Classifying Adverse Events Following Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Reliability of the Modified Clavien-Dindo System

Neck shaft angle deviation in patients undergoing femoral limb lengthening, a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown that subtrochanteric femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nails might lead to varus-procurvatum malalignment. Similar results have been reported when using antegrade intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs). The purpose of our study is to examine if antegrade telescoping intramedullary lengthening nails lead to varus-procurvatum malalignment of the proximal femur and what are possible predictors of that shift.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single centre study, five surgeons performed 537 femoral ILN. 347 antegrade PRECICE nails were selected after applying exclusion criteria. The following exclusion criteria were applied, intentional angular deformity correction, retrograde femoral lengthening and concomitant tibial lengthening. After further exclusion criteria were applied, we retrospectively inspected 201 PRECICE nails inserted in 158 paediatric and adult patients (average age 19.9 years) that underwent IM nail limb lengthening. Follow-up was at least one year by which time all osteotomies were healed.

RESULTS

Mean lengthening was 4.7 cm per lengthening surgery with some patients needing multiple lengthening for large discrepancies. Of the 201 nails, trochanteric entry was used in 127 procedures and piriformis entry was used in 74 of them. With pre-op Osteotomy Level Coefficient (OLC) of 0.3. The preoperative neck shaft angle (NSA) was significantly reduced from 130.6 to 127.4 degrees at the end of lengthening (P < 0.05). There was no discernible correlation between the OLC and change in NSA. The trochanteric entry point was associated with a greater tendency to reduce the NSA (Mdif = -4.1, SD = 6.5) as compared to the piriformis entry point (Mdif = -3, SD 6.4) (P < 0.05). No significant change in anatomic medial proximal femoral angle (aMPFA) was noted between pre- and postoperative time points, nor between trochanteric and piriformis entry groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study investigated the risk of iatrogenic varus deformity of the proximal femur following intramedullary limb lengthening procedures. We identified the osteotomy site as the most significant risk factor for developing iatrogenic varus, while the nail insertion point did not significantly predict this complication, showing comparable results for both trochanteric and piriformis entry points. Additionally, our study is the first to identify a correlation between the level of osteotomy and coxa-valga correction. We hypothesize that a higher osteotomy level might be beneficial for patients undergoing limb lengthening who also present with coxa-valga deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Incidence of Femur Fracture Post Hardware Removal in Children With Cerebral Palsy Who Have Undergone Varus Derotational Osteotomy

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often undergo hip reconstruction through proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO), with orthopaedic implants used for fixation. Posthealing, hardware may be retained or removed, either reactively due to complications or prophylactically. The controversy surrounding implant removal persists. This study aimed to compare the rate of proximal femoral fractures in children with CP who retained their hardware versus those who had it removed after VDRO. A secondary aim was to identify fracture risk factors after VDRO and report complications related to hardware removal.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 334 children who met inclusion (VDRO procedure) and exclusion (<2 y postoperative follow-up) criteria; 122 were eligible for the hardware removal group. Patients were followed from the initial VDRO to 2 years, hardware removal, or fracture. After removal, follow-up continued for a minimum of 2 years or until fracture. Frequency distribution summarized categorical variables, while mean and range were used for continuous variables. Median and interquartile range (IQR) was utilized for non-normally distributed data. χ2 testing determined fracture risk factors post-hardware removal, with a significance level set at P-value <0.05.

RESULTS

Of 334 patients, 11 (3%) experienced a peri-implant fracture after VDRO; 8 (2%) occurred within 2 years. The median time to fracture was 1.3 years (IQR, 3.2; range, 0.0 to 12.4). In the hardware removal group, 10 (5%) of 212 patients fractured postremoval, all within 2 years. The mean time from removal to fracture was 0.48±0.65 years (range, 0.02 to 1.94). Significant risk factors included prior VDRO revision surgery (P=0.029) and hardware removal within 1 year post-VDRO (P=0.007).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in fracture rates was found between the 2 groups. However, patients with prior revision surgery or hardware removed within 1 year post-VDRO faced increased fracture risks. This study provides evidence to proceed with caution when removing hardware if a patient has had prior revision surgery and to wait at least 1 year after VDRO to remove proximal femoral implants.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

