Trigger thumb treatment approach: Results of a survey of EPOS members

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical reality of pediatric trigger thumb among members of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society.

Methods

A 35-question survey was sent to all European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society members, focusing on surgeon's profile and experience, trigger thumb diagnostic and trigger thumb treatment approach. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

A total of 99 responses were analyzed. Most important factor considered in the therapeutic approach was the presence of a locked interphalangeal joint (52%). Regarding treatment, 41.4% opt for conservative approach as the first line of treatment, while 30.3% consider surgery and 28.3% just observe. Nevertheless, 76% mention to treat conservatively their patients and 99% to consider surgery at some stage. Regarding surgical technique, 96% do it open and 56% consider 2 years as the minimum age for procedure. Most surgeons perform this procedure in out-patient care (87%), don't administer prophylactic antibiotherapy (80%), use a tourniquet (75%), don't use any postoperative immobilization (64%), and report complications related to surgery (64%), mainly recurrence/incomplete division (59%) and superficial wound infection (30%).

Conclusion

Our study shows a significant variability in the initial management of pediatric trigger thumb with a predominance of conservative management, followed by surgery and observation without treatment. The disparity in treatment options and timing, or waiting times before moving on to different therapeutic options, shows us that this is a controversial issue and that the development of prospective randomized controlled studies is needed to analyze the different treatment methods and determine which ones give the best outcomes.

Chronic Monteggia in pediatric population: A narrative literature review

Monteggia lesion is a traumatic condition that affects the forearm and is characterized by the association of an ulna fracture with a dislocation of the radius capitellar and proximal radius ulnar joints in the majority of cases. Although several authors have contributed to the understanding of this pathology over the years, it remains a challenge for orthopedists, and if not recognized and treated properly, it can have serious consequences. In these cases, a chronic injury develops, which is even more difficult to manage in terms of timing and treatment options. A narrative review of the literature on missed elbow injuries in children was conducted, and chronic Monteggia was the most frequently encountered injury. The analysis of the articles attempts to clarify some points and draw general conclusions on which to reflect.

Microsurgery in pediatric upper limb reconstructions: An overview

The use of microsurgery has spread during the last decades, making resolvable many complex defects considered hitherto inapproachable. Although the small vessel diameter in children was initially considered a technical limitation, the increase in microsurgical expertise over the past three decades allowed us to manage many pediatric conditions by means of free tissue transfers. Pediatric microsurgery has been shown to be feasible, gaining a prominent place in the treatment of children affected by limb malformations, tumors, nerve injuries, and post-traumatic defects. The aim of this current concepts review is to describe the more frequent pediatric upper limb conditions in which the use of microsurgical reconstructions should be considered in the range of treatment options.

Use of a 3D Model for the Correction of a Complex Madelung Deformity in a Teenager: A Case Report

CASE

The aim of the article is to report on a case of a teenager affected by Madelung deformity treated with a double osteotomy, planned by means of a 3D model. Using a custom-made cutting guide, the radial osteotomy was performed, and after the reorientation, a shortening ulnar osteotomy completed the procedure. Postoperative clinical assessment showed a normal alignment of the ulna with increased range of motion wrist motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a 3D model when planning a multidirectional correction of a Madelung deformity may be advantageous to achieve a more accurate and precise realignment of the carpus and distal radioulnar joint.

Hand and Upper Limb Malformations in Italy: A Multicentric Study

Background: Although hand and upper limb malformations are quite frequent, up to now very few reports have been published on epidemiology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the number of infants who presented with hand and upper limb malformations from 2010 to 2015 in Italy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a pediatric population presenting with hand and upper extremity malformations was carried out, gathering reports achieved from eight Italian Centers of pediatric hand surgery. Other factors such as gender, date and region of birth, family distribution of malformations and associated syndromes, were analysed. Results: Out of 3,100,421 live births, 765 children presented with hand and upper limb malformations. The incidence was 2,5/10,000 live births with a predominance of males and the right side. Radial polydactyly was the anomaly with the highest percentage, closely followed by simple syndactyly, simbrachidactyly and complex syndactyly. Less common conditions were the triphalangic thumb, thumb in palm, proximal radioulnar synostosis and Sprengel deformity. Inheritance of and familial predisposition to those malformations was recorded in 25 cases, while 84 children presented with syndromes related to hand anomalies. Conclusions: In conclusion the incidence of hand and upper extremity malformations in Italy is lower than that registered in other countries. The retrospective nature of the study combined with the fact that some defects frequently evade pediatric hand surgeon consultations are some possible limitations of the study. However, our data confirmed that, in spite of the decrease in the birth rate in Italy, the trend of congenital hand disorders maintained a stable trend. We aim to integrate this study with a prospective analysis and to involve the institutional health authorities in other countries so as to register the correct incidence of hand and upper extremity defects.

Current concepts in diagnosis and management of common upper limb nerve injuries in children

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) of the upper limb are a common event in the paediatric population, following both fractures and soft tissues injuries. Open injuries should in theory be easier to identify and the repair of injured structures performed as soon as possible in order to obtain a satisfying outcome. Conversely, due to the reduced compliance of younger children during clinical assessment, the diagnosis of a closed nerve injury may sometimes be delayed. As the compliance of patients is influenced by pain, anxiety and stress, the execution of the clinical manoeuvres intended to identify a loss of motor function or sensibility, can be impaired. Although the majority of PNI are neuroapraxias resulting in spontaneous recovery, there are open questions regarding certain aspects of closed PNI, e.g. when to ask for electrophysiological exams, when and how long to wait for a spontaneous recovery and when a surgical approach becomes mandatory. The aim of the article is therefore to analyse the main aspects of the different closed PNI of the upper limb in order to provide recommendations for timely and correct management, and to determine differences in the PNI treatment between children and adults.

Corrective Procedure for Flexion Contracture of the Elbow in Neonatal Palsy Sequelae: Long-term Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Aim of this paper is to validate a procedure for correcting elbow flexion contracture in patients suffering from brachial plexus neonatal palsy sequelae during their teens. Elbow flexion contracture represents an unsolved problem in the natural history of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) because of the consistent deformity recurrence. Following a previous paper, in which an original technique was proposed in a small sample of patients, the authors show the possible correction of the deformity in a larger group of patients.

METHODS

The procedure includes a combination of a posterior approach to the elbow with olecranon tip section and an anterior one with capsulotomy and soft tissue release to improve elbow range of motion. A series of 26 patients, who underwent the procedure, were checked out in medium and long term. Collected data were age, type of brachial plexus palsy, length of hospitalization, duration of surgery, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, preoperative and postoperative DASH scores and satisfaction scores. Explaining further details about the procedure, the Authors report their results, including a statistical analysis.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, the mean increase of elbow extension was about 22°. Functional outcomes were successful as well, with a mean increase of 10 points of DASH score. Over 75% of patients were fully satisfied with their outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome has confirmed the good efficacy of the procedure in increasing elbow extension but also in improving cosmetic appearance in adolescents suffering from flexed elbow in OBPP sequelae.

Impact of COVID-19 on hand surgery in Italy: A comparison between the Northern and the Southern regions

The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency and elective hand surgery in four Italian regions that had either a high (Lombardy and Piemonte) or a low (Sicilia and Puglia) COVID-19 case load to discuss problems and to elaborate strategies to improve treatment pathways. A panel of hand surgeons from these different regions compared and discussed data from the centers they work in. The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on both elective and emergency surgery in Italy, not only in highly affected regions but also – and paradoxically even at a higher extent – in regions with a low COVID-19 case load. A durable and flexible redesign of hand surgery activities should be promoted, while changing and hopefully increasing human resources and enhancing administrative support. Telematics must also be implemented, especially for delivering rehabilitation therapy.

