Showing papers in "Journal of Children's Orthopaedics in 2013"

Epidemiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common disease with an overall prevalence of 0.47–5.2 % in the current literature. The female to male ratio ranges from 1.5:1 to 3:1 and increases substantially with increasing age. In particular, the prevalence of curves with higher Cobb angles is substantially higher in girls than in boys: The female to male ratio rises from 1.4:1 in curves from 10° to 20° up to 7.2:1 in curves >40°. Curve pattern and prevalence of scoliosis is not only influenced by gender, but also by genetic factors and age of onset. These data obtained from school screening programs have to be interpreted with caution, since methods and cohorts of the different studies are not comparable as age groups of the cohorts and diagnostic criteria differ substantially. We do need data from studies with clear standards of diagnostic criteria and study protocols that are comparable to each other.

Overview of foot deformity management in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract: Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy are common. The natural history of the deformities of the feet is very variable and very unpredictable in young children less then 5 years old. Treatment for the young children should be primarily with orthotics and manual therapy. Equinus is the most common deformity, with orthotics augmented with botulinum toxin being the primary management in young children. When fixed deformity develops lengthening only the muscle which is contracted is preferred. Varus deformity of the feet is often associated with equinus, and can almost always be managed with orthotics until 8 or 10 years of age. Planovalgus is the most common deformity in children with bilateral lower extremity spasticity. The primary management is orthotics until the child no longer tolerates the orthotic; then surgical management needs to consider all the deformities and all should be corrected. This requires correcting the subtalor subluxation with calcaneal lengthening or fusion, medial midfoot correction with osteotomy or fusion.

Idiopathic scoliosis: etiological concepts and hypotheses

Abstract: Scoliosis is diagnosed as idiopathic in 70 % of structural deformities affecting the spine in children and adolescents, probably reflecting our current misunderstanding of this disease. By definition, a structural scoliosis should be the result of some primary disorder. The goal of this article is to give a comprehensive overview of the currently proposed etiological concepts in idiopathic scoliosis regarding genetics, molecular biology, biomechanics, and neurology, with particular emphasis on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Despite the fact that numerous potential etiologies for idiopathic scoliosis have been formulated, the primary etiology of AIS remains unknown. Beyond etiology, identification of prognostic factors of AIS progression would probably be more relevant in our daily practice, with the hope of reducing repetitive exposure to radiation, unnecessary brace treatments, psychological implications, and costs-of-care related to follow-up in low-risk patients.

Hip surveillance and management of the displaced hip in cerebral palsy

Abstract: Introduction This article provides an overview of the management of a displaced hip in children with cerebral palsy and considers surveillance programmes, principles of surgical reconstruction and options for the salvage of an unreconstructable hip in these children.

Reliability of assessing the coronal curvature of children with scoliosis by using ultrasound images.

Abstract: Purpose To investigate the intra- and inter-observer reliability of the coronal curvature asymmetry of children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using the center of lamina (COL) method on ultrasound (US) images.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and its association with endocrine, metabolic and chronic diseases: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract: Purpose Puberty, obesity, endocrine and chronic systemic diseases are known to be associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The mechanical insufficiency of the physis in SCFE is thought to be the result of an abnormal weakening of the physis. However, the mechanism at the cellular level has not been unravelled up to now.

The effects of botulinum toxin injection frequency on calf muscle growth in young children with spastic cerebral palsy: a 12-month prospective study.

Abstract: Purpose This study was a 12-month prospective investigation of changes in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle morphology in children aged 2–5 years with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) who had received no previous intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) and were randomised to receive either single or multiple (three) BoNT-A injections to the gastrocsoleus. MG morphological changes were compared to age-matched typically developing (TD) peers.

Biomechanics and muscle function during gait.

