MRI of brachial plexus using diffusion tensor imaging: a pilot study for the use of resolve sequence surgical and radiologic anatomy

BACKGROUND

Clinical exam is the goldstandard for surgical indication. ENMG and conventional MRI are insufficient to understand the highly variable clinical presentation of brachial plexus (BP) lesions. DTI is based on motion of water molecules and can explore nerve function.

PURPOSE

This pilot study of healthy subjects aimed to develop RESOLVE sequence for BP exploration using diffusion MRI. The main objective was to provide complete precise information from DTI cartography associated with anatomical data.

METHODS

Six healthy volunteers were scanned using 3T PRISMA scanner with anatomic 3D STIR SPACE and RESOLVE diffusion sequences. Diffusion parametric maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) were extracted from RESOLVE acquisitions. A reproducible method for roots volumes and angles measurements was created using 3DSlicer. ROI were segmented on Mean B0 sequences. FA measurements were obtained with ROI on Mean B0 sequences.

RESULTS

RESOLVE sequence was adapted to the BP. Mean FA was 0.30. Angles measurements on 3D STIR SPACE sequences showed increasing values from proximal to distal roots with an 0.6 ICC. Volume measurements on anatomic sequences varied widely from one root to another but did not show any significant difference on laterality.

CONCLUSIONS

A new and reproducible method for BP exploration was developed, using MRI RESOLVE DTI sequences. Complete mapping was obtained but a low resolution of track density imaging did not allow to exploit distal nerves. Deterministic tractography principal limit was the lack of resolution. Extraction of diffusion, volumetric and angular parameters of the plexus roots, and scripts creation for image processing was adapted to the healthy BP.

Conventional versus fibrin-glue-augmented arterial microanastomosis: An experimental study

The purpose of this experimental study was to develop an alternative technique of arterial microanastomosis using only 2 stay-sutures augmented with fibrin glue, and to compare it to the conventional technique in arteries of varying diameters mimicking hand arteries. Eight anastomoses were performed in 7 male rats, including 1 anastomosis each on the 2 femoral, iliac, and carotid arteries, and 2 on the subrenal aorta. The conventional technique was used on one side and on the first aorta anastomosis, while augmented anastomoses were performed on the other side and on the second aorta. Patency was tested 10 min after unclamping; clamping time, blood loss, anastomosis quality score (out of 15 points) and artery diameter were recorded. In arteries of diameter 0.5-2.2 mm, augmented anastomoses were on average 10.7 ± 3.2 min faster to perform (p < 0.0001), with an average of 1.3 ± 0.9 g less blood loss (p < 0.0001) and an average of 2.6 ± 2.5 points higher quality score (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of patency rate, regardless of artery size. However, 3 of the 7 augmented anastomoses were non-permeable in the femoral subgroup (i.e., submillimetric arteries). This straightforward technique appears to be time-saving and reliable, provided that the repaired artery is of sufficient size. Subject to clinical validation, this technique might help surgeons treating extensive hand wounds with multiple severed neurovascular bundles.

Forearm reconstruction by induced-membrane technique after sarcoma resection in children: technique and functional outcome in three cases

Forearm sarcoma is rare in children. Here, we report three cases. One child presented undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma involving the ulna, another had Ewing's sarcoma of the ulna, and the third had Ewing's sarcoma of the proximal radius. In the first case, there were episodes of iterative aseptic nonunion, treated surgically. At last follow-up (respectively 11, 9 and 8 years postoperatively), the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 80%, 90% and 77% respectively, and all cases were in remission. The induced membrane technique to reconstruct bone defect after sarcoma resection in children is a possible limb-salvage strategy.

Palliative shoulder and elbow surgery in obstetrical brachial plexus birth palsy

Palliative surgery in a child with incomplete recovery following obstetric brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is common. Surgical management strategies for BPBP sequelae have the common objectives of decreasing the risk of functional limitations in the long term and improving function. There is no single treatment to deal with the sequelae of BPBP. While there is a myriad of possible clinical presentations, the ages for surgery extend from a 6- to 12-month-old infant to the mature adolescent. Numerous procedures have been described in the literature, ranging from simple soft tissue release to muscular transfers and osteotomies. The indications will depend on a combination of all these factors. In certain cases, an early intervention is recommended to prevent joint deformities, and to allow joint remodeling, often at the shoulder. In other cases, the indications are less clear, thus the expected benefit must be carefully considered. The indications for these operations must meet certain rules to be beneficial for the patient and should only be considered after a comprehensive clinical examination and a commitment from the child and the family to the therapeutic strategy.

Treatment of congenital syndactyly

Defined as the union of two adjacent digits, syndactyly is one of the most common congenital deformities. The severity of the malformation depends on the fusion level, the tissues involved in the union, and whether it is isolated or syndromic. In order to improve the hand's appearance and function, surgery is recommended in the great majority of cases, ideally during early childhood (i.e., before entering school). Web space reconstruction is done using local flaps. Depending on the flap design, digital resurfacing can be done with or without skin grafts. While graftless techniques have shorter operating times and no morbidity associated with skin harvesting, their cosmetic outcomes seem to be worse than those of traditional grafting techniques, with more postoperative complications; furthermore, such techniques cannot be used in all cases, especially those with osteoarticular fusions. When the fingertip is involved, paronychial reconstruction is carried out with pulp flaps. The prognosis for these deformities directly depends on their severity, with excellent outcomes in cases of cutaneous fusion, and much less predictable ones when osteoarticular and/or tendinous tissues are involved.

