An analysis of osteopathic medical students applying to surgical residencies following transition to a single graduate medical education accreditation system.

CONTEXT: Upon requests from osteopathic medical schools, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Charting Outcomes were redesigned to include osteopathic medical school seniors beginning in 2018 and one joint graduate medical education (GME) accreditation system, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), formed in 2020. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to analyze the match outcomes and characteristics of osteopathic applicants applying to surgical specialties following the ACGME transition. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of osteopathic senior match outcomes in surgical specialties from the NRMP Main Residency Match data from 2020 to 2022 and the NRMP Charting Outcomes data from 2020 to 2022 was performed. RESULTS: For surgical specialties, results show matching increased as United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge) and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 2 CE (cognitive evaluation) scores increased along with the number of contiguous rankings (p<0.001). The greatest indication for matching looking at scores alone were those who scored greater than 230 on Step 2 CK compared to below (p<0.001) and above 650 on Level 2 CE (p<0.001). However, those who scored 240 (p=0.025) on Step 2 CK were just as likely to match as those who scored 250 (p=0.022) when compared to those who scored below those scores. Increasing research involvement had little to no significance with the likelihood of matching across most surgical subspecialties. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that there are unique thresholds for Step 2 CK scores, Level 2 CE scores, and the number of contiguous ranks for each surgical specialty that, when reached, are significantly associated with match success. Although certain board score delineations are linked with higher match success rates, the rates level off after this point for most surgical specialties and do not significantly increase further with higher scores. In addition, thresholds within contiguous ranks for increasing match likelihood exist and vary across surgical specialties. Overall, this study highlights that the quantitative metrics utilized to assess applicants lack the correlation reported historically, and the data presently available need to be more substantiated.

Augmentation of immune response to vaccinations through osteopathic manipulative treatment: a study of procedure.

CONTEXT: Anecdotal evidence suggested that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may have imparted survivability to patients in osteopathic hospitals during the 1918 influenza pandemic. In addition, previous OMT research publications throughout the past century have shown evidence of increased lymphatic movement, resulting in improved immunologic function qualitatively and quantitatively. OBJECTIVES: The following is a description of a proposed protocol to evaluate OMT effects on antibody generation in the peripheral circulation in response to a vaccine and its possible use in the augmentation of various vaccines. This protocol will serve as a template for OMT vaccination studies, and by adhering to the gold standard of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), future studies utilizing this outline may contribute to the much-needed advancement of the scientific literature in this field. METHODS: This manuscript intends to describe a protocol that will demonstrate increased antibody titers to a vaccine through OMT utilized in previous historical studies. Confirmation data will follow this manuscript validating the protocol. Study participants will be divided into groups with and without OMT with lymphatic pumps. Each group will receive the corresponding vaccine and have antibody titers measured against the specific vaccine pathogen drawn at determined intervals. RESULTS: These results will be statistically evaluated. Our demonstration of a rational scientific OMT vaccine antibody augmentation will serve as the standard for such investigation that will be reported in the future. These vaccines could include COVID-19 mRNA, influenza, shingles, rabies, and various others. The antibody response to vaccines is the resulting conclusion of its administration. Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) lymphatic pumps have, in the past through anecdotal reports and smaller pilot studies, shown effectiveness on peripheral immune augmentation to vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: This described protocol will be the template for more extensive scientific studies supporting osteopathic medicine's benefit on vaccine response. The initial vaccine studies will include the COVID-19 mRNA, influenza, shingles, and rabies vaccines.

Self-reported Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Happiness, comfort, and motor function contribute to satisfaction with life for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Evidence-based medical care can improve motor function and physical health of youth with CP. Less is known about medical care and its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents and young adults with CP. This study aimed to describe HRQOL among adolescents with CP to examine differences between adolescent (self) and parent (proxy) reports of HRQOL and to explore associations of pain, age, and gross motor function with HRQOL. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including adolescents with CP classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to V, ages 11 to 20 years, reading ≥ a fourth-grade level, and who completed the self-reported Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Parents completed the PODCI concurrently or within 12 months and scores were compared. In addition, self-reported scores were compared between age bands, across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels, with typically developing youth (TDY), and between youth with/without pain. RESULTS: PODCI scores from 102 adolescents [59 males; 15.0 (SD: 2.6) years old] were examined. Scores from 50 adolescents and parents were matched. Mean self-reported scores were significantly higher than mean parent-reported scores in 4 domains: upper extremity and physical function ( P =0.018), sports and physical function ( P =0.005), happiness ( P =0.023), and global functioning ( P =0.018). All domains, except Happiness, were significantly < TDY ( P <0.01). The presence of pain was associated with lower scores in all domains ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Examining HRQOL with the PODCI revealed significant limitations in physical function and higher pain in adolescents with CP compared with TDY. Self- and parent-reported PODCI results should be considered separately. Adolescents report higher HRQOL compared with parent proxy. Recognizing and validating the perspectives of youth and their parents presents an opportunity for providers to discuss different points of view with families. Such engagement can help promote self-efficacy in youth with CP as they transition to the responsibility of guiding their own care in adulthood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective comparative study.