GUIDANCE study: guided growth of the proximal femur to prevent further hip migration in patients with cerebral palsy-study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Up to one-third of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) develop hip migration. Current standard care for early hip migration is bilateral adductor-psoas tenotomy; however, the failure rate is relatively high with 34%-74% of patients with CP requiring secondary hip surgery. Using temporary medial hemiepiphysiodesis of the proximal femur (TMH-PF), the morphology of the hip can be changed. This technique aims to reduce further hip migration and the need for secondary surgical management. Further research is necessary to determine the benefit of TMH-PF in addition to adductor-psoas tenotomy. The hypothesis of this study is that TMH-PF combined with adductor-psoas release decreases the chance of progressive hip migration and the need for secondary hip surgery, compared with adductor-psoas release alone.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The GUIDANCE study is an open-label multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients with CP aged between 2 and 8 years, with spastic CP-Gross Motor Function Classification System IV or V, hip abduction ≤40° and hip migration of 30%-50% can be included in this trial. They will be randomised into a control arm (adductor-psoas tenotomy) or an intervention arm (adductor-psoas tenotomy+TMH PH). The primary outcome will be treatment failure at 5-year follow-up. At 2-year follow-up a preliminary analysis will be performed. Secondary outcomes will be differences in patient-reported outcome measures (CPCHILD and CPG pain score), range of motion, radiological measurements including head shaft angle and hip migration percentage and three-dimensional (3D) morphological changes to the proximal femur. Furthermore, an analysis will be performed to identify predictors for treatment failure in both treatment arms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The GUIDANCE study should provide evidence on the effectiveness of TMH-PF in addition to adductor-psoas tenotomy in children with CP with early hip migration. If beneficial, larger hip reconstructive procedures can be delayed or prevented, providing a distinct benefit for these vulnerable children. The study's strengths lie in its methodological framework, incorporating randomised allocation and intervention assessment. The main limitation is the inability to blind the treating physician or the researcher for the treatment arm the participant is allocated to. The results of the GUIDANCE study will be presented at scientific meetings and published in international peer-reviewed journals. The aim is to publish the results at 2 years follow-up and 5 years follow-up and to publish the results of the analysis on the 3D morphology of the hip after TMH-PF. Individual de-identified participant data that underlie the results from the GUIDANCE study and the study protocol will be shared if requested.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Trial Registry number: NCT06118736. Registered on 3 November 2023.

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in adolescents with cerebral palsy: A retrospective comparison study of three surgical techniques

Purpose

We compared the outcomes of arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for severe hallux valgus in 31 adolescents with cerebral palsy, using three different methods of fixation: K-wires, non-locking plates, and locking plates.

Methods

Clinical outcomes included time to weight-bearing, fusion rates and surgical complications. Radiographic assessment included comparing pre- and post-operative hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, interphalangeal angles, and lateral metatarsophalangeal angles. Patient-reported outcomes included pre- and post-operative visual analogue scales addressing bunion pain and concerns, difficulties with wearing shoes and braces, and difficulties with foot hygiene.

Results

Of the 31 adolescents (16 male), 10 patients had K-wire fixation, 11 had a non-locking dorsal plate, and 10 had fixation with a dorsal locking plate. Mean age at surgery was 16 years (12-18 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (2.7-6.5 years). Patients with K-wire fixation had delayed weight-bearing and had more complications than those managed by dorsal plating. There were significant improvements in radiographic parameters (except interphalangeal angle) and in patient-reported outcomes, in all groups (p < 0.001). However, radiographic and clinical outcomes were better in the dorsal plating groups compared to the K-wire group.

Conclusion

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint gave good correction of deformity with improvements in symptoms and radiographic parameters in adolescents with cerebral palsy. We recommend dorsal plating that allowed early weight-bearing and had fewer complications with better clinical and radiographic outcomes, than K-wire fixation.

Level of evidence

IV: Retrospective case series.

