Introduction. Sternoclavicular dislocations are well-known adult injuries. The same traumatism causes growth-plate fracture of the medial clavicle in children and young adults. At this location, the emergence of the secondary ossification center and its bony fusion are late. We report the results of 20 cases hospitalized in the Toulouse University Hospital Center that were treated surgically. Materials & Methods. 20 patients were treated between 1993 and 2007, 17 boys and 3 girls, 16 years old (6–20). The traumatism was always violent (rugby 75%). Two physeal fractures were anteriorly displaced, and 18 posteriorly. The follow-up is 64 month (8–174). Clinical, radiographic and therapeutic characteristics were assessed. The long-term results were analysed with: an algo-functional scale (Oxford shoulder score), the subjective Constant score, a functional disability scale (Shoulder simple test), a quality of life scale (DASH), and global indicators (SANE and global satisfaction). Results. all the patients were symptomatic before surgery: pains, oedema and partial functional impotence. Only 2 dysphagia, 1 dyspnea and 1 venous circulation alteration were observed. The first clinical and radiological examination, before CT scan, didn't diagnose the injury in 8 cases. The CT scan were realized for all the patients: it diagnosed the physeal fracture and showed 4 cases of vascular or respiratory compressions. There were 5 attempts of closed reduction, without success: all the patients were surgically-treated. The open reduction were completed by pinning (12 cases) or cerclage with absorbable suture (3 cases). Per-operatory findings lead to realize costo-clavicular repair plasties with the sub-clavicular muscle (3 cases) and/or capsular-ligamentous-perosteal selective plasties (13 cases). Two cases of broken Kirschner wires were noticed, without migration. Functional outcomes are largely good or excellent: STT 11,74/12 (10–12)–OSS 12,95/60 (12–19)–DASH 2,07/100 (0–17,6)–SANE 93,16% (60–100). Discussion and Conclusion. we present the largest case series in the literature. CT scanner is the essential element of the diagnostic process and may allow the distinction between true sterno-clavicular dislocation and displaced physeal fractures. This distinction is difficult at younger ages and is facilitated by the progression of ossification. Very good results were obtained, but classical pitfalls of treatment were found: instability after closed reduction, broken K-wires, recurrent anterior instability, inesthetic scars

Distal femoral physeal fractures can cause of growth distrurbance which frequently requires further surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to determine if tibial tuberosity ossification at the time of injury can predict further surgery in patients who have sustained a physeal fracture of the distal femur. We retrospectively investigated all patients who had operative treatment for a distal femoral physeal fracture at a paediatric level one trauma center over a 17 year period. Logistic regression analysis was performed investigating associations between the need for further surgery to treat growth disturbance and tibial tuberosity ossification, age, Salter Harris grade, mode of fixation or mechanism of injury. 74 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 57 boys (77%) and 17 girls (23%). The average age at time of injury was 13.1 years (range 2.-17.1 years). Following fixation, 30 patients (41%) underwent further surgery to treat growth disturbance. Absence of tibial tuberosity fusion to the metaphysis was significantly associated with need for further surgery (p = < 0 .001). Odds of requiring secondary surgery after tibial tuberosity fusion to metaphysis posteriorly (compared with not fused) were 0.12, 95% CI (0.04, 0.34). The estimate of effect of tibial tuberosity ossification on reoperation rates did not vary when adjusted for gender, mechanism, fixation and Salter Harris grade. When accounting for age, the odds of further operation if the tibial tuberosity is fused to the metaphysis posteriorly (compared with not fused) were 0.28, 95% CI (0.08, 0.94). Tibial tuberosity ossification stage at time of injury is a predictor of further surgery to treat growth disturbance in paediatric distal femoral fractures. Children with distal femoral physeal fractures whose tibial tuberosity was not fused to the metaphysis posteriorly were 8.3 times more likely to require further surgery

