Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and re-injury rates are high and continue to rise in adolescents. After surgical reconstruction, less than 50% of patients return to their pre-injury level of physical activity. Clearance for return-to-play and rehabilitation progression typically requires assessment of performance during functional tests. Pain may impact this performance. However, the patient's level of pain is often overlooked during these assessments. Purpose: To investigate the level of pain during functional tests in adolescents with ACL injury. Fifty-nine adolescents with ACL injury (ACLi; female n=43; 15 ± 1 yrs; 167.6 ± 8.4 cm; 67.8 ± 19.9 kg) and sixty-nine uninjured (CON; female n=38; 14 ± 2 yrs; 165.0 ± 10.8 cm; 54.2 ± 11.5 kg) performed a series of functional tests. These tests included: maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and isokinetic knee flexion-extension strength tests, single-limb hop tests, double-limb squats, countermovement jumps (CMJ), lunges, drop-vertical jumps (DVJ), and side-cuts. Pain was reported on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating no pain and 5 indicating extreme pain for the injured limb of the ACLi group and non-dominant limb for the CON group, after completion of each test. Chi-Square test was used to compare groups for the level of pain in each test. Analysis of the level of pain within and between groups was performed using descriptive statistics. The distribution of the level of pain was different between groups for all functional tests (p≤0.008), except for ankle plantar flexion and hip abduction MVICs (Table 1). The percentage of participants reporting pain was higher in the ACLi group in all tests compared to the CON group (Figure 1). Participants most often reported pain during the strength tests involving the knee joint, followed by the hop tests and dynamic tasks, respectively. More specifically, the knee extension MVIC was the test most frequently reported as painful (70% of the ACLi group), followed by the isokinetic knee flexion-extension test, with 65% of ACLi group. In addition, among all hop tests, pain was most often reported during the timed 6m hop (53% of ACLi), and, among all dynamic tasks, during the side-cut (40% of ACLi) test (Figure 1). Furthermore, the tests that led to the higher levels of pain (severe or extreme) were the cross-hop (9.8% of ACLi), CMJ (7.1% of ACLi), and the isokinetic knee flexion-extension test (11.5% of ACLi) (Table 1). Adolescents with and without ACL injury reported different levels of pain for all functional tasks, except for ankle and hip MVICs. The isokinetic knee flexion-extension test resulted in greater rates of severe or extreme pain and was also the test most frequently reported as painful. Functional tests that frequently cause pain or severe level of pain (e.g., timed 6m and cross hops, side-cut, knee flexion/extension MVICs and isokinetic tests) might not be the first test choices to assess function in patients after ACL injury/reconstruction. Reported pain during functional tests should be considered by clinicians and rehabilitation team members when evaluating a patient's readiness to return-to-play. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

Background: Little work has focused on the effect of formal bracing on the health-related quality of life (QOL) of affected adolescents. Aim: The aim of this comparative study was to assess the quality of life of adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis in relation with the duration of application of modified Boston brace, as a conservative treatment. Methods: 91 adolescents, 10 to 18 years old with idiopathic scoliosis who were treated conservatively with modified Boston brace took part in this study. The mean daily time of brace application was over 12 hours. Adolescents with history of acute or chronic illness, surgical treatment, mental retardation, neuromuscular disease or other congenital anomaly were excluded from the research. The adolescents were divided in two groups. In the first group (n=47) were included adolescents wearing the brace for over two years (mean time of application 3, 3 years) and the second group (n=44) included adolescents, which have been treated with Boston brace for less than two years (mean time of application 1, 2 years). Every child completed a detailed questionnaire (SRS-22) concerning the evaluation of function, pain, self image, mental health and satisfaction with management. Both groups were comparable according to age and degrees of scoliotic curve. Results: There was no statistical significant difference concerning the results in every domain of the questionnaire between both groups. However the results concerning mental health show tendency towards significance favoring the second group. Conclusion: Mental health of adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis wearing modified Boston brace needs to be further investigated

