The Relationship Between Diet, Gut Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of South Asian Infants at 1 Year.

BACKGROUND: Diet is known to affect the gut microbiota and the serum metabolome in adults, but this has not been fully explored in infants. Infancy is an important developmental period that may influence a person's long-term health. Infant development can be affected by diet, which also interacts with the developing gut microbiota. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the associations between diet, the gut microbiota, and the serum metabolome of 1-y-old infants with the overarching goal of identifying serum biomarkers of diet and/or the gut microbiota. METHODS: We derived dietary patterns of 1-y-old infants (n = 182) participating in the Canadian South Asian Birth Cohort (START) study. We compared gut microbiota α-diversity and ß-diversity and taxa relative abundance from 16S rRNA gene profiles with dietary patterns (PERMANOVA, Envfit) and investigated diet-serum metabolite associations using a multivariate analysis (partial least squares-discriminant analysis) and univariate analysis (t test). We explored the effect of nondietary factors on diet-serum metabolite relationships by incorporating diet, the gut microbiota, and maternal, perinatal, and infant characteristics in a multivariable forward stepwise regression. We replicated this analysis in White European infants, from the CHILD Cohort Study (n = 81). RESULTS: A dietary pattern characterized by formula consumption and negatively associated with breastfeeding most strongly predicted variation in the gut microbiota (R2 = 0.109) and serum metabolome (R2 = 0.547). Breastfed participants showed higher abundance of microbes from the genera Bifidobacterium (3.29 log2-fold) and Lactobacillus (7.93 log2-fold) and higher median concentrations of the metabolites S-methylcysteine (1.38 µM) and tryptophan betaine (0.43 µM) than nonbreastfed participants. Formula consuming infants showed higher median concentrations of branched-chain/aromatic amino acids (average 48.3 µM) than non-formula-consuming infants. CONCLUSIONS: Formula consumption and breastfeeding most strongly predicted the serum metabolites of 1-y-old infants, even when the gut microbiota, solid food consumption, and other covariates were considered.

'It's my back '; developing the coming to spinal clinic resource to improve the health literacy of young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and their parents.

This study focussed on identifying the key concerns and information needs of young people with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and their parents and examined what resources might help improve young people's 'participativeness' and health literacy during clinic consultations. A qualitative participatory design underpinned the study. Workshops involving multiple methods were used to engage with young people with AIS and their parents, who were recruited through a regional children's hospital. The study design was informed by patient and public consultation with eight young people and two parents. 10 young people (aged 14-16 years) and 11 of their parents participated in the study. Young people and their parents reported uncertainty and anxiety before coming to clinic and faced issues participating in the consultation, being involved in decision-making and understanding the information and language. These challenges resulted in unmet information needs. Young people's health literacy relating to an AIS diagnosis and treatment is facilitated by them being prepared and informed before coming to clinic and be actively supported to be involved during the consultation. We collaboratively developed the 'Coming to Spinal Clinic' resource to help young people with AIS and parents prepare for and get the most out of their visit.

Preoperative and Postoperative, Three-dimensional Gait Analysis in Surgically Treated Patients With High-grade Spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND: High-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) (Myerding grade III-V) in adolescents can lead to a marked alteration of gait pattern and maybe the presenting symptom in these patients. This characteristic gait pattern in patients with HGS has been referred to as the "pelvic waddle." Modern 3-dimensional (3D) gait analysis serves an important tool to objectively analyze the different components of this characteristic gait preoperatively and postoperatively and is an objective measure of postoperative improvement.This study demonstrates the use of 3D gait analysis preoperatively and postoperatively in a cohort of 4 consecutive patients with HGS treated surgically at a single tertiary referral center and utilize this to objectively evaluate outcome of surgical treatment in these patients. This has not been reported previously in a cohort of patients. METHODS: This is a prospective analysis of patients with HGS who underwent surgical intervention for spondylolisthesis at a single institution. Patient demographics, clinical, and radiologic assessment were recorded, and all patients underwent 3D gait analysis before and after surgical intervention. Kinetic, kinematic, and spatial parameters were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively for all patients. This allowed the outcome of change in gait deviation index, before and after surgical treatment, to be evaluated. RESULTS: We were able to review complete records of 4 adolescent patients who underwent surgical treatment for HGS. Mean age at surgery was 13.5 years with a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years postoperatively (average 40 mo). Preoperative gait analysis revealed marked posterior pelvic tilt in 2 patients, reduced hip and knee extension in all 4 patients and external foot progression in 3 of the 4 patients. Along with an observed improvement in gait, there was an objective improvement in gait parameters postoperatively in all 4 patients. Gait deviation index score improved significantly from 78.9 to 101.3 (mean). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative gait abnormalities exist in HGS and can be objectively analyzed with gait analysis. Surgical intervention may successfully resolve these gait abnormalities and gait analysis is a useful tool to assess the outcome of surgery and quantify an otherwise intangible benefit of surgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

The Salter innominate osteotomy does not lead to acetabular retroversion.

