Limb Length Discrepancy Research Articles

Reasons for malpractice claims after primary total hip arthroplasty in France: Insurance data from 240 claims from 2014 to 2017

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most frequent orthopedic surgery procedures, and orthopedic surgeons are among the most frequently accused of malpractice by their patients. Identifying the main reasons for malpractice claims after THA is a prior condition to reducing their frequency. The quality of the preoperative risk information given to the patient by the surgeon is crucial for these purposes. Data specific to THA are sparse in France, and we therefore conducted a retrospective study (1) to determine whether the outcome of medico-legal expert appraisal correlated with the quality and traceability of preoperative information, and (2) to identify the most frequent grounds for complaint after primary THA. HypothesisThe quality of patient information partly determines expert appraisal. Material and methodA retrospective study was conducted based on data from the Branchet medical professional insurance agency for malpractice claims following THA over the period 2014–2017, with 240 complete files, for 125 women and 115 men. Data comprised: type of procedure, main grounds of complaint (complications), positive or negative expert appraisal, quality of preoperative patient information, amounts of compensation accorded and fees paid, and the practitioner's liability. We assessed correlations between information quality and liability. ResultsSurgical site infection and neurologic deficit were the two main grounds for malpractice claims. In the 240 files, cases for 106 operations (44.2%) were submitted to arbitration, 95 (39.6%) were brought to court, and 39 (16.2%) were settled out of court. The practitioner was held at least partly liable in 40 files (16.7%). Information to the patient was deemed imperfect or poor for 119 files (49.6%) and good in 121 (50.4%). Mean compensation was €30,940 (range, €0 to €198,100). In 27 of the 40 cases of liability (67.5%), the information to the patient was deemed imperfect or poor. Twenty-six of the 40 cases (65%) were settled out of court. In case of poor information, there was a significant risk for the practitioner to be held liable: 7.5 vs. 25% (p=0.003). DiscussionThe present study listed the main complications underlying malpractice claims after THA: infection, neurologic complications, and limb-length discrepancy. This should enable practitioners to improve patient information so as to reduce the rate of malpractice claims or at least decrease the practitioner's liability, as the study found a correlation between information quality and expert appraisal. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective study.

Parietal abdominal pain with lower leg discrepancy: a case report

BackgroundThis report involves the first publication describing a case of parietal abdominal pain due to lower limb length discrepancy.Case presentationA Caucasian male patient in his 50s was referred to our rehabilitation department with chronic abdominal pain that began in childhood. This chronic pain was associated with episodes of acute pain that were partially relieved by grade 3 analgesics. The patient was unable to sit for long periods, had recently lost his job, and was unable to participate in recreational activities with his children. Investigations revealed contracture and hypertrophy of the external oblique muscle and an limb length discrepancy of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) in the left lower limb. The patient was effectively treated with a heel raise, physiotherapy, intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin, and lidocaine. The patient achieved the therapeutic goals of returning to work, and reducing analgesic use.ConclusionsStructural misbalances, as may be caused by lower leg discrepancy, may trigger muscular compensations and pain. Complete anamnesis and clinical examination must not be trivialized and may reveal previously ignored information leading to a proper diagnosis.

Importance of bone health in bone lengthening

Distraction osteogenesis describes the process of growing new bone (“regenerate”) to correct limb length discrepancies or limb deformities. Whether pure lengthening or a combination of lengthening and straightening is involved, this represents one of the highest anabolic demands on bone in orthopedic surgery. Because distraction osteogenesis requires the formation of new bone, often in large amounts, it is critically important to evaluate the bone health of any potential surgical patient. Patients undergoing limb lengthening, therefore, would be expected to be especially sensitive to poor bone health. This article will review opportunities to assess and potentially improve bone health for limb lengthening patients. Key Concepts-Many potential limb lengthening patients may be Vitamin D deficient or insufficient.-Other simple nutraceuticals such as Boron, Magnesium, Calcium, Silicon, Vitamin K, L-arginine, and Inositol should be considered as adjuncts to bone health.- Intra-operative technique such as minimally invasive incisions that protect the blood supply and periosteum combined with osteotomies that maximize the bone surface area are recommended.- Numerous proposed pharmacological and mechanical interventions to improve and accelerate the healing of the regenerate bone look promising but are still investigational.

