Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip - Part 1.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by changes in joint formation within the last months of intrauterine life or the first months after birth. Developmental dysplasia of the hip presentation ranges from femoroacetabular instability to several stages of dysplasia up to complete dislocation. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. Clinical screening, including appropriate maneuvers, is critical in newborns and subsequent examinations during the growth of the child. Infants with suspected DDH must undergo an ultrasound screening, especially those with a breech presentation at delivery or a family history of the condition. A hip ultrasound within the first months, followed by pelvic radiograph at 4 or 6 months, determines the diagnosis and helps follow-up. Treatment consists of concentric reduction and hip maintenance and stabilization with joint remodeling. The initial choices are flexion/abduction orthoses; older children may require a spica cast after closed reduction, with or without tenotomy. An open reduction also can be indicated. After 18 months, the choices include pelvic osteotomies with capsuloplasty and, eventually, acetabular and femoral osteotomies. The follow-up of treated children must continue throughout their growth due to the potential risk of late dysplasia.

Growth modulation for angular knee deformities: a practical guideline.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study aimed to review the established concepts and advances related to growth modulation for treating knee angular deformities. Although they are considered well tolerated procedures, careful indications and accurate techniques are necessary to ensure good results. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to general clinical and radiographic evaluations, new tools such as two-dimensional low-dose radiography and gait analysis have been used to clarify angular and torsional combinations and the impact of mild angulations on the knee joint. Temporary epiphysiodesis is commonly the choice, and it can be performed with different implants such as staples, tension band plates (TBP), percutaneous transphyseal screws (PETS), sutures, and screws. SUMMARY: Considering its principles, TBP has been preferred for younger children. Cost can be a limitation, and research for alternative implants such as screws and nonabsorbable sutures indicate they might be an alternative in the future. In adolescents, PETS becomes an attractive alternative; however, its reversible character has been controversial, and further studies are needed to establish limits in younger patients.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip - Part 1 / Displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril - Parte 1

Abstract Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by changes in joint formation within the last months of intrauterine life or the first months after birth. Developmental dysplasia of the hip presentation ranges from femoroacetabular instability to several stages of dysplasia up to complete dislocation. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. Clinical screening, including appropriate maneuvers, is critical in newborns and subsequent examinations during the growth of the child. Infants with suspected DDH must undergo an ultrasound screening, especially those with a breech presentation at delivery or a family history of the condition. A hip ultrasound within the first months, followed by pelvic radiograph at 4 or 6 months, determines the diagnosis and helps follow-up. Treatment consists of concentric reduction and hip maintenance and stabilization with joint remodeling. The initial choices are flexion/abduction orthoses; older children may require a spica cast after closed reduction, with or without tenotomy. An open reduction also can be indicated. After 18 months, the choices include pelvic osteotomies with capsuloplasty and, eventually, acetabular and femoral osteotomies. The follow-up of treated children must continue throughout their growth due to the potential risk of late dysplasia.

Resumo O termo displasia do desenvolvimento quadril (DDQ) refere-se à condição na qual a articulação sofre alterações na sua formação durante os últimos meses da vida intrauterina ou nos primeiros meses após o nascimento. No espectro de apresentação, varia desde a instabilidade femuroacetabular, passando por estádios de displasia até a completa luxação. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental para o sucesso do tratamento. A triagem através do exame clínico incluindo manobras apropriadas é imprescindível nos recém-nascidos e nas avaliações subsequentes durante o crescimento da criança. O rastreamento ultrassonográfico é indicado nos bebês sob suspeita clínica e muito mais recomendável naqueles que tiveram apresentação pélvica para o parto ou que tenham antecedentes familiares. A ultrassonografia do quadril nos primeiros meses seguida da radiografia da bacia após o 4° ou 6° mês de vida são os exames que determinam o diagnóstico e auxiliam o seguimento. O tratamento está baseado na obtenção de uma redução concêntrica e na manutenção e estabilização do quadril, propiciando a remodelação articular. Inicialmente, as órteses de flexão/abdução são a escolha; em crianças maiores pode ser necessário o uso de gesso após redução incruenta com ou sem tenotomia; redução aberta pode ser indicada e após os 18 meses as osteotomias pélvicas associadas a capsuloplastia e eventuais osteotomias acetabular e femoral. Crianças tratadas devem ser acompanhadas durante todo o seu crescimento pelo eventual risco de displasias tardias.

