High Prevalence of Varus Knee Malalignment in Adolescent Football Players-Clinical Lower Leg Axis Measurements of Male Junior Football Players Aged 7 to 18 Years.

Background: Football, as the most popular sport worldwide, has long been under suspicion of causing varus knee alignment as early as adolescence. However, no causal relationship has yet been found. The first step to do so would be to determine the prevalence of lower leg malalignment among male junior football players depending on age, performance level and the number of active seasons played.

Is overweight a predictor for a more severe course of disease in cases of necrotizing fasciitis?

Purpose: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but severe soft tissue infection, and its diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. Immediate treatment comprising extensive debridement, highly dosed broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and intensive care is necessary to prevent fatal outcomes. Considering the global rise in overweight patients and the known negative effects of obesity on the immune system, the aim of this study was to analyze whether overweight results in a more severe course of necrotizing fasciitis, worse outcomes and an increased mortality rate among overweight patients compared than in normal weight patients.

Suspected Simple Appendicitis in Children: Should We Use a Nonoperative, Antibiotic-Free Approach? An Observational Study.

Background: Simple appendicitis may be self-limiting or require antibiotic treatment or appendectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a nonoperative, antibiotic-free approach for suspected simple appendicitis in children.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included patients (0-17 years old) who were hospitalized at the pediatric surgery department due to suspected appendicitis between 2011 and 2012.

Mapping of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforators: Accuracy of Thermography and Handheld Doppler.

Background:  The versatile musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap and the thoracodorsal artery (TDA) perforator flap have developed into indispensable approaches in reconstructive surgery. While the anatomy of the TDA is consistent, the skin perforators vary in location and course. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) recently gained popularity for perforator identification; however, its use and accuracy in thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) mapping is yet to be determined.

Therapeutic approaches of diametaphyseal radius fractures in children.

Background: There are clear standards for when to operate on both distal epiphyseal and diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. However, paediatric surgeons are often faced with fractures in the transition zone between metaphysis and diaphysis. This aim of the study is to compare different treatment approaches for diametaphyseal forearm fractures, to classify different types of these fractures, and to define further assessment parameters and treatment recommendations.