Anatomical fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial intercondylar eminence fractures are a rare pathology causing anterior laxity of the knee, which requires anatomical reduction and a stable osteosynthesis. The aim of this study was to present the clinical results of reinsertion in anatomical position of these fractures, in the paediatric population, using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that the clinical results would be satisfactory and comparable to the literature. METHOD: This retrospective, monocentric study involved 34 consecutive patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, divided into 55.9% with type 2, 35.2% with type 3, 8.8% with type 4 according to Meyers & McKeever, operated on between March 1999 and March 2018. Assessments were performed at a minimum follow-up of 1-year and included the Lysholm, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner activity scores, and the measurement of anterior knee laxity by the KT1000. RESULTS: At the average follow-up of 8.8 years, 7 patients were lost to follow-up, 2 required anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Pathological residual laxity was present in 25% of cases and instability in 16%. The average Lysholm score was 93.1±9.8, the average subjective IKDC was 93.8±6.4 and the average Tegner score was 5.6±1.5. The average anterior laxity of the knee was 0.7±2.0mm. CONCLUSION: The anatomical reinsertion using a threaded pin with an adjustable lock for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in a paediatric population provides good functional results and is comparable to the data in the literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective.

Arthroscopic osteosynthesis of capitellum fractures: Feasibility study and clinical study on 2 cases.

BACKGROUND: The current management of displaced capitellum fractures is traditionally surgical. Most authors perform open reduction and internal fixation. The working hypothesis was that closed reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures is achievable by arthroscopy. METHODS: We carried out a cadaveric study on six fresh frozen elbows. We performed two Bryan and Morrey type I fractures of the capitellum, three type II and one type IV using a 15 mm osteotome. Fracture reduction was performed under arthroscopy using a probe hook and an aiming femoral instrument set. Fixation with a lag screw was performed under arthroscopy and radioscopic control. We reviewed, two patients who had been operated on for a type I and type II capitellum fracture and osteosynthesized under arthroscopy with a 7.5 years follow-up. RESULTS: In our cadaveric study, we obtained anatomical reduction and stable osteosynthesis in four cases. We had two failures (2 type II fractures) due to a fracture of the fragment during screwing. In our clinical study, range of motion was very satisfactory with only a 5° extension deficit. The x-rays did not reveal any signs of osteoarthritis or periarticular ossification. One patient had minimal signs of osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic osteosynthesis of capitellum fractures is feasible and reproducible. We recommend cannulated lag screws for Bryan and Morrey type I and IV fractures and adjustable lock pins for type II fractures. We have shown that this technique gives good results on two patients with a 7.5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Functional outcome following closed reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis of distal tibia articular fractures in children.

Closed reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis is an alternative to the open procedure for articular fractures of distal tibia of children. 38 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The measured parameters were : the score of Gleizes and the discrepancies between preoperative radiographic and CT scan measurements and postoperative radiographs. A significant correlation was found between the gap and the step-off in preoperative radiographic and CT scan. A significant decrease of the gap and step-off displacement was noticed after surgery. The Gleizes scoring showed 35 good results, 2 average results and 1 poor result. Percutaneous fixation of ankle articular fractures in children is a simple and effective treatment giving similar results to open techniques while minimizing the risk of joint stiffness and healing complications. Growth complications are comparable with both techniques.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes after treatment of a national cohort of PCR-positive Lyme arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes after antibiotic treatment of a national cohort of patients with Lyme arthritis confirmed by PCR testing on synovial fluid and by serology, when available. METHODS: Using the French National Reference Center for Borrelia database, patients with a positive PCR on synovial fluid for Borrelia were identified. Patient clinical and biological characteristics were reviewed from patient records. Long-term outcomes after treatment were studied through a questionnaire and with follow-up data. RESULTS: Among 357 synovial fluid testing by PCR between 2010 and 2016, 37 (10.4%) were positive for Borrelia. Patients' median age was 36 years (range 6-78) with 61% of men and 28% patients under 18. The presentation was monoarticular in 92% and the knee was involved in 97%. Contrary to the Borrelia species repartition in European ticks, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was the most prevalent species found in synovial fluid (54%) followed by B. azfelii (29%) and B. garinii (17%). Antibiotic treatments were mainly composed of doxycycline (n = 24), ceftriaxone (n = 10) and amoxicillin (n = 6), for a median duration of 4 weeks (range 3-12). Despite a properly conducted treatment, 34% of patients (n = 12) developed persistent synovitis for at least 2 months (median duration 3 months, range 2-16). Among those, 3 developed systemic inflammatory oligo- or polyarthritis in previously unaffected joints with no signs of persistent infection (repeated PCR testing negative), which mandated Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD) introduction, leading to remission. CONCLUSION: In France and contrary to ticks ecology, Lyme arthritis is mainly caused by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Despite proper antibiotic therapy, roughly one third of patients may present persistent inflammatory synovitis and a small proportion may develop systemic arthritis. In such cases, complete remission can be reached using DMARD.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity: an extremely rare and new distinct entity.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare but distinct entity of nasal cavity carcinomas. Only a very few cases have been reported in the nasal cavity. Its treatment is not well established. We report the case of a LCNEC in a 70 years old patient who presented with right nasal obstruction and epistaxis since 2 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical study. The patient underwent complete endoscopic removal of the tumor combined to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. After 6 month follow-up, the patient was in complete clinical and radiological remission. We will discuss in this paper the various epidemiology, clinical features, pathological findings, differential diagnosis, and evolution of treatment of this uncommon malignancy in the light of current knowledge. Optimal treatment strategies are yet to be determined for this rare malignancy with poor prognosis including surgery and chemoradiotherapy.

