Viviana Bompadre

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 2: Baseline Values for High School Athletes

Background Concussion head injuries are common in high school athletes. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 2 (SCAT2) has been recommended and widely adopted as a standardised method of evaluating an injured athlete with a suspected concussion. Sideline return to play decisions can hinge on the results of a SCAT2 score. However, most athletes will not have had baseline testing performed for comparison if injury occurs. Therefore, establishing of age-, sex- and sport-matched normative data for the high school athlete population is critical. Purpose To determine baseline scores in all SCAT2 domains among high school athletes with no prior history of a concussion and to examine subgroup differences for girls and boys, age and sport to establish normative ranges. Materials and methods The SCAT2 was administered to 214 high school athletes (155 males and 59 females) who participated in football, womens soccer, mens basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball and track with no prior history of concussion. There were 111 athletes in the 13–15-year-old cohort and 103 in the 16–19-year-old group with a mean age of 15.7 years of age. In all SCAT2 domains the mean and SD of the results were determined. The domains were analysed using age, sex and sport as covariates. Component parts of the cognitive (concentration) domain (digit sequencing and months of year in reverse order) were also analysed by age, sex and sport. The percentage of high school athletes able to perform each digit-sequencing test was calculated as was the percentage of participants who could recite the months of the year in reverse order. Results The average SCAT2 score for these high school athletes was 89 of a possible 100 with a SD of 6 units. Athletes reported two or three symptoms at baseline with older students reporting more symptoms than younger ones. The average balance score was 25.82 (of 30), and all athletes were able to complete the double-leg stance. Females scored significantly higher on the balance, immediate memory and concentration scores. Concentration scores in non-concussed high school athletes were low. Only 67% of high school athletes could recite the months of the year backward and only 41% could correctly sequence 5 digits backward. Only 55% of high school football players could correctly recite the months of the year backward and 32% could sequence 5 digits. Conclusions Non-concussed high school athletes scored near the total possible in most domains of the SCAT2 with the exception of concentration testing and balance testing. All athletes were able to complete the double-leg stance at baseline; however, there was significant variability of tandem and single-leg stance. Baseline testing is important when considering balance tests. Concentration testing in high school athletes is unreliable because of high baseline error and is likely to result in a high rate of false positives and false negatives. Return to play decisions should not rely on concentration testing without a baseline test for comparison.

Washington State's Lystedt law in concussion documentation in Seattle public high schools.

CONTEXT The Lystedt law requires high school athletes who have sustained a concussion to be removed from practice and play and not to be allowed to return until cleared by a medical professional. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of the Lystedt law on injury and concussion documentation in the Seattle public high schools. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Seattle public high schools. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS The numbers of students, aged 13 to 19 years in the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011 school years, were 4348, 4925, and 4806, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) All injuries documented in SportsWare by athletic trainers in Seattle public high schools. We evaluated all injuries, including concussions recorded during the 2008-2009 school year, before the Lystedt law, and during the 2 school years after the law took effect (2009-2010 and 2010-2011). Incidence rates before and after the law were estimated and compared. RESULTS The concussion rate was -1.09% in 2008-2009, 2.26% in 2009-2010, and 2.26% in 2010-2011. A comparison of relative risks showed that the incidence rates of concussions were different before and 1 year after the Lystedt law (relative risk = 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50, 2.93) and 2 years after the law (relative risk = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.49, 2.93). Overall, the mean number of days out of play after 2008-2009 was almost 7 days greater after the law took effect (difference = 6.9 days; 95% CI = 0.70, 13.1). For females, the mean number of days out of play after 2008-2009 was more than 17 days in 2009-2010 (difference = 17.2 days; 95% CI = 4.81, 29.5) and was more than 6 days in 2010-2011 (difference = 6.3 days; 95% CI = 1.62, 11.0). CONCLUSIONS The number of documented concussions more than doubled after the institution of the Lystedt law, which may be attributed to heightened awareness and closer monitoring.

High Satisfaction Yet Decreased Activity 4 Years After Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction

BackgroundACL injuries in preteens and teens are common occurrences. Reconstruction is believed to be optimum treatment for those wishing to return to running, cutting, and jumping sports. Rates of reoperation, satisfaction, and long-term return to and maintenance of preinjury activity after ACL reconstruction in young athletes are important information for physicians, patients, and parents.Questions/purposesThe purposes of this study were to address the following questions in this skeletally immature patient population undergoing ACL reconstruction: (1) What is the reinjury rate and the need for subsequent surgeries? (2) How do patient satisfaction and function as assessed by patient and physician correlate with return to sport? (3) What factors contribute to failure to return to preinjury activity levels?MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 29 patients who underwent transphyseal ACL reconstruction using soft tissue grafts passed through open physes and followed to skeletal maturity, and at least 2 years from their index surgery, who were invited and returned for a study interview and examination. Pre- and postinjury activity levels were assessed via the Tegner activity score, satisfaction was determined using a 10-point Likert scale, function was assessed via the Lysholm score and IKDC grade, and an open-ended questionnaire was used for explanations of changes in activity levels. Reoperations were classified as major or minor, determined from a review of the medical records conducted after interview and examination.ResultsAt a minimum followup of 2 years (mean, 4 years; range, 2–8 years), four revision reconstructions and seven minor operations were performed for a reoperation rate of 11 of 29 (38%). Eight of 29 patients (28%) sustained contralateral ACL ruptures. The mean satisfaction score was 9 (range, 4–10) and mean Lysholm score was 91 (range, 61–100). Only 12 of 29 (41%) patients returned to and maintained their preinjury level of sport. High satisfaction correlated with return to prior level of sports, although there was no relationship between function and activity level. Reoperation on the index knee or contralateral ACL tear did not correlate with a change in activity level; rather, most patients who were less active indicated a change in interest with advancing age.ConclusionsDespite high satisfaction and function, less than 50% of patients maintained their preinjury level of play 4 years after ACL reconstruction. Satisfaction correlated significantly with knee function; highly satisfied patients were more likely to return to and maintain their prior level of participation in sports. Contributing factors to decreased activity include changes in lifestyle with increasing age. Reoperation did not correlate with lower activity scores or failure to return to sports.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The lateral capitellohumeral angle in normal children: mean, variation, and reliability in comparison to Baumann's angle.

Background Angular deformity is the most common complication of supracondylar humerus fracture. Baumanns angle (BA) is an established radiographic measure of coronal plane deformity after this injury. Numerous radiographic methods have been used to assess sagittal plane deformity, however, the mean, variability, and reliability of these measures has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean, SD, and intraobserver/interobserver reliability of the lateral capitellohumeral angle (LCHA) in children without evidence of fracture and compare them with those of BA. Methods Seventy-one sets of anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs were selected and stratified into 6-year age categories with equal number of males and females in each category. Five physicians performed 3 separate measurements of LCHA and BA on each film set. Statistical calculations were performed to determine mean, SD, measurement reliability, and differences between patients groups. Results The mean LCHA ±1 SD and BA ±1 SD measurements were 50.8±6 degrees and 71.5±6.2 degrees, respectively, and did not vary significantly by age, side, or sex (P>0.05). The LCHA showed good intraobserver (correlation coefficient 0.67) and fair interobserver (0.37) reliability, whereas BA showed excellent intraobserver (0.86) and interobserver (0.80) reliability. The expected SD for repeated measurement of a radiograph by a single observer was 2.6 degrees for BA and 5.2 degrees for LCHA. Conclusions The LCHA is a simple measurement to perform using digital tools. In normal elbows, the mean angle is 51±6 degrees and does not vary by age, side, or sex. LCHA variability in normal elbow radiographs is similar to BA. Its reliability is inferior to BA, but improves with age. Sagittal angulation abnormality of at least 12 degrees (<39 or >63 degrees) is necessary to be confident that the change is not because of measurement error alone. Further research is needed to better define the relationship of sagittal plane angular deformity to clinical outcome. Level of Evidence Diagnostic study with poor reference standard, Level IV.

Best practices in the evaluation and treatment of foramen magnum stenosis in achondroplasia during infancy

Achondroplasia is the most common inherited disorder of bone growth (skeletal dysplasia). Despite this fact, consistent and evidence‐based management approaches to recognized, life‐threatening complications, such as foramen magnum stenosis, are lacking. This study aims to outline best practice, based on evidence and expert consensus, regarding the diagnosis, assessment, and management of foramen magnum stenosis in achondroplasia during infancy. A panel of 11 multidisciplinary international experts on skeletal dysplasia was invited to participate in a Delphi process. They were: 1) presented with a list of 26 indications and a thorough literature review, 2) given the opportunity to anonymously rate the indications and discuss in face to face discussion; 3) edit the list and rate it in a second round. Those indications with more than 80% agreement were considered as consensual. After two rounds of rating and a face‐to‐face meeting, consensus was reached to support 22 recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of foramen magnum stenosis in infants with achondroplasia. These recommendations include indications for surgical decompression, ventriculomegaly, and hydrocephalus, sleep‐disordered breathing, physical exams and the use of polysomnography and imaging in this condition. We present a consensus‐based best practice guidelines consisting of 22 recommendations. It is hoped that these guidelines will lead to more uniform and structured evaluation, standardizing care pathways, and improving mortality and morbidity outcomes for this cohort.

