Radiographic Scapholunate Interval in the Pediatric Population Decreases in Size as Age Increases.

BACKGROUND: Widening of the scapholunate (SL) interval greater than 2 mm is diagnostic of an injury in adults; however, this absolute number cannot be used for skeletally immature individuals due to the ossification of the carpal bones. The purpose of this study was to determine age-appropriate normative values for the radiographic SL interval in the skeletally immature population. METHODS: Normal pediatric wrist radiographs were identified. The radiographic SL interval was measured as the distance between the scaphoid and the lunate at the mid-joint space between the scaphoid and the lunate, and the SL and capitolunate angles were measured on lateral views. An initial inter-rater reliability assessment was completed with strong inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: In all, 529 radiographic series of children (276 male), aged 4 to 17 years, were reviewed. A negative linear correlation between chronological age and distance at the mid-joint space was observed. The average values for the radiographic SL interval ranged from 9.07 to 1.57 mm. The average SL and capitolunate angles were 52.0° and 10.6°, respectively. No linear relationship was found between chronological age and SL or capitolunate angle (R = 0.07 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The visible radiographic distance between the scaphoid and the lunate decreases with increasing age as the carpal bones ossify. The normative values defined in this study can be used to determine whether a true widening of the SL interval is present in the pediatric population. No linear relationship exists between chronological age and SL or capitolunate angle.

Single Versus Double Tendon Transfer to Improve Shoulder External Rotation During the Treatment of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

Background: Tendon transfers are commonly performed in patients with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) to improve function. Transferring 2 tendons in patients with C5-7 injury has the potential complication of loss of midline function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single tendon transfer (1TT) as opposed to the traditional double tendon transfer (2TT) resulted in any differences in functional outcomes in patients with C5-7 BPBP. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with C5-7 BPBP who underwent tendon transfers to improve shoulder external rotation over a 5-year period was performed at 2 institutions. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Mallet (MM) classification scores. Results: Twenty-two C5-7 patients had complete records of preoperative and postoperative MM scores, including 11 sex-matched patients in both the 1TT and 2TT groups. When comparing preoperative and postoperative MM categories, there were significant improvements in both the 1TT and 2TT groups for global abduction (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and external rotation (P < .00001 for both). Modified Mallet (MM) hand to neck scores were significantly improved in the 2TT group (P < .05) but not in the 1TT group (P = .053). Internal rotation scores significantly decreased in both groups (P < .001). Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total scores from the preoperative MM scores (P < .01). Conclusion: The 1TT and 2TT procedures result in substantial gains in upper extremity functions for patients with C5-7 BPBP as measured by the MM score, specifically within the global abduction and external rotation subcategories. However, a significant loss occurs in internal rotation for both groups.

Variation Among Surgeons Regarding the Use of Preoperative Antibiotics in Percutaneous Pinning Procedures of the Upper Extremity in the Pediatric Population.

Background: Preoperative antibiotics may not be necessary, given the very low infection rates associated with percutaneous pinning (PP) procedures of the upper extremity (UE). The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns and variation surrounding the use of preoperative antibiotics when performing PP procedures of the child's UE. Methods: A survey was sent to all members of Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America to assess the use and opinions regarding preoperative antibiotics for PP procedures of the UE. Queries included the surgeon's current practice and thoughts regarding the need for preoperative antibiotics based on the anatomical location of the procedure. Results: Eight-one percent of the 295 respondents routinely order preoperative antibiotics for all PP procedures of the UE; however, only 60% felt that all patients must receive preoperative antibiotics. The requirement for preoperative antibiotics varied based on the anatomical location-81% for shoulder, 70% for elbow, 66% for wrist, and 62% for hand/finger. Canadian surgeons were significantly less likely to believe that preoperative antibiotics must be used in all UE cases, all shoulder cases, and all elbow cases (all Ps = .04). Conclusion: The vast majority (81%) of surgeons surveyed routinely prescribe antibiotics for PP procedures of the UE despite the fact that 40% of surgeons felt that antibiotics were not necessary for all procedures. As the PP procedure is performed more distally on the UE, fewer surgeons feel preoperative antibiotics are necessary. Future studies assessing infection rates with and without the use of preoperative antibiotics are necessary to determine the true need for these medications.

Cost Analysis of Treating Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Community Hospitals Compared With a Tertiary Care Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: In the current healthcare environment, providing cost-efficient care is of paramount importance. One emerging strategy is to use community hospitals (CHs) rather than tertiary care hospitals (TCHs) for some procedures. This study assesses the costs of performing closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) at a CH compared with a TCH. METHODS: A retrospective review of 133 consecutive SCHFs treated with CRPP at a CH versus a TCH over a 6-year period was performed. Total encounter and subcategorized costs were compared between the procedures done at a CH versus those done at a TCH. RESULTS: Performing CRPP for a SCHF at a CH compared with a TCH saved 44% in costs (P < 0.001). Cost reduction of 51% was attributable to operating room costs, 19% to anesthesia-related costs, 16% to imaging-related costs, and 7% to supplies. DISCUSSION: Performing CRPP for a SCHF at a CH compared with a TCH results in a 44% decrease in direct cost, driven largely by surgical, anesthesia, and radiology-related savings.

Normal Ranges of Upper Extremity Length, Circumference, and Rate of Growth in the Pediatric Population.

