Christy Graff

Background/Objectives: Triple arthrodesis (TA) involves fusion of subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. In the paediatric population, this procedure is used to correct foot deformities, augment stability and decrease pain, often in neuromuscular conditions. There is limited research into long-term outcomes of paediatric TA in regards to patient quality of life (QOL). This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the long-term patient-reported outcomes of the paediatric TA at a single centre. Methods: All paediatric patients who underwent TA at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital between 1998 and 2012 were identified from operative records and the patient and/or their carer were given the opportunity to be interviewed. Patient-reported outcomes were measured over the phone using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) tools. Results: Eighteen patients were included in the study, with a total of 23 feet, with five patients having bilateral surgery in the one sitting. Follow-up was at a mean time of 17 years post-surgery, with a mode of 20 years. There were recurring themes of continued pain plus impaired function and mobility, especially in children who could not walk prior to surgery. Derived from the FAAM, the average Activities of Daily Living Scale was 39.81%, with four patients at 0%. The MOXFQ outcomes for walking, pain and social interaction domains were converted from the Likert scale into an average total score of 34.99/64. Over half of the patients continued to have pain after the surgery in adult life. Conclusions: This study highlights variable results post-paediatric triple arthrodesis, with concerning rates of limited improvement in functional outcomes, ongoing pain and negative psychosocial impact in adulthood, as reported by the patient or their carer.

Purpose: Up to 12% of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) have an associated traumatic nerve injury. This review aims to summarize the evidence and guide clinicians regarding the timing of investigations and/or surgical interventions for traumatic nerve palsies after this injury. Methods: A formal systematic review was undertaken in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews and PRISMA guidelines. Manuscripts were reviewed by independent reviewers against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction, synthesis, and assessment for methodological quality were undertaken. Results: A total of 51 manuscripts were included in the final evaluation, reporting on a total of 510 traumatic nerve palsies in paediatric SCHFs. In this study, 376 nerve palsies recovered without any investigation or intervention over an average time of 19.5 weeks. Comparatively, 37 went back to theatre for exploration beyond the initial treatment due to persistent deficits, at an average time of 4 months. The most common finding at the time of exploration was entrapment of the nerve requiring neurolysis. A total of 27 cases did not achieve full recovery regardless of management. Of the 15 reports of nerve laceration secondary to paediatric SCHFs, 13 were the radial nerve. Conclusions: Most paediatric patients who sustain a SCHF with associated traumatic nerve injury will have full recovery. Delayed or no recovery of the nerve palsy should be considered for exploration within four months of the injury; earlier exploration should be considered for radial nerve palsies.

Background: This large, retrospective, single-center study aimed to compare the outcomes of unilateral hip reconstruction and bilateral hip reconstruction in children with non-ambulatory cerebral palsy and ascertain risk factors for recurrent instability and reoperation. Method: We performed a retrospective review of 137 hip reconstructions performed for patients with cerebral palsy. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were documented, including hip migration percentage, acetabular index, the Gross Motor Function Classification System, the Melbourne Cerebral Palsy Hip Classification System, hip abduction, and pelvic obliquity. Results: Overall, 49 patients underwent bilateral hip reconstruction, and 37 patients underwent unilateral hip reconstruction. In the unilateral hip reconstruction group, the reconstructed hip remained stable (with a migration percentage < 33%) in 59% of patients compared to 74.4% of the more affected hips in the bilateral hip reconstruction group (p = 0.02). Of the unreconstructed hip in the unilateral hip reconstruction group, 74.4% remained stable (with a migration percentage < 33%), compared to 78.8% of the less affected hips in the bilateral hip reconstruction group. A level pelvis was maintained at final follow-up in significantly more patients in the bilateral hip reconstruction group than the unilateral hip reconstruction group (p = 0.002). Further surgical intervention was performed in 41% of the unilateral hip reconstruction group, compared with 11.5% in the bilateral hip reconstruction group (p = 0.001). Surgery performed under the age of 8 years and not performing an acetabular osteotomy were found to be risk factors for recurrent instability in all groups. Conclusion: Our series suggests that in terms of recurrent instability after hip reconstruction in cerebral palsy, protective factors against this complication include bilateral hip reconstruction, hip reconstruction after 8 years of age, and the use of an acetabular osteotomy.

Antibiotic impregnated cement coated intramedullary nails (ACCINs) have been used in clinical practice for many years and have been shown to help eradicate infection in tibial osteomyelitis while providing stability. We present a novel technique for preparation using bronchoscopy tubing, as well as technical tips and a review of the literature, for ease of preparation and potential subsequent retrieval.

Background Prosthetic joint infection is a serious complication of total hip replacement. Cement removal during two stage revisions can be associated with significant morbidity. Exposing new surface area of cement may achieve therapeutic antibiotic elution. Methods Five blocks containing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and vancomycin were stored in normal saline at 37C and allowed to reach steady state. Different interventions to expose new surface area were performed at six weeks. Results Post intervention, blocks with the greatest increase in surface area showed the greatest increase in vancomycin levels, the highest increase being 641.77% compared with the control (5.88%). Conclusions This study confirms antibiotics remain trapped within PMMA after elution ceases. Further release of vancomycin from cement occurs after exposing new surface area. This seems proportional to the exposed surface area size.

Purpose: Up to 4% of patients who undergo cross pinning of a pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture sustain an iatrogenic ulnar nerve palsy (IUNP). This study aims to summarize the evidence regarding the management of IUNP in this setting, and to identify if early intervention (early wire removal or exploration) leads to faster and/or more complete recovery of the ulnar nerve. Methods: A formal systematic review was undertaken, with databases searched including Ovid Medline, Embase and Cochrane central. This was performed in accordance with JBI methodology and PRISMA guidelines. Results: In all, 26 articles were included in final evaluation, reporting a total of 179 IUNP. In all, 153 cases (85%) were managed expectantly, reporting full recovery at final follow-up (average 4.5 months) in 140 cases (91%). There were 26 cases of IUNP which were managed with early wire removal and/or exploration, of which 22 had full recovery (85%). There were 17 cases of 179 (9%) which did not have full recovery. Conclusion: The majority of IUNP are managed expectantly, with approximately 90% achieving full recovery at final follow-up. The literature does not support early wire removal and/or exploration, possibly because the damage to the nerve is done at the time of wire placement.

Purpose: Early weight bearing (EWB) is often recommended after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures, however, the risks and benefits have not been critically evaluated in a systematic review or meta-analysis. Therefore, the aims of this study were to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing EWB and delayed weight-bearing (DWB) after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures and assess the relationship between weight-bearing, fracture union and healing. Method: This review included studies comparing the effects of EWB, defined as weight-bearing before 6 weeks, and DWB on fracture union and healing. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 9 May 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the Down’s and Black Checklist and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Data were synthesised in a meta-analysis, as well as narrative and tabular synthesis. Results: Eight studies were included for data extraction and meta-analysis. The analysis produced mixed results and found a significant decrease in mean union time (−2.41 weeks, 95% confidence interval: −4.77, −0.05) with EWB and a significant Odd’s Ratio (OR) for complications with DWB (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.40, 6.16). There was no significant difference in rates of delayed union, non-union, re-operation and malunion. Conclusion: The included studies were of moderate risk of bias and demonstrated shorter union time and fewer complications with EWB. However, current evidence is minimal and has significant limitations. The role of EWB in high-risk patients is yet to be examined. Further well-designed, randomised studies are required on the topic.