Abstract: Gait disorders in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) initially lead to functional deformities which later become structural. The deformities may greatly increase energy consumption and thus limit function. Under normal conditions, however, energy consumption is optimal [1]. Correction of biomechanics towards normality improves energy consumption [2, 3]. For this reason, correction of deformities aims at normality. As, in principle, normal function rather than normal anatomy is the goal, biomechanics and muscle function need to be understood in normal and pathological situations. Gait analysis has yielded deep insights into these issues. Kinematics show the interplay of joint movements at a given time, but only the additional use of kinetics can help us to understand muscle function. A major problem in this respect is the anatomical bias of agonist–antagonist interplay: the main motors of motion. When interpreting kinetic gait data, it becomes obvious that this approach applies poorly to the functional situation. Joint moments are, to a great extent, the product of the ground reaction force (GRF) times its distance to the center of the joint. However, segment inertia and acceleration also contribute and should not be underestimated. The external moment is neutralized by an internal moment created by the muscles on the opposite side of the joint in order to maintain stability. As a consequence, under load, the functional antagonist to the muscle is the external moment. Thus, hip flexion (for instance) may not be due to hip flexor activity. The external moment may flex the hip and inadequate hip extension thus results from hip extensor weakness. In this case, the extensor side of the joint needs to be addressed. Another consequence concerns the direction of muscle activity. Anatomically, a muscle pulls from insertion to origin, moving the distal body segment towards the proximal one. Under load, however, the distal body segment is the more stable of the two segments, as it is relatively fixed to the floor; the proximal one has more freedom of movement. This condition inverts the direction of muscle pull, and the proximal segment moves with respect to the distal one. Thus, the interpretation differs depending on whether a loaded (stance phase) and unloaded (swing phase) situation is considered. One example of such a situation is internal rotation of the leg (seen as hip internal rotation) resulting from excessive dorsiflexion in the subtalar joint and the midfoot. Foot dorsiflexion is a compound movement of the ankle, subtalar, and midfoot joints. The contribution of each joint varies and depends on the length of the triceps surae muscle–tendon complex. The result is an oblique dorsiflexion axis that combines pure dorsiflexion with external rotation and pronation with respect to a fixed shank. If, however, the foot is fixed to the floor by loading and friction, the same movement rotates the leg internally [4, 5]. When the hip flexes and adducts, the pelvis also rotates and tilts anteriorly. This phenomenon becomes more important as the triceps surae shortens and the the midfoot break becomes more pronounced. Severe cases present with a malalignment syndrome. Under normal conditions, however, adequate activity of the tibial muscles stabilizes the foot, avoiding this phenomenon. Another physical effect was described as a plantar flexion–knee extension couple [6, 7]. Only under load is the triceps muscle capable of holding the tibia back and in this way extending the knee (Fig. 1). Due to joint connections and inertia, the effect of this single muscle only travels proximally and leads to hip flexion, internal rotation, and adduction, together with R. Brunner (&) E. Rutz Basel, Switzerland e-mail: reinaldbrunner@sunrise.ch

Progression or not progression? How to deal with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during puberty

Abstract: Idiopathic scoliosis is a growing spine disorder. Only a perfect knowledge of normal growth parameters such as bone age, stages of puberty, standing and sitting height, arm spam, Tanner stages, and weight allow the surgeon to plan the best treatment at the right moment. Measurements should be repeated and carefully recorded at regular intervals. Puberty is not a sudden event: it has a gradual onset and it is preceded by an incubation phase. It is not a point on a chart: it is a period that lasts two years beginning at a bone age of 11 and 13 years in girls and in boys, respectively. Two years of rapid growth (“acceleration phase”) are followed by three years of steady reduction of growth rates (“deceleration phase”). Skeletal maturation needs to be evaluated carefully to evaluate the progression risk of scoliosis during the phase of accelerating growth velocity. This article explains how to identify pubertal growth spurt, both clinically and radiographically, in order to correctly monitor patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

The effect of tranexamic acid in blood loss and transfusion volume in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a single-surgeon experience.

Abstract: Purpose Intraoperative blood loss in scoliosis surgery often requires transfusions. Autogenous blood decreases but does not eliminate risks typically associated with allogenic blood transfusion. Costs associated with transfusions are significant. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss in cardiac and joint surgery. Few studies have examined its use in pediatric spine surgery, and the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine whether TXA decreases intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion by a single surgeon. Methods The medical records and operative reports of surgically treated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were: (1) patients who underwent instrumented posterior spinal fusion, (2) had complete medical records, and (3) were treated by the same surgeon. Forty-nine patients w...

