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Background Children with leg length discrepancy often undergo repeat imaging. Therefore, every effort to reduce radiation dose is important. Using low dose preview images and noise reduction software rather than diagnostic images for length measurements might contribute to reducing dose. Purpose To compare leg length measurements performed on diagnostic images and low dose preview images both acquired using a low-dose bi-planar imaging system. Material and Methods Preview and diagnostic images from 22 patients were retrospectively collected (14 girls, 8 boys; mean age, 12.8 years; age range, 10-15 years). All images were anonymized and measured independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Three sets of measurements were performed on all images; the mechanical axis lines of the femur and the tibia as well as the anatomical line of the entire extremity. Statistical significance was tested with a paired t-test. Results No statistically significant difference was found between measurements performed on the preview and on the diagnostic image. The mean tibial length difference between the observers was -0.06 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.01) and -0.08 cm (95% CI, -0.21 to 0.05), respectively; 0.10 cm (95% CI, 0.02-0.17) and 0.06 cm (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.14) for the femoral measurements and 0.12 cm (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.26) and 0.08 cm (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.19) for total leg length discrepancy. ICCs were >0.99 indicating excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability. Conclusion The data strongly imply that leg length measurements performed on preview images from a low-dose bi-planar imaging system are comparable to measurements performed on diagnostic images.

Ankle injuries are common among the paediatric population. There are few prospective studies utilizing MRI to diagnose a clinically suspected Salter-Harris type I of the distal fibula (SH1FDF). The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of clinically suspected SH1FDF in children. All paediatric patients with ankle injury, seen at the emergency room from September 2012 to May 2013 at a single institution, underwent a standardized clinical examination, and their radiographs were obtained if found necessary. All images and data were recorded prospectively and patients suspected of having SH1FDF were referred for MRI of the ankle joint. Out of 391 paediatric patients seen at the emergency room with ankle injury, 38 patients had a clinical suspicion of SH1FDF. A total of 31 patients, 18 male and 13 female, with a mean age of 10 ± 2.86 years, were included in the study. Only seven patients were excluded from the study. MRI was obtained on an average of 6.9 ± 2.87 days. None of the included patients had evidence of SH1FDF on MRI. Our study and review of the literature verifies the high false-positive rate of clinically suspected SH1FDF. Most children had ligamentous lesions, bone contusion or joint effusion, rather than SH1FDF.

Background: The optimal management of high-grade spondylolisthesis in the growing child is controversial. Some authors have advocated for surgery in all cases regardless of symptoms. Surgical intervention results in a >10% risk of complications with increased risk of neurological injury associated with slip reduction maneuvers. There is a paucity of literature regarding nonoperative management in this setting. This study sought to obtain outcome measures in pediatric patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis managed either operatively or nonoperatively., Methods: Database review was performed to identify patients with a high-grade (Meyerding grade III to V) spondylolisthesis managed either operatively or nonoperatively. Retrospective radiographic and chart review was performed. Patients were then contacted by phone to obtain current quality-of-life measurements using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-30 questionnaire., Results: Fifty-three patients were identified for inclusion in the study and 49 were contacted for 92% follow-up. Twenty-four patients were treated with operative intervention, and 25 patients were initially treated nonoperatively, but 10 went on to require surgical intervention. Mean age at presentation was 12.6 years (range, 8 to 17 y) and mean age at follow-up was 20.1 years (range, 10 to 29 y). There were no outcome differences between the groups. A more kyphotic slip angle was associated with worse SRS-30 outcome scores across all groups. In the nonoperative group, the slip angle was significantly larger in patients who failed conservative treatment (34 ± 17 degrees) than in those who remained nonsurgical at final follow-up (20 ± 14 degrees). Slip angle in the operative group was 27 ± 14 degrees. In surgical patients, an older age at surgery was associated with better SRS-30 outcome scores., Conclusions: Nonoperative management or "watchful waiting" of the minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic child with a high-grade spondylolisthesis is safe and does not lead to significant problems. Operative intervention for the symptomatic patient achieves similar long-term results compared with patients whose minimal symptoms do not warrant surgery. Delayed surgical intervention does not result in worse outcomes. Regardless of treatment modality, patients with a more kyphotic slip angle tend to have a poorer prognosis., Level of Evidence: Level III.

