Neil Saran

Guided growth for the correction of pediatric lower limb angular deformity.

&NA; Guided growth is useful in correcting pediatric angular deformities. Although growth manipulation has been applied to various deformities, it is most commonly used to correct coronal plane deformity about the knee. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis is performed using staples, percutaneous transphyseal screws, or a tension band plate. Permanent hemiepiphysiodesis can be done using either an open Phemister or a percutaneous approach. These techniques function by tethering one side of a growing physis, thereby allowing differential growth. Applied correctly, this can also result in angular deformity correction. Undercorrection and overcorrection are common problems with guided growth. However, careful preoperative planning and appropriate follow‐up can minimize complications and allow for excellent deformity correction with minimal morbidity.

Incidence of Symptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis after Achilles Tendon Rupture

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality and is associated with many orthopedic procedures. Previous studies have reported highly variable DVT rates in patients with Achilles tendon rupture undergoing operative and nonoperative treatment. We performed a retrospective chart review for all patients who underwent Achilles tendon repair at our institution from January 2006 to February 2012. Patient data were collected from the electronic medical record system. A total of 115 patients were eligible for the present study. Of these patients, 27 (23.47%) with a surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture developed a symptomatic DVT either while waiting for, or after, surgical intervention, with approximately one third of these diagnosed before surgical intervention. Of the 27 patients with DVT, 3 had a proximal DVT and 24 had a distal DVT. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism. The DVT incidence was greater in the 2 older age groups (40 to 59 and 60 to 79 years) compared individually with the younger age group (20 to 39 years; p < .0026 and p < .0014, respectively). We have shown a high incidence of DVT after Achilles tendon rupture. We recommend a high level of suspicion for the signs and symptoms of DVT during the follow-up period. In addition, patient education and early mobilization should be advocated, especially for patients older than 40 years. Additional randomized controlled trials investigating any benefits to pharmaceutical DVT prophylaxis in this population are needed to establish evidence-based recommendations.

Sprengel deformity: pathogenesis and management.

&NA; Sprengel deformity (ie, congenital elevation of the scapula) is a rare clinical entity. However, it is the most common congenital anomaly of the shoulder. Sprengel deformity is caused by abnormal descent of the scapula during embryonic development. Sprengel deformity is associated with cosmetic deformity and decreased shoulder function. Diagnostic confusion with limited scoliosis can be dangerous to the patient because it may delay proper treatment of other abnormalities that may be present with even mild cases. Sprengel deformity is commonly linked to a variety of conditions, including Klippel‐Feil syndrome, scoliosis, and rib anomalies. Nonsurgical management can be considered for mild cases. Surgical management is typically warranted for more severe cases, with the goal of improving cosmesis and function. Surgical techniques are centered on resection of the protruding portion of the scapula and inferior translation of the scapula. Recent long‐term studies indicate that patients treated surgically maintain improved shoulder function and appearance.

Dega osteotomy for the correction of acetabular dysplasia of the hip: a radiographic review of 21 cases.

Background: The Dega osteotomy is a versatile procedure that is widely used to treat neuromuscular hip dysplasia. There is a paucity of the English language literature on its use in acetabular dysplasia seen in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods: A retrospective radiographic and chart review was performed for all patients diagnosed with DDH who underwent a modified Dega osteotomy between March 1995 and December 2008 at the Shriners Hospital for Children or the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Montréal, Canada) by 2 orthopaedic surgeons. Radiographic parameters were measured at the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up time points. These parameters included the acetabular index, center edge angle, Reimer’s extrusion index, Shenton line, and grading by the Severin classification. Results: A total of 20 patients (21 hips), of which 18 were female, underwent a modified Dega osteotomy at an average age of 55.6 months (range, 20 to 100 mo). Of the 21 hips (1 bilateral and 19 single cases), 9 hips involved the right side and 12 hips involved the left side. Before surgery, 9 patients had a subluxated hip, 7 patients had a dislocated hip, and 5 patients had a dysplastic hip. Ten hips underwent concomitant procedures including 10 open reductions with capsulorraphy. The acetabular index improved from 37 degrees (SD 8) preoperatively to 19 degrees (SD 8) on the date of last visit. The center edge angle improved from 2 (SD 17) to 25 degrees (SD 12). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the modified Dega osteotomy produces near-normal lateral coverage parameters in children with DDH. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, clinical case series: level IV.

