The direct laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy findings and the subsequent management of infants with failed extubations.

Introduction: There is limited data regarding the role of direct laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy (DLRB) in infants with failed extubations. Pediatric otolaryngologists are frequently consulted to perform DLRB in infants with failed extubations.

Objective: To determine the DLRB findings in infants with failed extubations and the interventions performed based on these findings.

Primary tracheocutaneous fistula closure with immediate transition to nocturnal noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in two children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome.

Transitioning children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) from nocturnal invasive ventilation via tracheostomy to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is challenging due to the leak caused by the tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF), resulting in insufficient ventilation. Decannulation and primary closure of the TCF with immediate transition to nocturnal NIPPV was performed in two children with CCHS at a tertiary care children's hospital. Neither child developed significant adverse effects such as pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax.

Biomechanical Evaluation of the Medial Stabilizers of the Patella.

Background: Quantification of the biomechanical properties of each individual medial patellar ligament will facilitate an understanding of injury patterns and enhance anatomic reconstruction techniques by improving the selection of grafts possessing appropriate biomechanical properties for each ligament.

Purpose: To determine the ultimate failure load, stiffness, and mechanism of failure of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL), and medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML) to assist with selection of graft tissue for anatomic reconstructions.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.