Flynn Score Research Articles

METHODS OF PERCUTANEOUSFIXATION OF FRAGMENTS IN SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of crossed and lateral fixation of fragments in supracondylar humerus fractures in children and adolescents. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and EMBASE databases from 2015 to December 2023 using the following search terms: "supracondylar fractures of distal humerus in pediatric patients", "treatment", "methods of fixation", "pinning configuration", "biomechanical analysis of pin placement". According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature sources of anatomic-biomechanical and clinical studies related to the use of crossed and lateral fixation of fragments in the case of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children and adolescents were selected and analyzed. The review was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines." Results. A comparison of results from experimental studies investigating the degree of stabilization achieved in the crossed and lateral configurations of fixation structures reveals conflicting conclusions due to the heterogeneity of designs implemented. The principal limitation of lateral fixation is the increased risk of failure of fixation. The outcomes of clinical trials (Flynn criteria) demonstrate that both types of fracture fixation yield equivalent clinical outcomes. One disadvantage of crossed fixation is the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve damage, while another disadvantage is the increased complexity of the surgical technique. Conclusions. The results of anatomical and biomechanical studies indicate that cross-fixation provides more rigid fixation of fragments in supracondylar humerus fractures in children and adolescents. Nevertheless, clinical outcomes based on radiological and functional data (including Flynn's score) demonstrate no significant distinction between the two types of fixation configurations. However, they do indicate a notable risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve damage in cross fixation, which justifies the necessity to utilise a mini-open technique in the medial fixation construct.

Pediatric Subtrochanteric Fracture Treated with Adult Proximal Humerus Locking Plate: A Case Series and Literature Review

Background: A variety of options including titanium elastic nails (TENs) and locking plates (LPs) are available for the internal fixation of subtrochanteric fractures (STFs). However, the preferred treatment option among children and adolescents is still controversial. Methods: We report four cases of STFs in school-aged pediatric patients, treated with an adult proximal humerus LP. Results: Based on the Flynn scoring system at the last follow-up visit, all patients exhibited excellent clinical outcomes, along with satisfactory radiological outcomes based on the Beaty scoring system. There were no complications. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the efficacy of using adult proximal humerus LPs in treating pediatric STFs. The advantage of these plates lies in their ability to accommodate many screws at appropriate positions and angles without damaging the physis. This approach holds promise for the management of pediatric STFs.

External fixator versus elastic stable intramedullary nail for treatment of metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the pediatric distal femur: a case-control study

BackgroundSeveral methods have been used for the treatment of pediatric distal femoral fractures, such as elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), external fixator (EF) and plate osteosynthesis, but there has been no consensus about the optimal method. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome between EF and ESIN techniques used in metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures of the pediatric distal femur.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed operatively treated MDJ fractures of pediatric distal femur between January 2015 and January 2022. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, injury and data of radiography. All of the patients were divided into EF and ESIN groups according to the operation techniques. Malalignment was defined as more than 5 degrees of angular deformity in either plane. Clinical outcomes were measured by Flynn scoring system.ResultsThirty-eight patients were included in this study, among which, 23 were treated with EF, and 15 with ESIN. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (12-24 months). At the final follow-up, all of the fractures were healed. Although there were no statistical differences between the two groups in demographic data, length of stay, estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of open reduction, time to fracture healing and Flynn score, the EF was superior to ESIN in operative time, fluoroscopic exposure and time to partial weight-bearing. The EF group had a significantly higher rate of skin irritation, while the ESIN had a significantly higher rate of malalignment.ConclusionEF and ESIN are both effective methods in the treatment of MDJ fractures of the pediatric distal femur. ESIN is associated with lower rates of skin irritation. However, EF technique has the advantages of shorter operative time, reduced fluoroscopic exposure, and shorter time to partial weight-bearing, as well as lower incidence of malalignment.Level of evidenceLevel III.