Do Anchor Density or Pedicle Screw Density Correlate With Short-Term Outcome Measures in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery?

Study Design. Retrospective review. Objective. Determine if factors under surgeon control (anchor density or pedicle screw density) or those not under surgeon control (curve magnitude, levels requiring fusion, and curve flexibility) correlate with standard, short-term quality and outcome measures for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data. Pedicle screw fixation has revolutionized posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and seems to provide greater radiographical coronal plane curve correction than less expensive constructs. Other clinically relevant improvements in outcome have been difficult to demonstrate. Methods. Retrospective review of 119 posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion cases for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by 4 surgeons at 1 institution. Average follow-up was 586.7 days. Outcome measures were main thoracic curve correction, complications, reoperations, infection, intensive care unit days, length of stay, estimated blood loss, transfusion, procedure time, implant charges, and total hospital charges. “Surgeon-dependent” variables were implant density (fixation/instrumented level) and pedicle coefficient (implant density × percentage of anchors that are pedicle screws). “Surgeon-independent” variables were main thoracic curve magnitude, main thoracic curve flexibility, and levels fused. Correlations were estimated using Pearson correlation coefficients. One-way analysis of variance was used to estimate the effect of “type of surgeon” or “surgeon” on surgeon-dependent variables. Results. Complications, reoperations, and infections did not correlate with surgeon-dependent or surgeon-independent variables. Main thoracic curve correction correlated strongly with curve flexibility (correlation coefficient [cc] = 0.4089, P < 0.0001). Surgeon-independent variables were levels fused correlated significantly with procedure time (cc = 0.610, P < 0.001), hospital charges (cc = 0.309, P < 0.001), hospital length of stay (cc = 0.366 [P < 0.001]), implant charges (cc = 0.199, P < 0.047), and estimated blood loss (cc = 0.243, P < 0.013). Surgeon-dependent variables were implant density significantly correlated with implant charges (cc = 0.243, P < 0.015) and inversely with length of stay (cc = −0.236, P < 0.015). Pedicle coefficient was not significantly correlated with any outcome measure. Conclusion. Levels fused, a surgeon-independent variable, had the most consistently strong correlations with standard short-term quality indicators. With physician grading by payers largely dependent on easily measured outcomes from medical records, hospital and billing records, physicians need to be aware of the surgeon-dependent and surgeon-independent variables that may affect their outcomes and cost-effectiveness profile. Level of Evidence: 3

Is there a correlation between sleep disordered breathing and foramen magnum stenosis in children with achondroplasia

Children with achondroplasia have midface hypoplasia, frontal bossing, spinal stenosis, rhizomelia, and a small foramen magnum. Central sleep apnea, with potential resultant sudden death, is thought to be related to compression of the spinal cord at the cervicomedullary junction in these patients. Screening polysomnography and/or cervical spine MRI are often performed for infants with achondroplasia. Decompressive suboccipital craniectomy has been performed in selected cases. We aim to better delineate the relationship between polysomnography, cervical spine MRI, and indications for surgical decompression in achondroplasia.We retrospectively review electronic medical records of all children with achondroplasia in our IRB‐approved skeletal dysplasia registry who had received screening polysomnography and cervical spine MRI examination was performed. We explored correlations of polysomnography, MRI parameters, and need for decompressive surgery. Seventeen patients with both polysomnography and MRI of the cervical spine met inclusion criteria. The average age at time of the sleep study was 2.4 ± 3.6 years. An abnormal apnea–hypopnea index was found in all patients, with central sleep apnea found in 6/17. Five patients (29%) required foramen magnum decompression. We found no statistically significant correlation between central sleep apnea and abnormal MRI findings suggestive of foramen magnum stenosis. Screening polysomnography is an important tool but does not appear to correlate with MRI findings of foramen magnum stenosis. Cord compression, with either associated T2 cord signal abnormality or clinical findings of clonus, was most predictive of subsequent surgical decompression.

Musculoskeletal functional outcomes in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: associations with disease severity and pamidronate therapy.