Consensus based recommendations for diagnosis and medical management of Poland syndrome (sequence)

Background

Poland syndrome (OMIM: 173800) is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, breast, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals.

Main body

The aim of this work is to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of people affected by Poland syndrome based on evidence from literature and experience of health professionals from different medical backgrounds who have followed for several years affected subjects. The literature search was performed in the second half of 2019. Original papers, meta-analyses, reviews, books and guidelines were reviewed and final recommendations were reached by consensus.

Conclusion

Being Poland syndrome a rare syndrome most recommendations here presented are good clinical practice based on the consensus of the participant experts.

Peromelia - congenital transverse deficiency of the upper limb: a literature review and current prosthetic treatment

Peromelia or congenital transverse deficiency describes a truncation of the upper limb below various limb levels. Recommendations regarding treatment vary and are mainly based on expert opinions. This paper summarizes the current literature regarding the aetiology, pathogenesis and specifically treatment algorithms for children with peromelia. We performed a non-systematic review of the current literature from MEDLINE/PubMed to obtain comprehensive up-to-date information about peromelia, focusing on current recommendations for the treatment of peromelia (e.g. prosthetic fitting, external stump lengthening). The current literature lacks clear evidence as to whether prosthetic treatment is superior to prosthetic non-usage. However, based on the available studies, children with transradial or transhumeral peromelia should preferably be fitted with passive/cosmetic prostheses at the age between six and 24 months, followed by active/myoelectric devices at the age of 2.5 to four years. It remains controversial whether early myoelectric prosthetic fitting can reduce prosthesis rejection times; however, cognitive readiness and the ability to absolve a guided training programme are seen as important prerequisites for myoelectric fitting. Children with very short stumps may benefit from stump lengthening using external fixators and prosthetic modification. The treatment of children with peromelia generally requires a guided, multidisciplinary team approach. A training programme is essential to optimize individuals' performance in the execution of activities of daily living and decrease rejection risks whenever a myoelectric device is prescribed. Myoelectric fitting should preferably be commenced at no later than four years of age. However, long-term reports on the benefits of prosthetic treatment are still pending.

Advantages and disadvantages of the prone position in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. A literature review

INTRODUCTION

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow injuries in children. The widely adopted approach for Gartland III extension type consists of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; the pin configuration can be lateral or crossed in relationship with the habit of the surgeons. Iatrogenic injury of the ulnar nerve is the most common risk during the insertion of the medial pin. The aim of this study was to analyze advantages and disadvantages of percutaneous pinning with the patient in prone position.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review of the period 2005-2017 was carried out; four medical search engine (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science and Scopus) were consulted using the review's filter and the key words "Ulnar nerve AND supracondylar humerus fractures". The total number of patients were analyzed for: ulnar nerve injuries, anesthesiologic management, time of surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine papers were read, 23 regarding cross pinning in supine position and 6 in prone position. On one hand, 1529 children were treated with closed reduction and cross pinning in supine position; 69 of these patients (4.5%) suffered from iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. On the other hand, 579 patients underwent the same treatment in prone position; no ulnar nerve lesions were reported in this group. Only one article compared both groups of children in supine and prone position regarding time of anesthesia which is slightly higher in the prone group. There were no differences between supine and prone positions regarding x-ray exposition, time of surgery, closed reduction manoeuvers, pin positioning, x-ray results, clinical and functional results.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The ulnar nerve in children is hypermobile in the cubital tunnel and tends to dislocate anteriorly over the medial epicondyle, especially when the elbow is in hyperflexion. This may be the reason of the increased risk of nerve injury during the insertion of the medial pin in supine position and, instead, an advantage of the prone position. The insertion of both pins from the lateral side could reduce this complication. Larger studies need to be carried out regarding the reported higher duration of anesthesia in prone position.

