High-grade child spondylolisthesis: a custom-made canulated screw to treat the so-called double instability.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Describing and assessing of a new surgical procedure to achieve circumferential fusion and translumbosacral fixation using a custom-made canulated screw. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients aged 13-18 years old underwent surgery with this technique (mean age: 15). All patients had high-grade spondylolisthesis (Meyerding stage III or IV). There were five girls and two boys. A posterior surgical approach alone was used in all cases. The posterior neural arch of L5 was removed and a sacral laminectomy, extending to S2, was performed. Sacral nerve roots S2 and S3 were carefully dissected and transposed. A K-wire was placed medially across the vertebrae from the posterior edge of S2 extending to the anterosuperior corner of L5. Fluroscopic perioperative fluroscopic control confirmed correct K-wire placement. The custom-made 10mm diameter canulated screw was then inserted along the K-wire as a guide. Screw fixation was obtained by placing a specific large diameter screw head to obtain compression by a lag screw effect. Once fixation was obtained, the sacral dome was excised and interbody fusion was performed (tricorticocancellous graft on each side of the screw). Additional bilateral posterolateral fusion was then performed. A half body custom fit thoracolumbar orthosis brace was prescribed 3 months postoperatively, followed by a Lombostat flexible lumbar support for an additional 3 months period. RESULTS: One neurological complication occurred. A dural tear occurred during dissection requiring simple repair. All of the patients were on their feet on the fifth postoperative day and began walking. The half bodybrace was worn for 4 months in four patients and 2 months in the three others. At final follow-up patients had no residual pain. DISCUSSION: The lumbar spine in children with high-grade spondylolisthesis adapts to the new mechanical conditions after surgery. Therefore the principal goal of treatment is to obtain stable osseous fusion. Our treatment philosophy is based on the concept of a dual instability. We believe that a general instability exists which causes the development of spondylolisthesis; this must be respected by not attempting to correct the displacement beyond what can be obtained on the operating table with complete muscle release. The other, locoregional instability, must be stabilized during circumferential fusion. The custom-made, 10mm screw has been shown to be effective in neutralizing the mechanical stress during circumferential fusion with a posterior approach alone, thus avoiding the risks of an anterior approach. Long-term results show that the preoperative posture is not the sole mechanical determinant in children and adolescents but that this posture is largely a reaction to pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.

Fatal lung metastasis secondary to index finger giant cell tumor in an 8-year-old child.

We report the case of a 7-year-old girl presenting with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the index finger, complicated by lung metastases. Index disarticulation, pulmonary metastasectomy and chemotherapy failed to produce a cure, and the child died at the age of 8 years after 1 year's evolution. The pulmonary metastases were discovered following hypoxia during initial biopsy. A review of the literature shows this observation to be original, in terms of the patient's age and of the location, onset and fatal outcome of metastasis. The hypoxic episode complicating biopsy raises the issue of early screening for lung metastases in GCT. Pulmonary dissemination of GCT is of severe prognosis.

Limb lengthening and deformity correction in children using hexapodal external fixation: preliminary results for 36 cases.

Limb deformities in children can be corrected using different techniques, notably external fixation following the Ilizarov principles. However, correction can be difficult in cases of multiple deformities. In 1994, Charles Taylor developed a new computer-assisted hexapodal external fixator system to treat these pathologies, the Taylor Spatial Frame. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results obtained with this technique in treating lower-limb deformities in children. Thirty-six patients were included in this prospective study, with a mean age of 11.1 years. The etiologies were distributed into six groups: congenital pathologies in 17 cases, fractures in five cases, post-traumatic pathologies in two cases, postinfectious sequelae in three cases, achondroplasia in three cases, and other causes in the last six cases. A total of 67 deformities in the three spatial planes were found in the entire group of patients. The procedure consisted of lengthening, correcting the axis, or both simultaneously. All the patients were managed with the same protocol: placement of an external fixator, AP and lateral X-rays, and planning of the correction using dedicated software. In this group of 36 patients, the fixator was worn for a mean 183 days; when lengthening was performed, a mean 4.3cm was gained with a healing index of 38.2 days/cm. Of the 67 initial deformities, 91% were corrected. The most frequently encountered complications were a superficial infection in 22.2% of the cases; one deep infection was also noted as well as three bone regenerate fractures. Use of this computer-assisted fixation system seems effective in treating complex deformities of the limbs in children, and allows treating several deformities simultaneously.

