Closed bone graft epiphysiodesis for avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis

Clinical Outcomes and Associated Pathologies Following Pediatric Traumatic Hip Dislocations: A Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric traumatic hip dislocations are a rare condition that can have devastating short and/or long-term outcomes and associated pathologies (APs), including associated injuries (AIs) and long-term adverse events (LTAEs), with negative long-term sequelae. Currently, there are little data that exist on the rate of APs, with the most notable being avascular necrosis (AVN), for pediatric traumatic hip dislocations. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the outcome relative frequency of dislocation direction, reduction type, and rate of APs for traumatic hip dislocations in the pediatric population.

METHODS

A systematic review on the topic of traumatic hip dislocations in the pediatric population was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE databases from database inception to March 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria was full-text English articles, addressed traumatic hip dislocations, and pediatric patients (<18 y old).

RESULTS

A total of 24 articles (n=575 patients) met final inclusion criteria from a total of 219 articles retrieved from the initial search. For the average age of the included patients with reported age (n=433 patients), the frequency weighted mean was 9.50 years±1.75 years with a frequency weighted mean follow-up time of 74.05 months ±45.97 months (n=399 patients). The most common dislocation direction was posterior (86.4%), the most common treatment type was closed reduction (84.5%), AVN was the most common type of LTAEs (15.5% of APs), and labral/capsular injuries and acetabular fractures were the most common type of AIs (14.0% and 9.4% of APs, respectively). There were a combined total of 414 APs (72%) out of 575 total patients.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric traumatic hip dislocations are associated with a high rate of AIs and LTAEs (72%, 414 APs out of 575 patients). AVN, labral/capsular injuries, and acetabular fractures are the most common APs after pediatric traumatic hip dislocations. Pediatric hip dislocations are usually posterior and commonly managed through closed reduction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Systematic Review.

Global Trends and Current Status in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Bibliometric Analysis of Publications in the Last 30 Years

INTRODUCTION

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive and disabling disease with severe socioeconomic burdens. In the last 30 years, a growing number of publications have reported significant advances in understanding ONFH. However, only a few studies have clarified its global trends and current status. Thus, the purpose of our study was to summarize the global trends and current status in ONFH through bibliometrics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Publications related to ONFH from 1991 to 2020 were searched from the Web of Science (WOS) core collection database. The data were analyzed with bibliometric methods. Microsoft Excel was used for statistical analysis and to draw bar charts. SPSS was applied to perform linear regression analysis. VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliographic coupling analysis, co-authorship analysis, co-citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 5,523 publications were covered. The United States consistently ranked first in total publications, sum of times cited, average citations per item and H-index. Kyushu University was the main contributor to ONFH. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research was the major publishing channels for ONFH-related articles. Takuaki Yamamoto published the most ONFH-related articles. Studies regarding ONFH could be divided into five clusters: 1) mechanism study, 2) treatment study, 3) complication study, 4) radiological study and 5) etiological study. Mechanism study might become a hot spot in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

The total number of publications in ONFH has generally increased over the last three decades. The United States was the leading country in ONFH research. Transplantation, engineering, cell and molecular biology, pharmacology and endocrinology have gradually increased and become hot topics in ONFH research. Mechanism study in ONFH including mesenchymal stem cells, apoptosis, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, osteogenic differentiation and endothelial progenitor cells, have attracted more attention and will become a hot spot in the future.

Evolutionary course of the femoral head osteonecrosis: Histopathological - radiologic characteristics and clinical staging systems

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a recalcitrant ischemic disorder, which could be classified into two major categories: traumatic and nontraumatic. Regardless of different risk factors, it has been testified that ONFH results from primitive vascular problems, leading to temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to bone tissue. Histopathological and microarchitectural alterations ensues, which is a gradual evolutionary process involving bone marrow and osteocyte necrosis, progressive destruction of subchondral bone, unsuccessful reparative process, and eventual articular collapse and degenerative arthritis. Based on the imaging features of ONFH, different classification systems have been developed to evaluate the severity and prognosis of the disease, which is pivotal for implementation of treatment strategy, especially the joint-preserving surgery. However, patients classified with the same severity stage, especially in the peri-collapse stage, sometimes responded differently after similar joint-preserving surgery. The unusual phenomenon may be attributed to the limitation of the current imaging classification systems, which might underestimate the disease severity, especially when referring to the early stages. In this review, we briefly summarize the etiology and pathogenesis of ONFH. The imaging features and staging classification systems of ONFH are also described. More importantly, we focus on histopathological and microstructural alterations of the femoral head, and provide an overview of their essential contribution to ONFH progression. Given the observation of discordance between imaging characteristics and histopathological alterations, a substantial amount of research on the relationship between imaging and histopathological features is required to further modify and revise the current wide-accepted classification systems.

