Acute compartment syndrome in pediatric patients: a case series.

Pediatric acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopedic emergency which requires timely recognition and management. There are unique considerations in children, as they may present with a wide array of symptoms and capacities to communicate. We sought to investigate the presentations, treatments and outcomes of pediatric ACS, hypothesizing that decompressive fasciotomy results in good outcomes, even with delayed treatment (>24 h). We performed a retrospective review of pediatric ACS from 2009 to 2018. Exclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, exertional compartment syndrome, and incomplete data. Twenty-one patients (mean age 11 years) were included. Swelling (100%) and worsening pain (100%) were the most common presenting signs and symptoms followed by paresthesias (75%). Increasing analgesia requirements were documented in six (29%) patients. Compartment pressures were measured in 52% of patients. All patients were managed with decompressive fasciotomies, which were performed at a median time of 20 h from injury. Strength and range of motion deficits (10%) were the most commonly reported complications. There were no infections. All patients who were treated in a delayed fashion (≥24 h) were found to have a good functional recovery, but 38% had minor complications. Overall, patients had good outcomes, achieving full functional recovery with return to preinjury activity level. Pediatric ACS should be approached as a distinct clinical entity from adult ACS, where risks of infection and wound complications from delayed fasciotomy generally outweigh the benefits. We recommend considering decompressive fasciotomy for all cases of pediatric ACS, including those with prolonged time from injury to diagnosis.

Outcomes of MPFL Reconstruction Utilizing a Quadriceps Turndown Technique in the Adolescent/Pediatric Population.

PURPOSE: Recurrent instability following a lateral patellar dislocation is a common indication for surgical intervention. Several surgical procedures are described in the literature to address recurrent patellar instability. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction utilizing the quadriceps turndown technique attempts to restore medial stability. Results of the quadriceps turndown technique have previously only been reported in adult populations. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes following a quadriceps turndown MPFL reconstruction in the pediatric and adolescent population. METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps turndown technique between 2011 and 2018 were reviewed for demographics, risk factors, complications, mechanism of injury, and concomitant procedures. Return to activities of daily living (ADLs), return to presurgery level of sport, length of bracing, and recurrent instability were assessed with the administration of the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Score. All analyses were completed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. RESULTS: Thirty-six knees [14 female (39%), 22 male (61%)] from 34 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. The average follow-up length was 35.9±15.2 months. The average age was 16.3±1.8 years at the time of surgery. The average time for resumption of ADLs was 8.1±6.0 weeks after surgery. Ninety-four percent of patients returned to preinjury level of sport at an average of 23.6±12.0 weeks after surgery. Mean Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Score was 90.7±10.3. Female patients (P<0.001) reported significantly lower Kujala scores. Three patients (8%) experienced recurrent instability during ADLs and an additional 4 (11%) reported subjective feelings of instability only during sport or elevated activity. One knee required a return to the operating room for irrigation and debridement due to infection. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the quadriceps turndown technique for MPFL reconstruction is a safe and effective procedure for the management of recurrent patellar instability in pediatric and adolescent patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic.

Probability analysis of sequential SCFE (PASS score).

PURPOSE: The study aimed to develop a scoring system based on clinical and radiological findings to predict the risk of a sequential slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). METHODS: Paediatric patients with unilateral SCFE and at least two years of radiographic follow-up were screened for inclusion. Medical records were reviewed for multiple variables including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), stability of SCFE, and time to sequential presentation. Radiographic analysis included triradiate physeal status, Risser staging, superior epiphyseal extension ratio (EER), posterior epiphyseal angle (PEA), posterior sloping angle (PSA) and slip severity. RESULTS: In total, 163 patients (88 male, 54%, 75 female, 46%) met inclusion criteria. Of those, 65 (40%) with a mean age of 11.9 ± 1.3 years developed sequential SCFE at a mean of 9.8 ± 6.4 months after the initial slip. Eight independent variables were statistically different (p < 0.05) between unilateral and sequential groups. Following multivariate analysis, Risser stage and triradiate status were no longer significant and did not influence the strength of the final model (overall area under the curve (AUC) = 0.954) and were consequently excluded. We developed the PASS score using three radiographic parameters using chosen cut-off values that were close to their maximized value and weighted the point value assigned to each parameter based on the strength of predictor. CONCLUSION: A PASS score of three or higher predicts a high probability of sequential SCFE with 95% confidence and may warrant prophylactic screw fixation. PASS score calculation can be used to predict a sequential SCFE and provide an objective method to determine the utility prophylactic screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Assessment of Surgical Procedural Time, Pedicle Screw Accuracy, and Clinician Radiation Exposure of a Novel Robotic Navigation System Compared With Conventional Open and Percutaneous Freehand Techniques: A Cadaveric Investigation.

STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate accuracy, radiation exposure, and surgical time of a new robotic-assisted navigation (RAN) platform compared with freehand techniques in conventional open and percutaneous procedures. METHODS: Ten board-certified surgeons inserted 16 pedicle screws at T10-L5 (n = 40 per technique) in 10 human cadaveric torsos. Pedicle screws were inserted with (1) conventional MIS technique (L2-L5, patient left pedicles), (2) MIS RAN (L2-L5, patient right pedicles), (3) conventional open technique (T10-L1, patient left pedicles), and (4) open RAN (T10-L1, patient right pedicles). Output included (1) operative time, (2) number of fluoroscopic images, and (3) screw accuracy. RESULTS: In the MIS group, compared with the freehand technique, RAN allowed for use of larger screws (diameter: 6.6 ± 0.6 mm vs 6.3 ± 0.5 mm; length: 50.3 ± 4.1 mm vs 46.9 ± 3.5 mm), decreased the number of breaches >2 mm (0 vs 7), fewer fluoroscopic images (0 ± 0 vs 108.3 ± 30.9), and surgical procedure time per screw (3.6 ± 0.4 minutes vs 7.6 ± 2.0 minutes) (all P < .05). Similarly, in the open group, RAN allowed for use of longer screws (46.1 ± 4.1 mm vs 44.0 ± 3.8 mm), decreased the number of breaches >2 mm (0 vs 13), fewer fluoroscopic images (0 ± 0 vs 24.1 ± 25.8) (all P < .05), but increased total surgical procedure time (41.4 ± 8.8 minutes vs 24.7 ± 7.0 minutes, P = .000) while maintaining screw insertion time (3.31.4 minutes vs 3.1 ± 1.0 minutes, P = .650). CONCLUSION: RAN significantly improved accuracy and decreased radiation exposure in comparison to freehand techniques in both conventional open and percutaneous surgical procedures in cadavers. RAN significantly increased setup time compared with both conventional procedures.

Treatment of Unstable Versus Stable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Using the Modified Dunn Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The modified Dunn procedure (open subcapital realignment via a surgical dislocation approach) has been shown to be a safe and effective way of treating acute, unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). There is a paucity of literature comparing the modified Dunn procedure in stable SCFE. The purpose of this study was to compare acute, unstable versus chronic, stable SCFE managed with the modified Dunn procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 44 skeletally immature patients who underwent the modified Dunn procedure for SCFE. Patients were divided into stable or unstable based on clinical presentation and intraoperative findings. Demographics, radiographic measurements, and complications were recorded and compared. χ and t tests were used to compare variables. RESULTS: In total, 31 consecutive hips (29 patients) with acute, unstable slips, and 17 consecutive hips (15 patients) with chronic, stable slips were reviewed. Average age was 12.5 and 13.8 years for acute and chronic, respectively (P=0.05). Mean follow-up was 27.9 months (unstable) and 35.5 months (stable). Average postoperative Southwick angle was 14.2 degrees; (unstable) and 25.3 degrees (stable) (P=0.001). Greater trochanteric height averaged 6.2 mm below the center of the femoral head in the acute group and 6.2 mm above center in the chronic group (P<0.001). Average femoral neck length measured 34.1 mm (unstable) and 27.1 mm (stable) (P<0.001). Two patients (6%) developed avascular necrosis (AVN) in the unstable group, with 5 patients (29.4%) in the stable group (P=0.027). All patients with hip instability (N=3) developed AVN. CONCLUSIONS: Although both acute, unstable and chronic, stable SCFE can be successfully treated with the modified Dunn procedure, the complication rate is statistically higher in patients with stable SCFE, specifically both AVN rate and postoperative instability. In addition, it is more difficult to establish normal anatomic indexes with regard to greater trochanteric height and femoral neck length. This procedure has great utility in the correction of the anatomic deformity associated with SCFE, but should be used with caution in patients with chronic, stable SCFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective review.

