Clinical and operative risk factors for complications after Apert hand syndactyly reconstruction

This study evaluated how Apert hand syndactyly presentations and reconstructive techniques influence reconstruction outcomes. All cases at a major paediatric hospital between 2007 and 2022 were analysed, including 98 web space reconstructions in 17 patients. Overall, 62% of hands developed complications and 15% required revision surgery. Upton hand type was significantly associated with postoperative complication incidence, specifically including range-of-motion deficits, flexion contracture, web creep and revision surgery. More severe syndactylies may benefit from additional measures to reduce complications. Rectangular commissural flaps showed 1.9 times greater complication risk than interdigitating triangular flaps, including 11.2 times greater risk of web creep. Zigzag volar finger flaps showed 1.8 times greater complication risk than straight-line incisions, including 3.8 times greater risk of web creep. Our study showed that interdigitating triangular commissural flaps and straight-line volar finger incisions are preferable to rectangular commissural and zigzag finger flaps in most cases of Apert hand syndactyly to minimize complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Natural history of neonatal radial nerve palsy

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Physeal Fractures of the Distal Ulna: Incidence and Risk Factors for Premature Growth Arrest

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the rate of distal ulnar growth arrest following physeal fracture and to identify specific risk factors for premature physeal closure.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with a distal ulnar physeal fracture was performed at a single United States children's hospital. Patients without 6-month follow-up were excluded. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were abstracted. Fractures were classified by the Salter-Harris (SH) system. All follow-up radiographs were reviewed for changes in ulnar variance or signs of premature physeal arrest.

RESULTS

Fifty-six children with distal ulnar physeal fracture at a mean age of 10.7±3.3 years were included with a mean follow-up of 1.9 years. The most common fracture pattern was a SH II (52.7%), versus SH I (29.1%), SH III (9.1%), and SH IV (9.1%). Of displaced fractures (41.1%), the mean translation was 40.2±38.3% the and mean angulation was 24.8±20.9 degrees. Eleven fractures (19.6%) demonstrated radiographic signs of growth disturbance, including 3 patients (5.4%) with growth disturbance but continued longitudinal growth and 8 patients (14.3%) with complete growth arrest. The average ulnar variance was -3.4 mm. Three patients underwent subsequent surgical reconstruction including ulnar lengthening with an external fixator, distal ulna completion epiphysiodesis with distal radius epiphysiodesis, and ulnar corrective osteotomy. Patients with displaced fractures and SH III/IV fractures were more likely to develop a growth disturbance (34.8% vs. 3.2%, P =0.003; 50.0% vs. 11.1%, P =0.012, respectively). Children with less than 2 years of skeletal growth remaining at the time of injury had a higher risk of growth disturbance (46.2% vs. 9.5%, P =0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

SH III and IV fractures are more common injury patterns in the distal ulna compared with the distal radius. Growth disturbance or growth arrest occurs in ~20% of distal ulnar physeal fractures. Displaced fractures, intra-articular fractures, fractures requiring open reduction, and older children are at increased risk of distal ulnar growth arrest and should be followed more closely.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV--case series.

Surgical correction of cubitus varus in children with a lateral closing-wedge osteotomy: a comparison between two different techniques

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the present study is to compare the radiographic outcomes and complications of two different techniques for lateral closing-wedge osteotomy in pediatric patients with cubitus varus.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients treated at five tertiary care institutions: 17 underwent the Kirschner-wire (KW) technique, and 15 patients were treated with the mini external fixator (MEF) technique. Demographic data, previous treatment, pre- and postoperative carrying angle (CA), complications and additional procedures were recorded. Radiographic evaluation included assessment of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle (HEW), and the lateral prominence index (LPI).

RESULTS

Patients treated with both KW and MEF achieved significant improvements in clinical alignment (mean pre-op CA -16 ± 6.1 degrees to mean post-op 8.9 ± 5.3 degrees, P < 0.001). There were no differences in final radiographic alignment or radiographic union time; however, time to achieve full elbow motion was faster in the MEF group (13.6 versus 34.3 weeks, P = 0.4547). Two patients (11.8%) in the KW group experienced complications, including one superficial infection and one failed correction that required unplanned revision surgery. Eleven patients in the MEF group underwent a planned second surgical procedure for hardware removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Both fixation techniques are effective at correcting cubitus varus in the pediatric population. The MEF technique may have the advantage of shorter recovery of elbow range of motion but may require sedation for hardware removal. The KW technique may present a slightly higher complication rate.

Pediatric thrower's elbow: maturation-dependent MRI findings in symptomatic baseball players

BACKGROUND

Elbow pain is common among youth baseball players and elbow MRI is increasingly utilized to complement the clinical assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize, according to skeletal maturity, findings on elbow MRI from symptomatic youth baseball players.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included pediatric (<18 years of age) baseball players with elbow pain who underwent MRI examinations between 2010 and 2021. Two radiologists, blinded to the outcome, independently reviewed examinations to categorize skeletal maturity and to identify osseous and soft tissue findings with consensus used to resolve discrepancies. Findings were compared between skeletally immature and mature patients and logistic regression models identified predictors of surgery.

RESULTS

This study included 130 children (115 boys, 15 girls): 85 skeletally immature and 45 mature (12.8±2.3 and 16.2±1.0 years, respectively, p<0.01). Kappa coefficient for interobserver agreement on MRI findings ranged from 0.64 to 0.96. Skeletally immature children, when compared to mature children, were more likely to have elbow effusion (27%, 23/85 vs 9%, 4/45; p=0.03), medial epicondyle marrow edema (53%, 45/85 vs 16%, 7/45; p<0.01), avulsion fracture (19%, 16/85 vs 2%, 1/45; p=0.02), and juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD, 22%, 19/85 vs 7%, 3/45; p=0.04), whereas skeletally mature children were more likely to have sublime tubercle marrow edema (49%, 22/45 vs 11%, 9/85; p<0.01) and triceps tendinosis (40%, 18/45 vs 20%, 17/85; p=0.03). Intra-articular body (OR=4.2, 95% CI 1.5-47.8, p=0.02) and osteochondritis dissecans (OR=3.7, 95% CI 1.1-11.9, p=0.03) were independent predictors for surgery.

CONCLUSION

Differential patterns of elbow MRI findings were observed among symptomatic pediatric baseball players based on regional skeletal maturity. Intra-articular body and osteochondritis dissecans were independent predictors of surgery.

Opioid Analgesia Compared with Non-Opioid Analgesia After Operative Treatment for Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Results from a Prospective Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND

Minimal pain and opioid use after operative treatment for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures have been previously described; however, opioid-prescribing practices in the United States remain variable. We hypothesized that children without an opioid prescription would report similar postoperative pain compared with children prescribed opioids following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of supracondylar humeral fractures.

METHODS

Children who were 3 to 12 years of age and were undergoing CRPP for a closed supracondylar humeral fracture were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter, comparative study. Following a standardized dosing protocol, oxycodone, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen were prescribed at 2 hospitals (opioid cohort), and 2 other hospitals prescribed ibuprofen and acetaminophen alone (non-opioid cohort). The children's medication use and the daily pain that they experienced (scored on the Wong-Baker FACES Scale) were recorded at postoperative days 1 to 7, 10, 14, and 21, using validated text-message protocols. Based on an a priori power analysis, at least 64 evaluable subjects were recruited per cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 157 patients were evaluated (81 [52%] in the opioid cohort and 76 [48%] in the non-opioid cohort). The median age at the time of the surgical procedure was 6.2 years, and 50% of the subjects were male. The mean postoperative pain scores were low overall (<4 of 10), and there were no significant differences in pain ratings between cohorts at any time point. No patient demographic or injury characteristics were correlated with increased pain or medication use. Notably, of the 81 patients in the opioid cohort, 28 (35%) took no oxycodone and 40 (49%) took 1 to 3 total doses across the postoperative period. Patients rarely took opioids after postoperative day 2. A single patient in the non-opioid cohort (1 [1%] of 76) received a rescue prescription of opioids after presenting to the emergency department with postoperative cast discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-opioid analgesia following CRPP for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures was equally effective as opioid analgesia. When oxycodone was prescribed, 84% of children took 0 to 3 total doses, and opioid use fell precipitously after postoperative day 2. To improve opioid stewardship, providers and institutions can consider discontinuing the routine prescription of opioids following this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Publication Rates Vary Across Orthopaedic Subspecialties: A Longitudinal Analysis of AAOS Abstracts

Background

Presentation of research at national orthopaedic meetings and subsequent publication are important for both information exchange among surgeons and individual academic advancement. However, the academic landscape and pressures that researchers face may differ greatly across different subspecialties. This study attempts to explore and quantify differences in research presented at national conferences and its implication on ultimate likelihood of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Methods

All abstracts from the Annual Meetings of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) from 2016 and 2017 were reviewed and categorized based on subspecialty focus. Resulting publications were identified using a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Multivariate binary logistic regression modelling was used to assess the predictive value of abstract characteristics on eventual publication.

