Publications by authors named "Nathan Houlihan"

Background: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common problem with various anatomic risk factors identified, including patella alta as one of the most powerful predictors. Given that the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft tissue stabilizer of the patella, a common procedure to treat recurrent patellar instability is MPFL reconstruction. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between MPFL reconstruction and patellar height.

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Objectives: Recreational swimming/diving is among the most common physical activities in US children and a significant cause of morbidity across the United States. This study updates the national epidemiology of diving-related injuries.

Methods: The Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for patients aged 0 to 19 from 2008 to 2020 who presented to any of the 100 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-participating emergency departments for a diving-related injury.

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Article Synopsis
  • Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are rare but can lead to serious issues in children, with no universally accepted treatment method established.
  • A systematic review analyzed 47 studies involving 1922 pediatric TSFs, concluding that both open and arthroscopic surgeries were commonly used, with a slight preference for arthroscopic techniques.
  • The findings indicated nonunion rates in certain fracture types, higher risk of range of motion loss in severe fractures, and secondary ACL injuries more prevalent in less severe cases.
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The purpose of this study was to estimate monthly and annual trends in youth sports-related injury over the years 2016-2020 using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to measure the impact of COVID-19 on overall and sport-specific rates of injury. Children and adolescents (0-19 years) presenting to USA emergency departments with sport participation injury from 2016 to 2020 were identified. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed of injury patterns.

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Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the national epidemiology of basketball-related injuries in children and adolescents presenting to US emergency departments (EDs) from 2011 to 2020 and to quantify the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for cases of injury in persons aged 0 to 19 years related to product code 1205 (basketball and related equipment) presenting from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2020. National injury estimates were calculated using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-recommended weights and strata.

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Background: Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAF) often require surgical reduction and stabilization. Traditional teachings recommend postoperative knee immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks; however, the necessity of these restrictions is unclear and the actual practice varies. This study's purpose was to: (1) retrospectively review operatively managed TTAFs at a single center to examine the spectrum of postoperative rehabilitation guidelines, and (2) compare the outcomes of patients based on the timing of initiation of postoperative knee range of motion (ROM).

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Context: The number of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) occurring yearly increased almost 6-fold from 2004-2014. We find it interesting that limited recent data exist on rates of ACL injury and reconstruction in children and adolescents, especially in the context of COVID-19.

Objective: Given the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth sports seasons and the postponement of many elective surgeries, we sought to examine the changes in rates of ACLR during this period.

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Background: Isolated fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna in pediatric patients with open physes are classically considered pathognomonic for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The purpose of this study was to distinguish the clinical manifestations of isolated olecranon fractures in patients with and without OI to help practitioners assess when further evaluation for OI may be necessary.

Methods: All patients younger than 18 years old who were treated for an isolated olecranon fracture at a pediatric tertiary care center between 2009 and 2021 were identified.

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Background: While the impact of trainee involvement in other surgical fields is well established, there is a paucity of literature assessing this relationship in orthopaedic spine surgery. The goal of this study was to further elucidate this relationship.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was initiated on patients undergoing 1-3 level lumbar spine fusion at a single academic center.

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Background: Currently, no authors of existing studies have attempted to classify the signal characteristics of disc herniation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their temporal relationship to symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MRI signal characteristics are predictive of acuity of symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients treated at an academic center for LDH from 2015 to 2018.

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Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has continued to evolve over the past few decades, with significant advancements in technology and technical skills. From endonasal cervical approaches to extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusions, MISS has showcased its usefulness across all practice areas of the spine, with unique points of access to avoid pertinent neurovascular structures. Adult spine deformity has also recognized the importance of minimally invasive techniques in its ability to limit complications and to provide adequate sagittal alignment correction and improvements in patients' functional status.

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Purpose: To estimate the risk of glaucoma or sustained ocular hypertension (OHT) related to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Subjects: Patients who received unilateral anti-VEGF injections for AMD at the Wheaton Eye Clinic (IL).

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