The Effect Of Increasing Femoral Head Size On The Force Required For Dislocation.

Alternative bearings allow for the increased utilization of large femoral heads in total hip arthroplasty. This study demonstrated the effect of increasing femoral head size on the force required for dislocation during intraoperative assessment. Using a standard posterior approach, 10 cadaver hips underwent total hip arthroplasty; components were implanted in a standard fashion. The extremity was attached to a custom jig to replicate intraoperative assessment (internal rotation with 90° of hip flexion/neutral adduction). This range of motion (ROM) was repeated in triplicate using femoral head sizes of 28mm, 32mm, 36mm, 40mm, and 44mm. The ROM to dislocation (degrees) and torque (N*m) required were recorded. With increasing head sizes, there was a significant increase in torque required for dislocation (p<0.0001). The least square means torques (N*m) for each femoral head size (28-44mm) were 2.07, 2.15, 2.42, 2.74, and 3.65N*m. The corresponding least square means ROMs prior to dislocation were 43.5°, 46.2°, 50.8°, 54.3°, and 59.5°. There was a significant difference in ROM between nonadjacent head sizes (i.e., 28mm and 44mm) (p<0.0001). Total hip implant stability is multifactorial. Increasing femoral head size may confer stability during intraoperative assessment by increasing both the ROM prior to dislocation and the force required for dislocation.

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Plain Radiographs Among Adolescents With Back Pain and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are common pediatric diagnoses. The workup for these diagnoses can be highly variable and can use significant health care resources. There has been no analysis to date on the use of imaging for workup of AIS and/or LBP. METHODS: The Humana Private Payer Database was queried for clinical and financial information for patients with AIS and/or LBP using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) for LBP and AIS. Current procedural terminology codes related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographs for the thoracolumbar spine were used to identify patients with LBP and/or AIS that used these diagnostic imaging modalities. Only patients ages 10 to 19 years were included in this analysis. RESULTS: The total number of patients with AIS and LBP was 18 696 and 56 560, respectively. Thoracolumbar imaging was used within the workup for 71.76% and 45.53% of patients with AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. MRI was used for 2.92% and 9.53% of patients with AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. Radiographic imaging was used for 71.06% and 42.63% for AIS alone and LBP alone, respectively. There was minimal variation among regions in use of MRI for AIS. For patients with LBP, the diagnosis with the highest use of MRI was "sciatica" (29.07%). Patients with both LBP and AIS had statistically higher rates of imaging (91.04%), MRI (18.99%), and radiographs (89.71%). Among patients with an MRI, 20.87% never had a radiograph. Reimbursement per patient for radiographs was $164 and $239 for AIS and LBP, respectively. Reimbursement per patient for MRI was $1,263 and $1,882 for AIS and LBP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial use of both MRI and radiographs for adolescents with LBP and/or AIS. Clinicians should be aware of the impact these diagnostic tests have on the patient and the overall health care system.

Analgesic effects of methadone and magnesium following posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To provide optimal conditions for neurophysiological monitoring and rapid awakening, remifentanil is commonly used during pediatric spinal surgery. However, remifentanil may induce hyperalgesia and increase postoperative opioid requirements. We evaluated the potential of methadone or magnesium to prevent remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. METHODS: Using a prospective, randomized, blinded design, adolescents presenting for posterior spinal fusion to treat idiopathic scoliosis were assigned to receive desflurane with remifentanil alone (REMI), remifentanil + methadone (MET) (0.1 mg/kg IV over 15 min), or remifentanil + magnesium (MAG) (50 mg/kg bolus over 30 min followed by 10 mg/kg/h). Primary outcomes were opioid requirements and postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative anesthetic requirements, neurophysiological monitoring conditions, and emergence times. RESULTS: Data analysis included 60 patients. Total opioid requirement (hydromorphone) in the REMI group (received perioperatively and on the inpatient ward) was 0.34 ± 0.11 mg/kg compared to 0.26 ± 0.10 mg/kg in the MET group (95% confidence interval (CI) of difference: - 0.14, - 0.01; p = 0.035). The difference in opioid requirements between the REMI and MET group was related to intraoperative dosing (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg; 95% CI of difference: - 0.01, - 0.02; p = 0.003). No difference was noted in pain scores, and no differences were noted when comparing the REMI and MAG groups. CONCLUSION: With the dosing regimens in the current study, the only benefit noted with methadone was a decrease in perioperative opioid requirements. However, given the potential for hyperalgesia with the intraoperative use of remifentanil, adjunctive use of methadone appears warranted.