Is step-cut shortening osteotomy a better choice than transverse osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type III-IV hip dysplasia?

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty for developmental hip dysplasia is a challenging surgery due to anatomic abnormalities. Crowe III and Crowe IV hip dysplasia generally necessitates a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. Transverse and step-cut osteotomy are the most common procedures for shortening of femur although there is still no consensus which one is a superior method. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether transverse or step-cut osteotomy is superior in hips who undergo arthroplasty for high riding hip dysplasia. HypothesisOur hypothesis was that higher rates of union would be achieved in patients with Crowe III-IV hip dysplasia when the step-cut osteotomy was performed compared to transverse osteotomies. Material and methodsA total of 99 hips from 90 patients (9 bilateral, 81 unilateral; 79 female, 11 male), each with a minimum follow-up duration of two years, were included in this study. The hips were classified as Crowe III (n=16) or IV (n=83). All hips were implanted cementless. Transverse or step-cut osteotomy was chosen for osteotomy type. The clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), limb length discrepancy (LLD), and limping. The complications and management of these were noted. The union rates were compared between osteotomy types. ResultsThe mean age at surgery was 48.8 (range, 21–79 years). The follow-up period was 64.3 months in average (range, 24 to 192 months). The mean Harris Hip Score before surgery was 35.6 (range, 18–50), and increased to 88.1 (range, 61–98) points at the most recent follow-up. The preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) measured 5.3cm (with a range of 3 to 6.8), while the postoperative LLD reduced to 0.8cm (with a range of 0 to 1.6). There were a total of 38 complications in 35 patients out of 99 cases, resulting in a complication rate of 38.4%. The most frequent complication observed was intraoperative femoral fractures, occurring in 13 cases. Residual limping was seen in 73.7% of all. Step-cut osteotomy was performed in 64 hips (35 CDH stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA], 29 Wagner Cone stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA]) and, transverse in 35 hips (22 CDH, 13 Wagner Cone). Six hips had nonunion problem and all of them were operated with a step-cut osteotomy (z-score: –7.12 and p<0.00001, Mann-Whitney U Test). ConclusionTransverse osteotomy may be a better option while performing a shortening subtrochanteric level osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe III-IV hips. Level of evidenceLevel III; observational retrospective cohort study.

Management of a Proximal Femoral Central Physeal Bar in a 3-Year-Old Child Using a Novel Surgical Technique: A Case Report.

We present a proximal femoral central physeal bar secondary to femoral neck fracture management, in a 3-year-old boy. He presented with progressive femoral neck deformity and limb length discrepancy. He was managed with a novel technique of bar resection by drilling and polymethylmethacrylate interposition. After 5 years of follow-up, the hip score by Ratliff criteria was good. Screw penetration across physis during management of femoral neck fracture can cause growth arrest in a young child. Our technique is useful when physeal bar is central and linear. It can allow sufficient growth and remodeling to restore a near-normal hip both radiologically and clinically.

Incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: A report from the Swiss childhood cancer survivor study.

