Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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No study specifically analyzes trampoline fracture patterns across a large population. The purpose of this study was to determine such patterns. ⋯ Trampoline fractures most frequently involve the upper extremity followed by the lower extremity, >90% occur in children. The financial burden to society is large. Further efforts for prevention are needed.
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The immature spine has anatomic and biomechanical properties that differ from the adult spine and result in unique characteristics of pediatric spinal trauma. Although distinct patterns of spinal injury have been identified in children younger than 10 years of age, little research has explored the differing characteristics of spinal trauma within this age group, particularly in the very young. The purpose of this study is to identify differences in the epidemiology and characteristics of spinal trauma between children under the age of 4 years and those between 4 and 9 years of age. ⋯ Level III.
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Flexion-rotational osteotomy of the proximal femur is an accepted intervention in the management of severe deformity and femoral acetabular impingement secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The impact of this surgical intervention on gait kinematics and kinetics, validated functional questionnaires, and patient outcomes has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in standard gait parameters of patients with moderate to severe SCFE who were treated with a flexion-rotational osteotomy. ⋯ Level IV.
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Casts are used to treat clubfeet, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), forearm fractures, and femur fractures. The ability of a cast to maintain a desired shape is termed moldability. Clinicians use plaster, fiberglass, and soft casts. To our knowledge the biomechanical molding characteristics of these 3 materials have never been reported. We hypothesized that moldability of plaster would be better than fiberglass and fiberglass would be better than soft cast. ⋯ If precise molding is required, plaster has the best moldability. In cases not requiring precise molding, fiberglass and soft cast are lightweight, waterproof, and available in child-friendly colors.
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We present a case of an incidental finding of dural ectasia in a child diagnosed with Larsen syndrome. Larsen syndrome is a rare inherited disorder of connective tissue characterized by facial dysmorphism, congenital joint dislocations of the hips, knees and elbows, and deformities of the hands and feet. Dural ectasia is as an abnormal expansion of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord and may result in spinal morphologic changes, instability, and spontaneous dislocation. To the best of our knowledge, the presence of dural ectasia in Larsen syndrome has not previously been reported. ⋯ Surgeons should be aware of the potential for dural ectasia in patients with Larsen syndrome. Its presence will cause difficulties in the surgical intervention for spinal deformity. Multiple factors must be considered, and surgical approach and technique will require modification to avoid complications. Although dural ectasia confounds surgical intervention in these patients, surgery still appears to outweigh the risks associated with delayed intervention. The presence of dural ectasia should not preclude surgical decompression and stabilization. This report adds to the body of knowledge on the treatment of Larsen syndrome by demonstrating the potential existence of dural ectasia and highlights the importance of careful and thorough preoperative evaluation and diagnostic imaging.