Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Acquired genu recurvatum in a skeletally immature patient treated by physeal distraction: A case report.

The proximal tibia physis' anterior growth arrest is the cause of the uncommon condition known as acquired genu recurvatum, which can also be congenital, idiopathic, or secondary to trauma, infections, cerebrovascular accidents, or neuromuscular diseases. In order to avoid the reported drawbacks that could complicate osteotomies-incomplete correction, patella infera, knee pain or stiffness, and the requirement to remove plate metalwork-physeal distraction and callotasis with external fixation has been suggested. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who had a 5 cm difference in limb length, with the right leg being shorter, and a right knee that was 30° recurved with flexion restriction beyond 40°. The correction was made in 50 days, and the external fixator was removed in 92 days after we performed a physeal distraction with an axial EF (ST.A.R., Citieffe) through an anterior physeal osteotomy just proximal to the tuberosity in conjunction with simultaneous asymmetrical tibial and femoral contralateral epiphysiodesys. The patient returned to playing football within 8 months despite the persistence of a 3 cm leg length discrepancy and had a symmetric full range of motion of the knee without any complications or persistent pain. The correction of genu recurvatum in adolescents may be achieved safely and effectively through physeal distraction with an axial external fixator.

Avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head in adolescence: A case report.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the first metatarsal (MTT) head is an uncommon condition and it occurs most often as a complication after capital osteotomy in correction of hallux valgus deformity. Idiopathic osteonecrosis of the first MTT head in adolescent are rare and treatment is challenging (1,2). Many conditions have been proposed as predisposing factors of AVN, including trauma, hemoglobinopathies such as sickle-cell disease, steroid therapy, Cushing's disease, alcoholism, Gaucher's disease, Caisson's disease, and irradiation (3,4). However, etiology remains elusive. We described a case of an idiopathic AVN of the 1st MTT in adolescent treated by dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy, which to the authors' knowledge has not been described before.

Osteonecrosis in Children and Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Early Diagnosis and New Treatment Strategies.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In the last few decades, treatment strategies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been associated not only with improvement of prognosis, but also with an increasing rate of late complication as osteonecrosis (ON). Herein, the cumulative incidence, risk factors, new conservative therapeutic strategies as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), and outcome of symptomatic ON were studied in pediatric patients with ALL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2017, 495 children and young adolescents with a diagnosis of ALL were evaluated. All the symptomatic patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect bone vascularization and structure. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 495 patients presented ON (4.6%). ON was associated with an older age (p<0.0001) and a higher steroid dose (p=0.0013). All the patients underwent standard therapies and HBO was performed in 8 of 23 patients. During the follow-up, 15 patients were stable: 6 were totally asymptomatic, 5 complained of pain during activity, and 4 presented mild function limitation. CONCLUSION: Our data highlight the importance of early diagnosis of ON by screening MRI in asymptomatic patients, in order to start conservative treatment strategies. Moreover, HBO could have beneficial effects on ON patients.

Clinical practice and nursing management of pre-operative skin or skeletal traction for hip fractures in elderly patients: a cross-sectional three-institution study.

BACKGROUND: Femoral fractures are a major healthcare problem worldwide. One of the most difficult issues is their preoperative care, which is still managed by either skeletal or skin traction in some countries, including Italy. These issues are discussed and compared with the contemporary literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse the distribution of these treatment options within the orthopaedic community and the reasons for their use, as well as to identify how this may impact nursing care in terms of pain management, hygiene care, venous thromboembolism (VTE)prophylaxis and prevention of pressure ulcers. DESIGN: For this cross-sectional study, a 12-item survey was administered to the nursing staff, consultants and residents of the Orthopaedic Units in three different hospitals in NorthEastern Italy. The questionnaire investigated the routine use of skeletal or skin traction for the preoperative management of hip fractures in those settings. FINDINGS: 136 surveys were completed, providing a response rate of 87.74%. Preoperative traction for hip fractures was still in use in the three hospitals, mainly applied by experienced surgeons for subtrochanteric fractures. Pain management, VTE and pressure ulcer prevention were perceived as worse only with skeletal traction, while hygiene was described as more difficult with both skeletal and skin traction. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the data and the literature revision, skin or skeletal traction for patients with proximal femoral fractures should be discouraged as standard practice. This is supported widely in the international literature, and consideration of knowledge translation strategies should be made to refine current practice in these settings.