Background: Intravenous pamidronate has been used off-label in the treatment of severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) for almost 20 years. Previous studies have found correlations between function and bone density in patients with OI, but have not studied the functional outcomes of these patients after bisphosphonate therapy with a validated outcome measure. The goal of this investigation is to describe the functionality and comfort of children with OI. We hypothesize that function is impaired in children with severe OI as measured using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and that improvements in the function of children with severe OI may be observed in association with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. Methods: A total of 25 patients with OI were evaluated, of those, 15 received pamidronate therapy. Children with >2 long bone fractures per year were classified as having severe OI and were eligible for pamidronate therapy. Functional evaluation was performed using the PODCI for children who qualified for pamidronate therapy (severe OI) and those who did not qualify for pamidronate therapy (mild OI). PODCI evaluation was also performed after treatment with pamidronate in the group that qualified for pamidronate therapy. Results: There was a statistically significant difference at baseline between patients with “mild” and “severe” OI in the sports/physical functioning scale (P=0.0032). Among the children who received bisphosphonate therapy, PODCI scores in the sports/physical functioning domain were significantly improved after pamidronate therapy (P=0.0364). Conclusions: This study indicates that children with mild forms of OI can be differentiated from their more severe counterparts by their ability to participate in high-level play activities. Furthermore, patients with “severe” OI show a significant improvement in their ability to participate in high-level play after 1 year of pamidronate. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Comparative Radiation Exposure Using Standard Fluoroscopy Versus Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Posterior Instrumented Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. Retrospective cohort. Objective. The objective of this study was to define the intraoperative radiation exposure during freehand surgical technique with fluoroscopic assistance for placement and confirmation of posterior instrumentation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and compare data with published values using intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for similar cases. Summary of Background Data. The treatment of idiopathic-like scoliosis used freehand placement of posterior instrumentation with fluoroscopic confirmation. Computer-assisted navigation systems coupled with intraoperative CBCT have been introduced to aid in accurate placement of instrumentation. Multiple studies report the improved accuracy of instrumentation using CBCT; however, there is a paucity of information regarding the radiation exposure when using CBCT in comparison with fluoroscopically assisted freehand technique. Methods. Forty-three idiopathic-like scoliosis operations performed by 4 spine surgeons at an academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiation exposure was recorded intraoperatively for each case. Effective dose was determined using published effective dose to dose-length product conversion factors. Values were compared with previous studies reporting radiation exposure for similar cases using CBCT for intraoperative navigation and confirmation of instrumentation placement. Results. Calculated average effective dose using fluoroscopically assisted pedicle screw placement was 0.189 mSv (range, 0.00029–0.953 mSv; SD = 0.16711) per case. Average radiation exposure time was 26 seconds (SD = 18 s) per case, with an average of 11 vertebral levels fused. The literature reports effective dose for CBCT ranging from 7.29 to 9.72 mSv per case for intraoperative navigation and 14.58 to 19.44 mSv per case for both intraoperative navigation and confirmation of screw placement with CBCT. Conclusion. We have demonstrated that the use of standard fluoroscopy results in markedly lower radiation exposure during a standard posterior instrumented fusion for idiopathic-like scoliosis than by the use of CBCT; this conclusion is limited by the retrospective nature of the study and lack of a control group. Level of Evidence: 4

Baumann angle and radial-ulnar overlap: a radiographic study to control for the angle of the x-ray beam.

Background: Baumanns angle (BA) is the most common radiographic measurement used to assess coronal plane alignment of the distal humerus. However, it can vary greatly based on the x-ray beam angle, which can lead to multiple radiographs causing excessive radiation exposure, cost, and discomfort for the acutely injured child. The lateral capitellohumeral angle is a measure of sagittal plane alignment, and its variability has been reported. In this study, we sought to determine whether there were surrogate measures that could act as internal controls for the angle of the x-ray beam to give an accurate BA. Methods: Elbow radiographs from uninjured children stratified by age into 6 groups were reviewed. BA and lateral capitellohumeral angle as well as several predetermined measurements that could be potential surrogate measures for the angle of the x-ray beam were performed. Statistical significance was found between BA and radial-ulnar overlap (RUO), which was analyzed further and plotted in linear graph fashion. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient (0.58) between BA and RUO was significant at P=0.001. The average BA was 71±7.2 degrees (1 SD) and the average RUO was 0.34±0.26. The following linear graph equation was obtained to define the relationship between RUO and BA: BA=12.36 (RUO)+67. Further derivation gives us an equation to “correct” BA for a given RUO: corrected BA=measured BA−12.36 (RUO−0.34). Application of this formula lessened the SD of BA from 7.2 to 5.9 degrees and decreased the percentage of BA measurements outside of 1 SD from 30% to 14%. Conclusions: RUO is a reliable surrogate measure to control for the angle of the x-ray beam and improve the reliability when measuring BA that can be easily applied in the clinical setting. Clinical Relevance: The ability to accurately correct the BA based on a given RUO gives the physician the confidence to adequately interpret imperfect radiographs in the emergency room setting and minimize repeat radiographs.