Paediatric anterior cruciate ligament tears: management and growth disturbances. A survey of EPOS and POSNA membership.

PURPOSE: The therapeutic algorithm of paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears remains controversial. The primary aim of the study was to describe variations in practice patterns among European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) and Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) members with respect to management of ACL tears in skeletally immature patients. The secondary objective was to determine the number, type and severity of growth disturbances associated with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: An email invitation to complete a 52-question survey was sent to all members of POSNA and EPOS. Data were collected automatically. Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: In all, 305 (25.4%) surgeon members responded. Only 182 (60%) of the participants treated ACL injuries in skeletally immature patients and completed the survey. A total of 17% of EPOS and 70% of POSNA members recommended ACLR within three months for a prepubescent paediatric ACL tear. In total, 61% of POSNA and 83% of EPOS members recommended ACLR within three months for a pubescent paediatric ACL tear. Epiphyseal tunnels were the preferred technique in prepubescent children (43% at the tibia and 49% at the femur), while transphyseal tunnels were recommended preferentially in pubescent children (85% at the tibia and 63% at the femur). In all, 5.5% of participants reported growth disturbances after ACLR. CONCLUSION: Current practice patterns across the Atlantic remain varied and controversial. Consensus remains elusive; as such, research collaboration among societies will be important to develop an evidence-based treatment algorithm. The use of transphyseal tunnels has been reinforced. The number of cases of significant growth disturbance is minimal, yet worrisome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Bone reconstruction after malignant tumour resection using a motorized lengthening intramedullary nail in adolescents: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: Bone reconstruction after malignant tumour of the lower limbs is a challenge. Our aim was to investigate the results of bone lengthening and transport using the Fitbone motorized lengthening nail. METHODS: Eight patients were included. Two patients had had a tumour involving soft tissue only without bone resection. In six patients, the initial bone defect was 15.5 cm (8 to 24). The first step of reconstruction had consisted of temporary fixation and a cement spacer. The second step had consisted of bone grafting in five patients. One patient was managed with bone transport. Eventually, five patients had a limb-length discrepancy (LLD) managed with bone lengthening only. Two patients had a LLD and a nonunion managed with bone transport and lengthening. Mean age at bone lengthening was 15.2 years (11 to 19). Mean follow-up was 30.5 months (10 to 48). RESULTS: In all, 11 nails were implanted in eight patients (eight femurs, three tibias). Mean length gain per procedure was 54.5 mm (30 to 80). Mean healing index was 48.4 days per cm (22.6 to 85.7). The complication rate was 18%. In two cases we observed a loose locking screw, which was revised. In all cases the lengthening involved the short bone (femur or tibia). Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score improved from 52.7 (16.6 to 73.3) to 79.9 (63.3 to 96.6). CONCLUSIONS: Bone reconstruction using a motorized intramedullary nail stands as a safe and reliable alternative after malignant tumour. It allows biological reconstruction with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome and low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Day surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children: a prospective study on feasibility and satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of day surgery anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in children. Our hypothesis was that proper patient selection, adequate information and a streamlined clinical pathway would allow for a safe and satisfactory procedure. METHODS: A total of 20 patients, seven girls and 13 boys, who underwent outpatient ACLR at mean age of 14 years (8 to 16) were included in this single institution prospective case series. Surgery took place under simple general anesthesia while analgesia protocol combined local anesthesia, oral analgesics for the postoperative period and compressive cryotherapy. The main failure criterion was the inability to return home the day of surgery or the need for rehospitalization during the first week after discharge. Secondary evaluation parameters were the rate of postoperative complications, postoperative pain, quality of life (QOL) and patients' satisfaction outcome questionnaire (PSOQ) at postoperative day 1, 7 and 31. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients included, only one failed the ambulatory mode. The mean PSOQ score was, respectively for children and parents, 91.4% and 90.7% at day 7 and 94.6% and 95.7% at one month. Postoperative QOL at day 7 was very satisfying for all patients. Two minor early complications were reported. Both of the late complications, which included one partial wound dehiscence and one persistent knee swelling, resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that, in a targeted and well-informed population, day surgery for children ACLR yields high level of patient and family satisfaction in a safely manner. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, prospective case series.

Salvage of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia by the induced membrane technique followed by a motorised lengthening nail.

An 18-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type I was treated for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia using the Masquelet induced-membrane technique with internal fixation by retrograde implantation of a transplantar intramedullary nail. Bone healing was obtained at the expense of malunion with external rotation and 5.5cm of lower limb shortening. A motorised intramedullary-lengthening nail (Fitbone®, Wittenstein, Igersheim, Germany) was implanted. This treatment was successful in correcting the rotational malalignment and limb length discrepancy. The motorised nail Fitbone® may be a valid option for treating complex cases of limb length discrepancy, including those combined with limb deformities.

