Nonoperative correction of pectus carinatum with orthotic bracing.

Background: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of nonoperative compression in correcting pectus carinatum in children.

Materials And Methods: Children presenting with pectus carinatum between August 1999 and January 2004 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The management protocol included custom compressive bracing, strengthening exercises, and frequent clinical follow-up.

Geographic information system localization of community-acquired MRSA soft tissue abscesses.

Background: Soft tissue infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pose an ever-increasing risk to children in the community. Although historically these infections were limited to children with prolonged hospitalization, the authors have seen an increase in community-acquired infections in children without identifiable risk factors. The goal of this study is to determine the incidence of truly community-acquired MRSA soft tissue infections in our community and geographically map regions of increased risk.

Cervical spondylodiscitis from an ingested pin: a case report.

In the pediatric literature, only 1 case of cervical spondylodiscitis from an ingested foreign body is reported and this was caused by a blunt radiolucent foreign body. The authors now describe a unique case of a 13-year-old teenaged boy who presented with neck pain 6 days after accidental ingestion of a sewing pin. Uncomplicated removal of this pin was followed in 36 days by the development of cervical spondylodiscitis that failed conservative management and required surgical debridement and arthrodesis.

Feasibility of thoracoscopic U-clip esophageal anastomosis: an alternative for esophageal atresia reconstruction.

Background: The authors propose that U-Clips can significantly decrease the technical difficulty of performing thoracoscopic esophageal reconstruction, thus, reducing operating time, the incidence of postoperative leak, and stricture rate.

Methods: After obtaining Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, 3 4-kg female piglets underwent complete thoracoscopic esophageal transections. The esophagus was reconstructed thoracoscopically using S50 and S60 U-Clips over an 8F transanastomotic tube.

Perforated appendicitis: is laparoscopy safe?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in children with perforated appendicitis.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients under the age of 18, operated on for perforated appendicitis between September 1997 and December 1999.

Results: Sixty-nine patients were operated on for perforated appendicitis.

Pediatric hand treadmill injuries.

The great popularity of physical fitness in modern society has brought many pieces of exercise equipment into our homes for convenience and privacy. This trend has come with an increasing rate of injuries to children who curiously touch moving parts, including treadmill belts. Experience with a recent series of treadmill contact burns to children's hands is described in this article.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in utero.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is the most common surgical condition producing vomiting in infants. It has been reported as early as the 1st week of life. We report an infant with HPS seen on prenatal ultrasound.