Thoracic cage volume and dimension assessment by optoelectronic molding in normal children and adolescents during growth.

PURPOSE: The thoracic spine, the chondral and osseous ribs, and the sternum together make up the thoracic cage. These elements are strictly correlated, although their growth is not synchronous. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive data set of thoracic dimensions and non-invasive volumetric assessment in a large cohort of males and females from early childhood to young adult age. METHODS: In all, 622 healthy individuals (406 girls, 216 boys) aged 6-18 years were consecutively enrolled between 2006 and 2016. All had to be healthy with no history of spinal deformity, or any lung, cardiovascular, systemic or neuromuscular disease. The optical ORTEN system for trunk surface data acquisition was used to calculate thoracic cage volume (V) and perimeter (Pe), anterior-posterior depth (AP) and transverse diameter (TD), AP/TD ratio, sternal length (St), and T1-T12 distance (Tle) in all patients. RESULTS: The overall average age was 11.1 ± 2.5 years (4-18) for girls and 11.0 ± 3.1 years (4-18) for boys. Average growth parameters were: standing height 146.2 ± 14.6 cm (103-172) for girls and 146.4 ± 20.0 cm (94-192) for boys, sitting height 75.4 ± 8.6 cm (61-91) for girls and 75.5 ± 10.3 cm (60-99) for boys, weight 37.6 ± 10.4 kg (16-65) for girls and 38.3 ± 14.3 kg (13.7-104) for boys, BMI 16.7 ± 3.7 (18.5-26) for girls and 17.0 ± 3.3 (18.7-34.3) for boys. At age 6-8 years: V was 52.5% of its final size in girls and 44.9% in boys; Pe was 80.2% its final length in girls and 76.8% in boys; St reached 68% of its final size in girls and 66.9% in boys; Tle reached 73.3% of its final length in girls and 71.2% in boys. At skeletal maturity, thoracic cage volume in boys was 19.4% greater than in girls (p < 0.05). AP/TD ratio remained < 1 in all age groups and did not differ between genders (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Growth of the thoracic cage is shown to be a gradual process that is more linear than previously reported. Only small increases in annual growth rates were observed during the pubertal growth spurt. The most important events characterizing thoracic cage development occurred during the first few years of postnatal growth. The circular cross-section of the very young child's thorax reached adult-like proportions together with its ovoid shape before age 6 years.

Medium-Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy (DMMO) for Central Primary Metatarsalgia: Do Maestro Criteria Have a Predictive Value in the Preoperative Planning for This Percutaneous Technique?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective study was first to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Metaphyseal Osteotomy (DMMO) in treating central metatarsalgia, identifying possible contraindications. The second objective was to verify the potential of DMMO to restore a harmonious forefoot morphotype according to Maestro criteria. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with metatarsalgia was consecutively enrolled and treated by DMMO. According to Maestro criteria, preoperative planning was carried out by both clinical and radiological assessment. Patient demographic data, AOFAS scores, 17-FFI, MOXFQ, SF-36, VAS, and complications were recorded. Maestro parameters, relative morphotypes, and bone callus formation were assessed. Statistical analysis was carried out (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (93 feet) with a mean age of 62.4 (31-87) years were evaluated. At mean follow-up of 58.7 (36-96) months, all of the clinical scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001). Most of the osteotomies (76.3%) had healed by 3-month follow-up, while ideal harmonious morphotype was restored only in a few feet (3.2%). Clinical and radiological outcomes were not different based on principal demographic parameters. Long-term complications were recorded in 12 cases (12.9%). CONCLUSION: DMMO is a safe and effective method for the treatment of metatarsalgia. Although Maestro criteria were useful to calculate the metatarsal bones to be shortened and a significant clinical improvement of all scores was achieved, the ideal harmonious morphotype was restored only in a few feet. Hence, our data show that Maestro criteria did not have a predictive value in clinical outcomes of DMMO.

The effects of uninvolved side epiphysiodesis for limb length equalization in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: clinical evaluation with the Edinburgh visual gait score.

