Functional outcomes of pediatric true and equivalent Monteggia fractures - Review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe the functional outcome of true and equivalent Monteggia fracture-dislocations in the pediatric population. We also provided a review of the literature about the treatment options. METHODS: Five surgically and three conservatively treated patients were identified who were treated in 2009-2021. The study pop-ulation consisted of six female and two male patients. The mean age at the time of treatment was 7. The mean follow-up time was 55 months (range, 12-128). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the Oxford Elbow Score were used for outcome evaluation. Range of motion and grip strengths were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were two Bado type 1 and six Monteggia equivalent injuries. Closed reduction and casting were utilized for the two Bado type 1 injuries as the initial treatment. However, one had a radial head re-dislocation and had to be treated operatively. This patient had a radial head re-dislocation after the surgery and was followed up conservatively. Three Monteggia equivalent injuries were treated with closed reduction and casting, with no complications. One patient had a radial head anterior dislocation with plastic deformation of the ulna, and this patient was managed with CORA-based corrective ulnar osteotomy. For Monteggia injuries, the main treatment objective is to restore the ulnar length. Bilateral computed tomography imaging with 3D reconstruction can be utilized in preoperative planning of Monteggia fracture-dislocations to customize the treatment. Close observation is essential to detect radial head subluxation, which needs early intervention before irreversible changes occur. CONCLUSION: The true/equivalent Monteggia fractures' main treatment goal is to restore the ulnar length. Conservative treatment, with a close follow-up, is the first option if closed reduction can be achieved. If closed reduction is not possible, careful preop-erative planning and early rehabilitation are key to success for management of Monteggia fractures.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome in a Child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Secondary to SARS-CoV-2.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic affecting many countries and millions of people. Physicians have encountered some rare and challenging cases related to SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus with still many unknowns. In order to share our experience of a such clinical picture, we present here a child with SARS-CoV-2-induced macrophage activation syndrome in the setting of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Popliteal block for lower limb surgery in children with cerebral palsy: effect on sevoflurane consumption and postoperative pain (a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a preoperative popliteal block on sevoflurane consumption, postoperative pain, and analgesic consumption in children with cerebral palsy (CP) following lower limb surgery. METHODS: Fifty-four patients undergoing lower limb surgery were randomized to receive either a popliteal block + general anaesthesia (group P, n = 27) or general anaesthesia without a popliteal block (group C, n = 27). After anesthesia induction with 50% N2O, O2, and 8% sevoflurane, a popliteal block was given to group P patients with ultrasound guidance as a single dose of 0.3 ml/kg body weight of 0.25% bupivacaine. Group C patients received the same regimen of anesthesia induction but no preoperative popliteal block. Both the conductance fluctuation (SCF) peak numbers per second and the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) values of the patients were recorded upon arrival at the PACU, at 10 and 20 min after arrival at the PACU, and at postoperative hours 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 when they were in the ward. The total paracetamol consumption of the patients was also recorded. RESULTS: The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration values were significantly higher in group C patients than in group P patients, except for at 5 min after induction of anaesthesia (p < 0.001). The SCF peak numbers per second and WBFS scores were significantly higher in group C patients than in group P patients, except at Tp24h (p < 0.001). The total paracetamol consumption was 489.7 ± 122.7 mg in group P patients and 816.6 ± 166.5 in group C patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Popliteal block is effective for postoperative analgesia, decreasing the paracetamol consumption and sevoflurane requirement in children with CP undergoing lower limb surgery. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT02507700.

Outcomes of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection Followed by Rehabilitation in Cases of Cerebral Palsy With Upper Extremity Involvement.

We evaluated the efficiency of botulinum toxin type A injection followed by a rehabilitation program including individual therapy, group therapy, and occupational therapy in cases of cerebral palsy with upper extremity involvement. A total of 29 injections were performed on 25 patients, and the patients were placed on rehabilitation program. At 3-month and 6-month assessments, there was a significant improvement in lateral grip strength, 9 Hole Peg test, Upper Limb Physician's Rating Scale and pediatric functional independence measure total scores. There were significant decreases in active range of motion in elbow extension, supination, and wrist extension, and Modified Ashworth Scale in elbow flexion, elbow pronation, and wrist flexion at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month assessments. Combination of group therapy with traditional therapy methods after injection is effective in cases of cerebral palsy with upper extremity involvement.