Nerve transfer to biceps to restore elbow flexion and supination in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

PURPOSE

Nerve transfers to restore elbow flexion have been described for traumatic brachial plexus palsy in adults. Indications are less frequent in infants and the results are less published.

METHODS

Ten patients with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy were operated on for lack of flexion against gravity with ulnar or median nerve transfer to biceps motor branch. The primary endpoint was improvement in elbow flexion and supination.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 12.5 months and mean follow-up was 2.6 years. The Active Movement Scale (AMS) was used to evaluate elbow flexion and forearm supination. At the last follow-up, the average AMS score improved from 0.3 to 5.7 for elbow flexion and from 0.6 to 5.8 for forearm supination. There was no statistical correlation between the age at surgery and the AMS score 18 months post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve transfer to the biceps motor branch can improve elbow flexion and forearm supination in selected patients with upper lesions and can be safely performed until the age of two years.

Wrist arthrodesis in adolescents with cerebral palsy

Twenty adolescents with severe spastic deformities of the wrist (Zancolli type 3) and poor function on the House score were operated on between 2009 and 2014, and included in this retrospective cohort study. All were treated by wrist arthrodesis combining a proximal row carpectomy, curetting of the distal radius in order to imbed the capitate and a dorsal locking plate. The primary endpoint was improvement in the House score. Secondary endpoints included pre- and postoperative wrist flexion deformity, bone union, patient satisfaction regarding appearance and complications. The mean follow-up was 22 months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 16.2 years. Additional soft-tissue release was necessary in eight wrists. The mean House score improved significantly from 0.9 to 2.7. Average flexion deformity improved significantly from 66° to 10°. Bony union was achieved in all patients within 6 months. Four of the 20 patients required hardware removal because of fixed extension of the middle metacarpal. Wrist arthrodesis combining proximal row carpectomy with the use of a dorsal locking plate is a safe and reliable technique to improve function and appearance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Thenar Flap for Severe Finger Tip Injuries in Children

Twelve children aged between 18 months and 11 years old who had sustained a severe fingertip amputation with total or subtotal pulp loss were treated with a distal-based thenar flap. The injuries were palmar oblique amputations or avulsion injuries involving the pulp and the nail bed. The pedicles of the thenar flaps were divided after 18 to 25 days and none suffered any necrosis. At the final follow-up, no interphalangeal joint contractures were found, the average two point discrimination was 5 mm, the thenar scar was asymptomatic and the subcutaneous tissue of the thenar flap was providing sufficient bulk to produce a rounded contour, like a normal fingertip. The thenar flap is a useful technique for use with severe fingertip injuries when local flaps cannot provide enough soft tissue and replantation is not possible.

Isolated C5-C6 avulsion in obstetric brachial plexus palsy treated by ipsilateral C7 neurotization to the upper trunk: outcomes at a mean follow-up of 9 years

Cervical root avulsions are the worst pattern of injury in obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI). The prognosis is poor and the treatment is mainly surgical with extraplexual neurotizations or muscle transfers. We present the outcomes of a technique performed in our institution to treat C5-C6 avulsion in obstetrical brachial plexus injury. This technique consists of a total ipsilateral C7 neurotization to the upper trunk. Ten babies with isolated C5-C6 root avulsion were operated on; we were able to review nine of them at over 12 months follow-up. The shoulder and the elbow function were assessed, as well as the Mallet Score. The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (SD 5.7). After a follow-up of 6 years, elbow flexion was restored with a range of motion ⩾130° and a motor function ⩾M3 in all patients. The average Mallet score was 18.1 (SD 1.2). This approach appears to be a viable alternative to extraplexual neurotizations for the treatment of C5-C6 nerve root avulsion.

Treatment of severe radial club hand by distraction using an articulated mini-rail fixator and transfixing pins

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of severe radial club hand is difficult. Several authors have emphasized the importance of preliminary soft-tissue distraction before centralization.

HYPOTHESIS

Treatment of severe radial club hand by articulated mini-rail allowing prior soft-tissue distraction improves results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirteen patients were treated sequentially, with an initial step of distraction and a second step of centralization. The first step consisted in fitting 2 mini-fixators, one in the concavity and the other in the convexity of the deformity. Four transfixing wires through the ulna and metacarpal bone connected the 2 fixators. After this preliminary distraction, the fixator was removed and a centralization wire was introduced percutaneously, with ulnar osteotomy if necessary. Sagittal and coronal correction was measured on the angle between forearm and hand.

RESULTS

Mean age at treatment was 37.5 months (range, 9-120 months). Mean distraction time was 53.2 days (26-90 days). Ulnar osteotomy was required in 8 cases (61%). There were no major complications requiring interruption of distraction. Sagittal and coronal correction after centralization reduced mean residual forearm/hand angulation to<12°.

DISCUSSION

Soft-tissue distraction in the concavity ahead of centralization is essential to good correction, avoiding extensive soft-tissue release and hyperpressure on the distal ulnar growth plate. There have been several studies of distraction; the present technique, associating 2 mini-fixators connected by threaded K-wires, provided sufficient distraction in the concavity of the deformity to allow satisfactory correction in all cases. Subsequent complications (breakage or displacement of the centralization wires) testify to the complexity of long-term management.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms the interest of a preliminary soft-tissue distraction step in treating severe radial club hand.

Tendon lengthening and transfer

Tendon lengthening and transfer are usually indicated for certain neuromuscular disorders, peripheral or central nerve injury, congenital disorder or direct traumatic or degenerative musculotendinous lesion. In musculotendinous lengthening, technique depends on muscle anatomy, degree of correction required, and the need to avoid excessive loss of force. Lengthening within the muscle or aponeurosis is stable. In the tendon, however, it may provide greater gain but is not stable and requires postoperative immobilization to avoid excessive lengthening. Tendon transfer consists in displacing a muscle's tendon insertion in order to restore function. The muscle to be transferred is chosen according to strength, architecture and course, contraction timing, intended direction, synergy and the joint moment arm to be restored. Functions to be restored have to be prioritized, and alternatives to transfer should be identified. The principles of tendon transfer require preoperative assessment of the quality of the tissue through which the transfer is to pass and of the suppleness of the joints concerned. During the procedure, transfer tension should be optimized and the neurovascular bundle should be protected. The method of fixation, whether tendon-to-bone or tendon-to-tendon suture, should be planned according to local conditions and the surgeon's experience.

[Acute limping in children between 1 and 4 years old]

Recent limping in children aged between 1 and 4 years old are often a diagnostic problem because the young child may not be able to show the area of pain. Dominated by the traumatic causes like hairline fracture, the physician should eliminate the most severe, including infectious etiologies that require urgent treatment. The clinical examination is fundamental and simple complementary investigations like standard X-rays and biology (blood count cell, C reactive protein) looking for increased inflammatory parameters will help to find the cause in the majority of cases. The persistence of a limp beyond a week involves the realization of bone scan or MRI imaging.

[Metacarpal osteoarticular injuries in children]

Metacarpal fractures and dislocations in the fingers are common injuries in children's hands. Most of these can be treated successfully non-operatively, although a subset requires more aggressive treatment. Results following appropriate care in children are generally good. Twenty percent of them need a reduction, need for surgical stabilization is rare. Each injury is presented, including diagnostic, therapeutic principles, pitfalls to prevent and potential complications.

[Finger bone and joint trauma of the hand in children]

The hand is the most commonly injured location of a child. Fractures of the digits are the most frequent lesions with two specific locations: 1) in the young child, the fracture is usually a crush injury, such as occurs when a hand gets caught in a door, with lesion of the distal phalanx; soft tissue associated injuries are the main problem in this location; 2) in the older child, the fracture is usually secondary to recreational sports, with lesion on the proximal phalanx of the second and fifth digits. Dislocations or sprains are less common. Most interphalangeal joint injuries occur at the proximal interphalangeal joint and are secondary to hyperextension with as results a volar plate injury. Most fingers injuries in children are treated non operatively with a favorable outcome. The treating physician should however identify those clinical situations that require surgery, as complications are most commonly due to a failure to identify and treat an injury requiring an operation acutely. These injuries include intra-articular fractures, displaced phalangeal neck fractures, and malrotated fractures. Malrotation or intra-articular malunion have no remodeling capacity. Non-union and stiff digits are uncommon but a significant trauma or a high-energy mechanism with severe soft tissues injuries appears to be a factor of risk.

[Hand injuries in children]

The hand is one of the most commonly injured locations in children. In the young child, the ignorance of dangers may explain this frequency. In the older child, hand trauma is usually secondary to recreational sports. Most hand injuries in children are treated nonoperatively because of high remodeling potential. Surgical treatments are mandatory in case of open or unstable fracture, displaced intraarticular fractures and displaced phalangeal neck fractures. In phalangeal neck fractures, percutaneous treatment should be preferred. Finger stiffness and non-union are uncommon and are usually in relation with skin or vascular involvement. In case of physis fracture, clinical and radiological follow-up should monitor any growth problems.

Traumatic diaphyseal bone defects in children

Traumatic bone defects (BD) are rare in children. There are no pediatric series in the literature on this topic. The aim of this first pediatric series was to determine the epidemiological characteristics and evaluate the results of different treatments in this entity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study evaluated diaphyseal bone defects in cases in which bone reconstruction was performed. BD was either initial and associated with trauma or secondary, resulting from infected non-union.

RESULTS

The series included 27 patients (17 boys and 10 girls), mean age 11.4 years old (3-16) (20 traffic accidents). At the outset of all patients' history was an open fracture (one stage 1, seven stage 2, 11 stage 3A and seven stage 3B, 1 NR). BD involved 13 tibias, 9 femurs, three humerus, one radius and one ulna. Bone defects were initial in 20 cases and secondary in seven cases. They were less than 2 cm in two cases, between 2 and 5 cm in 9 cases, between 5 and 10 cm in 10 cases and more than 10 cm in six cases. Treatment of BD was immediate in one case and delayed in 26 cases. Techniques used included: induced membrane in 10 cases, bone transport in seven cases, bone autograft in eight cases, vascularized fibular transfer in one case, no bone reconstruction in one case. Union was obtained in 27 patients. Union was obtained within a mean 12.3 months BD (3-62). Fifteen patients presented with sequellae.