Relevance of MRI for management of non-displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment for non-displaced (<2 mm displacement) fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children is controversial. Most studies recommend non-surgical treatment. However, plain radiographs are not sufficient to evaluate extension of the fracture line through the articular cartilage. This explains the high frequency of secondary displacements and non-unions, despite well-conducted conservative treatment. We hypothesized that MRI could be used to analyse whether the fracture is complete or incomplete. This could help to determine whether surgical or conservative treatment is indicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled children being treated for a non-displaced (< 2 mm gap) fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. All patients were treated with a long-arm cast in the emergency room. An MRI was done later on without sedation. A specific protocol was used to reduce the duration of the examination. T2-weighted and proton density fat-saturated sequences were used. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled: 16 boys and 11 girls with a mean age of 5 years (2-10). The MRI was performed an average of 7 days (1-23) after the fracture. The MRI could not be interpreted in two cases because the child had moved during the examination. In the other 25 patients, the fracture was incomplete in 17 patients and complete in 8 patients. Two children had secondary displacement diagnosed 7 and 11 days after the fracture event. These two patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. There was no correlation between patient age and the fracture being complete or incomplete. There were no cases of non-union. CONCLUSION: MRI appears to be a reliable method for determining whether the fracture line is complete or incomplete. It can be performed without sedation, even in children as young as 2 years of age. Use of an injury-specific MRI protocol reduces the length of the examination, thereby improving its performance. We recommend that it be used to analyse non-displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Prospective study.

Does patella lowering improve crouch gait in cerebral palsy? Comparative retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patella lowering aims to improve quadriceps function as a means of correcting crouch gait in patients with cerebral palsy. Few studies have assessed the effects of patella lowering as a component of multilevel surgery. HYPOTHESIS: Including patella lowering into the components of multilevel surgery is beneficial in patients with crouch gait and patella alta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 12 lower limbs with patella alta (Caton-Deschamps index>1.4) in 41 children with cerebral palsy, patella lowering was performed, without distal femoral extension osteotomy or hamstring release. Among limbs with similar surgical procedures (e.g., hamstring lengthening, rectus femoris transfer) except for patella lowering, controls were selected retrospectively by matching on a propensity score for patella lowering. The propensity score was computed based on preoperative knee flexion contracture, knee extension lag, and minimum knee flexion at mid-stance. Clinical and 3D kinematic data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The improvement in minimum knee flexion at mid-stance was significantly greater in the group with patellar lowering (-24°±12°vs. -12°±7°). The Gait Deviation Index improved similarly in the two groups. Knee flexion contracture improved only in the group with patellar lowering. Extension lag did not improve in either group. Peak knee flexion during the swing phase remained unchanged in both groups. DISCUSSION: Patellar lowering is effective in diminishing minimum knee flexion at mid-stance in patients with patella alta and crouch gait due to cerebral palsy. Patellar lowering has not adverse effects on gait. These findings cannot be assumed to apply to patients with normal patellar height. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (retrospective study).

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis management and the arthroscope.

BACKGROUND: In situ pinning of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) results in various degrees of deformity of the femoral head-neck junction. Repetitive trauma from cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can lead to labral tears and injury to the articular cartilage causing loss of function. Arthroscopic osteoplasty is an alternative to open procedure and to Southwick/Imhäuser-type osteotomies in symptomatic selected cases. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The amount of bone to be resected has to be carefully planned pre-operatively. Only gentle traction is applied on a well-padded perineal support. A spherical burr is used to gradually resect the prominence. Intra-operative fluoroscopy is very useful when checking adequate reshaping of the head-neck junction is obtained. RESULTS: Arthroscopy often reveals acetabular cartilage lesions, labrum hyperhemia and fraying which rarely require repair. Arthroscopic osteoplasty provides satisfactory pain relief and, to a lesser extent, restores hip internal rotation. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic osteoplasty is more technically and time-demanding in post SCFE than idiopathic FAI. It requires strong arthroscopic skills and experience in hip arthroscopy. It stands as a reasonable alternative to open procedure or flexion osteotomies in symptomatic FAI post mild to moderate SCFE. It provides pain relief and to a lesser extent restores internal rotation of the hip.

MRI of acute osteomyelitis in long bones of children: Pathophysiology study.