In children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), Salter's innominate osteotomy aims to surgically manipulate the acetabulum to increase anterior coverage and aid joint support. Consequently, this procedure may retrovert the acetabulum, predisposing patients to pain, osteoarthritis, impingement, or further surgical intervention. In this study, we aim to address whether the innominate osteotomy leads to acetabular retroversion postoperatively or at follow-up. Ninety-two patients were identified from our institutions DDH database between 2009 and 2016, who underwent a unilateral innominate osteotomy for DDH, performed by expert surgeons in a leading paediatric hospital. A novel technique was utilized to measure acetabular version on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, where acetabular version was compared between the pathological and contralateral control hips. Measurement of acetabular version in postoperative and control hips demonstrated no incidence of acetabular retroversion. A significant difference was observed when comparing the acetabular version of control versus post-operative hips (P < 0.001), where hips postinnominate osteotomy had a larger degree of acetabular anteversion compared to the control hip. Furthermore, on follow-up radiographic imaging, there was no evidence of acetabular retroversion when using previously defined markers. This study confirms that the Salter innominate osteotomy does not lead to acetabular retroversion both immediately post-operatively and throughout follow-up. In fact, it demonstrates that the acetabula are more anteverted than the contralateral control hip, which has not been previously documented. Additionally, this study demonstrates a novel method of measuring acetabular retroversion using CT technology that adjusts for pelvic tilt, which is repeatable among individuals.

Intramedullary devices in the management of Judet III and IV paediatric radial neck fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to discuss the results of different intramedullary devices used in the management of paediatric radial neck fractures and to suggest methods to avoid the pitfalls of the technique. METHODS: Thirty patients with isolated Judet III and IV fractures were included in this prospective study. Judet I and II fractures and radial neck fractures associated with other injuries were excluded. The final results were graded using the Metaizeau functional scoring system and Oxford Elbow Score. RESULTS: The functional result was good to excellent in 24 of 30 cases (80%). The mean Oxford Elbow Score was 44.32. The mean follow-up was 40.11 months. The complications seen were radiocapitellar joint penetration - 6 cases at mean 4.87 weeks, redisplacement - 6, radial epiphyseal sclerosis - 5, and heterotopic ossification - 1 case. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary K wires may result in radiocapitellar joint penetration. Titanium Elastic Nail System should not be used as purely fixation devices as they may not prevent redisplacement. Regular follow-up until at least 6 weeks is essential. Patients who have a Judet IV fracture and need open reduction should be given a guarded prognosis. The paper highlights the pitfalls of the technique and makes recommendations regarding the type of implant, follow-up and patient counselling in Judet IV fractures.

Pelvic pyomyositis in children: changing trends in occurrence and management.

AIMS: We present the largest series of paediatric pelvic pyomyositis from a temperate country, analyse the factors influencing long term prognosis and suggest a diagnostic protocol. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We included 41 patients diagnosed with primary paediatric pelvic pyomyositis between 1998 and 2016, in this study with a mean age of 7.5 years. Demographic, clinical, radiological and follow-up data were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed to analyse the influence of early diagnosis and treatment on the final outcome. RESULTS: There was an increased occurrence of primary pelvic pyomyositis in the last two years. Of cases identified, 85% fulfilled Kocher's criteria for hip septic arthritis. The mean time to diagnosis was 2.8 ± 0.8 days. The most common muscle affected was obturator internus (65.85%) and multifocal involvement was common (46.34%). Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment within seven days from the time of onset of symptoms was the only factor that influenced final outcome (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pyomyositis is no longer restricted to tropical countries. The time from onset of symptoms to start of antibiotic treatment influences the final outcome. Clinical examination and inflammatory markers have low specificity in distinguishing between pyomyositis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis or other infections. MRI is more sensitive and can diagnose pyomyositis in its early stages. Every suspected case of septic arthritis of the hip should undergo an ultrasound. MRI scan may be performed if the ultrasound shows inconclusive evidence of an effusion. Early identification will facilitate early antibiotic treatment which will improve the final outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is an increasing occurrence of this tropical disease in temperate countries. Early diagnosis with an MRI scan and early antibiotic use results in good outcomes.

