J Am Acad Orthop Sur
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Posterior malleolus fractures are a common component of ankle fractures. The morphology is variable; these fractures range from small posterolateral avulsion injuries to large displaced fracture fragments. The integrity of the posterior malleolus and its ligamentous attachment is important for tibiotalar load transfer, posterior talar stability, and rotatory ankle stability. ⋯ Fragment size as a percentage of the anteroposterior dimension of the articular surface is often cited as an indication for fixation, although several factors may contribute to the decision, such as articular impaction, comminution, and syndesmotic stability. Outcome studies show that, in patients with ankle fractures, the presence of a posterior malleolus fracture negatively affects prognosis. Notable variability is evident in surgeon practice.
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J Am Acad Orthop Sur · Jan 2013
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis: major developmental causes of femoroacetabular impingement.
Problematic femoroacetabular impingement frequently is seen following Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) in young children and following slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in older children and adolescents. Although symptoms may be mild in adolescents and young adults, chondral damage following LCPD and SCFE deformity is cumulative and irreversible, which has led to a recent emphasis on the consideration of early treatment. ⋯ The surgical dislocation approach is a superb diagnostic tool unmatched in assessing complex dynamic impingement patterns, and it allows direct treatment of deformity through recontouring of the head and neck and, in unhealed SCFE, epiphyseal realignment. The contemporary hip-preserving management of deformity following LCPD and SCFE is changing rapidly, necessitating careful evaluation of new treatment methods.
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J Am Acad Orthop Sur · Dec 2012
ReviewPerioperative pain control in pediatric patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
Management of perioperative pain is critical in the pediatric patient undergoing orthopaedic surgery. A variety of modalities can be used to manage pain and optimize recovery and patient satisfaction, including nonopioid and opioid analgesia; local anesthetic injection; and regional analgesia such as intrathecal morphine, epidural therapy, and peripheral nerve blocks. Acute pain management can be tailored based on the needs of the patient, the surgical site, and the anticipated level of postoperative pain. A preoperative discussion of the plan for perioperative pain control with the patient, his or her parents, and the anesthesiologist can help manage expectations and maximize patient satisfaction.
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Currently, surgical management of pediatric femur fracture consists of intramedullary nailing with flexible nails or rigid trochanteric entry nails. Rigid trochanteric entry nails are the implant of choice for femoral fractures in adolescents, whereas titanium elastic nails are popular for the management of length-stable diaphyseal femoral fractures in school-age children. However, higher complication rates have been reported in children with length-unstable diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with titanium elastic nails. ⋯ Fracture shortening or angulation can lead to nail prominence or exposure that may require nail shortening or removal. Recently, submuscular plating has been found to be a successful alternative option for management of length-unstable femoral fractures in school-age children. Submuscular plating can also be used in older and/or heavier children who have a femoral canal that is too small to accommodate a rigid intramedullary nail.
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Neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage-Turner syndrome or brachial plexus neuritis) is an uncommon syndrome whose cause is unknown. The suprascapular and axillary nerves and corresponding muscles are affected most frequently. The disorder exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations, and patients frequently present to physicians of different subspecialties. ⋯ Nerve conduction velocity and imaging studies assist in the evaluation. Treatment consists of symptomatic management. Symptoms can persist for more than than a year, but most patients note resolution of symptoms over time.