Changes in cerebral oxygenation based on intraoperative ventilation strategy.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral oxygenation can be monitored clinically by cerebral oximetry (regional oxygen saturation, rSO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Changes in rSO2 have been shown to precede changes in pulse oximetry, providing an early detection of clinical deterioration. Cerebral oximetry values may be affected by various factors, including changes in ventilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in rSO2 during intraoperative changes in mechanical ventilation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Following the approval of the institutional review board (IRB), tissue and cerebral oxygenation were monitored intraoperatively using NIRS. Prior to anesthetic induction, the NIRS monitor was placed on the forehead and over the deltoid muscle to obtain baseline values. NIRS measurements were recorded each minute over a 5-min period during general anesthesia at four phases of ventilation: 1) normocarbia (35-40 mmHg) with a low fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 0.3; 2) hypocarbia (25-30 mmHg) and low FiO2 of 0.3; 3) hypocarbia and a high FiO2 of 0.6; and 4) normocarbia and a high FiO2. NIRS measurements during each phase were compared with sequential phases using paired t-tests. RESULTS: The study cohort included 30 adolescents. Baseline cerebral and tissue oxygenation were 81% ± 9% and 87% ± 5%, respectively. During phase 1, cerebral rSO2 was 83% ± 8%, which decreased to 79% ± 8% in phase 2 (hypocarbia and low FiO2). Cerebral oxygenation partially recovered during phase 3 (81% ± 9%) with the increase in FiO2 and then returned to baseline during phase 4 (83% ± 8%). Each sequential change (e.g., phase 1 to phase 2) in cerebral oxygenation was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Tissue oxygenation remained at 87%-88% throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Cerebral oxygenation declined slightly during general anesthesia with the transition from normocarbia to hypocarbic conditions. The rSO2 decrease related to hypocarbia was easily reversed with a return to baseline values by the administration of supplemental oxygen (60% vs. 30%).

Treatment of Unstable Slipped Capital Epiphysis Via the Modified Dunn Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The modified Dunn procedure has been shown to be safe and effective in treating unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). We present a consecutive series of unstable SCFE managed by a single surgeon with a focus on timing of surgical intervention, postoperative complications, and radiographic results. METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive unstable SCFEs were treated. Demographics, presentation time to time of operation, surgical times, and complications were recorded. Bilateral hip radiographs at latest follow-up were utilized to record slip angle, α angle, greater trochanteric height, and femoral neck length. RESULTS: Thirty-one consecutive hips in 30 patients were reviewed: 15 males (50%) and 15 females (50%), average age 12.37 years (range, 8.75 to 14.8 y), 20 left hips (65%) and 11 right hips (35%). Mean follow-up was 27.9 months (range, 1 to 82 mo). Time from presentation to intervention averaged 13.9 hours (range, 2.17 to 23.4 h). Two patients (6%) developed avascular necrosis at average 19 weeks postoperative. Three patients (10%) developed mild heterotopic ossification requiring no treatment. Two patients (6%) required removal of symptomatic hardware. One patient had hardware failure and in no patients was nonunion, delayed union, or postoperative hip subluxation/dislocation seen. Three patients (10%) presented with bilateral, stable SCFE requiring contralateral in situ pinning. Five patients (16%) had sequential SCFE requiring treatment with 1 patient having an acute, unstable SCFE 10 months after the previous realignment. Mean postoperative slip angle measured 2.5 degrees (range, +19 to -9.4 degrees) (SD, 7.2), α angle 47.43 degrees (range, 34 to 64 degrees) (SD, 7.49), greater trochanteric height averaged 3.5 mm below the center of femoral head (-17.5 to +25 mm), and mean femoral neck length difference measured -7.75 mm (range, -1.8 to -18.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: A single surgeon series of unstable SCFEs treated by a modified Dunn procedure showed a 6% incidence of avascular necrosis and low complication rates at latest follow-up. Radiographs showed restoration of the slip angle, α angle, femoral neck length, and greater trochanteric height. This series reveals the safety and effectiveness of the modified Dunn procedure for unstable SCFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective review.