Botulinum toxin A treatment of the lower extremities in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract: Objectives In the last 2 decades, BTX-A is increasingly being used in the management of spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and there is no doubt about its effect on range of motion, spasticity reduction and gait pattern in this patient population. However, in daily practice, there is still an ongoing search for the best way to apply BTX-A. Two studies were set up to evaluate how successful an integrated multilevel treatment approach is in children with CP. The first study identifies crucial factors within the treatment strategy which may predict the outcome. The second study evaluates the efficacy of repeated BTX-A injections.

Induced membrane technique for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: preliminary results of five cases

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the two-stage surgical technique combining induced membrane, spongy autograft and intramedullary fixation for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT).

Pathogenesis and biomechanics of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

Abstract: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is defined as a scoliosis that starts after the age of ten and has no clear underlying disease as a reason for its development. There is, however, a disparity between the growth of the vertebral bodies anteriorly and that of the posterior elements. The vertebral bodies grow faster than the posterior elements, resulting primarily in a lordosis. The diminished dorsal growth impedes the ventrally located vertebral bodies from increasing in height, forcing them to become distorted, i.e., rotate, in order to create space for themselves. This produces a rotational lordosis. The idea of looking at it in this way dates back to Somerville in 1952. Many recent studies have confirmed this idea and have shown that the spinal canal is shorter than the anterior ligament of the vertebral bodies. In a mathematical model of the spine it was demonstrated that—although the vertebral column in humans is still predominantly loaded in an axial direction—certain segments of the human spine (especially the backward inclined segments) are subject to dorsally directed shear loads as well. In addition to the antero-posterior difference in growth, there is also a deformation of the vertebral bodies itself in 3-D. This is probably secondary and not primary effects, but this question is still under discussion. For the treatment of scoliosis, the biomechanical principles of axial and transverse forces are used. The combination of axial and transverse loads is most beneficial for all curves. The axial forces provide most of the corrective bending moment when deformity is severe, while the transverse loads take over the correcting function when deformity is mild. The deformity angle of 53° is the break-even point for the axial and transverse loads. In more severe curves transverse forces become less and less efficient, while axial forces rapidly gain more and more effect.

A brief overview of 100 years of history of surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract: The history of surgical correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis reaches back about 100 years: the natural course of progressive, crippling and sometimes even life-threatening deformities which could not be controlled by external means called for effectual, invasive procedures. Hibbs 1911 aimed at halting progression by long, uninstrumented fusions. However, the lack of true correction, long rehabilitation times, high pseudarthrosis and infection rates, and a fusion mass which bent further once exposed to gravity again were not satisfying. The transition from slowing progression to halting progression and truly correcting the deformity lasted almost another half a century: Paul Harrington, confronted with many scoliotic polio patients, successfully introduced a hook–rod system for concave-distraction and convex-compression at the end of the 1950s. Many implant failures, a still-considerable pseudarthrosis rate, flattening of the sagittal profile and the lack of true three-dimensional (3D) correction were the shortcomings. In the 1970s the Frenchmen Cotrel and Dubousset took scoliosis surgery to the next level by introducing a versatile hook system and curve-pattern-adapted correction modes. The basics of the so-called derotation-manoeuvre consists in strategic distribution of the anchors along the curve, bending the rod accordingly, and rotating it back into the sagittal plane. The overall correction, stability and the fusion rates improved significantly. However, the effect on the sagittal and transverse plane were still limited. Lately, a better biomechanical understanding and bilateral, polysegmental strong three-column fixation with pedicle screw has become the benchmark method: in conjunction with posterior release techniques, osteotomies or even vertebral column resections for severe cases, it allows better 3D control (vertebral column manipulation), faster rehabilitation and better patient satisfaction.

Natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a tool for guidance in decision of surgery of curves above 50°

Abstract: The purpose of this lecture was to give an overview of the natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), in order to serve as guidance in the decision of performing surgery or not for the specific patient with AIS. A literature review was performed. Studies concerning long-term outcome in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that had received no treatment were used. Outcome in terms of curve size, pulmonary function, back function and quality or life/social life was compared. The literature review showed that single thoracic curves of 50°–75° progress 0.73°/year over a 40-year period. AIS do not result in increased mortality, but pulmonary symptoms may be associated with larger curves. Back pain is more frequent among patients with AIS. No study using modern quality of life questionnaires exists, but for social function, childbearing, and marriage no apparent disadvantageous effects were reported compared to the healthy population. The conclusion is that most individuals with AIS and moderate curve size around maturity function well and lead an acceptable life in terms of work and family. Some patients with larger curves have pulmonary problems, but not to the extent that this affects the life span. This needs to be taken into account when discussing surgery with the individual patient.

Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity in children: diagnosis, management, and outcomes

Abstract: Purpose Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the upper extremity is a rare but serious condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of ACS of the upper extremity in a pediatric population.

Classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

Abstract: In 1983 Howard King presented his classification system for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) based on the experience with Harrington rod instrumentation. Curves were divided into five types and guidelines and recommendations for which levels should be instrumented were given to preserve motion as much as possible. As segmental instrumentation systems began to gain favor over the Harrington rods this system failed and led to the development of a new classification system which was presented by Lawrence Lenke in 2001. In order to define a curve type by the Lenke classification, one must identify the curve type, the lumbar modifier and, for the first time in any classification system for scoliosis, the sagittal profile was also included. The Lenke classification showed higher inter and intra-reliability compared to the King classification. It also provided a better and more reliable tool to assist surgeons in choosing the best method of treatment for each curve pattern. Although the Lenke classification is more comprehensive and reliable than the King classification it is still far from perfect. It does not address the rotational component of the deformity. New technologies which provide three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the spine may serve as a basis for a truly 3D classification of scoliosis and for new therapeutic concepts.

Eight plate should not be used for treating leg length discrepancy

Abstract: Purpose The Blount staple has been widely used for treating angular deformities and leg length discrepancy (LLD) of the lower limbs. In recent years, the Eight plate has replaced the Blount staple for treating angular deformities in many centres. Although not described in the literature, it has been proposed that the Eight plate could also be used for treating LLD. We studied the effectiveness of the device for this indication.

Operative treatment for spinal deformities in cerebral palsy

Abstract: The higher the functional impairment, the more likely patients with cerebral palsy (cP) are to develop a scoliotic deformity. This is usually long-sweeping, C-shaped, and progressive in nature, since the causes of the deformity, such as muscular weakness, imbalance, and osteoporosis, persist through adulthood. In contrast to idiopathic scoliosis, not only is the spine deformed, the patient is also sick. This multimorbidity warrants a multidisciplinary approach with close involvement of the caregivers from the beginning. Brace treatment is usually ineffective or intolerable in light of the mostly stiff and severe deformities and the poor nutritional status. The pros and cons of surgical correction need to weighed up when pelvic obliquity, subsequent loss of sitting balance, pressure sores, and pain due to impingement of the rib cage on the ileum become issues. General risks of, for example, pulmonary or urogenital infections, pulmonary failure, the need for a tracheostoma, permanent home ventilation, and death add to the particular surgery-related hazards, such as excessive bleeding, surgical site infections, pseudarthrosis, implant failure, and dural tears with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The overall complication rate averages around 25 %. From an orthopedic perspective, stiffness, marked deformities including sagittal profile disturbances and pelvic obliquity, as well as osteoporosis are the main challenges. In nonambulatory patients, long fusions from T2/T3 with forces distributed over all segments, low-profile anchors in areas of poor soft tissue coverage (sublaminar bands, wires), and strong lumbosacropelvic modern screw fixation in combination with meticulous fusion techniques (facetectomies, laminar decortication, use of local autologous bone) and hemostasis can be employed to keep the rate of surgical and implant-related complications at an acceptably low level. Excessive posterior release techniques, osteotomies, or even vertebrectomies in cases of very severe short-angled deformity mostly prevent anterior one- or two-stage releases. Despite improved operative techniques and implants with predictable and satisfactory deformity corrections, the comorbidities and quality-of-life related issues demand a thorough preoperative, multidisciplinary decision-making process that takes ethical and economic aspects into consideration.