A 10-Year Report on the Trends of Osteopathic Medical Students (OMS) in Osteopathic Orthopaedic Residency over the Past Decade.

OBJECTIVES: Osteopathic match rates in competitive specialties, such as orthopaedics, have been under intense scrutiny. This study aimed to quantify trends in the characteristics of Osteopathic Orthopaedic Surgical Residency training and education from graduating classes of 2010-2020. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of a large, longitudinally maintained database of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) from orthopaedic residency graduating classes of 2010-2020. Trends in characteristics were analyzed, including the resident's age at graduation from medical school and residency, gender, advanced degree status, College or School of Osteopathic Medicine (COM/SOM), residency, and residency class year. RESULTS: Overall, the number of osteopathic orthopaedic residents had a 32.9% increase from 85 to 113 per year, graduating over the past decade. Statistical forecasting predicts a 27.8% increase in osteopathic orthopaedic residents over the next decade. The percent composition of osteopathic students entering orthopaedic residency class by gender remained relatively stable. The average percent male composition of the orthopaedic residency class was 90.5%, ranging from a maximum of 96.1% and a minimum of 83.7%. While the average percent female composition of orthopaedic residency class was 9.5% for the past decade, statistical forecasting predicts that over the next decade, the average percent composition of females in orthopaedic residency will be 5.8%. The average age of residents at graduation was 33.4 years, while across the decade, resident age at graduation decreased by 9.8%. On average, female orthopaedic residents at graduation were younger than male orthopaedic residents. Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institute (OPTI)-West/Community Memorial Health System Orthopaedic Surgery Residency had the highest average age at residency graduation (35.7 years), and Lake Erie COM/York Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Residency had the youngest average age at residency graduation (32 years). Edward Via COM-Carolinas Campus had the highest average age at graduation from medical school (30.5 years), and Touro COM had the lowest average age at graduation from medical school (26.7 years). Only 3.3% of osteopathic orthopaedic residents had additional advanced degrees. Philadelphia COM produced the most significant number of orthopaedic residents (89) and trained the most female orthopaedic surgeons of any program over the ten years. CONCLUSIONS: The number of osteopathic medical students entering orthopaedics has increased over the past decade. However, there remains a lack of a similar increasing trend of female osteopathic medical students entering osteopathic orthopaedic residency programs. Interestingly, the age of osteopathic orthopaedic residents at graduation decreased across the decade, while advanced degrees did not play a statistically significant factor in matching into orthopaedic surgery. The osteopathic medical school was the most significant predicting factor in matching into orthopaedic surgery. With such knowledge, greater efforts should aim to enhance osteopathic medical student exposure to orthopaedic programs to maintain quality candidate interest in this competitive field, including female prospects, while also increasing the holistic diversity of characteristics within the field of orthopaedic surgery.

Mortality after spinal fusion in children with cerebral palsy and cerebral-palsy-like conditions: A 30-year follow-up study.

AIM: To report survival probability of a large cohort of children with cerebral palsy (CP) after spinal fusion. METHOD: All children with CP who had spinal fusion between 1988 and 2018 at the reporting facility were reviewed for survival. Death records of the institutional CP database, institutional electronic medical records, publicly available obituaries, and the National Death Index through the US Centers for Disease Control were searched. Survival probabilities with different surgical eras, comorbidities, ages, and curve severities were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: A total of 787 children (402 females, 385 males) had spinal fusion at a mean age of 14 years 1 month (standard deviation 3 years 2 months). The 30-year estimated survival was approximately 30%. Survival decreased for children who had spinal fusion at younger ages, longer postoperative hospital stays, longer postoperative intensive care unit stays, gastrostomy tubes, and pulmonary comorbidities. INTERPRETATION: Children with CP who required spinal fusions had reduced long-term survival compared with an age-matched typically developing cohort; however, a substantial number survived 20 to 30 years after the surgery. This study had no comparison group of children with CP scoliosis; therefore, we do not know whether correction of scoliosis affected their survival.

