Faculty Bibliography

An average of 25% of operated clubfeet will recur. We address the surgical treatment of these surgical failures at different age groups and suggest an objective evaluation system for surgical results.

Fifty-two cases of osteoid osteoma in children under 5 years of age were collected from the English literature and reviewed, along with seven cases from the Hospital for Joint Diseases. Analytic emphasis was placed on the clinical and radiologic difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma in children. Diagnosis is especially challenging in patients that are just beginning to walk. Osteoid osteoma is often confused with many other entities. Although pain was the most frequent clinical manifestation, it was absent in 12% of cases; limp tenderness, swelling, and atrophy were the next most frequent findings. When standard radiographic findings proved negative for this condition, technetium bone scans were of considerable efficacy in identifying the tumor. When used, computerized tomograms permitted visualization and precise localization of the tumors in all cases. Bone deformities and leg-length discrepancies were found in more than 25% of the cases. Mini-block excision is recommended at diagnosis.

Ninety-one cases of histologically confirmed osteoid osteoma were collected during an 11-year period; of them, seven (7.6%) had onset of symptoms while younger than five years of age. Special diagnostic difficulties were found in this specific age group: most cases were misdiagnosed or diagnosed incorrectly. The time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis varied from three months to five years. Although pain was present in six patients, in four cases, other concomitant signs and symptoms attracted more attention and led to a misdiagnosis and unnecessary invasive procedures. Gait disturbance (limp) was the second most frequent sign and was always present when the lower extremity was affected. In five cases, initial radiographs were not conclusive. Bone scans were very sensitive and conclusive in three cases where radiographs were atypical. Computerized tomograms always located the tumor.

The navicular position was evaluated (according to Simons' criteria) on anteroposterior and lateral roentgenograms of 45 clubfeet that were treated with complete soft-tissue release without internal fixation. The evaluation was performed an average of 28 months after surgery. Position of the navicular correlates well with the functional rating score system. Navicular position can be viewed as an indicator for clubfoot correction. Internal fixation of the talonavicular joint was correlated with favorable correction of deformity.

Two groups of patients who underwent soft-tissue release of clubfoot are compared. In group I, internal fixation (two Kirschner wires) was used for 6 weeks to retain correction of clubfoot. In group II, no internal fixation was used. Patients from the two groups were operated on by one surgeon using the same procedure. Because there was no statistically significant difference in functional result between the two treatment groups (P = .08; Mann-Whitney Test), the authors recommend avoiding internal fixation (with all the associated problems) in cases of uncomplicated clubfoot, and encourage early removal of the cast and frequent manipulations to prevent stiffness of the joints and reduce the recurrence rate.

After a fall from a tree, a 12-year-old boy sustained a fracture of the greater trochanter and was subsequently treated by open reduction. Twenty months after surgery, the hip developed to a flexion contracture, limb-length discrepancy, a collapsed, irregular-shaped femoral head with sclerotic areas, and a metaphyseal cyst. A growing child with avascular necrosis of the femoral head after fracture of the greater trochanter seems not to have been reported in the English language literature.

A bicenter study was conducted to compare the results of treatment in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with Frejka splint versus Pavlik harness. Eighty-four dislocated hips were treated by the Frejka splint, and 48 dislocated hips were treated by the Pavlik harness. Failure of reduction was 10% with the Frejka splint and 12% with the Pavlik harness. Avascular necrosis (AVN, mostly type 1) was detected in 7% of Frejka patients versus 6% in Pavlik patients. The Frejka splint is simpler to use and if properly applied may be as safe as the Pavlik harness for DDH treatment.

Tissue expansion was used successfully to prepare adequate soft tissue for closure following a difficult clubfoot correction. The gradual expansion was done weekly at the outpatient clinics (average 3-4 months). The procedure proved to be useful in severe cases of clubfoot.

In 50 patients (72 clubfeet), the posterior tibial tendon was excised during complete soft tissue clubfoot release. The end results after an average of 3 years were graded as follows: 55.5% excellent, 29.3% good, 8.3% fair, and 6.9% poor. Heel varus and forefoot adduction were the main causes for recurrence. Heel valgus occurred in one foot. Excision of the posterior tibial tendon is safe, does not lead to overcorrection, and may prevent further scarring created when the tendon is lengthened.