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Popa Ș, Ciongradi CI, Sârbu I, Bîcă O, Popa IP, Bulgaru-Iliescu D. Traffic Accidents in Children and Adolescents: A Complex Orthopedic and Medico-Legal Approach. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1446. [PMID: 37761407 PMCID: PMC10527870 DOI: 10.3390/children10091446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Traffic accidents involving children and adolescents present complex challenges from both the medico-legal and orthopedic standpoints. Despite the implementation of road traffic safety laws, pediatric road traffic injuries continue to be a significant contributor to mortality rates, physical harm, and hospitalization on a global scale. For children and young people, automobile accidents are considered to be the primary culprit of mortality in developed nations. Even in highly developed nations, trauma is a significant factor in infant mortality. Each age category, from childhood to young adulthood, has its fracture patterns, as their skeletons are considerably different from those of adults. The consequences of traffic accidents extend beyond the immediate physical trauma. The medico-legal aspects surrounding these incidents add another layer of complexity, as legal repercussions may affect the responsible adult or parent, particularly in cases involving child fatalities. To effectively address traffic accidents in children and adolescents, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This approach should involve not only medical professionals but also legal experts and policymakers. Collaboration between orthopedic specialists, medico-legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and relevant government bodies can facilitate the development and implementation of strategies aimed at prevention, education, the enforcement of traffic laws, and improved infrastructure. By addressing both the medical and legal aspects, it is possible to enhance road safety for children and adolescents, reducing the incidence of injuries and their associated long-term consequences. In this review, we aimed to summarize traffic accidents in children and adolescents from a complex orthopedic and medico-legal approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ștefan Popa
- 2nd Department of Surgery–Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (Ș.P.); (I.S.); (O.B.)
| | - Carmen Iulia Ciongradi
- 2nd Department of Surgery–Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (Ș.P.); (I.S.); (O.B.)
| | - Ioan Sârbu
- 2nd Department of Surgery–Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (Ș.P.); (I.S.); (O.B.)
| | - Ovidiu Bîcă
- 2nd Department of Surgery–Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (Ș.P.); (I.S.); (O.B.)
| | - Irene Paula Popa
- Department of Physiology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Diana Bulgaru-Iliescu
- 3rd Department of Medical Specialities–Legal Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
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Hong P, Rai S, Liu X, Tang X, Liu R, Li J. Which is the better choice for open tibial shaft fracture in overweight adolescent with open physis: A comparative study of external fixator plus elastic stable intramedullary nail versus external fixator alone. Injury 2021; 52:3161-3165. [PMID: 34246479 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the clinical outcomes of external fixator + elastic stable intramedullary nail (EF+ESIN) vs. external fixator (EF) in the treatment for open tibial shaft fracture in overweight adolescents. METHODS Patients of open tibial shaft fractures younger than 14 years old with body weight over 50 Kg treated with EF + ESIN or EF at our institute from 2010 to 2018 were reviewed. Patients with Gustilo Type III open fractures, pathological fractures, previous fracture or instrumentation in the operative leg were excluded. Baseline information and clinical data were collected from the hospital database and during out-patient visits. RESULTS Forty-six patients, including 27 males and 19 females, were included in the EF group, whereas 35 patients, including 18 males and 17 females, were included in the EF + ESIN group (p = 0.527). The incidence of superficial infection was higher in the EF group (26/46, 56.5%) than the EF + ESIN group (12/35, 34.3%), p < 0.001. The frontal and sagittal angulation was higher in the EF group (p < 0.001), but the degrees in both groups were within the acceptable range. The union time was longer in the EF group (68.0 ± 12.7, d) than the EF + ESIN group (61.9 ± 11.9), p < 0.001. The retaining of EF (11.9 ± 3.2, w) was longer in the EF group than the EF +ESIN group (5.7 ± 1.2, w), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION EF+ESIN is a safe and alternative choice for selected overweight adolescents with open tibial shaft fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Hong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Saroj Rai
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, National Trauma Center, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Mahankal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Xiangyang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruikang Liu
- First Clinical School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Hong P, Rai S, Tang X, Liu R, Li J. External fixation versus elastic stable intramedullary nailing in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures in children. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:528. [PMID: 34433468 PMCID: PMC8386042 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02679-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction External fixator (EF) is a popular choice for open tibial fractures, but pin tract infection (PTI) and refracture are common complications. Elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) has been reported in the treatment for open tibial fractures. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of EF vs. ESIN in the treatment for open tibial shaft fracture in children retrospectively. Methods Patients aged 5–11 years with Gustilo-Anderson II and IIIA tibial shaft fracture treated at our institute from January 2008 to January 2018 were reviewed retrospectively and categorized into EF and ESIN groups. Patients with pathological fracture, neuromuscular disorder, metabolic disease, previous tibial fracture or instrumentation, and polytrauma were excluded. Patients with follow-up < 24 months or incomplete medical records were also excluded. Results In all, 55 patients (33 males, 22 females) were included in the EF group, whereas 37 patients (21 males, 16 females) were included in the ESIN group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning sex, age, body weight, duration from injury to surgery, Gustilo-Anderson (GA) classification, and concomitant injuries. There was no case of nonunion and malunion in either group. The angulation at the latest follow-up was higher in the EF group than the ESIN group (P < 0.01). The radiological union was faster in the ESIN group (7.0 ± 0.9 weeks) than those in the EF group (9.0 ± 2.2 weeks) (P < 0.01). Limb length discrepancy (LLD) was more in the EF group (12.1 ± 4.4, mm) than in the ESIN group (7.3 ± 4.3, mm) (P < 0.01). Conclusion ESIN is a viable option in selected patients of GA grade II and IIIA open tibial fractures with comparable clinical outcomes as external fixator. Pin tract infection is the most troublesome complication in the EF group while implant prominence is a nuisance in the ESIN group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Hong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Saroj Rai
