Implants removal in children: results of a survey among Italian orthopaedic surgeons.

In the treatment of paediatric limb disorders, the use of metal implants has been increasing over the last decades. Recent studies have addressed the decision of orthopaedic surgeons regarding the removal of implants after the treatment of fracture, and there is a growing consensus within the scientific community supporting the choice of not removing implants in children. This survey aimed to investigate the rationale behind the Italian orthopaedic community's decision regarding metal implant removal in paediatric patients. An electronic questionnaire was sent to all members of the Italian Paediatric Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society, Italian Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society, Italian Club of Osteosynthesis, and South Italy Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatology. The survey comprised 34 questions about hardware removal after the treatment of long bone fractures, epiphyseal growth plate injuries, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and flat foot. Of the 3500 orthopaedic surgeons who received the questionnaire, 5.5% responded. The leading indications for implant removal were the patient's intolerance, pain, ROM limitations, and hardware breakage. Removal of elastic nails for long bone fractures, cannulated screws for growth plate injuries, and SCFE and screws for arthroereisis for flat foot correction were analysed in detail. The consensus among Italian Orthopaedic Surgeons is to remove elastic nails and cannulated screws in cases of pain, intolerance, or breakage and to reduce further risks during patient growth. An increasing number of physicians, however, are endorsing and advocating the growing trend in the literature of not routinely removing the hardware.

Trigger thumb treatment approach: Results of a survey of EPOS members.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical reality of pediatric trigger thumb among members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society. Methods: A 35-question survey was sent to all European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society members, focusing on surgeon's profile and experience, trigger thumb diagnostic and trigger thumb treatment approach. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: A total of 99 responses were analyzed. Most important factor considered in the therapeutic approach was the presence of a locked interphalangeal joint (52%). Regarding treatment, 41.4% opt for conservative approach as the first line of treatment, while 30.3% consider surgery and 28.3% just observe. Nevertheless, 76% mention to treat conservatively their patients and 99% to consider surgery at some stage. Regarding surgical technique, 96% do it open and 56% consider 2 years as the minimum age for procedure. Most surgeons perform this procedure in out-patient care (87%), don't administer prophylactic antibiotherapy (80%), use a tourniquet (75%), don't use any postoperative immobilization (64%), and report complications related to surgery (64%), mainly recurrence/incomplete division (59%) and superficial wound infection (30%). Conclusion: Our study shows a significant variability in the initial management of pediatric trigger thumb with a predominance of conservative management, followed by surgery and observation without treatment. The disparity in treatment options and timing, or waiting times before moving on to different therapeutic options, shows us that this is a controversial issue and that the development of prospective randomized controlled studies is needed to analyze the different treatment methods and determine which ones give the best outcomes.

Use of a 3D Model for the Correction of a Complex Madelung Deformity in a Teenager: A Case Report.

CASE: The aim of the article is to report on a case of a teenager affected by Madelung deformity treated with a double osteotomy, planned by means of a 3D model. Using a custom-made cutting guide, the radial osteotomy was performed, and after the reorientation, a shortening ulnar osteotomy completed the procedure. Postoperative clinical assessment showed a normal alignment of the ulna with increased range of motion wrist motion. CONCLUSIONS: Using a 3D model when planning a multidirectional correction of a Madelung deformity may be advantageous to achieve a more accurate and precise realignment of the carpus and distal radioulnar joint.

Microsurgery in pediatric upper limb reconstructions: An overview.

The use of microsurgery has spread during the last decades, making resolvable many complex defects considered hitherto inapproachable. Although the small vessel diameter in children was initially considered a technical limitation, the increase in microsurgical expertise over the past three decades allowed us to manage many pediatric conditions by means of free tissue transfers. Pediatric microsurgery has been shown to be feasible, gaining a prominent place in the treatment of children affected by limb malformations, tumors, nerve injuries, and post-traumatic defects. The aim of this current concepts review is to describe the more frequent pediatric upper limb conditions in which the use of microsurgical reconstructions should be considered in the range of treatment options.

Chronic Monteggia in pediatric population: A narrative literature review.

