Diagnosis and Current Treatment of Aneurysmal Bone Cysts.

The purpose of this review is to increase awareness about the evolution and development of current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs). ABCs are benign, but locally aggressive bone tumors that mainly affect children. ABCs comprise 1% of all primary bone tumors and occur most frequently during the first two decades of life. The diagnosis is made using a variety of imaging modalities and has the characteristic features of an expansile, radiolucent lesion that is often seen in the metaphyseal region of the bone and has fluid-fluid levels that are apparent on MRI. In the pediatric population, telangiectatic osteosarcoma and unicameral bone cyst (UBC) are the main differential diagnoses of an ABC. Giant cell tumors (GCTs) also include in differential diagnosis, which often manifest in patients older than 15 and do not penetrate the open physis although they develop after the physeal closure. Imaging alone cannot rule out telangiectatic osteosarcoma; therefore, a biopsy is recommended. A variety of treatment options have been described; traditionally, most patients are treated with curettage and bone grafting. Curettage alone, however, usually results in tumor recurrence following excision. A variety of adjuvants have been utilized with varying degrees of effectiveness to reduce the risk of local recurrence. When a cyst is in the pelvis, its location and size are such that surgery is a very risky option. Selective arterial embolization has significantly contributed to the development of effective treatments for these situations. Embolization or radiation, as well as denosumab therapy, are widely used as therapies for ABCs in anatomic locations where surgery would significantly increase morbidity.

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.

Missed post-traumatic radial head dislocation in a three-year-old child: A case report.

In children, traumatic radial head dislocation (RHD) is usually associated with ulnar fracture or deformation as reported in a Monteggia injury or its Monteggia variant. Isolated traumatic RHD is extremely rare and exceptional. Traumatic RHD is frequently missed on initial radiographs, particularly if it is isolated. The management of missed RHD is challenging and remains controversial. We report a Case of chronic post-traumatic RHD in a three-year-old child treated with open reduction and reconstruction of the annular ligament. The child's elbow was stable during the follow-up, without swelling or deformity, and the elbow function was normal. The injury of the reported case does not belong to any lesion described in the Monteggia-variant classification, which might explain the reason for missing the associated dislocation. The authors recommend urgent open reduction when a chronic RHD is diagnosed and annular ligament reconstruction, particularly when the open reduction is unstable.

Acetabular remodeling after graft extrusion, rotation or impaction in Dega and Pemberton acetabuloplasties for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Traditionally graft displacement following Pemberton and Dega acetabuloplasties involves internal fixation for treatment of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). This study was performed to assess the acetabular remodeling by conservative management of graft displacement among patients with DDH. This was a retrospective study of 20 patients 17 (85%) women and 3 (15%) men; mean age 22.90 ± 6.96 months with DDH who underwent Pemberton and Dega acetabuloplasties at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh between January 2013 and January 2018. All patients after losing acetabular correction during immediate postoperative period were treated by conservative management. The management involved application of Spica cast for 6 weeks that was trimmed to broomstick cast for an extended period of time and finally replaced by nocturnal abduction brace until normal acetabular index (AI) was achieved. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 44.60 ± 12.36 months. Out of the total, 18 (90%) patients with DDH were successfully treated by conservative management. The mean preoperative AI of 43.70° ± 5.91° improved to 21.35o ± 6.32o at the final follow-up (P < 0.001) which was no different when compared to the mean of unaffected hips (19.70o ± 2.96o; P < 0.44). The mean preoperative CEA of all the patients was negative that improved during the conservative treatment to 29.20° ± 10.0° which was no different when compared with the mean of unaffected (31.70° ± 4.64o; P = 0.32) hips at the final follow-up. doption of less aggressive approach for management of displaced, rotated or impacted autograft following acetabuloplasties among children with DDH was not only a useful conservative approach for remodeling of hips but also obviated the need for additional surgical intervention.

Bilateral trochlear avascular necrosis: A case report and brief review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Trochlear AVN is a very rare entity with only a limited number of cases being reported. CASE PRESENTATION: Our case is interesting as it presents a case of an incidentally found bilateral trochlear AVN in a 12 year-old child when he presented with an undisplaced right supracondylar fracture. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: It is highly likely that an unknown underlying predisposing factor, possibly recurrent microtrauma, was responsible for the bilateral occurrence. CONCLUSION: We recommend further research to identify other etiological and predisposing factors, as the etiological factors still remain unclear, despite the available literature.