Purpose: Corrective three dimensional (3D) effect of different braces is debatable. We evaluated differences in in-brace radiographic correction comparing a custom thoracic-lumbo-sacral-orthosis (TLSO) (T) brace to a Chêneau type TLSO (C) brace using 3D EOS reconstruction technology. Our primary research question was the 3D effect of brace on the spine and in particularly the apical vertebra rotation (AVR)., Methods: This was a retrospective comparative analysis of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who had orthogonal AP and lateral X-rays with and without brace. A 3D image of the spine was reconstructed. Coronal, sagittal and axial spine parameters were measured before bracing and then on the first post-brace X-ray. Brace efficacy in controlling coronal, sagittal and axial parameters was evaluated., Results: Eighteen patients treated with the C brace and ten patients treated with the T brace were included. No difference was found regarding patients' age, gender, magnitude of Cobb angle, sagittal parameters or AVR at inclusion. Following bracing, AVR was significantly reduced by the C brace compared to the T brace [average correction of 8.2° vs. 4.9° (P = 0.02)]. Coronal and sagittal correction did not differ significantly between the two groups., Conclusions: By utilizing a novel 3D reconstruction technology, we were able to demonstrate that braces differ in their immediate effects on the spine. Although clinical relevance should be evaluated in a future trial we feel that the ability to measure treatment effects in 3D, and especially the transverse plane, is an important tool when evaluating different treatments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of three-dimensional geometry compared with computed tomography (CT) images. This retrospective study included patients who had undergone both imaging of the spine using the EOS imaging system and CT scanning of the spine. The apical vertebral orientation was also measured using the EOS imaging system and by CT. Other measures such as the Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation and translation were used as the control variables to evaluate the potential discrepancy between the standing position in EOS imaging and the supine position in CT scanning. The apical vertebral orientations were 8.7° for the first measurement and 8.4° for the second measurement made by the first author, and 10.3° for the measurement made by the second author. The average of these measurements was 9.3° compared with 6.6° (P=0.65) obtained on CT scanning. The precision of EOS-based measurements of vertebral rotation has never been tested in clinical practice. Although it has limitations, this study suggests that the results obtained using EOS are comparable to those obtained on CT.

Introduction: The risk of growth arrest following paediatric ankle fractures type 1 A is very high. Therefore all attempts should be done to anatomically reduce this kind of fracture. The advances in ankle arthroscopy have brought the possibility to reduce these fractures under direct vision, without the need of capsulotomy. The purpose of this paper is to stress the importance of the use of arthroscopically assisted reduction of type 1 A fractures., Case Report: We describe two cases with SH type IV fractures of the distal medial tibia, one treated with open reduction and percutaneous screw fixation and the other treated with arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. The first case ended with severe growth disturbance, while the second gave a very good result., Conclusion: The use of arthroscopically assisted reduction of type 1 A fractures should be considered to ensure anatomical reduction.

Unlabelled: In 1954, Norell described the 'fat pad sign' for the first time. This refers to the radiological visualization of the elbow fatty tissue. This is a prospective study with the aim of clarifying the relation between the presence of a positive fat pad sign on the lateral radiograph and the type of injury verified on MRI. From January to December 2010, 31 children were diagnosed primarily with a positive fat pad sign. An above-the-elbow cast was applied and all patients were referred for an MRI within a few days. All patients were recommended a clinical follow-up and informed about the MRI results. After revision, five patients were found to have a negative fat pad sign and were excluded. This resulted in a total of 26 patients, 10 men and 16 women, mean age 10±2.62 years. The time between the injury and the initial radiological examination was 0.8±0.27 days and the MRI was obtained on an average of 6.6±3.84 days. A total of 12 patients had an injury of the left side and 14 of the right side. The MRI showed a posterior positive sign in all except five cases and six occult fractures, which accounts for 23%. Nineteen patients (73%) had a bone bruise. All patients except one had a normal range of movement with no pain on the last clinical examination after 2-3 weeks. The presence of a positive fad pad sign is not synonymous with occult fractures. Finding occult fractures on MRI does not alter the final treatment of these patients. On the basis of this study and review of other similar studies, pediatric patients who presented with elbow effusion verified on conventional radiographs could be treated with a cast for 2-3 weeks and extra clinical or radiological controls did not seem to be indicated., Level of Evidence: Level III, development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive patients., (© 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)