Results of quadruple elastic nailing for length unstable fracture femur in pediatrics

Background Length-unstable shaft femur fractures including spiral, long oblique, and comminuted fractures are mechanically unstable under axial, bending, and rotational forces. The risk of shortening, rotation, and malalignment increases substantially with the standard technique using only two nails. Our study was the first to report the results of quadruple elastic nailing for length-unstable femoral fractures on a prospective basis. Moreover, our study was the first to correlate this technique to the operative time and to the radiation exposure time. Patients and methods In all, 26 patients with simple length-unstable pediatric shaft fracture femur were included from October 2020 to October 2022. We used four elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) for fracture fixation. Operative time and radiation exposure time were calculated for each patient. Follow-up of union was judged by radiograph at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The Flynn score was used for evaluation at the 6th month postoperatively. Results Most of the studied cases were associated with excellent outcomes (84.6%) with four cases being associated with satisfactory outcomes (15.4%). Entire cases were associated with full ROM with no recorded angular deformity or rotational deformity. The mean operative time, radiation exposure time, and full union duration were 1.23 ± 0.31 h, 1.26 ± 0.27 min, and 9.08 ± 2.78 weeks, respectively. Conclusion Our case series supports the use of ESIN in length-unstable diaphyseal femur fractures with 26 patients treated with a quartet of ESINs.

Conservative versus surgical treatment of Gartland type II supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of conservative and surgical treatments for Gartland type II supracondylar humerus fractures in children. We assessed 142 patients with type II supracondylar humerus fractures treated in our hospital from February 2018 to February 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: initial conservative treatment (Group A) and initial surgical treatment (Group B). Clinical outcomes were measured by the Flynn scoring system. Variables were analyzed using a statistical approach between those groups. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The rate of loss reduction was 19.8% in patients treated conservatively, and the incidence of pin infections was 7.1% in patients treated surgically. Although there were no statistical differences between the three groups in fracture healing time and Flynn score, the conservative treatment was superior to surgical treatment in functional recovery times. At the last follow-up, all fractures had healed without iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury, Volkmann's contracture, or cubit varus deformity. Conservative treatment is safe and effective for the treatment of Gartland type II supracondylar fracture and represents a faster recovery time of elbow range of motion as compared with surgical treatment. Type IIB had a 41.3% risk of secondary displacement versus 5.3% for IIA, but we still prefer closed reduction. However, closed reduction of Garland type II must be followed accurately in the first 2 weeks to identify patients with loss of reduction. The patients who loss reduction can be treated with percutaneous pinning, and the clinical effect was consistent with immediate surgical treatment. Level of evidence: level III.

A new technique of intramedullary elastic reduction of the “de-sharpened” Kirschner wire for the treatment of Gartland type III posterolateral displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effects of intramedullary elastic reduction of the “de-sharpened Kirschner wire and traditional three-dimensional manipulation in the treatment of Gartland type III posterolateral supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was made on 106 cases of Gartland type III posterolateral supracondylar fracture of the humerus treated in the Department of Orthopaedics of a Children’s Hospital from March 2020 to March 2022. According to different surgical technology, the patients were divided into two groups: intramedullary elastic reduction of the de-sharpened Kirschner wire group (experimental group, n = 50) and traditional three-dimensional manipulation group (control group, n = 56). The surgical operating time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, postoperative Baumann angle changes, postoperative elbow function Flynn score, and complications were collected and compared between the two groups.ResultsAll the enrolled cases underwent surgery successfully and were followed-up at least 6 months. The surgical operating time of the experimental group was 32.88 ± 3.69 min and that of the control group was 45.56 ± 10.13 min, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The intraoperative fluoroscopy times were 20.62 ± 5.41 times in the experimental group and 32.48 ± 8.20 times in the control group (P < 0.05). The change of Baumann angle in the experimental group after operation was 2.3 ± 1.3 and that in the control group was 6.0 ± 2.1 (P < 0.5). Elbow joint Flynn scoring standard to evaluate the curative effect: the excellent and good rate was 98.00% (49/50) in the experimental group and 92.86% (52/56) in the control group (P > 0.5). There were no complications such as osteomyelitis, compartment syndrome, iatrogenic vascular and nerve injury, and myositis ossificans in either group.ConclusionsGood functional outcome can be obtained with both intramedullary elastic reduction of the de-sharpened Kirschner wire and traditional three-dimensional manipulation for Gartland type III posterolateral displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children; however, the former does not need repeated manipulation, and the operation time is shorter, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy is less, and the recovery of the Baumann angle is better.