A novel technique for the subfascial insertion of magnetically controlled growing rods - The Alder Hey technique.

PURPOSE: In this study, we would like to describe a novel technique for subfascial insertion of magnetically controlled growing rods using chest drain during surgery for early-onset scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Posterior approach, surgical dissection to the spine is performed exposing the relevant anatomy to allow placement of pedicle screws always in the distal construct and pedicle screws or hooks in the proximal construct. To allow easy passage of the Magnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rod, as well as easy maneuvering of the rod in either the cranial to caudal direction, we use a chest drain of size 24 French diameter as a tunnel. This allows surgeons to fit the nonflexible part of MAGEC rod in the middle of the deformity and cut to length passed through the chest drain from a cranial to caudal position and then chest drain is removed. RESULTS: A total of 40 children with early-onset scoliosis had insertion of MAGEC rods using this technique. There were 21 female and 19 male patients. Early-onset scoliosis etiology is idiopathic in 20 patients, neuromuscular in 16 patients, and others in 4 patients. Median age across all groups was 7 years (range 4-13) at the time of surgery. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 56 months with a median of 24 months. CONCLUSION: The use of a chest drain during subfascial passage of magnetically controlled growing rod is a safe, reliable, reproducible novel technique. This shortens overall time of surgery in our experience.

Wrist Arthroscopy in Children and Adolescent With Chronic Wrist Pain: Arthroscopic Findings Compared With MRI.

BACKGROUND: Wrist arthroscopy is a dynamic diagnostic procedure and its indications are growing as a treatment modality in the adult population. The aim of the study was to retrospectively report our series of pediatric and adolescence with chronic wrist pain, with or without wrist instability who underwent wrist arthroscopy after failing at least 4 months of conservative management. Our secondary aim was to report the sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation for various injury subgroups against the gold standard of the arthroscopic findings. Technical challenges, complications, and outcomes are also discussed. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of 32 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy was conducted. Preoperative clinical diagnosis, radiographic, and intraoperative findings including classifications of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and interosseous ligaments were obtained. Patients were followed up to 1 year postoperatively and were discharged if symptom free. RESULTS: Thirty-three wrist arthroscopies in 32 patients were performed from 1996 to 2004. There were 2 male and 30 female patients. At arthroscopy 16 wrists were found to have TFCC injuries, 11 wrists had scapholunate injuries, and 8 had lunotriquetral (LT) injuries. Clinical examination for diagnosis of TFCC injury was too sensitive and nonspecific; however, clinical diagnosis of scapholunate injury was sensitive and specific. LT injury was under diagnosed clinically. Magnetic resonance imaging was found to have a low sensitivity for diagnosis of LT injury but diagnosis of TFCC was sensitive and specific. CONCLUSIONS: The sex ratio of 2 males:30 females was startling. Nevertheless, this therapeutic level 3 study supports a thorough search for pathology in any patient with persistent wrist symptoms because pathology was identified in 32 of the 33 wrists at arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Therapeutic.

Treatment of complex idiopathic clubfoot using the modified Ponseti method: up to 11 years follow-up.

Complex idiopathic clubfeet are distinguished by significant shortening, rigid equinus with a deep crease above the heel, severe plantar flexion of all metatarsals, a deep plantar crease seven across the full width of the sole of the foot and high cavus with a short and hyperextended big toe. Ponseti has devised a modified technique for treating complex clubfeet. We retrospectively identified 11 children (nine males and two females) with 17 complex clubfeet who were treated with the modified Ponseti method. Demographics, severity of clubfoot, number of casts, rate of tendoachilles tenotomy, relapse rate and their management, any additional procedures and data on complications were collected. The average follow-up was 7 years (range 3-11 years) and the average Pirani score was 5.5 (range 4.5-6.0). Initial correction was achieved in all children, with an average of 7 (range 5-10) Ponseti casts. Tendoachilles tenotomy was performed in all 17 feet (100%). The overall relapse rate was 53% (nine feet). Five relapses were managed successfully with repeat casting and four feet were subjected to a second tendoachilles tenotomy. Four feet required extensive surgical releases. A satisfactory outcome was achieved at the final follow-up in 13 of 17 feet (76.5%). Two of these children (two feet) required an additional tibialis anterior transfer. In our experience, the modified Ponseti method is an effective first-line treatment for complex idiopathic clubfoot; however, such children will often require more casts than usual and have a higher rate of tendoachilles tenotomy and a higher risk of relapse requiring surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV.