Results

A total of 1805 abstracts from the 2016 and 2017 AAOS conferences were reviewed. The overall publication rate of abstracts following the AAOS meetings was 71.6%, with an average time to publication from abstract submission deadline and impact factor of 19.8 months and 2.878, respectively. Statistical differences were observed across subspecialties with respect to publication rate (p<0.001), time to publication (p<0.001), and impact factor (p<0.001). The subspecialty with the highest publication rate, largest impact factor, and shortest average time to publication was Sports Medicine with 83.2%, 3.98, and 17.6 months, respectively; despite lower average sample size (p<0.001) and frequency of multicenter design (p<0.001) compared with other subspecialties. The subspecialty with the lowest publication rate and impact factor was Hand and Wrist with 53.3% and 1.41, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrates a lower likelihood for internationally authored abstracts (OR: 0.75, p=0.021) and higher likelihood for basic science abstracts (OR: 1.52, p-value=0.023) to reach publication.

Conclusion

Differences in publication rate across orthopaedic subspecialties were observed with articles in sports medicine more likely to be published, published quickly, and featured in a higher impact factor journals. Understanding these differences, and how they relate to the publication and promotion of novel research, is important for orthopaedic researchers. Level of Evidence: IV.

Natural History of Pediatric Hand and Wrist Ganglion Cysts: Longitudinal Follow-Up of a Prospective, Dual-Center Cohort

PURPOSE

This investigation describes the outcomes of pediatric ganglion cysts in a prospective cohort that elected not to undergo cyst aspiration or surgical treatment. Our primary aim was to investigate the rate of spontaneous resolution over time among the subset of patients who did not undergo specific treatments.

METHODS

Children (aged ≤18 years) who presented to the clinic with ganglion cysts of the hand or wrist were enrolled in a prospective two-center registry between 2017 and 2021. Enrolled subjects who never elected to undergo cyst aspiration or surgical treatment were analyzed. The data collected included age, sex, cyst location and laterality, hand dominance, Wong-Baker pain scale scores, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System upper-extremity scores. Follow-up surveys were completed for up to 5 years.

RESULTS

A total of 157 cysts in 154 children, with an average age of 9.4 years and a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1, were eligible. The most common ganglion location was dorsal wrist (67/157, 42.7%), followed by volar wrist (49/157, 31.2%), the flexor tendon sheath (29/157, 18.5%), and the extensor tendon synovial lining (8/157, 5.1%). The average follow-up duration was 2.5 years after initial presentation to the clinic, and 63.1% (99/157) of the patients responded to follow-up surveys. Among them, 62.6% (62/99) of cysts spontaneously resolved; the resolution rates ranged from 51.9% of volar wrist ganglions to 81% of flexor tendon sheath cysts, with an average time to resolution of 14.1 months after cyst presentation. Cysts were more likely to resolve in the hand than in the wrist (84.0% vs 55.4%, respectively). Cysts present for >12 months at initial evaluation were less likely to resolve spontaneously (41.2% vs 67.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Of children who elected not to undergo aspiration or surgical treatment, approximately two-thirds of families reported that their child's ganglion cyst resolved spontaneously. Cysts that resolve spontaneously usually do so within 2 years of presentation.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Recent Advancements in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Hand Differences

Congenital hand and upper limb differences include a wide spectrum of structural abnormalities that affect functional, appearance, and psychosocial domains of affected children. Ongoing advances in the understanding and treatment of these differences continue to shape management. Over the past 10 years, new developments have been made in areas of molecular genetics, noninvasive treatments, surgical techniques, and outcome measures in several commonly seen congenital hand differences. Applying these advances in knowledge and management of congenital hand differences will enable surgeons to achieve the best outcomes possible for these children.

Presentation and Management of the Pediatric Trigger Finger: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Pediatric trigger finger (PTF) is an acquired condition that is uncommon and anatomically complex. Currently, the literature is characterized by a small number of retrospective case series with limited sample sizes. This investigation sought to evaluate the presentation, management, and treatment outcomes of PTF in a large, multicenter cohort.

METHODS

A retrospective review of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of PTF between 2009 and 2020 was performed at three tertiary referral hospitals. Patient demographics, PTF characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Patients and families also were contacted by telephone to assess the downstream persistence or recurrence of triggering symptoms.

RESULTS

In total, 321 patients with 449 PTFs were included at a mean follow-up of 3.9 ± 4.0 years. There were approximately equal numbers of boys and girls, and the mean age of symptom onset was 5.4 ± 5.1 years. The middle (34.7%) and index (11.6%) fingers were the most and least commonly affected digits, respectively. Overall, PTFs managed operatively achieved significantly higher rates of complete resolution compared with PTFs managed nonsurgically (97.1% vs 30.0%). Seventy-five percent of PTFs that achieved complete resolution with nonsurgical management did so within 6 months, and approximately 90% did so within 12 months. Patients with multidigit involvement, higher Quinnell grade at presentation, or palpable nodularity were significantly more likely to undergo surgery. There was no significant difference in the rate of complete resolution between splinted versus not splinted PTFs or across operative techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 30% of the PTFs managed nonsurgically achieved complete resolution. Splinting did not improve resolution rates in children treated nonsurgically. In contrast, surgical intervention has a high likelihood of restoring motion and function of the affected digit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

A Glass Ceiling in Orthopedic Surgery: Publication Trends by Gender

Women are underrepresented across the field of orthopedic surgery and may face barriers to academic advancement. Research presentation at national meetings and publication record are important drivers of advancement in academic orthopedic surgery. However, little is known regarding potential gender differences in publication after orthopedic conference research presentation. This investigation analyzed research presentations at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2016 and 2017. Author gender was determined through a search of institutional and professional networking websites for gender-specific pronouns. Resulting publications were identified using a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. A total of 1696 of 1803 (94.1%) abstracts from 2016 to 2017 had identifiable gender for both the first and last authors, with 1213 (71.5%) abstracts ultimately being published. There were no differences in average sample size or level of evidence between genders. Abstracts authored by women were significantly less likely to lead to publication compared with those by men (67.1% vs 72.1%, P=.023), with articles authored by women having a longer median time to publication (median, 20 months [interquartile range, 19] vs 17 months [interquartile range, 15]; P=.003). This discrepancy was most apparent in adult reconstruction, with women having a 15.5% lower rate of publication (55.1% [27/49] vs 70.6% [307/435]; P=.026) and lower publication journal impact factor (2.7±1.4 vs 3.4±3.4, P=.040) than men. Potential reasons for these discrepancies, including disproportionate domestic obligations, inadequate mentorship, and bias against female researchers, should be addressed. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):e118-e124.].

Case report: vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis in a patient with bilateral phocomelia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to present a case report of a patient with bilateral upper extremity phocomelia with progressive scoliosis, who underwent vertebral body tethering (VBT).

METHODS

This is a case report on the use of VBT in a patient with scoliosis and bilateral congenital phocomelia, with 5 year follow-up.

RESULTS

A male patient with bilateral phocomelia had early onset scoliosis that progressed to 45° at age 10. Surgical options were discussed, including traditional VBT, posterior spinal fusion, growing rods, magnetically controlled growing rods, and vertical expandible prosthetic titanium ribs. These options would limit the flexibility of the spine. Given these pitfalls, VBT was chosen, as it would address the scoliosis while maintaining trunk flexibility. Preoperatively, he had 45° right main thoracic curve, bending to 22°; he was Risser 0 with open triradiate cartilage. He underwent T6-T11 thoracoscopic VBT, with postoperative correction to 37°. Postoperatively, the patient was able to continue to use his lower extremities for writing, feeding, and personal grooming. He had no postoperative complications. At 3 years, his curve was 21°, and at 5 years was 19°.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a novel technique for treating scoliosis in patients with bilateral phocomelia. Other forms of scoliosis surgical treatment limit motion of the spine. Due to this, we present VBT as an option for this unique set of patients for correcting scoliosis, while also preserving trunk flexibility for its role in feeding and self-care.

Factors Influencing Why Children and Their Families Choose Surgery for Ganglion Cysts

PURPOSE

Ganglion cysts of the hand/wrist are frequently managed without surgery but can be treated with surgical excision if there is pain or dysfunction. No studies have examined the specific factors predictive of surgical treatment for pediatric patients.

METHODS

This was a study of pediatric patients (≤18 years) with ganglion cysts of the hand/wrist seen between 2017 and 2019 at 2 institutions. Baseline demographic data were collected in addition to cyst characteristics, Wong-Baker pain scores, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores (pain, depression, upper extremity function, anxiety). Multivariable regression was used to determine the factors predictive of surgical intervention at ≥6 months of eligible follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients with a mean age of 10.1 ± 5.3 years were included for analysis. Forty-three (25.7%) underwent surgical excision of their ganglion cyst at means of 2.3 months after the initial visit and 12.6 months after cyst appearance. Sex and cyst location were similar between cohorts. Surgical patients were older (12.1 vs 9.4 years, respectively) and presented to the clinic later after an appearance (10.9 vs 6.5 months, respectively) compared to nonsurgical patients. Surgical patients also had higher pain scores at presentation (median, 3 vs 0, respectively). Cysts receiving surgery were larger than those without surgery (81.4% vs 55.3% >1 cm, respectively). Pain interference Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores were higher in the surgical than the nonsurgical group (45.2 vs 39.6, respectively). In a multivariable analysis, pain scores ≥4 (odds ratio, 3.4) were predictive of surgery for patients ≥3 years, whereas older age (odds ratio, 1.1) and a cyst size >1 cm (odds ratio, 3.3) predicted surgery across all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with ganglion cysts who initially present at older ages with moderate/severe pain scores and larger cysts are more likely to ultimately choose surgical excision. Surgeons may observe a preference for earlier surgery in this subset of patients.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Epidemiologic Changes in Pediatric Fractures Presenting to Emergency Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Fractures are a common pediatric injury. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in significant changes in daily life that could impact the incidence of pediatric fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pediatric fractures in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to previous seasonally adjusted fracture incidence rates using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database and the American Community Survey (ACS).

METHODS

The NEISS database was queried from 2016 to 2020 for fractures occurring in pediatric (0 to 17 y) patients. ACS population data allowed for the estimation of fracture incidence per 1000 person-years. Using a quasiexperimental interrupted time series design, Poisson regression models were constructed to test the overall and differential impact of COVID-19 on monthly fracture rate by age, sex, fracture site, injury location, and disposition.

RESULTS

Our sample consisted of 121,803 cases (mean age 9.6±4.6 y, 36.1% female) representing 2,959,421±372,337 fractures nationally. We identified a stable 27% decrease in fractures per month after February 2020 [risk difference (RD) per 1000 youth years=-2.3; 95% confidence interval: -2.98, -1.57]). We found significant effect modification by age, fracture site and injury location ( P <0.05). The fracture incidence among children 5 years or older significantly decreased, as well as the incidence of fractures at school [RD=-0.96 (-1.09, -0.84)] and during sports [risk difference=-1.55 (-1.77, -1.32)]. There was also a trend toward a reduction in upper extremity fractures and fractures requiring admission.

CONCLUSION

A nationally representative injury database demonstrated a 27% decline in monthly pediatric fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic that persisted into the latter half of 2020. These trends appeared most attributable to a reduction in fractures discharged home and upper extremity fractures among older children sustained at school and in sports. Our findings provide unique insight into the epidemiology of pediatric fractures and demonstrate a baseline need for musculoskeletal care among young children even in the setting of a national shutdown.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-retrospective prognostic study.

Rare Presentation of Pediatric Multiple Enchondromatosis Limited to Single Ray or Single Nerve Distribution in the Hand: A Multicenter Case Series

BACKGROUND

Multiple enchondromas in the pediatric hand is a relatively rare occurrence and the literature regarding its incidence and treatment is sparse. Within this rare subset of patients, we identified a unique cohort in which lesions are confined to multiple bones in a single ray or adjacent rays within a single nerve distribution. We review the clinical and pathologic characteristics and describe the indications for and outcomes of treatment in this unique subset of patients as well as offer conjectures about its occurrence.

METHODS

Institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective multicenter study between 2010 and 2018 identified subjects with isolated multiple enchondromas and minimum 2-year follow-up. Data analyzed included demographics, lesion quantification and localization, symptoms and/or fracture(s), treatment of lesion(s), complications, recurrence, and presence of malignant transformation.

RESULTS

Ten patients were evaluated with average age at presentation of 9 years (range: 4 to 16) and mean clinical follow-up of 6 years (range: 2.8 to 8.6). Five subjects had multiple ray involvement in a single nerve distribution and 5 had single ray involvement with an average of 4 lesions noted per subject (range: 2 to 8). All children in the study had histopathologic-proven enchondromas and underwent operative curettage±bone grafting. Indications for surgical intervention included persistent pain, multiple prior pathologic fractures, impending fracture and deformity. During the study period three subjects experienced pathologic fracture treated successfully with immobilization. Recurrence was noted in 40% at an average of 105 weeks postoperatively (range: 24 to 260) and appears higher than that reported in the literature. No case of malignant transformation was observed during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

A rare subset of pediatric patients with multiple enchondromas of the hand is described with lesions limited to a single ray or single nerve distribution. Further awareness of this unique subset of patients may increase our understanding of the disease and improve patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-therapeutic (case series).

Implicit Racial Bias in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Racial and ethnic minority patients continue to experience disparities in health care. It is important to understand provider-level factors that may contribute to these inequities. This study aims to evaluate the presence of implicit racial bias among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons and determine the relationship between bias and clinical decision making.

METHODS

A web-based survey was distributed to 415 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. One section measured for potential implicit racial bias using a child-race implicit association test (IAT). IAT scores were compared with US physicians and the US general population using publicly available data. Another section consisted of clinical vignettes with associated questions. For each vignette, surgeons were randomly assigned a single race-version, White or Black. Vignette questions were grouped into an opioid recommendation, management decision, or patient perception category for analysis based on subject tested. Vignette answers from surgeons with IAT scores that were concordant with their randomized vignette race-version (ie, surgeon with pro-White score assigned White vignette version) were compared with those that were discordant.

RESULTS

IAT results were obtained from 119 surveyed surgeons (29% response rate). Overall, respondents showed a minor pro-White implicit bias ( P <0.001). Implicit bias of any strength toward either race was present among 103/119 (87%) surgeons. The proportion of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with a strong pro-White implicit bias (29%) was greater than that of US physicians overall (21%, P =0.032) and the US general population (19%, P =0.004). No differences were found in overall opioid recommendations, management decisions, or patient perceptions between concordant and discordant groups.

CONCLUSION

Most of the pediatric orthopaedic surgeons surveyed demonstrated implicit racial bias on IAT testing, with a large proportion demonstrating strong pro-White bias. Despite an association between implicit bias and clinical decision making in the literature, this study observed no evidence that implicit racial bias affected the management of pediatric fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Benchmarking surgical indications for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis across time, region, and patient population: a study of 4229 cases

PURPOSE

There is no identified consensus for the curve magnitude at which an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient is indicated for posterior spinal fusion (PSF). We aimed to identify a benchmark for curve magnitude at which fusion is indicated; we also aimed to evaluate which patients were being fused under 50°.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter AIS database was queried to identify patients who underwent PSF for AIS. Clinical outcome and demographic information was collected along with anatomic area of the primary curve. Benchmarking was assessed by median and IQR. Patients were stratified by fusion prior to 50° or at 50° or more, and statistical analysis was performed to assess risk factors for fusion < 50°.

RESULTS

4229 patients were included in the analysis. The median indication for PSF in the thoracic curve cohort was 55°, and in the lumbar curve cohort was 51°. Site-specific evaluation showed that two sites were more likely to fuse < 50° compared to all other sites (p < 0.05). Over time, the percentage of patients being fused < 50° has declined (p < 0.05). On univariate and multivariate analysis, lumbar curve location, increasing Risser score and female sex were all risk factors for fusion < 50° (p < 0.05). Low SRS-24 scores did not correlate to fusion below 50°.

CONCLUSION

There exist location-specific indications for posterior spinal fusion that vary throughout the country. Additionally, increasing maturity, female sex, and lumbar curve location are independent risk factors for fusion under 50°.

Glass Ceiling in Hand Surgery: Publication Trends by Gender

BACKGROUND

Women are frequently underrepresented across surgical subspecialties and may face barriers to academic advancement. Abstracts presented at American Society for Surgery of the Hand annual meeting (ASSH-AM) highlight some of the top research in hand surgery. We sought to explore differences in abstract characteristics and publication rates based on senior author gender.Though there have been increasing efforts at inclusivity in orthopedic and plastic surgery, women face several barriers to entering the field, publish less frequently, and are underrepresented in leadership positions. Understanding the stages at which discrepancies in research productivity exist may help to address these challenges.

METHODS

Abstracts from the 2010-2017 ASSH-AMs were reviewed to determine basic characteristics. Author gender was determined through both a search of institutional websites for gender-specific pronouns and inference of gender based on first name. Subsequent full manuscript publications corresponding to the abstracts were identified through a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

A total of 560/620 (90.3%) abstracts from 2010-2017 had an identifiable senior author gender (14.5% female). No differences were noted between male- and female-authored abstracts regarding study design including sample size or level of evidence. Female senior authors were more likely than males to author abstracts focused on pediatrics (19.8% vs 9.4%, p=0.01) and were more likely to collaborate with female first authors (41.3% vs 20.0%, p<0.01). Abstract publication rates were lower for female senior authors versus male senior authors (61.7% vs 74.5%, p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

The number of abstracts with female senior authors had similar representation to the membership proportion of women in the ASSH. There were few differences in abstract characteristics based on senior author gender, though senior authors tend to collaborate with investigators of the same gender. Abstracts authored by females were published 13% less frequently overall, meriting further exploration. Level of Evidence: III.

"TRASH" Transolecranon Fracture-Dislocation with Occult Osteochondral Coronoid Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

A 7-year-old girl sustained a radiographic appearance seemed harmless (TRASH) elbow lesion after falling from play equipment. Initial radiographs demonstrated a transolecranon fracture-dislocation. Additional injury was suspected, given valgus instability after reduction. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large osteochondral coronoid fragment only partially visible on initial radiographs and computed tomography (CT). Successful outcomes were achieved by ulnar nerve decompression, open reduction, and fixation.