Monteggia lesion is a traumatic condition that affects the forearm and is characterized by the association of an ulna fracture with a dislocation of the radius capitellar and proximal radius ulnar joints in the majority of cases. Although several authors have contributed to the understanding of this pathology over the years, it remains a challenge for orthopedists, and if not recognized and treated properly, it can have serious consequences. In these cases, a chronic injury develops, which is even more difficult to manage in terms of timing and treatment options. A narrative review of the literature on missed elbow injuries in children was conducted, and chronic Monteggia was the most frequently encountered injury. The analysis of the articles attempts to clarify some points and draw general conclusions on which to reflect.

Hand and Upper Limb Malformations in Italy: A Multicentric Study.

Background: Although hand and upper limb malformations are quite frequent, up to now very few reports have been published on epidemiology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the number of infants who presented with hand and upper limb malformations from 2010 to 2015 in Italy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a pediatric population presenting with hand and upper extremity malformations was carried out, gathering reports achieved from eight Italian Centers of pediatric hand surgery. Other factors such as gender, date and region of birth, family distribution of malformations and associated syndromes, were analysed. Results: Out of 3,100,421 live births, 765 children presented with hand and upper limb malformations. The incidence was 2,5/10,000 live births with a predominance of males and the right side. Radial polydactyly was the anomaly with the highest percentage, closely followed by simple syndactyly, simbrachidactyly and complex syndactyly. Less common conditions were the triphalangic thumb, thumb in palm, proximal radioulnar synostosis and Sprengel deformity. Inheritance of and familial predisposition to those malformations was recorded in 25 cases, while 84 children presented with syndromes related to hand anomalies. Conclusions: In conclusion the incidence of hand and upper extremity malformations in Italy is lower than that registered in other countries. The retrospective nature of the study combined with the fact that some defects frequently evade pediatric hand surgeon consultations are some possible limitations of the study. However, our data confirmed that, in spite of the decrease in the birth rate in Italy, the trend of congenital hand disorders maintained a stable trend. We aim to integrate this study with a prospective analysis and to involve the institutional health authorities in other countries so as to register the correct incidence of hand and upper extremity defects.

Corrective Procedure for Flexion Contracture of the Elbow in Neonatal Palsy Sequelae: Long-term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this paper is to validate a procedure for correcting elbow flexion contracture in patients suffering from brachial plexus neonatal palsy sequelae during their teens. Elbow flexion contracture represents an unsolved problem in the natural history of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) because of the consistent deformity recurrence. Following a previous paper, in which an original technique was proposed in a small sample of patients, the authors show the possible correction of the deformity in a larger group of patients. METHODS: The procedure includes a combination of a posterior approach to the elbow with olecranon tip section and an anterior one with capsulotomy and soft tissue release to improve elbow range of motion. A series of 26 patients, who underwent the procedure, were checked out in medium and long term. Collected data were age, type of brachial plexus palsy, length of hospitalization, duration of surgery, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, preoperative and postoperative DASH scores and satisfaction scores. Explaining further details about the procedure, the Authors report their results, including a statistical analysis. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the mean increase of elbow extension was about 22°. Functional outcomes were successful as well, with a mean increase of 10 points of DASH score. Over 75% of patients were fully satisfied with their outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome has confirmed the good efficacy of the procedure in increasing elbow extension but also in improving cosmetic appearance in adolescents suffering from flexed elbow in OBPP sequelae.

Current concepts in diagnosis and management of common upper limb nerve injuries in children.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) of the upper limb are a common event in the paediatric population, following both fractures and soft tissues injuries. Open injuries should in theory be easier to identify and the repair of injured structures performed as soon as possible in order to obtain a satisfying outcome. Conversely, due to the reduced compliance of younger children during clinical assessment, the diagnosis of a closed nerve injury may sometimes be delayed. As the compliance of patients is influenced by pain, anxiety and stress, the execution of the clinical manoeuvres intended to identify a loss of motor function or sensibility, can be impaired. Although the majority of PNI are neuroapraxias resulting in spontaneous recovery, there are open questions regarding certain aspects of closed PNI, e.g. when to ask for electrophysiological exams, when and how long to wait for a spontaneous recovery and when a surgical approach becomes mandatory. The aim of the article is therefore to analyse the main aspects of the different closed PNI of the upper limb in order to provide recommendations for timely and correct management, and to determine differences in the PNI treatment between children and adults.