MRI assessment of growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction in children with open growth plates-Prospective multicenter study of 100 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We were interested in the consequences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the growth plates and the impact on growth in children with open growth plates. The primary objective was related to growth disturbances with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not cause any. The secondary objective related to the presence of physis lesions on MRI, with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not induce any. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the context of a 2017 SFA symposium on ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, we conducted a prospective multicenter study with 2 years' follow-up. The study enrolled 100 patients; 71 were available for analysis. Four reconstruction techniques were used: semitendinosus-gracilis (STG), short graft (SG), quadriceps tendon (QT) and fascia lata (FL). MRI was used to look for growth disturbances as evidenced by deviation of the Harris lines or modification of the physis and diaphysis angles. Physis lesions were determined on MRI based on the presence of physeal bone bridges (PBB). RESULTS: No growth disturbances were found. However, PBBs were found in 14 patients (20%). At the femur, the relative risk (RR) was higher when a STG graft was used (RR=2.1) and the tunnel diameter was≥9mm (RR=1.7). Epiphyseal fixation had a higher risk than transphyseal fixation (RR=1.6 vs. 1.2). At the tibia, the RR was higher when a QT graft was used (RR=3.6), when screw fixation was performed (RR=3.7) or when the graft did not fill the tunnel sufficiently (RR=1.5). DISCUSSION: The absence of growth disturbances after 2 years' follow-up validates the possibility of ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, including with transphyseal techniques. The presence of small growth plate lesions such as bone bridges means that precautions should be taken with respect to tunnel trajectory, tunnel diameter, graft and tunnel diameter matching and graft fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective cohort study.

MRI study of the ligamentization of ACL grafts in children with open growth plates.

INTRODUCTION: There is little published information on the ligamentization of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts. The aims of our study were to compare the MRI appearance of ACL grafts performed in a population with open growth plates to normal ACLs in adolescents and to determine whether the MRI signal in the grafts at 6 months could predict a retear. We hypothesized that ligamentization was a slow, gradual process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study of 100 ACL grafts (quadriceps tendon, hamstring tendon, fascia lata) in children 7 to 16 years of age. Of these, 65 intact grafts underwent one or more MRI examinations between 6 months and 2 years postoperative. MRI images were also analyzed in 7 patients who suffered a retear and in the intact ACL of 20 adolescents (15 to 18 years of age). The other 28 patients did not undergo an MRI during the postoperative phase. For each MRI, the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was calculated in three different areas in the ACL (proximal, middle, distal) along with the Howell intra-articular and intra-tibial grades from I to IV. The Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student's t-test were used to compare groups. The Lin concordance correlation coefficients were calculated for inter-rater consistency. RESULTS: There was a difference in the SNQ between the three zones of a normal ACL. Most were Howell grade III (55% Howell III, 25% Howell II and 20% Howell I). For intact grafts, the SNQ improved significantly between 6 and 12 months and between 6 and 24 months. There was no difference in the SNQ between the three zones independent of the postoperative time point. The intra-articular Howell grade improved significantly between 6 and 24 months and between 12 and 24 months. The intra-tibial Howell grade improved significantly between 12 and 24 months. There were no significant differences between patients with intact grafts and those who suffered a retear. There were no differences between the various types of grafts used. CONCLUSION: Normal ACLs in adolescents have inhomogeneous SNQ and Howell grades. The SNQ and Howell grades in ACL grafts are more homogeneous and continue to improve out to 2 years, but do not reach that of a normal ACL. The signal and appearance of an ACL graft and normal ACL are very different, and the MRI signal at 6 months postoperative is not predictive of retear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective study.

