Mesenchymal stromal cell injection promotes vocal fold scar repair without long-term engraftment

BACKGROUND

Regenerative medicine holds promise for restoring voice in patients with vocal fold scarring. As experimental treatments approach clinical translation, several considerations remain. Our objective was to evaluate efficacy and biocompatibility of four bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (BM-MSC) and tunable hyaluronic acid based hydrogel (HyStem-VF) treatments for vocal fold scar using clinically acceptable materials, a preclinical sample size and a dosing comparison.

METHODS

Vocal folds of 84 rabbits were injured and injected with four treatment variations (BM-MSC, HyStem-VF, and BM-MSC in HyStem-VF at two concentrations) 6 weeks later. Efficacy was assessed with rheometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and histology at 2, 4 and 10 weeks following treatment. Lung, liver, kidney, spleen and vocal folds were screened for biocompatibility by a pathologist.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Persistent inflammation was identified in all hydrogel-injected groups. The BM-MSC alone treatment appeared to be the most efficacious and safe, providing an early resolution of viscoelasticity, gene expression consistent with desirable extracellular matrix remodeling (less fibronectin, collagen 1α2, collagen 3, procollagen, transforming growth factor [TGF]β1, alpha smooth muscle actin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-17β and tumor necrosis factor [TNF] than injured controls) and minimal inflammation. Human beta actin expression in BM-MSC-treated vocal folds was minimal after 2 weeks, suggesting that paracrine signaling from the BM-MSCs may have facilitated tissue repair.

Labral support shelf arthroplasty for the early stages of severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

The best treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease remains unknown, and various methods of treatment have been shown to yield conflicting results. Treatment with a labral support shelf arthroplasty is ideal when an increased arc of the acetabulum is needed to contain an enlarged femoral head, when extension of the lateral border of the acetabulum is needed to prevent hinge subluxation, and when a larger surface area is needed for remodeling. Twenty patients with unilateral Catterall classes III and IV and lateral pillar groups B and C disease in the necrotic or fragmentation stage were treated with a shelf arthroplasty. Eleven hips demonstrated hinge subluxation. Success was defined as achievement of a round or oval femoral head, and failure was defined as a flat femoral head. Clinical examination evaluated the presence of pain, limp, and range of motion. Eighteen of the 20 hips (90%) had a successful result. Hinge subluxation was eliminated in all 11 hips. All 18 patients with a successful result had no pain, no limp, and a functional range of motion. The 2 hips considered a failure were in the oldest patients. Treatment with a labral support shelf arthroplasty fostered femoral head sphericity and prevented incongruence in hips otherwise at risk for poor results. Ninety percent of hips had a round or oval femoral head with no pain, no limp, and a functional range of motion.

Magnetic resonance imaging of renal abnormalities in patients with congenital osseous anomalies of the spine

BACKGROUND

Patients with congenital osseous anomalies of the spine are known to have a high prevalence of abnormalities in the renal system and of the spinal cord. Today, the screening tools of choice to detect these abnormalities include ultrasonography of the kidneys and collecting system and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. A single screening tool that can identify both renal and intraspinal anomalies would be ideal.

METHODS

Imaging studies of all patients with a congenital osseous anomaly of the spine seen at our institution during a ten-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients who had had both a sonogram of the renal system and a magnetic resonance imaging study of the entire spine were included in the investigation. All studies were reviewed blindly by a pediatric radiologist for this study.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-three patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Forty-one patients (27%) had a total of forty-seven renal abnormalities noted on both the sonogram and the magnetic resonance imaging scan. In no instance was a renal anomaly seen on one study and not on the other.

CONCLUSIONS

When properly performed, screening magnetic resonance imaging scans of the spine can show renal abnormalities, thus obviating the need for a separate screening renal ultrasound study.

Fusionless treatment of scoliosis

The recent investigations of convex anterior vertebral body stapling have offered promising early results with use of improved implants and techniques. The use of a shape memory alloy staple tailored to the size of the vertebral body, the application of several staples per level, the instrumentation of the Cobb levels of all curves, and the employment of minimally invasive thoracoscopic approaches all offer substantial improvements over previous fusionless techniques. Patient selection may also play a role in the current success of these fusionless treatments, with perhaps the ideal candidates for this intervention possessing smaller and more flexible curves. Long-term results of the effects on the instrumented motion segments and adjacent spine are not yet available.

A reappraisal of the Ortolani examination in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

The Ortolani maneuver is currently accepted as an accurate test to detect developmental dislocation of the hip. However, the clinical sign does not always correlate with the findings seen on ultrasound. The ultrasound-documented position of the femoral head was correlated with the result of the clinical Ortolani examination to better understand the value and validity of the Ortolani test. Two populations were compared: hips with a positive Ortolani sign and hips with a negative Ortolani sign but with an ultrasound-documented dislocated hip. In the Ortolani-positive group, there were 45 patients (53 affected hips), and in the Ortolani-negative group, there were 24 patients (25 dislocated hips). Position of the femoral head at rest, side of involvement, and sex showed no significant difference between the Ortolani-positive and -negative groups. Mean age of patients in the Ortolani-positive group was less (mean, 28 days) and was statistically different (P < 0.05) from those in the Ortolani-negative group (mean, 91 days). In conclusion, dislocated hips that show similar femoral head movement can produce an Ortolani-positive examination in a younger patient and an Ortolani-negative examination in an older patient. The classic clinical method described by Ortolani for detecting hip dislocation in which the thigh of the affected hip is abducted and the femoral head was thought to be reducing into the acetabulum can be erroneous. All Ortolani-positive hips were abnormal, as the sensation characteristic of a positive Ortolani examination may be felt without full reduction and, in some cases, with no reduction, as documented by ultrasound.