Early Complications After Posterior Spinal Fusion in Patients With Rett Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular scoliosis in Rett syndrome (RS) is common, progressive, and often requires posterior spinal fusion (PSF). While PSF is associated with improved overall outcomes, there is a paucity of information describing complications. We aimed to report the postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations for patients with RS undergoing PSF.

METHODS

Female pediatric patients with RS treated by PSF with segmental instrumentation, with or without concurrent pelvis fixation, during January 2012 to August 2022 were included. Preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative data (estimated blood loss, cell saver, packed red blood cells transfused), postoperative complications according to the Modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink classification within 90 days, unplanned readmissions within 30 days, and unplanned reoperations within 90 days were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 25 females were included. The mean (SD) age at surgery was 12.9 (1.8) years and the mean follow-up of 38.6 (24.9) months. The mean preoperative major coronal curve was 79 degrees (23 degrees) which decreased to 32 degrees (15 degrees) by the last follow-up ( P <0.001). The median estimated blood loss was 600 mL and length of stay was 7 days. There were 81 total postoperative complications (3.2 complications/patient). Eight (32%) had grade IVa complications (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hypotensive shock, respiratory failure, chronic urosepsis). Five (20%) patients experienced seizures, 48% had pulmonary complications, and 56% had gastrointestinal complications. There were 3 readmissions (12%) within 30 days for pneumonia and 2 (8%) reoperations (an incision and drainage and C2-T2 fusion for significant kyphosis) within 90 days. One patient also had their fusion extended to the pelvis 1 year later. There were more nonambulatory patients in the group fused to the pelvis, but otherwise no differences between those fused and unfused to the pelvis.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest review of early postoperative complications for patients with RS who underwent PSF. PSF effectively reduced the major coronal curve, but surgeons and families should be aware of a high postoperative seizure and respiratory complication rate, as well as 8% having reoperations within 90 days and 12% being readmitted within 30 days.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-therapeutic study.

Modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system is reliable for classifying complications following surgical treatment of early-onset scoliosis

PURPOSE

Appropriately measuring and classifying surgical complications is a critical component of research in vulnerable populations, including children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The purpose of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of a modified Clavien-Dindo-Sink system (CDS) classification system for EOS patients among a group of pediatric spinal deformity surgeons.

METHODS

Thirty case scenarios were developed and presented to experienced surgeons in an international spine study group. For each case, surgeons were asked to select a level of severity based on the modified CDS system to assess inter-rater reliability. The survey was administered on two occasions to allow for assessment of intra-rater reliability. Weighted Kappa values were calculated, with 0.61 to 0.80 considered substantial agreement and 0.81 to 1.00 considered nearly perfect agreement.

RESULTS

11/12 (91.7%) surgeons completed the first-round survey and 8/12 (66.7%) completed the second. Inter-observer weighted kappa values for the first and second survey were 0.75 [95% CI 0.56-0.94], indicating substantial agreement, and 0.84 [95% CI 0.70-0.98], indicating nearly perfect agreement, respectively. Intra-observer reliability was 0.86 (range 0.74-0.95) between the first and second surveys, indicating nearly perfect agreement .

CONCLUSION

The modified CDS classification system demonstrated substantial to nearly perfect agreement between and within observers for the evaluation of complications following the surgical treatment of EOS patients. Adoption of this reliable classification system as a standard for reporting complications in EOS patients can be a valuable tool for future research endeavors, as we seek to ultimately improve surgical practices and patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Treatment outcomes of hips in patients with epiphyseal dysplasia

