J.-L. Jouve

Nontuberculous spondylodiscitis in children

Forty-two children with nontuberculous spondylodiscitis treated between 1966 and 1997 were reviewed, and the clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic results are presented. The study shows the difficulties of diagnosis and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Additional information is provided by new imaging techniques, disc aspiration, and biopsy. The mean age at treatment was 4 years 6 months. The initial clinical presentation was often misleading and the diagnosis was often delayed (42 days average). Standard radiographs and technetium bone scans were important for diagnosis and patient follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging and needle aspiration of the disc gave an additional reliable aid in differential diagnosis and helped to guide treatment. Bacteria were isolated in 22 of the 35 samples taken (55%Staphylococcus aureus, 27%Kingella kingae;Coxiella burnetii in one sample). The functional outcome is good if treatment is properly carried out. Disc fibrosis and occasional vertebral fusion develop inevitably in the long term. According to these results, nontuberculous spondylodiscitis is truly osteomyelitis of the spine.

Lateral humeral condyle fractures in children: a comparison of two approaches to treatment.

The treatment of lateral condyle fractures in children remains controversial. This study investigates whether minimally displaced lateral condyle fractures should be treated surgically and compares different techniques of operative management. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical charts and radiographs of 97 children from two international centers whose therapeutic modalities differed, noting demographic data, fracture features, treatment modalities, complications, and clinical and radiographic results. Long-arm immobilization alone resulted in additional fracture displacement and a higher number of nonunions than did surgical management. The authors conclude that displaced fractures should be fixed surgically with two smooth or threaded Kirschner wires; they can pass through the ossific nucleus of the capitellum if necessary, but they must engage the far cortex. If patients are likely to be noncompliant with treatment, the wires should be buried under the skin to avoid the risk of infection, but this procedure necessitates a second surgery for removal of fixation.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in Children: Analysis of Twenty-seven Patients

The authors have analyzed a retrospective series of 27 aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in children and adolescents. The average age at diagnosis was 10 years (range: 3 years 7 months to 16 years), with a mean follow-up of 5 years (range: 1 month to 13 years 9 months). Pathologic fractures (8 cases) and pain (8 cases) were the main reasons for consultation. Of five spinal ABC patients, four presented with neurologic involvement. Although conventional radiology is useful for diagnosing ABCs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is nevertheless the most important technique for checking the extent of the lesions. However, the diagnosis still must be based on the pathologic laboratory findings, even though this is sometimes difficult because of associated lesions. In lesions of the long bones, recurrence was observed after curettage in 5 of 12 cases. For this reason, simple resection or resection with reconstruction is recommended rather than curettage whenever possible. When an ABC is in contact with the growth plate in young children, blunt curettage should be performed to preserve the childs growth potential. Subsequent recurrence usually is easier to treat than an epiphysiodesis bridge and its consequences. The surgical procedures used to preserve the growth plate are described, along with methods of bone construction after surgery.

Acetabular Anteversion in Children

Acetabular anteversion analysis was performed in 143 normal children, who ranged in age from 1 to 15 years. The mean anteversion value, which remained constant during growth, was 13°.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum using the Nuss technique in children and adolescents: Indications, outcomes, and limitations

BACKGROUND Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common congenital deformity. The Nuss technique for minimally invasive repair of PE involves thoracoscopy-assisted insertion of a bar or plate behind the deformity to displace the sternum anteriorly. Our objective here was to clarify the indications and limitations of the Nuss technique based on a review of 70 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of children managed at two centres identified 70 patients who had completed their growth and had their plate removed. Mean age was 13.8 years (range, 6-19 years). The reason for surgery was cosmetic disfigurement in 66 (95%) patients. The original Nuss technique was used in 63 patients, whereas 7 patients required an additional sub-xiphoid approach. Time to implant removal ranged from 8 months to 3 years. RESULTS The cosmetic outcome was considered satisfactory by the patients in 64 (91%) cases and by the surgeon in 60 (85.7%) cases. Major complications requiring further surgery occurred in 6 (8.5%) patients and consisted of haemothorax (n=2), chest wall sepsis (n=2, including 1 after implant removal), allergy (n=1), and implant displacement (n=1). Early or delayed minor complications occurred in 46 (65%) patients and resolved either spontaneously or after non-surgical therapy. DISCUSSION The minimal scarring and reliably good outcomes support the widespread use of the Nuss technique in children and adolescents. Our complication rates (minor, 65%; and major, 8.5%) are consistent with previous publications. In our opinion, contra-indications to thoracoscopic PE correction consist of a history of cardio-thoracic surgery and the finding by computed tomography of a sternum-to-spine distance of less than 5 cm or of sternum rotation greater than 35°. In these situations, we recommend a sub- and retro-xiphoid approach to guide implant insertion or a classic sterno-chondroplasty procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, retrospective descriptive cohort study.

