Premature Physeal Arrest Research Articles

Growth Arrest of the Capitellar Physis After Displaced Lateral Condyle Fractures in Children

Fractures of the lateral humeral condyle represent the second most common elbow fracture in children and the most common physeal fracture about the elbow. Growth disturbances after this fracture, including premature physeal arrest, are rare but important complications. Only 4 radiographically documented reports of premature physeal arrest exist to date with just 1 offering comparative views. No computed tomography (CT) evidence of this event has previously been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to provide well-documented radiographic evidence of premature capitellar growth arrest, substantiated by CT imaging. We reviewed the radiographic and clinical records of 3 patients (mean age, 6.9 y) that presented with Jakob type III fractures. All fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Follow-up ranged from 1.6 to 11.1 years (mean, 6.0 y). Radiographs were evaluated for any growth disturbances, including premature capitellar-metaphyseal fusion, lateral spur formation, changes in the humeral-ulnar angles, and fishtail deformities. Contralateral elbow radiographs were utilized for comparison when available. Clinical findings at last follow-up were provided for clinical correlation. The mean time to arrest and age at arrest were 2.6 and 9.5 years, respectively. At last follow-up, patient 1 was functionally asymptomatic, showed a 6-degree increase in the humeral-ulnar angle, an increase in the carrying angle, and a fishtail deformity. Patient 2 was functionally asymptomatic, showed equal humeral-ulnar angles, and a small lateral spur formation on the injured side. Patient 3 was functionally symptomatic with pain and a 15-degree loss of extension on the injured side. There was also a 13-degree increase in the humeral-ulnar angle with an increase in carrying angle of approximately 8 degrees. This is the first study to radiographically document premature physeal arrest after lateral condyle fractures using both comparative views and CT imaging. It is important for surgeons to be aware of this potential complication after lateral condyle fractures of the humerus and to diligently monitor patients annually for possible intervention until they have achieved skeletal maturity. Level IV--case series.

Clinical and radiological results in distal tibial physeal injuries

In this study, we evaluated the clinical and radiological results of the distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in children treated with surgery. We evaluated 59 patients (33 boys, 26 girls) retrospectively. Physeal fractures were classified according to the Salter-Harris classification: 4 fractures were type I, 22 type II, 29 type III, and the remaining 4 type IV. Closed reduction and internal fixation were performed in 29 patients, while open reduction and internal fixation were performed in 30 patients. Mean age at the time of trauma was 10.9 years (6-14). Patients were evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Patients were operated in a mean of 3.8 hours (3-72). Fixation was performed with Kirschner (K)-wire in 50 patients, with screw in 6 patients, and with both K-wire and screw in 3 patients. Mean follow-up time was 71.7 months (12-149). Due to premature physeal arrest, 1 cm shortening and valgus deformity were seen in only one patient. However, no infection, nonunion, or osteonecrosis was observed in any patient. Mean AOFAS score was 86.6 (65-100) at the last follow-up. Successful results with fewer complications could be obtained in ankle physeal fractures with early management through adequate reduction and stabilized fixation.

Expansile aneurysmal bone cyst in the tubular bones of the hand treated with en bloc excision and autograft reconstruction: a report of 12 cases

Primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in the small tubular bones of the hands are rare and optimal treatment is not yet established. Between August 1997 and June 2009, 12 patients with biopsy-proven expansile primary ABCs of the small tubular bones of the hand were treated with en bloc tumor excision and strut autograft reconstruction. The adjacent joint was preserved if feasible, otherwise it was fused. Patients were followed for at least 2 years (mean = 7 years). All grafts were incorporated except for partial resorption in one. There was only one tumor recurrence about 1 year after the operation. Other complications included premature physeal arrest in one case and limitation of adjacent joint motion in three. A relatively low rate of recurrence and other complications indicates that this technique would serve as a good strategy for patients with expansile ABCs in the hand in terms of safety, simplicity and reduced number of re-operations.

Resection of a physeal bar under computer-assisted guidance

Excision of a physeal bar and filling the space with interposition material may allow resumption of normal growth. Both the extent and the location of the bar and the amount of growth remaining from physis must be determined. Computer-assisted surgery is being used increasingly in various fields of orthopaedics. We describe the management of a patient with premature physeal arrest of the right distal tibia in which resection of a physeal bar was achieved under real-time three-dimensional intra-operative monitoring by computer-assisted navigation. The advantage of this method over other means of imaging is that intra-operative identification can increase the accuracy of resection of the bar.