Stability-based assessment of Monteggia-type injuries predicts failure of treatment.

Paediatric Monteggia-type injuries are complicated by treatment failure and posterior interosseous nerve palsy, without reliable predictive indicators. Outcome is considered to be good, with little patient-reported evidence. We propose novel radiographic parameters. A total of 33 Monteggia-type injuries were analysed. Posterior interosseous nerve palsy was strongly predicted by the Radial Head Displacement Index. The presence of two or more of three novel instability markers was associated strongly with treatment failure. Patient-reported outcome measures were almost uniformly excellent. We advocate the use of a new, inclusive, stability-based classification of Monteggia-type injuries to predict patients who require accurate internal fixation.

Hyperactivity and the psychological burden of Perthes disease: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a childhood precursor to hip osteoarthritis, for which the etiology is unknown. There is a widespread belief that affected individuals are "hyperactive," propagating a theory that such children may have sustained an epiphyseal injury that precipitated the onset of LCPD. This study seeks to quantify the association with hyperactivity, and the wider psychological burden of the disease. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 146 cases of LCPD and 142 hospital controls, frequency matched by age and sex. Psychological domains were measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustment was made for age, sex, and socioeconomic deprivation. Results were stratified by the time elapsed since LCPD was diagnosed. RESULTS: Significant associations (P<0.05) existed with the majority of the psychological domains captured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire [odds ratio (OR) for "high" level of difficulties-Emotion OR 3.2, Conduct OR 2.1, Inattention-Hyperactivity OR 2.7, Prosocial Behavior OR 1.9]. Hyperactivity was especially marked among individuals within 2 years of diagnosis (OR 8.6; P<0.001), but not so among individuals over 4 years from diagnosis. Emotional symptoms persisted long after resolution of the active phase of disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was a marked psychological burden among individuals with LCPD, which was most marked amongst individuals with a recent diagnosis. The breadth and inferred temporality of these disturbances may be a function of the disease process, through restriction of activities and disability, or may be a fundamental disease characteristic related directly to disease or to its etiological determinant.

The use of routine preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in identifying intraspinal anomalies in patients with idiopathic scoliosis: a 10-year review.

PURPOSE: This study sought to quantify the frequency of previously unidentified spinal cord anomalies identified by routine preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients planned for surgical scoliosis correction. METHODS: Our study group comprised 206 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent deformity correction from 1998 to 2008. Clinical records of all the patients were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain the proportion having a neural abnormality on preoperative MRI scan. RESULTS: Twenty of 206 patients (9.7 %) were diagnosed with an unexpected intraspinal anomaly on routine preoperative MRI. In all cases, a neurosurgical opinion was sought prior to further intervention. Of the 20 patients, 11 underwent a neurosurgical procedure (de-tethering of cord, decompression of Chiari, decompression of syrinx). There was no statistically significant difference between the group of patients who had intrinsic spinal cord anomalies on preoperative MRI and those did not have a cord abnormality with regard to age at presentation, gender, side of dominant curve and degree of curve (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of spinal cord abnormalities unidentified by preoperative neurological examination, and the frequent need for subsequent neurosurgical intervention, suggests that MRI assessment prior to deformity correction is important in the management of idiopathic scoliosis.

Shelf acetabuloplasty for Perthes disease in patients older than eight years of age: an observational cohort study.

This is a retrospective review of 24 patients with late-onset Perthes disease treated with shelf acetabuloplasty. The mean age of the patients was 9.8 years. The medial joint space ratio improved from 1.66 to 1.47 (P<0.05) and the acetabular cover ratio improved from 0.87 to 1.18 (P<0.001). At maturity, five hips were Stulberg II, 13 were Stulberg III and six were Stulberg IV. The study suggests that shelf acetabuloplasty favourably affects long-term Stulberg grading and therefore outcome compared with historic nonoperative treatment regimens. We believe that the procedure deserves further evaluation in any future randomized-controlled trial of the management of late-onset Perthes disease.