Outpatient paediatric arthroscopy: A retrospective study in 216 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient surgery is now widely performed in adults but remains rarely used for paediatric orthopaedic procedures. As with adult surgery, both the arthroscopic equipment and anaesthesia techniques have improved over the last few years. Arthroscopy is particularly well advanced at the knee but can also be used at other joints (hip, ankle, elbow, shoulder). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of outpatient paediatric arthroscopy. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic surgery can be performed in children on an outpatient basis provided an appropriate care programme is applied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study included 216 patients aged 3.8 to 18 years who underwent outpatient arthroscopy (knee, n=170; ankle, n=22; elbow, n=12; shoulder, n=6; and hip, n=6). The decision to perform the procedure on an outpatient basis was made with the patient during the surgeon visit then confirmed during the anaesthesiologist visit. The main outcome measure was failure of outpatient arthroscopy defined as a need for standard inpatient admission. The secondary outcome measures were pain or sleep disturbances on the day after the procedure (as assessed during a telephone call), a need to see a physician during the first week after the procedure, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 216 patients, 9 required overnight admission (4 because of vomiting, 4 because of pain, and 1 because of a malaise) and 2 patients were admitted elsewhere for postoperative pain then discharged within 24hours. Of the 160 patients who could be contacted on the day after the procedure, 141 (88%) said they had had a good night and 141 (88%) that they had little or no pain. Over 95% of patients were satisfied with their outpatient management. DISCUSSION: As with adults, arthroscopic surgery is an ideal indication for outpatient care in paediatric patients. Outpatient arthroscopic surgery is already widely used at the knee and is also suitable for other joints in the paediatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Thoracoscopic Rib Resection in Children.

OBJECTIVE: The authors present a multicenter retrospective series of different benign rib lesions in children operated on using thoracoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, 17 rib resections were performed thoracoscopically, in four French departments of pediatric surgery. Of these 17 cases, 13 exostoses, 2 endochondromas, 1 synostosis, and 1 Cyriax's syndrome were noted. Inclusion criteria were benign tumors or rib anomalies such as synostosis, in children younger than the age of 18 years, and thoracoscopy. Open surgery and malignant tumors were excluded. Thoracoscopy was put forward using one optical port as well as one or two operative ports. RESULTS: Ten patients presented with chest pain, dyspnea, or unexplained cough. Six tumors were incidentally diagnosed. One patient presented with a chest wall deformation. Single-lung ventilation was required in 2 cases. In 1 case of endochondroma, a segmental rib resection was performed, leaving a part of the periosteum and the intercostal vessels and nerve. In this case, rib resection was performed using an endoscopic shaver drill system. As for the other cases, a simple resection of the tumor or of the bridge between two ribs (synostosis) was performed. In these cases, a Codman Kerrison laminectomy rongeur was used. There was no complication during or after surgery. Nevertheless, 2 years after surgery, pain did not disappear in 1 case, probably due to a definitive intercostal nerve damage. CONCLUSION: Benign rib lesions in children are rare. Thoracoscopy may be offered to reduce the functional deleterious consequences of an open surgery. It may be put forward especially in case of hereditary multiple exostoses where redo procedures may be required.

Is the Clavicula Pro Humero Technique of Value for Reconstruction After Resection of the Proximal Humerus in Children?