Angular Deformity Correction by Asymmetrical Physeal Suppression in Growing Children

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of angular deformity correction by hemiepiphyseal stapling versus percutaneous hemiepiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw in growing children. Forty-three physes in 19 patients underwent hemiepiphyseal stapling, and 37 physes in 23 patients underwent percutaneous transphyseal screw placement. All cases were followed up to skeletal maturity or for more than 1 year after hardware removal. Amounts and rates of angular deformity correction, physeal behaviors after hardware removal, and postoperative courses were compared between the 2 groups. The goal of angular correction was achieved in all except 2 patients, who reached skeletal maturity precociously. The mean rates of angular correction were not significantly different between the 2 groups, in both distal femur and proximal tibia. Hardware was removed before skeletal maturity from 56 physes. Angular change remained within 3 degrees for 43 physes (76.8%) at more than 1 year postoperatively, and the rebound phenomenon was observed in 12 (21.4%). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of physeal behavior after hardware removal. Patients in the screw group were administered less postoperative pain medication, had shorter hospital stays, and smaller operation scars. In the stapling group, 1 case was complicated due to an extruded staple, and another case experienced premature physeal arrest at 1.5 years postoperatively. One case in the screw group experienced correction failure, probably because of a technical error during screw placement. Hemiepiphysiodesis using percutaneous transphyseal screw is as effective as hemiepiphyseal stapling in terms of angular deformity correction. Furthermore, hemiepiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw has the advantage of being a minimally invasive procedure, and in this series, did not cause permanent physeal arrest. Level III.

MRT zur Beurteilung von Begleitverletzungen distaler Unterarmbrüche im Wachstumsalter

The study was made to evaluate the role of MR imaging in pediatric distal forearm fractures by comparison with the findings of plain radiographs and MRI. 38 patients (27 boys and 11 girls, mean age of 12 years, range 7 to 15 years) with radiographically open distal radius and ulna growth plates requiring first aid for a fracture of the distal third of the forearm, were included in this study. The fractures were diagnosed on plain radiographs and conservative treatment was performed. In 35 patients MR imaging was performed within 3 weeks after the accident and in 3 patients MRI was performed after 6 to 9 weeks because of persistent wrist pain. Fifteen Salter/Harris II injuries of the radius and 1 of the ulna, 1 torus fracture of the radius and 2 of the ulna, 12 greenstick fractures of the radius and 3 of the ulna, 10 complete displaced radius fractures and 15 ulnar styloid fractures were found on plain radiographs. Twelve patients had evidence of associated triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in MRI, there was no statistical correlation between TFCC lesions and fracture types, fracture dislocations or patients age (p > 0.5). One patient had an avulsion of the radioscaphocapitate ligament from the radius accompanying a greenstick fracture of the distal radius. 19 bone bruises and two radiographically occult fractures were identified. In 2 patients, a bone marrow oedema was seen in the radial epiphysis immediately adjacent to the germinal zone of the growth plate. In these patients premature physeal arrest occurred. MRI plays an important role in the evaluation of acute pediatric wrist injuries. It allows a better evaluation of osseous lesions than plain radiographs. In our study, a tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex accompanied distal radius fractures in 32 % of patients. Simultaneous rupture of the TFCC insertion in the fovea ulnaris and ulnar styloid fracture lead to destabilisation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

Fractures of the femoral neck in children

Summary Femoral neck fractures account for less than 1% of all children's fractures. They are much rarer than in adults. Delbet classified them from types 1 to 4. Treatment is aimed at reducing the fracture and maintaining the reduction long enough to allow union within 12–16 weeks. Stabilisation of the fracture is most commonly with cannulated screws. Complications include avascular necrosis, coxa vara, non-union, premature physeal arrest and occasionally infection.

