Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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The purpose of this review is to evaluate the safety of regional anesthesia techniques performed for postoperative analgesia in anesthetized children. Pediatric regional anesthesia techniques, such as nerve blocks and neuraxial injections of either local anesthetics or narcotics, can potentially reduce postoperative pain for all children undergoing surgery. However, children may react differently to anesthesia than adults, and they usually cannot tolerate the administration of regional anesthesia unless they are under general anesthesia. ⋯ No complications were noted in patients who received neuraxial injections. This retrospective review indicates that regional anesthesia techniques performed 'under general anesthesia have a low rate of complications in children. A prospective trial is recommended to establish the efficacy and safety of this practice.
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Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in North America. Our review of the literature found few reports of Lyme disease presented in the orthopaedic literature. ⋯ The early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease may help prevent the often-devastating long-term sequelae of Lyme disease. The goal of this article is to increase the awareness of Lyme disease presenting in children as a popliteal cyst.
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The purpose of this study is to report the current incidence rates of pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States and identify specific high-risk populations as a knowledge basis for improving the prevention and treatment of this traumatic injury. ⋯ Using discharge records from a public database, it is possible to identify high-risk demographic groups and activities that predispose a child to SCI. With a more thorough understanding of the etiology of pediatric SCI, clinicians and parents are better equipped to devise measures for prevention and treatment of this injury.
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Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a chromosome 15 disorder characterized by hypotonia, hypogonadism, hyperphagia, and obesity. Musculoskeletal manifestations, including scoliosis, hip dysplasia, and lower limb alignment abnormalities, are well described in the orthopaedic literature. However, care of this patient population from the orthopaedic surgeon's perspective is complicated by other clinical manifestations of PWS. Osteopenia, psychiatric disorders, and diminished pain sensitivity are frequently noted in PWS but are not discussed in the orthopaedic literature. The authors present a clinical review of an 8-year experience of caring for 31 patients with PWS to highlight all clinical concerns that influence orthopaedic management. ⋯ Osteopenia, poor impulse control and defiant behaviors, and diminished pain sensitivity are aspects of PWS that may complicate all facets of orthopaedic nonsurgical and surgical management in this patient population. The treating orthopaedic surgeon must plan carefully and proceed with caution when treating children and adults with PWS.
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The most common pediatric orthopaedic injury requiring hospitalization is a femur fracture. This study aimed to identify the epidemiology and mechanisms of injury so that these injuries might be reduced through specifically targeted safety measures. Data for this study were culled from the 2000 Kids' Inpatient Database representing over 2.5 million pediatric hospital discharges. ⋯ Hospital charges were more than 222 million dollars with the average charge over 2.5 times that in adolescents compared with infants/toddlers. Pediatric orthopaedists must continue to press for increased safety for our children, particularly adolescent motor vehicle safety. Abuse should be considered when a child younger than 2 years presents with a femoral fracture.