The proximal femoral growth plate in Perthes disease

We hypothesized the extent of involvement of the proximal femoral growth plate in Perthes disease determined the final radiographic outcome after containment by shelf acetabuloplasty. We retrospectively evaluated the extent of growth plate involvement using a modified version of the method described by Yasuda and Tamura. In our modification, we used only the epiphyseal border for measurements, which was clearly visible as a thin white line, unlike Yasuda and Tamura who used the metaphyseal and epiphyseal borders. We could not clearly demarcate the metaphyseal border in the radiographs of our patient population between 1944 and 1998, which consisted of 69 patients who had surgery at a mean age of 9 years (range, 6.0-14.1 years). From these measurements, we formulated an index termed "growth plate involvement." Radiographic results were classified as described by Stulberg et al A growth plate involvement index less than 0.25 resulted in a good radiographic outcome. We found 93.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity in predicting Stulberg's outcomes. The growth plate involvement index is a reliable and reproducible measurement method and may be used prospectively as a useful prognostic factor to predict radiographic outcomes after containment acetabuloplasty.

Prevalence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in patients who have bilateral cavovarus feet

It is not uncommon to see a patient with bilateral cavovarus feet in the outpatient setting. A large percentage of these patients are subsequently diagnosed with an associated condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The purpose of the present report was to determine the prevalence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in children who have bilateral cavovarus feet. A chart review of children with bilateral cavovarus feet was done. Patients were excluded if they had an existing medical problem known to be associated with bilateral cavovarus feet. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was diagnosed after a clinical assessment by an orthopaedic surgeon and a neurologist. The diagnosis was confirmed by either standard nerve conduction velocity studies and/or the CMT DNA Duplication Detection Test (Athena Diagnostics Inc, Worchester, MA). A positive family history was noted only if the diagnosis had been confirmed by a nerve conduction velocity study and/or CMT DNA Duplication Detection Test. One hundred forty-eight patients met the study criteria. The probability of a patient with bilateral cavovarus feet being diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, regardless of family history, was 78% (116 patients). A family history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease increased the probability to 91%. It is recommended that all patients with bilateral cavovarus feet, especially with a known family history, be investigated for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Congenital and developmental deformities of the spine in children with myelomeningocele

The treatment of spinal deformities in children with myelomeningocele poses a formidable task. Multiple medical comorbidities, such as insensate skin and chronic urinary tract infection, make care of the spine difficult. A thorough understanding of the natural history of these deformities is mandatory for appropriate treatment to be rendered. A team approach that includes physicians from multiple specialties provides the best care for these patients. The two most challenging problems are paralytic scoliosis and rigid lumbar kyphosis. The precise indications for surgical intervention are multifactorial, and the proposed benefits must be weighed against the potential risks. Newer spinal constructs now allow for fixation of the spine in areas previously difficult to instrument. Complications appear to be decreasing with improved understanding of the pathophysiology associated with myelomeningocele.

Lateral growth disturbance of the proximal femur in premature infants who had neonatal sepsis

This is a retrospective review of four patients in whom a pattern of growth disturbance of the proximal femur with the bony bridge developed. They were born prematurely with low birth weight at birth and they had a suspicious sepsis, but they did not have any signs of localized infection. All presented with a progressive gait disturbance and a leg-length discrepancy. Radiographs showed an anterior tilting of the capital femoral epiphysis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed partial physeal closure with bony bridges. This case series suggests an association between neonatal sepsis of prematurity and growth disturbance of the proximal femur.

Fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis in children: patterns of injury and results of treatment

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the tibia are common in children. Fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis have been only described in fracture texts without reference to a peer-reviewed study. The purpose of the present study was to review this fracture pattern and report the results of treatment.

METHODS

The medical records and radiographs of children seen at our institution with a fracture of the tibia were reviewed. The patients with fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis who had been followed until healing were included. Fractures of the distal tibial diaphysis, toddler's fractures, and pathologic fractures were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-six children met these criteria and were included in the study. The mechanism of injury was indirect in 13 fractures and direct in 12 fractures. In 1 patient, the mechanism of injury was unknown. The main cause of indirect injury was fall (11 cases). The most common was the transverse type of fracture (14 patients) followed by the oblique type (11 patients). Only 8 cases were nondisplaced. Valgus angulation was usually associated with a recurvatum deformation, whereas varus angulation was associated with procurvatum angulation. These patterns were present in 14 patients. We observed shorter healing time when the fracture was oblique than transverse. Children with the oblique pattern of injury were younger than children with a transverse fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of displacement of the distal tibial metaphyseal fractures reported in our study vary from those presented in textbooks. Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures can present with 2 types of displacement: valgus recurvatum and varus procurvatum. Fractures of the fibula always present with the same pattern as the tibia. Primary union of the distal tibial metaphyseal fracture may be expected in all cases regardless of the type of fracture, age, and gender.

Operative treatment for type II avascular necrosis in developmental dysplasia of the hip

Lateral growth disturbance of the proximal femur may occur after treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip, although usually it is not recognized until the child is older. This resultant dysplasia is also known as Kalamchi and MacEwen Type II avascular necrosis. The valgus configuration of the proximal femur and associated acetabular dysplasia may need operative reconstruction. Our purpose in doing this study was to assess the results of reconstruction in these patients. We reviewed 24 patients (30 hips) with Type II avascular necrosis who had acetabular and/or proximal femoral osteotomy after treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip. The results were assessed according to the timing and type of operation and were graded using the Severin classification (I and II satisfactory and III and IV unsatisfactory). All patients were followed up past skeletal maturity. At a mean followup of 22 years, 15 of 24 patients (17 of 30 hips) had a satisfactory result. The patients with hips that were reconstructed after the diagnosis of Type II avascular necrosis had more satisfactory results than those operated on before the diagnosis of (70% versus 50%) avascular necrosis. Patients with 10 of the 13 hips that had acetabular and femoral reconstruction had a satisfactory result.