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy in Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome can be defined as a degenerative condition of the ulnar aspect of the wrist in patients with congenital or dynamic positive ulnar variance without a history of fracture or premature physeal arrest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and the outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy for this group of patients. Thirty-one wrists in twenty-nine patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome were treated with an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Ulnar variance was measured on an anteroposterior radiograph of the wrist, and radioulnar distance was measured on a lateral radiograph, with the forearm in neutral rotation, to evaluate any displacement of the ulnar head from the distal aspect of the radius. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of thirty-two months. An average preoperative ulnar variance of +4.6 mm (range, 2 to 7.5 mm) was reduced to an average of -0.7 mm (range, -4 to +1 mm) postoperatively. Preoperatively, the modified Gartland and Werley score was an average (and standard deviation) of 69.5 +/- 7.6, with twenty-four wrists rated poor and seven rated fair. Postoperatively, the score improved to an average of 92.5 +/- 8.0, with twenty-four wrists rated excellent; five, good; one, fair; and one, poor. Dorsal subluxation of the distal aspect of the ulna was found concomitantly in nine wrists, and it was found to be reduced by the shortening osteotomy. Seven patients had cystic changes in the carpal bones preoperatively, but these were not evident one to two years after the operation. Ulnar shortening osteotomy improved wrist function in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and reduced the subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, which is commonly found in these patients. Degenerative cystic changes of the ulnar carpal bones appear to resolve following the shortening osteotomy.

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy in Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome can be defined as a degenerative condition of the ulnar aspect of the wrist in patients with congenital or dynamic positive ulnar variance without a history of fracture or premature physeal arrest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and the outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy for this group of patients. Thirty-one wrists in twenty-nine patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome were treated with an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Ulnar variance was measured on an anteroposterior radiograph of the wrist, and radioulnar distance was measured on a lateral radiograph, with the forearm in neutral rotation, to evaluate any displacement of the ulnar head from the distal aspect of the radius. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of thirty-two months. An average preoperative ulnar variance of +4.6 mm (range, 2 to 7.5 mm) was reduced to an average of -0.7 mm (range, -4 to +1 mm) postoperatively. Preoperatively, the modified Gartland and Werley score was an average (and standard deviation) of 69.5 +/- 7.6, with twenty-four wrists rated poor and seven rated fair. Postoperatively, the score improved to an average of 92.5 +/- 8.0, with twenty-four wrists rated excellent; five, good; one, fair; and one, poor. Dorsal subluxation of the distal aspect of the ulna was found concomitantly in nine wrists, and it was found to be reduced by the shortening osteotomy. Seven patients had cystic changes in the carpal bones preoperatively, but these were not evident one to two years after the operation. Ulnar shortening osteotomy improved wrist function in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and reduced the subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, which is commonly found in these patients. Degenerative cystic changes of the ulnar carpal bones appear to resolve following the shortening osteotomy.

Prophylactic contralateral fixation in slipped upper femoral epiphysis: is it safe?

Prophylactic stabilization with internal fixation of the asymptomatic hip in unilateral slipped upper femoral epiphysis is controversial. We present a retrospective analysis of 65 patients who had prophylactic fixation of the uninvolved hip at the same time as their opposite slipped femoral physis. None had an underlying systemic or endocrine abnormality and the average age was 12.5 years (range 11-15 years). A single 7.0 mm cannulated cancellous screw was used in all patients. The average time to fusion was 18 months (range 6-36 months) and duration of follow up ranged from 5 to 8 years (mean 6.5 years). None of the patients had implant removal and at latest review did not show any evidence of chondrolysis, avascular necrosis, premature physeal arrest or secondary arthrosis in the prophylactically fixed hip. One patient (1.5%) developed a superficial wound infection, which was successfully treated by antibiotics. This study demonstrates the safety of prophylactic fixation using a single cannulated cancellous screw and we recommend it for prevention of delayed slip and hence secondary osteoarthrosis.

Test of stability as an aid to decide the need for osteotomy in association with open reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

After open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a pelvic or femoral osteotomy may be required to maintain a stable concentric reduction. We report the clinical and radiological outcome in 82 children (95 hips) with DDH treated by open reduction through an anterior approach in which a test of stability was used to assess the need for a concomitant osteotomy. The mean age at the time of surgery was 28 months (9 to 79) and at the latest follow-up, 17 years (12 to 25). All patients have been followed up until closure of the triradiate cartilage with a mean period of 15 years (8 to 23). At the time of open reduction before closure of the joint capsule, the position of maximum stability was assessed. A hip which required flexion with abduction for stability was considered to need an innominate osteotomy. If only internal rotation and abduction were required, an upper femoral derotational and varus osteotomy was carried out. For a 'double-diameter' acetabulum with anterolateral deficiency, a Pemberton-type osteotomy was used. A hip which was stable in the neutral position required no concomitant osteotomy. Overall, 86% of the patients have had a satisfactory radiological outcome (Severin groups I and II) with an incidence of 7% of secondary procedures for persistent dysplasia including one hip which redislocated. The results were better (p = 0.04) in children under the age of two years. Increased leg length on the affected side was associated with poor acetabular development and recurrence of joint dysplasia (p = 0.01). The incidence of postoperative avascular necrosis was 7%. In a further 18%, premature physeal arrest was noted during the adolescent growth spurt (Kalamchi-MacEwen types II and III). Both of these complications were also associated with recurrence of joint dysplasia (p = 0.01). Studies with a shorter follow-up are therefore likely to underestimate the proportion of poor radiological results.