Background: Upper extremity length and circumference abnormalities are present in a number of conditions in the pediatric population. In most cases, upper limb hypoplasia and hypertrophy are diagnosed when one limb appears substantially different from the other during physical examination. However, occasionally when this discrepancy exists, it can be difficult to determine which limb is the abnormal one. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for upper extremity length, circumference, and rate of growth in children aged 0 to 17 years. Methods: In all, 377 participants had 4 measurements taken of each upper extremity: upper arm length, upper arm circumference, forearm length, and forearm circumference. Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences and rates of growth. Results: Mean values for arm and forearm length and circumference for each age, 0 to 17 years, were established. The determination of a child's expected arm length is dependent on his or her height, age, and sex, while the calculation of a child's expected forearm length depends on his or her weight, age, and sex. Male and female arms and forearms have similar growth rates of lengths and circumferences. No significant differences were found between right and left extremities for each of the 4 measurements taken. Conclusions: Contralateral limbs can be used for comparison of length and circumference of the arm and forearm in cases of unilateral upper extremity abnormality. The establishment of normal values for upper extremity length, circumference, and growth rate will be a useful diagnostic tool for upper extremity hypoplasia and hypertrophy.

Pediatric Emergency Room Transfers: Are They Warranted?

BACKGROUND: Emergency room transfers to a higher level of care are a vital component of modern health care, as optimal care of patients requires providing access to specialized personnel and facilities. However, literature has shown that orthopaedic transfers to a higher level of care facility are frequently unnecessary. The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriateness of pediatric orthopaedic transfers to a tertiary care center and the factors surrounding these transfers. METHODS: All pediatric orthopaedic transfers to the pediatric emergency department (ED) were evaluated over a 4-year period. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the factors surrounding the transfer including patient demographics, time of transfer, day of transfer, insurance status, outcome of transfer, and diagnosis. Three independent variables were utilized to assess the appropriateness of the transfer: the need for an operative procedure, the need for conscious sedation, and the need for a closed reduction in the ED. RESULTS: A total of 218 pediatric orthopaedic emergency room transfers were evaluated, of which 86% of them involved an acute fracture. Twenty-seven percent (59/218) of the transfers occurred on the weekend, with over half (61%) of these transfers being initiated between 6 PM and 6 AM. Approximately half (47%) of the transfers involved patients with Medicaid. Fifty-five percent (120/218) of cases required a procedure in the operating room and 22% (49/218) had a closed reduction performed in the ED. Conscious sedation was provided in the ED for 22% (48/218) of patients. Twenty-two percent (47/218) of transfers did not require a trip to the operating room, conscious sedation, nor a closed reduction procedure in the ED. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of pediatric orthopaedic transfers are warranted as they required operative intervention, a closed reduction maneuver, or conscious sedation in the ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Therapeutic.

Hand Fractures in Children: When Do I Need to Start Thinking About Surgery?

Each year, a hand fracture is diagnosed in 24.2 of 100,000 children in Canada. Hand injuries are the most common fractures in children, making up approximately one fifth of all pediatric fractures. The incidence of hand fractures peaks between the ages of 10 and 14 years, with the highest frequencies observed among adolescent males. These increased frequencies coincide with the age at which most children begin playing contact sports, with sport-related injuries found to be the largest cause of adolescent fractures. The fifth digit is the most commonly injured digit, followed by the thumb. Phalangeal fractures constitute approximately 65% of pediatric hand fractures. Metacarpal fractures account for approximately 35% of pediatric and adolescent hand fractures, with 100 of every 100,000 children sustaining a fracture of the metacarpals. The decision to operate is related to many factors and depends on the age of the child and the location and nature of the fracture. The remodeling potential of pediatric bones factors largely into this decision because the phalangeal physis can contribute to bone growth and realignment via remodeling.

Loss of Midline Function in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy Patients.

BACKGROUND: Loss of midline function impairs the child's ability to perform certain activities of daily living such as dressing, buttoning, and perineal care. The purpose of this study was to assess brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients with loss of midline function with respect to etiology and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of all BPBP patients with loss of midline function was performed. The modified Mallet scale was used with internal rotation assessed via hand on spine and hand to belly. Demographics, extent of BPBP, prior surgical intervention, procedure(s) performed to correct the loss of midline function, complications, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients were identified with loss of midline function as defined by the inability to reach midline and touch their umbilicus. Nineteen patients had previously undergone tendon transfers about the shoulder with or without arthroscopic capsular release to improve external rotation. After the initial surgery, modified Mallet scores improved 1 grade for abduction, hand to mouth, hand to neck, and external rotation without altering the hand to spine category. However, the internal rotation category (hand to umbilicus) decreased from an average 2.71 preoperatively to an average 2.15 postoperatively. Nine patients underwent a derotational humeral osteotomy to improve midline function. The average correction of internal rotation was 47.8 degrees (range, 20 to 85 degrees). After this surgery, modified Mallet scores remained unchanged for hand to spine; however, the scores improved back to 2.7 for the internal rotation category. Two complications were noted including 1 plate fracture and 1 fracture through a screw hole. CONCLUSIONS: BPBP patients who undergo surgical procedures to improve shoulder external rotation and/or obtain joint reduction may inadvertently lose midline function. Derotational humeral osteotomy can effectively restore midline function, which is needed to perform activities of daily living. Surgical procedures to improve external rotation should be performed in a manner that minimizes limitation of midline functions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic.