Robert E. Eilert

Comparison of orthoroentgenography and computed tomography in the measurement of limb-length discrepancy.

To determine the most accurate roentgenographic technique for the measurement of limb-length discrepancy, the twenty lower extremities of ten cadavera were measured with use of both orthoroentgenograms and lateral scout computed-tomographic scanograms. The actual anatomical limb length also was measured, to serve as a control. The effects of flexion of the knee joint, use of an external fixator, cost and time of the examination, and exposure to radiation also were determined. No statistically significant difference in the measurements of the length of the femur was found between the two methods at neutral or at 15, 30, or 45 degrees of flexion of the knee. However, computed tomography was significantly more accurate than orthoroentgenography in the measurements of length of the tibia and of total length of the limb when the knee was flexed to 30 degrees or more (p less than 0.01). The placement of an Ilizarov fixator did not alter the results. The cost and time necessary to complete an examination were comparable for the two methods. However, computed tomography delivered only 20 per cent of the radiation needed for orthoroentgenography. Computed tomography is more accurate than orthoroentgenography for the measurement of limb-length discrepancy in patients who have a flexion deformity of the knee.

Results of the Wagner and Ilizarov Methods of Limb-Lengthening*

We compared the results of the Wagner method of limb-lengthening in twenty extremities (nineteen patients) with those of the Ilizarov method in twenty-one extremities (eighteen patients). The Wagner external fixator was used in all twenty procedures in which the Wagner lengthening method was performed and in fourteen procedures in which the Ilizarov lengthening method was performed. The Ilizarov external fixator was used in the remaining seven procedures in which the Ilizarov method was performed. The average increase in length was 5.4 centimeters (range, 2.8 to 8.0 centimeters) with the Wagner technique and 5.9 centimeters (range, 1.0 to 16.8 centimeters) with the Ilizarov technique. The rate for the lengthening phase was nine days for one centimeter of length with the Wagner technique and twelve days for one centimeter with the Ilizarov technique. The rate for the consolidation phase was forty-four days for one centimeter with the Wagner technique and twenty-six days for one centimeter with the Ilizarov technique. The group of patients who were managed with the Wagner technique had thirty major complications, and the group of patients who were managed with the Ilizarov technique had only thirteen major complications. Forty complications were associated with the use of the uniaxial Wagner external apparatus and sixteen, with the use of the multiaxial Ilizarov external fixator.

Congenital dislocation of the patella.

Congenital dislocation of the patella may occur as a persistent lateral dislocation of the patella that presents with a knee flexion contracture and the patella tethered lateral to the femoral condyles or as an intermittent dislocation of the patella. In the latter syndrome, the patella dislocates completely with each flexion and extension cycle of the knee and is best termed obligatory dislocation of the patella, because the patient has no control over the patella dislocating as he or she moves the knee. The first type of congenital dislocation, which is fixed, often is associated with syndromes such as arthrogryposis and should be corrected surgically by lateral release and realignment of the patella. Obligatory dislocation of the patella tends to be an isolated dysplastic anomaly and may be relatively well tolerated. Rebalancing of the patella usually is done at a later age because of less interference with function. The current author describes the natural history of patella femoral dysplasia, detailing the pathologic changes that are present, and recommends surgical techniques for correcting both types of congenital dislocation of the patella.

Autologous transfusions for orthopaedic procedures at a children's hospital.

We conducted a critical review of the use of autologous transfusions in orthopaedics at a tertiary-care childrens hospital. The cases of 198 children who deposited blood before an orthopaedic operation were analyzed. There were 175 children who were enrolled in the program of preoperative deposit of autologous blood who later needed transfusion of blood; 73 per cent of them received only autologous blood. Seventy patients also had intraoperative salvage. We were unable to document a proved benefit of intraoperative salvage of blood in this group of patients. Forty patients had some difficulty donating autologous blood preoperatively, but these problems were rarely serious. Major human errors occurred in thirteen patients and resulted in some patients receiving homologous transfusions while autologous blood components were still available. Fifty-five (40 per cent) of all of the transfusions were administered in clinical circumstances that failed to meet generally accepted criteria for transfusion, and fifty-four (38 per cent) of the postoperative transfusions also failed to meet these criteria. This was true of the homologous transfusions in the study as well. Although an autologous blood transfusion is a generally safe procedure, it is not without risk, and human errors can occur. In light of the potential complications, surgeons should adhere to the standard indications for transfusion when administering autologous blood.

Intraoperative blood salvage in children and young adults undergoing spinal surgery with predeposited autologous blood: efficacy and cost effectiveness.

Summary: We conducted a retrospective review of 155 spinal operations at our institution to determine the efficacy of intraoperative salvage. Addition of intraoperative salvage had little effect on the success of a preoperative autologous donation program. Only patients with operative blood loss <2,000 ml (12% of patients) benefited from this expensive source of autologous blood. The technique tended to be most effective in children aged 16-18 years. Use of intraoperative salvage for all pediatric spinal procedures is neither necessary nor cost effective.

Orthopaedic aspects of fragile-X syndrome.

Fragile-X syndrome is one of the most common inherited forms of mental retardation. An associated connective-tissue disorder involving elastin accounts for the most frequent musculoskeletal manifestations, which include severe flexible flat feet, excessive laxity of the joints, and scoliosis. At our institution, seventy-five (50 per cent) of the 150 male patients who had fragile-X syndrome had flat feet, eighty-five (57 per cent) had excessive laxity of the joints, and ten had scoliosis. Twenty-nine of the patients who had flat feet had been evaluated or treated, or both, by an orthopaedic surgeon before the diagnosis of fragile-X syndrome had been made. Only one of these patients had been referred for developmental and genetic evaluation, which suggests that the orthopaedic community is not familiar with this syndrome. The orthopaedist should consider the diagnosis of fragile-X syndrome in the evaluation of a mentally retarded boy or man who has a family history of mental retardation. The presence of flat feet and excessive laxity of the joints, associated with the characteristic facies, macro-orchidism, and behavior, justifies a referral for developmental and genetic evaluation. Early diagnosis is important for several reasons, including genetic counseling for the family, more efficacious medical treatment, and specialized education.

Fibular hemimelia : Comparison of outcome measurements after amputation and lengthening

Background: Treatment of fibular hemimelia includes either Syme or Boyd amputation with early prosthetic fitting or tibial lengthening. Numerous studies have documented the success of both procedures. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcome after amputation with that after tibial lengthening, specifically with regard to activity restrictions, pain, satisfaction, complications, number of procedures, and cost, in children with fibular hemimelia. Methods: Thirty limbs in twenty-five patients treated with either an amputation or a lengthening procedure and followed for at least two years were studied. Fifteen patients underwent amputation, and ten patients underwent lengthening of the tibia. The mean age was 1.2 years at the time of amputation and 9.7 years at the time of initial lengthening. The mean duration of follow-up was 6.9 years after the amputations and 7.1 years after the lengthening procedures. Results: The patients who underwent amputation were able to perform more activities than those who had a lengthening (mean activity score, 0 compared with 1.2 points; p < 0.05), and they had less pain (mean pain score, 0.2 compared with 1.2 points; p = 0.091), were more satisfied and had a lower complication rate (0.37 compared with 1.91; p < 0.05). The patients who underwent amputation also had fewer procedures (1.9 compared with 7.0; p < 0.05), at a lower cost (

Operative lengthening of the lower extremity and associated psychological aspects: the Children's Hospital experience.

7016 compared with

AUTOGRAFT VERSUS ALLOGRAFT FOR BENIGN LESIONS IN CHILDREN

26,900; p < 0.05), than those who had a lengthening. Lengthening was successful in equalizing limb lengths; the mean limb-length discrepancy, assessed in nine of eleven limbs, was 0.7 centimeter. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that children who undergo early amputation are more active, have less pain, are more satisfied, have fewer complications, undergo fewer procedures, and incur less cost than those who undergo lengthening. This was true even though good results were obtained with the lengthening procedures and most patients achieved limb-length equality, were able to walk, had minimal pain, and were quite active.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the ulna: a report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Summary: Twenty-two patients underwent 23 femoral and tibial lengthenings by the Wagner technique from 1977 to 1987. Average length gained was 5.8 and 5.2 cm, respectively. Long hospitalization in addition to multiple operative procedures and a high complication rate created a significant psychological impact. Fourteen of 22 patients experienced psychological problems, primarily adjustment disorders, all of which resolved without long-term sequelae. Parental/family and nursing staff support were identified as the most important during the lengthening process. Advances in limb lengthening techniques may lessen the overall impact of this procedure, but preoperative psychological preparation is important.