Application of Kirschner wire placement guided technology in paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

BackgroundTo analyze the clinical efficacy of K-wire placement guided technology in paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in 105 patients who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning surgeries in our hospital from June 2019 to August 2022. 54 patients treated with a assisted reduction fixation device to assist in closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire cross-fixation were allocated into the Non-guided group, and 51 patients with K-wire placement guided technology to guide K-wire placement were assigned into the Guided group. The operation duration, number of disposable K-wire placement, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, Baumann angle, carrying angle, fracture healing time and Flynn score of elbow joint function at the final follow-up were compared between two groups. The postoperative complications of two groups were recorded.ResultsThere were significant differences between two groups in terms of operation duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and disposable K-wire placement rate (p < 0. 05), while no significant differences of Baumann angle, carrying angle and the fracture healing time between two groups were observed (p > 0. 05). In the control group, ulnar nerve injury in 2 case, pin site infection in 4 cases, mild cubitus varus in 2 cases and loss of reduction in 4 cases were detected. In the study group, ulnar nerve injury in 1 case, pin site infection in 2 cases and loss of reduction in 1 case was observed. There was no significant difference in Flynn scores between two groups.ConclusionK-wire placement guided technology is simple and convenient. The application of K-wire placement guided technology could relatively improved disposable K-wire placement rate, shorten the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequencies and reduce complication rates.

Kirschner wire reconstruction of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge in the treatment of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

Aim and objectiveTo compare the clinical effect of reconstruction of internal and lateral column periosteal hinge-assisted treatment with Kirschner wire and internal fixation with Kirschner wire in the treatment of multidirectional unstable supracondylar fractures of humerus in children.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 48 patients (31 male, 17 female; mean age: 6.7 ± 2.4 years old) with multidirectionally unstable supracondylar fractures of the humerus treated in our Hospital from August 2020 to August 2022. Twenty-five cases were treated with Kirschner wire reconstruction of the internal and lateral column periosteal hinge assisted by closed reduction and Kirschner wire internal fixation (study group). Twenty-three cases were treated with closed reduction and Kirschner wire internal fixation (control group). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, percentage of patients who underwent open reduction after failure of closed reduction, fracture healing time, Baumann angle (BA), shaft-condylar angle (SCA), range of motion (ROM), and Flynn score of elbow at the last follow-up were compared between two groups. Complications such as infection and irritation of Kirschner wire tail were observed in two groups 2 months after the operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 10–22 months ([13.85 ± 2.89] months). The average operation time of the control group was 82.1 min, which was significantly longer than that of the study group 32.3 min (P < 0.05). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy (29.4 ± 9.2) in the control group was significantly higher than that in the study group (15.2 ± 6.3) (P < 0.05). The incision rate of the control group was 17% while that of the study group was 0 (P < 0.05). According to Flynn score, the excellent and good rate of the elbow joint in the control group was 86.9% (20/23). The excellent and good rate of the elbow joint in the study group was 92.0% (23/25) (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, BA, SCA, and ROM between the two groups (P > 0.05). No infection or Kirschner wire tail irritation occurred in the two groups during the 2-month follow-up.ConclusionReconstruction of internal and lateral periosteal hinges with Kirscher wire has similar effects to closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, but it can shorten the operation time and reduce intraoperative fluoroscopy times and incision rate.