A Quality Improvement Initiative Reduces Cast Complications in a Pediatric Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Casts, while frequently used as routine treatment in pediatric orthopaedic practice, are not without complications. At our large tertiary care pediatric hospital, the baseline rate of all casting complications was 5.6 complications per 1000 casts applied (0.56%). We tested the hypothesis that we could use quality improvement (QI) methodology to decrease the overall cast complication rate and improve patient care. METHODS: We initiated a QI program implementing concepts derived from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement models, including Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, to decrease our cast complication rate. A resident casting education program was developed with a competency "checklist" to ensure that casts are applied, bivalved, and removed in a safe and standardized manner to prevent patient harm. AquaCast Saw Stop Protective Strips were required to be applied with every cast application. A review of our facility's processes and procedures determined adequate measures were in place to effectively manage inventory and maintenance of cast-saw blades. RESULTS: With the multimodal QI intervention, our cast complication rate was reduced to 1.61 complications per 1000 applications, a >90% improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of QI concepts to perform a QI initiative resulted in a shift toward fewer cast complications, leading to overall improved patient care at a large tertiary pediatric hospital. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prospective cohort study.

Ankle Injuries in the Pediatric Athlete.

Foot and ankle injuries are the second most common reason for young athletes to present to a primary care physician, and account for up to 30% of visits to sports medicine clinics in this population. Heightened performance expectations placed on today's young athletes have led to intense training and competition demands. With increasing rates of sport participation among children and adolescents, it is important for treating physicians to have an understanding of the evaluation and management of ankle injuries seen in the pediatric athlete. In treating young athletes it is important to keep in mind the unique developmental and anatomic differences between the skeletally mature and skeletally immature ankle. These differences predispose young athletes to unique injuries not seen in adults. These include injuries that result from congenital or developmental variations, acute injuries, and overuse type injuries.

Pediatric Diaphyseal Femur Fractures: Submuscular Plating Compared With Intramedullary Nailing.

This study compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures treated by submuscular plating, flexible retrograde intramedullary nailing, or rigid antegrade intramedullary nailing with a trochanteric entry point in skeletally immature patients who were 8 years and older. A retrospective review was conducted of skeletally immature patients 8 years and older who were treated for femur fracture with submuscular plating, flexible intramedullary nailing, or rigid intramedullary nailing from 2001 to 2014 with a minimum 12-week follow-up. Treatment outcomes were compared for statistical significance, including time to union, malunion, nonunion, heterotopic ossification, avascular necrosis, time to full weight bearing, limb length discrepancy, residual limp, painful hardware, and infection. The study identified 198 femur fractures in 196 patients (mean age, 11.9 years). Each femur fracture was treated with submuscular plating (35), flexible intramedullary nailing (61), or rigid intramedullary nailing (102). Mean follow-up across the cohort was 48 weeks, ranging from 12 to 225 weeks. Flexible nailing was associated with an increased incidence of malunion (P<.0001) and hardware irritation (P=.0204) and longer time to full weight bearing (P=.0018). Rigid nailing was associated with an increased incidence of limp at 12-week followup (P=.0412). Additionally, 23.5% of patients who were treated with rigid nailing had heterotopic ossification. Of all surgical methods, submuscular plating allowed for the most rapid return to full weight bearing (mean, 7 weeks) and offered the fastest healing rate (mean, 6 weeks). Submuscular plating resulted in faster times to union and full weight bearing, with minimal complication rates. Rigid intramedullary nailing with trochanteric entry resulted in a lower incidence of malunion and hardware-related complications; however, these patients had an increased incidence of heterotopic ossification and residual limp postoperatively. Flexible retrograde intramedullary nailing resulted in the highest rates of malunion and hardware irritation and the longest time to full weight bearing. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):353-358.].