Introduction: Whereas adults with Low Back Pain (LBP) who seek medical attention show a decrease on HRQoL, there is little information if patients are adolescents with LBP. The aim of our study is to assess the impact on HRQoL of adolescents referred to a hospital of geographical reference due to non-specific LBP (NS-LBP). Methods: All consecutive adolescents with NS-LBP (patients) referred to the hospital between January06 and October07 completed a self-administered questionnaire including a generic quality of life (KIDSCREEN-52) and two LBP-specific (Roland-Morris, Hannover) instruments. Comparisons were performed among patients and two groups of schoolchildren (one of them with self reporting LBP and another one without) selected from a representative sample of 1470 schoolchildren from Barcelona and Friburg, paired by sex, age and country. Comparisons were made using t-tests and effect size (ES) estimation. Results: Seventy-six patients (mean age 14.1y, 59.2% girls) completed the questionnaire and were compared with 304 controls (152 reporting LBP and 152 without LBP). Patients reported significantly higher frequency (p=0.014), duration (p=0.009) and intensity (p< 0.001) of pain than symptomatic schoolchildren. Perceived functional capacity (Roland Morris 5.5 vs 4.3, p=0.023, and Hanover 4.5 vs 3.5, p=0.032) was also worse, even tough the overall disability was not high in 65% of them. However, HRQoL (KIDSCREEN) was better in almost all dimensions in patients than in symptomatic schoolchildren. Discussion: Overall adolescent LBP is associated to low disability, and scarce impact on QoL. Adolescents with LBP referred to the hospital have worse clinical and functional picture but better HRQoL than symptomatic peers from the general population using the Kidscreen instrument

Introduction

Orthopaedic rehabilitation of adolescences and young adults with high dislocation of the femur is rather challenging. The role of palliative salvage procedures is controversial enough in the cohort of patients.

Purpose: Adolescents and adults with decentered hip joints in DDH frequently suffer from moderate to severe pain frequently or exclusively during daily physical activity or sports activity. Especially power walking, running, walking downhill provoke pain in the thigh area. Materials and Methods: Since 1993 we perform a triple pelvic osteotomy according to Tönnis in patients with typical DDH - related clinical findings and overlook 138 operated patients. The operation is not performed in hips with moderate or severe degenerative changes. Depending on the hip joint geometry in some cases of a decentered hip joint an osteotomy of the proximal femur is performed additionally. Concise patient questionnaires, special clinical tests and different types of radiographic examinations lead to the correct indication. Results: In this special report we present the pre- and postoperative clinical findings, conventional x-rays, CT scans and MRI specific findings of 12 dysplastic, decentered hip joints from our patient collective of 110 patients. All six patients were female, the mean age at the time of the procedure was 33 years. At time of the last follow up examination all patients were satisfied with the postoperative result and no hip had to be converted to a total hip arthroplasty. The retrospective examination shows that in patients with a typical case history, distinct clinical findings and DDH signs in conventional x-rays the mentioned procedure can be correctly indicated by plain x-ray studies. In complex cases (e. g.: decentered hip joints, reduced acetabular antever-sion or reduced femoral antetorsion, tears of the labrum acetabulare) additional studies such as CT-Scans, MRI Scans or MR Arthrographies need to be performed. In suspected deformities of the proximal femur standard conventional x-rays to evaluate the femoral antetorsion (“Rippstein”) or axial projections (“Lauenstein”) to identify “bump” osteophytes have to be performed. Conclusion: The classification of DDH-related symptoms is correctly done by an exact clinical examination in combination with the above mentioned conventional x-rays, CT-Scans (eventually combined with a 3D reconstruction), MRI-Scans and MRI-arthrographies. In this presented small patient collective no hip had to be converted to a total hip arthroplasty in spite of the fact that all hips were decentered

Minimally displaced paediatric proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) can be reliably managed non-operatively, however there is considerable debate regarding the appropriate management of severely displaced PHFs, particularly in older children and adolescents with limited remodelling potential. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to answer the questions: “What are the functional and quality-of-life outcomes of paediatric PHFs?” and “What factors have been associated with a poorer outcome?”

A review of Medline and EMBASE was performed on 4^th July 2021 using search terms relevant to PHFs, surgery, non-operative management, paediatrics and outcomes. Studies including ≥10 paediatric patients with PHFs, which assessed clinical outcomes by use of an established outcome measure, were selected. The following clinical information was collected: participant characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes.