Congenital Fibular Deficiency

Congenital fibular deficiency (CFD) is characterized by a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild limb length inequality (LLI) to severe shortening, with foot and ankle deformities and associated anomalies. The etiology of CFD remains unclear. Treatment goals are to achieve normal weight bearing, a functional plantigrade foot, and equal limb length. The recent Birch classification system has been proposed to provide a treatment guide: the functionality of the foot, LLI, and associated anomalies should be taken into account for decision-making. Treatment options include orthosis or epiphysiodesis, Syme or Boyd amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation, limb lengthening procedures, and foot and ankle reconstruction. The outcome of amputation for severe forms of CFD has shown favorable results and fewer complications compared with those of limb lengthening. Nevertheless, advances in the limb lengthening techniques may change our approach to treating patients with CFD and might extend the indications for reconstructive procedures to the treatment of severe LLI and foot deformities.

Hip Joint Osteochondroma: Systematic Review of the Literature and Report of Three Further Cases

The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature with regards to surgical treatment of patients with hip joint osteochondromas, and to report our surgical management of three paediatric patients who had femoral neck or acetabular osteochondromas in association with acetabular dysplasia. We performed a systematic review using PubMed and Embase databases for all studies that reported surgical treatments for patients with peritrochanteric or acetabular osteochondroma with or without acetabular dysplasia. We also retrospectively reviewed three patients who were diagnosed with a hip osteochondroma in association with actetabular dysplasia. These patients were known to have hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). The systematic review revealed 21 studies that met our inclusion criteria. All studies were case reports and retrospective in nature and failed to conclude a uniform treatment plan. The three reported cases illustrate successful excision of hip osteochondromas and treatment of acetabular dysplasia. Early excision of hip osteochondromas might prevent acetabular dysplasia in HME patients. Routine radiographic pelvic survey at the time of diagnosis of HME is recommended for early detection of hip osteochondromas and acetabular dysplasia in these children.

Correction of proximal tibial recurvatum using the Ilizarov technique.

Background: Genu recurvatum is a debilitating deformity of the knee that can progress during growth and lead to significant deformity if left untreated. Recurvatum can be osseous, ligamentous, or mixed. Osseous genu recurvatum is most often due to asymmetrical growth arrest of the proximal tibial physis affecting primarily the tibial tubercle. Several methods have been described in the literature regarding the correction of this deformity; nevertheless, there is a paucity of knowledge of the correction of proximal tibial recurvatum using the Ilizarov technique. Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review of all patients treated by distraction osteogenesis with angular correction distal to the tibial tubercle using an Ilizarov external fixator was performed. A total of 9 patients were treated during the study period and the average age at the time of surgery was 14.3 years (range, 7-16 y). There were 3 female patients and 6 male patients. Four cases were due to deformity secondary to trauma and the treatment thereof, 2 patients had spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and 3 patients had unknown etiology. The angle of recurvatum (RG) and the angle of tilt of the tibial plateau (RT) preoperatively measured 28 degrees (range, 18 to 32 degrees) and 69 degrees (range, 60 to 82 degrees), respectively. At final follow-up, the RG and RT measured 7 degress (range, 4 to 12 degrees) and 93 degrees (range, 86 to 100 degress), respectively. Using the scoring system of Lecuire and colleagues, the overall results were good to excellent at a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Conclusions: Correction of osseous proximal tibial recurvatum by the Ilizarov method, allows obtaining an improved sagittal mechanical axis in the lower extremity.

