Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Radiographic Characteristics in Skeletally Immature Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: A PLUTO Study Group Reliability Study.

Background: Radiographic measurements of limb alignment in skeletally immature patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently used for surgical decision-making, preoperative planning, and postoperative monitoring of skeletal growth. However, the interrater and intrarater reliability of these radiographic characteristics in this patient population is not well documented.

Hypothesis: Excellent reliability across 4 raters will be demonstrated for all digital measures of length, coronal plane joint orientation angles, mechanical axis, and tibial slope in skeletally immature patients with ACL tears.

Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Growth Plates: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate studies reporting on the effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the physis.

Summary Of Key Points: Eight studies were included in the final analysis, all of which were animal studies. At higher doses, studies found skin and bone necrosis and inhibition of growth, while in lower doses some studies found that ultrasound had a transient stimulatory effect on growth, increased thickness of the hypertrophic zone, and increased thickness of the whole growth plate.

Open reduction of radial neck fractures in children: injury severity predicts the radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Background: Radial neck fractures are the third most common elbow fracture in children. Open reduction may be required if closed or mini-open techniques are not successful in reducing the fracture. Previous reports on open reduction have noted poor outcomes and complications with this treatment approach.

A Novel Low-Cost Surgical Simulation Tool for Pinning Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

Background: Simulation-based training is one way to improve basic competence for surgical trainees and thus improve patient safety. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of a supracondylar humerus fracture is a common procedure that encompasses many basic orthopaedic skills and has been identified as a residency milestone. Despite this, no quantitative tools exist to help learners attain this basic skill.

Simulation Training of Orthopaedic Residents for Distal Radius Fracture Reductions Improves Radiographic Outcomes.

Background: Most distal radius fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting in pediatric patients. These skills are traditionally developed treating real patients, however, there is growing interest in the use of simulation training to supplement traditional learning strategies.

Methods: Seventy-eight children with distal radius fractures that underwent closed reduction and casting by novice orthopaedic surgery residents were retrospectively reviewed.

Which Children Are at Risk for Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury After Ipsilateral Reconstruction?

Background: Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, children are at significant risk for complications, including contralateral ACL rupture. The purpose of this study is to determine which children are at risk for a contralateral ACL tear after ipsilateral reconstruction.

Methods: After review of medical records, we contacted patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between 2009 and 2016.

Glove Perforation in Orthopaedics: Probability of Tearing Gloves During High-Risk Events in Trauma Surgery.

Objective: To assess the risk of glove perforation during common maneuvers or events in trauma-related orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Methods: Four investigators executed 6 high-risk maneuvers in a simulated laboratory setting. Alternative techniques were also performed for most maneuvers.

Can a Novel, Low-Cost Simulation Model be Used to Teach Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Preparation?

Background: This study evaluated an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft preparation simulation learning model for use by orthopaedic surgery trainees.

Methods: A simulation model for ACL graft preparation was constructed using shoelace as graft material and a wooden graft preparation board that matched the dimensions of existing products. A 12-minute instructional video targeted at novice learners was created to accompany the simulation model.