A Novel Modification of Woodward Procedure for Correction of Sprengel Deformity by Application of Anchoring Sutures.

PURPOSE: To report the functional and cosmetic results of cases with Sprengel deformity (SD) who underwent a novel technical modification in Woodward procedure for severe SD comprising of lowering of the scapula followed by stabilization of scapula with application of anchoring sutures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three children were operated at a mean age of 6.6 ± 2.5 years (range 3.4-11 years) and followed up for a mean period of 5.51 ± 1.98 years. RESULTS: The mean Cavendish score of the patients before procedure of 3.2 ± 0.45 was reduced to 1.7 ± 0.56 (p < 0.001) after the surgery. All patients improved in global shoulder abduction. The mean preoperative abduction of 97° ± 15.2° increased to a mean of 149° ± 14.1° post-operatively (p < 0.001). Significant improvement was also observed in mean Rigault grades after surgical intervention using anchoring suture modification of Woodward procedure. The mean Rigault grade of 2.7 ± 0.47 prior to surgery was reduced to 1.3 ± 0.47 (p < 0.001) at final evaluation. Age of the patients negatively correlated with the functional outcome (r = - 0.48; p < 0.02). The presence of an omovertebral bar or associated congenital anomalies did not affect the functional outcome. CONCLUSION: The modification of Woodward procedure for correction of SD by application of anchoring sutures was a reliable method for correction of SD particularly at younger age. The procedure was associated with significant improvement in shoulder abduction, cosmetic appearance and radiological grades over 5 year follow-up.

Assessment of serum vitamin D levels in surgical adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism behind idiopathic scoliosis and its progression is not fully understood. Vitamin D insufficiency is known to play a role in the progression and/or occurrence of a variety of bone diseases. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Additionally, we aimed to calculate the differences in serum vitamin D levels, Cobb angles, spinal bone mass densities, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels between the sexes in the sample and to assess the possibility of a correlation between any of these factors. METHODS: Demographic details, vitamin D levels, Cobb angle, spinal bone mass density, and alkaline phosphatase were collected from the records of 67 patients who were eligible for corrective surgery. These values were compared to normal levels and between the sexes within the study. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 54 (80.6%) were female. The mean serum vitamin D level was 37.86 ± 26 nmol/L, and levels below normal were found in 92.5% of the patients. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p = 0.002) in serum alkaline phosphatase levels between the sexes. No correlation was found between vitamin D levels and the Cobb angles, spinal and bilateral femoral neck bone mass densities, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels. CONCLUSIONS: Most adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients had insufficient serum vitamin D levels and also suffered from low bone mineral density at an early age.

Humeral lateral condyle fractures in children: redefining the criteria for displacement.

The aim of this study is to define paediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures prone to later displacement. The authors reviewed 106 children who were treated surgically for this fracture. There were 74 boys and 32 girls with an age range of 3-10 years. The study included 27 minimally displaced and 79 displaced fractures. The average follow-up was 50 months. Binary logistic regression model indicated that 6-8-year-old children with minimally displaced fractures and who underwent immediate surgery have a better chance for satisfactory results. The authors concluded that routine use of 2 mm displacement for treatment decisions should be changed to avoid delayed surgery.

Wound healing without drains in posterior spinal fusion in idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of wound infection and neurological injuries in patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion without use of drains. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Orthopaedics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from February 2007 to June 2010. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent similar technique of posterior spinal fusion instrumentation for the correction of scoliosis without use of drain were included. Wound Demographics, wound healing, complications and duration of hospital stay were considered and described as frequency and mean values. RESULTS: The average age at the time of surgery was 12.80 ± 1.30 years, duration of surgery was 3.80 ± 0.86 hours, hospital stay was 3.84 ± 0.78 days and patients were followed-up over the last 30 months. There was no incidence of any neurological complication and deep infection. However, only 2 (4.16%) cases with superficial skin infection were treated with dressing and antibiotics with full recovery. CONCLUSION: The wound healing is adequate without using drain for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation when good wash, watertight closure technique and appropriate antibiotics coverage is provided.

The early detection and management of unstable concentric closed reduction of DDH with percutaneous K-wire fixation in infants 6 to 12 months of age.