Aim: Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy (CP) and meningomyelocele (MMC) are prone to develop fixed knee flexion contracture. Distal femoral extension osteotomy allows acute correction of the deformity, but it is an extensive surgical procedure, and the complication rate is rather high. Immobilization can prolong the rehabilitation period, and may even result in deteriorated walking ability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of using anterior hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur to treat fixed flexion contracture of the knee., Materials and Methods: We studied 21 patients in our department from 2003 to 2009. Mean age was 10 years (5-15). Twelve suffered from MMC, five from CP, two from arthrogryposis, one had an enzyme defect, and one had Down's syndrome. Thirteen patients had a bilateral and eight a unilateral procedure. None of the patients underwent any other procedures. Two staples or 8-plates were inserted using two parapatellar incisions. Nine were operated on with staples and 12 with 8-plates. The plates or staples were removed when the desired effect of full knee extension was achieved or the patient reached skeletal maturity., Results: Mean fixed flexion contracture was 20° (10°-40°). Staples or 8-plates were removed after a mean of 24 (6-42) months. Mean fixed flexion contracture at removal was 10° (0°-30°). Two complications were seen: one infection and one supracondylar fracture., Conclusion: Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plates or staples seems to be effective for correcting fixed knee flexion deformity in skeletally immature individuals. The complication rate is low (10 %). Our results are comparable to those of Kramer, Klatt, and Stevens. This procedure should be the primary treatment for fixed knee flexion contractures in neuromuscular patients with sufficient remaining growth.

Background: Radial neck fracture in children is infrequent but when not managed accurately can lead to complications. Different methods have been developed for the reduction and fixation of this fracture. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate our results using the Métaizeau centromedullary technique., Materials and Method: Our series comprises 19 children with displaced radial neck fractures treated in our institution in the period 2004-2008. One patient was excluded because of a very complex fracture dislocation of the elbow (exclusion criteria). Two patients refused to participate in the follow-up leaving 16 who were treated with this technique. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. For the clinical evaluation, we used the Métaizeau's classification. The subjective evaluation was done using the DASH score, and the Steele's classification was used for the evaluation of the radiological results. FINDING/RESULTS: We found good clinical and radiological outcomes. The mean DASH score was 3.06. Patients who had undergone open reduction had inferior outcome., Conclusion: Our results are comparable to other studies. This study confirms the Métaizeau technique as an excellent treatment option for displaced paediatric radial neck fractures., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Scheuermann's kyphosis is the most frequent structural kyphosis in adolescents. There are gaps in the knowledge of epidemiology, aetiology and treatment. There are strong genetic and mechanical factors in the aetiology. Treatment options depend on the cobb's angle measured and the skeletal maturity. Training and brace treatment yield good results for milder curves, while surgical correction is the most effective for severe curves > 70°. Indications for surgery are subject of debate as complications are not uncommon.

Ankle fracture with involvement of the growth plate is the second most common paediatric fracture after the distal radius. The most common fracture type according to Salter Harris (SH) is type II of the distal tibia combined with green stick of the fibula. Isolated fracture of the distal fibular growth plate is not common and as a rule it does not give any growth arrest. We describe a case of isolated fibular fracture SH type II in a ten year-old girl which ended with symptomatic valgus deformity of the ankle. The patient was operated with good results.

A case of a patient with snapping pes syndrome following a blunt trauma to the knee is presented. Snapping pes syndrome is a painful catching experienced at the posteromedial corner of the knee from pes anserinus when moving from flexion to extension. Since the accident ten years ago the patient experienced a painful snapping phenomenon on the inner side of the knee. MRI and arthroscopies found no explanation. Ultrasound revealed that the semitendinosus snapped over a bony fragment during extension of the knee. Removal of the fragment resulted in remission.