Hip containment surgeries in multiple epiphyseal and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (MED/SED) patients aim to improve the mechanical environment of the hip joint. The purpose of this study was to determine if surgical intervention to improve femoral head coverage improved radiographic and clinical outcomes. A retrospective study identified patients with MED/SED seen in clinic between May 2000 and September 2017, with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Patient charts/radiographs were reviewed for radiographic hip measurements, pain, and gait. Sixty-nine hips in 35 patients were identified. Forty-four hips were treated nonoperatively and 25 were treated surgically. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.2 years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years for the surgical group and 7.1 years for the nonsurgical group. The mean postoperative follow-up was 5.4 years. Acetabular index decreased from initial to final visit by 9.0° in the surgical group and 1.6° in the nonsurgical group. Tonnis angle decreased by 13.5° in the surgical group and 1.5° in the nonsurgical group. Center edge angle increased by 19.0° in the surgical group and 7.1° in the nonsurgical group. Hips in the surgical group were 6.1 times more likely to experience an improvement in pain compared with hips in the nonsurgical group. Gait at the final follow-up was similar among the two groups. In this study cohort, containment surgery provided increased femoral head coverage; however, there was equal femoral head deformation despite intervention. Hips treated surgically were more likely to experience an improvement in pain; however, gait alterations did not improve.

Unique Issues Related to Regional Anesthesia in Pediatric Orthopedics

This article will narrow its focus largely to notable issues related to regional anesthesia in pediatrics. First, the controversy surrounding awake versus anesthetized block placement will be addressed. There will also be a discussion on the use of regional anesthetics in orthopedics cases and the risk of compartment syndrome. Subsequently, the concern for regional anesthetics in the setting of an instrumented spine (eg, following spine fusion, baclofen pump placement) will be reviewed as such can have significant ramifications for patients. Finally, this article will consider ambulatory regional catheters and their increasing use in pediatric orthopedic anesthesia. Their utilization during the COVD epidemic played a key role in facilitating procedures that would have been canceled due to the protracted hospital bed shortage.

Epidural Analgesia Versus Lumbar Plexus Blockade After Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Intrathecal Baclofen Pumps: A Comparison of Safety and Efficacy

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia is commonly used for pain control after reconstructive hip surgery, but its use is controversial in the presence of an intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB). The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the rate of serious anesthetic and postoperative complications as well as the efficacy of epidural analgesia compared with lumbar plexus blocks (LPBs) for pain management after neuromuscular hip reconstruction in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and ITB.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with CP and ITB undergoing hip reconstructive surgery from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients receiving epidural analgesia were compared with those receiving LPB. Morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram were used as a surrogate measure for pain-related outcomes, as pain scores were reported with wide ranges (eg, 0 to 5/10), making it unfeasible to compare them across the cohort. Postoperative complications were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (26/44, 59% male) underwent surgery at an average age of 10.3 years (SD=3.4 y, range: 4 to 17 y). The majority utilized LPB (28/44, 64%) while the remaining utilized epidural (16/44, 36%). There were no differences in rates of serious complications, including no cases of ITB malfunction, damage, or infection. During the immediate postoperative course, patients who received LPB had higher morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram requirements than patients who received epidural analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CP undergoing hip reconstruction surgery with an ITB in situ, epidural anesthesia was associated with improved analgesia compared with LPB analgesia, with a similar risk for adverse outcomes. Epidural catheters placed using image-guided insertion techniques can avoid damage to the ITB catheter while providing effective postoperative pain control without increasing rates of complications in this complex patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

[Research Updates: Standardized Reporting and Evaluation Instruments for Postoperative Complications]

Postoperative complications are important indicators for evaluating surgical outcomes, and mortality and the incidence of various specific complications are often used to measure the efficacy of surgical and perioperative management strategies. With the progress of medical technology, there has been a dramatic decline in mortality and the incidence of complications. As a result, reporting and evaluation in the traditional methods no longer meets the actual needs of the world. There has arisen an urgent need for an instrument of standardized reporting and evaluation. The instrument should be aligned with the actual circumstances and should represent the patient's overall burden of postoperative complications. We herein reviewed the latest research findings on Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) system and comprehensive complication index (CCI), two instruments of standardized reporting and evaluation of postoperative complications, and discussed the space for improvement and prospects of application of CDC and CCI.

Modified Clavien-Dindo-sink classification system for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

The Clavien-Dindosink (CDS) classification system provides more treatment-focused granularity than subjective methods of describing surgical complications; however, it has not been validated in posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this study was to modify the CDS system for application in patients with AIS undergoing PSF to assess its inter- and intra-rater reliability for describing complications faced by this population.

