WBPT and OPPT, and 23% of patients utilized neither source of therapy. Patients that utilized both WBPT and OPPT demonstrated the lowest rates of MUA. There were no differences in postoperative outcomes based on the number of WBPT logins. Overall, PT cost was 3.4× higher for those that underwent MUA. Subgroup analysis of patients that utilized WBPT revealed that the cost and number of PT visits decreased as the number of logins increased. Patients younger than 65 utilized more WBPT and OPPT while demonstrating worse outcomes (lower Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement postoperative scores and more MUAs). CONCLUSION: WBPT can be an effective option to offset costs associated with OPPT, without compromising outcomes.

Immunohistochemical detection of the pro-apoptotic Bax∆2 protein in human tissues.

The pro-apoptotic Bax isoform Bax∆2 was originally discovered in cancer patients with a microsatellite guanine deletion (G8 to G7). This deletion leads to an early stop codon; however, when combined with the alternative splicing of exon 2, the reading frame is restored allowing production of a full-length protein (Bax∆2). Unlike the parental Baxα, Bax∆2 triggers apoptosis through a non-mitochondrial pathway and the expression in human tissues was unknown. Here, we analyzed over 1000 tissue microarray samples from 13 different organs using immunohistochemistry. Bax∆2-positive cells were detected in all examined organs at low rates (1-5%) and mainly scattered throughout the connective tissues. Surprisingly, over 70% of normal colon samples scored high for BaxΔ2-positive staining. Only 7% of malignant colon samples scored high, with most high-grade tumors being negative. A similar pattern was observed in most organs examined. We also showed that both Baxα and Bax∆2 can co-exist in the same cells. Genotyping showed that the majority of Bax∆2-positive normal tissues contain no G7 mutation, but an unexpected high rate of G9 was observed. Although the underlying mechanism remains to be explored, the inverse correlation of Bax∆2 expression with tissue malignancy suggests that it may have a clinical implication in cancer development and treatment.

Spatiotemporal microRNA profile in peripheral nerve regeneration: miR-138 targets vimentin and inhibits Schwann cell migration and proliferation.

While the peripheral nervous system has regenerative ability, restoration of sufficient function remains a challenge. Vimentin has been shown to be localized in axonal growth fronts and associated with nerve regeneration, including myelination, neuroplasticity, kinase signaling in nerve axoplasm, and cell migration; however, the mechanisms regulating its expression within Schwann cell (SC) remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to profile the spatial and temporal expression profile of microRNA (miRNA) in a regenerating rat sciatic nerve after transection, and explore the potential role of miR-138-5p targeting vimentin in SC proliferation and migration. A rat sciatic nerve transection model, utilizing a polyethylene nerve guide, was used to investigate miRNA expression at 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days during nerve regeneration. Relative levels of miRNA expression were determined using microarray analysis and subsequently validated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro assays were conducted with cultured Schwann cells transfected with miRNA mimics and assessed for migratory and proliferative potential. The top seven dysregulated miRNAs reported in this study have been implicated in cell migration elsewhere, and GO and KEGG analyses predicted activities essential to wound healing. Transfection of one of these, miRNA-138-5p, into SCs reduced cell migration and proliferation. miR-138-5p has been shown to directly target vimentin in cancer cells, and the luciferase assay performed here in rat Schwann cells confirmed it. These results detail a role of miR-138-5p in rat peripheral nerve regeneration and expand on reports of it as an important regulator in the peripheral nervous system.