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Developmental dysplasia of the hip refers to a continuum of abnormalities in the immature hip that can range from subtle dysplasia to dislocation. The identification of risk factors, including breech presentation and family history, should heighten a physician's suspicion of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Diagnosis is made by physical examination. Palpable hip instability, unequal leg lengths, and asymmetric thigh skinfolds may be present in newborns with a hip dislocation, whereas gait abnormalities and limited hip abduction are more common in older children. The role of ultrasonography is controversial, but it generally is used to confirm diagnosis and assess hip development once treatment is initiated. Bracing is first-line treatment in children younger than six months. Surgery is an option for children in whom nonoperative treatment has failed and in children diagnosed after six months of age. It is important to diagnose developmental dysplasia of the hip early to improve treatment results and to decrease the risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an uncommon subset of supracondylar humeral fractures in children that are so unstable they can displace into both flexion and extension. The purposes of this study were to describe this subset of supracondylar fractures and to report a new technique of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for their treatment.Methods: In a retrospective review of 297 consecutive displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children treated operatively at our institution, we identified nine that were completely unstable with documented displacement into both flexion and extension as seen on fluoroscopic examination with the patient under anesthesia. We used a new technique for closed reduction and fixation of these fractures, and then we assessed fracture-healing and complications from the injury and treatment.Results: All nine fractures were treated satisfactorily with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The complication rate associated with these unstable fractures was no higher than that associated with the 288 more stable fractures. Seven of the nine fractures were stabilized with lateral entry pin placement, and two fractures were stabilized with crossed medial and lateral pins. None of the patients had a nonunion, cubitus varus, malunion, additional surgery, or loss of motion.Conclusions: In rare supracondylar fractures in children, multidirectional instability results in displacement into flexion and/or extension. This fracture can be classified as type IV according to the Gartland system, as it is less stable than a Gartland type-III extension supracondylar fracture. These fractures can be treated successfully with a new technique of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, thus avoiding open reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor baseline reaction time, as measured via the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT), has been associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in adult athletes. Our study sought to determine whether the reaction time and impulse control ImPACT test domains differed between ACL injured and uninjured pediatric athletes. A total of 140 high-school aged athletes comprising 70 athletes who went on to sustain an ACL injury between 2012 and 2018 and 70 age- and sex-matched uninjured controls were included in the study. Mean reaction times were similar for the injured (0.67 s) and uninjured (0.66 s) athletes ( p = 0.432), and the impulse control scores were also similar for those with (5.67) and without (6.07) an ACL injury ( p = 0.611). Therefore, neurocognitive risk factors for sustaining an ACL injury in adults cannot necessarily be extrapolated to adolescent athletes. Further research is needed to understand why differences exist between injury risk in youth and adult athletes.

Bone allografts are often hampered by graft incorporation and poor host bone formation. Bisphosphonates, synthetic pyrophosphate analogs, have shown promise in inhibiting bone resorption in human and animal trials. Some in vitro studies have suggested that high dose bisphosphonate may also inhibit bone formation, leading to our hypothesis that an ideal dose of bisphosphonate in allografts could protect allografts from resorption. We transplanted intercalary allografts in to the segmental defect of the rat femurs after soaking each allograft in zoledronate solution (30 microM) and then analysed bone density of the allografts six to 12 weeks after transplantation. At six and 12 weeks, the bone mineral density was higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. Qualitative radiographic and histological analysis also revealed more allograft resorption in the control group than in the zoledronate-treated group. Our data indicate that pharmacological modification of intercalary allografts with zoledronate solution can decrease osteoclast-mediated allograft resorption.

Orthopaedic surgeons who treat children should have a thorough understanding of pediatric congenital and developmental disorders. It is paramount to develop approaches to these disorders that minimize risks to the patient and lessen the possibility of litigation against the treating physician. It is important to be aware of safe and effective approaches to specific conditions that highlight pearls and potential pitfalls of treatment.

This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness and cost of thoracic pedicle screws versus laminar and pedicle hooks in patients undergoing surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Immediate preoperative and 6-week postoperative radiographs were examined in 25 consecutive cases of children with AIS who were divided into two groups, those with thoracic pedicle screw constructs and those with thoracic hook constructs. Endpoints collected included radiographic measures, complications, surgical time, implant cost, and quality-of-life measures. Ten children underwent spinal fusion using thoracic pedicle screw fixation and 15 underwent thoracic constructs composed of hooks. Similar sex and age distribution were noted in both groups, and among the 20 girls and 5 boys the average age was 14.5. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 53.5 degrees for the screw group and 52.5 degrees for the hook group. Correction averaged 70.2% for the screw group and 68.1% for the hook group. There were no significant differences between the two patient groups in terms of percentage of or absolute curve change after surgery. The apical vertebral translation, end vertebral tilt angle, and coronal balance did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. Comparison of operative time and quality of life revealed no significant differences. Screw constructs were significantly more expensive than hook constructs. The correction obtained from thoracic pedicle screw fixation is comparable to traditional hook constructs in AIS. Surgery using either construct effectively corrects AIS.