Childhood cancer and its treatment can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system. We aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions (MSHC) in survivors, and to investigate differences by cancer-related characteristics. We used data from the Childhood Cancer Registry and the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, including survivors (≥5 years since diagnosis; diagnosed 1976-2015 at <20 years of age) aged ≥15 years at study. Cumulative incidence and prevalence of MSHCs (osteoporosis, limb length discrepancy, limited joint mobility, bone/joint pain, scoliosis, changes to chest/ribs and amputation) were calculated from self-reported data. We included 2645 survivors (53% men; median age 24 years, range 15-59 years). Prevalence and cumulative incidence of any MSHC was 21% and 26%, respectively. Incidence rate for any MSHC was 15.6/1000 person-years. Scoliosis (8%), bone/joint pain (7%) and limited joint mobility (7%) were the most prevalent MSHC. MSHC co-occurred with other health conditions in 87% of survivors. We found increased rates of MSHC in women (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2-1.7), bone tumour survivors (RR = 6.0, 95%CI: 4.5-7.9), survivors older at diagnosis (11-15 years: RR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.5-2.3), after a relapse (RR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.9), treatment with surgery (RR = 1.2, 95%CI: 1.0-1.5), chemotherapy (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) or stem cell transplantation (RR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.0-2.5), and more recent year of diagnosis (2011-2015: RR = 4.3, 95%CI: 2.8-6.8). MSHCs are prevalent in survivors, the risk is increasing in younger survivor cohorts, and MSHCs usually occur in multimorbid survivors. Strengthening of rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals are needed to mitigate the effects of the cancer and cancer treatment.

Revision Rates and Causes in Total Hip Replacement: A Systematic Review

Total hip replacement is a common surgery to treat severe hip joint pain and dysfunction. Although total hip replacement is generally safe and effective, complications, including revision, are risks. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to analyze revision rates and causes of total hip replacement. This research uses a systematic literature review method following PRISMA guidelines. The data collection technique in this research uses literature study techniques. Literature searches were conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The data that has been collected is then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results showed that factors such as infection, dislocation, limb length discrepancy, and other complications play an important role in determining the revision rate and success of replacement. Precautions include using a povidone-iodine mouthwash before treatment to reduce the risk of infection and implementing better blood management protocols to optimize total hip replacement results. This study implies an in-depth understanding of the risk factors associated with revision total hip replacement, which is essential in managing patients undergoing this procedure. By paying closer attention to these factors, medical practitioners can increase the success of total hip replacement and reduce the number of revisions required, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

A Novel Approach for Correcting Limb Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the suture technique, along with the utilization of a spirit-level devicewhich is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal or vertical, in comparison to the conventional supraacetabular pin method and caliper measurement for correcting leg length discrepancy (LLD) during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materialsand methods: Consecutive patients who underwent unilateral primary THA between January 2021 and March 2023 were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were severe flexion and adduction contracture that could affect the accuracy of measurements, a history of lower extremity surgery, the presence of lower extremity deformity, and the absence of postoperative full-length radiographs. Patients were allocated into two groups based on the technique employed for correcting LLD during THA. Group 1 (n=62) consisted of patients evaluated using the suture technique with a spirit-level device, while group 2 (n=75) comprised patients who underwent the supraacetabular pin method with caliper measurement. The distance between the inter-teardrop line and the tip of the lesser trochanter was measured for both hips to assess LLD. The mean preoperative LLD was similar between groups, which was 11.6 ± 9.1 mm in group 1 and 9.5 ± 9.8 mm in group 2 (p=0.191). Postoperatively, group 1 had a significantly lower LLD compared to group 2 (p<0.001). According to the results obtained from this study, the use of a suture technique in conjunction with a spirit-level device to achieve a consistent leg position is an effective method for correcting LLD during THA.

Ultrasound Duplex Scanning of Vessels in the Diagnosis of Limb Length Discrepancy in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Vascular Malformations

Ultrasound Duplex Scanning of Vessels in the Diagnosis of Limb Length Discrepancy in Pediatric Patients with Congenital Vascular Malformations

The Relationship Between Height and Income With Potential Application to Treatment of Limb Length Discrepancy.

Purpose When treating limb length discrepancy (LLD), decisions regarding lengthening versus contralateral shortening require careful consideration of deformity and patient factors. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) database, and income as a quantitative representation of overall socioeconomic benefit, we sought to determine the height at which incremental gains in height have the greatest value. Methods Using the NLSY79 database, we collected demographic data, height, yearly income from wages, college education (full- or part-time), and receipt of government financial aid. Multiple-linear regression and graphical analysis were performed. Results The study population included 9,652 individuals, 4,775 (49.5%) males and 4,877 (50.5%) females. Mean heights were 70.0±3.0 inches and 64.3±2.6 inches for males and females, respectively. Multiple-linear regression analysis (adjusted-r²=0.33) demonstrated height had a standardized-ß=0.097 (p<0.001), even when accounting for confounding factors. Using graphical analysis, we estimated cut-offs of 74 inches for males and 69 inches for females, beyond which income decreased with incremental height. Conclusions Using income as a quantitative representation of socioeconomic value, our analysis found income increased with incremental height in individuals with predicted heights up to 74 inches for males and 69 inches for females. Shortening procedures might receive more consideration at predicted heights greater than these cut-offs, while lengthening might be more strongly considered at the lower ranges of height. Additionally, our multiple-linear regression analysis confirms the correlation between height and income, when factoring in other predictors of income.

Microwave Ablation of the Pig Growth Plate: Proof of Concept for Minimally Invasive Epiphysiodesis.

Different surgical methods for epiphysiodesis of limb length discrepancy (LLD) have been described. Although these methods are variably effective, they are associated with morbidity (pain and limp) and potential complications. Microwave ablation is a less-invasive opportunity to halt growth by selectively destroying the growth plate via thermal energy to treat LLD in children. In this proof-of-concept study using an in vivo pig model, we asked: (1) What is the durability of response 2 to 4 months after microwave ablation of the tibial growth plate as measured by length and angulation of the tibia via a CT scan? (2) Was articular cartilage maintained as measured by standard histologic staining for articular cartilage viability? To develop an in vivo protocol for microwave ablation, we placed microwave antennas adjacent to the proximal tibia growth plate in the cadaveric hindlimbs of 18 3-month-old pigs. To determine the suitable time, we varied ablation from 90 to 270 seconds at 65-W power settings. After sectioning the tibia, we visually assessed for discoloration (implying growth plate destruction) that included the central growth plate but did not encroach into the epiphysis in a manner that could disrupt the articular surface. Using this information, we then performed microwave ablation on three live female pigs (3.5 to 4 months old) to evaluate physiologic changes and durability of response. A postprocedure MRI was performed to ensure the intervention led to spatial growth plate alterations similar to that seen in cadavers. This was followed by serial CT, which was used to assess the potential effect on local bone and growth until the animals were euthanized 2 to 4 months after the procedure. We analyzed LLD, angular deformity, and bony deformity using CT scans of both tibias. The visibility of articular cartilage was compared with that of the contralateral tibia via standard histologic staining, and growth rates of the proximal tibial growth plate were compared via fluorochrome labeling. Eighteen cadaveric specimens showed ablation zones across the growth plate without visual damage to the articular surface. The three live pigs did not exhibit changes in gait or require notable pain medication after the procedure. Each animal demonstrated growth plate destruction, expected limb shortening (0.8, 1.2, and 1.5 cm), and bony cavitation around the growth plate. Slight valgus bone angulation (4º, 5º, and 12º) compared with the control tibia was noted. No qualitatively observable articular cartilage damage was encountered from the histologic comparison with the contralateral tibia for articular cartilage thickness and cellular morphology. A microwave antenna placed into a pig's proximal tibia growth plate can slow the growth of the tibia without apparent pain and alteration of gait and function. Further investigation and refinement of our animal model is ongoing and includes shorter ablation times and comparison of dynamic ablation (moving the antennae during the ablation) as well as static ablation of the tibia from a medial and lateral portal. These refinements and planned comparison with standard mechanical growth arrest in our pig model may lead to a similar approach to ablate growth plates in children with LLD.

Free Vascularized Proximal Fibular Epiphyseal Transfer For Hip Reconstruction Following Septic Necrosis In Children.