Comparison of anterior and lateral approaches in the treatment of extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Eighty-four patients who underwent open reduction and Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation for supracondylar humerus fractures through anterior or lateral approach with or without additional medial incisions were compared with regard to complications and end results. A total of 46 patients were operated through the anterior and 38 through the lateral approach. In lateral approach cases, medial incision was added only in those patients in whom the medial condyle and therefore the ulnar nerve were not easily distinguished due to excessive oedema. All the fractures were Gartland type III extension fractures. The patient series was consecutive, and lateral approach had a longer follow-up of 89 months (70-134 months); the incision protocol was changed approximately mid-series to the anterior approach, and therefore a shorter follow-up time of only 50 months (24-84 months) was possible. All patients were treated according to the same postoperative protocol. A follow-up examination was performed and all the patients were evaluated according to Flynn's criteria; loss of flexion or extension clinically, any deviation of the carrying angle radiologically, and the appearance of the incision scar were evaluated. According to the above parameters, results were excellent in 19, good in 18, and fair in one in the lateral incision group, whereas in the anterior incision group, excellent results were obtained in 31 patients and good results in 15 of them. Cosmetically, two patients in the lateral incision group had hypertrophic scar tissue, whereas the anterior incisions were barely noticeable as they were included into the flexion crease. In conclusion, we can say that anterior incision when open reduction is needed in pediatric supracondylar fractures offer the advantage of a smaller scar and easy access to structures that might be injured between the fractured fragments.

Multilevel botulinum toxin type a as a treatment for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in children. Spasticity is a disabling clinical symptom that is prevalent among patients suffering from cerebral palsy. The treatment of spasticity with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a well-established option in the interdisciplinary management of spasticity, providing focal reductions in muscle tone in cerebral palsy patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the effect of multilevel BTX-A injections in the lower extremities, focusing mainly on gross motor function and functional status in cerebral palsy patients. METHODS: Data from 71 cerebral palsy patients (64% male, 36% female, mean age 6.7 +/-3.2 years) were analyzed retrospectively. We used the Ashworth and Tardieu scales to evaluate the degree of spasticity. Motor function was measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), and functional status was classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS I-V). Multilevel BTX-A injections were applied after sedation and with electrostimulation guidance. The evaluations were repeated every three months, and the patients were followed for six months. RESULTS: We found that the Ashworth and Tardieu scores decreased significantly at the three-month evaluation (p<0.05) but not at the six-month evaluation (p>0.05). Although the improvement in spasticity was not maintained at the six-month evaluation, GMFM-88 scores increased significantly at the three- and six-month assessments. GMFSC levels showed no change in the three- and six-month assessments. CONCLUSION: We believe that a single multilevel BTX-A injection reduces spasticity and improves motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Long-Term Results of Modified Green Method in Sprengel's Deformity.

AIM: Congenital undescended scapula (Sprengel deformity) is a rare deformity that is reported in the literature mostly as small case series with short- or medium-term follow-up periods. Here, we aimed to present the long-term results of this deformity treated with modified Green procedure. METHOD: The modified Green procedure was performed in 24 patients (28 shoulders) with Sprengel deformity. Clavicular osteotomy accompanied in all, and omovertebral bone excision in 13 shoulders. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 4.5 years (range 1.5-17 years). Mean follow-up period was 11 years 4 months (4.3-17 years). Preoperative cosmetic appearance was noted as Cavendish III in 17 shoulders and as IV in 11 shoulders. In addition to the Cavendish scale, shoulder abduction, shoulder asymmetry, and scapular elevation and medialization were evaluated. RESULTS: The decrease in scapular elevation and Cavendish scale, and the improvement in shoulder abduction and scapular medialization postoperatively were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Cosmetic improvement of at least one Cavendish grade were attained in 88.9% of shoulders. One patient (unilateral) who was Cavendish grade IV preoperatively died in the early postoperative period from unrelated causes. Of the remaining 10 preoperatively grade IV shoulders, 2 remained at the same grade, 1 improved to grade III, and 7 shoulders to grade I. Of the 17 preoperatively grade III shoulders, 1 shoulder stayed the at same grade, 7 shoulders improved to II, and 9 shoulders to grade I. Postoperative winging in 2 shoulders and hypertrophic scarring in 6 shoulders were noted. CONCLUSION: The modified Green procedure is a relatively safe and reliable method in the treatment of severe Sprengel deformity cases and provides highly constructive and aesthetic results in the long term.

Free coracoacromial ligament graft for augmentation of massive rotator cuff tears treated with mini-open repair.

OBJECTIVES: Repair of massive rotator cuff tears is a challenging and complex procedure. The tissue at the end of the torn tendons is often friable and weak, because ruptures are old and degenerated, and thus the ends must be sutured effectively and strongly to achieve a satisfactory outcome. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of free total or partial coracoacromial ligament (CAL) graft to protect and augment the repair of massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Forty six patients ((32 females, mean age 54.3 years (range 39-66 years)) operated for massive rotator cuff tears between January 2003 and June 2009 were included in the study. Twenty nine of these patients had right-sided tears, and 17 had left-sided tears. Fifteen of the tears were 3-4 cm wide (mean 3.5 cm); 27 were >4 cm wide (mean 4.5 cm), and 4 were >5 cm wide. The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range 16-52 months). Patients were operated with a mini-open technique, and reconstructed after primary repair with 18 total and 28 partial free transfer of the CAL. Patients were evaluated by Constant-Murley score, and the degree of active flexion and abduction. Tendon thickness was measured with ultrasonography during follow-up. RESULTS: Mean preoperative shoulder flexion was 27.5° (range 5-40°), and mean abduction was 22.5° (range 10-30°). Shoulder flexion was significantly greater postoperatively (mean 102.6°, range 70-150°), as was shoulder abduction (mean 96.5°, range 60-150°). Mean preoperative and postoperative Constant-Murley score was 45 and 80, respectively. Surgical complications, particularly recurrence, did not occur in any patient during the follow-up period. The integrity and tendon thickness of the repairs were similar to those of normal tendons at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Augmentation with a free transfer of the coracoacromial ligament provides excellent and promising functional results in the operative treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with a mini-open technique.

Multilevel botulinum toxin type a as a treatment for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in children. Spasticity is a disabling clinical symptom that is prevalent among patients suffering from cerebral palsy. The treatment of spasticity with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a well-established option in the interdisciplinary management of spasticity, providing focal reductions in muscle tone in cerebral palsy patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the effect of multilevel BTX-A injections in the lower extremities, focusing mainly on gross motor function and functional status in cerebral palsy patients. METHODS: Data from 71 cerebral palsy patients (64 percent male, 36 percent female, mean age 6.7 ±3.2 years) were analyzed retrospectively. We used the Ashworth and Tardieu scales to evaluate the degree of spasticity. Motor function was measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), and functional status was classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS I-V). Multilevel BTX-A injections were applied after sedation and with electrostimulation guidance. The evaluations were repeated every three months, and the patients were followed for six months. RESULTS: We found that the Ashworth and Tardieu scores decreased significantly at the three-month evaluation (p<0.05) but not at the six-month evaluation (p>0.05). Although the improvement in spasticity was not maintained at the six-month evaluation, GMFM-88 scores increased significantly at the three- and six-month assessments. GMFSC levels showed no change in the three- and six-month assessments. CONCLUSION: We believe that a single multilevel BTX-A injection reduces spasticity and improves motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

Quantification of the radiographic joint space width of the ankle.

Quantification of joint space width of the ankle could provide information essential to evaluate the effects of potential disease-modifying agents and adverse effects of devices intended to ameliorate osteoarthritis elsewhere in the lower extremity. Current methods require proprietary software or have not been well validated; our purpose was to develop and assess the reliability of a digital joint space width quantification method using public access software. We studied 95 patients, asymptomatic in the ankles and without history of ankle trauma, but with symptomatic medial knee osteoarthritis, participating in an ongoing longitudinal trial. Weightbearing anteroposterior radiographs of the ankle and supine radiographs of the pelvis were assessed, and the narrowest medial and lateral tibiotalar joint space widths and hip joint space widths were measured using Image J software (US NIH, Bethesda, MD). Medial joint space widths were 2.56 +/- 0.50 and 2.55 +/- 0.48 mm, and lateral joint space widths were 2.45 +/- 0.55 and 2.44 +/- 0.52 mm, for right and left ankle, respectively. Coefficients of variation for repeat measurements by the same observer were 1.13% and 4.5%, and by different observers 7.30% and 7.27%, for medial and lateral joint space widths, respectively. Men had wider joint space widths than women when accounting for height. Joint space width of the ankle correlated with the joint space width of the hip and with height and weight, but not with age.

Treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children through an anterior approach is a safe and effective method.

In this prospective case series we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using an anterior approach to paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. We gathered data on 46 children that had a displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus. All the patients had sustained a Gartland type III extension fracture that could not be reduced by closed means. Open reduction through an anterior approach was performed and two Kirschner wires were used to fix the fracture to the medial and lateral sides. Patients were recalled for follow-up and were evaluated using Flynn's radiological and clinical criteria. Loss of extension and flexion was noted by clinical assessment and carrying angle measured on radiograms. A follow-up examination performed in the 24th postoperative week showed that all fractures had healed; the patients' outcomes were rated as excellent or good according to Flynn's criteria. As a result the anterior approach for open reduction of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures is a safe and reliable method with very good results.

Effects of pregnancy and lactation on the microhardness of rat incisor dentine and enamel.

Pregnancy and lactation affect the rate of maternal dentine apposition and mineralization in the rat. In this study we have measured the effects of pregnancy and lactation on the degree of mineralization of dentine and enamel by using the microhardness method in rat incisors. At incisal sections, pregnant and lactation group enamel values were increased compared to that of a control group; the pregnancy and post-lactation period dentine values decreased slightly compared to the control group. At neck sections, pregnant and lactation group enamel values were decreased compared to that of the control group; the pregnancy and post-lactation period dentine values were also decreased slightly compared to the control group. At the post-lactation period neck section dentine mineralization was decreased compared with the incisal section. As a result, enamel and dentine layers of rat incisors are affected to varying degrees by these changes in mineralization levels during the maternal period.