Aneurysmal bone cysts: A UK wide tumor center experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This multicenter retrospective series of consecutive extra-spinal aneurysmal bone cysts aims to identify risk factors for treatment failure. METHODS: Aneurysmal bone cysts treated within seven collaborating centers with over 12-months follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Survival analyses were performed to identify variables associated with recurrence using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen (M:F 60:55) patients were included. Median age at presentation was 13 years and median follow-up was 27 months. Seventy-five patients underwent surgical curettage and 27% of these required further intervention for recurrence. Of the 30 patients who underwent biopsy with limited percutaneous curettage as initial procedure, 47% required no further treatment. Patients under 13 years (log-rank p = 0.006, HR 2.3, p = 0.011) and those treated who had limited curettage (log-rank p = 0.001, HR 2.7, p = 0.002) had a higher risk of recurrence/persistence. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high risk of recurrence following surgical treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts and this risk is higher in young patients. However, the cyst heals in a substantial number of patients who have a limited curettage at the time of biopsy.

Recurrent Instability after the Latarjet Procedure.

The Latarjet procedure is a favored approach for managing chronic and recurrent dislocation, especially in the presence of bone loss. Although generally yielding excellent results, the procedure carries a 15 to 30% complication rate. Although recurrent instability is a major concern, various complications such as infection, nerve injuries, and hardware impingement can also necessitate revision after a Latarjet procedure. Strategies for addressing this issue include glenoid bone grafting, using autogenous bone grafts from the iliac crest or distal clavicle, and allografts, with fresh lateral distal tibial allografts offering advantages because of their osteochondral nature. In addition, soft-tissue procedures offer another solution for recurrent instability, suitable for patients lacking substantial bone loss or those experiencing multidirectional instability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes and management strategies for recurrent instability following a failed Latarjet procedure.

Mid-term results of sub-trochanteric valgus osteotomy for symptomatic late stages Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of late stages of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is controversial. Although the concept of femoral head containment is a well-established technique of treatment, its use remains debatable in the late stages of the disease, as it does not improve symptoms in terms of limb length discrepancy and gait. AIM: To assess the results of subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy in symptomatic patients with late-stage Perthes disease. METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, 36 symptomatic patients with late stage of Perthes disease were surgically treated with subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy and followed-up for 8 to 11 years using the IOWA score and range of motion (ROM) variables. The Mose classification was also assessed at the last follow-up to reflect possible remodeling. The patients were 8 years old or older at the time of surgery, in the post-fragmentation stage, and complaining of pain, limited ROM, Trendelenburg gait, and/or abductor weakness. RESULTS: The preoperative IOWA score (average: 53.3) markedly improved at the 1-year post follow-up period (average: 85.41) and then slightly improved at the last follow-up (average: 89.4) (P value < 0.05). ROM improved, with internal rotation increased on average by 22° (from 10° preoperatively to 32° postoperatively) and abduction increased on average by 15.9° (from 25° preoperatively to 41° postoperatively). The mean Mose deviation of femoral heads was 4.1 mm at the end of the follow-up period. The tests used were the paired t-test and Pearson correlation test, where the level of significance was a P value less than 0.05. CONCLUSION: Subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy can be a good option for symptomatic relief in patients with late-stage of LCPD.

Complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation of traumatic pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to present a thorough overview of the complications associated with conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation to identify areas for improvement in surgical technique and patient selection. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for original human studies reporting on complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac fixation in traumatic pelvic ring injuries from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2022. The main meta-analysis was based on the random effect model to pool all complications reported in the included studies. The results were reported as weighted proportions with 95% confidence intervals. This review was conducted in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 56 studies with 3644 screws (2871 procedures) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 40.5 years. The most frequently reported complications were screw malposition with a weighted proportion of 6% (95% CI: 5-9%) and involved 189 out of 3644 screws, persistent pain following the procedure with a weighted proportion of 3% (95% CI: 2-4%) and affected 98 out of 2871 patients, and nerve injury, which had a weighted proportion of 2% (95% CI: 1-3%) and was observed in 41 out of 2871 procedures. The L5 and S1 nerve roots were more frequently affected. Revision surgery was required for 184 out of 2871 patients with a weighted proportion of 5% (95% CI: 3-7%). The primary reason for the revision was persistent pain after the initial procedure, which affected 74 out of 184 patients, with a weighted proportion of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that screw malposition, the need for revision surgery, persistent pain, and nerve injuries were the most frequent complications following conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. However, these results must be interpreted in context due to confounding factors, including the lack of high-quality studies and the absence of uniformity in defining some complications across studies.