DISCUSSION

Traumatic bone defects have a better prognosis in children than in adults. The thicker, more active and richly vascularized periosteum in children is an important prognostic factor. Treatment of BD requires good initial bone stabilization. Reconstruction depends on the integrity of the periosteum. In case of an intact periosteum, bone reconstruction does not seem necessary in young children. If one part of the periosteum is intact, a simple autograft seems sufficient even with extensive bone defects. In the absence of the periosteum or especially in case of infection, the induced membrane technique seems preferable, with bone transport or a vascularized bone transfer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV: retrospective study.

Bone bridge resection for correction of distal radial deformities after partial growth plate arrest: two cases and surgical technique

Partial closure of the growth plate is an uncommon complication in the distal radius even though distal radial fractures are among the most common injuries in children. We report two cases of resection of a bony bridge in the distal radial growth plate in boys aged 8 and 9 years with a description of the operative technique.

Treatment of posttraumatic bone defects by the induced membrane technique

INTRODUCTION

Among bone reconstruction techniques, the induced membrane technique, proposed in 1986 by Masquelet, has rarely been studied or evaluated in the surgical literature until recently. The 2010 French Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SoFCOT) Annual Convention symposium was the occasion to evaluate a large cases series having used this technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 84 posttraumatic diaphyseal long bone reconstructions using the induced membrane technique (1988-2009). The series included 79 men and five women (mean age 32-year-old). In 89% of cases, the initial trauma was an open fracture. The leg was involved in 70% of cases. The mean delay between the accident and treatment of bone defects (BD) was 8 months. In 50% of the cases, infection was present. Bone defects were larger than 5cm in 57% of the cases.

RESULTS

Union was obtained in 90% of cases, a mean 14.4 months after the first stage of the reconstruction. A mean 6.11 interventions were necessary to obtain union. Malalignment was present in 17% of cases. Delayed interventions to correct deformities mostly of the foot were necessary in 16% of the cases. Eight failures (10%) involved severe leg traumas associating extensive bone defects, soft tissue lesions and infection and required amputation in six cases.

DISCUSSION

This series emphasizes the severity of open fractures of the leg, especially those with primary or secondary infection. The induced membrane technique has been shown to be effective in treating bone defects, regardless of their magnitude. In a two-step procedure, this simple but demanding technique, which may be more complicated when repair of soft tissue is necessary, provides successful treatment in case of initial infection and fulfills the goal of controlling infection before bone reconstruction. Moreover, the induced membrane technique can be integrated in hybrid reconstruction procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. Retrospective study.

Efficacy and late complications of percutaneous epiphysiodesis with transphyseal screws

Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS) has been developed for the treatment of lower limb discrepancies with the aim of replacing traditional open procedures. The goal of this study was to evaluate its efficacy and safety at skeletal maturity. A total of 45 consecutive patients with a mean skeletal age of 12.7 years (8.5 to 15) were included and followed until maturity. The mean efficacy of the femoral epiphysiodesis was 35% (14% to 87%) at six months and 66% (21% to 100%) at maturity. The mean efficacy of the tibial epiphysiodesis was 46% (18% to 73%) at six months and 66% (25% to 100%) at maturity. In both groups of patients the under-correction was significantly reduced between six months post-operatively and skeletal maturity. The overall rate of revision was 18% (eight patients), and seven of these revisions (87.5%) involved the tibia. This series showed that use of the PETS technique in the femur was safe, but that its use in the tibia was associated with a significant rate of complications, including a valgus deformity in nine patients (20%), leading us to abandon it in the tibia. The arrest of growth was delayed and the final loss of growth at maturity was only 66% of that predicted pre-operatively. This should be taken into account in the pre-operative planning.

Upper extremity kinematics analysis in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

INTRODUCTION

Several recent studies demonstrate that upper extremities kinematics analysis is in increasing use to assist clinical practice. We describe an upper limb kinematics analysis protocol that was first applied to a group of healthy children (to obtain normative data), and subsequently, to a child presenting with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) before and after surgical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protocol is based on two very simple tasks. Reflective markers are placed on the studied segments, and optoelectronic cameras three-dimensionally record the position of the markers during the course of movement. The data, collected by a Vicon system (Oxford Metrics Ltd., Oxford, UK), are analyzed by a dedicated software; this software provides coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC) for the comparison of different kinematics curves and motion amplitudes. A CMC above 0.95 was considered to be excellent, between 0.85 and 0.95 was good, and below 0.85 was poor. Twelve healthy children, average age 9.7 years (from 7 to 14 years), were analyzed. A 7-year-old patient presenting left OBPP was similarly analyzed, pre- and postoperatively, after a lateral rotation osteotomy of the humerus.

RESULTS

The analysis of the 12 healthy children established a kinematics corridor for each task and each angle considered. Analysis of the pathological patient revealed kinematics anomalies during movement which went undetected at simple clinical examination. CMC analysis after treatment showed improvement of all movements around the shoulder, going from "poor" preoperatively to "excellent" postoperatively. Amplitudes analysis similarly demonstrated postoperative improvement, which increased from 28 to 67% according to the rotations considered, around the shoulder and elbow. The interest in these results should be confirmed by studies in a larger number of patients.