Consensus based recommendations for diagnosis and medical management of Poland syndrome (sequence).

BACKGROUND: Poland syndrome (OMIM: 173800) is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, breast, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals. MAIN BODY: The aim of this work is to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of people affected by Poland syndrome based on evidence from literature and experience of health professionals from different medical backgrounds who have followed for several years affected subjects. The literature search was performed in the second half of 2019. Original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, books and guidelines were reviewed and final recommendations were reached by consensus. CONCLUSION: Being Poland syndrome a rare syndrome most recommendations here presented are good clinical practice based on the consensus of the participant experts.

Risk of ulnar nerve injury during cross-pinning in supine and prone position for supracondylar humeral fractures in children: a recent literature review.

Aim of this review article is to evaluate the percentage of ulnar nerve lesion during cross-pinning considering the patient's position (supine or prone) on the surgical bed. Comprehensive research was performed by searching in PUBMED, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS and Clinicaltrials.gov from 2005. Children with extension type supracondylar humeral fractures without clinical signs of ulnar nerve lesion at presentation were included. A total of 28 papers were examined including 2147 patients; 1541 underwent a closed reduction and cross-pinning in supine position and 606 in prone position. Among 1541 patients in supine position, 69 (4.5%) suffered from a ulnar nerve injury while among the 606 patients treated in prone position none ulnar nerve lesions were reported. Despite the apparent safety of prone position, further larger studies, comparing the patient's position on the surgical bed, need to be carried out in order to confirm this likelihood.

Advantages and disadvantages of the prone position in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow injuries in children. The widely adopted approach for Gartland III extension type consists of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; the pin configuration can be lateral or crossed in relationship with the habit of the surgeons. Iatrogenic injury of the ulnar nerve is the most common risk during the insertion of the medial pin. The aim of this study was to analyze advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous pinning with the patient in prone position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review of the period 2005-2017 was carried out; four medical search engine (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science and Scopus) were consulted using the review's filter and the key words "Ulnar nerve AND supracondylar humerus fractures". The total number of patients were analyzed for: ulnar nerve injuries, anesthesiologic management, time of surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-nine papers were read, 23 regarding cross pinning in supine position and 6 in prone position. On one hand, 1529 children were treated with closed reduction and cross pinning in supine position; 69 of these patients (4.5%) suffered from iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. On the other hand, 579 patients underwent the same treatment in prone position; no ulnar nerve lesions were reported in this group. Only one article compared both groups of children in supine and prone position regarding time of anesthesia which is slightly higher in the prone group. There were no differences between supine and prone positions regarding x-ray exposition, time of surgery, closed reduction manoeuvers, pin positioning, x-ray results, clinical and functional results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar nerve in children is hypermobile in the cubital tunnel and tends to dislocate anteriorly over the medial epicondyle, especially when the elbow is in hyperflexion. This may be the reason of the increased risk of nerve injury during the insertion of the medial pin in supine position and, instead, an advantage of the prone position. The insertion of both pins from the lateral side could reduce this complication. Larger studies need to be carried out regarding the reported higher duration of anesthesia in prone position.

Correction of elbow flexion contracture by means of olecranon resection and anterior arthrolysis in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy sequelae.

The authors have developed a particular surgical technique (olecranon bone resection together with anterior elbow arthrolysis) to increase the elbow's range of motion in adolescents and young adults suffering from elbow flexion contracture in obstetrical palsy sequelae. The surgical procedure was carried out in a preliminary group of 11 patients. The original procedure included a double incision: first of all by means of a posterior approach to resect the tip of the olecranon and then another incision carried out through the anteromedial aspect of the elbow, with a view to performing the anterior capsulotomy. Preoperatively, the average clinical elbow extension was 64.9°, whereas after surgery, the value increased to 43.63°. The average DASH score was 38.27 points before surgery, whereas it decreased to 29.98 points after surgery. A statistical analysis was also carried out to confirm the outcome. The procedure is reliable, is not time-consuming, and does not lead to any major complications.