Surgical treatment of the symptomatic os trigonum in children.

Symptomatic os trigonum is a rare condition, well described in adults, that causes chronic ankle pain. To date there are no reported cases of successfully managed symptomatic os trigonum in the children population. We retrospectively reviewed four paediatric patients (11-17 years of age) successfully operated for a symptomatic os trigonum using an open excision through a posteromedial approach. One case was bilateral. Postoperative pain relief was obtained in all cases. All of the patients were able to return to unrestricted physical activities after three months. The average follow-up was 12 months. Symptomatic os trigonum may be held responsible for chronic ankle pain in children and adolescents as well as in adults. The surgical treatment is effective in children.

Percutaneous treatment of osteoid osteoma by laser thermocoagulation under computed tomography guidance in pediatric patients.

To evaluate the efficiency of laser thermocoagulation under computed tomography (CT) guidance in the treatment of osteoid osteoma within a strictly pediatric group. Twenty-five patients aged 4 to 17 years were treated under CT by laser thermocoagulation. The nidus measured on average 10.1 mm. Pain relief was the main item for evaluation of the effectiveness of our treatment. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 61 months (mean, 26 months). Technical success was achieved in 100%. Thermocoagulation proved to be initially effective in 24 of 25 children (96%) and had a positive long-term effect in 23 of 25 children (92%). We had four minor complications and one severe complication (partial osteonecrosis of the talus). Laser thermocoagualation is an effective treatment for osteoid osteoma in pediatric patients.

[Hip subluxation and coxa valga secondary to an osteoïd osteoma]. / Subluxation de la hanche et coxa valga secondaires à un ostéome ostéoïde.

SUMMARY: We report on the case of a 2-year-old child with extra-articular osteoïd osteoma of the proximal femur leading to subluxation and coxa valga deformity of the hip joint at 10 year follow-up. The osteoïd osteoma reccured twice after surgical excision and percutaneous drilling. Patient's clinical history also reported a prolonged use of medications as treatment for these two recurrences. Second recurrence was combined with migration of the femoral head and retraction of the adductors: surgical treatment consisted in varus osteotomy to facilitate excision of the lesion, combined with a tenotomy of the hip adductors. Functional outcomes were satisfactory after 4-year follow-up. Reviews of the literature report two cases of hip subluxation secondary to intra-articular osteoïd osteoma. From our experience, it seems that hip subluxation in the present case could have been avoided with early surgical management.

[Progressive correction of the hand in the congenital radial clubhand]. / Centralisation progressive de la main dans la main bote radiale congénitale.

The therapeutic objective of a congenital radial clubhand is to obtain, at the end of the growth, a functional hand, that is a hand with a thumb, in the axis of the forearm with the most cosmetic aspect as possible. The challenge lies in the fact that the hand is not in the axis of the forearm. Thus, some authors realize a surgical centralization or radialization by doing a direct release of the retracted soft tissues. On the other hand, it is possible to correct the hand without any invasive surgery by using an external fixator allowing to correct the hand progressively. The Taylor Spatial Frame fixator is a system of external fixation which allows, by using a software, to realize this correction accurately.

