Level III, comparative series.

No abstract

When patients who are thin present with knee pain, it can be easy to overlook the possibility of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Although 80% of patients with a "slip" are obese, thin children are not immune to this problem. Endocrinopathies, especially hypothyroidism, can be associated with SCFE. This article describes guidelines for evaluating patients for a slip and highlights some important considerations for the atypical SCFE. Patients with open growth plates with thigh or knee pain should routinely have a hip examination as part of the evaluation. Plain radiographs, with an emphasis on obtaining a frog lateral image, are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis of SCFE. Patients diagnosed with SCFE should be immediately referred to an orthopedic surgeon because treatment for this condition is always surgical.

This article discusses the most common organisms associated with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children. Magnetic resonance imaging is extremely important in evaluating the extent of the disease process. Osteomyelitis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be extremely difficult to treat and eradicate. It spreads quickly and causes local tissue necrosis. It is also associated with other serious sequelae such as deep venous thrombosis and septic pulmonary emboli. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to treat these infections. Hospital stays are often lengthy, complications are frequent, and patients are often critically ill. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(6):e204-e208.].

No abstract

Clavicle fractures are a common injury in the pediatric and adolescent population. Most fractures are located in the middle third of the clavicle. There has been no information in the literature regarding the management of extra-physeal medial clavicle shaft fractures in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate demographic and injury characteristics, management options and clinical outcomes of medial clavicle fractures in children and adolescents and differentiate them from those in adults. A retrospective review was performed at a single institution to identify patients with medial clavicle shaft fractures. Radiographs, clinical features and patient-reported outcomes (QuickDASH) were analyzed. Eight patients were identified with medial clavicle fractures. Two fractures could not be diagnosed on anteroposterior radiographs. Both operative (four patients) and nonoperative (four patients) treatment had excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes, irrespective of initial displacement. Compared to high-energy and life-threatening injuries in adults, these fractures in children and adolescents were sports-related and isolated fractures. Conservative treatment should be considered for medial clavicle fractures in children and adolescents. These fractures are distinct from their adult counterparts and do not lead to increased morbidity or mortality.

Background: Most opioids prescribed postoperatively are unused. Leftover opioids are a major source of nonmedical opioid use among adolescents. Postoperative opioid use has also been associated with prescription quantity. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of preoperative patient education and implementation of evidence-based prescribing guidelines on opioid use and pain level after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: AIS patients aged 10 to 17 years undergoing PSF were prospectively enrolled [postintervention cohort (POST-INT)]. Previous data on 77 patients showed median consumption of 29 doses of oxycodone after PSF [preintervention cohort (PRE-INT)]. All eligible patients during the study period were discharged with 30 doses of oxycodone and standard nonopioid analgesics. Only study participants received education on postoperative pain control. Demographics, radiographic/surgical data, pain level, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Requests for opioid refills were documented. Results: Forty-nine patients were enrolled. POST-INT was divided into low (L, ≤8 doses), average (AVE, 9-25), and high (H, >25) opioid use groups. Demographics, radiographic/surgical data, pain level, and patient-reported outcomes were similar between the groups. However, there was a difference in days of oxycodone use, doses consumed in the first week, and leftover doses (P<0.001). Comparison to the PRE-INT L (≤16 doses), AVE (17 to 42), and high (H, >42) use groups showed that POST-INT L and AVE consumed less oxycodone (L: P=0.002; AVE: P<0.001). Also, the overall POST-INT cohort had fewer mean days of oxycodone use (5.6 vs. 8.9, P<0.001) and doses used in the first week (14 vs. 23, P<0.001) compared with the PRE-INT cohort. Subanalysis showed fewer study participants requested and received an opioid refill [3/49 patients (6%)] compared with eligible patients who declined to participate, withdrew, or missed enrollment [8/35 patients (23%)] (P=0.045). Conclusions: Preoperative patient education and smaller prescription quantity successfully reduced opioid use while maintaining excellent pain control after PSF for AIS. Setting expectations regarding postoperative pain management is critical, as nonstudy participants were significantly more likely to request an opioid refill. Level of Evidence: Level II—therapeutic.