Septic necrosis of the femoral head and neck in children represents a challenging problem. Several reconstructive techniques have been described but with disappointing long-term results. Vascularized epiphyseal transfer utilizing the proximal fibula have been successfully used for reconstruction of the proximal humerus and distal radius and only scarcely used for hip reconstruction. This cohort represents the largest reported series of epiphyseal transfer for hip reconstruction following septic necrosis in children. A total of 18 patients with an average age at surgery of 5.4 years were included. The average follow-up was 3.6 years (range 2.3 to 6.8y). Transient postoperative foot drop was observed in 4 patients. Radiographic resorption of the transferred fibula occurred in 2 cases. Longitudinal growth averaged 7.3mm/year, and the physis width increased by an average of 2.7mm/year. The rate of longitudinal growth was fastest after the age of 10 years (18.5mm/y), which coincides with the pubertal growth spurt. All successful transfers had an open growth plate on final follow-up radiographs. Ten patients had limb length discrepancy of an average 2.8cm (range 1 to 8cm). Thirteen patients had satisfactory functional according to the criteria of Hunka et al. Three patients had unsatisfactory results; one had painful nonunion at the fibula-femur junction, and the other two had limited flexion range of 45 degrees. The average postoperative neck-shaft angle was 96.4 degrees which decreased by an average of 8 degrees at the final follow-up. Three patients underwent a valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy to correct a severe varus deformity. The final neck-shaft angle correlated significantly with the functional results where it averaged 96 degrees in the satisfactory group and 57 degrees in the unsatisfactory group. Vascularized epiphyseal transfer presents a promising treatment for children with septic necrosis of the femoral head and neck in whom other methods have failed to provide satisfactory long-term results. We recommend the procedure be done before the age of 5 years for optimum results. Level-IV.

Early complications of elastic stable intramedullary nails in the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal fractures of long bones: an experience in Duhok center of Orthopedic Surgery

Background and objectives: diaphyseal fractures in the pediatric age group should be perfectly treated. Treatment options are too many with long lists of pros and cons. This study aims to determine complications of elastic stable intramedullary as an evolving method in the era of operative treatment. Methods: This is a prospective case series study, conducted at Duhok Emergency Teaching Hospital between march/2021 and April/2022. The sample size was 100 children (mean age was 6.53 years). Inclusion criteria were: diaphyseal fractures (open and closed) in children 3-12 years. Exclusion criteria were: humeral fractures, fractures of the radial neck, pathological fractures, and obese patients (&gt;40kgs). All of them were operated on under general anesthesia and their fractures were fixed with elastic stable intramedullary nails under C-arm, follow up period was 6-9 months both clinically and radiologically. Results: complications were found in the following order of frequency: 39.02% insertion site irritation, 14.02 joint swelling, 9.76% superficial infection, 7.93% loss of reduction, 7.32% stiffness, 3,66% delayed union, 3.05% limb length discrepancy and 0.61% deep infection. While the frequency of complications was significantly related to the type of fracture as (p-value: 0.031) and transverse fractures were seen to be associated with the highest complication rate, no significant relation was found between the frequency of complication with either age groups or gender as the (p-value: 0.447) for frequency of complications among both age groups and (0.711) between the two genders. Conclusion: fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nails is a good choice of treatment for diaphyseal fractures in the pediatric age group however it is not free of complications.

Management of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocations in paediatric patients: study protocol for a prospective global multicentre observational cohort registry

IntroductionManagement controversy and clinical equipoise exist in treatments of long bone fractures and traumatic hip dislocation in paediatric patients due to the lack of high-quality clinical evidence. This protocol describes...

Free Fibula Flap for Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Indications and Challenges

BackgroundCongenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare pathological disease associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). It presents with tibial bowing and can progress into a nonhealing fracture. Treatment options include conservative approaches such as serial bracing or various surgical options.Surgically, the aims are to achieve long-term bone union, prevent limb length discrepancies (LLDs), and avoid mechanical axis deviation, soft tissue lesions, nearby joint stiffness, and pathological fracture.The purpose of our study is to highlight our experience with both the conservative approach and the use of vascularized free fibula reconstruction of these deformities, including the challenges encountered with a long-term follow-up until skeletal maturity. MethodsWe present a retrospective analysis of a total of nine (9) patients consisting of three (3) girls and six (6) boys. Six (6) children were treated with a vascularized fibula flap, and the other three (3) were treated conservatively. Outcomes measured included fractures, LLD, ankle valgus deformity, donor site morbidity, and number of surgical corrections. ResultsAll patients had flap survival. Three (3) of six children had a previous failed surgery with intramedullary nail and bone graft prior to performing a vascularized free fibula reconstruction. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 200 months. The complications included stress fractures (50%), LLD (66.6%), and ankle valgus (33.3%). During growth phases, these children required multiple corrective surgeries. ConclusionsFibula free flap is a good treatment option for CPT even in patients with prior surgical failures with variable results.Level of Evidence - Level 4 - Case series Therapeutic Studies—Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Functional Outcomes and Gait Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Through Lateral Hardinge Approach and Gluteus Medius-Sparing Approach: A Prospective Study.

Background and objective Hip degenerative joint disease is a common and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a reconstructive hip procedure to relieve this condition through various surgical approaches. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes between patients undergoing THA using the lateral Hardinge approach and the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Material and methods This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care institution.Thirty patients with arthritic hip joints were managed with total hip replacement (THR). The patients were allocated into two treatment groups; in group A, 14 patients received a THRby the lateral Hardinge approach, whereas in group B, 16 patients were managed by the lateral gluteus medius-sparing approach. Functional outcomes were assessed by the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and gait analysis was performed. Results The mean age of group A was 39.79 ±14.01 years and that of group B was 37.00 ±14.81 years. The mean length of incision was significantly lower in group B(p=0.001), whereas the mean duration of surgery (p=0.018) and mean contralateral pelvic tilt were found to be significantly lower in group A (p=0.009). No significant difference was found in abductor muscle strength, limb length discrepancy, HHS, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation. Conclusion While functional outcomes were similar in both groups, the group that underwent THA with thegluteus medius-sparing approach had better gait based on lower pelvic tilt.

Outcome of early versus delayed presentation of proximal femur fractures in children: A prospective cohort study

ObjectiveWe hypothesized that the exact time of fixation of paediatric proximal femur fractures will have an effect on the ultimate clinical and radiological outcome. This article aimed to compare the clinical–radiological outcomes in paediatric proximal femur fractures having early and delayed presentation. MethodologyA prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to November 2022 in patients of age of 5 to 16 years presented with proximal femur fracture and divided into two groups: group A: early presentation, presented <48hours of injury; group B: delayed presentation, presented >48hours of injury. Patients underwent internal fixation treatment modality and followed up to assess clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes, and final outcome was assessed as per Ratliff's criteria. ResultsIn the study of 44 patients, 72.72% were male, and 27.27% were female, with male-to-female ratio to be 2.6:1. The commonest mode of injury was fall from height accounting for 52.27% followed by road traffic accidents (RTA) in 38.63%. The most common fracture type observed was Delbet type II, which was observed in 43.18%. There was significant shorter duration of surgery in group A (p-value=0.013), VAS score (p=0.045), and limb length discrepancy (p=0.022). Also, there was a statistical difference in AVN (p-value=0.0295) and growth disturbance (p-value=0.0394) between two groups. Also, there was statistically significant difference between Ratliff's criteria two groups (p-value=0.030). ConclusionEarly presentation has shorter duration of surgery, less VAS score at final follow-up, and less limb length discrepancy, less development of complications like avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and growth disturbance. Level of evidenceIII.

Antegrade femoral lengthening and simultaneous hemiepiphysiodesis for congenital femoral deficiency.