The feasibility, safety, and utility of vertebral wedge osteotomies for the fusionless treatment of paralytic scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Before-after intervention study of a fusionless surgical technique to correct scoliosis secondary to spinal cord injury or myelodysplasia in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility, safety, and utility of a fusionless treatment option for paralytic scoliosis. Once determined, these data could then be applied to develop the application of this operation for patients with other types of scoliosis, such as idiopathic.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal operative treatment for paralytic scoliosis remains to be determined. An ideal procedure would correct the deformity and stop the progression of scoliosis while maintaining mobility of the spine. This latter fact is important, especially for patients who rely heavily on use of trunk mobility for function.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with scoliosis secondary to spinal cord injury or myelodysplasia underwent a fusionless vertebral body wedge osteotomy procedure. Feasibility was analyzed by the ability to correct the scoliosis with the osteotomies and preserve mobility. Safety was reported by estimated blood loss, neurologic stability, and complications. Utility was reported by radiographic evidence of arrested curve progression and maintenance of spinal mobility.

RESULTS

All 14 patients successfully underwent surgery to insert the wedge-rod system, with an average initial correction of 86% (range 66%-108%). The average estimated blood loss was 1050 cc (range 300-2000 cc). There were no major complications, and no changes in spasticity, bowel or bladder patterns, or motor/sensory levels. There was no case of nonunion at the osteotomy sites. At mean follow-up of 15 months (6-29 months), 10 patients had an improvement in their Cobb magnitude, 1 patient was within 5 degrees of their initial curve, 1 patient had a worse Cobb magnitude, and in 2 patients, the curve direction reversed but still measured less than the preoperative Cobb measurement. Spinal mobility was retained in all patients, as demonstrated on side-bending radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS

The vertebral wedge osteotomy procedure appears to be a potential option for the treatment of paralytic scoliosis. The procedure was feasible and safely performed in these 14 patients, with spinal mobility maintained. There were no nonunions. The efficacy of the procedure is still not known, as is for which patients the procedure is indicated and timing of the operation. Long-term follow-up (to skeletal maturity) is needed. Only six of the patients are currently skeletally mature, and more numbers are needed to determine efficacy in this group.

Fourth brachymetatarsia treated with distraction osteogenesis

BACKGROUND

This study investigated metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis for fourth brachymetatarsia in 22 metatarsals (16 patients).

METHODS

From May 1997 to May 2000, lengthening was performed with a monoexternal fixator, and distraction was started at a rate of 0.5 mm per day after a latency period of approximately 7-10 days.

RESULTS

The average gain in length was 16.5 mm (range, 13-21 mm), equivalent to an increase of 39% (range, 28-51%), and the average healing index was 72.9 days/cm (range, 51.7-95.7 days/cm). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) average score for lesser toe was 86.3 (range, 47-100). The most common residual complication was subluxation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in five cases, with partial or total stiffness of the MTP joint. These complications happened in the group of metatarsals excessively lengthened more than 40% and made the AOFAS score poorer. The other complications were three cases of angular deformity in the lengthened bone, and two cases of pin-tract infection.

CONCLUSION

Although distraction osteogenesis is an effective method to address fourth brachymetatarsia, stiffness or subluxation of the MTP joint was not uncommon. To avoid complications that can happen as a result of excessive lengthening, careful preoperative radiographic measurement to calculate the optimal amount of lengthening may help us to avoid overlengthening and the complications that accompany it.

Treatment of the collapsed femoral head by containment in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

One hundred ninety-seven patients with unilateral Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) were followed-up to skeletal maturity. According to the lateral pillar classification, 142 hips were classified as group B and 55 hips as group C. Radiographs were evaluated for percent of collapse of the femoral head, Waldenstrom stage of disease at diagnosis, Mose sphericity, hinge abduction, lateral acetabular shape, and limb-length discrepancy. The hips were treated either by bedrest and traction in abduction (76), Petrie cast (21), abduction brace (74), or by pelvic or femoral osteotomy (26). One hundred twenty-five hips had less than a 2-mm difference in Mose sphericity at followup. According to the classification of Stulberg et al., 89 hips (45%) were class I, 57 (29%) were class II, 35 (18%) were class III, 12 (6%) were class IV, and 4 (2%) were class V. Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between group B versus group C with regard to the classifications of Stulberg et al. and Mose, lateral acetabular shape, age at onset, and limb-length discrepancy. There was no significant statistical difference with regard to the types of treatment. Containment treatment of a deformed femoral head from LCPD improves the sphericity of the hip and gives 63% satisfactory results according to the Mose classification and 74% satisfactory results according to the Stulberg et al. classification.

Bilateral Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: presentation and outcome

Most patients who develop Legg-Calve-Perthes disease have unilateral involvement. For those children who do develop bilateral involvement, the disease and its outcome have not been characterized. This study reviewed the records and radiographs of 83 patients (20 girls and 63 boys) with bilateral Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The patients were then divided into 3 groups based on the Waldenstrom stage at the time of the first radiograph. In Group I (26 patients), both hips were in the same stage. In Group II (45 patients), the hips were in a different stage. In Group III (12 patients), the first hip was well into the remodeling stage by the time the second hip became affected. Twenty of the 83 patients (24%) were girls. There were significantly more lateral pillar group A hips on the second side than the first side in Groups II and III, and only 10 of the 45 patients (22%) in these groups had more severe disease in the second hip. When compared with data from a group of hips with unilateral involvement, there were significantly more hips with a Catterall group I rating in the patients with bilateral involvement. In general, the Stulberg et al. class assigned appeared to be independent of bilaterality. It appears that the development of bilateral disease is an independent event. The data in the present study do not support that onset of disease in one hip leads to disease or causes a more severe disease in the second hip.