Recurrent hip instability after hip reconstruction in cerebral palsy children with spastic hip disease.

BACKGROUND: Migration percentage (MP) is widely used to evaluate hip stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopedic surgeons need more objective information to make a proper hip reconstruction surgical plan and predict the outcome. METHODS: Medical records and plain radiographs of children with CP who underwent the hip reconstruction procedure for dysplasia were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 253 operated hips (140 patients; 11.7 ± 3.3 years old) were included in this study. MP at pre-operative (Tpre) was 35.3 ± 22.5%; at immediate follow-up (Tpost) was 5.9 ± 9.5%; at last follow-up (Tfinal) was 9.8 ± 10.8% (4.5 ± 2.3 years post-operative at age 16.3 ± 2.8 years). In hips with Melbourne Cerebral Palsy Hip Classification Scale (MCPHCS) grade 3 (n = 78), around 30-45% had an unsatisfactory outcome at Tpost and Tfinal. However, hips categorized as other grades showed only 2.1-9.1% of unsatisfactory outcome. In less affected hips (pre-operative MP<30%, n = 122), 109 hips (89.3%) had varus derotation osteotomy only, the other 13 hips (10.7%) were combined with a pelvic osteotomy. In more severely affected hips (pre-operative MP ≥ 30%, n = 131), 26 hips (19.8%) had varus derotation osteotomy only, the other 105 hips (80.2%) were combined with a pelvic osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Hips with pre-operative MP between 15 and 29% (MCPHCS grades 3) can be a higher risk group of recurrent hip instability after hip reconstruction surgery. Multiple indications beyond MP should be considered when indicating pelvic osteotomy or hip muscle release as combined procedures with varus femoral osteotomy for hip reconstruction in this milder group to achieve a consistent long-term satisfactory outcome.

Advancing care and research for traumatic brain injury: a roadmap.

Across all segments of society in the United States, millions of adults and children experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, which may pose lifetime health and financial burdens in the billions of dollars. Efforts have been made to advance research and care with goals to improve awareness of the causes and consequences of TBI, but gaps still remain in understanding TBI and delivering high-quality care to everyone who needs it both in military and civilian life. At the request of the Department of Defense, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recently convened experts to address existing gaps in brain injury science and systems of care. Although many people who experience a TBI recover fully, others experience long-term physical, emotional, and often financial consequences to the patient and family system, and require ongoing accommodations to support their return to the communities in which they live, learn, and work. A holistic approach within the context of osteopathic medicine may be helpful and enhance contributions within the field. This article will discuss the roadmap to help guide the field, including key conclusions and recommendations for actions to advance progress over the next decade while embracing a comprehensive bio-psycho-socio-ecological model of TBI care bringing in the distinctive osteopathic approach not only to improve care and outcomes, but also to understand patient and family experiences on their TBI journey.

Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cerebral Palsy Following an Orthopaedic Surgical Event.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and characterize the demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) having orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with CP who underwent an orthopaedic surgical procedure at one institution between 2008 and 2017 were identified. Diagnosis codes and associated patient events were recovered from the electronic medical record. Each VTE event was reviewed to ascertain an actual VTE episode related to a surgical event. RESULTS: The review included 2583 orthopaedic surgical events in 1371 patients. Of the initial 88 cases identified, 28 cases had a deep thrombosis documented. Six cases of VTE occurred within 3 months following the surgical event. Three of these cases had thigh thrombosis, and 2 patients had upper arm thrombosis, and 1 patient had a superior vena cava thrombosis. On further workup, 5 of these 6 patients were identified as having a congenital hypercoagulable condition. CONCLUSIONS: VTE is a relatively rare occurrence after orthopaedic surgery in pediatric patients with CP, but when it occurs, a full hematologic workup for a congenital hypercoagulable condition is indicated. Based on the low incidence of thigh thrombosis, routine pharmacological or intermittent mechanical calf compression is not recommended. A careful clinical and family history should be performed to identify patients with possible genetic hypercoagulable conditions who would merit prophylaxis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Residual Deformity and Outcome of Ambulatory Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Long-term Longitudinal Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Advances in pediatric orthopaedic care have improved mobility and function for children with cerebral palsy (CP) as mobility declines from adolescence into adulthood. The long-term effectiveness of modern orthopaedic care is not widely reported. This study aimed to report the pediatric orthopaedic surgical burden, residual deformities, and outcomes using objective evidence of mobility in ambulatory adults with CP. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved prospective cohort study was performed in ambulatory adults with CP between 25 and 45 years, who had an adolescent gait analysis. Orthopaedic interventions were reviewed, and adolescent and adult gait analyses were compared using paired 2-tailed t tests. Adults were categorized by the presence of no, mild, or severe residual deformities in rotation, crouch, stiff knee, equinus, and foot deformity. RESULTS: Of 106 adults with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) distribution was grade I (22%), II (50%), III (23%), and IV (5%). Sixty-one males and 45 females were tested. The average age was 30±4 years with follow-up of 13±4 years since previous analysis; 279 surgical events (1165 procedures) were performed with a mean per patient of 2.6 events and 11 procedures. Comm on procedures were gastrocsoleus complex (88%) and hamstring lengthening (79%). The mean gait deviation index at adolescent and adult visit were 72.7±13 and 72.3±13 (P=0.78). Mean gait velocity at the adolescent visit was 85±27 and 79±31 cm/s at adult visit (P=0.02). Both gait deviation index and gait velocity change were clinically insignificant. Fifty-seven adults (81 limbs, 54%) had mild residual deformities. Residual hip internal rotation, pes planovalgus, and crouch gait were common. Severe deformities impacting function or causing pain were present in 11 participants (14 limbs, 10%). Seven of the 11 adults with severe deformities were worse compared with their adolescent evaluation; 4 were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Correcting deformities before adulthood has lasting stability with little functional loss in most ambulatory young adults with CP. Increasing deformity after adolescence can occur in young adults but is uncommon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The impact of asymmetry on the radiographical outcomes following hip reconstruction in patients with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of asymmetric hip dysplasia on the outcome of hip reconstruction in patients with cerebral palsy according to preoperative migration percentage (MP). METHODS: This study was institutional review board-approved for retrospective cohort review. From 2008 to 2018, 65 patients met inclusion criteria: Gross Motor Function Scale Classification (GMFSC) III to V with spastic hips (MP > 30%) who underwent bilateral hip reconstruction, with a follow-up > 24 months. Main exclusion criteria: children with associated syndromes or chromosomal disorders. The cohort was subdivided into three groups according to preoperative MP difference between hips: Group A > 50%, group B 20% to 50% and Group C < 20%. Subsequently, the groups were analyzed individually and then compared. The asymmetry of extended abduction of the hip was also evaluated and separated into three groups: no asymmetry (< 20° difference), mild asymmetry (20° to 50° difference) and severe (> 50° difference). RESULTS: In total, 65 patients underwent bilateral bony reconstructive surgery (130 hips). Mean age at surgery was 10.1 years (sd 3.6; 3.6 to 18.4). Mean age at follow-up was 14.7 years (sd 3.8; 8 to 21). Preoperative GMFSC distribution was grade III (four, 6%), IV (15, 23%) and V (46, 71%). In all, 21 symmetric hips (< 20% MP difference) had a preoperative MP difference of 9% and a follow-up MP difference of 18% (p > 0.05); 32 had a preoperative MP difference of 34% and a follow-up MP difference of 16% (p < 0.0001); 12 had a preoperative MP difference of 80% and a follow-up difference of 6% (p < 0.0001). According to pre- and postoperative abduction values, the mean high hip abduction preoperatively was 34° (sd 17°), whereas low hip abduction was 23° (sd 17°). CONCLUSION: Hips with asymmetrical dysplasia and/or abduction undergoing bilateral reconstructive surgery focused on symmetric abduction, and corrected dysplasia in patients with cerebral palsy has improved symmetry in hip abduction and MP. Obtaining this goal immediately postoperatively is maintained to medium-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Foot in Cerebral Palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy frequently develop foot deformities, most commonly equinus contractures, which can be managed with orthotics up to age 5 to 7 years. Plantar flexor lengthening, typically around this age, should be restricted to the offending muscle only, usually with a fascia release of the gastrocnemius. Equinovarus, mainly a problem in children with unilateral cerebral palsy, often responds to plantar flexor lengthening. If further tendon transfers are needed, they should be done when the child is older to avoid overcorrection. Planovalgus mostly improves spontaneously up to age 5 years. Surgical correction is best done in adolescence.