[Salter and Harris type-II distal femoral physeal fracture-separations at adolescent age: a new therapeutic approach (preliminary study)]. / Fractures-décollements épiphysaires de type SalterII de l'extrémité distale du fémur chez l'adolescent : nouvelle proposition thérapeutique (étude préliminaire).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The prognosis of distal femoral physeal fracture-separation is poor in children. In adolescents, more than half of the cases are classified as Salter and Harris type-II. The gold-standard treatment for a displaced fracture combines anatomic reduction with internal fixation with a pin or screw, preserving the growth cartilage. Despite this treatment, the rate of mid- and long-term complications has been high in the literature, most problems being related to leg length discrepancy and misalignments (genu valgum and genu varum). In order to avoid these problems, for adolescents, we propose and osteosynthesis system which bridges the entire growth cartilage with a blade-plate. Depending on the bone age, puberty and thus potential for further growth, we combine this osteosynthesis with a contralateral distal femoral epiphysiodesis to prevent invalidating leg length discrepancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the cases of 21 patients aged 11 to 15 years treated between 1990 and 2005 for Salter and Harris type-II distal femoral physeal fracture- separation. Clinical and radiographic outcome was compared between the 16 patients treated with the classical internal fixation system or cast immobilization and the five patients treated with a blade-plate. A complete physical examination was available for the follow-up in all cases. A full stance view was used for the radiographic analysis. The mean follow-up was 6.7 years (range 2-17), minimal two years. RESULTS: In patients treated with the classical fixation system or a plaster cast, four of 16 (25 %) developed frontal misalignment of more than 5 degrees and five of 16 (32 %) leg length discrepancy of more than 2cm. No misalignment or leg length discrepancy (>2cm) was observed among the five patients treated with a blade-plate. DISCUSSION: The results observed in our patients treated with the classical fixation systems are comparable with those reported by others. Our patients treated with the blade-plate system constitute the only series with no cases of frontal misalignment or invalidating leg length discrepancy after this type of fracture. We used contralateral distal femoral epiphysiodesis in all patients whose predictable leg length discrepancy at the end of growth was greater than 2cm, that is 11-3.5 years (bone age) in girls and 13-14.5 years in boys. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation techniques bridging the growth cartilage are the only techniques used for Salter and Harris type-II distal femoral physeal fracture-separation in adolescents which have been able to prevent posttraumatic knee misalignment (genu valgum or genu varum). Leg length discrepancy can be prevented by a contalateral distal femoral epiphysiodesis when the fracture occurs in a child or early puberty.

[Melorheostosis and anterior cruciate ligament tear in a 15-year-old female]. / Mélorhéostose et entorse du ligament croisé antérieur chez une jeune fille de 15 ans.

We report the case of a 15-year-old girl who suffered an indirect knee trauma. The standard X-rays revealed a tract of ivory-like bone partially obstructing the medullary canal of the femur and the tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging produced a hypointense signal on the T1 and T2 sequences. The radiographic diagnosis was melorheostosis which was confirmed on the biopsy specimen which ruled out other diagnoses. The MRI also revealed a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, treated conservatively. Clinical and radiological surveillance were proposed for the melorheostosis.

[Osteoid osteoma of the inferior articular process of L5 associated with a bilateral spondylosis: a case report]. / Ostéome ostéoïde de l'articulaire inférieure de L5 associé à une spondylolyse bilatérale: à propos d'un cas chez un enfant de 5 ans.

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented an osteoid osteoma of L5 associated with bilateral spondylolysis involving the same vertebra. Diagnostic bone scintigraphy is highly contributive in children presenting back pain. For us, it is the first intention exploration in patients with isthmic lysis seen on the plain x-ray. Symptomatic spondylolysis is the most frequent cause of back pain in children and is much more frequent than vertebral osteoid osteoma. The presence of isthmic lysis associated with focal uptake on the bone scintigraphy is highly suggestive of symptomatic spondylolysis. In this context, magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for both diagnostic purposes and prognostic assessment. The degree of bone and soft tissue edema in the present case was unusual for symptomatic spondylolysis. Complementary computed tomography finally established the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma of the posterior vertebral arch. To our knowledge, the association of osteoid osteoma with bilateral spondylolysis on the same vertebra has not been described elsewhere. In children, the diagnosis of symptomatic spondylolysis can only be established after ruling out other causes of back pain. The diagnosis of osteoid osteoma must be kept in mind.

[Costochondral autograft as a salvage procedure after failed trapeziectomy in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis]. / Autogreffe de cartilage costal après échec d'une trapézectomie-ligamentoplastie.

We report the case of a 48-year-old woman who underwent a revision procedure to insert a costochondral autograft after failed trapeziectomy-ligamentoplasty. Clinical outcome was assessed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and compared with the preoperative situation. Pain (VAS), force (key pinch and grasp), writing capacity, use of an ignition key, and range of motion of the trapeziometacarpal joint in abduction and opposition were noted. The VAS demonstrated improvement in pain and the patient was able to use an ignition key but grasp force and joint range of motion remained unchanged. There was no complication at the graft harvesting site. This technique appears to be a useful salvage method after failed trapiezectomy.

Relationship between formation of the femoral bicondylar angle and trochlear shape: independence of diaphyseal and epiphyseal growth.