Surgical treatment of scoliosis in Marfan syndrome: guidelines for a successful outcome

Twenty-three patients with Marfan syndrome who had a posterior spinal arthrodesis, with or without instrumentation, autogenous iliac crest bone graft, and postoperative immobilization were retrospectively reviewed to formulate guidelines for the treatment of scoliosis. Patients in group 1 (7 patients) had both the primary and secondary curves arthrodesed, whereas patients in group 2 (16 patients) underwent selective arthrodesis of the entire primary and a partial arthrodesis of the secondary curves. Thirteen patients had triple curves, nine had double curves, and one patient had a single curve. At the time of follow-up all patients in group 1 had minimal or no progression of their curves, whereas 5 patients in group 2 had minimal or no progression and 11 had marked progression of at least one curve. There were no pseudarthroses or hardware failures. The authors recommend arthrodesing both the primary and secondary curves in all patients with Marfan syndrome.

Complications of joint arthroplasty in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

The mortality and morbidity after hip and knee arthroplasty were reviewed retrospectively during a 3-year period in 14 patients who had chronic renal failure and who were receiving hemodialysis. The patients had a primary total hip or knee replacement, or a revision arthroplasty or resection arthroplasty. Four of the patients (29%) died in the hospital during the postoperative period. One of the seven patients (14%) having a primary joint replacement died, whereas three of the seven patients (86%) having a revision or resection died. Every patient had multiple medical comorbidities, and every patient had a complication. The results indicate that arthroplasty procedures, especially revisions and resections, in this patient population are associated with a high rate of complications and death, and that in-depth informed consent should be provided for all patients contemplating these procedures. Meticulous treatment of medical comorbidities is mandatory. Finally, data in the literature and in the current report question whether joint arthroplasty procedures should be done in patients with end-stage renal disease who are receiving hemodialysis.

Lumbosacral agenesis: a new classification correlating spinal deformity and ambulatory potential

BACKGROUND

Lumbosacral agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. There is no consensus regarding the optimal orthopaedic management of the spinal anomaly and the concomitant lower-extremity deformities. We propose a method to predict ambulatory potential and to identify patients who will benefit from early operative treatment of the lower-extremity deformities to facilitate walking.

METHODS

We reviewed the records and radiographs of eighteen patients with total or partial absence of the lumbar spine and total absence of the sacrum. Thirteen patients (Group I) had lumbosacral agenesis alone, and five patients (Group II) had a concomitant myelomeningocele. Three types of spinal deformity were identified. In Type A, there was either a slight gap between the ilia or the ilia were fused in the midline. One or more lumbar vertebrae were absent. The caudad aspect of the spine articulated with the pelvis in the midline, maintaining its vertical alignment. In Type B, the ilia were fused together, some of the lumbar vertebrae were absent, and the most caudad lumbar vertebra articulated with one of the ilia, with the most caudad aspect of the spine shifted away from the midline. In Type C, there was a total agenesis of the lumbar spine, the ilia were fused together, and there was a visible gap between the most caudad intact thoracic vertebra and the pelvis.

RESULTS

In Group I, all seven patients with Type-A deformity were community ambulators and one patient with Type-B was a household ambulator. No other patient in the series was able to walk. Nine patients had cervical spine anomalies, and seven patients had scoliosis. No patient was managed with a spinopelvic fusion.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that all Group-I, Type-A patients should have correction of lower-extremity deformities as they have a very good potential to walk. The other patients should have operations on the lower extremities only if the deformities preclude sitting or wearing shoes or braces. The cervical spine should be examined radiographically for atlantoaxial instability or congenital anomalies.

Evaluation and treatment of dural tears in lumbar spine surgery: a review

Incidental durotomy is a frequent complication of lumbar spinal surgery. The number and complexity of spinal procedures is increasing, leading to a greater prevalence of dural tears; therefore, it is imperative that spine surgeons be familiar with safe and effective closure techniques. Occasionally, a tear may not be recognized during the procedure, so that one must recognize the signs and symptoms of a cerebrospinal fluid leak postoperatively. Several newer treatment concepts show promise. The current study represents an extensive review of the recent literature on the prevalence, mechanism, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of dural tears. The authors provide an overview of the problem, an update on current treatment strategies, and describe the senior author's technique of repair, which is easy to do and is effective in stopping additional leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Congenital kyphosis in myelomeningocele: results following operative and nonoperative treatment

We reviewed the cases of 16 patients with myelomeningocele and congenital kyphosis. Ten patients underwent kyphectomy with wire fixation and spinal fusion for severe-curve progression and problems with decubiti ulcers. The average curve magnitude at presentation for these 10 patients was 87 degrees (range 47-146 degrees); at an average follow-up of 5 + 8 years (range 2 + 9 to 9 + 9 years) after surgery, it was 60 degrees (range 15-80 degrees). A stable fusion was achieved in nine patients, and all 10 had improved status of their skin at their last follow-up. Six patients were managed by nonoperative means such as modified wheelchairs and orthoses. The average curve magnitude at the presentation for this group was 70 degrees (range 42 degrees - 93 degrees); at an average follow-up of 19 years (range 5 + 5 to 27 + 3 years), it was 106 degrees (range 65 degrees - 130 degrees). Two of these patients continue to have problems with skin breakdown. Kyphectomy enables patients to sit straighter and is the proper treatment for these patients. If operative treatment is prohibitive or denied for some reason, then suitable wheelchair modifications can enable these patients to function with reasonable comfort.