DISCUSSION

Upper extremity kinematics analysis is increasingly utilized in current clinical practice. Although many problems occur because of the non-cyclical and non-automatic nature of movement, review of the literature and our preliminary results show that reproducibility is satisfactory. Interest in our work arises from helping develop a preoperative evaluation tool (providing a more global view of abnormalities) as well as a postoperative assessment one (for the quantification of movement gains obtained by surgery after humeral osteotomy).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. Diagnostic retrospective study.

[Laboratory studies in pediatric bone and joint infections]

The diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis is a clinical one. Acute-phase reactants, such as white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are useful to help the clinicians at the time of initial diagnosis. The WBC count may be normal in up to 80 % of cases and it is not a reliable indicator. The ESR is elevated in 80 % of cases. CRP is elevated more than 80 % of cases. CRP rises rapidly within 48 hours of admission and returns to normal within a week after appropriate therapy. Its rapid kinetics is useful for follow-up of the response treatment. Patients who require surgical drainage procedures have prolonged time to normalization of CRP. PCT is a useful specific marker for predicting severe infection but its sensibility to detect bone and joint infections seems to be low.

Concordance of antibiotic prophylaxis, direct Gram staining and protected brush specimen culture results for postoperative patients with suspected pneumonia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antibiotic therapy alters the diagnostic value of protected brush specimens. With protected brush specimens alone, diagnosing pneumonia requires 24 or 48 h. Addition of direct Gram staining shortens this delay. Antibiotic prophylaxis, recommended after major surgery, may influence the contribution of Gram staining to diagnosing postoperative pneumonia.

METHODS

During a 1-yr period, we retrospectively studied all patients on mechanical ventilation suspected of having postoperative pneumonia who had undergone fibreoptic bronchoscopy with protected brush specimens. Postoperative pneumonia was diagnosed when quantitative protected brush specimens culture results yielded 103 colony-forming units mL-1.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were clinically suspected of having postoperative pneumonia after cardiac (n=42), vascular (n=5) or thoracic (n=3) surgery. Eleven (22%) samples were obtained during antibiotic prophylaxis. Twenty-two (44%) episodes were microbiologically proven. Gram-stain sensitivity was 95.5%, with 82.1% specificity, 80.7% positive-predictive value and 95.8% negative-predictive value. Concordance between direct Gram-stain-identified pathogens and Gram stain of cultured pathogens was significantly less frequent during antibiotic prophylaxis (63.6%) than afterwards (94.9%) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic prophylaxis diminished the diagnostic value of Gram staining of protected brush specimens. When protected brush specimens was performed during antibiotic prophylaxis, Gram staining accurately enabled early exclusion of postoperative pneumonia because of its excellent negative-predictive value. After antibiotic prophylaxis, Gram staining permitted early diagnosis of postoperative pneumonia identification of the responsible pathogen.

Les traumatismes du doigt chez l'enfant : les erreurs à éviter

Two types of digital trauma are often met: in the young child, it is generally about a fingertip crushing by a door. In the event a of nail bed wound, the child will have to be addressed for a surgical treatment, the absence of a correct treatment being able to be responsible for after-effect. In the older child, the trauma is generally indirect during a sports activity or a game. Radiography often shows a fracture of phalanx epiphysal plate. The treatment is generally orthopaedic: simple immobilization if the fracture is not displaced, reduction and immobilization in the event of displaced fracture.

[Treatment of phalangeal neck fractures in children: technical suggestion]

INTRODUCTION

Phalangeal neck fractures in children are not very frequent lesions. The purpose of this study is to bring out results of treatment of these fractures and provide an adequate procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients with 24 phalangeal neck fractures were reviewed. Seventeen boys and six girls with a mean age of 7 years and 6 months. Open wound fractures were noted in 13 cases. A direct trauma was noted in 17 cases and an indirect trauma in seven cases. Treatment consisted of a closed reduction and cast immobilization in four cases. A closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in seven cases. Open reduction and osteosynthesis in 13 cases.

RESULTS

All patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 16 months and functional results were evaluated by measuring the Total Active Motion. Fractures treated orthopedically (4) gave Good results; percutaneous pinning (seven cases) gave one Poor, one Fair and five Good results; open reduction and osteosynthesis gave zero Good, six Fair and seven Poor results. Phalangeal head osteonecrosis was noted in four cases treated by open reduction.

DISCUSSION

Closed reduction and percutaneous treatment of these fractures give the best functional results. This study demonstrates that open surgical reduction of these fractures leads to phalangeal head osteonecrosis and poor functional result. We propose here a technical improvement of percutaneous reduction with intrafocal pining and osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

This technical improvement of percutaneous reduction and pinning allow to combine the advantages of a closed reduction and to avoid distal epiphyseal necrosis.