The change in sagittal plane gait patterns from childhood to maturity in bilateral cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: The longitudinal stability of sagittal gait patterns in diplegic cerebral palsy (CP), stratified using the Rodda classification, is currently unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the trajectory of sagittal plane gait deformities as defined by the Rodda classification in a large cohort treated with orthopedic surgery guided by gait analysis? METHODS: A retrospective study utilized gait analysis to evaluate sagittal gait parameters before age 8 and after age 15 years. Individual limbs were categorized at each time point according to the Rodda classification based on mean sagittal plane knee and ankle angle during stance. Welch's t-tests compared gait variables from early childhood with maturity and examined changes associated with plantarflexor lengthening surgery. RESULTS: 100 youth with CP were evaluated twice: at a mean age of 5.49 ± 1.18 and 19.09 ± 4.32 years, respectively. Gross Motor Function Classification System distribution at maturity was I (10.5 %), II (55.2 %), III (28.6 %), and IV (5.7 %). At the initial visit, most limbs were in either true equinus (30 %) or jump-knee gait (26.5 %). At maturity, crouch gait (52.5 %) was the most common classification, of which 47.6 % were mild (1-3 standard deviations from age-matched norm; 21°-30°) and 52.4 % moderate or severe. For the entire cohort, at initial and final visits, respectively, mean knee flexion in stance was 26.8°±14.8° and 25.9°±11.4° (p = 0.320), ankle dorsiflexion in stance increased from -0.3°±11.5° to 9.0°±6.0° (p < 0.001), and passive knee flexion contracture was -2.3°±7.0° and -3.9°±8.0° (p = 0.043). In children who started in true equinus, apparent equinus, and crouch, there was no difference in stance phase knee flexion at maturity between those who underwent plantarflexor lengthenings versus those who did not (p > 0.18). SIGNIFICANCE: The trend in this cohort was toward crouch with increased stance phase ankle dorsiflexion from early childhood to maturity. Plantarflexor lengthenings were not a significant factor in the progression of stance phase knee flexion.

Factors associated with walking activity in adults with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study used instrumented gait analysis, patient-reported outcomes, and portable accelerometers to examine walking activity in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). RESEARCH QUESTION: This study aimed to provide objective data and evaluate factors associated with walking activity in adults with CP. METHODS: Participants with CP (ages 25-45 years) completed instrumented gait analysis and patient-reported outcomes, including the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Satisfaction with Life Score (SWLS), and wore a StepWatch for 8 days. Average strides per day, stratified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were compared with nondisabled adults ages 30-39 years utilizing Welch's t-tests with Bonferroni corrections. Correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses examined relationships between walking activity and GMFCS, gait deviation index (GDI), gait velocity, PROMIS physical function, SWLS, body mass index (BMI), and employment. RESULTS: Participants included 109 adults with CP, ages 29 ± 4 years, classified at GMFCS levels I/II (73 %) and III/IV (27 %). Compared with nondisabled adults, daily stride count was significantly lower in both groups of adults with CP (p < 0.00025), with a progressive decline according to GMFCS level. Walking activity correlated with PROMIS physical function (r = .42), GDI (r = .48), and gait velocity (r = .58). Association for employment was lower (r = 0.27) but significant, while age, SWLS, and BMI were not individually correlated with walking activity. Stepwise, multiple linear regression modeled with Akaike information criterion explained 40.9 % of the observed variability in walking activity in this cohort of adults with CP. SIGNIFICANCE: Physical function, as classified by GMFCS or measured by PROMIS and self-selected walking velocity, has the strongest association with and is the most significant predictor of walking activity in adults with CP. After accounting for physical function, a small amount of the variation in walking activity can be explained by GDI, employment, and age.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes for Distal Rectus Femoris Transfer and Resection Surgeries in Children With Cerebral Palsy With Stiff Knee Gait.

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often present with a stiff knee gait pattern because of rectus femoris (RF) spasticity and/or contracture. Rectus femoris transfers (RFTs) and resections are surgical procedures aimed at reducing muscle stiffness, thereby improving knee flexion during the swing phase of gait. Previous research has consistently demonstrated objective benefits of rectus transfer using instrumented gait analysis (IGA). Rectus femoris resection (RFR), a relatively simpler procedure, shows similar improvement in knee range of motion during gait. The objective of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between rectus transfers and resections using 3-dimensional IGA. METHODS: Children with spastic CP who had RFTs or resections were retrospectively matched by walking speed and preoperative knee kinematics from 3-dimensional IGA (peak and timing of peak knee flexion in swing). Secondary outcomes included knee range of motion and maximum knee extension during gait. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were included in both the transfer group [age 9.4±2 y; Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) I (3 children), II (15 children), III (8 children), and IV (2 children)] and the resection group [age 10.6±2.5 y; GMFCS I (1 child), II (14 children), and III (13 children)]. Both surgical groups showed statistically significant short-term postsurgical improvements in peak knee flexion during swing (P<0.001 for the transfer group and P=0.003 for the resection group) and Duncan-Ely test (P=0.004 for the transfer group and P<0.001 for the resection group). Further analysis by GMFCS level showed children at GMFCS levels III/IV had a greater tendency to crouch after RFT when compared with children at GMFCS levels I/II. This tendency was not observed in the RFR group. CONCLUSIONS: Both transfer and resection surgeries significantly improved gait kinematics short-term outcomes in children with spastic CP who present with stiff knee gait pattern. Further studies are required to compare long-term outcomes of both surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective matched-cohort study.

Single-event multilevel surgery in cerebral palsy: Value added by a co-surgeon.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in cerebral palsy (CP) performed by 1 or 2 attending surgeons.A retrospective review of patients with CP undergoing SEMLS was performed. Patients undergoing SEMLS performed by a single senior surgeon were compared with patients undergoing SEMLS by the same senior surgeon and a consistent second attending surgeon. Due to heterogeneity of the type and quantity of SEMLS procedures included in this study, a scoring system was utilized to stratify patients to low and high surgical burden. The SEMLS events scoring less than 18 points were categorized as low burden surgery and SEMLS scoring 18 or more points were categorized as high burden surgery. Operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital length of stay, and operating room (OR) utilization costs were compared.In low burden SEMLS, 10 patients had SEMLS performed by a single surgeon and 8 patients had SEMLS performed by 2 surgeons. In high burden SEMLS, 10 patients had SEMLS performed by a single surgeon and 12 patients had SEMLS performed by 2 surgeons. For high burden SEMLS, operative time was decreased by a mean of 69 minutes in cases performed by 2 co-surgeons (P = 0.03). Decreased operative time was associated with an estimated savings of $2484 per SEMLS case. In low burden SEMLS, a trend toward decreased operative time was associated for cases performed by 2 co-surgeons (182 vs 221 minutes, P = 0.11). Decreased operative time was associated with an estimated savings of $1404 per low burden SEMLS case. No difference was found for estimated blood loss or hospital length of stay between groups in high and low burden SEMLS.Employing 2 attending surgeons in SEMLS decreased operative time and OR utilization cost, particularly in patients with a high surgical burden. These findings support the practice of utilizing 2 attending surgeons for SEMLS in patients with CP.Level of Evidence: Level III.

What's New in the Orthopaedic Treatment of Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy Using Gait Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Limb deformities in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) are common. The natural history of lower extremity deformities is variable and the impact on gait is managed with many treatment modalities. Effective interventions must consider the underlying pathophysiology, patient-specific goals, and incorporate objective outcome assessment. Evaluation and treatment include observation, tone management multilevel orthopaedic surgery to address muscle contractures and bony deformities, and the use of gait analysis for preoperative and postoperative assessment. METHODS: A PubMed search of the orthopaedic literature for studies published between January 2016 and February 2019 was performed. Eligible abstracts included the use of 3-dimensional instrumented gait analysis in the evaluation and treatment of the lower extremities in ambulatory children with CP. Seven hundred twenty abstracts were reviewed, with 84 papers identified as eligible, of which 45 full manuscripts were included for detailed review. RESULTS: The review summarized recent advances regarding the treatment of torsional alignment, knee deformities and clinical gait evaluation with visual assessment tools compared with instrumented gait analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Gait analysis of ambulatory children with CP remains essential to evaluation and surgical decision-making. Promising results have been reported with the goal of maintaining or reaching a higher level of function and increased endurance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-literature review.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Cerebrospinal Leakage in Pediatric Patients With Cerebral Palsy Treated With Intrathecal Baclofen.

