Grice-Green subtalar arthrodesis was initially reported to correct valgus hindfoot deformities in patients with poliomyelitis. Nowadays, the indications of the Grice-Green arthrodesis have been significally broadened. The aim of this study is to analyse the indications of treatment and evaluate the results of the Grice-Green arthrodesis in children.

During the period 1986–2006, 17 children with valgus hindfoot deformities were treated in our department. In 12 of them the procedure was performed in both feet and in the rest (5 patients) unilaterally. The mean age at operation was 8.8 years. The most common group of patients suffered from cerebral palsy (10 patients), followed by the patients suffering from myelomeningocele (4 patients), 2 patients suffered from overcorrection following treatment of congenital equinovarus and one patient from Charcot Marie Tooth disease. In neine patients the operation was combined with Achilles tendon lengthening, capsulotomies, tendon transfers, tendonotomies, and Evans arthrodesis. In all operations bone graft from the tibia or the fibula was used. Postoperatively a balow knee non weightbearing cast was applied for 8 weeks followed by a weightbearing cast for 4 weeks. The results were avaluated according to Alman and Zimbies criteria. The mean follow up of the patients was 4.2 years. The results in 24 feet were considered excellent and in 5 cases satisfactory. In all cases subtalar arthrodesis was achieved.

Grice-Green arthrodesis is a very useful operative technique for the correction of severe valgus hindfoot deformities in children. The results of the technique are usually good and the operation does not influence the normal growth of the foot. An accurate preoperative planning and a good surgical technique is neccesary for good results.

To compare the early functional and clinical results, between single (SB) and double-bundle (DB) of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstrings (HS).

Thirty-six patients from 17 to 36 years old (average age 23), 22 ♂ and 14 ♀, from January 2006 to May 2008, were randomly allocated for ACL reconstruction with HS (SB – DB). Eighteen patients underwent a 4-stranded SB reconstruction (group A) and the remaining 18 underwent an anatomic, 2-stranded DB ACL reconstruction with 2 tibial and 2 femoral tunnel technique (group B), by using the Smith & Nephew instrumentation system. The follow-up was from 8 to 22 months (average 16 months) for both groups and included clinical evaluation (pivot-shift test, anterior laxity test with KT-1000 arthrometer and Lysholm knee score) and radiographs.

There were no statistically significant difference in the results between the 2 groups with regard to the pivot-shift test and the Lysholm score (SB: mean 91, DB: mean 89) (Mann-Whitney test, T-test). The anterior laxity was not significantly different between group A (mean, 2.2mm) and group B (mean, 0.9mm), according to KT-1000 measurements. Rotational stability, as evaluated by pivot-shift test, was better in group B than in group A, but statistical analysis showed no significant difference. The average operation time was longer in DB (110 min) compared to SB (80 min). There were no infections, though one patient of each group was found to be complicated with fixed flexion and extension lag > 5°; and underwent arthroscopic lysis.

Our study shows no statistically significant advantage of DB versus SB ACL reconstruction, concerning the clinical evaluations and the complications

Pes equinovarus is a multi-factorial congenital disease that involves 1/1000 births, is bilateral in half of the cases and affects usually male children.

From 1995 – 2008 we have treated in total 172 children with pes equinovarus, 116 male and 56 female with age from 1 week to 4 years-old. There was bilateral pes equinovarus in 36 children whereas unilateral disease revealed equal rate of incidence. All children were treated initially with corrective casts and sequentially 122 children had surgery consisting of Achilles tendon lengthening and posterior capsulotomy, whereas in the rest of the cases was necessary medial hind foot structures and tendons release.

Final correction with only one operation were achieved in 108 children, there were pes equinovarus recurrence in 18 children that was treated with new soft tissue operation whereas 3 children had to undergo some kind of osteotomy in a later time. The recurrence time varied from 30 months to 13 years. The treatment was successful in 70% of the cases and 30% of them needed more than one operation for achieving a satisfactory functional result.