PURPOSE: Hemiplegic cerebral palsy patient may present a shorten leg on the hemiplegic side that afflicts negatively the kinematic of the uninvolved limb. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the modification of gait kinematic after epiphysiodesis for limb equalization and secondary to verify the prediction of correction. METHODS: Skeletally immature hemiplegic patients with a minimum limb leg discrepancy (LLD) of 2.5 cm were treated with epiphysiodesis of the unaffected knee and clinically evaluated with Edinburgh visual gait score (EVGS). Green-Anderson curve was used to predict time decision for correction. RESULTS: Ten LLD patients were evaluated with the Edinburgh visual gait score (EVGS) before and after surgery. Mean age was 12.7 years, mean follow-up was 6.7 years, and mean LLD was 3.4 cm before surgery and 1.2 cm at final follow-up. After lower limb equalization surgery, improvement in gait kinematics was observed on both the uninvolved and hemiplegic limb of hemiplegic cerebral palsy patients (p < 0.001). Final correction did not reach expected correction (2.3 vs. 2.8 cm). However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.058). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report improvement on both the uninvolved and hemiplegic limb gait kinematics after limb equalization surgery. Due to the impaired dorsiflexion of the hemiplegic foot, LLD target at the end of growth should range between 0.5 and 1.5 cm.

Deep postoperative spine infection treated by negative pressure therapy in patients with progressive spinal deformities.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to review the outcome of using the VAC system in children and adolescents who have developed postoperative spinal infection after posterior instrumented spinal fusion, and to evaluate whether this technique is also feasible in patients treated with posterior instrumented fusion with polyester sublaminar bands. METHODS: A total of 11 out of 118 consecutive children and adolescents (5 males) with deep postoperative spinal infection were identified; infections were categorised as early (acute), delayed (subacute) or late (chronic) according to time of onset. Irrespective of the etiology and the onset, all the deep infections were managed with the reported technique. All the patients had regular clinical and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: Eight out of 11 patients developed an early (72.7%), 2 a delayed (18.2%) and 1 a late deep postoperative infection (9.1%); 7 out of 11 (63.6%) showed severe mental compromise. No statistically significant differences were observed for mean number of VAC dressing changes (p = 0.81) and mean length of hospitalisation comparing patients with early infection versus patients with delayed or late infections (p = 0.32). Mean number of VAC dressing changes (p = 0.02) and mean number of hospitalisation days (p = 0.05) were higher in patients with underlying neurological disorders than in those without, while mean length of hospitalisation was longer in neuromuscular patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the VAC system, as an adjunct to surgical debridement and adequate antibiotic therapy, is a reliable method for the treatment of postoperative infection in children and adolescents undergoing spinal instrumentation and fusion. It can reduce the need for further complex soft-tissue procedure, removal of hardware with consequent loss of correction, and pseudoarthrosis. Finally, the use of VAC therapy is not contraindicated in patients treated with hybrid constructs with sublaminar bands. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Minimally Invasive Distal Metatarsal Diaphyseal Osteotomy (DMDO) for Chronic Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this prospective study were first to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive distal metatarsal diaphyseal osteotomies (DMDOs) for treating a consecutive series of diabetic patients with chronic plantar diabetic foot ulcers (CPDFUs) and second to assess their clinical-functional and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients affected by diabetes mellitus with CPDFUs, not responsive to previous nonoperative management, underwent DMDO. The CPDFUs were evaluated using the University of Texas Diabetic Wound Classification System (UTDWC). Demographic parameters, Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, healing times, and complications were recorded. Maestro et al criteria and bone callus formation were analyzed radiologically. Statistical analysis was carried out ( P < .05). Thirty consecutive enrolled patients with a mean age of 66.7 (range, 53-75) years presented 35 CPDFUs with a mean diameter of 16.3 mm and a mean duration of 10.3 months. The most frequent grade of the UTDWC was IIIB (42.9%). RESULTS: All ulcers recovered with a mean healing time of 7.9 ± 4.0 (range, 4-17) weeks. AOFAS scores improved significantly from 55.3 to 81.4 points ( P < .001). At a mean follow-up of 25.3 months (range, 18-71), no cases of ulcer recurrence were recorded, while a major complication or a wound infection required longer healing time. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive DMDO was a safe and effective method in promoting CPDFU healing, regardless of the grade of severity, by the reduction of the high plantar pressure under the metatarsal heads. This technique improved functional and radiographic outcomes with few complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Early radiographic and clinical outcomes of minimally displaced proximal fifth metatarsal fractures: cast vs functional bandage.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this non-randomized retrospective study was to investigate outcomes of minimally displaced, proximal 5MTB fractures, treated by a below-knee walking cast or a functional elasticated bandage with a support of a flat hard-soled shoe. METHODS: A consecutive patient series was divided into two groups: the cast group (CG) and the functional group (FG). The subjects were radiologically and clinically evaluated according to Mehlhorn and Lawrence-Botte classification, and AOFAS Midfoot score, respectively. RESULTS: 154 patients were followed up for a median of 15 months (range 12-24). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the outcomes of each fracture pattern regarding the treatment choice. However, an earlier return to sports was noted in the FG, while Type-3 fractures achieved the worst results. CONCLUSION: Type-1 and 2 minimally displaced 5MTB proximal fractures can be successfully treated conservatively without weight-bearing restriction and without benefit of a cast with respect to a functional elasticated bandage. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: level III retrospective comparative study.