BACKGROUND: Insertion of an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump can provide significant benefits in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, there are little data describing the risk of complications. Specifically, there is a lack of data describing the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and risk factors following ITB placement. The purpose of our study was to describe risk factors for developing CSF leak in pediatric patients with CP treated with ITB and to report the treatment and outcome of CSF leaks. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, 720 ITB procedures in 341 children with CP were identified retrospectively over a 15-year study period. Patients' demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, muscle tone patterns, feeding tube status, seizure history, inpatient events, ITB-related CSF leak and headache complaints and their management, and other complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-five (24.9%) patients experienced 90 CSF leak episodes over a follow-up time of 6.3±3.9 years. There were 72 episodes of headache as a result of CSF leakage in 61 (71.7%) of these 85 patients. There was a positive correlation between the risk of CSF leak and preoperative comorbidities such as epilepsy/seizure history, feeding tube, mixed type CP, and dystonic type CP. The risk of CSF leak after primary ITB administration was 5.8% (20/341), and the risk after secondary ITB procedures due to complications was 24.2% (32/132). There was no significant relationship between CSF leak and primary ITB (P=0.21), but the risk of CSF leak was positively correlated to the secondary ITB due to complications (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CSF leak was fairly common (25% incidence), and it correlated with epilepsy/seizure history, feeding tube, mixed type CP, and dystonic type CP. Recurrent ITB procedures were a risk factor for CSF leak. Half of these patients had self-limited symptoms that improved with conservative medical treatment, and the epidural blood patch was successful in resistant cases. Successful treatment of CSF leakage complications allows patients to continue ITB. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The effectiveness of epidural blood patch in patients with cerebral palsy treated with intrathecal baclofen implantation.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid leak and postdural puncture spinal headache following intrathecal baclofen therapy are known complications. Although primary treatments are conservative, epidural blood patch is an alternative in patients with persistent and severe symptoms. AIM: The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness of epidural blood patch for the treatment of spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Our database was reviewed for epidural blood patch in 341 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy who underwent primary intrathecal baclofen treatment from 2004 to 2018 at one institution. The number of patches, time frame of treatment, and effectiveness of the epidural blood patch were collected. All patients treated with epidural blood patch were evaluated for primary and secondary intrathecal baclofen-related procedures, and subsequent treatment of intrathecal baclofen associated with cerebrospinal fluid leak and spinal headache. RESULTS: Twenty-nine epidural blood patch procedures were performed on 26 patients who had received intrathecal baclofen procedures. Of these 26 patients, four had a secondary epidural blood patch. The incidence of spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak was 31% (107/341), and 81/107 (76%) patients with spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak responded to conservative treatments. Success rate for initial epidural blood patch was 79.3% (23/29). The second epidural blood patch was performed in four patients after failure of initial epidural blood patch. Second epidural blood patch success rate was 75% (3/4). CONCLUSION: Spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak are known complications after intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, epidural blood patch can be used with confidence for these patients. In patients with ongoing symptoms, it is possible to obtain success by repeating the epidural blood patch to continue intrathecal baclofen treatment and avoid aggressive surgery.

The long-term outcome of pelvic asymmetry during gait in children with cerebral palsy following unilateral femoral derotation osteotomy.

In this retrospective study, children with cerebral palsy underwent a unilateral femoral derotation osteotomy and had a preoperative (PO), short-term postoperative (1-3 years), and a long-term postoperative (≥5 years) gait analysis. Patients were subdivided into groups by the PO pelvic presentation and Gross Motor Function Classification System level. In children with PO pelvic external rotation, femoral derotation osteotomy decreased the hip internal rotation and decreased the pelvic external rotation. These results could influence surgical planning to achieve long-term pelvic asymmetry.

Long-term outcome of knee hyperextension in children with cerebral palsy.

This study evaluated knee hyperextension course in children with cerebral palsy over a 5-year follow-up. Knee hyperextension was identified in 308 knees, of which 97 had follow-up greater than 5 years. Between the tests, 40% of limbs had plantar flexor lengthening (PFL). Overall, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion in stance increased (P<0.0001). Similar changes were noted between limbs that had PFL and those that did not. PFL is indicated in cases associated with equinus. However, the role of multilevel surgery in the treatment of knee hyperextension needs to be further determined.