CONCLUSION

TRASH lesions, including this osteochondral coronoid injury, may be overlooked in younger children because of an abundance of unossified cartilage. A high index of suspicion and early MRI can lead to successful diagnosis and treatment.

How Risky Are Risk Factors? An Analysis of Prenatal Risk Factors in Patients Participating in the Congenital Upper Limb Differences Registry

Purpose

Risk factors for congenital upper limb differences (CoULDs) are often studied at the general population level. The CoULD registry provides a unique opportunity to study prenatal risk factors within a large patient sample.

Methods

All patients enrolled between June 2014 and March 2020 in the prospective CoULD registry, a national multicenter database of patients diagnosed with a CoULD, were included in the analysis. We analyzed self-reported, prenatal risk factors, including maternal smoking, alcohol use, recreational drug use, prescription drug use, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and gestational hypertension. The outcome measures included comorbid medical conditions, proximal involvement of limb difference, bilateral involvement, and additional orthopedic conditions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of the risk factors, controlling for sex and the presence of a named syndrome.

Results

In total, 2,410 patients were analyzed, of whom 72% (1,734) did not have a self-reported risk factor. Among the 29% (676) who did have at least 1 risk factor, prenatal maternal prescription drug use was the most frequent (376/2,410; 16%). Maternal prescription drug use was associated with increased odds of patient medical comorbidities (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, P = .02). Gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with increased odds of comorbid medical conditions (OR = 1.58, P = .04), additional orthopedic conditions (OR = 1.51, P = .04), and proximal involvement (OR = 1.52, P = .04). Overall, reporting 1 or more risk factors increased the odds of patient comorbid medical conditions (OR = 1.42, P < .001) and additional orthopedic conditions (OR = 1.25, P = .03).

Conclusions

Most caregivers (72%) did not report a risk factor during enrollment. However, reporting a risk factor was associated with patient medical and orthopedic comorbidities. Of note, GDM alone significantly increased the odds of both these outcome measures along with proximal limb differences. These findings highlight the ill-defined etiology of CoULDs but suggest that prenatal risk factors, especially GDM, are associated with a higher degree of morbidity.

Type of study/level of evidence

Prognostic III.

The Efficacy of Nonsurgical and Surgical Interventions in the Treatment of Pediatric Wrist Ganglion Cysts

PURPOSE

The treatment of ganglion cysts of the wrist remains understudied in the pediatric population, with the literature showing variable recurrence rates following different interventions. This study sought to determine whether surgical and nonsurgical management of pediatric ganglion cysts was associated with improved resolution rates when compared to observation alone.

METHODS

We identified 654 cases of pediatric ganglion cysts treated across 5 institutions between 2012 and 2017. The mean age at presentation was 11.6 ± 5.2 years. Of the patients, 315 had >2 years (mean, 50.0 months) of follow-up, either via chart review or telephone callbacks. There were 4 different treatment groups: (1) observation, (2) cyst aspiration, (3) removable orthosis, and (4) surgical excision.

RESULTS

For patients followed >2 years, the cyst resolved in 44% (72/163) of those observed. Only 18% (9/49) of those treated with aspiration resolved, and 55% (12/22) of those treated with an orthosis resolved. Surgical excision was associated with resolution of the cyst in 73% (59/81) of patients. Observation had higher rates of resolution compared to aspiration. Orthosis fabrication and observation had similar rates of cyst resolution. Surgery had the highest rates of resolution when compared to observation and aspiration. Patients older than 10 years were less likely to have the cyst resolve with observation (35%; 28/80) than those younger than 10 years (53%; 44/83) at >2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find evidence that nonsurgical treatments were associated with improved rates of cyst resolution compared to observation alone in a large pediatric sample. Surgical excision had the overall highest rate of resolution. Despite the costs and increased clinic time of orthosis fabrication and aspiration, these treatments were not associated with improved rates of cyst resolution in pediatric ganglion cysts compared to observation, with aspiration having higher rates of recurrence compared to observation.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Local Anesthetic Injection Before Incision Decreases General Anesthesia Requirements in Pediatric Trigger Thumb Release: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Animal studies have shown evidence of neurotoxicity from inhalational anesthesia, yet clinical studies have been less conclusive. While ongoing studies investigate the clinical significance of anesthesia-associated neurodevelopmental changes in young children, reducing anesthetic exposure in pediatric orthopaedic surgery is prudent. The primary objective of this study is to determine if local anesthetic injection before surgical incision versus after surgical release decreased inhalational anesthetic exposure in children undergoing unilateral trigger thumb release. The secondary objectives were to determine if the timing of local anesthetic injection affected postoperative pain or length of stay.

METHODS

This was a single-center randomized controlled trial of pediatric patients (4 y and below) undergoing unilateral trigger thumb release. Subjects were randomized into preincision or postrelease local anesthesia injection groups. The surgeon was aware of the treatment group, while the anesthesiologist was blinded. Patient demographics, operative times, cumulative sevoflurane dose, and postoperative anesthesia care unit recovery characteristics were collected. The χ2, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 24 subjects were enrolled, with 13 randomized to the preincision injection group and 11 to the postprocedure injection group. There was no significant difference in age, sex, operative time, or tourniquet time between groups. There was a significant difference in the cumulative sevoflurane dose between the preincision injection group (23.2 vol%; interquartile range: 21.7 to 27.6) and the postprocedure injection group (28.1 vol%; interquartile range: 27 to 30) (P=0.03), with a 21% reduction in cumulative dose. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores, use of rescue pain medications, the incidence of nausea, or time to discharge between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administering local anesthesia before incision versus at the end of the procedure significantly decreased cumulative sevoflurane dose for unilateral trigger thumb release. The results of this study suggest that local anesthetic injection before the incision is a low risk, easy method to reduce general anesthesia requirements during trigger thumb release and could decrease sevoflurane exposure more substantially in longer procedures and mitigate risks of neurotoxicity. Preincision injection with local anesthetic should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Impact of Cost Information on Parental Decision Making: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Cast Versus Splint Selection for Pediatric Distal Radius Buckle Fractures

BACKGROUND

Price transparency purports to help patients make high-value health care decisions, however, there is little data to support this. The pediatric distal radius buckle fracture (DRBF) has 2 equally efficacious but not equally priced treatment options (cast and splint), serving as an excellent potential model for studying price transparency. This study uses the DRBF model to assess the impact of up-front cost information on a family's treatment decisions when presented with clinically equivalent treatment options for a low-risk injury.

METHODS

Participants age 4 to 14 presenting with an acute DRBF to a hospital-based pediatric orthopaedic clinic were recruited for this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into cost-informed or cost-blind cohorts. All families received standardized information about the injury and treatment options. Cost-informed families received additional cost information. Both groups were allowed to freely choose a treatment. Families were surveyed regarding their decision factors. Cost-blinded families were subsequently presented with the cost information and could change their decision. Independent samples t tests and χ2 tests were utilized to evaluate differences.

RESULTS

A total of 127 patients were enrolled (53% cost-informed, 47% cost-blind). The 2 groups did not significantly differ in demographics. Immobilization selection did not differ between groups, with 48% of the cost-informed families selecting the more expensive option (casting), compared with 47% of the cost-blind families. Cost was the least influential factor in the decision-making process according to participant survey, influencing only 9% of families. Only one family changed their decision after receiving cost information, from a splint to a cast.

CONCLUSION

Families appear to be cost-insensitive when making medical treatment decisions for low-risk injuries for their child. Price transparency alone may not help families arrive at a decision to pursue high-value treatment in low-risk orthopaedic injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Study Groups and POSNA: A Review of Podium Presentations From 2006 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Study groups are multicenter collaborations aimed at improving orthopaedic decision-making through higher-powered, more generalizable studies. New research is disseminated through peer-reviewed literature and academic meetings, including the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) annual meeting, which brings together academic and medical professionals in pediatric orthopaedics. The goal of this study was to identify patterns in podium presentations (PP) at the POSNA annual meeting resulting from multicenter study groups during a 15-year period.

METHODS

A total of 2065 PP from the 2006 to 2020 POSNA annual meetings were identified. The abstracts of each PP were reviewed to determine if they resulted from a multicenter study group and for characteristics including subspecialty focus. PP from 2006 to 2018 were further reviewed for publication in academic journals. Pearson correlation was used to assess change in the number of PP resulting from study groups overtime. Univariate analysis was used to compare characteristics of PP based on study group involvement (significance P<0.05).

RESULTS

The proportion of PP resulting from study groups increased from 2.2% (n=2) in 2006 to 9.4% in 2020 (n=16) (R2=0.519, P=0.002). Of the PP resulting from study groups, 52.9% focused on spine, 26.5% on hip, 2.9% on sports, and 2.0% on trauma. This is compared with a distribution of 16.7% (P<0.001) spine, 15.9% (P=0.005) hip, 9.5% (P=0.026) sports, and 14.6% (P<0.001) trauma focus of PP not from study groups. There was no difference in publication rate of PP resulting from study groups compared with those that were not (69.1% vs. 66.2%, P=0.621).