Pelvic injury in childhood: what is its current importance?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of pelvic fractures in childhood by analyzing epidemiological characteristics and associated injuries. METHODS: This is a retrospective study performed between 2002 and 2012 at two trauma referral centers in São Paulo. We identified 25 patients aged 16 years old or younger with pelvic fracture. RESULTS: The main mechanism of trauma was traffic accident (80%), followed by fall from height (16%). At hospital admission, 92% had traumatic brain injury and 40% had hemodynamic instability. Besides pelvic fractures, 56% of the children had other associated injuries (genitourinary, abdominal, vascular, chest and neurological), and 79% of them required operative treatment. According to the Torode and Zieg classification, the majority of cases were types III and IV. Seventy-two percent of all pelvic fractures were treated by surgery; 52% involved external fixation and 20% involved open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic fractures in childhood can be considered a marker for injury severity, because the associated injuries usually are severe, needing operative treatment and leading to a high mortality rate (12%). Level of Evidence IV, Case Series

PELVIC INJURY IN CHILDHOOD: WHAT IS ITS CURRENT IMPORTANCE?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of pelvic fractures in childhood by analyzing epidemiological characteristics and associated injuries. METHODS: This is a retrospective study performed between 2002 and 2012 at two trauma referral centers in São Paulo. We identified 25 patients aged 16 years old or younger with pelvic fracture. RESULTS: The main mechanism of trauma was traffic accident (80%), followed by fall from height (16%). At hospital admission, 92% had traumatic brain injury and 40% had hemodynamic instability. Besides pelvic fractures, 56% of the children had other associated injuries (genitourinary, abdominal, vascular, chest and neurological), and 79% of them required operative treatment. According to the Torode and Zieg classification, the majority of cases were types III and IV. Seventy-two percent of all pelvic fractures were treated by surgery; 52% involved external fixation and 20% involved open reduction and internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic fractures in childhood can be considered a marker for injury severity, because the associated injuries usually are severe, needing operative treatment and leading to a high mortality rate (12%). Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: reduction as a risk factor for avascular necrosis.

Complication rates after the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) were retrospectively evaluated to identify possible risk factors. Twenty-six patients with SCFE underwent reduction and fixation with a single screw or multiple wires. The prevalence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip or chondrolysis was 14.8 and 3.6%, respectively. The degree of SCFE (P=0.050) and reduction before the seventh day after the slip (P=0.028) were associated with AVN. The risk factors for AVN were found to be a higher grade of SCFE correction and reduction between the second and the seventh day after SCFE.

Coxa vara do desenvolvimento / Developmental coxa vara

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos clínicos e radiográficos observados após o tratamento operatório de pacientes portadores de coxa vara do desenvolvimento (CVD), além de revisar sua epidemiologia e história natural. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 19 pacientes (26 quadris) portadores de CVD submetidos à osteotomia valgizante subtrocantérica, com tempo médio de quatro anos e 10 meses e mínimo de 12 meses de seguimento. Foram analisadas a amplitude de movimento dos quadris, o sinal de Trendelenburg e a discrepância de comprimento dos membros inferiores. Na avaliação radiográfica, foi medido o ângulo epifisodiafisário (ED) e a distância articulotrocantérica (DAT) em diferentes momentos. RESULTADOS: Observou-se elevação média de 21º da amplitude de abdução dos quadris, assim como desaparecimento do sinal de Trendelenburg. Na avaliação da discrepância de comprimento, 72,2 por cento dos 18 pacientes analisados foram equalizados, considerando uma diferença residual de até 0,5cm entre os membros. A variação da DAT apresentou médias de -0,34cm no período pré-operatório, 2,18cm no pós-operatório imediato e 1,35cm na última avaliação, o ângulo ED apresentou uma média de 91º no pré-operatório, 142º no pós-operatório imediato e 133º na última avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: A osteotomia valgizante subtrocantérica, levando a ângulos epifisodiafisários próximos a 140º, foi eficiente ao longo do tempo na correção das deformidades.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings observed after surgical treatment of patients with developmental coxa vara (DCV) and review its epidemiology and natural history. METHOD: We selected 19 patients (26 hips) with DCVthat underwent subtrochanteric osteotomy with a mean follow-up period of four years and ten months and a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. We analyzed the range of motion of the hips, the Trendelenburg sign, and the discrepancy of the length of the lower limbs.In the radiographic evaluation, we measured the epiphyseal-diaphyseal (ED) angle and articulo-trochanteric distance (ATD) at different times. RESULTS: We observed an average increase of 21º in the amplitude of hip abduction, as well as the disappearance of theTrendelenburg sign. In assessing the length discrepancy, 72.2 percent of the 18 patients studied were equalized, witha residual difference of up to 0.5cm between the limbs. The rangeof the ATD showed an average of -0.34 cm in the preoperative period, 2.18 cm in the immediate postoperative period, and 1.35 cm in the last evaluation.The ED angle had an average valueof 91º preoperatively, 142º in the immediate postoperative period, and 133º in the last evaluation. CONCLUSION: The subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy, leading to epiphyseal-diaphyseal angles close to 140º, was effective in the correction of deformitiesover time.