Incidence of Hip Dysplasia Associated With Bladder Exstrophy.

BACKGROUND: Exstrophy of the bladder is a rare congenital defect seen in 2.15 children out of every 100,000 live births, with the most severe variant, cloacal exstrophy (CE), only occurring in 1 in 200,000. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a spectrum of disease ranging from mild hip instability to frank dislocation. Underlying malformations, such as myelomeningocele and arthrogryposis, are often associated with the most severe variant of hip dysplasia, teratologic hip dislocation. The varying degrees of severity in DDH have been encountered in classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) patients, but the exact incidence is unknown. We sought to determine the incidence of DDH in CBE and CE patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all children with CBE or CE presenting to a single pediatric center between 1994 and 2014. Each chart was reviewed for correct diagnosis of CBE or CE, patient age and demographics, associated medical conditions, pertinent surgeries performed, and the age at operation. Patient imaging was reviewed to determine whether bilateral hip imaging was available. RESULTS: In a 20-year retrospective review, we identified 66 patients who were diagnosed with either CBE or CE and had available hip imaging (38 males and 28 females). Of these, 11 patients were found to have radiographic evidence of DDH, for an incidence of 16.7% (11/66). Five of these patients had CE, whereas 6 presented with CBE. The first radiographic evidence of DDH was noted at a mean age of 5.75 years (range, birth to 22 y). CONCLUSIONS: We advocate the use of routine hip screening ultrasound in all infants born with either CBE or CE. Early identification of DDH in these patients may allow additional treatment options to coincide with frequently used osteotomy and orthopaedic interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective study.

Prevalence of Bilateral JOCD of the Knee and Associated Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee affects cartilage and subchondral bone surface. Multifocal JOCD is described as multiple lesions within the knee or presence of lesions in other joints. The true prevalence of bilaterality of JOCD is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of bilateral JOCD and to identify potential risk factors for bilateral disease. METHODS: We evaluated 108 consecutive patients presenting for JOCD at a single pediatric hospital system. If an OCD lesion of the knee was found, contralateral knee x-rays were performed. Lesion location was documented according to Cahill and Berg, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading documented according to Dipaola, and if surgical treatment was undertaken, intraoperative grading performed according to Guhl. Patients with unilateral JOCD were compared with those with bilateral disease. Statistical analysis of categorical data was performed utilizing likelihood ratio χ test or Fisher exact test and continuous data compared using nonparametric Wilcoxon 2-sample test. RESULTS: There were 85 male (79%) and 23 females (21%) with an average age of 12.3 years (range, 6 to 18 y). Sixty-three percent of lesions were located on the medial femoral condyle and 33% on the lateral femoral condyle. Ninety percent of all lesions were considered weight-bearing lesions. Eighty percent were considered stable on MRI evaluation. Of those lesions that underwent surgical intervention, 61% were either grade I or II lesions. Seventy-three of 108 patients (68%) underwent some form of surgical intervention. Thirty-one patients (29%) were found to have contralateral JOCD lesions. Thirty-nine percent of contralateral lesions found on contralateral radiographs were asymptomatic at presentation and nearly all of those evaluated with MRI (16 of 18) were stable. Sixty-nine percent of contralateral lesions were located on the medial femoral condyle, 27% on the lateral femoral condyle, and 94% were considered weight-bearing lesions. Twelve of 31 contralateral lesions (39%) underwent surgical intervention. Comparing patients with unilateral and bilateral disease, female patients (P<0.05) and younger age at presentation (P<0.009) were risk factors for bilateral JOCD. No statistical difference among other variables was seen with regard to location, MRI or operative stability of lesion, or presence of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In our consecutive series of 108 patients with JOCD, we found a 29% incidence of bilateral disease. Almost 40% of contralateral lesions were asymptomatic upon presentation. Female sex and younger age at presentation were significant risk factors for bilateral disease. Lesion location, stability, and pain were not statistically significant variables. The authors recommend bilateral radiographic knee evaluation for all patients found to have JOCD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