CONCLUSIONS

In the 15-year period from 2006 to 2020, there was a nearly 5-fold increase in the proportion of POSNA PP resulting from study groups. Spine surgery is disproportionately supported by study groups, suggesting that there is an opportunity to establish new study groups across the breadth of pediatric orthopaedics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Clinical Presentation and Characteristics of Hand and Wrist Ganglion Cysts in Children

PURPOSE

Ganglion cysts are the most common mass of the hand or wrist. In adults, ganglions have a female predilection and are commonly located in the dorsal wrist. However, their presentation in children has not been well reported. This investigation sought to describe the presentation of pediatric ganglion cysts in a prospective cohort.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective investigation of children (aged ≤18 years) who presented with ganglion cysts of the hand or wrist was conducted between 2017 and 2019. The data collected included age, sex, cyst location, hand dominance, pain, and patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) scores for upper-extremity (UE) function. The patients were divided into cohorts based on age, cyst location, and cyst size. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of worse UE function and higher pain scores.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients with a mean age of 10.1 ± 5.3 years and female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1 were enrolled. The dorsal wrist was the most commonly affected (49.7%), followed by the volar wrist (26.6%) and flexor tendon sheath (18.5%). In older patients, dorsal wrist ganglions were more common than tendon sheath cysts (11.9 ± 4.1 years vs 6.2 ± 5.8 years) and were larger (86.7% were >1 cm) than cysts in other locations (34.5% were >1 cm). Patients aged >10 years reported higher pain scores, with 21.5% of older patients reporting moderate/severe pain scores versus 5.0% of younger children. This cohort of patients had an average PROMIS UE function score of 47.4 ± 9.5, and lower PROMIS scores were associated with higher pain scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Ganglions in pediatric populations, which most commonly affect the dorsal wrist, demonstrate a female predilection. In younger children, cysts are smaller and more often involve the volar wrist or flexor tendon sheath. Older children report higher pain scores. Pediatric ganglion cysts do not appear to result in a clinically meaningful decrease in UE function.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic II.

What's New in Pain Management for Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Improving pain control and decreasing opioid prescription and usage continue to be emphasized across both pediatric and adult populations. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of recent literature and highlight new advancements pertaining to pain control in pediatric orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

An electronic search of the PubMed database was performed for keywords relating to perioperative pain management of pediatric orthopaedic surgery. Search results were filtered by publication date for articles published between January 1, 2015 and December 1, 2020 and yielded 404 papers.

RESULTS

A total of 32 papers were selected for review based upon new findings and significant contributions in the following categories: risk factors for increased opioid usage, opioid overprescribing and disposal, nonpharmacologic interventions, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peripheral nerve blocks, spine surgery specific considerations, surgical pathway modifications, and future directions.

CONCLUSIONS

There have been many advances in pain management for pediatric patients following orthopaedic surgery. Rapid recovery surgical care pathways are associated with shorter length of stay and improved pain control in pediatric spine surgery. Opioid overprescribing continues to be common and information regarding safe opioid disposal practices should be routinely provided for pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-literature review.

Are Junior Residents Competent at Closed Reduction and Casting of Distal Radius Fractures in Children?

BACKGROUND

At many institutions, junior orthopaedic surgery residents perform the closed reduction and casting of pediatric distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the competency of junior residents compared to senior residents in the initial management of pediatric DRFs.

METHODS

This investigation was a case-control study analyzing the outcomes of children with displaced DRFs treated by junior versus senior residents. The cohorts were matched with respect to fracture type. Radiographs were measured to assess fracture angulation, displacement, and cast index. Comparisons of patient characteristics, fracture characteristics, and outcome variables were made between the cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients (99 males; mean age 10.7±2.6 years) were included. Junior residents achieved a similar rate of acceptable initial reduction compared to senior residents (82% versus 79%; p=0.66). Twenty-four (23%) patients were found to have loss of reduction (LOR), though the rate of LOR was similar in the junior (16.7%) and senior resident (28.9%) cohorts (p=0.13). Overall, only 6 patients (3.7%) required surgery (1.5% in junior versus 7.6% in senior; p=0.09). The odds of LOR were 2.7 times higher in the first three reductions of the rotation for all residents (p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

Junior residents perform similarly to senior residents in the closed reduction and casting of pediatric DRFs. However, residents performing one of their first three closed reductions during a rotation-regardless of seniority-were more likely to experience subsequent loss of reduction, suggesting the need for close supervision during the beginning of each rotation.Level of Evidence: III.

Open reduction of radial neck fractures in children: injury severity predicts the radiographic and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Radial neck fractures are the third most common elbow fracture in children. Open reduction may be required if closed or mini-open techniques are not successful in reducing the fracture. Previous reports on open reduction have noted poor outcomes and complications with this treatment approach. However, it is unknown whether it is the open procedure itself or the severity of the initial injury that leads to the poor results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between intraoperative findings at the time of open reduction of radial neck fractures and the clinical and radiographic outcomes.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent open reduction for an acute radial neck fracture between January 2009 and December 2018 were abstracted and reviewed. Patients undergoing open treatment for a nonunion or malunion and those with inadequate follow-up were excluded. Demographic data, injury characteristics, treatment strategies, intraoperative findings, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 14 were girls. The mean age was 9.7 ± 3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 15.8 months. Fifteen patients had a Judet grade IV displacement. Fair or poor outcomes were observed in 12 patients (55%). Ten reoperations were recorded during the study period. Age, weight, and associated injuries were not predictive of poor outcomes. Intraoperative findings of soft-tissue stripping and radial head comminution were the only significant predictors of fair or poor clinical outcomes (P < .001) and subsequent radiographic changes including fragmentation and collapse of the radial head and arthritic changes (P < .001). The quality of reduction and the choice of hardware were not significantly associated with either clinical or radiographic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the notion that the outcomes of open reduction of radial neck fractures are most closely correlated with the injury severity, with the intraoperative findings of complete soft-tissue stripping or comminution of the radial head fragment being significant predictors of poor clinical and radiographic outcomes. The choice of hardware and the quality of reduction achieved at the time of surgery have less significance than injury severity.

Does Surgical Experience Decrease Radiation Exposure in the Operating Room?

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative fluoroscopy facilitates minimally invasive surgery, and although it is irreplaceable in terms of intraoperative guidance, it results in substantial radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team. Although the risk of radiation exposure because of equipment factors has been described, there is little known about the impact of surgeon experience on radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between years of surgical experience and total dose of radiation used for an archetypal pediatric orthopaedic surgical procedure that requires intraoperative fluoroscopy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of children undergoing closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for supracondylar humerus fractures at a level I pediatric trauma center. Information pertaining to radiation dosage was gathered including fluoroscopic time, total images acquired, magnification use, and dose area product (DAP). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of surgeon experience on the outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 759 pediatric patients treated by 17 attending surgeons were included. The median surgeon experience was 8.94 years (interquartile range, 5.9 to 19.8). Increased number of pins was associated with increased DAP (P<0.001) and lower years of experience (P=0.025). There was significantly higher fluoroscopy time in seconds (56.9 vs. 42.1 s, P=0.001), DAP (179.9 vs. 110.3 mGy-cm2, P=0.001), use of magnification (39.5 vs. 31.9 s, P=0.043), and total number of images obtained (74.5 vs. 57.6, P=0.008) in attending surgeons with <1 year of experience compared with those with greater experience. An operator extremity was visible in at least 1 saved image in 263 of 759 (35%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Increased surgical experience was significantly associated with decreased fluoroscopy usage, including time, number of images, and dose. Surgeon inexperience increases radiation exposure for patients and staff by over 60% when treating supracondylar humerus fractures. This study clearly identifies methods to reduce radiation exposure, including use of pulsed fluoroscopy instead of continuous fluoroscopy, decreasing use of magnification, removing the operator's extremity from the field, and judicious use and placement of each additional pin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Trifolium repens and T. subterraneum modify their nodule microbiome in response to soil pH

AIMS

The influence of soil edaphic factors on recruitment and composition of bacteria in the legume nodule is unknown. Typically, low (acidic) pH soils have a negative effect on the plant-rhizobia symbiosis and thereby reduce clover growth. However, the specific relationship between soil pH and the ecology of rhizobia is unknown, in either their free-living or nodule-inhabiting states. We used New Zealand pasture systems with soils of different pH, and white (WC) and subterranean (SC) clovers, to examine the relationship between soil pH and the diversity of bacteria that inhabit the nodules.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA) assessed the bacterial community in 5299 nodules recovered from both legume species grown in 47 soils of different edaphic (including pH) properties. Fewer nodules were formed on both clovers at low soil pH. As expected, rhizobia comprised _∼ 92% of the total reads in both clovers, however 28 non-rhizobia genera were also present. Soil pH influenced the community structure of bacteria within the nodule, and this was more evident in non-Rhizobium taxa than Rhizobium. Host strongly influenced the diversity of bacteria in the nodules. The alpha diversity of nodule microbiome in SC nodules was higher than in WC nodules and SC nodules also harbored a higher relative abundance of non-Rhizobium bacteria than WC. Beta diversity of Rhizobium and non-Rhizobium bacteria was influenced more by clover species rather than edaphic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that these clover species modified their nodule biomes in response to pH-stress.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The non-Rhizobium bacteria may have some functional significance (such as improved clover persistence in low pH soils) in legume nodules.

Pediatric scaphoid fracture: diagnostic performance of various radiographic views

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the performance of different radiographic views in the identification of scaphoid fractures in children.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This case-control study compared 4-view radiographic examinations of the wrist between children with scaphoid fracture and age- and sex-matched children without fractures performed between January 2008 and July 2019. After randomization, each examination was reviewed 3 times, at least 1 week apart, first using each view separately and later using multiple views without (3-view) and with the posteroanterior (PA) scaphoid view (4-view), to determine the presence or absence of a scaphoid fracture. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated with inter-rater agreement.

RESULTS

The study group of 58 children (48 boys and 10 girls; mean age 13.1 ± 2.1 years) included 29 with scaphoid fractures (8 corner, 9 distal pole, 10 waist, and 2 proximal pole) and 29 without fractures. Multiple views had higher sensitivity (3-view, 93.0%; 4-view, 96.5%) for fracture identification when compared to individual views (41.0-89.6%). The oblique view was 100% specific for the identification of a scaphoid fracture, but it lacked sensitivity. The PA scaphoid view had the highest sensitivity (89.6%) and NPV (90%) when compared to other individual views and its inclusion in the 4-view examinations produced the highest inter-rater agreement (93%, κ = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

Multiple radiographic views of the wrist with the inclusion of a PA scaphoid view (4-view) produced the highest sensitivity, NPV, and inter-rater agreement for the identification of a scaphoid fracture in children.

Socioeconomic Deprivation and Its Adverse Association with Adolescent Fracture Care Compliance

Background:

Socioeconomic deprivation increases fracture incidence in adolescents, but its impact on fracture care is unknown. The area deprivation index (ADI), which incorporates 17 factors from the U.S. Census, measures socioeconomic deprivation in neighborhoods. This investigation aimed to determine the impact of socioeconomic deprivation and other socioeconomic factors on fracture care compliance in adolescents.

Methods:

This study included patients who were 11 to 18 years of age and received fracture care at a single urban children’s hospital system between 2015 and 2017. Demographic information (sex, race, caregiver status, insurance type) and clinical information (mechanism of injury, type of treatment) were obtained. The ADI, which has a mean score of 100 points and a standard deviation of 20 points, was used to quantify socioeconomic deprivation for each patient’s neighborhood. The outcome variables related to compliance included the quantity of no-show visits at the orthopaedic clinic and delays in follow-up care of >1 week. Risk factors for suboptimal compliance were evaluated by bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

The cohort included 457 adolescents; 75.9% of the patients were male, and the median age was 16.1 years. The median ADI was 101.5 points (interquartile range, 86.3 to 114.9 points). Bivariate analyses demonstrated that higher ADI, black race, single-parent caregiver status, Medicaid insurance, non-sports mechanisms of injury, and surgical management are associated with suboptimal fracture care compliance. Adolescents from the most socially deprived regions were significantly more likely to have delays in care (33.8% compared with 20.1%; p = 0.037) and miss scheduled orthopaedic visits (29.9% compared with 7.1%; p < 0.001) compared with adolescents from the least deprived regions. ADI, Medicaid insurance, and initial presentation to the emergency department were independent predictors of suboptimal care compliance, when controlling for other variables.

Conclusions:

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with an increased risk of suboptimal fracture care compliance in adolescents. Clinicians can utilize caregiver and insurance status to better understand the likelihood of fracture care compliance. These findings highlight the importance of understanding differences in each family’s ability to adhere to the recommended follow-up and of implementing measures to enhance compliance.

Open Reduction and Suture Fixation of Acute Sternoclavicular Fracture-Dislocations in Children

Background

Acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation is associated with high-energy trauma and is being increasingly recognized in children¹. These injuries are associated with compression of mediastinal structures and can be life-threatening¹. The management of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation includes closed reduction or open surgical stabilization; however, limited success is reported with closed reduction^2,3. To our knowledge, there are no detailed descriptions of open reduction and suture fixation of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation in children.

Description

Following diagnosis of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation, the timing of surgical treatment is determined according to several patient and surgical factors. Among patients with hemodynamic instability, respiratory compromise, or evidence of asymmetric perfusion, surgical treatment is needed on an emergency basis. In the absence of these factors, surgical treatment can be performed on an urgent basis. It is important to communicate with vascular or thoracic surgeons prior to proceeding to the operating room because of the rare case in which advanced surgical access or vascular repair is required. In the operating room, general anesthesia and large-bore intravenous access are required. Patients are positioned supine on a radiolucent table, and a small bump is placed between the scapulae to elevate the medial aspect of the clavicle. The contralateral sternoclavicular joint and medial aspect of the clavicle should be prepared into the sterile field, as well as both sides of the groin in case vascular access is needed. A 6 to 8-cm incision is centered on the medial aspect of the clavicle, extending to the manubrium. Standard dissection to the clavicle is performed, and care is taken to maintain the integrity of the sternoclavicular ligament complex. Circumferential dissection of the medial clavicular metaphysis is usually required in order to mobilize the dislocated fragment. Reduction of the physeal fracture usually requires axial traction and extension of the ipsilateral shoulder with the aid of a reduction clamp on the medial clavicular metaphysis. In some cases, a Freer elevator can be placed between the metaphysis and epiphysis to shoehorn the clavicle from posterior to anterior. Once reduced, the fracture-dislocation is usually stable; however, the reduction is augmented with suture fixation. The sternoclavicular joint capsule should be repaired if disrupted, and the incision should be closed in layers. Postoperatively, the arm is placed in a sling, and range of motion is commenced at 4 weeks.

Alternatives

Alternative management of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation includes closed reduction, plate fixation⁴, and ligament reconstruction⁵.

Rationale

In our experience, closed reduction is often unsuccessful, which is consistent with the experiences reported by other authors^2,3. In addition, suture fixation is sufficient and plate fixation is not required because this injury is relatively stable following reduction. Lastly, ligament reconstruction with use of autograft or allograft may be indicated but is more relevant in chronic cases with injury or attenuation of the sternoclavicular ligament complex. Open reduction allows for direct visualization of the fracture reduction, and suture fixation allows for increased stability without the need for hardware or secondary surgical procedures.

Expected Outcomes

We expect patients to achieve full range of motion and strength without any joint instability as reported by Waters et al.³.

Important Tips

There is an inherent risk of vascular injury with open reduction and suture fixation. This risk is mitigated with perioperative planning and consultation with vascular or thoracic surgeons. General surgeons should always be available when these procedures are performed in case of vascular issues or emergencies.It is sometimes difficult to reduce the dislocation, but additional maneuvers allow for controlled reduction of the displaced clavicle, such as using a Freer elevator and serrated clamp.Assessing fracture reduction can be difficult intraoperatively. Including the contralateral sternoclavicular joint in the sterile surgical field can be helpful in assessing fracture reduction and osseous contour.

Time-Driven activity-based costing identifies opportunities for process efficiency and cost optimization for robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) is a commonly performed procedure in children, but its actual cost implications on the healthcare ecosystem have not been adequately defined. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is a novel cost accounting method derived from value based healthcare systems that may offer one pathway to assess institutional costs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the true cost of a robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in the pediatric population using TDABC, and compare it to traditional cost accounting. And to utilize TDABC to minimize cost and improve time-flow efficiency.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS

The RALP care pathway was defined from patient arrival to the pre-operative suite to discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Process maps were created with an interdisciplinary team to survey RALP activities. Retrospective time stamps were obtained from the electronic medical record for fiscal year 2016 (FY16) RALP cases, and were validated by prospectively stopwatch timing additional RALP cases. Male and female pediatric patients undergoing a unilateral RALP during FY16 and during the prospective study period (June 2017-October 2017) were included. Procedure costs were calculated using TDABC after determining the capacity cost rate for all personnel and assets, and multiplying them with the time stamps.

RESULTS

25 RALP cases were analyzed for FY16. TDABC determined a total cost of $15 319/case, when direct, indirect and capital robot cost are included. Traditional cost accounting amounted to a total of $16 158/case. The current robot utilization rate is 22% of total capacity, effectively increasing the total RALP cost by 16%. Time stamps with the most variance were pre-operative services (115 ± 27.5 min), robotic console (142 min ±30.7 min) and PACU times (145 ± 101.1 min) (Figure) DISCUSSION: This study represents the first TDABC implementation in robot-assisted pediatric procedures. Previous TDABC in other areas of urology similarly revealed discrepancies between traditional cost accounting and TDABC. The present study demonstrates a higher total cost than previous cost accounting studies for the RALP, however, this is the first effort to include indirect costs in the final calculations. This study does convey the limitations of a retrospective analysis and those inherent to a single institution study.

