Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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The scoliotic vertebrae are submitted to (1) the displacement in the 3-dimensional space and (2) the bone remodeling, which results in a 3-dimensional intrinsic vertebral deformation. Both phenomena are most expressed inside the apical zone of the curve and can be measured in a computer tomographic (CT) scan. A comparative study of CT thoracic scans in scoliotic and normal children was performed to provide a better description of the altered anatomy with respect to patomechanism of scoliosis. ⋯ Level III, cross-sectional study.
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Comparative Study
Displaced olecranon fractures in children: a biomechanical analysis of fixation methods.
Wire and suture methods have been used to stabilize pediatric olecranon fractures. This study (1) compared differences in simulated intraoperative compression during fracture reduction, (2) evaluated articular surface compression during cyclic loading of the tension band, and (3) compared fracture stabilization after cyclic physiologic loading at low/high levels. ⋯ Perhaps, in small children or when using casts in bigger children, a bioabsorbable suture may be used for fracture stabilization avoiding the need for extensive surgery to remove the fixation material.
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Most pediatric tibia shaft fractures are amenable to nonoperative treatment with satisfying results, yet surgical stabilization is necessary in certain cases. The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness and the complications associated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing in severe pediatric tibial fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 24 tibia shaft fractures in 24 patients that were treated operatively by elastic stable intramedullary nailing between 1997 and 2005 at our institution. ⋯ The average union time for closed and open fractures was 21.5 and 20.2 weeks, respectively. Complications include 2 (8%) neurovascular, 2 (8%) infections, 2 (8%) malunions, and 1 (4%) leg-length discrepancy. Although complications do exist, elastic stable intramedullary nailing of pediatric tibia shaft fractures using Nancy nails is an effective treatment option.
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The commonly taught premise that pediatric back pain frequently has an underlying diagnosis has been recently challenged. Previous studies have suggested that up to 84% of children with low back pain have associated serious diagnoses. Children with back pain, therefore, have frequently undergone exhaustive diagnostic testing. There have been few prospective studies, however, about the diagnosis rate and appropriate diagnostic methods for back pain in children. This study prospectively examines the rate of diagnosis for pediatric back pain and the value of various diagnostic studies for this problem. ⋯ Prospective study; Level 2 clinical evidence.
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Postlaminectomy spinal deformity is a frequent problem after resection of a pediatric spinal cord tumor. However, the use of spinal fusion done at the time of resection in preventing the development of deformity is unknown. The purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness of single-stage laminectomy, spinal cord decompression, and fusion for the prevention of postlaminectomy spinal deformity in children with intramedullary spinal cord tumors. ⋯ Excluding patients that progressed to paraplegia, 9 of 16 patients treated with resection without fusion compared with 1 of 10 patients treated with resection and fusion developed a spinal deformity (P = 0.04). Among skeletally mature children that did not progress to paraplegia, 9 of 15 treated with resection without fusion compared with 1 of 7 patients treated with resection and fusion developed a deformity (P = 0.05). Removal of greater than 4 laminae (P = 0.03) was found to be associated with the development of postresection spinal deformity.