Epidemiology and treatment outcome of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Abstract: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare disease. Epidemiological data are limited, and treatment of the condition is challenging. The purpose of our study was to gain epidemiological data on the incidence of CPT in Norway and to evaluate the treatment outcome of the disease. During the period 1987–2006 22 patients with CPT were born in Norway (11 boys, 11 girls; mean age 15 years, age range 8–24 years) and are included in this study. During the same time period 1,183,380 live-births were registered by the Norwegian Birth Register. Primary surgical treatment was the Ilizarov method in 15 patients, intramedullary nailing in three patients, and plate osteosynthesis in two patients; two patients never developed a fracture and were treated with an orthosis. The incidence of CPT based on this period was 1:53,000. The rate of primary healing was 66 % for the Ilizarov group. Primary healing occurred in three patients treated with intramedullary nailing and in none of the patients treated with plate osteosynthesis. However, almost all patients required additional surgery due to refracture or deformity correction. Currently, all 12 skeletally mature patients are considered to be healed, whereas two of the skeletally immature patients are still under treatment. The incidence of CPT in Norway seems to be notably higher than that based on epidemiological data from other studies. Primary healing rates are satisfactory when treated either with an Ilizarov device or intramedullary nailing. Refractures must be avoided, and alignment of the leg must be maintained. Healing is usually achieved before skeletal maturity. However, residual deformities are common.

Lever arm dysfunction in cerebral palsy gait

Abstract: Skeletal structures act as lever arms during walking. Muscle activity and the ground reaction against gravity exert forces on the skeleton, which generate torque (moments) around joints. These lead to the sequence of movements which form normal human gait. Skeletal deformities in cerebral palsy (CP) affect the function of bones as lever arms and compromise gait. Lever arm dysfunction should be carefully considered when contemplating treatment to improve gait in children with CP.

Risk factors and complications in hip reconstruction for nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy

Abstract: Background Hip dysplasia is prevalent in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy, and may contribute to a decreased quality of life (Lonstein in J Pediatr Orthop 6:521–526, 1). Reconstructive procedures such as a femoral varus derotation osteotomy with or without a pelvic osteotomy are commonly employed with the goal of achieving and maintaining well reduced hips.

Complications of plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to critically analyze the major and minor complications that may be associated with plate fixation of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures. Methods The medical records of skeletally immature patients (6–15 years of age) who underwent plate fixation of a diaphyseal femur fracture at a tertiary-care level-1 pediatric trauma center between 1/2003 and 12/2010 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical information regarding the mechanism of injury, fracture type, and surgical technique were recorded. Radiographic evaluation of bony healing, hardware position, and deformity was performed throughout the study period. All intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Complication incidence and time from surgery to complication were described. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between different variables and the occurrence of a complication. Kaplan–Meier survivorship curves were used to evaluate ...

Metachondromatosis: more than just multiple osteochondromas

Abstract: Introduction Metachondromatosis is a rare genetic disease of osteochondroma and enchondroma formation, caused by loss of function of the PTPN11 gene. It is distinct from other similar conditions such as multiple osteochondromas and hereditary multiple exostoses by the distribution and orientation of lesions, and pattern of inheritance. Lesions typically occur in hands, feet, femora, tibiae and the pelvis. Lesions are typically reported to regress in adulthood.

Ultrasonographic Graf type IIa hip needs more consideration in newborn girls

Abstract: According to hip ultrasonography by Graf’s method, the type IIa hip has a certain degree of physiological delay in ossification of the bony acetabular roof. The aim of this case–control study was to evaluate the natural history of the type IIa hip. Four hundred and thirty-one type IIa hips were identified in 312 of 1,690 ultrasonographically screened newborns with a mean age of 27 days. Parents were accurately informed about the prognosis of such a hip condition and invited for ultrasonographic re-examination at 6–7 weeks of age. Type IIa hip was more common in newborn girls than in boys (P < 0.001). Among 431 type IIa hips, 146 (34 %) missed the follow-up examination at 6–7 weeks of age. Among the completely followed 285 hips, 225 (79 %) developed into a normal hip at 6–7 weeks of age. Newborn boys’ hips had a higher rate of spontaneous normalization than girls’ hips at 6–7 weeks of age (P = 0.006). All but one type IIa(+) hip became type I without any treatment. According to our management protocol, 35 type IIa(−) hips and one type IIa(+) hip, which later became type IIb, underwent treatment. The rate of treatment was higher in newborn girls’ hips than in boys’ hips (P = 0.019). As Graf type IIa hip is more common, has a lower rate of spontaneous normalization and higher rate of treatment in newborn girls than in boys, we recommend paying more attention the type IIa hip in newborn girls. The rate of missing the required follow-up is unacceptably high due to parents’ insensitivity regarding the type IIa hip.

