Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a modern multiplanar external fixator that combines ease of application plus computer accuracy in the reduction of fractures. A retrospective review of our experience in using this device for treating unstable tibia fractures in pediatric and adolescent patients was carried out to determine the effectiveness and complications of TSF in the treatment of these fractures. Ten tibia fractures were included. ⋯ All patients were doing well and involved in sports when last seen. Postoperative complications included pin tract infection in 5 patients. TSF is an effective definitive method of tibia fracture care with the advantage of early mobilization and ability to postoperatively manipulate fracture into excellent alignment.
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Appropriate care of pediatric polytrauma patients requires the knowledge and expertise of a variety of subspecialists. Though most of pediatric polytrauma patients survive, long-term sequelae are common. The most common causes of long-term functional deficits after pediatric polytrauma involve injuries to the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Orthopaedic care of polytrauma patients is important to facilitate early mobilization and care of these children, as well as to minimize late impairment.
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Comparative Study
Pediatric olecranon fractures: open reduction and internal fixation with removable Kirschner wires and absorbable sutures.
The authors present an original fixation technique for pediatric olecranon fractures that avoids reoperation to remove hardware as compared with the standard fixation technique with Kirschner wires and tension band wiring as advocated by the AO technique. The authors' technique uses two percutaneously placed Kirschner wires to fixate displaced transverse and oblique olecranon fractures. Prior to the insertion of the wires, the fracture is reduced through a standard open approach. ⋯ No immediate complications have been noted; one patient has a loss of extension of 10 degrees at the elbow. Radiographic results are good, with no loss of reduction. This technique avoids the need for reoperation for hardware removal without compromising the quality of reduction.
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Comparative Study
The use of conscious sedation for pain control during forearm fracture reduction in children: does race matter?
Recent reports in the medical literature indicate that certain racial disparities have been identified in healthcare. The authors sought to identify the potential relationship between the use of pain medications in African-American and Caucasian children undergoing forearm fracture reduction. This retrospective cohort study was performed at a university-affiliated tertiary care children's hospital emergency department. ⋯ Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that higher amounts of fracture translation (P < 0.0001) and angulation (P < 0.0027) and younger age of the patient (P = 0.0059) were significant predictors of conscious sedation use. Race was not found to be significantly associated with the use of conscious sedation (P = 0.0606 in univariate analysis, P = 0.1678 in multivariate analysis). The authors found that the decision to use conscious sedation for pediatric forearm fractures was not influenced by race, but was influenced by certain fracture characteristics and patient age.
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The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to identify the true incidence, pattern, and location of the injury and nature of fracture after hand injuries in different pediatric age groups attending a hand unit. Three hundred sixty children (237 boys, 123 girls) under 16 years of age who presented with hand injuries between April 1, 2000, and Sept. 30, 2000, were included in the study. Bony injuries accounted for 65.5% (236 injuries); 33.3% (120 injuries) were soft tissue injuries. ⋯ Diaphyseal fractures (46%) were more common in the metacarpals, and basal fractures (51%) were common in the phalanges. At discharge more than 80% of the patients felt that they were cured or significantly better. This paper highlights the changing pattern and the different varieties of hand injuries in different pediatric age groups.