Lower Limb Reconstruction Using Tibial Strut Autograft after Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumors in Skeletally Immature Patients.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of large bone defects in skeletally immature patients remains a surgical challenge. We report the long-term clinical outcomes of a novel surgical technique for lower limb reconstruction using the tibia as a strut autograft following resection of primary malignant bone tumors in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of six patients diagnosed with lower limb primary bone sarcoma. All patients underwent tumor resection and reconstruction using tibial strut autograft. The radiological and clinical outcomes including complications at the recipient and donor sites were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was ten years (range 6-15 years). Two cases had osteosarcoma and four had Ewing sarcoma. The mean length of the resected tumor and tibial autografts were 20.83 and 19.33 cm respectively. Union at both ends was achieved in five grafts while one graft achieved union only at the distal end. The mean time for union of the proximal and distal junctions was 4 and 8.8 months respectively. The mean follow-up period was 8.4 years (range 14 months-20 years). One patient developed a foot drop, and three patients underwent subsequent joint arthrodesis (2 knees and 1 ankle). The mean musculoskeletal tumor society functional score was 80.8%. Two patients had clinically significant leg-length discrepancy that needs further lengthening procedure. Four patients survived with no evidence of disease and two patients died due to their primary oncologic disease. All donor sites regenerated, with the earliest signs of new bone formation at (2-4) weeks post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction using non-vascularized tibia strut autograft after resection of primary malignant lower limb bone tumors can be a viable alternative method for reconstructing large bone defects in the immature skeleton.

Ulnar nerve palsy as a complication of closed both-bone forearm fracture in a pediatric patient: a case report.

Background: Fractures of both the ulna and radius, known as both-bone forearm fractures are common among the pediatric population. However, ulnar nerve palsy is a rare complication. Nerve damage can be due to multiple factors. Identification of the type of nerve damage is vital for proper management of this complication. Here, we present a case of ulnar nerve palsy complicating a closed both-bone forearm fracture in a pediatric patient. Furthermore, we explored how to best manage such cases and decrease permanent nerve damage through a literature review. Case presentation: A 10-year-old boy presented to the emergency department (ED) 1 day after sustaining a closed right forearm fracture due to a fall. Examination at our ED revealed intact vascularity and nerve function. Reduction and casting were performed. On follow-up 7 days later, signs of ulnar nerve palsy in the form of decreased sensation in the little finger and weak abduction and adduction of the fingers were present. The patient was admitted and underwent closed reduction with percutaneous elastic stable intramedullary nailing. We found 14 case reports in the literature with similar case presentations. These fractures are commonly managed conservatively by closed reduction, casting, and rehabilitation. However, in both-bone forearm fractures, management began with observation, with surgical exploration being reserved for non-improving patients. Conclusion: The uncommon occurrence of ulnar nerve palsy after closed forearm fractures in children should alert physicians to maintain a high index of suspicion and to thoroughly evaluate nerve function in children both before and after reduction of forearm fractures. Surgical exploration is recommended in cases of delayed recovery of nerve function.

Late-presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip in Jordanian males. A retrospective hospital based study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the pattern of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in late presenting Jordanian male patients and identify the risk factors and associated findings. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 1145 male patients who attended the Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic for a DDH check up. This study was carried out in the Orthopedic Section, Special Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan between March 2011 and October 2014. Data was collected from medical records, and x-ray measurements were evaluated.  RESULTS: Of the 1145 male patients, 43 (3.75%) with 70 involved hips were diagnosed with late- presenting DDH. Being a first-born baby resulted in 41.9% increased risk for DDH. Cesarian delivery was significantly associated with an increased risk of hip dislocation (p=0.004) while normal delivery was significantly associated with acetabular dysplasia (p=0.004). No predictable risk factors were found in 44.2% patients with DDH. Bilateral cases were more common than unilateral cases: (26 [60.5%] versus 17 [39.5%]). Limited abduction was a constant finding in all dislocated hips (p less than 0.001). Associated conditions, such as club foot and congenital muscular torticollis were not observed.   CONCLUSION: Cesarian section is a significant risk for dislocated hips while normal delivery is significantly associated with acetabular dysplasia. Bilateral DDH is more common than the unilateral. Club foot and torticollis were not observed in this series.