Twelve articles were selected, including four prospective cohort studies and eight retrospective cohort studies. Favourable outcome scores were found for patients with minimally displaced fractures, and for children aged less than ten years, irrespective of treatment methodology or grade of fracture displacement. Older age at injury and higher grade of fracture displacement were reported as risk factors for a poorer patient-reported outcome score.

An excellent functional outcome can be expected following non-operative management for minimally displaced paediatric PHFs. Prospective trials are required to establish a guideline for the management of severely displaced PHFs in children and adolescents according to fracture displacement and the degree of skeletal maturity.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of treatment for adolescent disc disease (ADD) in individuals regularly involved in high class sport compared to relatively more sedentary adolescents. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Private Spinal Orthopaedic Practice. Patients: 52 individuals with confirmed ADD. 25 competing at county or national level in various sports (Group A). 27 moderately active individuals (Group B), but not elite sports players. Interventions: History and clinical examination followed by radiological investigations were performed. Both groups were treated with oral medication including simple analgesia, muscle relaxants and NSAIDs as well as physiotherapy. Those with persistent pain were referred for pain management. Surgery was considered for refractory cases. Main outcome measurements: The clinical and radiological evidence of disease progression, need for minimally invasive and invasive treatments as well as return to previous level of sport. Results: 11 patients (44%) in group A had a non-invasive programme of treatment based on intensive physiotherapy. 11 (44%) needed minimally-invasive treatments in addition to physiotherapy. Three patients (12%) required surgery. One patient had to give up elite sport because of recurrent pain on significant exercise, but the others resumed their previous level of activity. Nine patients (33%) in Group B were treated by physiotherapy alone while 13 (48%) had minimally-invasive treatment in addition to physiotherapy. Five patients (18.5%) required surgery. Two patients required revision surgery. All patients returned to their normal level of sporting activity. Conclusion: Adolescents who play sport at a high level should not be discouraged by a diagnosis of ADD, as the outcomes of treatment are at least no worse than in their less active counterparts

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing, especially amongst adolescents. These injuries can increase the risk for early-onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). The consequences of late-stage knee OA include structural joint change, functional limitations and persistent pain. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory biomarker reflecting knee joint healing, and increasing evidence suggests that IL-6 may play a critical role in the development of pathological pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between subjective knee joint pain and function, and synovial fluid concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, in adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

Seven youth (12-17 yrs.) undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery participated in this study. They completed the Pedi International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire on knee joint pain and function. At the time of their ACL reconstruction surgery, synovial fluid samples were collected through aspiration to dryness with a syringe without saline flushing. IL-6 levels in synovial fluid (sf) were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between IL-6 levels and scores from the Pedi-IKDC questionnaire.

There was a statistically significant correlation between sfIL-6 levels and the Pedi-IKDC Symptoms score (-.929, p=0.003). The correlations between sfIL-6 and Pedi-IKDC activity score (.546, p = .234) and between sfIL-6 and total Pedi-IKDC score (-.536, p = .215) were not statistically significant.

This is the first study to evaluate IL-6 as a biomarker of knee joint healing in an adolescent population, reported a very strong correlation (-.929, p=0.003) between IL-6 in knee joint synovial fluid and a subjective questionnaire on knee joint pain. These findings provide preliminary scientific evidence regarding the relationship between knee joint pain, as determined by a validated questionnaire and the inflammatory and healing status of the patient's knee. This study provides a basis and justification for future longitudinal research on biomarkers of knee joint healing in patients throughout their recovery and rehabilitation process. Incorporating physiological and psychosocial variables to current return-to-activity (RTA) criteria has the potential to improve decision making for adolescents following ACL reconstruction to reduce premature RTA thereby reducing the risk of re-injury and risk of early-onset knee OA in adolescents.

Shoulder septic arthritis is uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in severe consequences. This study evaluated the demographics, bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility, treatment regimens, and clinical outcomes.

This is a 10-year retrospective observational analysis of 30 patients (20 males and 10 females) who were treated for septic arthritis of the shoulder. The data collecting process utilised clinical records, laboratory archives, and x-ray archives. We gathered demographic information, pre- and post-intervention clinical data, serum biochemical markers, and the results of imaging examinations. All patients had a surgical arthrotomy and joint debridement in the operating room, and specimens were taken for culture and sensitivity testing. The specimens were cultivated for at least seventy-two hours. Shoulder joint ranges of motion, comorbidities, and the presence of osteomyelitis were assessed clinically to determine the outcome. All statistical analyses were conducted using the STATA 17 statistical software. Analysis of correlation between categorical variables was performed using the chi-squared test.

