The different applications of Vertebral Body Tethering - Narrative review and clinical experience.

Background: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) has been originally developed as a growth modulation technique for the surgical management of skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Given the positive results obtained in this setting, the use of VBT is gradually expanding to other patient categories, such as those with no or limited remaining growth or with non-idiopathic scoliosis. Aim of this manuscript is to offer an overview over the current applications of VBT, along with imaging and comments derived from the clinical experience. The work was based on a literature search conducted in January 2023 on Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Following keywords were used for the search: vertebral body tethering, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, early onset scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, syndromic scoliosis. Results: Three patient categories in which VBT has been applied have been highlighted: VBT for growth modulation in AIS, VBT as anterior scoliosis correction in AIS and VBT for non-idiopathic curves or early-onset scoliosis. Conclusion: While growth modulation in AIS still represents the most widespread use of VBT, the use of this technique has yielded positive results in different settings as well, such as scoliosis correction in AIS or temporary or definitive curve management in non-AIS curves. While long-term results are lacking, patient selection seems to play a central role to reduce the complication rate and ensure predictable and stable results.

Femoral fracture during breech vaginal delivery: A case report.

Femoral fracture is a rare but significant foetal injury, more frequent and likely to happen when the foetus is malpositioned or in a breech presentation. Cesarian section does not appear to be protective and all recent publications report cases occurring during cesarian section. We report a case that occurred in a vaginal delivery of a single footling breech presentation. This complication allows us to remind that femur fracture is a complication of breech delivery whatever the modality. The prognosis is good with early diagnosis.

Functional impact of osteosuture in medial bilateral clavicular physeal fracture in teenagers.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal physeal fracture of the medial clavicular physis is a rare specific injury occurring in the immature skeletal. Several studies describe unilateral cases with posterior or anterior displacement and the following complications (vascular and mediastinal compression). An immediate diagnosis and management are necessary to avoid complications. The clinical diagnostic might be obvious or difficult, pain and swelling in the sternoclavicular joint area, sometimes a deformity and focal tenderness. A chest X-Ray may help and a three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography scan has to be done to evaluate the lesions before surgery. The imaging is useful to confirm and specify the diagnostic and the displacement. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This case report presents 4 cases of proximal physeal fracture of the medial clavicular physis in 2 male-teenagers with bilateral displacement, one posterior and the other asymmetric. DISCUSSION: After reviewing the literature of the unilateral clavicular physeal fracture, we can conclude that the ideal management of these injuries has not been well described. An open reduction associated an osteosuture with non-resorbable suture was performed. One-year follow-up, both of them had full recovery without any functional impact or any complains. This management of the proximal physeal fracture of the medial clavicle on children shows an excellent result according our cases and the literature. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional impact of osteosuture in medial bilateral clavicular physeal fracture in teenagers after 1-year follow-up.

Femtosecond laser inscription of Bragg grating waveguides in bulk diamond.

Femtosecond laser writing is applied to form Bragg grating waveguides in the diamond bulk. Type II waveguides are integrated with a single pulse point-by-point periodic laser modification positioned toward the edge of the waveguide core. These photonic devices, operating in the telecommunications band, allow for simultaneous optical waveguiding and narrowband reflection from a fourth-order grating. This fabrication technology opens the way toward advanced 3D photonic networks in diamond for a range of applications.

Early outcomes of spinal growth tethering for idiopathic scoliosis with a novel device: a prospective study with 2 years of follow-up.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a 3D spine deformity that worsens during the whole growth. New methods for spinal growth modulation with flexible spinal implants have been described to avoid progression of the deformity during growth spurt. The main limitations are that no specific ancillaries and devices are available, which makes the surgery technically demanding. METHODS: We have developed a new method of spinal growth tethering using minimal invasive videothoracoscopic approach. Fixation is performed with staples and synthetic ligament on the lateral aspect of vertebral bodies on main curvature convexity. Patients with progressive thoracic idiopathic scoliosis despite the brace treatment were included. The clinical and radiological examinations were compared before and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Six patients with flexible thoracic curves with a mean age 11.2 ± 1.2 years and a mean Cobb angle 45° ± 10° (35-60) were operated. All were skeletally immature. At last follow-up, the Cobb angle was stable. None of the patient underwent fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure allowed a stabilization of the deformity during growth spurt. Validated devices and further studies with longer term follow-up are needed to confirm the efficiency of this technique. This small cohort of patients is a source of reflection for further medical devices developments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 case series comparing to not randomized studies.