Arthrodèse d'épaule avec fibula vascularisée après résection tumorale de l'extrémité supérieure de l'humérus

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Resection of malignant tumors of the proximal humerus often requires dissection of the rotator cuffs and the deltoid muscle. There is no consensus on the ideal method for shoulder reconstruction. We report the functional outcome in a homogeneous series of eight patients treated by arthrodesis using a vascularized free fibular flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight patients were included in this study. All had an aggressive tumor of the upper humerus. Tumor resection was associated with a rotator cuff and deltoid muscle resection in all patients. All patients then underwent shoulder arthrodesis using a free vascularized fibular flap fixed with a plate. Clinical and radiological evaluation was available for six patients at mean 28 months. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society function score was used to assess overall function of the upper limb. The cosmetic outcome and radiographic bone healing as well as hypertrophy of the fibular graft were noted. RESULTS Active abduction and active flexion were 82 degrees on average. All patients could bring their hand to the mouth. Circumduction was possible but limited in amplitude. The mean function score was 26.5/30 with an excellent functional outcome in all patients. The cosmetic outcome was considered poor by all patients. Radiographically, bone healing was achieved at last follow-up in all patients but there was one case of failed fusion between the fibular graft and the scapula which required secondary iliac grafting. Mean fibular graft hypertrophy was 32.8% at last follow-up. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Two reconstruction methods have been described for patients who require tumor resection of the upper humerus: reconstruction with preservation of glenohumeral joint function and shoulder arthrodesis. Many techniques have been described for each method. It is however difficult to compare the different series reported in the literature because rotator cuff and deltoid muscle resection was not systematically performed and reconstruction methods varied between patients. An analysis of the literature shows that preservation of motion of the scapular glenoid joint can give good functional results when the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle can be preserved. If they cannot, results favor shoulder arthrodesis which provides the patient with very satisfactory upper limb function. Use of a vascularized fibular flap has provided very good arthrodesis results. The patient must however be informed of the probable poor final cosmetic result.Purpose of the study Resection of malignant tumors of the proximal humerus often requires dissection of the rotator cuffs and the deltoid muscle. There is no consensus on the ideal method for shoulder reconstruction. We report the functional outcome in a homogeneous series of eight patients treated by arthrodesis using a vascularized free fibular flap. Material and methods Eight patients were included in this study. All had an aggressive tumor of the upper humerus. Tumor resection was associated with a rotator cuff and deltoid muscle resection in all patients. All patients then underwent shoulder arthrodesis using a free vascularized fibular flap fixed with a plate. Clinical and radiological evaluation was available for six patients at mean 28 months. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society function score was used to assess overall function of the upper limb. The cosmetic outcome and radiographic bone healing as well as hypertrophy of the fibular graft were noted. Results Active abduction and active flexion were 82q on average. All patients could bring their hand to the mouth. Circumduction was possible but limited in amplitude. The mean function score was 26.5/30 with an excellent functional outcome in all patients. The cosmetic outcome was considered poor by all patients. Radiographically, bone healing was achieved at last follow-up in all patients but there was one case of failed fusion between the fibular graft and the scapula which required secondary iliac grafting. Mean fibular graft hypertrophy was 32.8% at last follow-up. Discussion and conclusion Two reconstruction methods have been described for patients who require tumor resection of the upper humerus: reconstruction with preservation of glenohumeral joint function and shoulder arthrodesis. Many techniques have been described for each method. It is however difficult to compare the different series reported in the literature because rotator cuff and deltoid muscle resection was not systematically performed and reconstruction methods varied between patients. An analysis of the literature shows that preservation of motion of the scapular glenoid joint can give good functional results when the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle can be preserved. If they cannot, results favor shoulder arthrodesis which provides the patient with very satisfactory upper limb function. Use of a vascularized fibular flap has provided very good arthrodesis results. The patient must however be informed of the probable poor final cosmetic result.