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

Fractures through the physis account for 18–30% of all paediatric fractures, leading to growth arrest in 5.5% of cases. We have limited knowledge to predict which physeal fractures result in growth arrest and subsequent deformity or limb length discrepancy. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with physeal growth arrest to improve patient outcomes. This prospective cohort study was designed to develop a clinical prediction model for growth arrest after physeal injury. Patients < 1 8 years old presenting within four weeks of injury were enrolled if they had open physes and sustained a physeal fracture of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia or fibula. Patients with prior history of same-site fracture or a condition known to alter bone growth or healing were excluded. Demographic data, potential prognostic indicators and radiographic data were collected at baseline, one and two years post-injury. A total of 167 patients had at least one year of follow-up. Average age at injury was 10.4 years, 95% CI [9.8,10.94]. Reduction was required in 51% of cases. Right-sided (52.5%) and distal (90.1%) fractures were most common. After initial reduction 52.5% of fractures had some form of residual angulation and/or displacement (38.5% had both). At one year follow-up, 34 patients (21.1%) had evidence of a bony bridge on plain radiograph, 10 (6.2%) had residual angulation (average 12.6°) and three had residual displacement. Initial angulation (average 22.4°) and displacement (average 5.8mm) were seen in 16/34 patients with bony bridge (48.5%), with 10 (30.3%) both angulated and displaced. Salter-Harris type II fractures were most common across all patients (70.4%) and in those with bony bridges (57.6%). At one year, 44 (27.3%) patients had evidence of closing/closed physes. At one year follow-up, there was evidence of a bony bridge across the physis in 21.1% of patients on plain film, and residual angulation and/or displacement in 8.1%. Initial angulation and/or displacement was present in 64.7% of patients showing possible evidence of growth arrest. The incidence of growth arrest in this patient population appears higher than past literature reports. However, plain film is an unreliable modality for assessing physeal bars and the true incidence may be lower. A number of patients were approaching skeletal maturity at time of injury and any growth arrest is likely to have less clinical significance in these cases. Further prospective long-term follow-up is required to determine the true incidence and impact of growth arrest

Introduction: Forearm fractures are the most common long bone fracture in the paediatric population. Associated neurological injury is a well recognized complication of these injuries yet is generally considered to beuncommon. This study sought to evaluate the incidence of neurological impairment in children referred for manipulation by the orthopaedics team in this tertiary referral hospital. Materials & Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was performed of the first 100 children to be referred for orthopaedic assessment. This represented 43% of the total number of children presenting to the emergency department in this time period. Inclusion criteria involved a fracture of any segment of the radius and/or ulna on radiological examination. Exclusion criteria included concomitant ipsilateral upper limb fracture, and compartment syndrome. Results: A total of 96 cases met the inclusion criteria. The cohort had a mean age of 8.04. Males were more likely to be injured as was the left forearm. The distal metaphysis was the segment most likely to be fractured and compound injuries were uncommon. The incidence of associated neurological impairment was 15.6%. The median nerve was most commonly injured, comprising 60% of nerve injuries. Distal physeal fractures were the most common fracture pattern to be associated with neurological impairment, with a rate of 37%. Conclusions: Forearm fractures requiring manipulation in the paediatric population are commonly associated with nerve injuries, with distal physeal fractures having a particularly strong correlation. Clinicians require a high index of suspicion for nerve injury when evaluating forearm fractures to avoid underdiagnosis. Failure to recognize neurological injury at the time of initial assessment has the potential to delay time to reduction due to the injury being misclassified as non-urgent. This delay has the potential to cause a prolonged or failed recovery of nerve function

Introduction. Distal tibial physeal fractures are the commonest cause of growth arrest and deformity secondary to failure to achieve and maintain an accurate reduction. Our study compared assessment of displacement and screw placement using X-Ray alone compared to CT scans. Method. Sixty-two consecutive fractures over a four-year period were used. Displacement was measured on 18 Salter Harris III and IV fractures by seven surgeons separately using X-rays alone. These were compared to measurements from the CT scans. Screw placement was drawn onto outlines of single cuts of CT scans by four surgeons for all 62 fractures using X-Rays alone. This was repeated one week later using the CT scans. Ideal screw placement was considered to perpendicularly bisect the fracture line. Differences between the ideal and observer measurements were analysed using the paired t-test. Results. The surgeons were incorrect in determining whether there was more or less than 2mm of displacement in 33.3 – 50% of cases (mean = 38.9% ). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) in accuracy of screw placement between using X-Rays and CT scans for all surgeons. Conclusions. We recommend that CT scans are essential for accurate pre-operative assessment of distal tibial physeal fractures