The stubbed great toe: importance of early recognition and treatment of open fractures of the distal phalanx

Stubbing injuries to the great toe can be a cause of occult open fractures and osteomyelitis. Five such patients were identified after conducting a retrospective review of injuries to the hallux between January 1998 and December 1998. The study was conducted to draw attention to the association between this trivial trauma and its possible complications. All five children had open fractures of the distal phalanx of the great toe. Osteomyelitis did not develop in the children whose injuries were recognized early and who were treated with antibiotics. However, three children with delayed diagnoses and treatment developed osteomyelitis. At a mean follow-up of 10 months (range, 9-11) after injury, all five fractures had healed with no active signs of infection. Two of these children experienced a partial growth arrest and two experienced a full growth arrest of the distal phalanx of the great toe, the significance of which is yet unknown. Clinical signs such as bleeding from the eponychium and a laceration proximal to the nail bed should alert physicians to the presence of a possible open fracture. Early detection and treatment of these injuries may reduce or eliminate hospital stays and prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis.

Development dysplasia of the hip from birth to six months

The term "developmental dysplasia or dislocation of the hip" (DDH) refers to the complete spectrum of abnormalities involving the growing hip, with varied expression from dysplasia to subluxation to dislocation of the hip joint. Unlike the term "congenital dysplasia or dislocation of the hip," DDH is not restricted to congenital problems but also includes developmental problems of the hip. It is important to diagnose these conditions early to improve the results of treat- ment, decrease the risk of complications, and favorably alter the natural history. Careful history taking and physical examination in conjunction with advances in imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography, have increased the ability to diagnose and manage DDH. Use of the Pavlik harness has become the mainstay of initial treatment for the infant who has not yet begun to stand. If stable reduction cannot be obtained after 2 weeks of treatment with the Pavlik harness, alternative treatment, such as examination of the hip under general anesthesia with possible closed reduction, is indicated. If concentric reduction of the hip cannot be obtained, surgical reduction of the dislocated hip is the next step. Toward the end of the first year of life, the toddlerTs ability to stand and bear weight on the lower extremities, as well as the progressive adaptations and soft- tissue contractures associated with the dislocated hip, preclude use of the Pavlik harness.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in girls. A comparison of the results with those seen in boys

We reviewed the records and roentgenograms of all patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease who had been seen at our institution between 1940 and 1996. One hundred and five girls (122 hips) and 470 boys (531 hips) were identified. Thus, 18 per cent of the 575 patients in the present series were girls. Seventeen (16 per cent) of the girls and sixty-one (13 per cent) of the boys had bilateral involvement. Although more girls than boys had severe involvement of the femoral head and the lateral pillar, we could not detect a significant difference between the two groups with respect to the distribution of the involvement of the hips according to the system of Catterall or the lateral pillar classification (p > 0.05, beta = 0.99). Serial roentgenograms that showed all four stages of the disease according to the system of Waldenström were available for fifty-two hips in girls and 184 hips in boys. A review of these roentgenograms revealed that the average ages of the girls at the stages of necrosis, fragmentation, reossification, and remodeling were 6.8, 7.3, 7.9, and 9.5 years, respectively, whereas the average ages of the boys were 6.8, 7.3, 7.9, and 9.9 years, respectively. Girls, however, had closure of the affected proximal femoral physis at an average age of 12.9 years, whereas boys had closure at an average age of 15.8 years. Therefore, girls had a shorter potential period for remodeling of the femoral head (average, 3.4 years) compared with boys (average, 5.9 years). Sixty-four girls (seventy-eight hips) and 363 boys (416 hips) had reached skeletal maturity by the time of the latest follow-up and were evaluated according to the system of Stulberg et al.; we could not detect a significant difference between boys and girls with respect to the distribution of the hips according to this system (p > 0.05, beta = 0.99). Although the numbers were too small for statistical analysis, our findings suggest that boys and girls who have the same Catterall or lateral pillar classification at the time of the initial evaluation can be expected to have similar outcomes according to the classification system of Stulberg et al.

Computed tomography for femoral and tibial torsion in children with clubfoot

Forty-seven children with 70 clubfeet had computed tomography studies performed to determine the degree of femoral, tibial, and total limb torsion in both lower limbs. The total limb torsion angle (angle between the axis of the femoral neck and the axis of the ankle), which describes the relationship between femoral and tibial torsion, was used to evaluate the whole rotational deformity of the lower limb. The children were between the ages of 2 and 10 years (mean, 5 years) at the time of the computed tomography study. The mean femoral torsion was 25 degrees in the limbs with a clubfoot and 23 degrees in the contralateral limbs of patients with a unilateral clubfoot. The mean tibial torsion was 25 degrees in the limbs with a clubfoot and 24 degrees in the contralateral limb of patients with a unilateral clubfoot. The authors observed decreases of anterior femoral torsion corresponding to increases in age, consistent with the observations made by other authors of studies of children without clubfoot. External tibial torsion increased with age, with similar values in limbs with and without clubfoot. Ten limbs (nine with clubfoot, one without clubfoot) had femoral torsion greater than the means plus one standard deviation and 12 limbs (eight with clubfoot, four without clubfoot) had tibial torsion less than the means minus one standard deviation. The authors found four limbs (all with clubfoot) in three patients with lower than the mean minus one standard deviation of the total limb torsion angle (intoeing). Overall, there was no appreciable difference in the amount of femoral or tibial torsion in limbs with and without a clubfoot.

Spontaneous union of a congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia after Syme amputation

A 4-year-old boy with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia had two unsuccessful operative attempts for union. After these procedures the patient had a 6-cm leg length discrepancy and an equinovalgus foot deformity. Because of these deformities he underwent Syme amputation at the ankle and was fitted with a total contact prosthesis. Eight months after the amputation, a solid union was seen across the pseudarthrosis site, although no attempt was made to achieve union with internal fixation or bone grafting. The authors think that vertical alignment of the limb in a total contact prosthesis, along with the compressive forces of weightbearing, allowed the pseudarthrosis site to heal in the patient.

Fibrous dysplasia of the proximal part of the femur. Long-term results of curettage and bone-grafting and mechanical realignment

We reviewed the long-term outcomes of treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the proximal part of the femur in twenty-two patients (twenty-seven femora). There were fifteen male patients and seven female patients. Patients who had monostotic disease had no involvement of the calcar femorale, fewer microfractures, less deformity, and stronger bone that could support internal fixation. Patients who had polyostotic disease had frequent involvement of the calcar femorale; more microfractures; severe deformity, including shepherd's crook deformity; and, in many instances, bone that could not support internal fixation. Twenty-two of the twenty-seven femora had a microfracture at the time of the initial presentation. At least one osteotomy was performed in four femora that had monostotic disease and in nine femora that had polyostotic disease. Curettage and cancellous or cortical bone-grafting did not appear to have any advantage compared with osteotomy alone in the treatment of symptomatic lesions, as all grafts resorbed with persistence of the lesion. At the time of the latest follow-up evaluation, no lesion had been eradicated or had decreased in size. A satisfactory clinical result was achieved in twenty patients (twenty-four femora): nine who had monostotic disease and eleven who had polyostotic disease. Two patients who had polyostotic disease and an endocrinopathy (one of whom had bilateral involvement) had an unsatisfactory result. All three femora in these two patients had a neck-shaft angle of less than 90 degrees at the time of the most recent follow-up evaluation. Varus deformity of the proximal part of the femur is best treated with valgus osteotomy and internal fixation early in the course of the disease. If the calcar of the femoral neck is involved or if the quality of the bone is such that internal fixation is not possible, a medial displacement valgus osteotomy can provide a more mechanically favorable position for healing of the microfracture.

Distal tibiofibular diastasis secondary to osteochondroma in a child

An 18-month-old girl with a distal tibiofibular diastasis secondary to an osteochondroma was seen with a valgus deformity of the ankle. The patient underwent operative excision of the osteochondroma at the age of 2 years. At 13-year followup there was resolution of the diastasis, and the patient was free of symptoms. Early excision obviates the need for complex reconstructive surgery to correct ankle deformity later.

Delayed union following stress fracture of the distal fibula secondary to rotational malunion of lateral malleolar fracture

We present a case of delayed union following stress fracture of the distal fibula secondary to rotational malunion of a lateral malleolar fracture. The patient underwent operative excision of the nonunion, plating with autogenous iliac bone grafting, and correction of the malrotation of the distal fibular fragment. The fracture healed, and the patient was asymptomatic with full range of motion at follow-up. This report documents an unusual etiology, "external malrotation," for delayed union of a fibular stress fracture.

Physeal surgery: indications and operative treatment

The evaluation and treatment of problems that can be corrected by surgery on the growth plate have changed somewhat in recent years; therefore, it is the purpose of this article to update the reader on these advances, as well as review the basic concepts. We review the radiographic evaluation of problems in the extremities and detail key points of physeal operative techniques for correcting problems occurring with growth.

Management of dislocated hips with Pavlik harness treatment and ultrasound monitoring

We studied the outcome of ultrasound-monitored Pavlik harness treatment of 47 infants (nine boys and 38 girls) with 55 frankly dislocated hips documented by dynamic ultrasonography. The success and failure groups were of similar ultrasound status (hip-status score) at the time of initial examination, but a significant difference emerged at the 7- and 14-day examinations. Detection of frank dislocation and institution of treatment with the Pavlik harness within 3 weeks of birth increased the probability of a successful result. Of 33 infants (27 girls and six boys) with 41 dislocated hips who were seen before the age of 21 days, 26 (63%) hips were reducible in the Pavlik harness alone, and 15 (37%) hips were irreducible and required a subsequent procedure to achieve reduction. Fourteen infants (three boys and 11 girls) with 14 dislocated hips were first seen after the age of 21 days. Three (20%) were successfully treated in the Pavlik harness alone, and 11 (80%) required further treatment. In our opinion, persistent dislocation without improvement after 3 weeks of treatment in the Pavlik harness mandates discontinuation of use of this device. No anatomic factors were seen at the time of the initial ultrasound examination that permitted prediction of those hips likely to succeed or fail treatment with the Pavlik harness.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with hip dysplasia: a case report

A 31-year-old woman with a known history of hip dysplasia was found to have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease following abnormal conduction studies done at the time of surgery. Physical examination in this patient was otherwise normal, and the diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease had not been previously considered. This report demonstrates the importance of keeping in mind the association between hip dysplasia and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Köhler's bone disease of the tarsal navicular

Fourteen patients with Köhler's bone disease of the tarsal navicular in 16 feet were reviewed at an average follow-up of 31 years 6 months after diagnosis. The type and length of treatment did not affect the final outcome; however, short-leg cast immobilization did decrease the duration of symptoms. Two feet were symptomatic at the time of follow-up: one foot had a talocalcaneal coalition with degenerative changes, and the other foot had a large accessory navicular. Both of these feet were rated as having a fair result. The remaining 12 feet were classified as having a good result. Patients with Köhler's bone disease can be expected to have a normal foot at adulthood. Should the patient become symptomatic, other causes of foot pain should be investigated.

Clubfeet associated with congenital constriction bands of the ipsilateral lower extremity

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of treatment of clubfeet distal to a lower extremity constriction band. Eighteen patients with 21 clubfeet distal to a lower extremity constriction band were treated during the years 1946 to 1992. Three types of bands (I to III) were defined. Three grades of feet (A to C), based on the severity of the deformity, were recognized. After treatment, the feet were classified as good, fair, or poor. At follow-up, six of 18 feet were classified as good, six as fair, and nine as poor. These results were correlated with the type of band and the grade of the foot. A grade A foot associated with type III band had the best result.

The natural history of Klippel-Feil syndrome: clinical, roentgenographic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings at adulthood

Twenty-two patients (15 women and seven men) with Klippel-Feil syndrome were reviewed at an average age of 35 years (range, 26-57 years). The average age at diagnosis was 9 years (range, birth-32 years). All patients had a clinical neurologic and orthopaedic examination. Ten patients (45%) had abnormal findings on clinical examination, and 15 patients (68%) had at least one complaint that could be related to the syndrome. The roentgenograms were unremarkable in all patients, except for the typical findings of congenital fusion; no vertebral subluxation or stenosis was noted in any patient. The magnetic resonance images revealed degenerative changes in the disks of 100% of the patients, evidenced by a low-intensity signal on the T2-weighted images. Nineteen patients (86%) had abnormal findings on the magnetic resonance imaging scans, including disk protrusion (16 patients), osteophytes (four patients), syringomyelia (four patients), and narrowing at the level of the craniovertebral junction (six patients). Our results confirm the well-held belief that the Klippel-Feil syndrome can cause problems in adult life.

Congenital dislocation of the hip in boys

Fifty-five boys with seventy-eight congenitally dislocated hips were treated between 1965 and 1990. The patients were divided into three groups according to the initial treatment. Group I included thirty hips (twenty-two boys) that had been treated initially with a Pavlik harness. Two hips (7 per cent) had a successful outcome, and twenty-eight (93 per cent) needed additional methods of treatment. Group II included forty-two hips (twenty-nine boys) that had been treated initially with closed reduction and immobilization in a hip-spica cast. After the closed reduction, twenty-nine hips (69 per cent) were considered stable, although fifteen (52 per cent) of them needed a secondary procedure because of residual subluxation or persistent acetabular dysplasia. Thirteen hips (31 per cent) were considered unstable after the closed reduction and subsequently had an open reduction. Group III included six hips (four boys) that had been treated initially with open reduction. Two of these hips redislocated after the open reduction, and they were reduced with an additional open reduction. A pelvic osteotomy was later performed to treat persistent acetabular dysplasia in these two hips. Two hips that had been treated with an open reduction and concomitant pelvic and femoral procedures did not need additional treatment. This study demonstrates that boys who have congenital dislocation of the hip do not always respond well to treatment and constitute a high-risk group.

Rotation of the spine in congenital scoliosis

We reviewed the progression of spinal rotation in 100 consecutive patients with 119 curves. Eighty-four patients had a single curve and composed this study. Thirty-nine cases were due to failure of segmentation, 38 cases were due to failure of formation, and seven cases were unclassifiable. Sixty-five of the patients eventually underwent spinal arthrodesis, and 19 of the patients were treated with nonoperative means, such as bracing or observation. Cases of unilateral bar, hemivertebra, and wedge vertebra showed progressive rotation, regardless of the type of treatment; however, progression of curve magnitude was limited by spinal arthrodesis. Rotation of the spine was not seen in patients with block vertebrae. Rotation of the spine and progression of curve magnitude varied in cases of complex vertebral deformities. Because of the uncertainty of remaining growth potential in congenitally dysplastic vertebrae, future growth in the spine should be considered before the undertaking of operative procedures.

An evaluation of various methods of treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

An analysis of 5 methods of treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease was done on 124 patients with 141 affected hips. Before treatment, all groups were statistically similar concerning initial Mose measurement, age at onset of the disease, gender, and Catterall class. Treatments included the Scottish Rite orthosis (41 hips), nonweight bearing and exercises (41 hips), Petrie cast (29 hips), femoral varus osteotomy (15 hips), or Salter osteotomy (15 hips). Hips treated by the Scottish Rite orthosis had a significantly worse Mose measurement across time interaction (repeated measures analysis of variance, post hoc analyses, p < 0.05). For the other 4 treatment methods, there was no statistically different change. At followup, the Mose measurements for hips treated with the Scottish Rite orthosis were significantly worse than those for hips treated by nonweight bearing and exercises, Petrie cast, varus osteotomy, or Salter osteotomy (repeated measures analysis of variance, post hoc analyses, p < 0.05). There was, however, no significant difference in the distribution of hips according to the Stulberg et al classification at the last followup.

Scoliosis and fibrous dysplasia of the spine

STUDY DESIGN

This report is an account of three patients with scoliosis and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the spine. The perioperative course of two patients who underwent posterior spinal arthrodesis is described.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to show that extensive fibrous dysplasia of the spine and scoliosis can be treated by standard methods of posterior spinal arthrodesis with good results.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Scoliosis developed in three patients, and two patients underwent spinal arthrodesis. No report that discusses the results of this type of operation in this patient population exists in the literature.

METHODS

Three patients with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the spine and scoliosis were located at our institution. Two of the patients underwent posterior spinal arthodesis in situ; their perioperative courses are described. The course of the nonoperatively treated patient is noted briefly.

RESULTS

A stable posterior spinal arthrodesis was achieved in both patients with no major complications. At the time of the last follow-up visit, both patients had radiographic evidence of a solid fusion mass with no signs of pseudarthrosis or graft resorption. Both patients currently are doing well.

CONCLUSIONS

Scoliosis and its treatment has been unreported in patients with this condition, and this report demonstrates that satisfactory results can be obtained with attention to detail.