Is the level of vitamin D deficiency correlated with the severity and bilaterality in slipped capital femoral epiphysis? A case series study.

The aim of the study is to find the correlation between vitamin D level and the severity of slippage and bilateral development in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) cases if any. Thirty-nine patients with moderate-severe stable SCFE were evaluated regarding their vitamin D level and to which extent the severity of vitamin D deficiency, if present, can be correlated with the severity and bilaterality of the slip. Vitamin D serum level was assessed pre- operatively for all patients. In case of deficiency, the patient underwent in situ pinning unless performed before his/her presentation. Alongside, he/she received a vitamin D course until correction prior to the definitive surgery (Imhäuser osteotomy with osteochondroplasty) 6-12 weeks after. Thereafter, osteotomy healing and physis closure were monitored radiologically. Results show that all patients but one had vitamin D deficiency, with an average of 14.39 ng/mL, necessitating vitamin D therapy before proceeding to the definitive surgery. No correlation existed between vitamin D level and Southwick angle severity with a p-value of 0.85. A negative correlation existed between vitamin D level and bilaterality, but not statistically significant (p-value 0.192). Patients' osteotomy healing was uneventful, and physeal closure was achieved in all the cases that had in situ pinning. We conclude that the severity of Vitamin D deficiency could be linked to the bilateral development of SCFE but not the severity of slippage. Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency facilitates physeal closure.

The Reliability of Postoperative Radiographic Matta Grading for Quality of Reduction of Acetabular Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of the postoperative radiographic Matta grading for quality of reduction of acetabular fractures. DESIGN: An inter-reliability and intrareliability study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: 15 independent observers of different levels of experience who evaluated 115 sets of postoperative acetabulum radiographs in 35 consecutive patients with displaced acetabular fractures between January 2017 and January 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of Matta radiographic grading for postoperative quality of reduction of acetabular fractures. RESULTS: The overall interobserver agreement was excellent among all groups with an average absolute intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.91 (95% CI 0.93-0.97). When stratifying the agreement based on experience, the orthopaedic trauma fellow subgroup had the highest rate with an ICC of 0.92. The overall intraobserver agreement was good with an ICC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.74-0.85). CONCLUSION: The Matta radiographic grading was a reliable tool for the evaluation of quality of reduction after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures with excellent interobserver and good intraobserver reliabilities among different levels of observers.

Naviculectomy With Limited Soft-Tissue Releases as a Third Way Beyond Manipulative Treatment and Extensive Soft-Tissue Releases for Ambulatory Children With Complex Congenital Vertical Talus: A Technical Note.

We investigated the radioclinical outcomes of naviculectomy and limited/tailored soft-tissue releases in a short series of ambulatory children with complex/intractable congenital vertical talus subsets namely neglected, multiple operated, and recurrent patients. We postulated that this technique will yield satisfactory radioclinical outcomes and minimal complications because it avoids extensive surgical release/trauma that is otherwise classically recommended for complex congenital vertical talus. The cohort consisted of 5­4 boys and 1 girl­complex congenital vertical talus children with neglected, multiple operated, and/or recurrent subsets. Patients were included if manipulative casting techniques were deemed unlikely to produce a plantigrade foot. Patients underwent naviculectomy with variable on-demand limited soft-tissue releases. Two patients had bilateral affection and 2 had a nonidiopathic cause. The mean age was 5.2 years (4-6.25) and mean follow-up was 2.3 years (1-3). We reported satisfactory outcomes as per foot posture, function, overall parent satisfaction including pain and radiography per lateral views of talar-axis-first metatarsal base angle on the short/intermediate term. Whereas manipulative casting is unlikely to yield lasting outcomes in ambulatory children with complex subsets of congenital vertical talus, extensive surgical soft-tissue releases have unfavorable long-term complications. As a substitute, naviculectomy as a form of resection arthroplasty created a practical and affordable third way between manipulative casting with or without minimally invasive surgery and the extensive surgical soft-tissue releases on the short-to-intermediate term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV case series.