Assessment of copy number variations in 120 patients with Poland syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Poland Syndrome (PS) is a rare congenital disorder presenting with agenesis/hypoplasia of the pectoralis major muscle variably associated with thoracic and/or upper limb anomalies. Most cases are sporadic, but familial recurrence, with different inheritance patterns, has been observed. The genetic etiology of PS remains unknown. Karyotyping and array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses can identify genomic imbalances that can clarify the genetic etiology of congenital and neurodevelopmental disorders. We previously reported a chromosome 11 deletion in twin girls with pectoralis muscle hypoplasia and skeletal anomalies, and a chromosome six deletion in a patient presenting a complex phenotype that included pectoralis muscle hypoplasia. However, the contribution of genomic imbalances to PS remains largely unknown. METHODS: To investigate the prevalence of chromosomal imbalances in PS, standard cytogenetic and array-CGH analyses were performed in 120 PS patients. RESULTS: Following the application of stringent filter criteria, 14 rare copy number variations (CNVs) were identified in 14 PS patients in different regions outside known common copy number variations: seven genomic duplications and seven genomic deletions, enclosing the two previously reported PS associated chromosomal deletions. These CNVs ranged from 0.04 to 4.71 Mb in size. Bioinformatic analysis of array-CGH data indicated gene enrichment in pathways involved in cell-cell adhesion, DNA binding and apoptosis processes. The analysis also provided a number of candidate genes possibly causing the developmental defects observed in PS patients, among others REV3L, a gene coding for an error-prone DNA polymerase previously associated with Möbius Syndrome with variable phenotypes including pectoralis muscle agenesis. CONCLUSIONS: A number of rare CNVs were identified in PS patients, and these involve genes that represent candidates for further evaluation. Rare inherited CNVs may contribute to, or represent risk factors of PS in a multifactorial mode of inheritance.

Use of tubulization (nerve conduits) in repairing nerve defects in children.

BACKGROUND: Direct neurorrhaphy, nerve grafting interposition and neurotization are the options for nerve repair in children, whereas few reports about using nerve conduits (tubulization) are referred to pediatrics in the literature. The authors present their experience about nerve repairing by means of nerve tubes during the developmental age when the harvesting of nerve grafts and also vein grafts of adequate caliber for bridging nerve defects is difficult. A critical review of their case series offers indications for using nerve conduits in pediatrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated using the nerve tubulization; nine patients were affected by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) while six were suffering from peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). RESULTS: In patients suffering from OBPP, we observed 1 good, 3 fair and 5 bad results. In the PNI group, we observed 4 patients who had good results while only 2 had a bad outcome. No fair results were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In peripheral nerve repairing in children by using nerve conduits, the outcome has been widely effective even when dealing with mixed and motor nerve, thus nerve tubulization might be considered as an alternative to nerve grafting. Conversely, considering the uncertain result obtained in brachial plexus repairing, the conduits cannot be considered as a first choice of treatment in brachial plexus reconstruction.

Nerve Transfer in Delayed Obstetrical Palsy Repair.

OBJECTIVE: When root avulsions are detected in children suffering from obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), neurotization procedures of different nerve trunks are commonly applied in primary brachial plexus repair, to connect distally the nerves of the upper limbs using healthy nerve structures. This article aims to outline our experience of neurotization procedures in OBPP, which involves nerve transfers in the event of delayed repair, when a primary repair has not occurred or has failed. In addition, we propose the opportunity for late repair, focusing on extending the time limit for nerve surgery beyond that which is usually recommended. Although, according to different authors, the time limit is still unclear, it is generally estimated that nerve repair should take place within the first months of life. In fact, microsurgical repair of OBPP is the technique of choice for young children with the condition who would otherwise have an unfavorable outcome. However, in certain cases the recovery process is not clearly defined so not all the patients are direct candidates for primary nerve surgery. METHODS: In the period spanning January 2005 through January 2011, among a group of 105 patients suffering from OBPP, ranging from 1 month to 7 years of age, the authors have identified a group of 32 partially recovered patients. All these patients underwent selective neurotization surgery, which was performed in a period ranging from 5 months to 6.6 years of age. RESULTS: Late neurotization of muscular groups achieved considerable functional recovery in these patients, who presented with reduced motor function during early childhood. The said patients, with the exception of five, would initially have avoided surgery because they had not met the criteria for nerve surgery. CONCLUSION: We have concluded that the execution of late nerve surgical procedures can be effective in children affected by OBPP.

Diaphyseal femoral fractures below the age of six years: Results of plaster application and long term followup.

BACKGROUND: In children less than 6 years, the treatment of femoral shaft fracture is often non surgical, using closed reduction and casting. The literature reports many experience about this type of trauma but none of these has a long term followup. We present a retrospective study on a group of femoral diaphyseal fractures treated nonsurgically in children up to 6 years of age, with a minimum of 10 year followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 cases (36 males/12 females) with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated between January 1988 and December 1998 were reviewed. Patients with fractures due to obstetrical trauma and pathologic fractures were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 3.3 ± 1.1 years (range 5 months-6 years). Right side was involved in 21 cases (44%), and left side in 27 cases (56%). In 34 cases (71%), closed reduction was performed and hip spica was applied with the hip and knee flexed to 45°. In 8 cases (17%), skeletal traction was applied to perform fracture reduction and the traction pin was embedded in plaster while in the remaining 6 cases (12%), the Delitala pressure apparatus was applied after casting. RESULTS: All fractures healed in our study. There were no complications (infection or vascular nervous issues, axial deviations, consolidation delays, or pseudoarthrosis). In 13 cases (27%), followup examinations showed mean lengthening of 1.3 ± 0.75 (range 0.5-2.5 cm) of the fractured lower limb. All these patients were treated with skin traction before treatment and presented with 2.08 ± 0.28 cm mean initial femoral shortening. In 1 case (2%) with 2.5 cm lengthening, epiphysiodesis of the ipsilateral knee was performed. No patients showed prolonged difficulty with gait disorders. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our results conservative treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children can be considered less invasive and safe procedure.

Hand and upper limb anomalies in Poland syndrome: a new proposal of classification.

BACKGROUND: The Poland anomaly (PA) comprises unilateral absence or hypoplasia of the pectoralis major muscle and a variable degree of ipsilateral hand and upper limb anomalies. Various hand and upper limb anomalies classifications in PA have been previously published. In this work, a new classification of hand and upper limb anomalies in PA is proposed, on the basis of the clinical and instrumental evaluation of 175 patients. METHODS: The patients have been followed by a multidisciplinary approach, consisting in orthopaedic, surgical, and genetic evaluation and chest, upper limb, and ultrasound examination of major and minor pectoralis muscles, heart, and kidney. RESULTS: Hand and upper limb anomalies were classified in 8 groups on the basis of the clinical degree of severity and on the basis of the presence of coexisting associated anomalies. Data regarding the sex and laterality, previously reported in the medical literature, were confirmed by our analysis. Etiopathogenetic mechanisms leading to the anomaly are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed classification is derived from the observation of the widest group of patients described in the medical literature. Our proposal could help in the management of patients affected by Poland syndrome and in understanding etiological and pathologic aspects of the disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Intramedullary osteosynthesis for metaphyseal and diaphyseal humeral fractures in developmental age.

UNLABELLED: Diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures of the humerus are relatively frequent in children. The treatment is often conservative, even in the case of displaced fractures for the high rate of spontaneous recovery of these fractures. The limits of nonsurgical treatment and its applications as well as the type of surgical treatment are controversial issues in the literature. The aim of this study is to review a series of metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with intramedullary osteosynthesis, to discuss the results obtained and the problems found, and to propose some parameters that should be taken into account to choose the most appropriate osteosynthesis. The retrospective study was performed on a group of 105 proximal and distal metaphyseal fractures and of displaced diaphyseal fractures of the humerus (excluding epiphyseal trauma, supracondylar fractures, and pathologic fractures) treated from 2001 to 2005. Out of a total of 105 patients, only 22 had fracture reduction under anesthesia, followed by intramedullary osteosynthesis; in 11 cases, intramedullary osteosynthesis was performed using Kirschner wires and in the remaining 11 elastic nails were used. In all treated patients, fracture healing was achieved. In the patients treated with Kirschner wires, no complications were observed, whereas in the patients treated with intramedullary nails, there were three cases with involvement of the skin and subcutaneous layers at the nail insertion site and one case of temporary paralysis of the radial nerve disappearing spontaneously after 2 months. Considering the results obtained and the low number of technique-related complications (low anesthesiologic and infectious risk), we can conclude that intramedullary osteosynthesis is a simple, safe, and rapid method suitable at any age in childhood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV.