Normative Data of Pulmonary Function Tests and Radiographic Measures of Chest Development in Children Without Spinal Deformity: Is a T1-T12 Height of 22 cm Adequate?

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objectives: To develop normative data of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and radiographic measures of chest development in normal children and to determine if the prior proposed T1-T12 height of 22 cm for spinal fusion in a growing child is adequate for pulmonary function based on normative PFT values at skeletal maturity.

Summary Of Background Data: Shortening of the spine from T1-T12 is a concern with early thoracic fusion for spinal deformity, as it has a deleterious effect on the development of the pulmonary system.

Supracondylar Humeral Fracture Documentation: A Performance Improvement Study.

Background: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCH) are the most common fractures about the elbow in children that require operative stabilization. Considering the possible complications involved including nerve deficit and compartment syndrome, documentation is crucial to good patient care. It also is of prime importance for justification or defense of our care should this arise.

Vancomycin Concentrations in Paraspinal Muscles During Posterior Spinal Fusions for Neuromuscular Scoliosis.

Study Design: Prospective consecutively enrolled cohort.

Objectives: To evaluate paraspinal muscle concentration of intravenously administered vancomycin, at predetermined time points, during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) with instrumentation in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS).

Summary: Surgical site infection (SSI) after PSF for NMS can be a devastating complication, which may lead to prolonged antibiotic use, multiple additional surgical procedures, pseudarthroses, and sepsis.

Chondroblastoma of the distal phalanx.

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign primary bone tumor that usually occurs at the epiphysis of long bones. The authors present an example of the diagnosis and successful treatment of this neoplasm in an exceedingly rare location in the distal phalanx. Clinical and radiographic outcomes after 68 months of follow-up are presented.