Correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been reported with various systems. All-screw constructs are currently the most popular, but they have been associated with a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis, with a potential risk of junctional kyphosis, not observed with hybrid constructs in the literature. In addition, it is important to weigh potential advantages of pedicle screw fixation against risks specific to its use. Because hybrid constructs are associated with a lower risk of complications and better sagittal correction than all-screw constructs, at present we use lumbar pedicle screws combined with a new sublaminar connection to the spine (Universal Clamps) at thoracic levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the Universal Clamp (UC) posteromedial translation technique for correction of AIS. Seventy-five consecutive patients underwent posterior spinal fusion and hybrid instrumentation for progressive AIS. Correction was performed at the thoracic level using posteromedial translation. At the lumbar level, correction was performed using in situ contouring and compression/distractions maneuvers. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. Medical data and radiographs were prospectively analyzed and compared using a paired t test. The average age at surgery was 15 years and 4 months (+/-19 months). The average number of levels fused was 12+/-1.6. The mean follow-up was 30+/-5 months. The average preoperative Cobb angle of the major curve was 60 degrees+/-20 degrees. The immediate postoperative major curve correction averaged 66+/-13%. The average loss of correction of the major curve between the early postoperative assessment and latest follow-up was 3.5 degrees+/-1.4 degrees . The mean Cincinnati correction index was 1.7+/-0.8 postoperatively, and 1.57+/-1 at last follow up. The mean rotation of the apical vertebra was corrected from 23.3 degrees+/-9 degrees preoperatively to 7.3 degrees+/-5 degrees at last follow up (69% improvement, P<0.0001). In the sagittal plane, the mean thoracic kyphosis improved from 23.8 degrees+/-14.2 degrees preoperatively to 32.3 degrees+/-7.3 degrees at last follow up. For the 68 patients who had a normokyphotic or a hypokyphotic sagittal modifier, thoracic kyphosis increased from 20.5 degrees+/-9.9 degrees to 31.8 degrees+/-7.4 degrees, corresponding to a mean kyphosis correction of 55% at last follow up. No intraoperative complication occurred and none of the patients developed proximal junctional kyphosis during the follow up. The principal limitation of the UC technique was the rate of proximal posterior prominence (14.6%), leading us to recommend the use of conventional claws at the upper extremity of the construct. The technique was safe, and reduced operative time, radiation exposure, and blood loss. While achieving correction of deformity in the coronal and axial planes equivalent to the best reported results of all-screw or previous hybrid constructs, the UC hybrid technique appears to provide superior correction in ...

Purpose The treatment of an unrecognized Monteggia lesion continues to pose a therapeutic challenge, as evidenced by the variety of surgical techniques described. Moreover, there are high complication and redislocation rates following surgery. This report concerns a surgical technique to reduce a chronic dislocation of the radial head utilizing an ulnar osteotomy and internal fixation. Methods Six consecutive cases of missed Monteggia lesions were treated in our institution between August 2001 and September 2003. Patient mean age was 6.5 (range 4-8) years, and the mean interval between injury and surgical procedure was 17 (range 1-49) months. Surgery consisted of an ulnar osteotomy with angulation and lengthening, bone grafting at the osteotomy site, and internal fixation. Open reduction of the radial head, repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament or temporary fixation of the radial head with a transarticular wire was not undertaken. Cast immobilization with the forearm in neutral rotation was maintained for 2 weeks. Results There was one case of nonunion. At an average follow-up of 3 (range 1.5-4.4) years, all patients had regained painless function of the forearm, good range of elbow and forearm motion, and maintenance of the radial head reduction. Conclusions Both angulation and elongation of the ulna are required to allow for reduction of the radial head. We do not see any indication for procedures directed at the radio-capitellar joint.

Proximal humerus fractures are rare in paediatric traumatology. Metaphyseal fractures account for about 70% of cases and epiphyseal separation for the remaining 30%. The development and anatomy of the proximal humerus explain the various fracture types, displacements, and potential complications; and also help in interpreting the radiographic findings, most notably in young children. Physicians should be alert to the possibility of an underlying lesion or pathological fracture requiring appropriate diagnostic investigations, and they should consider child abuse in very young paediatric patients. Although the management of proximal humerus fractures remains controversial, the extraordinary remodelling potential of the proximal humerus in skeletally immature patients often allows non-operative treatment without prior reduction. When the displacement exceeds the remodelling potential suggested by the extent of impaction, angulation, and patient age, retrograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) provides effective stabilisation. As a result, the thoraco-brachial abduction cast is less often used, although this method remains a valid option. Retrograde ESIN must be performed by a surgeon who is thoroughly conversant with the fundamental underlying principles. Direct percutaneous pinning is a fall-back option when the surgeon's experience with ESIN is insufficient. Finally, open reduction is very rarely required and should be reserved for severely displaced fractures after failure of closed reduction. When these indications are followed, long-term outcomes are usually excellent, with prompt resumption of previous activities and a low rate of residual abnormalities.