[The medial saphenous hetero (cross leg) flap in coverage of soft tissue defects of the leg and foot]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Reconstruction of large areas of soft tissue defects of the lower limb is a major challenge, particularly when the zone involves the lower part of the leg and the foot. The cross-leg flap can be a reliable alternative to free flaps, both in adults and children. We analyzed our experience in a retrospective series of 26 patients who underwent a standardize surgical procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-six cross-leg flap procedures were performed between 1984 and 2000 using the same technique. Mean patient age was 32 years (range 7-67 years). All patients were trauma victims. Mean delay from trauma to flap reconstruction was 2.5 years (range 18 days-16 years). A free flap or loco-regional flap for coverage had been unsuccessful in 19 patients. The zones involved were: leg (n=7), anterior ankle area (n=3), malleolar area (n=2), dorsal aspect of the foot (n=1), heal (n=11, including 4 in an exclusively non-weight-bearing area). Mean patient follow-up was 3 years (1-10 years). The same surgical technique with external fixation was used for all patients. The flap was harvested according to a standard technique with ratios ranging from 3: 1 to 4: 1. The donor site and the flap pedicle were covered with a thin skin flap, at least during the first operative time. During the first operative time, the recipient site was resected to the exact size of the flap, the remaining coverage was achieved during the weaning process using part of the flap pedicle. Weaning was achieved after a mean 27 days (21-38 days).

RESULTS

Complete flap necrosis occurred in one case and partial necrosis in six. Punctual necrosis was observed in five cases requiring revision surgery or local care. One abscess of the donor site occurred two years after flap reconstruction. Coverage was satisfactory for leg and ankle reconstructions, with no recurrent ulcerations or hyperkeratosis at last follow-up. A satisfactory esthetic aspect was achieved in all cases. For foot reconstructions, ulcerations or hyperkeratosis of the plantar skin-flap junction was observed in five cases. All of the patients were however able to wear normal shoes and felt there had been an improvement after surgery.

DISCUSSION

The cross-leg flap procedure should, in our opinion, be used in three situations. i) After failure of other techniques: results are very reliable for salvage procedures; 19 of our 26 patients had had failed free or loco-regional flap procedures prior to the cross-leg flap. ii) The reconstruction is large and blood supply contraindicates a free flap procedure (only one intact vascular axis). iii) The entire heal area to be reconstructed would be insufficiently covered by a free flap. Most of the long-term problems are related to heal coverage in weight-bearing areas.

Clonal relationship between U.S. and French serotype V group B streptococcus isolates

We examined the genetic diversity of serotype V group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates in the Paris area and compared them with the predominant American serotype V clone. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis yielded 11 patterns for 64 French GBS. One pattern was obtained with 60% of the isolates tested and was indistinguishable from that of the predominant American clone.

Mechanisms of macrolide resistance in clinical group B streptococci isolated in France

Macrolide susceptibility was investigated in clinical group B streptococci obtained from neonates or pregnant women in 2000 in France. Of 490 consecutive isolates, 18% were resistant to erythromycin. The erm(B), erm(A) subclass erm(TR), and mef(A) genes were harbored by 47, 45, and 6% of these strains, respectively. Two isolates did not harbor erm or mef genes.

High prevalence of erythromycin resistance of Streptococcus pyogenes in Greek children

BACKGROUND

Macrolide resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes strains is increasing in many European countries. Greece was not considered a country with high prevalence of macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes strains, and until now the genetic mechanism of resistance was unknown.

METHODS

During the 25-month period from December, 1998, to December, 2000, pharyngeal cultures for S. pyogenes were performed on 743 Greek children with the clinical diagnosis of pharyngitis. The children were 1 to 16 years old (median age, 7 years) and were living in Central and Southern Greece. S. pyogenes isolates were tested for their susceptibility to erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin, penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanate and cefprozil. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further studied for their genetic mechanism of resistance by means of PCR.

RESULTS

Of a total of 275 S. pyogenes isolates recovered, 105 (38%) were erythromycin-resistant (MIC > or = 1 microgram/ml) [corrected], with 54, 45 and 1% of them carrying mef(A), erm(A) [subclass erm(TR)] and erm(B) gene, respectively. The prevalence of erythromycin-resistant strains was 29 and 42% during the time periods December, 1998, to December, 1999, and January, 2000, to December, 2000, respectively. All erythromycin-resistant isolates were also resistant to clarithromycin and azithromycin. The isolates carrying the erm(A) gene were inducibly resistant to clindamycin. The 275 S. pyogenes isolates had ceprozil MICs < or = 0.032 microgram/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

The current high (38%) prevalence of erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes in Central and Southern Greece requires continuous surveillance and careful antibiotic policy.

Genetic and phenotypic characterization of macrolide resistance in group A streptococci isolated from adults with pharyngo-tonsillitis in France

Three hundred and three strains of group A streptococci (GAS) isolated from adults with pharyngitis were tested to evaluate their phenotype of resistance to macrolides-lincosamides and to search for macrolide resistance genes. MICs of clarithromycin were determined. The overall rate of resistance to both erythromycin and clarithromycin was 9.6%. Constitutive, inducible and M phenotypes of resistance were detected in 4.3, 2 and 3.3% of strains, respectively. All constitutive phenotypes harboured ermB genes, whereas inducible phenotypes had the ermTR gene and M phenotypes had the mefA gene. In France, the current resistance rate of GAS to erythromycin and clarithromycin remains low.

Systematic pinning of displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

We report the results of 116 consecutive displaced extension supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children treated during the first two years after the introduction of the following protocol; closed reduction under general anaesthesia with fluoroscopic control and lateral percutaneous pinning using two parallel pins or, when closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation by cross-pinning. Eight patients were lost to follow-up during the first postoperative year. The mean follow-up for the remaining 108 was 27.9 months (12 to 47, median 26.5).