Introduction; Distal tibial physeal fractures are the commonest cause of growth arrest and deformity secondary to failure to achieve and maintain an accurate reduction. Our study compared assessment of displacement and screw placement using X-ray alone compared to CT scans. Methods; 62 consecutive fractures over a 4 year period were used. Displacement was measured on 18 Salter Harris III and IV fractures by 7 surgeons separately using X-rays alone. These measurements were compared to those made from the CT scans. Screw placement was drawn onto tracings of outlines of of single cuts of CT scans by 4 surgeons seperately for all 62 fractures using X-rays alone. This was repeated one week later using the CT scans. Ideal screw placement was considered to perpendicularly bisect the fracture line. Differences between the ideal and observer measurements were analysed using the paired t-test. Results; The surgeons were incorrect in determining whether there was more or less than 2mm of displacement in 33.3 Ð 50% of cases (mean = 38.9%) . There was a statistically signiþcant difference (p < 0.0001) in accuracy of screw insertion point and direction between using X-rays and Ct scans for all surgeons and fracture types. Conclusions; We recommend that CT scans are essential for accurate pre-operative assessment of distal tibial physeal fractures

Kirschner wires are commonly used in paediatric fractures, however, the requirement for removal and the possibility of pin site infection provides opportunity for the development of new techniques that eliminate these drawbacks. Bioabsorbable pins that remain in situ and allow definitive closure of skin at the time of insertion could provide such advantages. Three concurrent studies were performed to assess the viability of bioabsorbable pins across the growth plate. (1) An epidemiological study to identify Kirschner wire infection rates. (2) A mechanical assessment of a bioabsorbable pin compared to Kirschner wires in a simulated supracondylar fracture. (3) The insertion of the implants across the physis of sheep to assess effects of the bioabsorbable implant on the growth plate via macroscopic, pathohistological and micro-CT analysis. An infection rate of 8.4% was found, with a deep infection rate of 0.4%. Mechanically the pins demonstrated comparable resistance to extension forces (p=) but slightly inferior resistance to rotation (p=). The in vivo component showed that at 6 months: there was no leg length discrepancy (p=0.6), with micro-CT evidence of normal physeal growth without tethering, and comparable physeal width (p=0.3). These studies combine to suggest that bioabsorbable pins do not represent a threat to the growth plate and may be considered for physeal fracture fixation

Aims

This is a multicentre, prospective assessment of a proportion of the overall orthopaedic trauma caseload of the UK. It investigates theatre capacity, cancellations, and time to surgery in a group of hospitals that is representative of the wider population. It identifies barriers to effective practice and will inform system improvements.

Introduction: Ankle fractures accounts for 25% to 38% of all physeal fractures. An accurate diagnosis is the key to the appropriate management of these fractures. Traditionally the management decisions have been based on x-ray findings. We have used computed tomograpy (CT) scans in additon to x-rays in the management of these fractures. Objective: To determine the usefulness of computed tomograpy (CT) scans in the management of ankle fractures in children. Materials and Methods: Between 2001 to 2005, 53 patients with ankle fractures who were managed in our unit had CT scans in addition to plain radiographs. The mean age was 12.3 years (+/− 2.1). The radiographs were reviewed by senior paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who classified the fractures and formulated treatment plans (operative/non-operative). The CT scans were then reviewed by the respective surgeon and a similar exercise undertaken. A Radiologist confirmed that the fractures were classified accurately. Results: In 47% (25 fractures) the x-ray diagnosis/classification tallied with the CT scans whilst in 53% (28 fractures) the CT scans showed the fractures were more extensive/serious than noticed on the x-rays. The management was changed in 34% after reviewing the CT scans, In 9 from operative to non-operative treatment and in the other 9 from non-operative to operative treatment. Conclusion: We have found CT scans to be more useful than plain radiographs in making an accurate diagnosis of ankle fractures in children and thus planning appropriate management