Utilization of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgical Time: An Evaluation of Three Different Models at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past decade, our institution has instituted three different scheduling models in an attempt to care for pediatric trauma at our Level I Trauma Center. This has been in response to a number of factors, including a limited number of physicians covering the call schedule, increasing competition for operating room (OR) time after hours (pediatric surgery, urology, neurosurgery), an attempt to fully utilize OR time during the daytime, fully staffed hours, and optimizing patients' timeliness to surgery. We examined the three on-call systems in place at our institution to determine whether a more flexible approach to pediatric trauma call resulted in delays in treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient records for three distinct 1-year periods with three different surgical call schedules: (i) a traditional call schedule in which the call physician was responsible for patients who presented to our emergency room; (ii) a half-day trauma block OR reserved the morning following call; and (iii) a full-day trauma block. Variables included date of injury, time of admission, admission diagnosis, cause of injury, and OR procedure and start time. RESULTS: We reviewed 951 cases over the entire study, 268 during the traditional call schedule, 282 during the half-call block and 401 over the time period of the full-day block. Mechanisms of injury were similar among the three groups, with falls and motor vehicle accidents being the leading causes. The average delay time was 17:40 for the traditional call group, 15:10 for the half-block call group, and 15:09 for the full-day block group. Our findings suggest that there was a high incidence of cases performed on weekdays after peak staffing hours with a traditional call model (59%). In contrast, half-day and full-day block models saw only 4% and 1% of the cases performed after peak staffing hours, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients admitted to the OR among the three groups (χ(2) = 488.8449, P < 0.0001). The number of patients seen during Monday through Friday was also statistically significant among the three groups (χ(2) = 382.0576, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The institution of more flexible and physician-directed half-call and full-day blocks did result in delays in treatment. However, it also has demonstrated benefits to patients in reducing the number of operative cases performed after weekday peak staffing hours; helped our institution better manage its staffing and financial resources; and provided the treating surgeon flexibility in determining the timing of operative care.

Is there still a place for cast wedging in pediatric forearm fractures?

BACKGROUND: Forearm fractures are common skeletal injuries in childhood and can usually be treated nonoperatively with closed reduction and casting. Trends toward increasing operative treatment of these fractures have emerged. We aim to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of cast wedging for treatment of pediatric forearm fractures. METHODS: We performed a prospective chart review of patients with forearm fractures, including distal radius (DR) fractures, treated with cast wedging at a single large pediatric hospital from June 2011 to September 2012. Inclusion criteria specified open distal radial physis, closed injury, loss of acceptable reduction, and availability of clinical and radiographic data from injury to cast removal. Exclusion criteria included pathologic fractures, neurovascular injury, fracture dislocations, open fractures, and closed DR physis. Reductions were performed and patients followed according to standard protocol at our institution, including placement into long-arm casts, initial follow-up visit within 5 to 10 days postinjury, and weekly visits for 2 weeks thereafter. If alignment were deemed unacceptable within 3 weeks of injury, cast wedging was utilized. Radiographic measurements of alignment included both radius and ulna on the injury film, postreduction, prewedge, postwedge, and final films. Radiographic technique was standardized, with repeatability testing demonstrating a precision of ±2 degrees. RESULTS: Over 15 months, our hospital treated 2124 forearm or DR fractures with closed reduction and casting. There were 60 fractures treated either with percutaneous fixation (36) or open treatment (24). A total of 79 forearm or DR fractures were treated with cast wedging secondary to loss of reduction, of which 70 patients had complete clinical and radiographic data. Average age was 8.4 years (range, 3 to 14 y), with 25 females and 45 males. Significant improvement in angulation for both-bone forearm fracture from prewedge to final films was seen in 69 children, with no major complications. One patient failed wedging and required surgical reduction and fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Cast wedging is a simple, safe, noninvasive, and effective method for treatment of excessive angulation in pediatric forearm fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Submuscular bridge plating for length-unstable, pediatric femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: Submuscular bridge plating has become an acceptable method of treatment for pediatric femur fractures. The purpose of our study was to describe a technique for submuscular bridge plating and review a series of consecutive, length-unstable, pediatric femur fractures treated at a single institution with this technique. METHODS: We performed a query of hospital records from January 4, 2006, to May 10, 2011, to identify length-unstable femur fractures treated with submuscular bridge plating by 5 pediatric surgeons. Included were patients treated with submuscular bridge plating for a femur fracture. Excluded were patients with incomplete medical records, inadequate radiographs, or follow-up <6 months duration. Fifty-one patients met diagnostic criteria; 19 patients were excluded due to incomplete medical records and/or radiographs. RESULTS: The study cohort included 32 patients with 33 femur fractures. There were 15 left femurs and 18 right femurs, including 1 bilateral fracture patient. Fracture pattern was composed of 13 comminuted, 5 spiral, 9 long oblique, and 6 short oblique. Mechanisms of injury included: fall from height (8), recreation (23), and MVA (2). Mean time for full weightbearing was 8.1 weeks (range, 3 to 17.6 wk). All patients were radiographically healed by their 12-week assessment. There were no intraoperative complications. Implant removal occurred in 26 patients. There were 2 cases of a broken screw discovered upon implant removal. The remnant screw was not removed in either case. The mean follow-up time for those with implant removal was 43.6 weeks (range, 27 to 83 wk). The 11 patients without implant removal had a mean follow-up time of 38.6 weeks (range, 31.6 to 50 wk). There were no cases of varus or valgus malalignment >10 degrees. One patient experienced implant irritation. There were no cases of wound infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of surgical intervention has simplified both implantation and removal, and produced comparable and excellent healing rates, low complication rates, and early return to full weightbearing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Weight-bearing osteochondral lesions of the lateral femoral condyle following patellar dislocation in adolescent athletes.