Test of stability as an aid to decide the need for osteotomy in association with open reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip

After open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a pelvic or femoral osteotomy may be required to maintain a stable concentric reduction. We report the clinical and radiological outcome in 82 children (95 hips) with DDH treated by open reduction through an anterior approach in which a test of stability was used to assess the need for a concomitant osteotomy. The mean age at the time of surgery was 28 months (9 to 79) and at the latest follow-up, 17 years (12 to 25). All patients have been followed up until closure of the triradiate cartilage with a mean period of 15 years (8 to 23). At the time of open reduction before closure of the joint capsule, the position of maximum stability was assessed. A hip which required flexion with abduction for stability was considered to need an innominate osteotomy. If only internal rotation and abduction were required, an upper femoral derotational and varus osteotomy was carried out. For a ‘double-diameter’ acetabulum with anterolateral deficiency, a Pemberton-type osteotomy was used. A hip which was stable in the neutral position required no concomitant osteotomy. Overall, 86% of the patients have had a satisfactory radiological outcome (Severin groups I and II) with an incidence of 7% of secondary procedures for persistent dysplasia including one hip which redislocated. The results were better (p = 0.04) in children under the age of two years. Increased leg length on the affected side was associated with poor acetabular development and recurrence of joint dysplasia (p = 0.01). The incidence of postoperative avascular necrosis was 7%. In a further 18%, premature physeal arrest was noted during the adolescent growth spurt (Kalamchi-MacEwen types II and III). Both of these complications were also associated with recurrence of joint dysplasia (p = 0.01). Studies with a shorter follow-up are therefore likely to underestimate the proportion of poor radiological results.

Epiphyseal-metaphyseal enchondromatosis. A new clinical entity.

We reviewed the cases of eight unrelated children who had an unusual form of enchondromatosis characterized by unilateral enchondromas arising within the epiphyseal and metaphyseal regions of the long tubular bones of the lower extremity. Unlike previously described enchondromas, the lesions developed extensively within the epiphysis before closure of the growth plate and there was direct extension across the epiphyseal growth plate into the metaphysis. The lesions resulted in severe limb-length discrepancy and angular deformity (which increased in every patient after the time of presentation), asymmetrical premature physeal arrest, and joint incongruity, all of which necessitated numerous operative procedures. Seven patients had limb-lengthening and one had a Boyd amputation without lengthening. Five patients had a second lengthening procedure. Twenty-seven osteotomies (range, one to five procedures per patient) were done; six patients had a repeat osteotomy. Four patients had an epiphyseodesis. We believe that these lesions represent a previously undescribed clinical entity, which we termed epiphyseal-metaphyseal enchondromatosis.

Premature Physeal Arrest of the Distal Tibia Associated with Temporary Arterial Insufficiency

Premature physeal arrest may occur after various insults to the physis. Its association with diaphyseal fracture without obvious physeal damage is well known, but the cause is obscure. The case reported documents premature closure of the distal tibial physis of an infant after a temporary but significant episode of vascular insufficiency. Direct arterial occlusion or arterial spasm may account for some cases of physeal arrest associated with nonphyseal-related trauma.

Premature Physeal Arrest of the Distal Tibia Associated with Temporary Arterial Insufficiency

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Premature Partial Physeal Arrest

The management of premature physeal arrest requires accurate assessment of not only the location but also the extent of the bar. Numerous imaging techniques are available to evaluate the physis. Multiplanar tomography has proven to be the most precise method. The utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of physeal bars has not been demonstrated. This article presents MRI results in two cases of physeal bars. MRI provides a means of assessing physeal bar formation with an accuracy approaching that of multiplanar tomography. In certain instances, its efficacy may exceed that of tomography, specifically when the physis cannot be properly oriented for tomographic evaluation, when more planes are desired, and when radiation exposure is thought to be excessive. With improvement of its capabilities and availability (which may also reduce cost), it may become the diagnostic imaging technique of choice.