Successful treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in children with debridement, antibiotic-laden cement spacer and bone graft substitute.

PURPOSE: Chronic osteomyelitis and infected nonunion are relatively rare conditions in pediatric patients and are more frequently seen in developing countries. Although relatively rare, they are medically and surgically challenging. Here we report a novel surgical technique used to manage five patients with chronic osteomyelitis of long bones. METHODS: Five skeletally immature patients with chronic osteomyelitis and infected nonunion of the long bones were treated surgically between 2010 and 2014 by a combination of resection of necrotic infected bone, debridement of surrounding soft tissue, and application of antibiotic-laden cement spacer inducing periosteal membrane before final bone reconstruction. Once inflammatory markers normalized, all the patients were re-operated for cement removal, bone graft substitution, and concomitant osteosynthesis of the affected bone, if needed. All patients underwent MRI, CT scan, and laboratory evaluation prior to surgery. The antibiotic regimen was started empirically and then adjusted according to culture and sensitivity results. RESULTS: Mean patient age at the time of diagnosis was 11 years (range 4-14), and all patients had at least 2-year follow-up (range 2-5). At last follow-up, clinical and laboratory evaluation had normalized, the bone had healed, and all patients had resumed daily living and sports activities. CONCLUSION: Surgical debridement is the standard approach to chronic osteomyelitis. Use of antibiotic-laden cement is recommended to penetrate local infection, with antibiotic therapy playing an adjunctive role. The cement also induces membrane formation that aids bone reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Cervical sagittal alignment variations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis.

PURPOSE: Thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis (TLSO) is an effective treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, but cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) variations after bracing have never been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in CSA before, during and after TLSO treatment, and to determine whether patients developed cervical pain. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in 38 AIS patients (33 females; mean age 10.8 years) treated by TLSO. Patients were Risser 0 (n = 34) or 1 (n = 4). Major curve deformity (MC) in the coronal plane and cervical (CSA), thoracic (TSA) and lumbar (LSA) sagittal alignment were evaluated radiographically at start of treatment (t 0), after 1 month of brace treatment (t 1), and 1 year after end of treatment (t 2). Cervical pain was evaluated at t 2 using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The TLSO was worn for an average of 4.6 years. Mean CSA, TSA and LSA were significantly lower at t 2 than at t 0: 0 ± 2.5° vs. 9.4 ± 2.3°, 24.1 ± 2.6° vs. 29.3 ± 2.4° and 5 ± 1.9° vs. 44.2 ± 2.5°, respectively (p < 0.05). CSA and TSA showed moderate-good correlation (r = 0.57). CSA was normolordotic in 1/38 patients at t 2 compared to 18/38 at t 0 (p < 0.05). MC did not progress during treatment (p > 0.8). VAS score was 0 in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The TLSO can control progression of the deformity in the frontal plane, but it influences CSA, TSA and LSA. In particular, it decreases cervical spine lordosis, with reduction maintained 1 year after the end of treatment. Numerical differences, although statistically significant, were not clinically relevant.

Functional and radiographic outcomes of hallux valgus correction by mini-invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomies: a longitudinal prospective study with a 48-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) represents one of the most innovative surgical treatments of hallux valgus (HV). However, long-term outcomes still remain a matter of discussion within the orthopaedic community. The purpose of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate radiographic and functional outcomes in patients with mild-to-severe HV who underwent Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, following exostosectomy and lateral release. METHODS: Eighty patients with mild-to-severe symptomatic HV were treated by MIS. Clinical evaluation was assessed preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at final follow-up of 48 months, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux grading system. Patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Computer-assisted measurement of antero-posterior radiographs was taken preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after surgery and at 48-month follow-up, analysing the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and the tibial sesamoid position. Also, the bridging bone/callus formation was evaluated at the different radiographic follow-ups, while the articular surface congruency and the metatarsal index were calculated only preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS). Statistical analysis was carried out using the paired t test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score was 87.15 points at the final follow-up of 48 months, and the VAS score was 8.35/10. The post-operative radiographic assessments showed a statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. The mean corrections of each angular value at the last follow-up were as follows: IMA 3.90°, HVA 12.50°, DMAA 4.72° and a tibial sesamoid position of 1.10. The articular surface was congruent in 77 (96.25%) cases and incongruent only in 3 (3.75%). The complete healing of the osteotomies was achieved in all series at 3-month follow-up. However, the results obtained in the correction of the severe HV deformities were less encouraging. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery with Reverdin-Isham and Akin percutaneous osteotomy, in combination with previous exostosectomy and subsequent lateral soft-tissue release, is a safe, effective and reliable procedure for correction of mild-to-moderate HV. However, it requires a long learning curve because of the inherent difficulty of the mixed different surgical procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Protocol Registration and Results System: NCT02886221.

Comparison of dorsal and dorsomedial displacement in evaluation of first ray hypermobility in feet with and without hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Hypermobility of the first ray, a probable primary cause of hallux valgus, has traditionally been evaluated in the dorsal direction only although the first tarso-metatarsal joint allows movement in a dorso-medial direction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 600 feet, divided according to the presence or absence of hallux valgus, were evaluated for both dorsal and dorso-medial displacement using a Klaue device. RESULTS: In the control group, the mean first ray displacement was 7.2mm (4.2-11.3) in the dorsal direction (sagittal plane) and 8.3mm (4.0-12.6) in the 45° dorso-medial direction. In the hallux valgus group, the mean first ray mobility was 9.8mm (5.2-14.1) in the dorsal direction compared to a mean of 11.0mm (5.9-16.2) in the 45° dorso-medial direction. CONCLUSION: It is a paradox that hypermobility of the first ray is measured in only a dorsal (vertical) direction whereas a hallux valgus angle and an intermetatarsal angle are only measured in a transverse plane. Furthermore, the weightbearing foot pronates during gait and the first metatarsal is displaced in a dorsomedial direction rather than a pure dorsal direction. It is suggested that measurement hypermobility of the first ray at a 45° dorso-medial direction is more appropriate.

Outcome of isolated olecranon fractures in skeletally immature patients: comparison of open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.

PURPOSE: The olecranon fracture is an uncommon injury reported to incur many possible complications in children. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of two different surgical techniques in isolated olecranon fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 22 children with isolated olecranon fracture treated by open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. We compared the dislocation before and after surgery by radiography. The patients were evaluated clinically with Quick DASH(®). RESULTS: Both techniques showed good radiological and clinical outcome (Quick DASH(®) 1.82 vs. 3.42) with no statistically significance difference (p > 0.05). In two cases (16.6 %) of the group treated with cannulated screw, it was necessary to convert into open reduction to obtain optimal reduction of the fracture. All the children returned to previous activity. In four cases, the extension of the elbow was slightly reduced (15°-20°), with no statistically significant difference in the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is not contraindicated to operate skeletally immature patients with displaced olecranon fracture. However, results were essentially the same, and so either method is a satisfactory choice for pediatric displaced olecranon fractures, with equally acceptable radiological results and similar rate of complications and clinical outcome at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Endolog technique for correction of hallux valgus: a prospective study of 30 patients with 4-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a complex deformity of the forefoot altering the kinematics of walking. Many different treatment alternatives exist for the correction of hallux valgus, but to date, none has been shown to be more effective than any other. The rate of complications following hallux valgus surgery is variable and has been reported as ranging from 1 to 55 % in the scientific literature. The purpose of this preliminary prospective study was to evaluate the result of the Endolog device, an innovative titanium endomedullary nail, for the treatment of HV. METHODS: Thirty patients with mild-to-severe HV were treated with the Endolog device. Clinical evaluation was assessed preoperatively, as well as at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months after surgery with a final follow-up at 4 years, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux grading system. Computer-assisted measurement of weight-bearing antero-posterior radiographs was taken preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months after surgery. Non-weight-bearing radiographs were taken before the patients were discharged. The radiological parameters measured included the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), and the tibial sesamoid position. Statistical analysis was carried out using the paired t test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score was 93.98 points at the 48-month follow-up. The postoperative radiographic assessments showed a statistically significant improvement compared with preoperative values. The mean corrections for each angular value at the last follow-up were as follows: IMA 5.95°; HVA 16.81°; DMAA 10.70°; and tibial sesamoid 1.36°. CONCLUSION: The Endolog is a safe and effective technique for the correction of HV deformity, to relieve pain and to preserve joint movement.

Focal Myositis in paediatric age.

BACKGROUND: Focal Myositis is a rare pseudotumor of unknown aetiology that is often difficult to diagnose and treat. Typically afflicting people in adulthood, it has occasionally been reported also among children. PURPOSE: the aim of this study is to review the literature of Focal Myositis in paediatric age in order to compare the clinical manifestation and the various treatment suggested by different authors. METHODS: this article describes a 6-year-old boy with focal myositis in gracilis muscle successfully treated by conservative methods, including nocturnal leg traction, intensive physiokinesi therapy and articulated knee orthosis guided to progressive extension. Furthermore a systematic review of literature concerning focal myositis in paediatric age is reported. CONCLUSION: our case and the review of literature suggests that conservative methods should be the first-choice treatment for FM in paediatric age and that surgery should be strictly reserved for selected cases where non-invasive methods have previously failed.

Plantar fascia anatomy and its relationship with Achilles tendon and paratenon.

Although the plantar fascia (PF) has been studied quite well from a biomechanical viewpoint, its microscopic properties have been overlooked: nothing is known about its content of elastic fibers, the features of the extracellular matrix or the extent of innervation. From a functional and clinical standpoint, the PF is often correlated with the triceps surae muscle, but the anatomical grounds for this link are not clear. The aim of this work was to focus on the PF macroscopic and microscopic properties and study how Achilles tendon diseases might affect it. Twelve feet from unembalmed human cadavers were dissected to isolate the PF. Specimens from each PF were tested with various histological and immunohistochemical stains. In a second stage, 52 magnetic resonance images (MRI) obtained from patients complaining of aspecific ankle or foot pain were analyzed, dividing the cases into two groups based on the presence or absence of signs of degeneration and/or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The thickness of PF and paratenon was assessed in the two groups and statistical analyses were conducted. The PF is a tissue firmly joined to plantar muscles and skin. Analyzing its possible connections to the sural structures showed that this fascia is more closely connected to the paratenon of Achilles tendon than to the Achilles tendon, through the periosteum of the heel. The PF extended medially and laterally, continuing into the deep fasciae enveloping the abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi muscles, respectively. The PF was rich in hyaluronan, probably produced by fibroblastic-like cells described as 'fasciacytes'. Nerve endings and Pacini and Ruffini corpuscles were present, particularly in the medial and lateral portions, and on the surface of the muscles, suggesting a role for the PF in the proprioception of foot. In the radiological study, 27 of the 52 MRI showed signs of Achilles tendon inflammation and/or degeneration, and the PF was 3.43 ± 0.48 mm thick (99%CI and SD = 0.95), as opposed to 2.09 ± 0.24 mm (99%CI, SD = 0.47) in the patients in which the MRI revealed no Achilles tendon diseases; this difference in thickness of 1.29 ± 0.57 mm (99%CI) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In the group of 27/52 patients with tendinopathies, the PF was more than 4.5 mm thick in 5, i.e. they exceeded the threshold for a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. None of the other 25/52 paitents had a PF more than 4 mm thick. There was a statistically significant correlation between the thicknesses of the PF and the paratenon. These findings suggest that the plantar fascia has a role not only in supporting the longitudinal arch of the foot, but also in its proprioception and peripheral motor coordination. Its relationship with the paratenon of the Achilles tendon is consistent with the idea of triceps surae structures being involved in the PF pathology, so their rehabilitation can be considered appropriate. Finally, the high concentration of hyaluronan in the PF points to the feasibility of using hyaluronan injections in the fascia to treat plantar fasciitis.