Unlabelled: The treatment of clubfeet has changed constantly. Before the acceptance of the Ponseti serial casting, extensive surgical release was widely used. The treatment of relapse in these surgically treated clubfeet can be very challenging. Many methods have been used ranging from osteotomies to new posteromedial release, or correction using the Ilizarov fixator. Supramalleolar osteotomy was practiced for the treatment of residual equinus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of anterior epiphysiodesis of the distal tibia on recurrent equinus deformity in patients with clubfeet treated surgically., Methods: We evaluated 25 children (31 feet) with recurrent equinus deformity after surgical treatment of clubfoot treated in our institution from 2003 through 2009. There were 16 boys and 9 girls, of whom 11 had recurrent equinus deformity on the left side, 8 on the right side, and 6 on the bilateral side. Three patients were treated with Richard staples and 22 were treated with 8-plates. Patients were examined clinically and radiologically, preoperatively. The mean dorsiflexion of the ankle was 2.5 degrees (-5 to 10 degrees) and the anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) was 85 degrees. The patients were followed postoperatively and evaluated clinically and radiographically. The plates or staples were removed if the desired effect of around 15 degrees of dorsiflexion was achieved, or the ADTA shifted >15 degrees., Results: Mean follow-up was 22 months. Mean improval of dorsiflexion was 2 degrees, with a mean of dorsiflexion of 4.5 degrees, and mean radiological changes of ADTA were 13 degrees. We found no correlation between the radiographic changes and the clinically measured dorsiflexion., Conclusions: The use of anterior distal tibial epiphysiodesis does not seem to give a clinically significant improvement in dorsiflexion of the ankle despite a marked shift in the ADTA.

Valgus deformity after fracture of the proximal part of the tibia in children was first reported in 1953 by Cozen. Since that time, numerous reports describing this entity have appeared in the literature. There is no consensus regarding the aetiology or the treatment of this posttraumatic deformity. We would like to recommend an algorithm, how to approach and address this complication.

Musculoskeletal infections in children present a challenge regarding diagnosis and treatment. Conventional radiographs guide the initial radiographic assessment. Additional imaging is often performed to improve the diagnosis of the abnormality. The modalities used are ultrasound, bone-scan, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On suspicion of multifocal musculoskeletal infections (MMI), MRI may save time and improve preoperative planning. We highly recommend the use of MRI for the preoperative assessment of children with MMI.

We describe the case of a three-week-old female, who presented with fever and swelling of the left thigh. Initial examination revealed signs of infection in both hips, which was confirmed at surgery. However, as the child did not recover despite relevant antibiotics, a full body MRI was performed, revealing multiple abscesses, some of which had to be managed surgically. We emphasize the benefit of MRI as part of the preoperative assessment of multifocal musculoskeletal infections in children.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary generalized connective tissue disorder characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. Peripheral neuropathy is described sporadically. Although the exact mechanism of the neuropathy is not well-known, excessive stretch and abnormal connective tissue support are the suggested causative agents. To our knowledge, total peroneal nerve palsy occurring in conjunction with a growth spurt has not previously been described. We describe the case of a young male patient, who developed a total unilateral peroneal palsy during a growth spurt.

Growth guiding is currently widely practiced for deformity correction in the growing child. Different methods have been developed. In 2007 Stevens described a tension band device (8-plates) as a simple growth control method. Since then it has been widely used, e.g. in hemiepiphysiodesis to correct varus or valgus deformities or extension defect in the knee. Temporary epiphysiodesis can also be used to correct leg length discrepancy more accurately. Complications after treatment with 8-plates are well-described. Stress fracture after the usage of this device has to our knowledge not yet been described. We present a case with a fracture in the distal femur through 8-plates screw holes.

Traumatic distal humerus epiphysiolysis (TDHE) is a rare injury in infants with an incidence of about 1:35,000 births. It is primarily a birth injury, but it is also seen in cases of battered child syndrome. Because of its rare occurrence and the diagnostic difficulties, the lesion may be overlooked or misdiagnosed on initial presentation. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a high index of suspicion, clinical signs and symptoms and awareness of radiological changes. Traumatic humeral dislocation will produce the same radiological picture as TDHE and is consequently a common, incorrect initial diagnosis. We present a case of TDHE as a birth injury.

Bone cysts in patients suffering from osteopetrosis are uncommon. A pathologic fracture might cause therapeutic difficulties because of the osteosclerotic bone. We describe a patient with an autosomal dominant osteopetrosis suffering from a large bone cyst in the proximal femur. The cyst was treated with local injections of corticosteroid and healed completely after 2 injections. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the occurrence of bone cysts has been reported in osteopetrotic patients, which responds effectively and lastingly to steroid injection.

Localized Langerhans cell histiocytosis, also known as eosinophilic granuloma (EG), is a benign tumour-like inflammatory disease with variable clinical course. The peak incidence of EG is between five and ten years of age. EG in children down to the age of two years has been described. To our knowledge congenital EG has not previously been described. We present a case of congenital EG.