Efficacy of nighttime brace in preventing progression of idiopathic scoliosis of less than 25°.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the present study was to assess, at skeletal maturity, the efficacy of non-operative treatment by isolated nighttime brace in the prevention of progression of progressive idiopathic scoliosis of less than 25°. HYPOTHESIS: Isolated nighttime brace treatment is effective in the prevention of progression of mild progressive idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb<25°). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study included 142 patients managed by nighttime brace for progressive idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb angle<25°, with assessment at skeletal maturity. Mean Cobb angle at start of treatment was 15.5° (range, 10-25°). Mean values for Cobb angle and sagittal parameters before treatment and at skeletal maturity were compared on Student t-test. Change in Cobb angle over time was also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean Cobb angle at skeletal maturity was 16.3°, showing significant increase over baseline (15.5°; P=0.04), although the difference was less than the uncertainty of measurement (±6°). In baseline Risser 0 or 1, mean change in Cobb angle at skeletal maturity (16.2°) was not significant (P=0.1). Cobb angle diminished in 26 cases (18%), increased in 24 (17%) and was unchanged in 92 (65%). CONCLUSION: The present study confirmed the efficacy of non-operative treatment by nighttime brace in mild progressive idiopathic scoliosis (<25°) in a large majority of cases. A nighttime brace thus seems to be an effective option for the treatment of adolescent scoliosis, ensuring a safe curve of around 20°. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.

[Pitfalls in the diagnosis of occult elbow fractures in children]. / Pièges diagnostiques de la traumatologie du coude le l'enfant.

Elbow injuries are frequent but occult fractures are difficult to diagnose on x-rays. However, any delay in the diagnosis may severely impair the prognosis of some fractures. Simple tips may help the clinician read x-rays properly and avoid the classical pitfalls of elbow injuries in children. The chronology of appearance of ossification nuclei around the elbow is important to distinguish normal features from abnormality. Drawing simple geometric constructions on the x-rays may clarify most occult elbow fractures in children.

Spica cast as an alternative to general anesthesia for lower limb MRI in young children.

BACKGROUND: The conventional approach for MRI procedures in very young children is to use general anesthesia which comes with inherent risks. Non-pharmacological strategies to reduce anxiety in children have also been described, but they all require patient cooperation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability to complete diagnosis using temporary spica cast immobilization (TSCI) in children less than 3 years old undergoing MRI procedures for lower limb disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review identified 14 children under 3 years old that had required an MRI for a lower limb disorder, using TSCI. The MRI procedure was performed for evaluation of hip dysplasia, bone infections, limping, evaluation of soft tissue tumor and femoral head osteonecrosis. A spica cast was fitted by the pediatric orthopedic team. The MRI procedure was subsequently performed. RESULTS: Diagnosis was achieved in all cases. The radiologist identified movement artifacts (14 %) that did not impair the image quality enough to prevent interpretation. CONCLUSION: TSCI is a safe, effective and costless procedure avoiding general anesthesia for young patients under 3 years old who require MRI for pelvis or lower limb disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Flare-up of previously quiescent chronic osteomyelitis 20 years after childhood skeletal traction: a report of two cases.

Management of lower limb fractures in children involves many approaches, spanning from conservative treatment to open reduction and internal fixation. A number of intermediate treatments have also been shown to be effective, notably skeletal traction. However, each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complications. In this report, we describe two new cases of chronic osteomyelitis that manifested (many years) after childhood skeletal traction. After analysing these two cases, we proposed measures that can be implemented to avoid such complications, along with a simple, appropriate, reproducible treatment approach.

Magnetic resonance diagnosis of posterior horn tears of the lateral meniscus using a thin axial plane: the zip sign--a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The "zip" sign is a newly described form of meniscal tear progressing from the distal insertion of menisco-femoral ligaments (MFLs) through the lateral meniscal wall; the tear occurs during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the zip sign on knee MRI within the context of ACL injuries. METHODS: From a series of 261 MR examinations for acute knee injury, we selected 97 patients with both MR and arthroscopic data for a retrospective blinded review. The zip sign was defined on axial thin MR sections as a straight line from the distal insertion of MFLs in association with five sagittal images lateral to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) where the MFLs were identified. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting lateral meniscal tears before and after having defined the zip sign were calculated. RESULTS: Sensitivity in detecting the tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM) reached 87.5% (CI 0.68-0.97) after zip sign criteria were defined. The zip sign has excellent inter-observer agreement, К>0.90. CONCLUSION: The zip sign indicates a lesion at the insertion site of MFLs into the PHLM on thin axial images associated with sagittal MR sections that may improve MR sensitivity in detecting PHLM tears.

Pins and rubber traction system for intra-articular proximal interphalangeal joint fractures revisited.