BACKGROUND: There are several options for reconstruction of proximal humerus resections after wide resection for malignant tumors in children. The clavicula pro humero technique is a biologic option that has been used in the past, but there are only scant case reports and small series that comment on the results of the procedure. Because the longevity of children mandates a reconstruction with potential longevity not likely to be achieved by other techniques, the clavicula pro humero technique may be a potential option in selected patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How successful is the clavicula pro humero procedure in achieving local tumor control? (2) What is the frequency of nonunion? (3) What are the complications of the procedure? (4) What scores do patients achieve (on the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) after this procedure? METHODS: Four university hospitals performed the clavicula pro humero technique in eight children aged 8 to 18 years between June 2006 and February 2014. During that period, general indications for this approach included all reconstructions of the proximal humerus for malignant tumors in children older than 8 years. All patients were followed for a mean of 40 months (range, 25-86 months); one patient was lost to followup before 2 years. The tumor resections removed the rotator cuff muscles in all patients, glenohumeral joint in five, and deltoid muscle in three. The median length of the bone defect after resection was 20 cm (range, 7-25 cm). It was reduced to 9 cm (range, 0-17 cm) or 27% (range, 0%-64%) of the total humerus length after clavicular rotation. Direct osteosynthesis (one patient), induced membrane technique (one patient), or vascularized fibular autograft (six patients) was used to complete the defect after rotation of the clavicle if necessary. Presence of union (defined as bone healing before 10 months, as assessed by disappearance of the osteotomy on AP and lateral view radiographs), and complications were determined by chart review performed by a surgeon not involved in patient care. Function assessed by the MSTS and the TESS scores were determined by the patients with their families. RESULTS: None of the patients had tumor recurrence. One patient died of pulmonary metastases before the 2-year followup. Proximal and distal bone unions were achieved before 10 months without an additional surgical procedure in two and six of seven patients, respectively. Fourteen local complications occurred resulting in nine revision operations. The main complication was aseptic proximal pseudarthrosis (five patients); other complications included one proximal junction fracture, one clavicle fracture complicated by clavicle osteolysis, one distal junction fracture, one necrosis of the skin paddle of the fibular autograft, one glenoclavicular ossification, and one distal pseudarthrosis complicated by a fracture of this distal junction. Function, as assessed by the MSTS score, was a median of 23 of 30 (range, 11-27). The median TESS score was 82% (range, 75%-92%). Shoulder ROM (median; range) in abduction, front elevation, and external and internal rotations were 70°(30°-90°), 75°(30°-85°), 10°(0°-20°), and 80°(80°-100°), respectively. Three of the seven patients reported dissatisfaction with the cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The clavicula pro humero technique achieved oncologic local control after resection and reconstruction of proximal humerus tumors in children. Although union times are approximately 2 years and some patients underwent augmentation with other grafts, it eventually provides a solid, painless, biologic, and stable reconstruction and creates a mobile acromioclavicular joint and generally good function. Nonunion of the proximal junction is the main complication of this technique. We cannot directly compare this technique with other reconstruction options, and longer followup is needed, but this may be a useful reconstruction option to consider in select pediatric patients with sarcomas of the proximal humerus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Tolerance and efficacy of preventive gastrostomy feeding in pediatric oncology.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in pediatric oncology remains underestimated, although having a negative impact on outcome. Enteral nutrition (EN) using percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) may prevent or reverse malnutrition consequences. We aimed to evaluate both efficacy and safety of early EN during tumors treatment in children. PROCEDURES: Medical records of pediatric patients having a PEG tube inserted between 1995 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared type and incidence of complications in Group 1, including 74 patients suffering from cancer, and control Group 2, including 57 patients with neurological impairment. Efficacy of EN was evaluated through nutritional parameters [Z-scores weight for height (W/H) and height for age (H/A)], post-operative complications and relapse rates. Statistical significance was set for P < 0.05. RESULTS: PEG tolerance was similar in both groups, as shown by comparable complication rates (62% vs. 76%, NS). EN allowed improvement or stabilization of Z-score W/H in 76% of oncologic patients. The final height loss was lower (-0.5 vs. -1.2 SD of Z-scores H/A) when EN was started at the beginning of the oncologic treatment. In bone tumors, EN prevented weight loss during chemotherapy, and tended to lessen surgical complications, relapses and deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Early gastrostomy feeding represents a relatively safe way to prevent malnutrition in children with cancer, and might play a role in bone tumors oncological outcome. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the impact of EN and PEG on quality of life.

[The limping child with a painful hip]. / Boiterie et douleur de la hanche chez l'enfant.

Hip pain is a frequent cause for limping in children. Etiology work out is oriented by the age of the child, the existence of a traumatic or infectious background, the child's morphology and ethnic origin, and most of the diagnoses will require only a standard X-ray and an ultrasound to be confirmed. In this way, the three main causes to be considered in children of less than 10 years of age are septic arthritis, transient synovitis and Perthes disease. Septic arthritis will require an urgent treatment, whereas Perthes disease will need a long care and follow up in order to watch for a poor outcome that will necessitate a surgical treatment to restore containment of the femoral head. In the adolescent, especially in case of overweight, the first etiology to be considered is slipped femoral capital epiphysis, a condition that requires an early and adequate surgical treatment (in situ screw fixation), in order to avoid further displacement and femoral head deformity of poor prognosis.