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Blue Cross Hospital, Tripureswor, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruikang Liu
- First Clinical School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Cruz AI, Raducha JE, Swarup I, Schachne JM, Fabricant PD. Evidence-based update on the surgical treatment of pediatric tibial shaft fractures. Curr Opin Pediatr 2019; 31:92-102. [PMID: 30461511 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe surgical treatment options for pediatric tibial shaft fractures which are the third most common pediatric long bone fracture. Management of these injuries is dictated by fracture location, fracture pattern, associated injuries, skeletal maturity, and other patient-specific factors. Although most pediatric tibial shaft fractures can be treated nonoperatively, this review provides an update on surgical treatment options when operative intervention is indicated. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in surgical implants and techniques affords a wide range of options for the surgical treatment of pediatric tibial shaft fractures. Flexible intramedullary nailing is gaining wide adoption for acute surgical treatment. Recent studies support cross-sectional imaging for further evaluation and scrutiny of fracture patterns suspicious for intraphyseal or intra-articular extension. Grade I open tibial shaft fractures may be safely treated with irrigation and debridement in the emergency department; however, no high-level comparative studies have been performed to make any definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of this treatment strategy. SUMMARY Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in pediatric patients. Management is dictated by fracture location, fracture pattern, associated injuries, patient age, and other patient-specific factors. Surgical intervention is indicated for fractures that are open, irreducible, have failed nonoperative management, are associated with compartment syndrome, or in the multiply injured patient. Surgical treatment options include flexible intramedullary nailing, plate osteosynthesis, external fixation, and rigid intramedullary nailing. Recent literature has shown increased rates of flexible intramedullary nailing. All operative and nonoperative management options can result in complications including compartment syndrome, infection, delayed union, nonunion, malunion, limb length discrepancy, and symptomatic hardware. Most pediatric patients go on to uneventful union with excellent final outcomes and return to full activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristides I Cruz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Jeremy E Raducha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ishaan Swarup
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan M Schachne
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter D Fabricant
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Raducha JE, Swarup I, Schachne JM, Cruz AI, Fabricant PD. Tibial Shaft Fractures in Children and Adolescents. JBJS Rev 2019; 7:e4. [DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.18.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Abstract
Multiply injured child is a unique challenge to the medical communities worldwide. It is a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in children. Common skeletal injuries include closed or open fractures of tibia and femur and pelvic injuries. Initial management focuses on saving life and then saving limb as per pediatric advanced life support and advanced trauma life support. Orthopedic management of open fracture includes splinting the limb, administration of prophylactic antibiotic, and surgical debridement of the wound when safe. However, gross contamination, compartment syndrome, and vascular injuries demand urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Lahoti
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK,Address for correspondence: Dr. Om Lahoti, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK. E-mail:
| | - Anand Arya
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
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Abstract
Open fractures in children differ from adults owing to their better healing potential. Management strategies for open fracture in children are changing with improvement in our understanding of soft-tissue reconstruction and fracture fixation. A literature review was performed for articles covering management of open fractures in children. The cornerstones of management include prevention of infection, debridement, and skeletal stabilization with soft-tissue coverage. The injury should be categorized according to the established trauma classification systems. Timely administration of appropriate antibiotics is important for preventing infections. Soft-tissue management includes copious irrigation and debridement of the wound. Fractures can be stabilized by a variety of nonoperative and operative means, taking into consideration the special needs of the growing skeleton and the role of a thick and active periosteum in the healing of fractures. The soft-tissue coverage required depends on the grade of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Sharma
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, KUMC GURO Hospital, Seoul, Korea,Address for correspondence: Dr. Akshat Sharma, 15, Nav Vikas Apartments, Sector – 15, Rohini, New Delhi - 110 089, India. E-mail:
| | - Vikas Gupta
- Central Institute of Orthopaedics, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kumar Shashikant
- Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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