Nicholas D. Fletcher

Serial casting as a delay tactic in the treatment of moderate-to-severe early-onset scoliosis.

Background: Serial casting can cure mild infantile idiopathic scoliosis. Its use in delaying surgery in older children and those with larger curves or syndromes is poorly defined. Methods: A review of a single center’s experience with casting was performed. Patients were included if they had a syndromic, neuromuscular, or congenital scoliosis or were older than 2.5 years with an idiopathic scoliosis measuring >50 degrees. Results: A retrospective review was performed on 29 patients meeting all inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 were idiopathic and 17 were nonidiopathic curves. Average age at first cast was 4.4±2.1 years, and 3.0±1.8 cast changes were performed over 1.4±1.1 years. Patients were transitioned to a brace and followed up for 5.5 years (range, 2.2 to 11.4 y). The main thoracic Cobb angle before casting was 68.8±12.3 degrees, which corrected to 39.1±16.4 degrees in a cast. Cobb angle after cast removal was 60.9±18.4 degrees, which increased to 76.3±24.0 degrees at final follow-up. T1-T12 height increased to 1.1±2.6 cm during the treatment period (P=0.05). There were 5 minor complications. Fifteen patients (51.7%) required surgical treatment for their scoliosis at most recent follow-up and an additional 7 patients (24.1%) were delayed until a definitive anterior/posterior spinal fusion could be performed. Surgery was delayed 39±25 months from the first cast. Growing rods were required in 8 patients (27.6%). The patients who ultimately underwent surgical intervention (SG) were more likely to have a larger postcasting residual main thoracic Cobb angle than those who did not require surgery [NS; 69.5±14.6 degrees (SG) vs. 51.6±17.9 degrees (NS), P=0.007] and had a greater progression of their curves after cast removal [20.9±13.5 degrees (SG) vs. 9.4±11.0 degrees (NS), P=0.02]. Conclusions: Serial casting is a viable alternative to surgical growth sparing techniques in moderate-to-severe early-onset scoliosis and may help delay eventual surgical intervention. Although a cure cannot be expected, an average of 39 months of delay was achieved in this patient cohort and 72.4% have avoided growing spine surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Residual thoracic hypokyphosis after posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors and clinical ramifications.

Study Design. A retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data from a single-center, prospectively collected scoliosis database. Objective. To assess risk factors for persistent thoracic hypokyphosis after posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSFI) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to compare clinical outcomes between patients with residual thoracic hypokyphosis and those with normal thoracic kyphosis after PSFI for AIS. Summary of Background Data. AIS is characterized by thoracic hypokyphosis, which should be corrected at the time of surgical treatment. Risk factors for residual thoracic hypokyphosis and the clinical ramifications have not been studied. Methods. Radiographic and clinical assessments by using the Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) were done preoperatively and at 2 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of a threshold of 20° of thoracic kyphosis measured between T5 and T12 at 2-year follow-up. Results. Risk factors for being hypokyphotic at 2 years were male sex (21.69% vs. 12.21%, P = 0.084), preoperative kyphosis (11.4° vs. 22.8°, P < 0.0001), and smaller preoperative main thoracic coronal curves (58.4° vs. 62.0°, P = 0.004). A total of 71.5% of patients instrumented with 6.35-mm rods had normal thoracic kyphosis at 2 years compared with 47.0% instrumented with 5.5-mm rods (P = 0.0043). All-pedicle screw constructs remained hypokyphotic compared with hook-based constructs (P = 0.035). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated 2 parameters associated with persistent thoracic hypokyphosis at 2 years: preoperative hypokyphosis and larger rod diameter. Both groups had similar clinical results on the SRS-30 at 2-year follow-up (P > 0.05). There was a small but statistically significant correlation between sagittal Cobb angle and clinical deformity at 2 years based on the sagittal components of the SAQ. Conclusion. There are 2 risk factors that lead to thoracic hypokyphosis in AIS: preoperative hypokyphosis and use of a 5.5-mm-diameter rod. A larger-diameter rod should be considered when planning surgery for thoracic AIS, especially when there is preoperative hypokyphosis. Despite thoracic kyphosis measuring less than 20°, these patients did not have decreased clinical outcomes as measured by the SRS-30 or SAQ.

Lumbar curve is stable after selective thoracic fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a 20-year follow-up.

Study Design. A retrospective cohort study comparing long-term clinical and radiographical outcomes using selective thoracic instrumented fusion versus long instrumented fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objective. To evaluate long-term behavior of the lumbar curve in patients with AIS treated with selective thoracic fusion and to assess clinical outcome measures in this patient population compared with those patients treated with fusion in the lumbar spine. Summary of Background Data. Selective thoracic fusion for the treatment of AIS preserves motion segments, but leaves residual lumbar deformity. Long-term results of selective fusion using segmental fixation are limited. Methods. Nineteen patients with AIS treated with selective thoracic fusion and 9 patients treated with a long fusion returned at a mean 20 years (range, 14–24 years) postoperatively for radiographs, clinical evaluation, and outcome surveys (Short Form-12, Scoliosis Research Society-24, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and visual analogue scale for pain and stiffness). Curve types were Lenke 1B, 1C, or 3C. All patients underwent posterior fusion with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital or Cotrel-Dubousset hook-rod instrumentation. Results. The selective thoracic fusion group had no significant progression in the lumbar curve magnitude and no worsening of L4 obliquity to the pelvis between initial postoperative and 20-year follow-up. Mean preoperative lumbar curve magnitude (mean, 44°; range, 32–64) corrected 43% on initial postoperative films versus 38% at latest follow-up. Mean L4 obliquity to the pelvis, trunk shift, sagittal balance, and coronal balance were stable over time. Outcome scores between the 2 groups were similar. Scores in long fusion group, when compared with the selective group, were higher for 2 Scoliosis Research Society domains: self-image after surgery (P = 0.005) and function after surgery (P = 0.0006). Conclusion. Spinal balance and correction of the lumbar curve remain stable over time in selective thoracic fusion. Those with selective fusions have outcome measures comparable with those with long fusions.

Early onset scoliosis: current concepts and controversies.

Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) may be associated with long-term pulmonary morbidity, which is not commonly seen in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Initial evaluation is based on determining any underlying etiology related to congenital or syndromic conditions. Assessing the impact of scoliosis on thoracic development may help guide treatment, which is often required at a young age in these children to prevent irreversible pulmonary insufficiency. Treatment is based on multiple factors but may include non-surgical strategies, such as casting or bracing, along with growth-sparing surgical procedures using growing rods or chest wall expansion. Definitive fusion is rarely indicated in young patients. This chapter will cover the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of children with EOS.

Management of the pediatric pulseless supracondylar humeral fracture: Is vascular exploration necessary?

BACKGROUND Radically different conclusions exist in the pediatric orthopaedic and vascular literature regarding the management of patients with a pink hand but no palpable radial pulse in association with a supracondylar humeral fracture. METHODS One thousand two hundred and ninety-seven consecutive, operatively treated supracondylar humeral fractures in patients presenting to a level-I pediatric trauma center from January 2003 through December 2007 were studied retrospectively. Clinical records were reviewed to determine vascular and neurological examination findings, Gartland classification, timing of surgery, and postoperative complications. RESULTS One thousand two hundred and sixty-six patients had a documented radial pulse examination at the time of arrival in the emergency room; fifty-four (4%) of those patients lacked a palpable radial pulse. All fifty-four patients had type-3 fractures. Five (9%) of the fifty-four patients underwent open exploration of vascular structures on the basis of clinical findings of a pale hand, sluggish capillary refill, and/or weak or no pulse detected with use of Doppler ultrasound after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. All five underwent vascular surgery to restore blood flow (two primary repairs, three saphenous vein grafts). Twenty (37%) of the fifty-four patients had a pulse documented with use of Doppler ultrasound and a pink hand after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, but the radial pulse remained nonpalpable. These patients were observed in the hospital for signs of ischemia; one of the twenty patients required vascular repair after developing a pale hand nine hours after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and the other nineteen patients were also observed while they were in the hospital, and they all regained a palpable pulse either prior to discharge or by the time of the first postoperative visit. When compared with the group of patients with type-3 fractures for whom data regarding nerve examination were available, patients with type-3 fractures who lacked a palpable radial pulse had a higher rate of nerve palsy postoperatively (31% versus 9%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, nearly 10% of patients who presented with a type-3 supracondylar humeral fracture and no palpable radial pulse underwent immediate vascular repair to restore blood flow following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. However, in our series, the lack of a palpable radial pulse after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was not an absolute indication to proceed with vascular exploration if clinical findings (i.e., Doppler signal and capillary refill) suggested that the limb was perfused. Careful inpatient monitoring of these patients postoperatively is mandatory to identify late-developing vascular compromise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Current Treatment Preferences for Early Onset Scoliosis: A Survey of POSNA Members