INTRODUCTION: The classic pathophysiology of acute osteomyelitis in children described by Trueta has a metaphyseal infection as the starting point. This hypothesis was recently brought into question by Labbé's study, which suggested a periosteal origin. Thus, we wanted to study this disease's pathophysiology through early MRI examinations and to look for prognostic factors based on abnormal findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentre study that included cases of long bone osteomyelitis in children who underwent an MRI examination within 7days of the start of symptoms and within 24hours of the initiation of antibiotic therapy. We also collected clinical, laboratory and treatment-related data. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included, including one with a bifocal condition. The lower limb was involved in most cases (19/21). Staphylococcus aureus was found most frequently. Metaphyseal involvement was present in all cases. No isolated periosteal involvement was found in any of the cases. No prognostic factors were identified based on the various abnormal findings on MRI. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the metaphyseal origin of acute osteomyelitis in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Arthroscopic treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures with intraepiphyseal screws in children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial intercondylar eminence fracture rarely occurs in childhood. Its treatment requires anatomic reduction to provide knee stability and a rigid fixation to minimize postoperative immobilization time. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopy combined with fluoroscopy with intra-epiphyseal ASNIS screw fixation can meet the requirements of this treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The series comprised 24 patients (mean age: 11 years) with Meyers and McKeever type II tibial intercondylar eminence fractures (n=15) or type III (n=9), operated on between 2011 and 2013. Fixation with 4-mm ASNIS screws was placed arthroscopically. The demographic data, associated lesions, radiological union, stability, functional result, and the Lysholm score were evaluated. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 2 years, the mean Lysholm score was 99.3 for type II and 98.6 for type III fractures. At the 6th postoperative week, range of motion in the operated knees was identical to the healthy knees. At the 12th postoperative week, there was no sign of anterior laxity. Twelve cases included meniscal entrapment, but no significant difference was observed in the functional results. DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION: ASNIS screw fixation under arthroscopy can be successfully applied in the treatment of types II and III tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children. This technique provides excellent stability, allows early weigh-tbearing, and preserves function of the knee and its growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

[Pseudotumoral soft tissue masses in children and adolescents]. / Masses des tissus mous d'allure tumorale de l'enfant et de l'adolescent.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudotumoral soft tissue masses in children and adolescents are a frequent reason for consultation and a diagnostic dilemma. Soft tissue malignancies are relatively uncommon, unlike the large number of benign lesions that may be seen in the superficial tissue and that can be diagnosed with clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study concerns 161 children and adolescents less than 20 years old, referred for a soft tissue mass between 2007 and 2011. It describes their epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and course of care to validate a diagnostic strategy for such masses. RESULTS: Final diagnoses were malignant tumors (44%), benign tumors (32%), and pseudotumoral lesions (24%). Clinical features were similar between these three groups except for age and tumor location, with more benign thoracic masses in younger children. Clinical and radiological association led to an accurate diagnosis for 50% of benign masses and with cytological analysis contribution in 79% of benign tumors and 86% of pseudotumoral lesions. Malignant tumors were suspected in only 39% of cases with radiological exams and in 89% after fine-needle aspiration, an essential additional diagnostic tool. Final diagnoses were formally established through simple standard clinical and radiological evaluation in 19 patients (11.8%; benign tumors, seven patients; malformations, eight patients; post-traumatic lesions, two patients; infection and inflammation, one patient each); ultrasound exam in five patients (3.1%; hemangioendotheliomas, two patients, fascial dehiscence, hemangioma, and vascular malformation, one patient each); MRI in four patients (2.5%; three vascular malformations and one lipoma); CT in two cases (1.2%; vascular malformation and myositis ossificans), and radiological examinations associated with cell aspiration in 15 cases (9.3%; ten benign tumors and five malignant tumors). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach should be requested from oncological, radiological, and pathologic experts to optimize soft tissue mass management as soon as initial investigations start. The authors advise a diagnostic strategy for children with pseudotumoral soft tissue masses.

Neuromuscular scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a common deformity in many types of neuromuscular disease. Severe spinal curvature can cause difficulty in sitting. Conservative and surgical treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis differs from idiopathic scoliosis, being more complex and with a higher complications rate. Non-surgical measures rarely fully control progressive scoliosis, but aim to prevent spinal deformities secondary to muscular hypotonia or contracture. Twenty-four hour bracing should be adjusted throughout growth, and may induce functional impairment and loss of independence. Corrective surgery requires multidisciplinary management and perioperative screening. Pelvic obliquity is commonly associated with neuromuscular scoliosis, making sitting difficult: correction needs to be considered during surgical planning. The goal of surgical correction is to obtain and maintain a well-balanced spine above a well-positioned pelvis. Preoperative multidisciplinary assessment enables potential problems of terrain to be anticipated. Respiratory function investigation will guide possible non-invasive perioperative ventilation. Nutritional and psychosocial assessment should also be incorporated in this preparation, as should overall postoperative care. Implementing this overall strategic planning can achieve a good surgical and functional result in the vast majority of cases.

