Shoulder Injuries in Pediatric Athletes.

Shoulder injuries in pediatric athletes are typically caused by acute or overuse injuries. The developing structures of the shoulder lead to injury patterns that are distinct from those of adult athletes. Overuse injuries often affect the physeal structures of the proximal humerus and can lead to pain and loss of sports participation. Shoulder instability is common in pediatric athletes, and recurrence is also a concern in this population. Fractures of the proximal humerus and clavicle are typically treated with conservative management, but there is a trend toward surgical intervention.

Tibial tuberosity fractures in adolescents: is a posterior metaphyseal fracture component a predictor of complications?

BACKGROUND: Tibial tuberosity fractures have been described as uncommon injuries, but their frequency appears to be increasing. Because of the relatively few cases reported in the literature, little is known regarding risk factors for complications. In a large group of adolescents with tibial tuberosity fractures, we noted more frequent complications in patients who had posterior metaphyseal fractures in addition to tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes associated with this fracture pattern and compare them with tibial tuberosity fractures without the posterior component. METHODS: All patients who had closed or open reduction and internal fixation of a tibial tuberosity fracture between January 2003 and December 2010 were identified. All radiographs and medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-three tibial tuberosity fractures had radiographs available for review; 15 (28%) fractures had a posterior component identified by either radiograph or computed tomography scan. Four of these combined injuries had an adverse event: 1 patient had compartment syndrome affecting all 4 compartments and 3 patients had refractures after closed reduction and casting. None of the 38 tibial tuberosity fractures without a posterior metaphyseal component had these complications. All patients had complete fracture healing and had returned to full activity at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a posterior metaphyseal fracture associated with a tibial tuberosity fracture was a marker for potential complications. If radiographs suggest that a fracture line extends through the posterior metaphysis, computed tomography imaging is recommended to confirm the fracture pattern. Open reduction and internal fixation that includes both the anterior and posterior fragments is recommended for all fractures with these combined components, including nondisplaced fractures, because of an increased risk of refracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (case study).

Temporal relationship between knee arthroscopy and arthroplasty: a quality measure for joint care?

This study examined the incidence and rates of knee arthroscopy in patients older than 65 years and the risk of subsequent knee arthroplasty. Medicare claims data (1997-2006, 5% sample) were used to identify 78,137 knee arthroscopy patients. Performance of arthroscopy increased 56.1%. Prevalence increased 44.6% from 362.2 to 523.7 per 100,000 Medicare patients. The prevalence was greater for women and white patients. Prevalence of knee arthroscopy was greater in the South. Within 1 year after arthroscopy, 10.2% of arthropathy patients and 8.5% of injury patients underwent knee arthroplasty. A progressive increase was seen in the rates of use of knee arthroscopy in elderly Medicare patients for a 10-year period. A 10.2% failure rate 1 year after knee arthroscopy may be a reasonable benchmark against which performance of knee arthroscopy in patients older than 65 years can be measured.

Salvage of compartment syndrome of the leg and foot.

Early diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome of the leg or foot is invaluable in avoiding a chronic and often debilitating course. In cases where an ischemic contracture results in pain, disability or soft tissue compromise, surgical intervention is indicated. Thorough physical examination of patients and a thorough understanding of pathomechanics of the foot and ankle are paramount. These combined with a comprehensive preoperative plan and meticulous execution can often provide improved function and decrease pain in patients affected by this debilitating problem.