Evaluation and treatment of diastematomyelia

We reviewed the results for forty-three patients who had a diastematomyelia. All of the patients had been skeletally immature when the diagnosis was made, the mean age being six years (range, birth to thirteen years), and were skeletally mature by the time that they were evaluated by us. When they were first seen at our institution, twenty-four patients (56 per cent) had a cutaneous lesion, such as hairy patch, dimple, hemangioma, subcutaneous mass, or teratoma at or near the level of the diastematomyelia; thirty-four patients (79 per cent) had congenital scoliosis; and forty-two patients (98 per cent) had at least one associated musculoskeletal anomaly, such as spinal dysraphism, asymmetry of the lower extremities, club foot, or a cavus foot. In twenty-seven patients (63 per cent), the diastematomyelia was located in the lumbar spine. Thirty-six patients had eighty-four neurological manifestations. Resection of the spur was performed in thirty-three patients at a mean age of seven years (range, three months to seventeen years). Twenty-two patients who had a resection had no change in neurological condition, nine patients had improvement, and one patient had one symptom improve and another symptom worsen after the operation. We believe that resection of the spur should be performed in patients who have progressive neurological manifestations. Patients who do not have progressive neurological manifestations should be observed; if progression is noted, a resection should then be performed.

Lengthening of congenital lower limb deficiencies

Eighty-three lengthening procedures were performed in 71 patients with congenital shortening of the lower limb. Mean lengthening achieved was 7 cm, which represented a mean increase of 24% of the initial bone length. Seventy-nine percent of patients had at least one preexisting joint deformity or instability. The devices used and the bone lengthened for the 83 procedures were divided into three groups. Fifty-one femurs (Group I) and 18 tibiae (Group II) were lengthened using the Wagner device, and 14 tibiae (Group III) were lengthened using the Ilizarov device. The final goal of lengthening was rated as good, fair, or poor. Good results were obtained in 55% of the procedures, fair results in 33%, and poor results in 12%. Poor results were most frequent in Group I (18%), whereas no poor result was reported in Group III. Complications occurred in 77% of patients. No significant difference could be demonstrated in the complication incidence of Groups II and III. Complications were significantly more frequent and results generally poorer when the lengthening exceeded 25% of the initial bone length or when the femur was lengthened.

Congenital kyphosis

Congenital kyphosis is a rare spinal deformity, and many physicians are unfamiliar with its proper treatment. Following a case report, this article presents a brief synopsis of the literature. We present the case history of a 45-year-old woman with a congenital kyphosis of 140 degrees who has been followed at our institution for 39 years. No treatment was ever prescribed, affording the unique opportunity to study the natural history of this entity in a particular patient.

Triple osteotomy of the innominate bone in treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Ten children (11 hips) who underwent triple innominate osteotomy between the ages of 11 and 16 years for treatment of symptomatic acetabular dysplasia and who had > 10 years of follow-up since operation were reviewed to determine if satisfactory results reported in an earlier review were maintained. The mean length of follow-up was 12 years (range 10-16 years). All hips were examined roentgenographically, and functional assessment was made with the Iowa hip scoring system. Ten of the 11 hips improved roentgenographically and eight improved functionally after operation. One hip required replacement arthroplasty 16 years after triple innominate osteotomy.

Prognostic factors in congenital dislocation of the hip treated with closed reduction. The importance of arthrographic evaluation

We reviewed the clinical records, arthrograms, and roentgenograms of sixty-one children who had seventy-two congenitally dislocated hips in an effort to identify factors that can be used to predict the outcome of treatment. Only patients who had been followed clinically and roentgenographically for a minimum of two years after the initial closed reduction were included in the study. The mean age at the time of closed reduction was thirteen months (range, three to forty-one months). The mean age at the time of the most recent follow-up was six years (range, two to fifteen years). The mean duration of follow-up after the initial closed reduction was five years (range, two to thirteen years). There was no statistical difference between the good, fair, and poor-result groups with regard to sex, the age at the initial reduction, the traction station, the side of involvement, the initial acetabular index, the initial grade of displacement, the effect of adductor tenotomy, and several of the arthrographic measurements. The medialization ratio (the percentage of the horizontal radius of the cartilaginous femoral head that lay medial to the Perkins line), measured at the time of the reduction, was significantly different (p < 0.04) between the hips for which the result was good or fair and those for which the result was poor. The medialization ratio averaged 75 per cent in the hips for which the result was good, 66 per cent in those for which the result was fair, and 57 per cent in those for which the result was poor. Limbus shapes 5 through 8 were associated with avascular necrosis (p < 0.05) and a poor result (p < 0.03).

An atypical case of deep vascular hamartomata

A 17-year-old man who initially had an injury to the lower extremity was eventually diagnosed as an unusual case of deep vascular hamartomata. After initial treatment, the patient returned on numerous occasions with pain, swelling, and a cystic lesion of the leg. Despite operative excision of the lesion, which spread to the abdomen, it continually reappeared. Surgeons should be aware of hamartomata in patients with a warm, painful, swollen lower extremity.

Complications associated with fracture of the neck of the femur in children

We reviewed 16 children with 16 displaced fractures of the femoral neck associated with complications. One was a transepiphyseal fracture, 12 were transcervical fractures, and three were basocervical fractures. The mean age at time of fracture was 11 years 7 months (range, 4 years 6 months to 16 years), and the mean length of follow-up after fracture was 6 years 11 months (range, 2-24 years). Complications in this series were avascular necrosis (AVN) (14 patients), nonunion (seven patients), premature physeal closure (15 patients), chondrolysis (seven patients), and coxa vara (two patients). Avascular necrosis, nonunion, and chondrolysis were associated with a poor outcome. Coxa vara or premature physeal closure alone was not responsible for a poor result.