Treatment of epiphyseo-metaphyseal fractures in children with an original implant. The threaded pin with an adjustable lock (Fixano).

OBJECTIVE: Improvement of stability of internal fixation of epiphyseo-metaphyseal fractures in children with an implant characterized by its small diameter, easy utilization and its versatility. It avoids the drawbacks of screw fixation particularly in respect to the growth plate. INDICATIONS: Potentially all epiphyseo-metaphyseal fractures in children. CONTRAINDICATIONS: None. Crossing of the growth cartilage by small pins (< 2 mm) is without consequences under the condition that no compression is applied and that correction of a faulty pin position is limited to one. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: In general, two threaded pins are used. They are inserted in a divergent fashion after the fracture has been reduced. Percutaneous insertion is possible. An adjustable lock screwed on a special key is slid over the end of the pin and put in contact with bone. It is squeezed until the key breaks off. The pins are then shortened. RESULTS: Since November 1999 these pins have been used for six olecranon fractures. In January 2002 we extended the indication to other fracture sites. Between January 2002 and July 2003 this system has been used 37 times (six olecranon fractures, eleven lateral condylar fractures and 13 medial epicondylar fractures of the elbow, and seven fractures of the ankle). A total of 43 fractures were treated (20 girls, 23 boys, average age 9.8 +/- 3.6 years) Average duration of follow-up 16.8 +/- 4.7 months. The assessment of results was based on technical, radiographic, and functional aspects. The overall results were good, in particular in respect to the stability of implants and the functional results. No secondary displacement, nor nonunion were observed; the pins were removed in all children at 6 weeks. The ease of handling the implants and the good clinical and radiologic results led us to propose these pins for routine use in epiphyseal and epiphyseo-metaphyseal fractures in children. Some improvements, however, are indicated principally, in particular in respect to the control of compression achieved by the adjustable lock.

Problems of operative and non-operative treatment and healing in tibial fractures.

Based on the experience of the department of pediatric surgery at the Strasbourg University Hospital, the authors present indications and limitations of various treatment techniques for tibial shaft fractures in children. Two retrospective series are reported on: one group of patients treated with the Sarmiento technique and one group of patients treated with Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN or Métaizeau technique). The main problem in treatment is restoration of the mechanical axis of the tibia, especially in isolated fractures treated conservatively. Residual varus deformity is frequent, although it is usually within an acceptable range. ESIN has given better results than conservative treatment in this specific case, but valgus malunion shave been noticed when both bones were fractured, due to insufficient bending of the medial nail. ESIN is perfectly suited for treating polytrauma patients,especially those with multi level or open fractures (Gustilo 1 or 2), as it makes monitoring and nursing easier. Treatment of tibia fractures in children remains principally conservative. ESIN is indicated in cases of failure of conservative treatment, especially in isolated tibia fractures or polytrauma patients. For high grade open fractures (Gustilo 3)or extended comminuted fractures, external fixation remains the gold standard.

Surgical technique and preliminary results of a new fixation concept for olecranon fractures in children.

The authors report preliminary results of an original fixation technique used for the treatment of olecranon fractures in six children. This technique uses two threaded pins fitted with an adjustable lock, introduced through a minimal skin incision. With a mean follow-up of 14 months, clinical results are excellent in five cases and good in one case. Radiologic results are satisfying, with five anatomic reductions and without any secondary displacement. No growth impairment has been observed, but the follow-up period is still too short to conclude that this technique is superior, as far as this factor is concerned. However, the simplicity of the technique and its efficiency have led the authors to use it routinely for this fracture type.

Biomechanical analysis of olecranon fracture fixation in children.

The authors present an original fixation technique for olecranon fractures in children, achievable without opening the fracture site. The standard method of Kirschner wire fixation with tension band wiring is replaced by a threaded pin stabilization with adjustable lock effect. An olecranon fracture model was used to compare the mechanical properties of this new system with the tension band wiring technique, and with a simple pin fixation. No significant difference was found between the two first techniques, whereas the simple pin fixation had much poorer mechanical properties.