During hominin evolution, an increase in the femoral bicondylar angle was the initial change that led to selection for protuberance of the lateral trochlear lip and the elliptical profile of the lateral condyle. No correlation is found during ontogeny between the degree of femoral obliquity and of the prominence of the lateral trochlear lip. Might there be a relationship with the elliptical profile of the lateral condyle? On intact femoral diaphyses of juvenile humans and great apes, we compared the anteroposterior length of the lateral and medial sides of the distal metaphysis. The two diaphyseal pillars remain equal during postnatal growth in great apes, while the growth of the lateral pillar far exceeds that of the medial pillar in humans. Increase in bicondylar angle is correlated with disproportionate anteroposterior lengthening of the lateral pillar. The increased anteroposterior length of the lateral side of the metaphysis would contribute to increasing the radius of the curvature of the lateral condyle, but not to the projection of the lateral trochlear lip. The similar neonatal and adult femoro-patellar joint shape in humans prompted an assessment of the similarity during growth of the entire neonatal and adult epiphyses. We showed that the entire epiphysis undergoes drastic changes in proportions during postnatal growth. Finally, we emphasize the need to distinguish the cartilaginous phenotype and the ossified phenotype of the distal femoral epiphysis (and of any epiphysis) during postnatal growth. This crucial distinction applies to most postcranial bones, for they almost all develop following the process of endochondral ossification.

[Madelung deformity: isolated ulnar wedge osteotomy]. / Maladie de Madelung: ostéotomie isolée de l'ulna.

OBJECTIVES: Madelung deformity is defined as a partial closure of the medial half of the distal radial growth plate, with anatomical consequences (wrist deformity), and functional impairment (decrease range of motion, loss of grip strength, and wrist pain). We report a new surgical procedure including a shortening of the ulna combined with slight anterior flexion osteotomy aiming to correct the radio-ulnar dislocation and to improve the range of forearm rotation, without correcting the global deformity. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of four symptomatic wrists in three patients. The follow-up was 24 months. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically pre and post operatively. The ulnar shaft was shortened and anteriorly flexed through a dorsal and ulnar approach and fixed with a fitted internal DCP plate. The aim of this osteotomy was to reduce the dislocated distal radio-ulnar joint. RESULTS: At 24 months follow-up, the function was considerably improved with a correction of the ulno-carpial conflict. The range of painfree forearm rotation improved. The post-operative views showed a correction of the dorsal dislocation of the ulnar head. CONCLUSION: This technique seemed to be safe and demonstrated good results in these four wrists. It should be proposed in patients with Madelung deformity and assessed prospectively.

[Radiological index as a predictive factor of kyphosis in spina bifida]. / Critère radiologique prédictif de la cyphose dans la spina bifida.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this work was to validate the pertinence of a radiological index (P/A) used as a predictive factor for risk of kyphosis in children with spina bifida. P/A is defined as the ratio between P, the distance between the posterior vertebral wall and the remnant of the posterior arch, over A, the distance between the anterior wall and the posterior vertebral wall, measured on the lateral view of the spine in the most dysplastic vertebra before one year of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of 163 children were reviewed. The value of the P/A ratio was measured on lateral views of the spine obtained before the age of one year. The bone level on the anteroposterior film was also noted. The presence or absence of kyphosis was determined from the lateral views obtained at ten years of age. Paired variable analysis was used to compare the mean differences in P/A at one year and at ten years in 31 patients with a bone level of L1 or higher. The exact Fisher test was used to determine the difference in the kyphosis distributions in patients with a bone level of L1 or higher between those with P/A < or = 1/2 and the others. In addition, the specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value of a positive test (bone level L1 or higher and P/A < or = 1/2) for development of kyphosis were calculated. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the P/A mean value before the age of one year and after ten years. The distribution of patients with kyphosis was different between patients with a bone level of L1 or higher and P/A < /2 and the other patients (p < 0.01). Considering having a bone level of L1 or higher and a P/A < or = 1/2 as a prognostic test, the specificity was 100%, the sensitivity 87.56%, and the positive predictive value 100%. Many patients with spina bifida will develop kyphosis in the course of life. This spinal deformation raises many specific problems for patient management. Use of a radiological index as presented here allows early detection of patients at risk and can also predict which patients will remain free of deformation. This allows a selection of patients who can benefit most from more regular surveillance of the spinal static and avoid unnecessary radiographic examinations in others.