BACKGROUND: In some infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, concentric closed reduction, although initially achievable, cannot be maintained even by casting because of a deficient posterior acetabular wall. Usually, these hips will redislocate in the cast and a rereduction will be necessary, often requiring an open reduction subsequently. METHODS: A 3-year retrospective review of 88 infants, (M/F; 14/74) 6 to 12 months of age with 124 dislocated hips, was conducted to assess the efficacy of percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in achieving permanent hip stability. A "hip-at-risk" instability test was developed to detect potentially unstable hips at the time of closed reduction that might redislocate in the hip spica cast, and these hips were stabilized with a percutaneous K-wire through the greater trochanter into the pelvic bone. RESULTS: The hip instability test was positive in 27 hips and negative in 97. Percutaneous K-wire fixation was used to stabilize 21 hips with a positive hip instability test. All 21 unstable hips that were stabilized with the K-wire technique maintained their concentric reduction and went on to stable development. No K-wire breakage was encountered and only 1 superficial pin tract infection occurred. CONCLUSIONS: K-wire stabilization of unstable closed reductions is a safe, reliable technique for maintaining concentric hip reduction in infants 6 to 12 months of age with developmental dislocation of the hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II retrospective study.

Treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures among children: crossed versus lateral pinning.

This retrospective study evaluated different pinning configurations used in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures among children, mainly regarding maintenance of fracture reduction and avoidance of complications. The fractures (41 type II and 67 type III) of 108 children (mean age 6.48 years) were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning: 37 with crossed pins, 37 with two lateral pins and 34 with two lateral and one medial pin. Mean follow-up period was 7.4 months. Type III fractures fixed by two lateral pins were found significantly prone to postoperative instability, late complications and need for medial pin fixation. There was a significant relation between either delay to surgery or postoperative instability and occurrence of complications. Final outcome was significantly poorer in type III than in type II fractures. Fixation by two lateral pins only is not recommended for treating type III supracondylar humeral fractures, but could be used initially to fix severely unstable fractures to allow extension of the elbow before inserting a medial pin. Every effort should be made to avoid iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury while inserting the medial pin.

Efficacy of aspiration and autogenous bone marrow injection in the treatment of simple bone cysts.

Twenty eight patients with simple bone cyst that were treated by aspiration and percutaneous autogenous bone marrow injection were reviewed to evaluate the treatment outcome. There were 18 boys and ten girls. Their mean age was 10.9 +/- 2.75 years. Single injection was performed for 16 patients; the rest had double or triple injections. There were no operative complications. The mean follow-up was 34.7 +/- 6.87 months. The procedure succeeded in obtaining healing in 23 cysts (82%). Cysts with index of more than five and cortical thickness of less than 1 mm were significantly prone to pathological fractures and had significant poor results after treatment. Our results suggested that autogenous bone marrow injection is a safe and effective treatment method for simple bone cysts, but sometimes repeated injections are necessary. Cyst index and cortical thickness are good indicators for cyst aggressiveness and good predictors for treatment outcome.

Acetabular cartilaginous angle: a new method for predicting acetabular development in developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between 2 and 18 months of age.

BACKGROUND: A new method of arthrographic measurement, the acetabular cartilaginous angle (ACA), is described here in an effort to find a simple, reliable, and reproducible measurement that can predict future acetabular development after successful closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for children with DDH who were treated successfully by closed reduction in the authors' institute from 1994 through 2000. The total number of patients who completed the follow-up in our study until full acetabular development or acetabuloplasty was 162, with 234 affected hips. Their age at the time of closed reduction ranged between 2 and 18 months (mean, 7.48 months; SD +/-5.162). There were 135 girls and 27 boys. Frank dislocation of the hip was present in 195 hips, whereas acetabular dysplasia with or without lateralization of the femoral head was seen in 39 hips. The average follow-up was 9.2 years (range, 6-11 years). RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of 6 variables showed that the mean age and acetabular index at the time of closed reduction were significant to predict later acetabuloplasty, whereas ACA was highly significant. These 3 significant variables together had 96.58% correct prediction. The authors observed that some hips with high acetabular index developed satisfactorily, and other hips with small values required later acetabuloplasties. On the other hand, there was a clear cut value of ACA (20 degrees) under which almost all hips (99.5%) developed satisfactorily and another clear cut value of ACA (24 degrees) above which all hips (100%) needed acetabuloplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular cartilaginous angle is considered a reliable measurement to identify hips with DDH that will need later acetabuloplasty after successful closed reduction. The acetabular index is important in monitoring acetabular development, and reaching a value of less than 30 degrees 2 years after closed reduction is considered a good sign of acetabular development.