CONCLUSION

TDABC defined the magnitude of cost variation based on robot utilization of a RALP. Traditional cost accounting overestimates the actual costs of a RALP. TDABC also identified high-cost and high variability loci in the RALP process map that will be targeted for process and quality improvement while further reducing assessed costs.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Delivered via a Mobile Phone Messaging Robot to Decrease Postoperative Opioid Use in Patients With Orthopedic Trauma: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a pragmatic approach to help individuals decrease avoidable pain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effects of ACT delivered via an automated mobile messaging robot on postoperative opioid use and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with orthopedic trauma who underwent operative intervention for their injuries.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center who underwent operative fixation of a traumatic upper or lower extremity fracture and who used mobile phone text messaging were eligible for the study. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group, who received twice-daily mobile phone messages communicating an ACT-based intervention for the first 2 weeks after surgery, or the control group, who received no messages. Baseline PROs were completed. Two weeks after the operative intervention, follow-up was performed in the form of an opioid medication pill count and postoperative administration of PROs. The mean number of opioid tablets used by patients was calculated and compared between groups. The mean PRO scores were also compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 82 subjects were enrolled in the study. Of the 82 participants, 76 (38 ACT and 38 controls) completed the study. No differences between groups in demographic factors were identified. The intervention group used an average of 26.1 (SD 21.4) opioid tablets, whereas the control group used 41.1 (SD 22.0) tablets, resulting in 36.5% ([41.1-26.1]/41.1) less tablets used by subjects receiving the mobile phone-based ACT intervention (P=.004). The intervention group subjects reported a lower postoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System Pain Intensity score (mean 45.9, SD 7.2) than control group subjects (mean 49.7, SD 8.8; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the delivery of an ACT-based intervention via an automated mobile messaging robot in the acute postoperative period decreased opioid use in selected patients with orthopedic trauma. Participants receiving the ACT-based intervention also reported lower pain intensity after 2 weeks, although this may not represent a clinically important difference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03991546; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03991546.

Team Approach: Management of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Brachial plexus birth injury is an upper-extremity paralysis that occurs from a traction injury to the brachial plexus during birth. Approximately 10% to 30% of children with a brachial plexus birth injury have residual neurologic deficits with associated impact on upper-limb function. Management of brachial plexus birth injuries with a multidisciplinary team allows optimization of functional recovery while avoiding unnecessary intervention. Early occupational therapy should be initiated with a focus on range of motion and motor learning. The need for microsurgical reconstruction of the brachial plexus can be predicted based on early physical examination findings, and reconstruction is generally performed at 3 to 9 months of age. The majority of children with residual neurologic deficits develop associated glenohumeral dysplasia. These children may require secondary procedures, including botulinum toxin injection, subscapularis and pectoralis lengthening, shoulder capsular release, shoulder tendon transfer, and humeral osteotomy.

Institutional Variation in Surgical Rates and Costs for Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) Database

BACKGROUND

Reduction of variations may streamline healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and minimize cost. The purpose of this study was to characterize variations in surgical rates and hospital costs for treatment of pediatric distal radius fractures (DRFs) using Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database.

METHODS

The PHIS database was queried from 2009-2013 for DRFs in patients 4-18 years of age. Patients who underwent surgical treatment with internal fixation were identified using surgical CPT codes and/or ICD-9 procedure codes. 25 children's hospitals were included. Surgical rates and hospital costs were modeled. Rates were adjusted and standardized for gender, age, presence of other diagnoses, and year.

RESULTS

The aggregate rate of surgery for treatment of DRF was 2.65% and for open surgery was 0.81%. The standardized surgical rates for the 25 hospitals ranged widely, from 1.45% to 13.8% and for open surgical treatment from 0.51% to 4.27%. Six of the 25 hospitals had rates significantly higher than the aggregate for surgical treatment. Standardized hospital costs per patient ranged from $361 to $1,088 (2013 US dollars) across the hospitals with fairly uniform distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, there is great variability in practice and hospital costs of treatment of distal radius fractures. Further characterization of the root causes of these variations, and the effect, if any, on patient outcomes, is needed to improve value delivery in pediatric orthopaedic care.Level of Evidence: II.

The Association of Clavicle Fracture With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

PURPOSE

Shoulder dystocia is the strongest known risk factor for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). Fractures of the clavicle are known to occur in the setting of shoulder dystocia. It remains unknown whether a clavicle fracture that occurs during a birth delivery with shoulder dystocia increases the risk of BPBP or, alternatively, is protective. The purpose of this study was to use a large, national database to determine whether a clavicle fracture in the setting of shoulder dystocia is associated with an increased or decreased risk of BPBP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 1997 to 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was analyzed for this study. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes were used to identify newborns diagnosed with shoulder dystocia and BPBP as well as a concurrent fracture of the clavicle. Newborns with shoulder dystocia were stratified into 2 groups: dystocia without a clavicle fracture and dystocia with a clavicle fracture. Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the risk for BPBP among shoulder dystocia subgroups.

RESULTS

The dataset included 5,564,628 sample births extrapolated to 23,385,597 population births over the 16-year study period. A BPBP occurred at a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 births. Shoulder dystocia complicated 18.8% of births with a BPBP. A total of 7.84% of newborns with a BPBP also sustained a clavicle fracture. Births with shoulder dystocia and a clavicle fracture incurred BPBP at a rate similar to that for newborns with shoulder dystocia and no fracture (9.82% vs 11.77%). Shoulder dystocia without a concurrent clavicle fracture was an independent risk factor for BPBP (odds ratio, 112.1; 95% confidence interval, 103.5-121.4). Those with shoulder dystocia and clavicle fracture had a risk for BPBP comparable with those with shoulder dystocia but no fracture (odds ratio, 126.7 vs 112.1).

CONCLUSIONS

This population-level investigation suggests that, among newborns with shoulder dystocia, clavicle fracture is not associated with a significant change in the risk of BPBP.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Operative Time and Cost Vary by Surgeon: An Analysis of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

Operative time is a critical driver of cost in orthopedics and an important target for improving value in health care. This study used an archetypal pediatric orthopedic procedure to identify surgeon-dependent variability in operative time. The authors reviewed patients 12 years or younger treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures. Variability in operative time across surgeons was assessed. Surgeon experience at the time of the procedure and case volume (quarterly) were evaluated to explain variations in operative time. A total of 1472 patients were reviewed (57% Gartland type II and 43% type III fractures). Procedures were performed by 12 fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedists with 2 weeks to 32.8 years of experience. For individual surgeons, the mean operative time ranged from 20.4 to 33.7 minutes for type II fractures and from 31.0 to 46.8 minutes for type III fractures. There was significant variation across surgeons in mean operative time and cost (P<.001). Analysis showed no significant effect of surgeon experience or quarterly case volume. Surgeons' mean operative time for type II fractures was strongly positively correlated with their mean operative time for type III fractures (r²=0.74). Mean operative time and cost for supracondylar humerus fracture closed reduction and percutaneous pinning vary significantly between surgeons, but this variation is not explained by experience or volume. Surgeons who required more time for type II fractures were also slower for type III fractures. Because of the high per minute cost of the operating room, surgeon variability significantly impacts cost. Identification and modification of sources of variation in surgeon behavior will allow for reduction in the cost of surgical care. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(3):e317-e321.].

Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Follow-Up of Preaxial Polydactyly Reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term results of preaxial polydactyly reconstruction through evaluating strength, range of motion, pain, arthritis, and functional outcomes.

METHODS

Patients having preaxial polydactyly reconstruction 15 to 60 years ago completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (UE) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). Aggregate scores were compared with those of the general population. Patients completed a clinical evaluation comprising grip strength, pinch strength, side pinch strength, and range of motion. Mean strength and range of motion were compared with the contralateral extremity. Patients had radiographs of the reconstructed thumb to evaluate for arthritis.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients, comprising 27 surgical reconstructions, completed patient-reported outcomes questionnaires, and 13 reconstructions underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation. The median follow-up was 36 years. The most common Flatt-Wassel classification was type IV. The mean DASH score was 3.7, similar to the general population mean of 10.1 (SD, 14.5). The mean PROMIS UE CAT score was 51.5, similar to the general population mean of 50 (SD, 10.0). The mean pinch strength, side pinch strength, and grip strength did not differ significantly from the contralateral extremity. There was significantly decreased range of motion at the interphalangeal joint. No patient had pain in the thumb or hand on clinical evaluation. A minority of patients developed radiographic evidence of interphalangeal joint arthritis (15.4%). Nearly half of patients, 46.2%, had angular deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

Preaxial polydactyly reconstruction patients have functional outcomes similar to the general population, despite decreased range of motion at the interphalangeal joint. Patients have maintained pinch strength, side pinch strength, and grip strength. Radiographic findings of arthritis were seen in 15% of patients at follow-up but none of these patients had associated pain. Late angular deformity developed in nearly half of patients, and this highlights the importance of close follow-up until skeletal maturity.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Is Routine Spine MRI Necessary in Skeletally Immature Patients With MHE? Identifying Patients at Risk for Spinal Osteochondromas

BACKGROUND

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) is an autosomal dominant condition leading to development of osteochondromas throughout the body. Although long bones are most often affected, spine involvement may occur and usually requires advanced imaging for diagnosis. However, the high cost of detection, infrequent occurrence, and very low likelihood of spinal cord compression and neurological injury, create a management conundrum. The purpose of our investigation is to identify patients at greatest risk for spinal lesions and refine indications for advanced imaging.