The majority of the study patients were black Africans (97%). The age range of the group was from 8 days to 17 years. At presentation, 33% of patients had a low-grade fever, whereas the majority (60%) had normal body temperature. The average length of symptoms was 3.9 days (ranged from 1 day to 15 days), and the majority of patients had an increased white cell count (83%) and C-reactive protein (98%). There was accumulation of fluid in the joint of all individuals who received shoulder ultrasound imaging. We noted a significant incidence of gram-positive cocci, which were mostly susceptible to first-line antibiotics. Shoulder stiffness affected 63% of patients and chronic osteomyelitis affected 50% of individuals. Neither the severity nor the duration of the symptoms was related to an increased risk of osteomyelitis.

The results of this study revealed that the clinical characteristics and bacterial profile of septic arthritis of the shoulder conform to typical patterns. The likelihood of osteomyelitis and an unfavourable prognosis is considerable.

Introduction

Metabolic bone disease encompasses disorders of bone mineralization, abnormal matrix formation or deposition and alteration in osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. In the paediatric cohort, patients with metabolic bone disease present with pain, fractures and deformities. The aim was to evaluate the use of lateral entry rigid intramedullary nailing in lower limbs in children and adolescents.

The use of total hip arthroplasty in adolescents for end-stage degenerative hip disease is controversial with few reported outcomes in the literature. The purpose of the study was to report the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in a cohort of adolescents managed by a multidisciplinary team of paediatric and adult orthopaedic surgeons from a single centre.

A multidisciplinary clinic consisting of paediatric and adult hip surgeons was established in 2013 to identify, treat and prospectively follow adolescents who would potentially beneift from a total hip arthoplasty. To date 29 consecutive adolescent patients (20 female, 9 male, 32 hips) with end stage degenerative hip disease have undergone cementless primary total hip arthroplasty. Mean age at decision to treat was 15.7 years (age 11.4–18.5). Ten different underlying paediatric specific pathologies were documented including DDH, cerebral palsy, JIA, skeletal dysplasias, SCFE and idiopathic chondrolysis. Three patients had bilateral staged procedures. Clinical baseline and outcomes were measured using Oxford Hip Score (OHS), WOMAC score and ASKp scores. Radiographic follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks, 6 months and yearly thereafter. Post-operative complications were recorded.

Twenty-five hips were eligible for minimum 2-year follow-up scoring at a mean 2.7 years (2.0–3.6 years). No intraoperative complications occurred. One case of recalcitrant postoperative psoas tendonitis occured. OHS improved from 25 (7–43) to 41 (23–48). WOMAC improved from 48 (12–8) to 12 (1–44), and ASKp improved from 78% (33–98%) to 93% (73–100%). Radiographic review revealed acceptable alignment of all components with no signs of loosening or wear. No revision of components was required. One patient died at 6 months post op from an unrelated condition.

The early term results of total hip arthroplasty in adolescents from our multidisciplinary program are encouraging. Improvements in quality of life to normal values were seen as were hip scores consistent with satisfactory joint function. Depite the range of complex and varied causes of arthritis seen in this population the establishment of combined paediatric and adult orthopaedic surgical teams appears to be a successful model to manage end-stage degenerative hip disease in adolescents.

Abstract

Non-operative management of AIS can present practical and psychological challenges, as effective bracing requires a considerable investment of time in adolescence which is a formative point of physical and emotional development. The management team lacks input from the psychological team and thus, it would be prudent for the spinal teams to appreciate and deal with the psychosocial effects associated with bracing.

We sought to investigate how bracing as a part of non-operative management of idiopathic scoliosis, is perceived among adolescents.

We performed a search of CINAHL, Medline, AMED, PsychARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and PsychINFO databases to identify qualitative research investigating the thoughts, feelings and experiences and attitudes of those undergoing bracing for AIS. Keywords used were (((“adoles∗” OR “young pe∗”) AND “idiopathic scoliosis”) AND “brac∗”) AND (“perce∗” OR “experience∗” OR “perspective∗” OR “attitude∗”).

