Nonoperative Versus Operative Treatment of Type IIA Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Prospective Evaluation of 99 Patients.

Background: Although current clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggest that Type II and III supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures be treated by closed reduction and pin fixation, controversy remains as to whether type IIa fractures with no rotation or angular deformity require surgery. The purpose of our study was to prospectively compare radiographic and functional outcomes of type IIa SCH fractures treated with or without surgery.

Methods: Between 2017 and 2019, 105 patients between 2 and 12 years of age presenting with type IIa SCH fractures and without prior elbow trauma, neuromuscular or metabolic conditions, were prospectively enrolled.

Progressive Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Little League Baseball Players Are Common: A 3-Year Longitudinal Evaluation.

Background: Prior studies have revealed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of elbow pathology in single-season evaluation of competitive youth baseball players. The natural history of these findings and risk factors for progression have not been reported.

Purpose: To characterize the natural history of bilateral elbow MRI findings in a 3-year longitudinal study and to correlate abnormalities with prior MRI findings, throwing history, playing status, and physical examination.

The Curse of the All-Star Team: A Single-Season Prospective Shoulder MRI Study of Little League Baseball Players.

Background: Throwing guidelines have been implemented in Little League baseball in an attempt to minimize injuries in young baseball players. We hypothesized that playing pitcher or catcher and increased innings played during the season would result in dominant shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.

Methods: A prospective evaluation of Little League players aged 10 to 12 years was performed.

Shoulder MRI Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Little League Baseball Players.

Background: Youth baseball is extremely popular in the United States, but it has been associated with shoulder pain and injury. The incidence of shoulder abnormalities in this athletic population has yet to be defined.

Purpose: To examine abnormalities noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the shoulders of asymptomatic Little League baseball players and to correlate these findings with the players' throwing history and physical examinations.

Is ultrasound screening for DDH in babies born breech sufficient?

Purpose: To review our incidence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in breech infants referred for ultrasound screening and to determine if subsequent follow-up radiographs are necessary in these patients with normal clinical and ultrasound examinations.

Methods: A review of the clinical data and imaging studies of all children with the risk factor of breech presentation that were referred for orthopedic evaluation over a 5-year period was conducted. All patients were examined by a fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon and all ultrasounds were done at approximately 6 weeks of age by an experienced ultrasonographer.

Predicting initial treatment failure of fiberglass casts in pediatric distal radius fractures: utility of the second metacarpal-radius angle.

Purpose: Recent literature comparing the effectiveness of above-elbow and below-elbow plaster casts appears to suggest that either cast type offers adequate immobilization for distal radius and ulna fractures. The idea that an appropriate mold placed on the cast is the most significant determinant of successful immobilization and, thereby, patient outcome has also been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of above-elbow versus below-elbow fiberglass casts in maintaining distal radius/ulna fracture reduction and to identify factors associated with treatment failures.