At the final follow-up, using Flynn’s overall modified classification, the clinical result was considered to be excellent in 99 patients (91.6%), good in five (4.6%) and poor in four (3.7%). All the poor results were due to a poor cosmetic result, but had good or excellent function. Technical error in the initial management of these four cases was thought to be the cause of the poor results. The protocol described resulted in good or excellent results in 96% of our patients, providing a safe and efficient treatment for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus even in less experienced hands.

Systematic pinning of displaced extension-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. A prospective study of 116 consecutive patients

We report the results of 116 consecutive displaced extension supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children treated during the first two years after the introduction of the following protocol; closed reduction under general anaesthesia with fluoroscopic control and lateral percutaneous pinning using two parallel pins or, when closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation by cross-pinning. Eight patients were lost to follow-up during the first postoperative year. The mean follow-up for the remaining 108 was 27.9 months (12 to 47, median 26.5). At the final follow-up, using Flynn's overall modified classification, the clinical result was considered to be excellent in 99 patients (91.6%), good in five (4.6%) and poor in four (3.7%). All the poor results were due to a poor cosmetic result, but had good or excellent function. Technical error in the initial management of these four cases was thought to be the cause of the poor results. The protocol described resulted in good or excellent results in 96% of our patients, providing a safe and efficient treatment for displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus even in less experienced hands.

Mechanisms of macrolide resistance in clinical pneumococcal isolates in France

The genetic basis of macrolide resistance was investigated in a collection of 48 genotypically unrelated clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae obtained between 1987 and 1997 in France. All strains were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, and streptogramin B, exhibiting a macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotype, and harbored the erm(B) gene. None of the strains carried the mef(A) or erm(A) subclass erm(TR) gene.

Repair of the flexor pollicis longus tendon in children

This is a retrospective study of primary repairs of flexor pollicis longus in 16 children under 15 years of age. Patients with injuries to the median or ulnar nerve at the wrist, crush injuries, skin loss or fracture were excluded. Repairs were carried out within 24 hours using a modified Kessler technique. The mean follow-up was for two years. The final results were evaluated using the criteria of Buck-Gramko and Tubiana. They were good or excellent in all except one patient who had a secondary tendon rupture. When compared with the non-injured thumb, however, there was a significant decrease in active interphalangeal flexion (> 30 degrees) in one-third of cases. A new method of assessment is proposed for the recovery of function of the flexor pollicis tendon which is more suitable for children. Postoperative immobilisation using a short splint had a negative effect on outcome. The zone of injury, an early mobilisation programme or concurrent injury to the digital nerve had no significant effect on the final result.

Resistance to macrolides in Streptococcus pyogenes in France in pediatric patients

A total of 1,500 recent throat isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes collected between 1996 and 1999 from children throughout France were tested for their susceptibility to erythromycin, azithromycin, josamycin, clindamycin, and streptogramin B. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further studied for their genetic mechanism of resistance, by means of PCR. The clonality of these strains was also investigated by means of serotyping and ribotyping. In all, 6.2% of the strains were erythromycin resistant, and 3.4 and 2.8% expressed the constitutive MLS(B) and M resistance phenotypes and harbored the ermB and mefA genes, respectively; ermTR was recovered from one isolate which also harbored the ermB gene. Ten serotypes and 8 ribotypes were identified, but we identified 17 strains by combining serotyping with ribotyping. Among the eight ribotypes, the mefA gene was recovered from six clusters, one being predominant, while the ermB gene was recovered from four clusters, of which two were predominant.

[Reconstruction of the long bones by the induced membrane and spongy autograft]

In the reported series of 35 cases bone reconstruction of large diaphyseal defects was performed in two stages. The first stage was the insertion into the defect of a cement spacer which was responsible for the formation of a pseudosynovial membrane. The second stage was the reconstruction of the defect by a huge fresh autologous cancellous bone graft. The membrane induced by the spacer prevents the resorption of the graft and favors its vascularity and its corticalisation. In weight bearing diaphyseal segments the normal walking was possible at 8.5 months on average. The length of the reconstructed defects was 4 to 25 cm.

Effects of oral Saccharomyces boulardii on bacterial overgrowth, translocation, and intestinal adaptation after small-bowel resection in rats

BACKGROUND

Small-bowel resection in animals results in alterations of the morphology and functional adaptation in the remaining intestine. The aim of our study was to study the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii versus placebo in rats after 50% small-bowel resection.

METHODS

Sixty-three rats were assigned to one of three groups: small-bowel resection (n = 31), transected surgery controls (n = 16), or non-surgical controls (n = 16). Of the 31 rats with small-bowel resection, 15 were given S. boulardii (140 mg/dl), and 16 were given placebo. Intestinal markers measured included bacterial overgrowth (BO) on days 4 and 8 and translocation into mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Markers of small-bowel adaptation included histomorphology of the mucosa, protein content, and various brush-border enzymes (sucrase, glucoamylase, n-aminopeptidase).