Ten research articles were identified using our search strategy. Only one article addressed our research question specifically. This reported that almost all adolescent patients experienced psychological difficulties during treatment and received most of their support from family and friends rather than health professionals.

Our interpretation of the literature on this subject has yielded three recommendations for service providers. First, the policy ought to change to ensure that psycholological support is engrained within the treatment process; second, more information and advice must be given to patients and their families; and third, health professionals should appreciate and directly address in their consultations the psychological difficulties involved in brace wearing and the need for adequate support.

To investigate if the countermovement jump height differs between ACL injured and uninjured female adolescents and to explore kinematic differences between limbs. Additionally, the association between isometric knee extension strength and jump height was investigated.

Thirty-one ACL injured female adolescents (ACLi, 15.3 ± 1.4yrs, 163.9 ± 6.6cm, 63.0 ± 9.3kg) and thirty-eight uninjured (CON, 13.2±1.7yrs, 161.7 ± 8.1cm, 50.6 ± 11.1kg) participated in this study. All participants performed a countermovement jump task, with 3D kinematics collected using a motion analysis system (Vicon, Nexus, Oxford, UK) at 200Hz, and a maximum isometric knee extension task on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, New York, USA) for three trials. The peak torque was extracted from the isometric trials. Independent samples t-test compared the maximum jump height normalised by the dominant leg length between groups, paired samples t-test compared the maximum hip and knee extension and ankle plantar flexion velocities before take-off between limbs in both groups, and a Pearson's correlation test investigated the association between the isometric knee extension strength and jump height.

The ACLi jumped 13% lower compared to the CON (p=0.022). In the ACLi, the maximum hip and knee extension and ankle plantar flexion velocities were greater in the non-injured limb, compared to the injured limb; however, no differences between limbs were found in the CON. The isometric knee extension strength of both limbs was positively correlated with jump height (limb 1: r=0.329; p=0.006, and limb 2: r=0.386; p=0.001; whereas limb 1 corresponds to the ACLi injured limb and CON non-dominant limb, and limb 2 to the ACLi non-injured limb and CON dominant limb).

ACL injured female adolescents present lower jump height than controls and greater contribution of their non-injured limb, compared to their injured limb, during a countermovement jump task. Also, current results indicate that jump height is positively related to isometric knee extension strength measure.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture (ONFHpoFNFx) poses challenges in children, particularly at Ficat III stage. Limited effective treatments are available. This study explores basicervical femoral neck rotational osteotomy (BFNRO) for ONFHpoFNFx in children and adolescents and evaluates its outcomes.

Children and adolescents with ONFHpoFNFx (Ficat stage III) underwent BFNRO at our center from June 2017 to September 2022 were included. Follow-up exceeded 1 year, with data on modified-Harris-hip-score (mHHS), range of motion (ROM), patient satisfaction, femoral head collapse, necrotic area repair, leg-length, and osteoarthritis progression recorded.

This study included 15 cases (15 hips), with 8 males and 7 females, averaging 12.9 years in age (range: 10–17 years). Nine cases had BFNRO alone, and six had combined PAO. Rotation angles varied from 70° to 90° for anterior rotation and 110° to 135° for posterior rotation. Nine patients had femoral neck fixation in a varus position (10° to 30°). The postoperative contour of the weight-bearing area of the femoral head has significantly improved in all patients. With an average follow-up of 28.6 months (range: 12.2–72.7 months), mHHS significantly improved (65.2 to 90.2, P<0.001). Only one patient showed femoral head collapse. Patients experienced no/mild hip pain (VAS=0-3), slight restriction in range of motion, and mild limb shortening. Two patients showed osteoarthritis progression. No infections, joint replacements, or nerve injuries were observed.

Even in cases of ONFHpoFNFx in the late stage, BFNRO in children and adolescents can still yield positive early to mid-term results by relocating the necrotic area and restoring the integrity of the anterior-lateral column of the femoral head, thereby preventing femoral head collapse and delaying the onset of severe osteoarthritis.

Aims

The Bankart and Latarjet procedures are two of the most common surgical techniques to treat anterior shoulder instability with satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes. However, the outcomes in the adolescent population remain unclear, and there is no information regarding the arthroscopic Latarjet in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures in the management of anterior shoulder instability in adolescents.