Surgical management of spasticity

Abstract: Intractable and severe spasticity in childhood has the ability to impact on the quality of life, function and care of the child. Where medical and physical measures have proved insufficient, a surgical approach may be pursued. Irrespective of the underlying pathology, intrathecal baclofen will reduce spasticity in a controllable and reversible fashion, whereas selective dorsal rhizotomy is reserved for the management of bilateral cerebral palsy due to early birth. Owing to the potential for complications of intrathecal baclofen and the permanence of selective dorsal rhizotomy, careful selection and preparation are required to produce satisfactory results.

The risk of non-union per fracture in children

Abstract: Non-union in children is considered a rare but real complication of fracture management; however there is no information available in the literature regarding its incidence. The aim of this work was to investigate the incidence of fractures and non-union in children for different anatomical regions/age groups, and for the first time to publish data regarding the rate of non-union per fracture in children in a large population. Prospective data for all hospital admissions for paediatric fractures and paediatric fracture non-union in Scotland between 2005 and 2010 was obtained. Regional data for total paediatric fracture numbers was also available enabling total fracture numbers and non-union incidence at a national level to be calculated. There were 180 non-unions in the 0–14 year olds and 242 non-unions in 15–19 year olds recorded over 5 years in a population of 1.2 million children (0–19 years). The number of fractures during this time period for the same age groups were 92,200 and 68,900 respectively. The risk of fracture increased steadily with age; it was greater in boys than girls and far higher in the upper than lower limb. The overall rate of non-union per fracture was 0.2 % in those 14 years and younger and 0.35 % in the 15–19 year olds. Non-union was highest in the male 15–19 year olds at 0.45 % of all fractures. The risk of non-union was far greater in the lower limb fractures than in the upper limb fractures throughout childhood until the age of 15 where the upper limb NU rate per fracture exceeded that of the lower limb. The calculated risk of non-union per fracture is low throughout childhood with a risk of approximately 1 in 500 or less per fracture in boys aged under 14 years and in girls of all ages, however NU increases to approximately 1 in 200 fractures for the older teenage (15–19 years) boys.

Flexed-knee gait in children with cerebral palsy: a 10-year follow-up study

Abstract: Background While several studies have evaluated the short-term effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment of flexed-knee gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP), few have explored the long-term outcomes using gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to examine, through gait analysis, the 10-year outcomes of flexed-knee gait in children with CP.

Orthopaedic manifestations of chondroectodermal dysplasia: the Ellis–van Creveld syndrome

Abstract: Ellis–van Creveld is a dwarfing syndrome transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The constant features of the condition include acromelic–micromelic dwarfism, ectodermal dysplasia involving the nails, teeth and gums, postaxial polydactyly of the hands and congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease affects 50–60 % of all patients and nearly 50 % of patients die by 18 months of age from cardiopulmonary complications. This study is intended to characterise the orthopaedic manifestations of Ellis–van Creveld based on the authors’ unique opportunity to interview and examine the largest group of patients to date in the literature. Detailed interviews, physical examinations and/or radiographs were available on 71 cases of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome. Data were collected from physical examinations, radiographs, computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. Pathoanatomy of the knee was reinforced by the direct surgical observation of 25 limbs surgically managed during adolescence and puberty. A number of interesting clinical and radiographic abnormalities were noted in the upper extremities and lower extremities, but by far the most significant orthopaedic finding was a severe and relentlessly progressive valgus deformity of the knee. Although many patients had difficulties making a “fist” with the hand, no patient reported any functional disability. The severe valgus deformity of the knee is the result of a combination of profound contractures of the iliotibial band, lateral quadriceps, lateral hamstrings and lateral collateral ligament, leading to lateral patellar subluxation and dislocation. The lateral portion of the upper tibial plateau presents with cupping and progressive depression of the lateral plateau, along with severe valgus angulation of the proximal tibia and fibula. A proximal medial tibial exostosis is seen in nearly all cases. This is the largest group of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome patients identified in the literature. An understanding of the orthopaedic pathoanatomy of the knee deformity is critical to determining the appropriate surgical management. This paper characterises the orthopaedic manifestations of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome and especially identifies the pathoanatomy of the severe and progressive valgus knee deformity. Level II.

Review of current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract: Purpose To report on the current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.