RESULTS

In the jejunal mucosal samples on day 8, S. boulardii-treated rats showed a significant increase in protein content (58.3 +/- 12 mg/10 cm) compared with placebo-treated rats (29.2 +/- 1.8) or non-surgery controls (18.3 +/- 1.2; P < 0.001). S. boulardii-treated rats also had significantly higher levels of all three brush-border enzymes. A significant increase of enzyme-specific activities was observed in the ileum of S. boulardii resected rats compared with the placebo resected group on day 4, and no significant differences were seen in the remnant ileum except an increase in protein content in S. boulardii-treated rats on day 8. Histomorphometric studies showed no differences in ileal villus height or translocation frequencies by day 8 in S. boulardii or placebo resected rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that, after resection, S. boulardii does not modify bacterial overgrowth or translocation frequency but does significantly enhance the functional adaptation of the remaining intestinal segments.

[Zone I and II flexor tendon laceration in children]

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goals of this study is to determine the effect of post-operative management as optimun period of post-operative immobilization, type of immobilization and importance of early mobilization program in zone I and II flexor tendon laceration in children.

MATERIAL

Thirty-seven patients who had sustained flexor tendon lacerations of 42 digits in zone I or II were available for critical evaluation. Inclusion criteria were primary flexor tendon repairs in children under 15 years: lesions of flexor pollicis longus, digits with crush injuries, skin loss or revascularization were omitted from this study. The average post-operative follow-up was 3 years (range 12-89 months). Flexor tendon repair had been performed on 9 index, 14 middle, 9 ring and 10 small fingers. Tendon laceration occurred in zone I in 16 fingers, zone II in 26. Patients were divided into three groups: 0 to 5 years, 5 to 10 years and 11 to 15 years.

METHODS

Immediate primary suture with modified Kessler technique was performed on the day of injury. Post-operative treatment included the use of an early passive motion program in 11 digits. The remaining 31 digits were managed by immobilization in a cast or splint for 4-6 weeks without early mobilization. The percentage of normal digital function that was recovered following flexor tendon repair was determined by a computation of total active motion (TAM) as described by Glogovac and Strickland (TAM = PIP active flexion + DIP active flexion-extension deficit/175). Data were analysed to determine the effect of age, the effect of early passive motion program, the effect of varying periods of post repair immobilization and the effect of the type of immobilization.

RESULTS

Tendon ruptures were identified in four digits. One was in a non cooperative patient who removed splint immobilization after two weeks post-repair. The three remaining patients were immobilized with a short splint. Isolated or combined profundus and superficialis repairs achieved comparable results when managed with an early passive motion or with simple immobilization without early motion program. Immobilization for 5 or 6 weeks resulted in an appreciable deterioration of function (TAM = 86 p. 100) in comparison with 4 weeks immobilization (TAM = 93 p. 100) (p > 0.05). Complication rate as rupture is higher in the group immobilized with a short splint, especially when children is under five.

DISCUSSION

Primary flexor tendon repairs in children in this series achieved satisfactory functional results in comparison with adults. There is however, in the very young, some widely differing results since the necessity of post operative care was not fully appreciated. Immobilization with a short splint should be avoided because of greater complication rate as rupture, especially in very young. We found no benefit of early passive mobilization protocols. Immobilization should not be extend beyond 4 weeks because of deterioration of final functional result.

Flexor tendon injuries in children: factors influencing prognosis

We reviewed a series of 44 children with 58 fingers involved, 21 of them occurring in the digital canal. The core stitch was performed according to the Kessler modified technique. The mean follow-up at the time of review was 3 years. The return of total active motion (TAM) in the interphalangeal joints was evaluated with the Strickland formula. Results were excellent in 84%, good in 5%, fair in 2%, and poor in 9%. Influencing factors were children younger than 5 years, lesions in zone II, both tendon injuries in the digital canal, and the type of immobilization (below-elbow splint). Rupture occurred in 9%, especially in the very young children with a short postoperative immobilization. Variables such as the early-mobilization program, the length of the postoperative immobilization period, or concurrent digital nerve injury had no significant effect on the final result.

Killing activities of trovafloxacin alone and in combination with beta-lactam agents, rifampin, or vancomycin against Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates with various susceptibilities to extended-spectrum cephalosporins at concentrations clinically achievable in cerebrospinal fluid

The killing activities of trovafloxacin alone and in combination with beta-lactam agents (extended-spectrum cephalosporins, meropenem), rifampin, or vancomycin were evaluated against 20 genotypically characterized Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates for which amoxicillin MICs were >/=4 microg/ml (cefotaxime MICs, >/=4 microg/ml for six strains) at concentrations clinically achievable in cerebrospinal fluid. At 6 h the mean killing activity of trovafloxacin alone (range, 2.6 to 2.9 log(10) CFU/ml) did not vary significantly according to the susceptibility of the strains to beta-lactam agents. The activities of trovafloxacin or vancomycin added to the beta-lactam agents and the combination trovafloxacin-vancomycin were additive or indifferent. Against the ceftriaxone-resistant isolates, the killing activity of the combination of a beta-lactam agent and trovafloxacin did not differ significantly from that of a beta-lactam agent and vancomycin.

Emergence in france of multiple clones of clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates with high-level resistance to amoxicillin

The genetic relatedness of French isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae highly resistant to amoxicillin (MIC, >/=4 microg/ml, equal to or exceeding those of penicillin) was investigated by molecular fingerprinting. The results suggest that high-level resistance to amoxicillin has emerged within preexisting penicillin-resistant clones.