METHODS

All MHE patients in a 24-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Skeletally immature patients with advanced imaging of the spine were further evaluated. The demographic characteristics, family history, clinical presentation, past surgical history, tumor burden, and distribution of patients with spinal lesions were compared with those without.

RESULTS

In total, 227 MHE patients were identified and 21 underwent advanced spinal imaging. Spinal lesions were found in 8 of the 21 screened patients (38.1%, 3.5% overall), of which 4 were intracanal and 1 was symptomatic (4.8%, 0.4% overall). Only the symptomatic patient underwent excision of the spinal lesion. Patients with spinal lesions had higher tumor burden than those without (median, 28.5 vs. 19 locations; P=0.010). There was a significant association with rib (P=0.018) and pelvic (P=0.007) lesions, which may serve as "harbinger" lesions. The presence of both a rib and a pelvic lesion used as a screening tool for spinal lesions produces a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 69%.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic spinal involvement in children with MHE is rare and tends to occur in patients with higher tumor burden. We recommend limiting advanced spine imaging to children with neurological symptoms or with rib and pelvic "harbinger" lesions. Patients without these findings are unlikely to have spine involvement needing intervention. This approach offers an opportunity to avoid unnecessary testing and substantially reduce costs of diagnostic imaging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use in Children with Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: Balancing Analgesia and Opioid Stewardship

BACKGROUND

Effective postoperative analgesia remains a priority in orthopaedic surgery, but concerns with regard to opioid diversion and misuse have brought overdue attention to improving opioid stewardship. Normative data for postoperative pain and opioid use are needed to guide and balance these dual priorities. We aimed to characterize postoperative pain and opioid use for an archetypal pediatric orthopaedic procedure: closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humeral fracture.

METHODS

Children at a single pediatric trauma center who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humeral fracture were enrolled and were prospectively followed. Validated pain scores (Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale) and opioid utilization data were collected using an automated text message-based protocol on postoperative days 1 to 7, 10, 14, and 21. Data were analyzed with descriptive and univariate statistics.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 6.1 ± 2.1 years (62% of whom were male) were enrolled, including 53.1% who had Type-II fractures and 46.9% who had Type-III fractures. The mean pain ratings were highest on arrival to the emergency department (3.5 ± 3.5 points) and the morning of postoperative day 1 (3.5 ± 2.4 points). By postoperative day 3, the mean pain rating decreased to <2 (1.8 ± 1.8 points) and the mean opioid doses decreased to <1 dose (0.8 ± 1.2 doses). Postoperative opioid use decreased in parallel to reported pain (r = 0.972; p < 0.001). The interquartile range of opioid use was 1 to 7 doses, and patients used only 24.1% of the prescribed opioids (mean, 4.8 ± 5.6 doses used and 19.8 ± 7.1 doses prescribed). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in pain ratings or opioid use by fracture classification, age, or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for supracondylar humeral fracture, pain levels and opioid usage decrease to a clinically unimportant level by postoperative day 3. Patients who report pain scores of ≥6 points following discharge are outliers and should be screened for compartment syndrome or ischemia. Patients used <25% of prescribed opioid medication, suggesting the potential for overprescription and opioid diversion. A prescription for 7 opioid doses after discharge should allow adequate postoperative analgesia in the majority of patients while improving narcotic stewardship.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Predictors of Microsurgical Reconstruction in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical reconstruction is indicated for infants with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) that demonstrate limited spontaneous neurological recovery. This investigation defines the demographic, perinatal, and physical examination characteristics leading to microsurgical reconstruction.

METHODS

Infants enrolled in a prospective multicenter investigation of BPBP were evaluated. Microsurgery was performed at the discretion of the treating provider/center. Inclusion required enrollment prior to six months of age and follow-up evaluation beyond twelve months of age. Demographic, perinatal, and examination characteristics were investigated as possible predictors of microsurgical reconstruction. Toronto Test scores and Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores were used if obtained prior to three months of age. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

365 patients from six regional medical centers met the inclusion criteria. 127 of 365 (35%) underwent microsurgery at a median age of 5.4 months, with microsurgery rates and timing varying significantly by site. Univariate analysis demonstrated that several factors were associated with microsurgery including race, gestational diabetes, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, Horner's syndrome, Toronto Test score, and AMS scores for finger/thumb/wrist flexion, finger/thumb extension, wrist extension, elbow flexion, and elbow extension. In multivariate analysis, four factors independently predicted microsurgical intervention including Horner's syndrome, mean AMS score for finger/thumb/ wrist flexion <4.5, AMS score for wrist extension <4.5, and AMS score for elbow flexion <4.5. In this cohort, microsurgical rates increased as the number of these four factors present increased from zero to four: 0/4 factors = 0%, 1/4 factors = 22%, 2/4 factors = 43%, 3/4 factors = 76%, and 4/4 factors = 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with BPBP, early physical examination findings independently predict microsurgical intervention. These factors can be used to provide counseling in early infancy for families regarding injury severity and plan for potential microsurgical intervention.Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level I.

Automated Mobile Phone Messaging Utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention: A Pilot Investigation

BACKGROUND

In the setting of outpatient orthopaedic surgery, this pilot study utilized automated mobile messaging to assess (1) the feasibility of and interaction rates with a software delivered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention for postoperative opioid utilization, (2) the reliability of patient reported opioid utilization through our platform, (3) daily patient reported pain and opioid utilization within the first two postoperative weeks, and (4) the effect of software delivered CBT intervention on patient reported opioid utilization.

METHODS

Musculoskeletal tumor patients scheduled for outpatient surgery were randomized into two study groups. Control patients received standard postoperative communication limited to a two-week postoperative follow-up visit. The intervention group received automated daily text-messages regarding pain, opioid utilization, and a daily CBT intervention. Interventional group patients also completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire at their two-week follow-up. Completion rates of all software delivered questions were determined in the interventional group. Median values of opioid utilization and interquartile range (IQR) were determined to compare utilization between groups. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine reliability of patient reported opioid utilization in the interventional group.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients completed the pilot study (seven controls, seven intervention). Patients in the intervention arm completed 90% of pain and opioid questions. Intervention group patients utilized less of their daily prescribed opioid medication (20%, IQR:10%-27%) compared to controls (50%, IQR:4%-68%). Correlation between in-office pill counts and patient reported opioid medication utilization via our software messaging system was high (r=0.90, p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

Automated mobile phone messaging in outpatient tumor surgery yielded high interaction rates. Patient reported opioid utilization obtained through our platform demonstrated a high correlation with in-office pill counts. CBT delivered via automated mobile phone messaging demonstrated decreased opioid utilization in this pilot investigation.Level of evidence: II.

Determining the Prevalence and Costs of Unnecessary Referrals in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been associated with unnecessary referrals, but the provider and patient costs associated with these referrals remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated costs of unnecessary referrals for AIS in a university hospital-based orthopaedic clinic. These data are required to estimate the cost-efficacy of scoliosis screening programs.

METHODS

We accessed the electronic medical records of all patients referred during 2013-2014 with suspected AIS. Spine radiographs were reviewed to determine whether the referral was "unnecessary," defined as a Cobb angle <20 degrees. Patient and provider costs were estimated. Patient costs included transportation expenses and parental lost wages. Provider costs included orthopaedic evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and overhead. Transportation costs were based on actual driving distances and the Internal Revenue Service standard mileage rate. Parental lost wages and the cost of evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon were calculated with time-driven activity-based costing. Diagnostic imaging costs were calculated with a traditional activity-based costing methodology.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-seven patients were included. The prevalence of unnecessary referrals was 39% (n=131). 17% of patients had a Cobb angle <10 degrees and 22% had a Cobb angle between 10-20 degrees. Males were more likely to be referred unnecessarily than females, 49% to 35% (p=0.02) as were non-Caucasians (54% vs. 37%, p=0.04). No difference was noted related to source of insurance (private or public, p=0.18). The average total cost of an unnecessary referral was $782.13 USD, including $231.07 in patient costs and $551.06 in provider costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 40% of all referrals for AIS were deemed unnecessary. The average cost of an unnecessary referral is approximately $780, imposing significant costs on both patients and the healthcare system.Level of Evidence: III.

Infections of the Upper Extremity: New Developments and Challenges

Hand infections are common in all patient populations. However, because of variability in presentation and severity, they can be challenging to correctly diagnose and complex to manage. It is important to be aware of special populations such as children, individuals who are immunocompromised, those with diabetes, and intravenous drug users who may have uncommon pathogens or unusual types of infection. Atypical or rare bacterial and fungal infections, even in an immunocompetent host, can be equally challenging to manage. In each of these scenarios, it is critical to be familiar with associated conditions to avoid mismanagement and initiate an appropriate team-based approach for care involving surgery and consultation with an infectious disease specialist.

Large Amoebic Liver Abscess with Persistent Biliary Fistula

Liver abscess with biliary communication poses management problem if percutaneous drainage is performed. We report a case of large amoebic liver abscess (ALA) with jaundice. Prolonged high‑output bile drainage after percutaneous drainage of ALA showed suspicion of communication of abscess with intrahepatic bile ducts (biliary fistula). The same was managed successfully with endoscopic biliary stent placement with medical management.