Etiology and incidence of pediatric gallbladder disease.

PURPOSE: The spectrum of pediatric biliary tract disease is changing. The goal of this study was to examine the causes and comorbidities of pediatric gallbladder disease at our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review on consecutive patient at Kosair Children's Hospital who underwent cholecystectomy over a 9-year time period ending in 2012. RESULTS: Among the 453 patients in the study group, the average age was 13.3 years and 67.2% were female. Indications for cholecystectomy were gallstones in 285 (63%) and biliary dyskinesia in 140 (33%). Of the patients with gallstones, 68 children (15%) had hemolytic disease. Although the number of cholecystectomies for hemolytic disease was relatively stable throughout our study, the number for biliary dyskinesia and non-hemolytic (cholesterol) cholelithiasis rose by 63% and 216%, respectively. Average body mass index (BMI) for patients with non-hemolytic (cholesterol) stones and biliary dyskinesia were significantly greater than the average BMI for patients with hemolytic stones (P < .0001). In addition, the average BMI for children with non-hemolytic (cholesterol) stones was greater than the average BMI with biliary dyskinesia (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Symptomatic gallbladder disease increased over the study period. Biliary dyskinesia and children with non-hemolytic disease are responsible for this increase.

Sideline emergencies: an evidence-based approach.

As participation in athletics continues to increase, so too will the occurrence of on-field injuries and medical emergencies. The field of sports medicine continues to advance and many events will have on-site medical staff present. This article reviews the most catastrophic injuries and medical emergencies that are encountered in sports and presents the highest level evidence in regards to on-field approach and management of the athlete.

Achilles tendon rupture in athletes.

Achilles tendon ruptures commonly affect middle-aged athletes and can result in considerable functional impairment. While the cause is multifactorial, the greatest risk is present for athletes involved in sports that involve sudden acceleration and deceleration. A thorough history and physical examination can accurately yield a diagnosis, but when question remains, magnetic resonance imaging is superior to ultrasound-guided evaluation. The best evidence available suggests that operative treatment has a lower rate of rerupture, a higher rate of return to the same level of sport participation, and a higher complication rate, if an open technique is used. Percutaneous methods of fixation have lower complication rates without an increase in the rate of rerupture when compared with open methods. Augmentation of an Achilles tendon repair has demonstrated no clinical benefit. Rehabilitation with early mobilization leads to improved patient-reported outcomes.

Traumatic glenohumeral instability in athletes.

Traumatic glenohumeral instability represents a commonly encountered clinical scenario. Two case vignettes are presented along with an evidence-based review of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options.