Estelle Litzelmann

Unusually severe cases of Kingella kingae osteoarticular infections in children

Backgrounds: With the development of molecular biology and specific polymerase chain reaction, Kingella kingae has become the primary diagnosis of osteoarticular infections in young children. Clinical features of these osteoarticular infections are typically mild, and outcome is almost always favorable. We report a series of unusually severe cases of K. kingae osteoarticular infections. Methods: All patients with severe osteoarticular infections at presentation were reviewed retrospectively in 2 European pediatric centers. K. kingae was identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction in blood, fluid joint or osseous samples. Clinical, laboratory tests and radiographic data during hospitalization and follow-up were analyzed. Results: Ten children (mean age 21 ± 12 months) with severe osteoarticular infections caused by K. kingae were identified between 2008 and 2011. Diagnostic delay averaged 13.2 ± 8 days. Only 1 patient was febrile at admission, and 50% children had normal C-reactive protein values (⩽10 mg/dL) at presentation. Surgical treatment was performed in all cases. Intravenous antibiotic therapy by cephalosporins for an average of 8 ± 6 days was followed by oral treatment for 27 ± 6 days. Mean follow-up was 24.8 ± 9 months, and satisfactory outcomes were reported in all cases. Two patients (20%) developed a central epiphysiodesis of the proximal humerus during follow-up, but without significant clinical consequence for the moment. Conclusions: Because of their mild clinical features at onset, diagnosis of K. kingae osteoarticular infections can be delayed. Care should be taken for early detection and treatment of these infections because bony lytic lesions and potentially definitive growth cartilage damage can occur.

Forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis: clinical and functional results at maturity.

Background: Thirty to 60% of hereditary multiple exostoses patients have forearm deformities. There is no consensus regarding optimal therapy. This long-term retrospective study is the first to compare radiologic and clinical data with patient assessments, to define more precise surgical indications. Methods: All children presenting with hereditary multiple exostose during the period from 1990 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Masada forearm deformity classification, treatment, clinical course, and radiologic data were included from the preoperative period to the last follow-up. Operated mature patients self-assessed their functional handicap using the QuickDASH score. Results: Eighteen children (27 forearms) were included. Thirteen of the children had forearm operations, one twice, on the average at 11.1±3 years of age. The average age at last follow-up was 17.6±3.7 years. Data analysis showed no significant functional and radiologic improvement between the early postoperative period and last follow-up. Average QuickDASH score was 15.3±14.9 (out of 100), indicating minor self-assessed handicap despite major clinical and radiologic abnormalities. Conclusions: Symptomatic radial head instability appears to be an indication for ulnar lengthening surgery. Even severe deformity without dislocation may be managed conservatively given the lack of postoperative functional improvement. Corrective radial osteotomy may be considered near the end of the growth spurt. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Comparative study of 2 commissural dorsal flap techniques for the treatment of congenital syndactyly.

Background: Many commissural reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of syndactyly. This study is the first to compare long-term results of 2 commissural dorsal flap procedures (T-flap and omega-flap). Methods: Fifty-nine web-spaces in 39 patients, operated on between 1991 and 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six T-flap and 23 omega-flap procedures were performed using full-thickness skin graft in every case for digital resurfacing. Factors that could affect the long-term outcome were collected, including development of web-creep, clinodactyly, and flexion contracture. Patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 5 years and 8 months. Results: Preoperative complexity of syndactyly influenced the development of clinodactyly and flexion contracture. Among the patients who developed clinodactyly, 96% had surgery for complex syndactyly. No difference was found between the 2 flap methods concerning digital deformation and mobility. However, web-creep occurred more frequently after T-flap than after omega-flap procedures (17% vs. 5%). Conclusions: The combination of either dorsal commissural T-flaps or omega-flaps with full-thickness graft to resurface digits is a reliable technique for the treatment of syndactyly with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Long-term results are not influenced by the type of flap. Nevertheless, the omega-flap technique, using 2 triangular lateral-palmar flaps, avoids use of skin graft to cover lateral-palmar aspects of the new commissure, consequently reducing the incidence of web-creep. In cases of syndactyly, the primary prognostic factor is whether the patient has simple or complex syndactyly. In complex syndactyly, the risk of long-term unfavorable results is higher. When complex complicated syndactyly is involved, postoperative complication rates increase. Level of Evidence: Level III