The Pins and Rubber Traction System (PRTS) can be used to treat proximal interphalangeal intra-articular fractures. Our experience is that outcomes are not always excellent and that many patients have reduced joint function or residual deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons behind the poorer outcomes of some of the patients treated with this system. A retrospective clinical and radiological evaluation was performed on 15 patients after a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. The mean interphalangeal joint flexion range was 66 degrees (range 0-100) in our series. The review of the literature shows an average active interphalangeal joint flexion of 78 degrees (range 64-95). Reasons for this difference include preoperative delay, technical deficiencies, the learning curve, a lack in postoperative physiotherapy and degenerative changes due to the longer follow-up. Although the Pins and Rubber Traction System seems a simple procedure, a learning curve is necessary to avoid pitfalls.

Congenital tibial deficiencies: treatment using the Ilizarov's external fixator.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital longitudinal deficiency of the tibia is a rare and often syndromic anomaly. Amputation is usually the preferred treatment option in complete absence of the tibia; however, a conservative management might be implemented in partial forms or in case of amputation refusal. Our experience with the Ilizarov fixator, convinced us this device was the best suited for progressive correction of lower limbs length discrepancies and articular or bone angular limb deformities (ALD). The aim of this study is to highlight the interest of the Ilizarov fixator in the multistage conservative treatment of congenital tibial deficiencies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in nine patients suffering from Type I or II congenital tibial deficiencies (Jones) and sequentially managed using the Ilizarov technique. The functional outcome after treatment completion was then clinically assessed. RESULTS: The different stages of correction were recorded for each individual patient. Patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 18,3 years (4-32 years). The mean maximum knee flexion was 35 degrees (0 degrees -90 degrees ) in type I deficiencies and 118 degrees (90 degrees -140 degrees ) in type II deficiencies. One patient underwent amputation and a bilateral knee arthrodesis was performed in another case. DISCUSSION: Few series in the literature report a comparable length of follow-up period in the conservative management of severe congenital tibial deficiencies. In our study, the Ilizarov fixator provided satisfactory progressive corrections of severe congenital tibial deficiencies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV therapeutic retrospective study.

Superficial femoral artery injury resulting from intertrochanteric hip fracture fixation by a locked intramedullary nail.

UNLABELLED: Iatrogenic vascular injuries are uncommon during the course of proximal femur surgical procedures. We report the case of an 85-year-old female presenting with an intertrochanteric fracture, treated by anterograde (cephalocondylic) intramedullary nailing (Stryker gamma 3 nail) and complicated by a superficial femoral artery laceration at the level of the distal locking screw. Lower limb traction in adduction and internal rotation on the operating table might put at risk the superficial femoral artery during distal screw drilling and insertion. We therefore recommend returning to the neutral position and reducing lower extremity traction after femoral head screw placing and before final distal screw insertion. This technical precaution should limit the risk of superficial femoral artery injury associated with short-nail anterograde intramedullary nailing. TYPE OF STUDY: Level IV retrospective.

Stents in the treatment of renal artery stenosis: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of percutaneous stenting in the treatment of renal arterial lesions after failure of balloon angioplasty. METHODS: Two hundred ten patients (139 males; mean age 67.7 +/- 9.9 years, range 27 to 87) had 259 balloon-expandable stents (165 Palmaz and 94 Renal Bridge stents) implanted in 244 renal artery stenoses (171 ostial and 73 nonostial lesions). The patients were suffering from intractable hypertension (n = 210) and/or renal dysfunction (n = 48). The majority of the lesions (n = 234) were atheromatous in origin. Stents were implanted for suboptimal balloon dilation (n = 182, 75%), restenotic lesions (n = 27, 11%), or dissection (n = 9, 4%); 26 (11%) ostial lesions were stented primarily. Mean lesion length was 11.9 +/- 4.4 mm (range 5 to 30) and mean percent stenosis was 81.9% +/- 8.25% (range 70 to 100). RESULTS: Immediate technical success was 99% (241 of 244). Three (1.2%) major complications included one intraprocedural stent thrombosis, one arterial perforation manifesting as a perirenal hematoma 24 hours after the procedure, and one renal arterial rupture. Follow-up over a mean 25.4 +/- 22.8 months (range 1 to 96) in 185 eligible patients (209 arteries) found 24 cases of restenosis (11.4%). Primary and secondary patencies for all lesions at 60 months were 79% and 98%, respectively, with no significant differences between ostial and nonostial lesions or stent types. Hypertension was reversed in 35 (19%), improved in 112 (61%), and remained unchanged in 37 (20%). Renal function was improved in 29% (14 of 48), unchanged in 67% (32 of 48), and worse in 4% (2 of 48). CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery stenting is safe, effective, and may be an alternative to surgery, particularly in ostial lesions. Our experience shows reduction in the restenosis rate compared to conventional angioplasty. All ostial stenoses should be stented.