Purposeful Closed Reduction and Pinning in Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Results in a Rate of Avascular Necrosis Comparable to the Literature Mean

The standard treatment of stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is generally accepted to be in situ pinning. Controversy exists regarding the treatment of unstable SCFE, including the role of a purposeful closed reduction or open reduction. The objective of this study was to investigate the rate of avascular necrosis (AVN) with purposeful closed reduction and in situ pinning of unstable SCFE. The authors retrospectively reviewed 221 patients with 302 SCFE hips treated with in situ pinning between 2000 and 2014. Forty-eight patients (50 hips) presented with an unstable SCFE. All unstable SCFEs were treated by a gentle reduction method with traction and hip internal rotation followed by pinning. Southwick angles were measured prior to reduction and at the first postoperative visit. No stable SCFEs developed AVN. Thirteen (26%) unstable SCFEs developed AVN. Avascular necrosis developed in 7 of 17 (41%) hips screened with magnetic resonance imaging vs 6 of 33 (18%) hips screened with plain radiographs alone. Mean change in Southwick angle was 28°±8° in the AVN group vs 18°±18° in the no AVN group (P=.18). Despite potentially inflating the rate with the use of early detection magnetic resonance imaging, the authors found an AVN rate comparable to that in the published literature with the use of gentle purposeful reduction on a fracture table, and no statistical differences in reduction amount between patients with and without AVN. Gentle purposeful reduction appears to be a reasonable low morbidity option in the treatment of unstable SCFE without a clear increase in risk of AVN. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):92-97.].

Diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, classification and total hip arthroplasty in patients with long-term unreduced hip joint dislocation, secondary osteoarthritis and pseudoarthrosis

BACKGROUND

Neglected long-term unreduced hip joint dislocation with secondary osteoarthritis and pseudoarthrosis poses a great challenge to hip surgeons. However, as this is an uncommon injury, few studies have systematically investigated these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients from 2010 to 2017. The diagnostic values of three different types of common radiological examinations were evaluated. We evaluated the bone conditions of the original acetabulum and classified the patients into three types (four subtypes). The surgical procedures and prognosis of the patients were also investigated.

RESULTS

With the combined application of X-ray, CT scans and 3D reconstruction, 93.8% of these patients (sensitivity = 93.8%, Youden's index = 0.93, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95) could be diagnosed correctly. There were 6/16 (37.5%) type A patients, 4/16 (25.0%) type B1 patients, 5/16 (31.3%) type B2 patients and 1/16 (6.3%) type C patient. For patients with type A injury, the surgical procedures for total hip arthroplasty were similar to "standard" total hip arthroplasty. For patients with type B injury, due to atrophy or partial bone deficiency of the original acetabulum, the surgical procedure for total hip arthroplasty was probably similar to those for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. For patients with type C injury, the situation was similar to that of revision surgery. The average Harris hip score postoperatively was 89.94 ± 5.78 points (range: 79-98 points).

CONCLUSIONS

The new classification system could help surgeons estimate potential difficulties during total hip arthroplasty. The prognosis of most patients after total hip arthroplasty is expected to be excellent or good.

Guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in adults (2019 version)

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common and refractory disease in orthopaedic clinics. The number of patients with ONFH is increasing worldwide every year. There are an estimated 8.12 million patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis in China alone. Treatment of nontraumatic osteonecrosis has always been a clinical challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. To further standardize diagnosis and treatment of ONFH, these guidelines provide not only basic diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation systems for ONFH but also expert advice and standards in many aspects, including epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostic criteria, pathological staging, prevention and treatment options, and postoperative rehabilitation. The aetiological factors of ONFH can currently be divided into two major categories: traumatic and nontraumatic; however, the specific pathological mechanism of ONFH is not completely clear. Currently, the staging system of ONFH formulated by the Association Research Circulation Osseous is widely used in clinical practice. Based on the changes in the intraosseous blood supply at different stages, the corresponding nonsurgical and surgical treatments are recommended, and when there are risk factors for possible ONFH, certain preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of osteonecrosis are recommended. These guidelines provide brief classification criteria and treatment regimen for osteonecrosis. Specification of the aetiology, treatment plan based on comprehensive consideration of the different stages of osteonecrosis, hip function, age, and occupation of the patients are important steps in diagnosis and developing treatment strategies.

TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE

New advances in the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, imaging, diagnosis and treatment of ONFH have been renewed in this revision. This guideline can be used for reference by orthopedic professionals and researchers, and for standardized diagnosis and treatment management under the clinical guidance, which is conducive to the prevention, treatment and further research of ONFH, improving the diagnosis and treatment level, making patients' symptoms under good control, and improving their quality of life.

Femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head after pediatric femoral neck fracture: a case report

This research focuses on femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. A 9-year-old girl presented to the emergency room complaining of right hip pain that occurred after a pedestrian car accident. After 8 months of internal fixation using cannulated screws for Delbet-type 2 fracture of the femoral neck, AVN of the femoral head developed in the patient. Even though valgus-derotation-extension intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed for the treatment of AVN, it progressed further and femoral head wedge resection was performed to recover the femoral head sphericity. After 3 years of follow-up, radiograph results showed appropriate and satisfactory congruency and containment. This research shows that the treatment of AVN of the femoral head using femoral head wedge resection is an effective method that can yield excellent results.

Early MRI Detection and Closed Bone Graft Epiphysiodesis May Alter the Course of Avascular Necrosis Following Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

BACKGROUND

Unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has an increased incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). Early identification and surgical intervention for AVN may help preserve the femoral head.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients (50 hips) with unstable SCFE managed between 2000 and 2014. AVN was diagnosed based on 2 different postoperative protocols. Seventeen patients (17 hips) had a scheduled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 1 and 6 months from initial surgery, and the remaining 31 patients (33 hips) were evaluated by plain radiographs alone. If AVN was diagnosed, we offered core decompression and closed bone graft epiphysiodesis (CBGE) to mitigate its affects. At final follow-up, we assessed progression of AVN using the Steinberg classification.

RESULTS

Overall 13 hips (26%) with unstable SCFEs developed AVN. MRI revealed AVN in 7 of 17 hips (41%) at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively (range, 1.0 to 5.2 mo). Six hips diagnosed by MRI received surgical intervention (4 CBGE, 1 free vascularized fibula graft, and 1 repinning due to screw cutout) at a mean of 4.1 months (range, 1.3 to 7.2 mo) postoperatively. None of the 4 patients treated with CBGE within 2 months postoperatively progressed to stage IVC AVN. The 2 patients treated after 4 months postoperatively both progressed to stage VC AVN.Plain radiographs demonstrated AVN in 6 of 33 hips (18%) at a mean of 6.8 months postoperatively (range, 2.1 to 21.1 mo). One patient diagnosed with stage IVB AVN at 2.4 months had screw cutout and received CBGE at 2.5 months from initial pinning. The remaining 5 were not offered surgical intervention. Five of the 6 radiographically diagnosed AVN, including the 1 treated with CBGE, progressed to stage IVC AVN or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all patients with positive MRI scans developed radiographic AVN, none of the 4 patients treated with CBGE within 2 months after pinning developed grade IVC or greater AVN. Early MRI detection and CBGE may mitigate the effects of AVN after SCFE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Chinese Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Adults

The treatment of adult osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), with 8.12 million patients in China, remains a challenge to surgeons. To standardize and improve the efficacy of the treatment of ONFH, Chinese specialists updated the experts' suggestions in March 2015, and an experts' consensus was given to provide a current basis for the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of ONFH. The current guideline provides recommendations for ONFH with respect to epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, staging, treatment, as well as rehabilitation. Risk factors of non-traumatic ONFH include corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, dysbarism, sickle cell disease and autoimmune disease and others, but the etiology remains unclear. The Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system, including plain radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide examination, and histological findings, is frequently used in staging ONFH. A staging and classification system was proposed by Chinese scholars in recent years. The major differential diagnoses include mid-late term osteoarthritis, transient osteoporosis, and subchondral insufficiency fracture. Management alternatives for ONFH consist of non-operative treatment and operative treatment. Core decompression is currently the most common procedure used in the early stages of ONFH. Vascularized bone grafting is the recommended treatment for ARCO early stage III ONFH. This guideline gives a brief account of principles for selection of treatment for ONFH, and stage, classification, volume of necrosis, joint function, age of the patient, patient occupation, and other factors should be taken into consideration.