Pes equinovarus is a severe condition that now-a-days can be early diagnosed even in fetal life, but leads to significant handicap if left without treatment. In our department there were successful rates similar to international reports. The importance of an established long-term follow up of children that were operated for pes equinovarus is the keystone of a successful outcome and the early treatment is mandatory.

The aim of our study was to examine the outcome of ACL reconstruction by using four strand hamstring tendon autografts.

Material and Methods: the study included 44 patients (29 males,15 females;mean age 26;18–45 years). The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and imaging techniques. The operation was performed arthroscopically 4–62 weeks after the injury. The tendon was fixed in the tibia with an interference screw and in the femur with three different methods cross pin in 16 cases, transfix pin in 11 cases and Endo button in 17 cases.

Results: The mean follow up was 28 months (12–42). The mean Lysholm score was improved from 35–65 (mean 49) preoperativelly to 55–100 postoperativelly (mean 88).

5 patients had laxity > 3mm when compared to the healthy knee by using the KT-1000 arhthrometric testing. 2 of the latter patients complained of a feeling of knee joint instability which occurred due to inaccurate positioning of the femoral tunnel. In 2 cases the transfix pins were displaced and removed on the 4th and 15th post-operative month.

The tunnel expansion was measured by an X-Ray or a CT scan. The tibial tunnel expansion was 0–2.5mm (mean 1.2) or 18% and the femoral tunnel expansion was 0–3 mm (mean 1.4) or 26%. 8 patients reported mild pain which did not restrict their activities. A 5 degree loss of extension was noticed in one patient who continues physiotherapy.

28 of the above patients suffered also from a meniscal injury that was managed arthroscopically.

Conclusion: ACL reconstruction by using four strand hamstring tendon autografts is safe, highly successful with very few complications when proper graft preparation and accurate tunnel placement is achieved.

The purpose of our study is to report the incidence of osteomyelitis during the last 10 years in our department. Diagnosis, management and follow-up are also discussed.

We carried out a retrospective study on 40 children who were hospitalised in our clinic between the years 1995–2006 suffering from osteomyelitis. There were 29 male and 11 female children with a mean age 6.8 years. A full blood count, CRP, ESR were measured and X-rays and ultrasound were performed in all patients. Blood cultures were also taken. Additionally, bone scan and CT scan were also performed in 6 and 3 children respectively. The lesion involved in 7 cases the tibia, 9 cases the lower end of the femur and the knee joint, 4 cases the head of the femur and the hip, 7 cases the patella, 4 cases the neck of the humerus, 3 cases the lower end of the fibula, 3 cases the 5th finger of the hand, 2 cases the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones and in 1 case the clavicle. All patients were initially commenced to double antibiotic scheme iv. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus Aureus (27 children-67.5%), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (9 children-22.5%), Streptococcus Pneumoniae (4 children-10%)

The majority of children (80%) were managed conservatively with intravenous and then oral antibiotic therapy. In 8 cases (20%) surgical debridement was performed due to persisting symptoms and/or aggressive radiologic appearance of the lesion. The mean days of hospitalisation were 17.4 days/patient. A 1.2 year mean follow-up was achieved in all the above patients. All children gradually improved and became pain free, while complete bone resolution appeared in the X-Rays.

Staphylococcus aureus remains the most common organism causing acute osteomyelitis. If left untreated the condition can lead to serious sequelae. The optimal approach in uncomplicated cases may be a combination of aspiration for diagnostic purposes and prolonged antibiotic therapy. A patient’s lack of response to antibiotic treatment and evidence of aggressive radiologic features are indications for surgery.

Acute osteomyelitis (OM) and septic arthritis (SA) are two issues of great concern and debate for the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.

Our purpose is to study the frequency of both diseases in the current years in comparison to the past, as well as other parameters that affect their progress such as time between the onset of the disease and the admission to the hospital, and pathogens that are found in pus and types of therapy.

Three periods were studied: Period A: years 1963–1975, Period B: years 1975–1983, Period C: years 2000–2005. In total, there were 451 patients suffering from OM and SA in Period A, 208 cases in Period B and 95 cases in Period C.

