Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the results of intramedullary fixation used in the management of unstable, diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients. Twenty-five patients with 25 fractures were identified whose fracture management included only intramedullary fixation. Galeazzi, Monteggia, radial head, and distal metaphyseal fractures were excluded from this analysis. ⋯ No infections, malunions, or synostoses occurred in this patient group. Using the grading scheme adapted by Price there were 21 excellent results (84%), four good (16%), and no fair or poor results. In our experience, intramedullary fixation of the unstable both-bone forearm fractures is a safe, effective, and user-friendly technique when alignment jeopardizes fracture position at union and eventual forearm motion.
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This investigation was undertaken to determine the value of a routine radiological consultation on all examinations taken during the course of evaluation and treatment of children with elective orthopedic problems. Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles treats children with chronic orthopedic problems. All radiographs are ordered by an orthopedic surgeon. ⋯ The data do not show evidence of significant misinterpretations in the readings by the orthopedic surgeons. Therefore routine radiological consultation for all examinations is unnecessary in that specific setting. If a policy change were instituted, it would represent a major saving in health-care costs.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control in children.
Ninety-eight continuous postoperative epidurals were administered to 87 children. The patients were divided into two groups: group I included 63 cases in which a 0.0625-0.25% solution of bupivacaine was continuously administered; group II included 35 cases in which a similar solution of bupivacaine mixed with 2-10 micrograms of fentanyl was administered. The dose of the epidural medication was titrated by the anesthesiologist according to the patient's age and anticipated level of postoperative pain. ⋯ Supplemental analgesia averaging 0.132 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h was required in 49 cases (41 in group I and eight in group II). In group I, the average dose of supplemental analgesia was 0.144 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h, whereas in group II, it was only 0.056 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h. Continuous epidural analgesia is effective in controlling postoperative pain, and the addition of fentanyl reduces the need for systemic narcotics.