Background Surgical options for the management of idiopathic early onset scoliosis (EOS) have increased over the past decade, perhaps surpassing traditional nonoperative methods. We sought to assess current treatment preferences in the management of EOS among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. We hypothesized that practitioner access to casting tables and halo traction would be significantly associated with treatment choices. Methods A web-based survey was distributed to the members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Information with regard to practice type, access to casting tables and halo traction, and management of patients with EOS was obtained. Clinical vignettes were used to assess current physician preferences in the treatment of EOS, including the use of bracing, casting, halo-gravity traction, fusionless spine techniques, definitive fusion, and chest wall devices. Results Members of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (19.8%) completed the survey with the vast majority of respondents (93.8%) treating children with EOS. Sixty-six percent of respondents had access to a casting table and 77% reported access to halo-gravity traction. Access to casting tables and access to halo-gravity traction was associated with the use of casting and traction (P<0.0001). Equal numbers of surgeons currently use casting (62%) and growing spine techniques (64.1%). Chest wall expansion was offered as a treatment option by 39.1% of surgeons, and 27% of surgeons reported the use of halo-gravity traction. Ninety-three percent of respondents chose nonoperative management of a 2-year–old child with a 50° progressive scoliosis. In contrast, 63% of surgeons would offer surgery as the initial management to a 5-year-old child with a progressive 70° idiopathic scoliosis. Conclusions The majority of respondents had access to halo traction and casting tables at their hospitals. There was a statistically significant association between access to equipment and use of casting and halo traction. Nonoperative management was the preferred treatment option in the very young (2 year-old). Two-thirds of surgeons report initial surgical management of the 5-year-old child with a large idiopathic curve.

Clinical characteristics of severe supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Background: The safety of delayed surgical treatment of severe supracondylar elbow fractures in children remains debated. No large studies have evaluated complications of injury and surgery evaluating only type 3 fractures. Our aim was to review the results of our experience treating children with severe supracondylar elbow fractures at various time points after injury. Methods: All children treated operatively for supracondylar humerus fractures from 2004 to 2007 at a single pediatric trauma center were identified. A total of 1296 children had operative treatment, of which 872 had type 3 fractures. Clinical records were reviewed to identify time to surgery from presentation at our institution. Patients were grouped into 4 cohorts [<6 h (n=325), 6 to 12 h (n=224), 12 to 24 h (n=295), and >24 h (n=28)]. Emergency, operative, inpatient, and outpatient records were reviewed to determine morbidity at presentation as well as operative and postoperative complications. Results: There was no difference in sex, age, or energy mechanism between children in the various time groups. An absent pulse was found in 54 children (6%) at presentation, of which only 5 ultimately required a vascular intervention. Nerve injury occurred in 105 patients (12%). Use of a medial entry pin was not associated with ulnar nerve injury. Increased time from presentation to surgery was not associated with increased morbidity from the injury or treatment complications. In contrast, there was a trend to steady decrease in morbidity and complication rates with increased time to surgery. Conclusions: This is the largest single-center study of severe supracondylar humerus fractures and describes rates of vascular compromise, nerve injury, infection, and other complications of these injuries. Most children with type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures can be treated safely in a delayed manner. Appropriate clinical judgment is imperative to optimize outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III—retrospective comparative study.

Operative treatment of type II supracondylar humerus fractures: does time to surgery affect complications?

Background: Because of the changing referral patterns, operative pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are increasingly being treated at tertiary referral centers. To expedite patient flow, type II fractures are sometimes pinned in a delayed manner. We sought to determine if delay in surgical treatment of modified Gartland type II supracondylar humerus fractures would affect the rate of complications following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 399 modified Gartland type II supracondylar fractures treated operatively at a tertiary referral center over 4 years. Mean patient age in the type II group was 5 years (range, 1 to 15 y). A total of 48% were pinned within 24 hours, 52% pinned >24 hours after the injury. Results: No difference was in detected in rates of major complications between the early and delayed treatment group. Four percent of patients sustained a complication (16 patients). There were no compartment syndromes, vascular injuries, or permanent nerve injuries. Complications included nerve injury (3), physical therapy referral for stiffness (3), pin site infection (2 treated with oral antibiotics, 4 treated with debridement), refracture (2), and loss of fixation or broken hardware (2). Of the 3 patients who sustained nerve injuries, all underwent surgery within 24 hours of injury. One patient developed an ulnar motor and sensory nerve palsy after fixation with crossed K-wires. This resolved by 7 weeks postoperatively. Two patients presented with an anterior interosseous nerve palsy—1 resolved 1 week after surgery, the other by 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: Delay in surgery did not result in an increased rate of major complications following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of type II supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Further prospective work is necessary to determine if there are subtle treatment benefits from emergent treatment of type II supracondylar humerus fractures. Level of Evidence: Level III—retrospective comparative series.

Increased severity of type III supracondylar humerus fractures in the preteen population.

Background: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common operative fractures in children; however, no studies describe the older child with this injury. The purpose of this study was to compare Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures in children older than 8 years of age with those in younger children than age 8. We hypothesized that there would be more complications in older children, reflecting a higher-energy injury mechanism. Methods: A retrospective chart review of supracondylar humerus fractures managed at a single level I pediatric trauma institution from 2004 to 2007 was performed. Patients with type III fractures were divided into groups based on age at presentation greater or less than 8. Baseline demographics, fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, operative technique, and complications were analyzed. Results: A consecutive series of 1297 pediatric patients with surgically treated supracondylar humerus fractures was retrospectively reviewed including 873 (67.3%) type III fractures. Of those, 160 (18.3%) patients were older than age 8 at time of injury. Older children were more likely to have fractures from high-energy mechanisms (45.1% vs. 28.7%, P<0.001) and more open fracture (3.8% vs. 1.3%, P=0.0097). There was no difference in preoperative or iatrogenic neuropraxias between groups. There was a shorter delay between presentation and surgery in older children (mean, 217 vs. 451 min, P<0.0001). Three or more pins were used more often in older patients (61.8% in older children vs. 43.6% in younger children, P<0.0001). Major complications including reoperation, loss of fixation, or compartment syndrome were rare in both groups (1.1% in younger group vs. 0.6% in older group, P=1.000). There was a trend toward more pin site infections in older children (3.75% vs. 1.56%, P=0.071). Physical therapy was required nearly 4 times more frequently in older children for management of residual stiffness (20.0% vs. 5.7%, P<0.0001). Conclusions: Children older than 8 years of age have a higher rate of open supracondylar humerus fractures, although nerve injury rates are similar. Surgeons placed more pins for fixation of fractures in older patients and elbow stiffness requiring physical therapy occurred more commonly after surgical intervention. Evidence: III Retrospective cohort.

Cryoablation of Osteoid Osteoma in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population.

PURPOSE To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of osteoid osteoma (OO) cryoablation in a large, pediatric/adolescent cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic medical record and imaging archive review was performed to identify all cryoablations performed for OOs between 2011 and 2015 at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. The subsequent analysis included 29 patients with suspected OOs treated by cryoablation (age range, 3-18 y; mean age, 11.3 y; 17 boys; 12 girls). Conventional CT guidance was used in 22 procedures; cone-beam CT guidance was used in 7 procedures. Follow-up data were obtained via a standardized telephone questionnaire (23/29 patients; 79.3%) and clinical notes (5/29 patients; 17.2%). One patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients (29/29). Immediate clinical success (cessation of pain and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug [NSAID] use within 1 mo after the procedure) was achieved in 27/28 patients (96.4%). Short-term clinical success (cessation of pain and NSAID use for > 3 mo after the procedure) was achieved in 24/25 patients (96%). Long-term clinical success (cessation of pain and NSAID use for > 12 mo after the procedure) was achieved in 19/21 patients (90.5%). Median pain scale score before the procedure was 10 (range, 5-10); median pain scale score after the procedure was 0 (range, 0-8; P < .0001). There were 6 minor complications (21%) and no major complications. CONCLUSION Image-guided cryoablation is a technically feasible, clinically efficacious therapeutic option for children and adolescents with symptomatic OO.