Osteocondrite de Van Neck-Odelberg: relato de 4 casos / Van neck-odelberg osteochondritis: report on 4 cases

A osteocondrite de Van Neck-Odelberg é uma doença rara, que acomete a sincondrose isquiopúbica. Foram avaliados quatro crianças em idade escolar com queixa de dor súbita no quadril esquerdo. As radiografias mostravam alteração da sincondrose isquiopúbica. Os casos foram confirmados com ressonância magnética. Todos os casos foram tratados com marcha sem carga no membro acometido por duas a quatro semanas com melhora completa do quadro.

The Van Neck-Odelberg osteochondritis is a rare disease that affects the ischiopubic synchondrosis. We evaluated four school-age children with complaints of acute pain in the left hip. Radiographs showed a change in the ischiopubic synchondrosis. The cases were confirmed with MRI. All cases were treated with walking withno weight bearing on the affected limb for two to four weeks with complete improvement of symptoms.

Trapezoidal bony correction of the femoral neck in the treatment of severe acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

PURPOSE: To present the first technical description of a modified surgical technique for trapezoidal bony correction of the femoral neck in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), performed entirely by arthroscopy. METHODS: From December 2005 to January 2008, 5 patients with severe SCFE underwent trapezoidal femoral neck bone correction through arthroscopy. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 13.2 years. The time for postoperative follow-up ranged from a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 39 months (mean, 26 months). The study analyzed data regarding the type of slip, degree of correction obtained, clinical and functional outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Analysis with the modified Harris Hip Score criteria showed a mean of 17.2 points preoperatively and 86.6 points at the last assessment. The mean epiphyseal deviation ranged from 82° at the initial presentation to 14° postoperatively. There were no intraoperative complications, and there was 1 case of avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic treatment of SCFE resulted in correction of the angles of epiphyseal slip (from a mean epiphyseal-diaphyseal angle of 82° before surgery to 14° after surgery), with no immediate complications and 1 case of a late complication (avascular necrosis) in this 5-patient series. Clinical improvement was shown by a mean 69.4-point increase in the modified Harris Hip Score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

EVOLUTION OF SLIPPED CAPITAL FEMORAL EPIPHYSIS AFTER NONSURGICAL TREATMENT.

UNLABELLED: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment of patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and the complications due to the progression of the disease. METHODS: 18 patients (26 hips) seen consecutively from December 1996 to August 2006 at the Orthopedics Service of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, who had been referred from other services with a diagnosis of SCFE and were treated without surgery, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Slip progression occurred in 19 hips (73%). Among the mild cases, eight remained mild, four became moderate and one became severe, according to the Southwick classification. Four out of the six originally moderate cases became severe and the two already severe cases worsened. CONCLUSION: Although today there is a consensus regarding the indication of surgical treatment for SCFE to prevent progression, some cases with confirmed diagnoses are still being treated conservatively. This is a major error, since it implies increased morbidity of the disease.

Evolução do escorregamento epifisário proximal do fêrmur após tratamento não cirúrgico / Evolution of slipped capital femoral epiphysis after nonsurgical treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento conservador em pacientes com epifisiólise proximal do fêmur (EEPF) e as complicações devidas à evolução da doença. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 18 pacientes (26 quadris) consecutivamente atendidos no período entre dezembro de 1996 e agosto de 2006 no Serviço de Ortopedia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, encaminhados por outros serviços com diagnóstico de EEPF e tratados de forma não cirúrgica. RESULTADOS: A progressão do escorregamento aconteceu em 19 quadris (73 por cento), sendo que, dos quadris com escorregamento leve, oito permaneceram leves, quatro progrediram para moderados e um tornou-se grave pela classificação Southwick. Dos seis quadris classificados como moderados, quatro evoluíram para grave e os dois graves acentuaram-se um pouco mais. Conclusões: Apesar de a indicação cirúrgica ser hoje consenso no tratamento do EEEP para evitar a progressão do escorregamento, há ainda pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado que são tratados de forma conservadora, e isto representa um grande erro, pois implica no aumento da morbidade da doença.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and the complications due to the progression of the slip. METHODS: 18 patients (26 hips) seen consecutively from December 1996 to August 2006 at the Orthopedics Service of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, referred from other services with a SCFE diagnosis and treated without surgery were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Slip progression was observed in 19 hips (73 percent). Among the mild cases, 8 remained mild, four turned moderate and one became severe according to Southwick classification. Four out of the six originally moderate cases became severe and the two already severe cases worsened. Conclusion: Despite there being a consensus regarding the use of surgical treatment to prevent SCFE progression, some cases are still being treated conservatively. This represents a grave error, since it increases the morbidity of the disease.