Radial overgrowth after radial shortening osteotomies for skeletally immature patients with Kienböck's disease.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that radial shortening osteotomy (radial shortening) for skeletally immature patients with Kienböck's disease would induce overgrowth of the radius. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of radial shortening on radial growth in skeletally immature patients with Kienböck's disease and to clarify the relationship between the postoperative growth alterations and the clinical results. METHODS: Eight wrists of 8 skeletally immature patients with Kienböck's disease were treated with radial shortening. There were 3 boys and 5 girls, ranging in age from 11 to 18 (mean, 14) years old. All patients presented with open physis and negative ulnar variance. The length of the radial shortening equaled the amount of negative ulnar variance. Clinical assessment was based on the modified Nakamura scoring system. Radiographic assessment, including Lichtman's stages, ulnar variance, carpal height ratio, radial inclination, and volar tilt, was performed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at follow-up. A difference in ulnar variance of more than 2 mm between these 3 measurements was considered to be overgrowth. Statistical comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up period of 69 months, the mean clinical score was 19.7 of 21 maximum points, with all wrists rated as excellent. Radiographically, no progression of Lichtman stage was found in any patient. At follow-up, the x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated lunate revascularization in all patients. Four of the 8 had overgrowth in the operated radius. On the other hand, other radiographic parameters showed no significant changes at follow-up. The occurrence of postoperative radial overgrowth did not notably affect the clinical scores. CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggest the probability of overgrowth of the radius in skeletally immature patients with Kienböck's disease treated with radial shortening. The postoperative radial overgrowth after this osteotomy had no effect on clinical and other radiographic outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

OSAS in craniofacial syndromes: an unsolved problem.

Although the incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSAS) in craniofacial syndromes is high, it is often not recognized and thus not treated. In order to study the diagnostics and treatment options for these patients, we studied a group of 72 patients treated in our hospital for Apert, Crouzon, or Pfeiffer syndrome, and compared our findings with the literature. There appears to be agreement on polysomnography (PSG) and airway endoscopy as the main diagnostic options, but therapies are very diverse. Early diagnostics and prompt therapy will prevent serious complications.