Introduction. A recent retrospective study of distal femoral physeal fractures (DFPFs) suggested closed manipulation alone has a high incidence of re-displacement, malunion or physeal bar formation. The paper concluded that all displaced DFPFs require internal fixation, and breaching the physis with k-wires is safe. We agree that hyper-extension/flexion injuries need stabilisation using k-wires but, in our experience, purely valgus/varus deformities can be successfully managed by manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and a moulded cylinder cast. Method. We prospectively observed DFPFs presenting over 12 months. Departmental policy is to treat varus/valgus deformities by MUA, with cylinder casting providing 3 point fixation. Hyper-extension/flexion injuries are reduced on a traction table. 2mm cross k-wiring is performed, leaving the wires under the skin, and a cylinder plaster applied. A post-operative CT scanogram accurately assesses limb alignment. Patients are mobilised immediately using crutches and weight-bearing as pain allows. Plaster and k-wires are removed after 4–5 weeks. Scanogram is then repeated, and again at 6 months and 1 year. Results. 17 cases presented over 1 year. 16 were male, with a median age of 15. 13 were injured playing soccer, 1 in a motor vehicle accident and 3 by other mechanisms. Internal fixation supplemented reduction in 13 cases. 1 patient required repeat MUA and k-wiring when post-operative scanogram identified significant varus mal-alignment. In all cases, cylinder casting was unproblematic and range of movement quickly recovered after plaster/wire removal. To date none have developed significant malunion or growth arrest requiring intervention. Conclusion. DFPFs are uncommon, almost always occurring in teenage males. Accurate reduction and stabilisation is vital to restore and maintain a correct mechanical axis. MUA and cylinder casting is adequate in appropriate cases. Early imaging with CT scanogram can detect mal-alignment. Growth arrest is unusual and unlikely to be significant in most patients, who are approaching skeletal maturity. NO DISCLOSURES

In Clinical practice damage to the growth plate is usually caused by trauma. In neonates and infants, sepsis involving the growth plate may lead to very severe deformities as well as limb length discrepancy. The management for the child with physeal growth arrest depends on the age of the child, the site and the extent of involvement of the physis. The assessment of the extent of involvement of the physis can be made by plain x-rays, tomograms and magnetic resonance imaging. In younger children epiphysiolysis with or without an osteotomy is usually performed. In cases where is there is severe limb length discrepancy additional treatment with limb lengthening is carried out. Children towards the end of growth benefit from a corrective osteotomy. Hemichondrodiatasis is not recommended in younger children as there is a risk of physeal fracture leading to further growth arrest. However it can be used for selected cases towards the end of growth. Epiphysiolysis with the use of interposition materials such as fat, silastic or cement has been shown to be successful for bony bars occupying less than 30 % of the entire physis. In cases where the physeal injury is more extensive recent experimental work has shown that the use of tissue engineering techniques involving the transfer of cultured chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells may produce better results than conventional methods