METHODS

A review of all complications specific to patients with AIS captured in a large multicenter international database was performed. All complications were classified according to CDS, modified by addition of "prolonged initial hospital stay" as a criterion for Grade II. A survey of this complication list and an additional 20 clinical vignettes (sent out on two occasions) was sent to nine spinal deformity surgeons. Weighted kappa values were used to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability.

RESULTS

The Fleiss κ value for interrater reliability among 5 respondents grading all AIS complications was 0.8 (very good). For each grade, interrater reliability was very good, with an overall range of 0.8-1. The overall kappa value for intrarater reliability among eight respondents grading 20 vignettes was between 0.6 (good) and 0.9 (very good).

CONCLUSION

The modified CDS classification system has very good interrater and intrarater reliability in describing complications following PSF in patients with AIS. This system may be of greater utility for reporting outcomes than a "major" versus "minor" complication system and can serve as a valuable tool for improving surgical practices and patient outcomes in this population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV case series.

Calcaneal Sliding Osteotomy Versus Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy for Valgus Foot Deformity Correction in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Medial calcaneal sliding (CS) osteotomy and lateral column lengthening (LCL) are often performed to relieve pain and improve transverse plane alignment and gait stability for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and valgus foot deformities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of these procedures in this population.

METHODS

Retrospective medical record review (including 3D gait analysis data) of patients with CP who underwent LCL (26 subjects, 46 limbs) or CS (46 subjects, 73 limbs). Data extraction included complications (modified Clavien-Dindo system), change in standing foot position (modified Yoo system), and change in gait kinematics and kinetics preoperatively to postoperatively. Groups were compared using paired t tests, Fisher exact test, and survivorship analysis using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Subjects were 57% male, average age at surgery 11.1 (SD 2.5) years. Average length of follow-up was 3.2 (SD 2.8) years, and was longer in the LCL group (P=0.0004). Complications were minor with similar rates between groups (P=0.14). Prolonged pain and plantar hypersensitivity occurred only in the CS group. Successful maintenance of deformity correction was achieved in 52/73 limbs (71%) in the CS group and 16/44 limbs (36%) in the LCL group (P<0.001). Recurrent pes valgus and need for repeat foot surgery were more common after LCL (P=0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Recurrent pes valgus never occurred when talonavicular fusion was done concomitantly with CS. After accounting for the between group difference in length of follow-up, there was no difference in the rates of recurrent valgus or repeat foot surgery between LCL and CS. None of the variables predicted development of pes varus (P>0.20). Ankle kinematics and kinetics during gait were unchanged in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CS and LCL have similar effectiveness in providing long-lasting correction of valgus foot deformities. Concomitant talonavicular fusion is key to success of CS for lower functioning patients with severe deformities, and obligate brace wearers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Split anterior tibialis tendon transfer to peroneus brevis for spastic equinovarus in children with hemiplegia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to report the safety and eff-cacy of soft-tissue surgery incorporating split transfer of tibi-alis anterior to peroneus brevis (SPLATT-PB) for children with hemiplegic spastic equinovarus.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of children and adolescents with spastic hemiplegia who had a novel combination of SPLATT-TB, intramuscular tenotomy of tibialis posterior and either spasticity management or gastrocsole-us lengthening as the index surgery. The principal outcome measures were changes in pain and difficulty with shoe wear and radiological parameters obtained from weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the affected foot before and after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients with symptomatic spastic equinovarus met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 9.8 years (6 to 18) and the mean follow-up was seven years (range 3 to 10 years). Foot pain and problems with shoe wear improved after surgery. Seven radiological criteria showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up, the majority being in the normal range. There were 11 surgical adverse events, all classified as Modified Cla-vien-Dindo Grade II. Three patients required further surgery for recurrent equinus, eight patients required further surgery for valgus deformities and four patients required bony surgery for residual varus deformities.

