Journal of pediatric orthopedics
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The effect of elbow position on the radial pulse measured by Doppler ultrasonography after surgical treatment of supracondylar elbow fractures in children.
We performed a prospective study of 20 patients with displaced extension supracondylar humerus fractures and evaluated the effect of elbow flexion, forearm supination, and forearm pronation on blood flow to the injured arm after closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. Ten patients had a Gartland type II fracture and 10 patients had a Gartland type III fracture. After closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the radial pulse was examined with Doppler ultrasonography starting with the elbow in extension. ⋯ Supination allowed > or = 5 degrees of elbow flexion prior to radial pulse ablation in six Gartland type II and four Gartland type III fractures. We concluded that after closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation of displaced extension supracondylar fractures, vascular safety is enhanced by extending the elbow and supinating the forearm. The ideal position of elbow immobilization depends on the amount of swelling and the presence of a radial pulse.
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A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the results of intramedullary fixation used in the management of unstable, diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients. Twenty-five patients with 25 fractures were identified whose fracture management included only intramedullary fixation. Galeazzi, Monteggia, radial head, and distal metaphyseal fractures were excluded from this analysis. ⋯ No infections, malunions, or synostoses occurred in this patient group. Using the grading scheme adapted by Price there were 21 excellent results (84%), four good (16%), and no fair or poor results. In our experience, intramedullary fixation of the unstable both-bone forearm fractures is a safe, effective, and user-friendly technique when alignment jeopardizes fracture position at union and eventual forearm motion.
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Review Case Reports
Fracture of the cuboid in children: case report and review of the literature.
Although fractures of the cuboid are rare, they can be very disabling. The diagnosis is often missed, and overlooked cuboid fractures can lead to severe alterations in foot mechanics and function. ⋯ Cuboid fractures should be considered in the differential diagnosis of limping toddlers. Children seen with pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the lateral aspect of the foot require proper evaluation and treatment.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Epidural analgesia for postoperative pain control in children.
Ninety-eight continuous postoperative epidurals were administered to 87 children. The patients were divided into two groups: group I included 63 cases in which a 0.0625-0.25% solution of bupivacaine was continuously administered; group II included 35 cases in which a similar solution of bupivacaine mixed with 2-10 micrograms of fentanyl was administered. The dose of the epidural medication was titrated by the anesthesiologist according to the patient's age and anticipated level of postoperative pain. ⋯ Supplemental analgesia averaging 0.132 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h was required in 49 cases (41 in group I and eight in group II). In group I, the average dose of supplemental analgesia was 0.144 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h, whereas in group II, it was only 0.056 mg intravenous morphine/kg/8 h. Continuous epidural analgesia is effective in controlling postoperative pain, and the addition of fentanyl reduces the need for systemic narcotics.
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Calcaneal fractures are rare in children but frequent in adults. We report 18 cases (20 feet) of pediatric calcaneal fractures before the distal tibial growth line closed to assess the characteristics of pediatric calcaneal fractures and reveal differences in treatment and prognosis between children and adults. ⋯ The outcome was good, including the surgical cases. One of the reasons that calcaneal fractures are considered rare in children is that they are missed, and thus care is required in making the diagnosis.