Documentation of neurovascular status in supracondylar fractures and the development of an assessment proforma.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar fractures are associated with a high incidence of neurovascular complications. Comprehensive clinical evaluation is a necessity when children with these injuries present to the emergency department. Neurovascular assessment can be difficult due to pain, anxiety and the young age of these patients; however, it is crucial findings are well documented to identify patients requiring urgent surgical intervention, in addition to allowing the neurovascular status to be monitored over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preoperative neurovascular documentation in children presenting with displaced supracondylar fractures and devise an emergency department assessment proforma to facilitate comprehensive evaluation. METHODS: A retrospective case-note review was performed on patients with Gartland grades 2 and 3 supracondylar fractures observed in a 2-year period from July 2008 to July 2010. RESULTS: 137 patients were included; only 12 patients (8.8%) and 19 patients (13.9%), respectively, had a complete preoperative neurological or vascular assessment documented. Regarding the individual nerves, 59 (43.1%) patients had median nerve integrity documented, 55 (40.1%) ulnar nerve and 49 (35.8%) radial nerve integrity documented. Only 18 patients (13.1%) had their anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) function documented. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative documentation of neurovascular status in children with displaced supracondylar fractures was poor. Documentation of AIN examination was particularly poor. The introduction of a proforma (Liverpool upper limb fracture assessment) is proposed to increase documentation of neurovascular assessment and optimise emergency department evaluation of children presenting with upper limb injuries.

Perthes' disease of the hip: socioeconomic inequalities and the urban environment.

INTRODUCTION: Perthes' disease is a puzzling childhood hip disorder for which the aetiology is unknown. It is known to be associated with socioeconomic deprivation. Urban environments have also been implicated as a risk factor, however socioeconomic deprivation often occurs within urban environments and it is unclear if this association is the result of confounding. The objective of the current work was to gain a greater understanding of the influence of the urban/rural environment in Perthes' disease. METHODS: This was a descriptive observational study using the Scottish Morbidity Record, based in Scotland, UK using data from 2000-2010. A total of 443 patients with a discharge diagnosis of Perthes' disease were included. Socioeconomic deprivation was determined using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, and exposure to the 'urban environment' was recorded based on the Scottish Urban-Rural Classification. RESULTS: There was a strong association with socioeconomic deprivation, with rates among the most deprived quintile more than twice those of the most affluent (RR 2.1 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.9)). Urban areas had a greater rate of Perthes' disease discharges (RR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.2)), though this was a reflection of greater deprivation in urban areas. Stratification for socioeconomic deprivation revealed similar discharge rates in urban and rural environments, suggesting that the aetiological determinants were not independently associated with urban environments. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of Perthes' disease within urban environments is high, yet this appears to be a reflection of higher socioeconomic deprivation exposure. Disease rates appear equivalent in similarly deprived urban and non-urban areas, suggesting that the determinant is not a consequence of the urban environment.

Abnormalities of vascular structure and function in children with Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perthes disease is a childhood precipitant to osteoarthritis of the hip, for which the etiology and mechanism are unknown. There is mounting evidence to suggest a vascular insult is responsible for disease, and it is suggested that this may have long-term implications for the vascular health of affected individuals. This study sought to use ultrasound measures to investigate vascular structure and function in children affected by Perthes disease. METHODS: This case control study encompassed 149 cases and 146 controls, frequency matched for age and gender. Endothelial function was measured by using the technique of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, and alterations in arterial flow were recorded in response to an ischemic stimulus. RESULTS: There was a significant structural alteration in the vasculature among individuals with Perthes disease (resting brachial artery diameter (cases 2.97 mm versus controls 3.11 mm; P = .01), which remained even after adjusting for height. In addition, there was a notable reduction in blood velocity (cases 33.84 cm/s versus controls 37.83 cm/s; P = .01) and blood flow (cases 149.82 mL/min versus controls 184.67 mL/min; P = .001), which was independent of baseline arterial size. There was no evidence to suggest that flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was impaired among affected individuals (P = .71). CONCLUSIONS: Children with Perthes disease exhibit small artery caliber and reduced function, which is independent of body composition. These data imply that that Perthes disease may reflect a wider vascular phenomenon that could have long-term implications for the vascular health of affected individuals.