The relationship between musculoskeletal health literacy and upper extremity patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the setting of atraumatic shoulder pain.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly utilized to assess patient-derived orthopaedic health status and function. The prevalence of limited musculoskeletal health literacy (MHL) has been demonstrated to be high within the orthopaedic literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between MHL and upper extremity-specific PROMs and to determine which patient- and symptom-related factors affect baseline PROMs in patients with atraumatic shoulder pain. HYPOTHESIS: Patients with limited MHL would demonstrate lower median scores on baseline PROMs compared with those with adequate MHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: New patients with atraumatic shoulder pain presenting to an academic practice were administered the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP), in addition to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaires. A detailed physical exam and history was performed by a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. Demographic patient data, in addition to prior imaging and orthopaedic treatment, was tabulated. The association between demographics, pain-related variables, and MHL with the ASES, SANE, and QuickDASH scores were examined using Spearman correlation coefficients for continuous variables and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for categorical variables. Non-parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the independent association of predictor variables with PROMs. RESULTS: A total of 439 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. The mean age was 58.8±12.6years (range: 24-93) with 162 (37%) being men. Overall, 172 patients (39.2%) attained a college degree or higher and 183 (41.7%) were currently employed. MHL was significantly associated with ASES (p=0.03), but not with the QuickDASH (p=0.75) or SANE score (p=0.16). Similarly, age, having been in the medical profession or having previously visited an orthopaedist were not associated with PROMs, while employment status correlated to the SANE score (p=0.002). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain level demonstrated varying strengths of association with each of the scores [ASES (r=-0.729, p<0.001), QuickDASH (r=0.557, p<0.001), and SANE (r=-0.430, p<0.001)]. MHL demonstrated no association with initial patient-derived treatment selection. DISCUSSION: The SANE and QuickDASH may be administered to patients presenting for atraumatic shoulder pain in the outpatient setting regardless of MHL. Further research should be focused on the utility of the ASES instrument amongst patients with lower educational levels and/or limited MHL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; diagnostic.

Long head of biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To compare tenotomy versus tenodesis for the treatment of long head of the biceps tendon pathologies. The primary outcome was the shoulder functional outcome. The secondary outcomes consisted of postoperative pain, elbow flexion and forearm supination strengths and postoperative complications. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Web of Science were searched until April 2020. Included studies were randomized controlled trials with a minimum 12 months' follow-up. RESULTS: Both treatments had similar improvement on the Constant-Murley score at 6 months and 12 months. However, tenotomy had a significantly lower Constant-Murley score at two years with a mean difference of -1.13 (95% confidence interval -1.9, -0.35). Furthermore, tenotomy had a risk ratio of 2.46 (95% confidence interval 1.66, 3.64) for developing Popeye's deformity. No significant difference was detected in other functional outcomes, pain, or elbow flexion and forearm strength indices. DISCUSSION: Tenodesis and tenotomy are both well-established techniques that similarly yield satisfactory outcomes. Despite that tenodesis had a statistically significant better Constant-Murley score at two years, this was clinically irrelevant. With the current evidence, we recommend either technique for the management of the long head of the biceps tendon pathologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level II.

Virtual orthopedic assessment: Main principles and specific regions.

Telemedicine was originally created as a way to treat patients who were located in remote places far away from local health facilities or in areas with shortages of medical professionals. Telemedicine is still used today to address those problems, and is increasingly becoming a tool for convenient medical care. With the emergence of pandemics, telemedicine became almost a mandatory and valuable option for continuing to provide medical care in various specialties. As the threat of pandemic progress has continued for months and may continue for years, it is essential to validate existing tools to maintain clinical assessment and patient treatment to avoid negative consequences of the lack of medical follow-up. Therefore, the establishment of a virtual assessment technique that can be conducted effectively is of outmost importance as a way of adapting to the current situation. This study evaluated the role of telemedicine in the assessment of various orthopedic pathologies by means of a systematic virtual evaluation.