Preoperative Norepinephrine Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Correlate With Pain Intensity After Pediatric Spine Surgery

PURPOSE Catecholamines were found to be involved in descending pain modulation and associated with perioperative pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative concentrations of catecholamines and postoperative pain intensity of pediatric patients. METHODS Fifty adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis scheduled for elective spinal fusion surgery were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Preoperative plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Pain intensity was assessed during the acute postoperative period and in the intermediate period. RESULTS Preoperative plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and normetanephrine (NME), as well as the CSF concentration of NE, were significantly correlated with the presence of pain six weeks after surgery (r = 0.48, 0.50, and 0.50, respectively; p < .002). We also found that preoperative NE levels in CSF were significantly higher in patients reporting moderate to severe pain intensity than in patients with mild pain during the first day following surgery (0.268 ± 0.29 ng/mL vs. 0.121 ± 0.074 ng/mL, p = .01), as well as between patients reporting pain and painless patients at 6 weeks postsurgery (0.274 ± 0.282 ng/mL vs. 0.103 ± 0.046 ng/mL respectively, U = 69.5, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS These results support the potential role of catecholamine levels in predicting postoperative pain intensity.PURPOSE Catecholamines were found to be involved in descending pain modulation and associated with perioperative pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative concentrations of catecholamines and postoperative pain intensity of pediatric patients. METHODS Fifty adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis scheduled for elective spinal fusion surgery were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Preoperative plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Pain intensity was assessed during the acute postoperative period and in the intermediate period. RESULTS Preoperative plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and normetanephrine (NME), as well as the CSF concentration of NE, were significantly correlated with the presence of pain six weeks after surgery (r = 0.48, 0.50, and 0.50, respectively; p < .002). We also found that preoperative NE levels in CSF were significantly higher in patients reporting moderate to severe pain intensity than in patients with mild pain during the first day following surgery (0.268 ± 0.29 ng/mL vs. 0.121 ± 0.074 ng/mL, p = .01), as well as between patients reporting pain and painless patients at 6 weeks postsurgery (0.274 ± 0.282 ng/mL vs. 0.103 ± 0.046 ng/mL respectively, U = 69.5, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS These results support the potential role of catecholamine levels in predicting postoperative pain intensity.

Impact of Living With Scoliosis: A utility Outcome Score Assessment.

Study Design. Survey. Objective. The aim of this study was to objectify the burden of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to better advocate for scoliosis care in the future. Summary of Background Data. AIS is a common spinal deformity that can affect individuals on many levels. Patients with big curves usually seek medical advice for surgical correction of their deformity. Methods. Participants completed an online questionnaire to help measure the health burden of AIS. Three utility outcome measures were then calculated. These included the visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble. Student t test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results. One hundred and ten participants were included in the analysis. The mean visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble scores for AIS were 0.77 ± 0.16, 0.90 ± 0.11, and 0.91 ± 0.13, respectively. Factors such as age, sex, income, and level of education were dependent predictors of utility scores for AIS. Conclusion. Our participants demonstrated a significant perceived burden of AIS. If faced with AIS, participants were willing to sacrifice 3.6 years of their lives and undergo a procedure with 9% mortality rate to gain perfect health. Such findings can guide future allocation of resources for better scoliosis care and management. Level of Evidence: 4

Are Fassier-Duval rods at risk of migration in patients undergoing spine magnetic resonance imaging?

Background: The Fassier-Duval (FD) rod is a stainless-steel device widely used to correct bone deformities and reduce the risk of fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Since these are telescopic expandable rods, there has been a reluctance to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with OI secondary to a theoretical risk of migration during the MRI scans. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of migration of FD rods in patients who underwent MRI of the spine. The secondary aims are to assess the heating effects and artifact of these implants. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our database for all patients with OI who had undergone FD rodding and subsequent MRI evaluation for craniofacial and spinal disorders. Ten patients were eligible to be included in the study. The MRI examination was performed in all patients using a1.5 T magnet. The radiographic images pre-MRI and post-MRI were evaluated and compared to assess whether or not migration of implants had occurred. Patients’ charts and MRI logbooks were reviewed to assess the heating effects based on patient-reported events during or immediately after the MRI. In addition, the scans were reviewed to evaluate peri-implant soft tissues to assess for changes that might indicate such effect. Artifact was judged to be present if it interfered with the evaluation of any portion of spinal anatomy of clinical interest. Results: Ten patients underwent 19 FD roddings. The indications for MRI in these patients were basilar invagination, basilar impression, platybasia, and complex scoliosis. None of the implants have shown any migration, heating effect, or artifact. Conclusions: FD rods are safe and pose no risk of migration, heating effects, or artifact when undergoing an MRI of the spine using a 1.5 T magnet. With the introduction of magnet strengths higher than 1.5 T, further testing should be performed. Level of Evidence: Level IV.