OM is found most often in the femur (A: 34.91%, B: 32.32%, C: 54.54%) and the tibia (A: 43.27%, B: 43.43%, C: 13.63%). SA is found mostly at the knee (A: 17.46%, B: 42.70%, C: 47.76%) and the hip (A: 50%, B: 37.50%, C: 41.79%) joints. A great percentage of patients in Period A (36.80%) are admitted to hospital very late (> 20 days from the onset of the disease); this number falls dramatically in Period C. There is, on the other hand, early admission to hospital (< 3 days) in period C (C: 74.73% versus A: 13.08%). No significant difference among age groups is apparent; 6–11 years of age are the most frequent. Staph. aureus has always been the most usual pathogen found in pus in the majority of cases. A great number of patients in Period A are admitted to hospital being already under antibiotic therapy (60.58%). This percentage falls in Period C (11.57%).

A decrease in the frequency of OM and SA in the recent years is obvious. Most of the patients are admitted early to hospital and due to this event, there is significant improvement concerning the complications from the diseases, in comparison to the past.

Purpose: The purpose of our study, is to determine the role of erythropoetin administration, as an alternative to homologous banked blood transfusions in total hip arthroplasty.

Material and Methods: We have carried out a prospective randomized, controlled study on 60 patients having unilateral total hip replacement. In all the above patients, the same surgical team applied the same surgical technique (hybrid THA) and they followed the same rehabilitation program. We examined 2 groups of patients. In group A, all the patients received intraoperatively one unit of homologous blood transfusion (average 1 unit/patient), according to the volume of blood collected in the suction device and to the anaesthesiologist’s estimation. We also administered 40,000 units of erythropoetin subcutaneously one day before the operation followed by 40,000 units (sc) every 3 days in a total scheme of 4 doses. A control group of 30 patients (group B), in whom standard suction drains were used, received intraoperatively one or two units of homologous blood transfusion (average 1,7 units/patient), and also additional blood transfusions when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion was determined by the Haemoglobin value (< 9mg/dl) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulse etc.). The values of Haemoglobin, Haematocrit and Platelets were recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th, and 15th day postoperatively.

Results: 5 patients of group A required postoperatively 7 units of homologous blood (0,23 unit/patient) (total amount for group A 37 banked blood units 1,12 units/patient). 21 patients of group B required additional 28 banked blood units postoperatively (totally 79 banked blood units, or 2,63 units/patient). In the group A (study group), the total homologous blood requirements were reduced by 53%, the postoperative blood requirements were reduced by 75% and the number of patients that required additional blood transfusion was reduced by 67%. There was no significant difference noticed in the postoperative values of Haematocrit and Haemoglobin.

Conclusions: The use of erythropoetin reduces effectively the postoperative demands of homologous banked blood transfusion in total hip arthroplasty.

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to estimate the effectiveness of Parecoxib in the post surgical analgesia in the fractures of the hip joint in comparison with the usage of the combination of Diclofenac ant Pethidine

Material and methods: We have carried out a prospective randomized clinical study, during the period January 2003-July 2004, on 90 patients were operated with fractures of the hip joint. We examined two similar groups of patients concerning the age, the type of fracture and the type of anaesthesia. In group A, consisting of 35 patients, we provided 40 mg of Parecoxib i.v., as postsurgical analgesia, twice a day and in Group B, of 55 patients, we provided the combination of Diclofenac 75mg i.m. twice a day and Pethidine i.m. in case of persisting pain.

The intensity of pain was estimated by the Pain Intensity Scale ( PIS ).

Results: In Group A the PIS was 2.5 ± 0.8, and none of the patients needed supplementary analgesic. In Group B the PIS was 3.2 ± 0.8 and 21 (38.3%) patients needed supplementary analgesics (Pethidine).

In the use of Parecoxib no side effects were noticed (decrease BP, vomiting etc).

Conclusion: Parecoxib is more effective in the post surgical analgesia than Diclofenac and Pethidine in the fractures of the hip joint. It is easier to administer (i.v) and is also seems to be safe (no side effects were noticed). Therefore, we suggest that it should be the drug of choice in the post surgical analgesia of the fractures of the hip joint.