Submuscular plating vs. elastic stable intramedullary nailing for diaphyseal femur fractures in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review evaluates the safety and efficacy of submuscular plating (SMP) vs. elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in the treatment of pediatric femur shaft fracture. Studies comparing the efficacy and safety of SMP and ESIN in pediatric shaft fracture were retrieved from five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, OVID, and Web of Science) from inception to March 2023 using a systematic literature search strategy. A total of 13 outcome measures, such as perioperative parameters, clinical outcomes, and radiographic results, were included in the meta-analysis. Eight eligible studies involving 491 patients were included in the narrative synthesis. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Meta-analysis showed reduced radiation time (RT), soft tissue irritation and angular deformation in the SMP group than in the ESIN group. However, the SMP group had greater estimated blood loss (EBL) than the ESIN group. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay (LOS), implant removal, complications requiring surgery, Flynn score, incidence of infection, fracture healing time, and limb length discrepancy (LLD) were similar between the two groups. Only one study reported higher incidences of fracture nonunion or delayed healing in the ESIN group. SMP is an effective and safe intervention superior to ESIN in reducing soft tissue irritation, angular deformation and radiation time. Given the presence of potential bias and heterogeneity, surgeons should select the treatment that would provide the best outcomes for EBL, LOS, operation time, and bone nonunion or delayed healing based on their experience. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023404118, Identifier PROSPERO (CRD42021228512).

Reconstruction of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge using Kirschner wire to assist in closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children

To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children. A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. All the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant ( P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group ( P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant ( P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference ( P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation. For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.

Functional Outcome of Pediatric Subtrochanteric Fractures Treated With a Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS) Versus Plating.

Introduction Uncertainty exists regarding the ideal course of therapy for subtrochanteric fractures in children of intermediate age. These fractures arechallenging to treat, with scarce literature-based evidence to support a definitive implant. The ideal course of treatment should consider the patient's weight, age, femoral canal size, associated injuries, fracture stability, and surgeon's experience. A subtrochanteric femoral fracture in a child between the age of 5-12 is difficult to treat. For these patients, there is debate concerning the optimal internal fixation, hence this study was conducted to try and determine the superior mode of treatment for these fractures. The objective of this study is to compare functional outcomes of subtrochanteric fractures in the paediatric age group operated on with titanium elastic nail and plate fixation and the complications associated with both treatment modalities. Materials and methods Thisis a retrospective observational study of 40 cases that were admitted and operated on in the hospital of the current study from May 2007 to November 2021. Twenty patients underwent titanium elastic nailing system (TENS)nailing and the other 20 patients underwent plating for subtrochanteric fractures. The surgeries were conducted at our institute and patients were followed up at one-, three-, and six-month intervals. The final functional results were calculated with the help of the Flynn scoring system. Results Out of 40 patients involved in the present study, 17 were female while 23 were male. Twenty patients received treatment with titanium elastic nails, and the remaining twenty received plating. The majority of the patients were males around 9.6 years of age on average in the plating group and 8.9 years in the nailing group. In comparison to 75% of participants in the plating group, 40% of patients who received nailing showed excellent results. Results were satisfactory for five patients who received titanium elastic nails and one who received plating. The only poor outcomes were noticed in six people (30%) in TENS and three people (15%) in the plating group who went through unplanned surgery for complications. In comparison to the plating group, the overall rate of complication was much greater in the TENS group. Conclusion We would like to conclude our study that, in accordance with Flynn's score, both elastic nailing and plating stabilization can produce positive functional outcomes. Both groups have a similar percentage of excellent and good results.We also conclude that the overall complication rate is slightly higher for patients treated with TENSwhen compared to plating for subtrochanteric fractures.

Treatment of Diaphyseal Fractures of the Femur in Paediatric Age Group: A Comparative Study of Locking Compression Plate Versus Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS).

Background: Diaphyseal femur fractures are commonly seen in the paediatric age group as there is an increase in the incidence of road traffic accidents. Titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) and plating are the common methods used for paediatric long bone fracture fixation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate and compare functional and radiological outcomes of paediatric femur diaphyseal fractures treated with locking compression plates and with TENS.Methods: Our study included 59 patients diagnosed with femur shaft fracture. Twenty-eight patients included in group one underwent open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plates and 31 patients in group two underwent open reduction/closed reduction with intramedullary TENS. All post-operation patients were evaluated at four, eight, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 36 weeks. The functional outcome was assessed based on the Flynn scoring system and radiological union based on fracture union on X-ray.Results: We analyzed our data using the Flynn scoring system. In group one, out of 28 cases treated with locking compression plates, 25 (89%) were excellent, two (7.5%) were satisfactory, and one (3.5%) was poor. In group two, out of 31 cases treated with intramedullary TENS, 26 (83.8%) were excellent and five (16.2%) were satisfactory. In our study, the average union time in group one was 11.4 weeks and in group two was 14.41 weeks. Fracture union was 100% in both groups.Conclusion: In our study, we noted that the union of the femur shaft was early with the use of locking compression plates. In TENS, there was less intraoperative blood loss, very minimal postoperative scar, and less soft tissue damage. Also, implant removal was easier compared to locking compression plates.