Reimplantation of growth plate chondrocyte cultures in central growth plate defects: Part I. Characterization of cultures.

Growth plate lesions or resections may cause severe growth arrest because of the bony bridge between the epiphysis and metaphysis. Actual treatments for epiphysiodesis include resecting the bone bar and setting an interpositional material. Growth plate cultures may provide the appropriate cartilage necessary to restore growth potential when implanted in a growth plate defect. The aim of this work was to determine certain cell culture parameters in order to optimize in vitro cultures to obtain abundantly mature and functional chondrocytes. We studied the manner in which enzymatic digestion, carried out by various enzymes, obtained chondrocytes. Treatment with trypsin (0.2%) during 30 minutes at 37°C and then collagenase (200 U/mL) during 6 hours was chosen. Under these conditions, 40 ± 16 106 chondrocytes per gram of growth plate were obtained, and cellular viability was 79 ± 12%. The density of the cellular seeding, the nature of the culture substrate, and the culture medium composition were determined to optimize the growth of differentiated cells. Seeding at 20,000 or 30,000/cm2 on a type I substrate and Ham F-12 medium not supplemented with either glucose or growth factors was demonstrated to be the best choice for this purpose.

Epiphyseal distraction and centrally located bone bar: an experimental study in the rabbit.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the force required for an epiphysiolysis in vitro in the distal femoral growth plate of rabbits with different sized central physeal bone bars. The bars were operatively induced by drilling through the physis. An epiphyseal distraction was then performed, and the response was evaluated. Forty rabbits (67 femurs) divided into five groups were used for experimentation. Group A had not been operated on and manifested no physeal bone bridge. Groups B, C, D, and E manifested some bone bridges obtained surgically by drills 2, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 mm in diameter, respectively. The average force required to obtain an epiphysiolysis is not statistically significant in the different groups. However, we noted that the epiphysiolysis differed depending on the diameter of the surgically performed bridge. Group E was Salter-Harris type II fractures, whereas groups A, B, and C were type I fractures. Group D comprised both types.

Evolution of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Results of a multicenter study at 20 years’ follow-up

INTRODUCTION To date there is no consensus on therapeutic indications in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with curvature between 30° and 60° at the end of growth. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess outcome in patients with moderate AIS. MATERIAL AND METHODS A multicenter retrospective study was conducted. Inclusion criteria were: Cobb angle, 30-60° at end of growth; and follow-up > 20 years. The data collected were angular values in adolescence and at last follow-up, and quality of life scores at follow-up. RESULTS A total of 258 patients were enrolled: 100 operated on in adolescence, 116 never operated on, and 42 operated on in adulthood. Mean follow-up was 27.8 years. Cobb angle progression significantly differed between the 3 groups: 3.2° versus 8.8° versus 23.6°, respectively; P < 0.001. In lumbar scoliosis, the risk of progression to ≥ 20° was significantly higher for initial Cobb angle > 35° (OR=4.278, P=0.002). There were no significant differences in quality of life scores. DISCUSSION Patients operated on in adolescence showed little radiological progression, demonstrating the efficacy of surgical treatment for curvature greater than 50°. Curvature greater than 40° was progressive and may require surgery in adulthood. Lumbar scoliosis showed greater potential progression than thoracic scoliosis in adulthood, requiring fusion as of 35° angulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, retrospective study.

Severe hip infection after a prophylactic contralateral fixation in slipped upper femoral epiphysis: a case report.

The rate of infection is extremely low after a prophylactic contralateral fixation in slipped upper femoral epiphysis, and exclusively involves superficial wound infection. We report an unusual case of hip infection after a prophylactic pinning with a single cannulated screw. The evolution was unfavorable, with necrosis and epiphysiolysis of the femoral head. A total hip arthroplasty was performed after 1 year of evolution.