Premature growth arrests are an infrequent, yet a significant complication of physeal fractures of the distal radius in children and adolescents. Through early diagnosis, it is possible to prevent clinical repercussions of the anatomical and biomechanical alterations of the wrist. Their true incidence has not been well established, and there exists no consensual systematic monitoring plan for minimising its impacts

The main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of growth arrests after a physeal distal radius fracture. The secondary objective was to identify risk factors in order to better guide clinicians for a systematic follow-up. All patients seen between 2014–2016 in a tertiary orthopaedic clinic were retrospectively reviewed.

Inclusion criteria were (one) a physeal fracture of the distal radius (two) adequate clinical/radiological follow-up.

Descriptive, Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out using SPSS software.

One hundred ninety patients (mean age: 12 ± 2.8 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Forty percent (n=76) of the fractures were treated by closed reduction. Premature growth arrest was seen in 6.8% (n=13) and diagnosed at a mean of 10 months post trauma. The logistic regression showed that the initial translation percentage (>30%) (p 25) (p increase the risk of growth arrest. After adjusting for concomitant ipsilateral ulnar injuries, a positive association between physeal complications and fracture manipulation was detected (76.9%, p=0.03). A non-significant trend between premature growth arrest and associated ulnar injury was observed (p=0.054). No association was identified for trauma velocity, fracture type, gender and age, and growth complications.

A prevalence of 6.8% of growth arrest was found after a physeal fracture of the distal radius. Fractures presenting with an initial coronal translation > 30% and/or angulation > 25 from normal, as well as those treated by manipulation, have been shown to be at risk for a premature growth arrest of the distal radius.

This study highlights the importance of a systematic follow-up after a physeal fracture of the distal radius especially for patients with a more displaced fracture who had a closed reduction performed. An optimal follow-up period should be over 10 months to optimize the detection of growth arrest and treat it promptly, thereby minimizing negative clinical consequences.

Introduction

Ascertaining the etiology of hip pain in young patients can be challenging. Osteoid osteoma about the hip has only been described in case reports and small case series in this sub-population. This study assessed the clinical course, radiologic findings, and treatment approaches in a large series of pediatric osteoid osteoma cases about the hip. Potential diagnostic and treatment pitfalls were identified.

Aims

Temporary epiphysiodesis (ED) is commonly applied in children and adolescents to treat leg length discrepancies (LLDs) and tall stature. Traditional Blount staples or modern two-hole plates are used in clinical practice. However, they require accurate planning, precise surgical techniques, and attentive follow-up to achieve the desired outcome without complications. This study reports the results of ED using a novel rigid staple (RigidTack) incorporating safety, as well as technical and procedural success according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework.

Hallux valgus (HV) deformities have been well defined in the adult population. HV appears to be more prevalent in elderly and female populations and it is postulated that women's shoe wear contributes to its progression.

This study was a pilot to quantify the prevalence of foot deformities and foot pain in an adolescent population.

Our cohort consisted of 202 school children aged 11–17 recruited from two schools in Edinburgh. Foot health data was recorded via the Manchester Scale (MHVS) and the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ). Photographic assessment of all participants allowed MHVS to be calculated by two orthopaedic surgeons. The photographic assessment was then repeated by the same surgeon 12 months later to allow inter and intra observer reliability to be calculated.

Results showed that the prevalence of HV in our cohort was 32.7% and there was a female preponderance 56% to 44%. Other foot measurements revealed 48.5% had HV-interphalangeus, 25.7% had a low medial longitudinal arch and 22.3% had a valgus hindfoot angle. Significantly more females (18%) than males (5%) wore shoes narrower than their feet (p=0.003). OAFQ scores revealed that foot pain was more common in those with HV deformities although not statistically significant (75% to 68%, p=0.243). The prevalence of foot pain was negatively correlated with age (r=−0.175, p=0.14).

This study suggests that there is a significant prevalence of HV and foot pain amongst female adolescents. This will need to be confirmed by a population study based on power calculation informed by this pilot.

INTRODUCTION

Spinal injuries in children are rare and account for a low proportion of all childhood injuries. Because of higher mobility and elasticity of the spine and a lower body mass in children, spinal injuries are not frequent and represent only 2 to 5 % of all spinal injuries.