Acute osteoarticular infections in children are frequently forgotten multidiscipline emergencies: beyond the technical skills.

Acute osteoarticular infections (AOI) should be treated as top emergencies. The first few days following the inception of infection are ultra-critical to long-term prognosis.A comprehensive road map for management of childhood AOI is still lacking despite recent advances in microbiology and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging). The many faces of childhood AOI warrant a multidiscipline approach to management.Laboratory and imaging findings of are still debatable and should not overshadow or delay a management plan based on the experienced physician's clinical judgment.Ample evidence-based practice supports the use of a few days of intravenous antibiotic administration followed by oral therapy until correlative clinical and basic laboratory (acute phase reactants) results improve.The growing body of evidence on 'high-risk' children/neonates of AOI warrants continual clinical extra-vigilance in identifying these patient subsets.Open drainage and debridement remain the mainstay of treatment of septic hips, whereas for other joints the use of alternative surgical techniques should be individualized or on case-by-case basis.Because the consequences of misdiagnosis of AOI are usually grave and permanent, proactive treatment/overtreatment is justified in the event of unconfirmed but suspicious diagnosis. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:584-592. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200155.

Multicentric Osteolysis, Nodulosis, and Arthropathy in two unrelated children with matrix metalloproteinase 2 variants: Genetic-skeletal correlations.

Multicentric Osteolysis, Nodulosis, and Arthropathy (MONA) syndrome is a rare genetic skeletal dysplasia. Its diagnosis can be deceptively similar to childhood-onset genetic skeletal dysplasias and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We aimed to report the syndrome's clinical and radiologic features with emphasis on skeletal manifestations. And establish relevant phenotype-genotype correlations. We evaluated two boys, 4-and-7-years-old with MONA syndrome. Both patients had consanguineous parents. We verified the diagnosis by correlating the outcomes of clinical, radiologic and molecular analysis. We specifically evaluated the craniofacial morphology and clinical and radiographic skeletal abnormalities. We contextualized the resultant phenotype-genotype correlations to publications on MONA and its differential diagnosis. Skeletal manifestations were the presenting symptoms and mostly restricted to hands and feet in terms of fixed extension deformity of the metacarpophalangeal and flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joints with extension deformity of big toes. There were arthritic symptoms in the older patient especially of the wrists and minute pathologic fractures. The skeletal radiographs showed osteopenia/dysplastic changes of hands and feet. Both patients had variants in the matrix metalloproteinase2 gene which conformed to phenotype of previously reported literature in one patient while the other had a novel variant which conformed to MONA phenotype. Craniofacial abnormalities were present. However, minimal extra-skeletal manifestations. Overall, there is an emerging distinctive skeletal pattern of involvement in terms of both clinical and radiographic features. This includes age of onset and location of presenting skeletal manifestations, chronological order of joint affection, longitudinal disease progression, specifics of skeletal radiographic pathology and craniofacial features. Nevertheless, physicians are cautioned against differential diagnosis of similar genetic skeletal dysplasias and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The safety of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To meet the increasing demands of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) while reducing its financial burden, there has been a shift toward outpatient surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety of outpatient TSA. METHODS: The primary objective was to compare re-admission rates and postoperative complications in outpatient versus inpatient TSA. The secondary objectives were functional outcomes and costs. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched until March 28, 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies reporting at least complications or readmission rates within a period of 30 days or more. RESULTS: Ten level III retrospective studies were included with 7637 (3.8%) and 192,025 (96.2%) patients underwent outpatient and inpatient TSA, respectively. Outpatient TSA had relatively younger and healthier patients. There were no differences between outpatient and inpatient arthroplasty for 30- and 90-day readmissions. Furthermore, unadjusted comparisons demonstrated significantly less total and major surgical complications, less total, major, and minor medical complications in favour of outpatient TSA. However, subgroup analyses demonstrated that there were no significant differences in all complication if the studies had matched controls and regardless of data source (database or nondatabase studies). The revision rates were similar between both groups at a 12-24 months follow-up. Two studies reported a significant reduction in costs in favour of outpatient TSA. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that outpatient TSA could be a safe and effective alternative to inpatient TSA in appropriately selected patients. It was evident that outpatient TSA does not lead to increased readmissions, complications, or revision rates. A potential additional benefit of outpatient TSA was cost reduction.

What orthopedic surgeons need to know about Covid-19 pandemic.

The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus disease 2019, is considered a major public concern that propagates steadily by the increased number of the infected cases and the mortality rate. In this article, we provide a brief review for Orthopedic surgeons as regard COVID-19 virus microbiology, epidemiology, clinical picture, and diagnosis. Moreover, what measures should be taken amid this pandemic to assess its control, maintain the urgent duties, and protect health care workers (HCW) are also discussed.

Growth Modulation for Knee Coronal Plane Deformities in Children With Nutritional Rickets: A Prospective Series With Treatment Algorithm.

To report prospectively the radioclinical outcome of guided growth surgery for coronal plane deformities around the knee in young children with nutritional rickets on the intermediate term, to assess the responsiveness of torsional deformities of the tibias to guided growth regarding function and objective clinical parameters, and to propose a treatment algorithm. Methods: Fifty children (male:female, 27:23) with knee coronal plane deformities (knees:physes, 86:99), (varum:valgum, 51:35) secondary to nutritional rickets were subjected to femoral and/or tibial temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using a two-hole 8-plate. The mean age at implantation was 3.8 ± 1.5 years (range 2.5 to 5). The mean follow-up was 2.8 years (range 2 to 4). All children received a standing full-length AP radiographs of both lower limbs in neutral rotation to measure the mechanical axis deviation, tibiofemoral angle, and joint orientation angles. Tibial torsion was objectively assessed by measuring the bimalleolar axis. Results: The radiologic measurements, tibiofemoral angle, mechanical axis deviation, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle, showed a highly statistically significant improvement (P ≤ 0.001). Radiographic outcomes correlated with their clinical counterparts. The mean duration of correction of the mechanical axis was 10.8 ± 2.4 months (7 to 21). The mean follow-up for rebound of the deformity was 1.5 years (range 1 to 3). Conclusion: The radioclinical outcome is rewarding with a tolerable complication profile. The mechanical complications were mostly related to lengthy implant retainment encountered in severe deformities. Internal tibial torsion seems profoundly responsive to correction of coronal plane deformity. And, derotation osteotomies are rarely justified. Our proposed algorithm may be used as a decision-taking guide for achieving the desired growth modulation in a more efficient manner.

Percutaneous low-energy osteotomy in treatment of pathological coronal knee deformities in pediatrics.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting in treatment of pathological coronal knee deformities in children equal or younger than 6 years. A prospective nonrandomized case series study was conducted. A total of 62 (109 limbs) patients with pathological coronal knee deformities were treated by percutaneous low-energy osteotomy and casting and observed over 3-10 years. The pathological nature was variable (rickets, Blount disease, dysplasia, after trauma, or after infection). The average age at the time of surgery was 4.5 years (range: 3-6 years). Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated annually and at the end of follow-up period. There was a statistically significant improvement of the clinical appearance and the radiological parameters regarding mechanical axis deviation and tibiofemoral angle at the end of follow-up period. The total complication rate was 6.4%, with only four limbs with overcorrection and three limbs with recurrence. Percutaneous osteotomy is a simple, safe, and effective option in the treatment of children with coronal knee deformities equal or younger than 6 years.

Intertrochanteric Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a case series study.

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty in the treatment of moderate-severe stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) on short-term basis. Nineteen patients (20 hips) with moderate-severe stable SCFE were surgically treated by Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty and followed up for 3-4 years. The cases aged between 12 and 18 years at the time of surgery and complained of a variety of symptoms and signs that included pain, limping, limited range of motion (ROM), and/or abductor weakness. The outcomes were assessed using clinical and radiological parameters as well as functional outcome measures: "Harris hip score" (HHS) and "The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index" (WOMAC). There were statistically significant improvements in flexion, internal rotation, and abduction ROM. HHS and WOMAC improved significantly with final follow-up scores at 86.76 and 6.4%, respectively. The radiological parameters showed significant improvement regarding Southwick angle (mean 12.8°), alpha angle of Nötzli (mean 29.85°), Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (mean 37.65°), neck shaft angle (mean 140.63°), and acetabulo-trochanteric distance (median14.1 mm) at the end of follow-up period. Imhäuser osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty is a good option in moderate-severe stable SCFE treatment.

Naviculectomy for two ambulatory children with intractable congenital vertical talus: redefining the indications of an old technique.

Congenital vertical talus is a rare and complex foot anomaly. Serial casting with or without minimally invasive surgery is a universal management strategy especially for children in the first year of life. Nevertheless, extensive surgical treatment of late-presenting, neglected and multiple operated children with congenital vertical talus may be required with guarded results. The results of naviculectomy as a more conservative intervention and directed exclusively at ambulatory children with intractable congenital vertical talus have not been reported. We present the radioclinical outcomes of two ambulatory children with intractable congenital vertical talus treated by naviculectomy/midtarsal resection and limited soft tissue release. One child had an isolated congenital vertical talus whereas the other had a non-isolated etiology. Generally, naviculectomy/midtarsal resection revealed a positive benefit-risk profile in children with intractably severe congenital vertical talus on the short-term. We reported favorable results in terms of foot appearance, function and radiology. We believe that a less invasive procedure like naviculectomy/midtarsal resection is an encouraging technique to investigate in children with intractable congenital vertical talus.

Double calcaneal osteotomy in treatment of flexible planovalgus foot deformity in ambulatory cerebral palsy. A case series study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective non randomized case series study was to assess the intermediate-term outcomes of double calcaneal osteotomy (lateral column lengthening and medial slide calcaneal osteotomy) use in ambulatory cerebral palsy with flexible planovalgus feet. METHODS: 16 cases with planovalgus feet were surgically treated by double calcaneal osteotomy and observed over an average of 33.5months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 10.74years. The functional outcomes were assessed clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: There were a statistical improvement of clinical heel valgus and all radiological parameters as regard talar head uncoverage, calcaneal pitch, talo-calcaneal angle, and talus 1st metatarsal angle at the end of follow up period. CONCLUSION: Double calcaneal osteotomy is a good option in the treatment of flexible planovalgus feet in ambulatory cerebral palsy patients.

Orthopedic Professionals' Recognition and Knowledge of Pain and Perceived Barriers to Optimal Pain Management at Five Hospitals.

Pain is a challenge for orthopedic healthcare professionals (OHCP). However, pain studies examined the competencies of a single OHCP category, did not consider various pain management domains or barriers to optimal pain service, and are deficient across the Arabic Eastern Mediterranean region. We surveyed OHCP's recognition and knowledge of pain and perceived barriers to optimal pain service (361 OHCP, five hospitals). Chi square compared doctors' (n = 63) vs. nurses/physiotherapists' (n = 187) views. In terms of pain recognition, more nurses had pain management training, confidently assessed pediatric/elderly pain, were aware of their departments' pain protocols, and felt that their patients receive proper pain management. More doctors comfortably prescribed opiate medications and agreed that some nationalities were more sensitive to pain. For pain knowledge, more nurses felt patients are accurate in assessing their pain, vital signs are accurate in assessing children's pain, children feel less pain because of nervous system immaturity, narcotics are not preferred due respiratory depression, and knew pre-emptive analgesia. As for barriers to optimal pain service, less nurses agreed about the lack of local policies/guidelines, knowledge, and skills; time to pre-medicate patients; knowledge about medications; complexity of the clinical environment; and physicians being not comfortable prescribing pain medication. We conclude that doctors required confidence in pain, especially pediatric and geriatric pain, using vital signs in assessing pain and narcotics use. Their most perceived barriers were lack of local policies/guidelines and skills. Nurses required more confidence in medications, caring for patients on narcotics, expressed fewer barriers than doctors, and the complexity of the clinical environment was their highest barrier. Educational programs with clinical application could improve OHCPs' pain competencies/clinical practices in pain assessment and administration of analgesics.