A two-part study contrasted the utility of free-response and checklist methodologies for ascertaining ethnic and gender stereotypes. Descriptions of data collection, organization, and cluster and entropy analyses are provided. Results indicate that important differences emerge between data resulting from free-response methodology and those obtained with traditionally employed adjective checklists. These differences include the generation of a large percentage of physical descriptors and within-ethnic-group gender differences in stereotype content. A major finding is the generation of a large number of distinct responses coupled with low-frequency use of any particular response. Study 2 specifically examined whether free-response data are more schematic than checklist data. Results indicate that free-response data have a greater dependency and may thus be indicative of schematic response. This schematic response may, in turn, indicate more automatic processing than is evident with data from checklist methodologies.

Oral ALN for 2 yr in pediatric patients with OI significantly decreased bone turnover and increased spine areal BMD but was not associated with improved fracture outcomes.

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Therapeutic-Level IV.

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In ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), practitioners often examine outcomes using measures related to functions necessary for daily life. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) Dimensions D and E, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) Parent and Child versions, Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) Walking subscale, Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), temporal‐spatial gait parameters, and O2 cost during ambulation were selected for study. Cross‐sectional data were collected in a prospective multicenter study of 562 participants with CP (339 males, 223 females), between 4 and 18 years of age (mean age 11y 1mo). There were 240 classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I, 196 as Level II, and 126 as Level III. The tools that had the best interrelationships and underlying constructs predominately measured changes in physical function. These included portions of the FAQ, Parent PODCI, WeeFIM, and GMFM. GMFM Dimensions D and E exhibited a very strong relationship. Temporal‐spatial gait parameters and O2 cost measures represented a different construct of physical function. The Child PODCI reports and both the Parent and Child PedsQL reports did not relate well to other measures, suggesting a pattern of answers not related to question content. The Parent PODCI, the FAQ Walking subscale, and GMFM Dimension E were found to be an appropriate minimum set of instruments for assessment of functional outcomes in patients with ambulatory CP.

The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) questionnaire was used to quantify functional abilities of a group of unilateral upper extremity deficiency (U-UED) patients and compare them with "normal" control children. Sixty-four consecutive patients with U-UED were assessed. Parents and adolescent (ages 11-21) patients responded. Underlying diagnosis, amputation level, and type of prosthesis were recorded. Scores were compared for congenital versus traumatic etiologies for patients with various amputation levels, and for patients using prostheses versus those not using prostheses. In both parent and patient responses, PODCI scores were significantly lower than "normal" for upper extremity function and sports. Scores were similar for congenital and acquired amputees. Responses from adolescent patients showed progressively decreasing scores for upper extremity, transfers, sports, and global function with progressively proximal amputation levels. Patients using prostheses with different terminal devices did not significantly differ. Parent responses for prosthesis wearers showed lower comfort/pain scores (ie, increased pain) than non-prosthesis wearers, but no significant differences in function, including upper extremity function.

The establishment of a statistically significant relationship between BMI and infantile Blount disease will be helpful to the orthopaedic surgeon in deciding which children would benefit from early treatment of bowlegs. In addition, nutritional counseling can be emphasized for those at risk.