Proximal Radius – Fractures of the proximal radius in children account for slightly more than 1% of all children’s fractures, represent 5 to 10% of all elbow fractures and accounts for 5% of all fractures involving the growth plate. The average age in the literature is 10 years (4 to 16 years) with no difference between boys and girls. The anatomical aspects should be emphasized for the comprehension of this fracture: 1) the radial head of the child only starts to ossify at age 5 so it is very rare to have a fracture before this age since all the head is cartilaginous and therefore more resistant to trauma. At the same time it makes more difficult the diagnosis because of the absence of ossification of the epiphysis. 2) There is a valgus angulation of 12.5° between the radial head and the shaft of the radius in the AP plan and an anterior angulation of 3° on the lateral plane that should not be misinterpreted as fractures. 3) The radial head is intrarticular in a similar way like the femoral head and trauma to this region may lead to AVN as a result of damage to the vascular supply of the epiphysis. 4) The proximal radioulnar joint has a very intimate continuity contributing to exact congruence of the articular surfaces. The axis of rotation lies directly in the center of the radial neck. Any deviation of the epiphysis over the neck has a major reflect over the axis of rotation causing a “cam” effect when the radial head rotates with loss of pronosupination. The mechanism of injury responsible for this injury result from a fall on the outstretched upper extremity in which the elbow is extended and a valgus force is applied to the elbow joint. In more rare cases it result from direct pressure to the radial head during dislocation of the elbow. There are different classifications mostly based on the anatomical lesion or degree of deformity. Wilkins divides this fracture in two major groups: Group I (valgus fracture) subdivided in three types: type A – the Salter-Harris type I and II, type B – Salter-Harris type IV and type C – fractures involving only the proximal radial metaphysis and Group II (fractures associated with elbow dislocation) subdivided in two types: type D – reduction injuries and type E – dislocation injuries. O’Brien divides the common valgus injury in three types according to the degree of angulation between the radial head and the axis of the radius: Type I (0 to 30° angulation) Type II (between 30° and 60°) and Type III (more than 60°). The clinical symptoms may vary according to the magnitude of the injury. The child will mostly complaint of pain and tenderness on the lateral side of the joint. In young children pain may first be referred to the wrist. The pain usually increases with pronosupination and extension of the elbow. The diagnosis relies mostly on the x-ray view (AP and lateral) and the fracture will be easily visualized in either film. In the cases where the fracture line is superimposed over the ulna an oblique view will be necessary. In the young child, whereas the epiphysis is still not ossified, an ultrasound may be helpful differentiating the position of the radial head. An arthrogram may also be of benefit especially during the process of reduction to check the accuracy of the treatment. The prognosis of this lesion depends on several factors. A poor result can be expected if the fracture is associated with other injuries such as elbow dislocation and ulna or medial epicondylar fractures. A residual tilt of the radial head, provided is not superior to 30°, is more tolerable than a translocation of the radial head superior to 4mm. Age is also an important factor since the older the child the less remodeling it will have. The treatment has also an important role in the prognosis of this injury since it is unanimous acceptable that an open reduction is associated with poor results. Therefore the treatment of a young child with an isolated minimal displaced fracture-separation of the proximal radius (less than 30°) should be a simple long arm cast. In a more displaced fracture (more than 30° of tilt) a closed reduction should be performed under general anesthesia as suggested by Patterson. If the maneuver is not successful other attempts should be made with lateral pin compression applied directly to the radial head as suggested by Pesudo or an indirect reduction by an intramedullary kirschner wire as suggested by Metaizeau. Open reduction should be only reserved for dislocated Grade IV Salter-Harris type fractures, incarcerated radial head or in the presence of failure of closed treatment. The incidence of complications especially if associated with a dislocation of the elbow or other fractures can be high. The most common are loss of motion, radial head overgrowth usually with no clinical significance, notching of the radial neck and premature physeal closure. Avascular necrosis of the radial head is most commonly associated with open reduction. Distal Radius – It is the most common fracture separation in children and represent 46% of all fractures involving the growth plate. A fracture of the ulna is associated in 6 to 11% of the injuries. The average age is 12 years with a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 16 years. Although this high incidence it is very uncommon subsequent growth disturbance. The usual mechanism of injury is similar to the proximal radius injury and result from a fall on the outstretched upper extremity with the wrist hyperextended. This type of injury is classified by the Salter-Harris classification for physeal fractures and the most commons are the types I and II. The clinical symptoms vary from mild tenderness over the fracture site to a noticeable deformity most often with the apex volar. Attention should be given to the possibility of vascular and neural injury associated, mostly from the time of the acute deformation, and the diagnosis is made by x-ray view (AP and lateral) with the fracture well visualized. The prognosis is in general good since even in the presence of a markedly displaced fracture it can be expected a remarkably remodeling even in an older child. Treatment in a nondisplaced fracture only requires a below elbow cast for 4 weeks. In a displaced fracture a closed reduction should be performed under hematoma block or general anesthesia (in a young child). The reduction is stable most of the times in a plaster with the wrist in slight flexion. The incidence of complications is very rare

The October 2014 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: proximal humeral fractures in children; quadrilateral surface plates in transverse acetabular fractures; sleep deprivation and poor outcomes in trauma; bipolar hemiarthroplasty; skeletal traction; forefoot fractures; telemedicine in trauma; ketamine infusion for orthopaedic injuries; and improved functional outcomes seen with trauma networks.

The October 2015 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: PCA not the best in resuscitation; Impact of trauma centre care; Quality of life after a hip fracture; Recovery and severity of injury: open tibial fractures in the spotlight; Assessment of the triplane fractures; Signs of an unstable paediatric pelvis; Safe insertion of SI screws: are two views required?; Post-operative delirium under the spotlight; Psychological effects of fractures; K-wires cost effective in DRAFFT

The April 2013 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: ankle sprains; paediatric knee haemarthroses; evidence to support a belief; ‘Moonboot’ saves the day; pamphlets and outcomes; poor gait in pilons; lactate and surgical timing; and marginal results with marginal impaction.