Congenital tibial deficiencies: treatment using the Ilizarov's external fixator.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital longitudinal deficiency of the tibia is a rare and often syndromic anomaly. Amputation is usually the preferred treatment option in complete absence of the tibia; however, a conservative management might be implemented in partial forms or in case of amputation refusal. Our experience with the Ilizarov fixator, convinced us this device was the best suited for progressive correction of lower limbs length discrepancies and articular or bone angular limb deformities (ALD). The aim of this study is to highlight the interest of the Ilizarov fixator in the multistage conservative treatment of congenital tibial deficiencies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in nine patients suffering from Type I or II congenital tibial deficiencies (Jones) and sequentially managed using the Ilizarov technique. The functional outcome after treatment completion was then clinically assessed. RESULTS: The different stages of correction were recorded for each individual patient. Patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 18,3 years (4-32 years). The mean maximum knee flexion was 35 degrees (0 degrees -90 degrees ) in type I deficiencies and 118 degrees (90 degrees -140 degrees ) in type II deficiencies. One patient underwent amputation and a bilateral knee arthrodesis was performed in another case. DISCUSSION: Few series in the literature report a comparable length of follow-up period in the conservative management of severe congenital tibial deficiencies. In our study, the Ilizarov fixator provided satisfactory progressive corrections of severe congenital tibial deficiencies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV therapeutic retrospective study.

Popliteal pterygium knee contracture: treatment with the Ilizarov technique.

INTRODUCTION: Various treatment options are in use to address severe knee flexion contractures in children. Their success depends on an adequate selection of the proper one applying to each individual anatomical situation. HYPOTHESIS: Applied to limb deformity, the Ilizarov technique combines progressive correction, to joint structures flexibility restitution in case of severe knee flexion contracture. We review a continuous series of popliteal pterygium syndrome patients managed with this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of eight children (11 knees), consecutively treated between 1986 and 2007, were reviewed. Knee flexion ranged from 40 to 120 degrees. Contracture (> 90 degrees) was extremely severe in 10 cases. Progressive correction was gained by Ilizarov external fixation. Complications during and following articular chain distraction-lengthening were noted. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 21 years. RESULTS: Surgical realignment was rendered particularly complex by the popliteal cutaneous band itself, partly responsible of the joint stiffness and sciatic nerve shortening. Deformities were corrected by the Ilizarov technique. Complete extension was obtained in all cases. In six cases, flexion contracture reccurrence required to repeat the correction, using the same technique, at a mean interval of 3-4 years. During follow-up, four evolutive partial posterior tibial dislocations and one complete dislocation were diagnosed, all associated with recurrence of the flexion contracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Therapeutic Study.

[Mini-invasive double-incision for patellar tendon harvesting in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Prélèvement du transplant patellaire par double voie mini invasive dans la reconstruction du ligament croisé antérieur.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Injury to infrapatellar branches of the medial saphenous nerve are incriminated in disorders of the anterior aspect of the knee, particularly following bone-tendon-bone reconstruction. We demonstrated in prior anatomic work the usefulness of using a double-incision minimal approach for harvesting the patellar transplant in order to spare the nerve branches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patellar transplant is harvested via two vertical incisions, one on the apex of the patella and the other along the protrusion of the anterior tibial tubercle. After harvesting the bony transplant from the patella, discision of the patellar tendon fibers is advanced subcutaneously towards the anterior tibial tubercle, allowing extraction of the patellar graft via the tibial incision using a small forceps and respecting the peritendon. The tibial bone is then harvested. The standard anterolateral and anteromedial approaches are used for the ligament reconstruction. RESULTS: We have conducted a case control study between this harvesting technique using the double-incision technique (42 knees) versus the conventional single incision harvesting technique. We studied the influence of the harvesting technique on anterior knee pain, the surface area of the sensorial disorders involving the anterior aspect of the knee, and kneeling problems. DISCUSSION: Our technique has enabled a significant decrease in the surface area of sensorial disorders (7.4 cm2 versus 17.4 cm2) and problems kneeling compared with the conventional method.

[Tibial osteitis caused by Pantoea agglomerans after open grade IIIB tibial shaft fracture]. / Ostéite tibiale à Pantoea agglomerans au décours d'une fracture ouverte stade IIIB de jambe.

Bone infection is not an uncommon complication of open tibial shaft fractures. We report an unusual case of chronic tibial osteitis caused by Pantoea agglomerans after an open grade IIIB tibial shaft fracture. P. agglomerans, an enterobacteria, was identified on bone samples obtained nine months after the fracture. The infection probably resulted from the initial soil contamination and developed despite fixation and bone covering with a muscle flap performed during the same operative time and adapted intravenous antibiotics.