CONCLUSION

Soft-tissue surgery for spastic equinovarus was successful in the majority of children with spastic hemiplegia, particularly between ages eight and 12 years, resulting in a plantigrade, flexible foot with minimal pain or limitations in shoe-wear. Children younger than 8 years at index surgery were more prone to overcorrection into valgus. Children older than 12 years had persistent varus deformities requiring bony surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of Staged Versus Same-day Bilateral Hip Surgery in Nonambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Bilateral hip reconstructions with osteotomies are commonly required in patients with severe cerebral palsy (CP) and dysplasia. These procedures can be performed by staging each hip surgery, separated by weeks to months, or by addressing both hips in a single-event surgery. The optimal timing of such surgery is yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare major complications between the staged and single-event approaches.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent bilateral hip osteotomies, with at least one side including a pelvic osteotomy, were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were identified who had a diagnosis of nonambulatory CP (defined by Gross Motor and Functional Classification System level IV or V), and at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. All hips were treated by 1 of 7 surgeons: 2 surgeons who always performing single-event surgery and 5 who always perform staged surgeries. Complications were stratified by the Modified Clavien-Dindo Classification (grades 1 to 5). The primary outcome was major complications (grade ≥3), while minor complications, readmissions, reoperations, and resource utilization outcomes were investigated secondarily.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients met our inclusion criteria: 35 received single-event surgery and 30 received staged surgery. The staged group had a higher rate of major complications per patient (0.30 vs. 0; P=0.013). Unplanned readmissions and reoperations were likewise increased in the staged group. Minor complication rates were high in both groups, with no differences observed between staged and single-event approaches (3.27 per patient vs. 2.91; P=0.952). There were no complications causing permanent disability or death. The total length of stay (6.2 vs. 4.0 d; P<0.001) and mean nonsurgical operating room time (65.7 vs. 45.6 min; P<0.001) were increased in the staged group versus the single-event group.

CONCLUSIONS

The staged approach to bilateral hip reconstructions in the nonambulatory CP population was associated with a higher rate of major complications compared with a single-event approach. Minor complications were similar for both approaches. Both approaches can have an acceptable safety profile with no observed grade 4 or 5 complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Hip Reconstruction in Nonambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy: Identifying Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Complications and Prolonged Length of Stay

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between preoperative comorbidities, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS) after hip reconstruction in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 127 patients undergoing hip surgery between 2007 and 2016 who were diagnosed with CP (GMFCS IV/V). The cohort was 54% Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V with an average age at surgery of 9 years (range, 3-19 y). Preoperative comorbidities included: presence of a gastrostomy tube, respiratory difficulty requiring positive-pressure ventilation or tracheostomy, history of seizures, and nonverbal status. Complications were dichotomized into major and minor complications according to severity. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to identify factors associated with complications and prolonged LOS.

RESULTS

The median LOS in the hospital was 6 days (intequartile range, 5-9 d). The majority of procedures (72%) involved both the femur and acetabulum and 82% of surgeries were performed bilaterally. Patients who experienced a major complication were mostly GMFCS level V and were more likely to spend time in intensive care unit than postanesthetic care unit (P=0.001). Multivariable analysis for a major complication determined that the addition of each comorbid risk fact increased the odds of developing a major complication by 2.6 times (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-4.47; P<0.001) regardless of GMFCS level. Multivariable analysis for prolonged LOS determined that major complications (P<0.001), bilaterality (P=0.01), age (P=0.02), female sex (P=0.01), and GMFCS V (P<0.001) were all factors that increased LOS. Migration percentage, acetabular index odds ratio, and pelvic obliquity were not associated with prolonged LOS or the presence of a major complication.

CONCLUSIONS

From our analysis, the authors found that a patient's premorbid comorbidities were more predictive of the likelihood of sustaining a major complication than their GMFCS level. Identifying high-risk patients preoperatively may help reduce complications and LOS, which ultimately will improve the quality of care the authors deliver to nonambulatory children with CP undergoing hip reconstruction surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective cohort study.

The Use of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in Neuromuscular Hip Reconstruction: Can We Alter the Need for Blood Transfusion?

BACKGROUND

Children with neuromuscular complex chronic conditions (NMCCC) frequently undergo hip reconstruction surgery requiring blood transfusion. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirement in NMCCC children undergoing hip reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

Children with NMCCC undergoing hip reconstruction surgery between 2013 and 2018 were identified. Two cohorts were identified: those who received TXA and those who did not. Patient and surgical characteristics between cohorts were used for propensity matching. Patients were matched on the basis of comorbid factors, bilateral involvement, pelvic osteotomy, open reduction, and surgeon. Comparative outcomes between cohorts were analyzed for intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements and length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients underwent hip surgery at an average of 9.6 years (SD, 4.0). Propensity matching utilized 72% of the cohort including 47 TXA and 72 non-TXA subjects. There were no differences in patient or surgical characteristics across matched groups. Fifteen (15/47, 32%) TXA subjects required a postoperative blood transfusion compared with the 47% (34/72) of non-TXA subjects who required a transfusion and intraoperative transfusion rates were similar between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in complication rate (TXA, 79%; non-TXA, 86%), reported estimated blood loss (median=200 mLfor both) or LOS (median=6 d for both). Hematocrit levels were slightly higher in TXA subjects intraoperatively (P=0.047), at the end of surgery (P=0.04), and for the overall lowest perioperative level (P=0.04). The overall percent loss of estimated blood volume was less for those who were given TXA compared with those who were not (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TXA during hip reconstruction surgery in NMCCC children significantly reduced the percent loss of estimated blood volume and postoperative transfusion rate. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to verify the positive effects and safety of TXA in the setting of hip reconstruction surgery in NMCCC children.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Complications After Upper Extremity Surgery in Solid Organ Transplant Patients

PURPOSE

To determine the rate of and risk factors for complications in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients who have had surgery of the upper extremity.

METHODS

All SOT recipients who had an upper extremity procedure performed by 1 of 6 surgeons at our institution were identified from 2006 to 2018. Demographic data, transplant date and type, upper extremity surgery procedure and date, antirejection medications, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA) score, and complications were recorded. Complications were defined as any surgical complication within 1 year and any medical complication within the first 30 days after surgery. Complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

RESULTS

Fifty-one upper extremity procedures in 32 SOT patients were included. Of the 51 procedures, 21 were complicated, for an overall complication rate of 41%. Surgical complications occurred equally before and after 30 days with infection being the most common. Only 1 of the procedures resulting in surgical site infection had an implant (temporary K-wire fixation). The majority of complications were grade II, and there were no grade IV or V complications. Age, ASA score, type or number of SOT, and immunosuppressive regimens were similar between complicated and noncomplicated procedures. Procedures involving male patients were more likely to be complicated than those involving female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications after upper extremity operations are common in SOT patients, and surgical complications often occur after 30 days. Surgeons should counsel this population that they carry a higher complication risk than the general population and may require longer-term monitoring after surgery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Split Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer to The Peroneus Brevis or Tertius for the Treatment of Varus Foot Deformities in Children with Static Encephalopathy: A retrospective case series

INTRODUCTION

The study purpose was to determine the safety/efficacy of a split anterior tibialis tendon transfer (SPLATT) to the peroneus tertius or brevis in children with static encephalopathy and varus feet.

METHODS

A retrospective review of short- and long-term complications, change in ankle range of motion, strength, and gait kinematics. Predictors of postoperative varus or valgus were examined.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three patients were included (average age [SD] 10.3 [3.7]), with an average follow-up of 3.9 (3.4) years. Forefoot/hindfoot eversion range of motion improved (P ≤ 0.05), dorsiflexor strength was maintained or improved in 76.9% of patients, and dorsiflexion in swing phase was maintained. Complications occurred in 6 of 133 patients (4.5%) and included 1 transfer failure, 1 wound dehiscence, and four pressure areas from casts. Successful correction was achieved in 77% of patients. Later onset of recurrent varus (14.4%, 10.6% requiring revision surgery) and pes valgus (8.7%, 4.8% requiring revision surgery) occurred. The length of the follow-up predicted the development of the pes valgus (odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6).

DISCUSSION

SPLATT to the peroneus tertius or brevis is effective, and complications are rare. Subsequent valgus or recurrent varus deformities may occur, possibly requiring repeat surgery.