In patients with patellar dislocation, osteochondral injury is often an indication for early surgical intervention. However, no studies have identified a relationship between injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following a patellar dislocation and the eventual need for surgical treatment. The authors hypothesized that a significant number of patients sustain injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following an acute patellar dislocation.Radiographs and magnetic resonance images were retrospectively reviewed and the patterns of injury were evaluated for 80 patients with a diagnosis of acute patellar dislocation, including the presence of osteochondral damage, the location of the medial patellofemoral ligament injury, and concomitant meniscal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 27.5% incidence of osteochondral injury involving the articular, weight-bearing region of the lateral femoral condyle following an acute lateral patellar dislocation. Surgical intervention was performed in more than 60% of these injuries, and most were not identified with plain radiographs. Injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle following patellar dislocation was 3.6 times more common in boys in the current study population.Osteochondral injury to the weight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle may occur in a high percentage of patients following a lateral patellar dislocation and in a higher percentage of boys than girls. Patients with tenderness over the lateral femoral condyle following an acute lateral patellar dislocation should undergo magnetic resonance imaging.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: predictors of lesion stability.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best method to analyze the status of the cartilage and subchondral bone in patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD). METHODS: MRI analysis of 122 knees and 132 JOCD lesions in 109 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee between March 2003 and January 2011. RESULTS: Agreement between MRI and arthroscopic grading was 62.1%. MRI sensitivity was 92% and specificity was 55%. Positive predictive value of MRI was 33% and negative predictive value of MRI was 97%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of a unstable lesion on the lateral femoral condyle nonweight-bearing location were 15.7 times greater than the odds of an unstable lesion on the medial femoral condyle weight-bearing area (95% confidence interval: 2.6-95.7, P=0.003.) The odds of the lateral femoral condyle weight-bearing lesion having an unstable grade were also greater than for a medial femoral condyle weight-bearing lesion, but the results were not statistically significant (odds ratio, 1.70, P=0.349). CONCLUSIONS: A high T2 signal retrograde to the lesion may commonly appear with an early, stable arthroscopic grade lesion. MRI continues to be reliably sensitive to JOCD lesions and a good predictor of low-grade, stable lesions. However, MRI predictability of high-grade, unstable JOCD lesions is less reliable. Lesions in atypical locations, such as the nonweight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle, more commonly present as higher, arthroscopic grade lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.