Proximal to distal phalangeal articular angle of the first proximal phalanx: Reliability and correlation with round sign.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the rate of correction loss in hallux valgus surgery, a proximal to distal phalangeal articular angle (PDPAA) of the proximal phalanx of the greater toe of> 8° is considered an indication for a combined Akin and Chevron osteotomy. The PDPAA is measured between the articular surfaces of the proximal phalanx of the greater toe. Viewed from a sagittal perspective, the joint surfaces are not perpendicular aligned to the phalanx axis. Therefore, the PDPAA might be confounded by pronation. This study aims to, first, evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of the PDPAA and, second, to analyze the correlation to first ray pronation. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 59 feet who underwent hallux valgus (HV) surgery, PDPAA, round sign and other angles were measured on weight-bearing radiographs pre- and postoperatively. After power analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to calculate the intra- and interobserver reliability. The correlation of PDPAA with the round sign as well as angles defining the HV and the Hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) were evaluated. RESULTS: The PDPAA showed an excellent intra- and interobserver reliability (ICC 0.92 and 0.89, p < 0.05). The round sign did not correlate significantly with the PDPAA (p = 0.51). However, the PDPAA showed a moderate correlation with the interphalangeal angle (r = 0.51, p < 0.05) and fair inversely with the intermetatarsal angle (r = -0.45, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: First, measurement of PDPAA is reliable. Second, PDPAA is not associated with first ray pronation, but a false low PDPAA is geometrically possible. A high PDPAA correlates with a relevant HVI and inversely correlates with the HV like the HVI. Hence, first ray pronation should be treated first and a remaining PDPAA of> 8° after intraoperatively reevaluation separately.

Residual dysplasia of the hip after successful ultrasound-monitored treatment: how does an infant's hip evolve?

Despite that normal values for the hip joint are reached at the end of ultrasound-monitored-treatment, the development of the acetabulum can be compromised during the growth phase. The acetabular index (AI) measured on a pelvic radiograph has been proven to be a reliable parameter. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of once-treated, residually dysplastic hips. This should be achieved by radiographically following these hips up to a milestone-examination at the end of preschool age. A total of 120 hips of consecutive 60 infants were included in this examination, each presenting with a residual developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH) after successful ultrasound-monitored harness treatment. Radiographic follow-up was assessed retrospectively around 18 months, 3 years and 6 years of age, and the AI was measured. The age-dependent Tönnis classification was applied. The hips were assigned normal, mildly or severely dysplastic. Dependent t -test for paired samples indicated a highly significant improvement of the AI-values, including from the first to the second and from the second to the third follow-up. The percentage distribution into the Tönnis classification changed remarkably: in the first follow-up, 36 of the 120 hips were evaluated 'severely dysplastic', in the third follow-up only 1. On the other hand, three hips underwent acetabuloplasty. Even after normal values have been achieved at the end of ultrasound-monitored treatment, there remains a risk of residual dysplasia of the hips. Particularly, when the first radiographic examination shows nonphysiological findings, further close-meshed follow-up is recommended. Level of evidence: retrospective study of therapeutic outcome, consecutive patients, level II.

Treatment of Early-Onset Spinal Deformity (EOSD) With VEPTR: A Challenge for the Final Correction Spondylodesis-A Case Series.

STUDY DESIGN: Case Series. OBJECTIVE: To describe the post-VEPTR (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) treatment changes in early-onset spinal deformity (EOSD), which may influence the final correction spondylodesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The VEPTR device, originally developed for the treatment of congenital rib cage malformation, is nowadays more widely used in the treatment of EOSD. At present, only a few reports describe the possible complications that may occur with repeated lengthening procedures of the VEPTR, thereby making the final spondylodesis more complicated and less satisfactory. METHODS: X-rays of 5 children treated for EOSD with 2 unilateral VEPTR (each rib to rib and rib to lumbar lamina) were analyzed for curve patterns and Cobb angles before, during, and at the end of VEPTR treatment, and after the final spondylodesis. Intraoperative observations during the spondylodesis, which influenced the possibilities of the curve correction, were documented. RESULTS: All patients showed a marked decompensation of the frontal balance and a high degree of rigidity of the main curve and the compensatory curves after treatment with the VEPTR device. Because of this spontaneous autofusion of spinal segments, migration of the rib cradles and/or the laminar hook, and a change in the curve patterns, the final fusion had to be longer in all patients than the primary deformity would have intended. CONCLUSIONS: If an EOSD is treated with VEPTR, the curve progression and, in particular, the development of a high thoracic hyperkyphosis or rotation of the main curve should be critically observed. Autofusion of ribs and vertebral bodies may make the final correction spondylodesis even more challenging and risky for the patient and the end result less satisfactory.

Significantly lower femoral neck growth in screw fixation of the asymptomatic contralateral hip in unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

There is an ongoing debate on which fixation technique should be preferred for the prophylactic fixation of the asymptomatic contralateral hip in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). In the case of Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation, there is a possibility of secondary loss of fixation because of longitudinal growth of the physis, whereas in screw fixation, physeal growth of the femoral neck might be impaired. The aim of this matched-pair study was to compare the longitudinal growth of the femoral neck in screw fixation versus K-wire fixation of the asymptomatic contralateral hip in SCFE. All 18 patients (female:male=3:15), who had undergone screw fixation of the asymptomatic contralateral hip between 9/2001 and 9/2011, were matched according to age, bone age, sex, and time to follow-up to another 18 patients with K-wire fixation. The length of the femoral neck of the contralateral hip was measured in parallel to either screw or K-wire from the apex of the femoral head to the opposite cortical bone. The ratio of the femoral neck length measured directly after surgery and on follow-up was defined as femoral neck growth. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to age, modified Oxford Bone age score, and time to follow-up. We found a significant difference in femoral neck growth between patients with screw fixation (5.5 ± 4.3%) compared with K-wire fixation (8.9 ± 5.7%, P = 0.048 matched Wilcoxon test). The difference in femoral neck growth of patients with K-wire or screw fixation of the contralateral asymptomatic hip in SCFE was small, but statistically significant. Thus, despite high rates of secondary loss of fixation, K-wire fixation should still be considered, especially in very young patients.