Use of tubulization (nerve conduits) in repairing nerve defects in children

BACKGROUND

Direct neurorrhaphy, nerve grafting interposition and neurotization are the options for nerve repair in children, whereas few reports about using nerve conduits (tubulization) are referred to pediatrics in the literature. The authors present their experience about nerve repairing by means of nerve tubes during the developmental age when the harvesting of nerve grafts and also vein grafts of adequate caliber for bridging nerve defects is difficult. A critical review of their case series offers indications for using nerve conduits in pediatrics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients were treated using the nerve tubulization; nine patients were affected by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) while six were suffering from peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs).

RESULTS

In patients suffering from OBPP, we observed 1 good, 3 fair and 5 bad results. In the PNI group, we observed 4 patients who had good results while only 2 had a bad outcome. No fair results were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In peripheral nerve repairing in children by using nerve conduits, the outcome has been widely effective even when dealing with mixed and motor nerve, thus nerve tubulization might be considered as an alternative to nerve grafting. Conversely, considering the uncertain result obtained in brachial plexus repairing, the conduits cannot be considered as a first choice of treatment in brachial plexus reconstruction.

Nerve Transfer in Delayed Obstetrical Palsy Repair

OBJECTIVE

 When root avulsions are detected in children suffering from obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), neurotization procedures of different nerve trunks are commonly applied in primary brachial plexus repair, to connect distally the nerves of the upper limbs using healthy nerve structures. This article aims to outline our experience of neurotization procedures in OBPP, which involves nerve transfers in the event of delayed repair, when a primary repair has not occurred or has failed. In addition, we propose the opportunity for late repair, focusing on extending the time limit for nerve surgery beyond that which is usually recommended. Although, according to different authors, the time limit is still unclear, it is generally estimated that nerve repair should take place within the first months of life. In fact, microsurgical repair of OBPP is the technique of choice for young children with the condition who would otherwise have an unfavorable outcome. However, in certain cases the recovery process is not clearly defined so not all the patients are direct candidates for primary nerve surgery.

METHODS

 In the period spanning January 2005 through January 2011, among a group of 105 patients suffering from OBPP, ranging from 1 month to 7 years of age, the authors have identified a group of 32 partially recovered patients. All these patients underwent selective neurotization surgery, which was performed in a period ranging from 5 months to 6.6 years of age.

RESULTS

 Late neurotization of muscular groups achieved considerable functional recovery in these patients, who presented with reduced motor function during early childhood. The said patients, with the exception of five, would initially have avoided surgery because they had not met the criteria for nerve surgery.

CONCLUSION

 We have concluded that the execution of late nerve surgical procedures can be effective in children affected by OBPP.

Diaphyseal femoral fractures below the age of six years: Results of plaster application and long term followup

BACKGROUND

In children less than 6 years, the treatment of femoral shaft fracture is often non surgical, using closed reduction and casting. The literature reports many experience about this type of trauma but none of these has a long term followup. We present a retrospective study on a group of femoral diaphyseal fractures treated nonsurgically in children up to 6 years of age, with a minimum of 10 year followup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

48 cases (36 males/12 females) with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated between January 1988 and December 1998 were reviewed. Patients with fractures due to obstetrical trauma and pathologic fractures were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 3.3 ± 1.1 years (range 5 months-6 years). Right side was involved in 21 cases (44%), and left side in 27 cases (56%). In 34 cases (71%), closed reduction was performed and hip spica was applied with the hip and knee flexed to 45°. In 8 cases (17%), skeletal traction was applied to perform fracture reduction and the traction pin was embedded in plaster while in the remaining 6 cases (12%), the Delitala pressure apparatus was applied after casting.

RESULTS

All fractures healed in our study. There were no complications (infection or vascular nervous issues, axial deviations, consolidation delays, or pseudoarthrosis). In 13 cases (27%), followup examinations showed mean lengthening of 1.3 ± 0.75 (range 0.5-2.5 cm) of the fractured lower limb. All these patients were treated with skin traction before treatment and presented with 2.08 ± 0.28 cm mean initial femoral shortening. In 1 case (2%) with 2.5 cm lengthening, epiphysiodesis of the ipsilateral knee was performed. No patients showed prolonged difficulty with gait disorders.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our results conservative treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children can be considered less invasive and safe procedure.

Correction of forearm deformities in congenital ulnar club hand: one-bone forearm

PURPOSE

To describe our experience in the correction of congenital ulnar club hand, using the one-bone forearm procedure.

METHODS

Fifteen cases of congenital ulnar club hand treated at Gaslini Children's Hospital of Genoa, Italy, from 1996 to 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. The one-bone forearm procedure was proposed for all 9 cases of type 2 (following the Bayne classification) and then performed in 8 patients with an average age of 5.5 years (range, 3-12 y). At surgery, the patients presented paradoxical hyperextension of the elbow (up to 45° of extension).

RESULTS

Average follow-up was 5.3 years (range, 1 to 13 y). Union of the osteotomy was obtained in all cases. In 7 cases, union occurred in an average of 65 days (range, 45-90 d); in 1 case (surgery at 12 y of age), union was delayed, with recovery 5.5 months after surgery and no need for further surgical procedures. All treated cases showed improvement of forearm function and of grasping ability of the hand (generally tridactyl). In addition, the paradoxical hyperextension movement that was present before surgery disappeared in all patients. Long-term radiographic follow-up showed in all cases the formation of a structure that was morphologically similar to that of the previously resected radial head.

CONCLUSIONS

The one-bone forearm procedure improves malformed forearm functions, thus increasing the possibility of carrying out daily life activities. The creation of the one-bone forearm should be preceded by the release of the distal ulnar anlage, which maintains fixed wrist deformity; this procedure should be performed within the first year of life.

Upper limb nerve injuries in developmental age

Our series includes 105 children with peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb due to trauma. The aim of this study is to validate our therapeutic approach to peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb in children and to identify the suitable waiting time before surgical exploration. Case series examination included evaluation of (1) type of lesion; (2) topographical site of nerve injury; (3) motor and sensory outcome; (4) recovery time; (5) results after surgery. Open injuries (Sunderland V) received immediate treatment with direct suturing or nerve grafts or biological tubules in case of loss of nerve substance. After closed nerve injury, a waiting period of variable duration should precede surgery. Most of the cases had peripheral nerve injuries associated to fracture and cutting lesions followed by injuries due to other causes. Open or closed injuries of the median and radial nerves had a generally favorable prognosis, whereas ulnar nerve injuries (both isolated and associated) had a poor prognosis. Stable skeletal fixation is essential in fractures at risk of nerve involvement. During nerve exploration, secondary surgery interventions were never associated. In the absence of adequate clinical and instrumental response, the authors suggest to resort to nerve surgery at 6 months from injury to accelerate recovery time. Secondary surgery should be delayed as patient's recovery time can be very long. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.

Lower limb nerve injuries in children

The aim of this paper is to emphasize the seriousness of pediatric peripheral nerve injuries of lower limbs and to stress the importance of early exploration of the injured nervous trunk in order to reduce the number of unfavorable outcomes. Among 136 traumatic peripheral nerve injuries in the children we treated, 31 nerve injuries of the lower limbs were observed. Causes of injury and time to recovery were evaluated. The sciatic nerve was involved in 19 cases, peroneal nerve in 11, root avulsions of the spinal cord in 1. We observed complete recovery in 12 cases and incomplete or no recovery at all in 19. The mean time to recovery in patients who underwent surgery was 18 months (range: 1-32). Considering the rate of spontaneous recovery of postinjection nerve injuries of the sciatic nerve and early onset of skeletal deformities, a closed nerve injury of the lower limb with no recovery within 3 months should always undergo surgery, even if complete functional outcome is not always guaranteed.