Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B
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Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an emergency with potentially devastating consequences. Delayed recognition may be especially concerning for the pediatric population, as children present with a wide variety of etiologies, symptoms, and levels of communication. We sought to determine the average time from injury to diagnosis, most common presentations, the degree to which providers obtained pressure measurements, and outcomes of ACS in the pediatric population. ⋯ Pediatric ACS differs from adult ACS, as pediatric patients generally achieve good outcomes even when presenting in delayed fashion and undergoing fasciotomies for at least 24 h. We recommend considering decompressive fasciotomy in children even if there is prolonged time from injury to diagnosis. Level of evidence: IV.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A meta-analysis of flexible intramedullary nailing versus external fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
To compare the difference in efficacy following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) and external fixation (EF) for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library for relevant studies. We included controlled trials comparing complications between FIN and EF for pediatric femoral shaft fractures published before 25 November 2014. ⋯ On comparison of EF, a low incidence of overall complications [relative risk (RR)=0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.46; P<0.001] and pin-tract infection (RR=0.286, 95% CI: 0.13-0.61; P=0.001), but a high risk of soft tissue irritation (RR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.35-2.56; P<0.001) were found in patients treated with the FIN approach. No significant differences in other complications were found. On the basis of current evidence, the use of FIN leads to fewer complications than EF and may be considered as the first-line approach in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.