Management of both bone forearm fracture using titanium elastic nailing system in pediatric age group

Background: The management of pediatric forearm fracture has been a dilemma to surgeon. Conservative treatment with cast still is the preferred treatment. Never the less old children and proximal fracture warrants some form of internal fixation. Aims and Objective: The aims of this were to analyze the role of titanium elastic nailing system in fixation of pediatric forearm fractures and its associated complications. Materials and Methods: Over 3 years, 103 patients were enrolled in our institute. After obtaining consent and preanesthetic check-up, patients were scheduled for surgery, where internal fixation was done using titanium elastic nailing system. Patients were followed up every month for 3 months and then every 3 months interval for 8 months. The time to union and functional score were assessed using modified Flynn score. Results: Among the 103 patients, 63 (61.16%) were in the age group of 7–13 years. Mean age was 11.72±3.50 years (range 4–18 years). Seventy-eight (75.72%) patients were male and fall from height was the most common 66 (64%) mode of injury. Radiological union occurred in most 54 (52.42%) of the patients at average 5–7 weeks. As per the modified Flynn criteria, 82 (79.61%) cases had excellent functional outcome, 11 (10.67%) cases good, 4 (4.12%) fair, and 6 (5.82%) had poor outcome. Neuropraxia was seen in 8 (7.76%) cases and rupture of extensor pollicis brevis was seen in 4 (4.12%) patients and treated accordingly. All the patients regained full functional recovery. Conclusion: TENS is an effective, safe, reliable, and easily reproducible technique for the management of pediatric forearm fractures. It has advantage of preserving the fracture hematoma, providing relative stability to ensue early rehabilitation and minimally invasive nature.

An Alternative Fixation Option for Subtrochanteric Femur Fractures in Children: Adult Proximal Humerus Plate.

Subtrochanteric femur fractures are unstable injuries due to strong muscle forces on the proximal femur. The ideal fixation device is controversial in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures in children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of subtrochanteric femur fractures in children treated with an adult proximal humerus plate. A total of 9 patients [mean age at surgery, 8.3 years (range: 7 to 12); mean follow-up period, 28.1 months (range: 12 to 56)] who underwent surgery due to a subtrochanteric femur fracture and treated with an adult proximal humerus between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Four of the patients had a pathological fracture associated with a benign bone tumor while 5 patients had a nonpathological fracture. The clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed using the Flynn scoring system at the latest follow-up. Time to union and complications were recorded. All patients demonstrated a solid fusion of the fracture site and were able to bear full weight at the latest follow-up. The mean time to union was 8.2 weeks (range: 6 to 10). Based on the Flynn scoring system at the latest follow-up, seven patients had excellent clinical outcomes and two patients had satisfactory outcomes. Two patients had limb length discrepancy, and one patient had coxa valga and a limb length discrepancy of 16mm. There were no patients with nonunion, infection, implant failure, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and heterotopic bone formation. This study suggests that the adult proximal humerus plate may be an effective alternative fixation option in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures in children, including pathological fractures. Level IV, Case series.

Closed reduction and titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femoral and tibial fractures in children

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological results of children who were treated using titanium elastic nail (TEN) for femoral and tibial diaphyseal fractures.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 49 (15 female, 34 male) femur shaft fractures (FF group) and 35 (12 female, 23 male) tibial shaft fractures (TF group) were retrospectively analyzed. Time until the operation (in days), duration of hospital stays (in days), time to union (in weeks), and the time to implant removal (in months) were recorded. In the final follow up; limb length discrepancy (mm), angulation, restrictions in the range of hip and knee joint motion were measured. Flynn Score was used for clinical results.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 7.96 in the FF group and 9.34 in the TF group. The mean follow-up time was 51.3 months in the FF Group and 58.3 months in the TF group. The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.4 days in both groups. The mean time for bony union was 9.7 weeks and 10.7 weeks for the FF and the TF groups, respectively. The mean time to implant removal was 7.1 months and 6.22 months for the FF and the TF groups, respectively. Flynn scores were poor in 3 patients, successful in 6 patients and excellent in 40 patients in the FF group; whereas it was poor in 1 patient, successful in 2 patients and excellent in 32 patients in the TF group. None of the patients had major complications. Bony union was achieved in all patients. &#x0D; Conclusion: Intramedullary fixation using TEN is a successful treatment method with satisfactory clinical results and low complication rates for pediatric femoral and tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Closed Reduction Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation with Kirschner Wires in 4 Children with Displaced Fractures of the Distal Humerus.

BackgroundThis study describes the use of closed reduction percutaneous intramedullary fixation with Kirschner wires in 4 children with displaced metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures of the distal humerus.Material/MethodsBetween August 2016 and August 2019, 4 patients (3 boys and 1 girl), whose mean age was 4 years 5 months (range: 3 years 6 months to 5 years 4 months), with displaced MDJ fractures of the distal humerus were treated using closed reduction percutaneous intramedullary fixation with Kirschner wires. Three of the fractures were oblique and 1 was transverse. The operation time and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy were recorded. All children were followed up for greater than 18 months, taking anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the elbow joint to evaluate the outcomes. At the last follow-up, the Flynn elbow joint function score was used to evaluate clinical outcomes, and complications were recorded.ResultsThe mean operation time was 37.5 min (range: 35–40 min) and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy was 11.7 times (range: 8–15 times). All of the fractures were confirmed to be healed based on radiographic results at 4 weeks after surgery. At the last follow-up, 4 children had normal elbow joint motion without elbow deformity. The Flynn score showed their outcomes were excellent.ConclusionsClosed reduction percutaneous intramedullary fixation using Kirschner wires was an effective treatment for displaced MDJ fractures of the distal humerus in the 4 children described and was shown to be easy to perform with a short operation time.

Comparative Effectiveness of Closed Reduction With Percutaneous Pinning and Open Reduction With Internal Fixation in the Operative Management of Pediatric Type III Supracondylar Fractures.

BackgroundSupracondylar fracture with total displacement is classified as Gartland type 3. The operative management for this type of fracture can be closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRPP) or open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). This study aims to determine whether CRPP or ORIF led to smaller changes in Baumann’s angle, the carrying angle, loss of motion, and complication when treating pediatric supracondylar fractures.MethodologyIn a retrospective cohort design, pediatric patients presenting with supracondylar fractures at a tertiary care hospital in Bahrain between March and October of 2021 were enrolled. The collected data included age, gender, nationality, mechanism of injury, neurovascular status, type of surgery performed, follow-up period, range of motion, complications, Baumann’s angle, carrying angle, and loss of motion. The changes in Baumann’s angle, carrying angle, and reduction sufficiency were compared to the literature using Flynn’s criteria for supracondylar fractures.ResultsThis study included the records of 60 patients with supracondylar fractures. In total, 28 patients underwent CRPP (group A), whereas 32 underwent ORIF (group B). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.037) between group A and group B was noted when combining the loss of carrying angle scores and the loss of motion scores to form the final Flynn score. In group A, 26 (92.8%) cases had satisfactory results; 75% of these cases were excellent or good. According to Flynn’s criteria, all patients in group B were satisfactory; 93.75% of these cases were excellent or good. The loss of motion was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.038). The mean loss of carrying angle was significantly different between the two groups, with 5.51 ± 3.03 degrees for group A and 4.23 ± 1.85 degrees for group B (p = 0.023). The study had only two cases with unsatisfactory ratings belonging to group A.ConclusionsIn pediatric patients presenting with type 3 supracondylar fractures, when compared to CRPP, ORIF was associated with less loss of motion, less loss of carrying angle, higher overall satisfactory results according to Flynn’s criteria, and fewer complications.

