Satisfactory outcomes of post-operative subtalar extra-articular arthroereisis in juvenile flexible flat foot.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the surgical outcomes of subtalar extra-articular arthroereisis and the patient/parent satisfaction regarding the foot's shape, foot pain, ability to walk, ability to jump, and shoe wear. METHODS: Our retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out through an online-based questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction postoperatively at 3 hospitals (King Khalid University Hospital, Sultan bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, and Dallah Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) between the years 2014-2021. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients participated in our study. Approximately 86.1% of them had the operation bilaterally. The most important aspects where patients noticed the most improvement were the foot's shape (90.8%), pain (81.5%), and ability to walk (76.9%). CONCLUSION: Several studies have been carried out highlighting the surgical technique and complications of the procedure. However, a limited number of studies have been carried out to assess patient satisfaction with the procedure, especially in Saudi Arabia, as the procedure is considered relatively new in the region with insufficient data regarding it. Therefore, this study is considered one of the few articles regarding subtalar extra-articular arthroereisis in the region.

Targeted Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Posteromedial Release of Residual Clubfoot in Myelomeningocele Patients: A Report of Two Cases.

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is commonly associated with myelomeningocele (MMC). It is thought to be a mixture of intrauterine development and a result of an imbalance in muscular innervation. Conservative management has been explored for those cases, but most resulted in recurrence. In this study, we report two cases where targeted minimally invasive percutaneous posteromedial release of residual clubfoot was done using an 18-gauge needle and a small incision for the cuboid osteotomy. In both cases, we achieved plantigrade shoeable/braceable feet. Both cases are still followed in our clinic. They require further follow-up to assess their long-term outcomes.

Determinants of asthma control among children in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children. Uncontrolled asthma may considerably decrease the quality of life for patients and their families. Our objective was to identify possible risk factors for poor asthma control in children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children with asthma aged 4-11 years who attended a pediatric clinic for follow-up visits at one of the major teaching hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Asthma control status was measured by the childhood asthma control test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS: Uncontrolled asthma was present in 89 out of 158 children (59.3%). Asthma control improved with the number of siblings. Control improved by 69% with two or three siblings (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.10-0.96) and by 87% with four or more siblings (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.04-0.48). Similarly, asthma control improved with an increased asthma knowledge of the caregiver (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.81-0.93). Household incomes less than SAR 15 000 and sharing a bedroom increased the odds of having uncontrolled asthma by 2.30 (95% CI = 1.02-5.21) and 3.33 (95% CI = 1.33-8.35), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to knowledge, socioeconomic factors, such as family income, household crowding, and the number of siblings are associated with asthma control among children in Saudi Arabia. Further research is needed to investigate the role of these factors.