The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential benefit of using prolonged non-weightbearing (PNWB) as a treatment option for early-stage Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD). An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this retrospective study of patients with LCPD and ≥2-year follow-up. Patients 6–12 years of age were included if treatment began in Waldenstrom stage 1 or 2A. PNWB consisted of ≥6 months of non- or toe-touch weightbearing. PNWB was recommended if perfusion MRI demonstrated ≥40% hypoperfusion of the femoral head and parents decided against operative treatment. The control group consisted of symptomatically treated patients. Deformity index and epiphyseal quotient were measured at 2-year follow-up. Stulberg classification and sphericity deviation score (SDS) were determined at skeletal maturity or at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. When treatment was initiated in Waldenstrom stage 1, the PNWB group had significantly less femoral head deformity, including deformity index (0.21 vs. 0.52; P < 0.001), epiphyseal quotient (69% vs. 43%; P < 0.001), SDS (18 vs. 52; P = 0.004), and Stulberg (50% good vs. 0% good; P = 0.044). The PNWB group mean hypoperfusion was 68%, indicating severe hypoperfusion. Duration of recommended non-weight bearing in the PNWB group was 11.5 months (range 7–17 months). Despite severe femoral head hypoperfusion, PNWB begun during the initial stage of LCPD decreased femoral head deformity. PNWB should be considered a treatment option for patients/parents who do not wish to pursue operative intervention in early-stage LCPD with substantial hypoperfusion. Level of Evidence III – retrospective comparative study.

Background: The widely used Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was designed to improve understanding and subsequent treatment of children with cerebral palsy. Previous studies investigating reliability between physician and family report of GMFCS have focused on limited age groups or mobility levels. The current study aims to investigate the GMFCS agreement between pediatric orthopaedic healthcare professionals (HCP) and families across all age groups for children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 124 participants completed this prospective study at an orthopaedic children’s hospital. The HCP and family classified the mobility level of each child with cerebral palsy using the GMFCS. Each group was blinded to the other’s assessment of the child. Agreement reliability in GMFCS assessment between parents of children with cerebral palsy and HCP was determined. Results: The interclass correlation coefficient between parents and HCP was 0.92. There was agreement between HCP and parents in 69% of the children evaluated. These findings are similar to results of previous studies. Of those in which there was disagreement, 97% differed by one GMFCS level. In those that differed, the parents provided a lower functional level in 54%, in contrast to previous studies that reported much higher percentages. Conclusions: These findings add to the reliability of the GMFCS being used as a tool for effective communication between HCP and parents of those children with cerebral palsy across all age groups. This reliability can assist with the development of goals and expectations for that child.

SUMMARYThis article discusses a case in which a patient who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury returned with anterior knee pain in the same knee approximately 20 years later. He underwent reconstruction at the time of the injury and had a revision reconstruction performed 10 years later. The case highlights the long-term consequences of ACL injury and subsequent reconstruction for the knee joint, as this patient has developed anterior knee pain during his mid-40s. Additionally, non-operative management of knee osteoarthritis is discussed. BACKGROUND

Background: There is a paucity of data defining safe transport protocols for children treated with hip spica casting. Although restraint devices for casted children are available, all federally mandated testing uses a noncasted anthropomorphic test device (ATD or crash dummy). The purpose of this study was to evaluate current restraint options in simulated frontal crash testing using a casted pediatric ATD to determine injury risk to the head, cervical spine, chest, and pelvis. Methods: Using a 3-year-old ATD, dynamic crash sled tests simulating frontal crash were performed in accordance with government safety standards. The ATD was casted in a double-leg spica and the following restraint devices were tested: a seat designed for spica casted children, a restraint vest-harness, a traditional booster seat, and 2 traditional forward-facing car seats. Results: Although the presence of the cast increased many of the injury metrics measured, all seats passed current federal guidelines for the head and chest. No single seat performed best in all metrics. The greatest magnitude of neck loading and second-highest head injury criterion values were observed for the booster seat. The vest-harness produced the highest head injury criterion and the chest compression exceeded proposed federal limits. Conclusions: The results suggest safe transport in commercially available seats is possible with the child properly restrained in a correctly fitting seat. However, parents should not assume a child restraint system is appropriate for use just based on fit as, for example, seats with harnesses outperformed an easy to fit booster seat. Clinical Relevance: Each child and the position of the child’s cast are unique and discharge planning involves consideration of safe transportation. Although this study suggests several seats used to transport spica casted children pass the federal head and chest injury prevention requirements, it is important to recognize that some children may still require emergency vehicle transport.