Outcome of Management of Pediatric Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture with Broad Dynamic Compression Plate and Proximal Cancellous Screw through the Femoral Neck

Introduction: Pediatric subtrochanteric femoral fracture can be managed with traction followed by spica, intramedullary elastic nailing, plating or external fixators. The prognosis largely depends on adequate reduction and stable fixation. Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome of pediatric subtrochanteric femoral fracture treated with broad dynamic compression plate. Methods: This prospective observational study consisted of 32 children between the age 7 to 15 years, with an average of 10.06 years ± 2.29, with subtrochanteric femoral fracture. Fractures were reduced by an open reduction through lateral approach and stabilized with a broad dynamic compression plate along with a proximal cancellous screw through the femoral neck. All patients were followed for 15 months and the results were evaluated on the basis of Flynn scoring system. Results: All fractures united with a mean duration of 12.6 weeks ± 0.91. Average hospital stay was 8.43 days (5 to 14 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 84.38% (27 patients) and satisfactory in 15.62% (5 patients). Full weight bearing was started after mean duration of 16.62 weeks ± 0.91. Implants were removed at an average of 11.21 months ± 1.06. There were no significant limb length discrepancies, deep infections, re-fracture, osteomyelitis and avascular necrosis. Conclusion: This prospective study showed good functional outcome in pediatric patients having subtrochanteric femoral fractures who were treated with a broad dynamic compression plate and a proximal cancellous screw through neck.

Modified Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Kirschner Wires Internal Fixation for Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most frequent fractures of the paediatric elbow. The present study introduced a modified surgical procedure for treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children. From February 2015 to August 2019, 73 patients with Gartland's type II and III supracondylar fractures were treated with this modified method. Totally, 68 of all patients were followed up for 3-12 months (mean 8.25 months). The evaluation results included fracture nonunion, ulnar nerve injury, pin track infection, carrying angle and elbow joint Flynn score. The results showed that bone union was observed in all children, one case had an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, and the symptoms were completely relieved in 4 months after removing of the medial-side pin. All children had no cubitus varus deformity and no pin track infection, and the rate of satisfactory results according to Flynn's criteria score was 100%. The modified closed reduction and Kirschner wires internal fixation could effectively reduce the rate of open reduction, the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, and the incidence of cubitus varus deformity in treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Factors associated with treatment outcomes of patients hospitalized with severe maxillofacial infections at a tertiary center

ObjectivesThe purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the variables associated with length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, intensive care unit (ICU) use, and treatment outcomes in patients hospitalized for maxillofacial infections at a tertiary medical center in South Korea.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted for patients admitted for treatment of maxillofacial infections at Dankook University Hospital from January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2020. A total of 390 patient charts were reviewed and included in the final statistical analyses.ResultsAverage LOS and hospital bill per patient of this study was 11.47 days, and ₩4,710,017.25 ($4,216.67), respectively. Of the 390 subjects, 97.3% were discharged routinely following complete recovery, 1.0% expired following treatment, and 0.8% were transferred to another hospital. In multivariate linear regression analyses to determine variables associated with LOS, admission year, infection side, Flynn score, deep neck infection, cardiovascular disease, admission C-reactive protein (CRP) and glucose levels, number and length of surgical interventions, tracheostomy, time elapsed from admission to first surgery, and length of ICU stay accounted for 85.8% of the variation. With regard to the total hospital bill, significantly associated variables were age, type of insurance, Flynn score, number of comorbidities, admission CRP, white blood cell, and glucose levels, admission temperature, peak temperature, surgical intervention, the length, type, and location of surgery, tracheostomy, time elapsed from admission to first surgery, and length of ICU use, which accounted for 90.4% of the variation. Age and ICU use were the only variables significantly associated with unfavorable discharge outcomes in multivariate logistic regression analysis.ConclusionFor successful and cost-effective management of maxillofacial infections, clinicians to be vigilant about the decision to admit patients with maxillofacial infections, perform appropriate surgery at an adequate time, and admit them to the ICU.