Congenital femoral deficiency is characterized by limb length discrepancy and genu valgum. Lengthening of the femur along its anatomic axis increases valgus alignment by medial knee translation. Pairing limb lengthening with simultaneous medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis can simultaneously correct two limb deformities. All skeletally immature patients with congenital femoral deficiency who underwent antegrade femoral lengthening and concomitant guided growth over a 4-year period were reviewed. Length and alignment data were quantified during lengthening, consolidation, and for 1 year after guided growth implants were removed or the patient reached skeletal maturity. Digital simulation was performed for all lengthenings to assess the mechanical alignment that would have been achieved had lengthening been performed without medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis. Nine patients (five males, four females, mean age = 12.3 ± 1.9 years) underwent 10 antegrade intramedullary femoral lengthenings with simultaneous medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis. All had improvement in valgus alignment (average improvement in mechanical axis deviation was 18 ± 11 mm, average change in limb alignment was 6 ± 5°). In simulated lengthenings without guided growth, all limbs would have experienced increased lateral mechanical axis deviation of 5 ± 3 mm. The hemiepiphysiodesis implant and lengthening device were explanted simultaneously in 7 of 10 lengthenings. Simultaneous medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis with antegrade femoral lengthening for ongenital femoral deficiency can minimize the number of surgical episodes for the skeletally immature patient. The lengthening device and guided growth construct can be removed simultaneously in a majority of cases, saving children one or two additional surgical treatments.

Robot-assisted Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis With Eight-plates for Lower Extremity Deformities in Children.

This study was performed to compare the radiographic results of robot-assisted and traditional methods of treating lower extremity deformities (LEDs). From January 2019 to February 2022, 55 patients with LEDs were treated by temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with eight-plates. They were divided into a robot group and a freehand group. The fluoroscopy time and operation time were recorded. The accuracy of screw placement was measured after the operation using the following parameters: coronal entering point (CEP), sagittal entering point (SEP), and angle between the screw and epiphyseal plate (ASEP). The limb length discrepancy (LLD) and femorotibial angle (FTA) were measured before the operation, after the operation, and at the last follow-up. Patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months, and the radiographic results of the 2 groups were compared. Among the 55 patients with LEDs, 36 had LLD and 19 had angular deformities. Seventy-six screws were placed in the robot group and 85 in the freehand group. There was no difference in the CEP between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). The robot group had a better SEP (2.96±1.60 vs. 6.47±2.80mm) and ASEP (3.46°±1.58° vs. 6.92°±3.92°) than the freehand group ( P <0.001). At the last follow-up, there was no difference in the LLD or FTA improvement between the two groups ( P >0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the robot group than in the freehand group (0/27 vs. 5/28, P <0.05). Robot-assisted temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with eight-plates is a safe and effective method for treating LEDs in children. Robotic placement of screws is superior to freehand placement with respect to the entering position and direction. Although the correction effect for LLD and angular deformity is similar, screw dislocation is less common when using robot assistance. Level-III. Retrospective comparative study.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Hip Revision Surgery and Cerclage Wires Fixation for Vancouver B2 and B3 Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: The number of patients presenting with periprosthetic hip fractures has increased in recent decades. Methods: Patients who underwent hip revision arthroplasty procedures for Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures between 2010 and 2021 were included. The primary intended outcome of this study was to determine the reintervention-free survival rate. The secondary intended outcome was to determine clinical and radiographic assessment outcomes at the time of follow-up, and the correlation between time to surgery and postoperative Harris hip score (HHS). Results: A total of 49 patients with mean age of 71.2 ± 2.3 (37–88) years old were included. Overall, the Kaplan-Meier method estimated a survival rate of 95.8% (CI 84.2% to 98.9%) at one year, 91.1% (CI 77.9% to 96.6%) at two years, and 88.5% (CI 74.4% to 95.1%) at three, and up to 10, years. The mean limb length discrepancy (LLD) improved from −13.3 ± 10.5 (range −39 to +10) mm at the preoperative stage to −1.16 ± 6.7 (range −17 to +15) mm, p &lt; 0.001 postoperative. The mean HHS improved from 31.1 ± 7.7 (range 10 to 43) preoperative to 85.5 ± 14.8 (range 60 to 100), p &lt; 0.001 postoperative. Postoperative HHS was not affected by preoperative time to surgery. Conclusions: Revision arthroplasty is an effective treatment for Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures.