Transepiphyseal intramedullary K-wire fixation in unstable diametaphyseal forearm fractures is a minimally invasive, quick and technically easy treatment option but requires additional immobilization. Our data suggest that this technique offers advantages compared to alternative treatment options.

Traumatic posterior dislocation of the elbow is often associated with significant morbidity and incomplete recovery. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the outcome of 33 children (median age 10.8 years). Patients underwent reduction and assessment of stability under general anaesthesia. Pure dislocations (n=10) were immobilized, whereas unstable fractures (n=23) were stabilized. Refixation of ligaments was performed if stability was not achieved by fracture stabilization alone. Immobilization was continued for 26 (pure dislocations) or 35 days (associated injuries), respectively. Results were excellent (n=9) or good (n=1) after pure dislocation. Results were excellent (n=15), good (n=7) or poor (n=1) in children with associated injuries. Accurate diagnosis, concentric stable reduction of the elbow as well as stable osteosynthesis of displaced fractures are associated with good results in children with acute posterior elbow dislocations.

The observed anti-apoptotic phenotype in HB cell lines may contribute to resistance to cytotoxic drugs used in the standard treatment protocol of HB. These pre-clinical results suggest that apoptosis sensitizers with BH-3 mimicry, such as ABT-737, should be further evaluated in preclinical models of HB.

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BackgroundTotal colonic aganglionosis (TCA) is a rare variant of Hirschsprung’s disease occurring in 3–10% of the cases. Only few studies reported the long-term clinical and metabolic outcomes of patients with TCA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and metabolic long-term outcomes of children undergoing surgical treatment for TCA.MethodsA 15-year retrospective study was performed. Blood chemistry tests and stool analysis performed at the last follow-up visit were recorded. Height and weight development were assessed using the corresponding percentiles for age. Faecal continence and quality of life were evaluated using a detailed questionnaire.ResultsEleven patients were included in the study. The median age at surgery was 6 months (range: 3–72 months). After histological confirmation, all patients underwent a total colectomy. Ileoanal anastomosis (n = 6), ileorectal anastomosis (n = 1), J-pouch (n = 1) and Duhamel procedure (n = 3) were performed. Temporary ileostomy was closed after a median of 8 weeks in 10/11 patients. After a median follow-up of 78 months (range: 27–199 months), all evaluated patients were continent. Height and weight were appropriate for age in only 5 patients. Vitamin B12 and folic acid serum levels were normal in all examined patients. Ten patients had normal hemoglobin serum levels. Seven patients had low transferrin saturation in serum. Hemoccult tests were negative in all examined patients. Despite complex postoperative courses in some cases, patients and parents showed good overall satisfaction in terms of quality of life.ConclusionThe majority of patients reported a good quality of life. This can result from the adaptation of the patients to certain disease states. The failure to thrive seems to be related with the extent of aganglionosis. The inclusion of these patients in interdisciplinary long-term follow-up care, in which pediatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, and dieticians are involved, is essential.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-018-0383-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.