Orthopedics Commons^™

Complications Leading To Reoperation After Pediatric Tibial Spine Fracture Fixation., Benjamin R. Caruso, Suzanna M. Ohlsen, Keinan Agonias, Robert L. Van Pelt, Michelle M. Son, Michael G. Saper, Jason Rhodes, J Marc Cardelia, Jay C. Albright, Shital N. Parikh, Kevin G. Shea, Henry B. Ellis, Philip L. Wilson, Members Of The Score Quality Improvement Registry, Sheila Algan, Jennifer J. Beck, Richard E. Bowen, Jennifer M. Brey, Matthew J. Brown, Christian Clark, Allison Crepeau, Eric W. Edmonds, Matthew Ellington, Peter D. Fabricant, Jeremy Frank, Theodore J. Ganley, Daniel W. Green, Benton Heyworth, Ryan Koehler, Alfred A. Mansour, Stephanine Mayer, Scott D. Mckay, Molly C. Meadows, Matthew Milewski, Emily L. Niu, Donna M. Pacicca, Stephanie S. Pearce, Matthew R. Schmitz, Stephen Storer, Curtis Vandenberg, Yi-Meng Yen, Gregory A. Schmale

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Tibial spine fractures (TSFs) are uncommon injuries in pediatric patients, often requiring operative fixation. While complications such as arthrofibrosis and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency have been previously reported, the risk factors associated with unplanned reoperation remain incompletely understood.

PURPOSE: To identify the most common complications leading to reoperation and to evaluate associated risk factors, using a multicenter quality improvement registry.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: A multicenter registry of operatively treated pediatric TSFs was retrospectively reviewed from July 2018 to March 2025 across 27 institutions. Grade 3 complications were defined as complications resulting in …

Halo Gravity Traction And Temporary Internal Distraction, Nicholas D. Fletcher, Anson G. Bautista, Joshua S. Murphy, K Aaron Shaw

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Severe pediatric spinal deformities may require staged correction strategies to mitigate neurologic risk and optimize cardiopulmonary outcomes. This paper reviews two adjunctive techniques—halo gravity traction (HGT) and temporary internal distraction (TID)—used in the management of rigid scoliosis. HGT enables gradual preoperative spinal elongation and coronal/sagittal realignment, improving pulmonary function and nutritional status while reducing the need for three-column osteotomies. TID offers an internal, staged distraction approach for patients contraindicated for external traction, allowing incremental correction via posterior instrumentation followed by definitive fusion. Clinical studies report Cobb angle reductions of 30–80 %, with low rates of neurologic complications when neuromonitoring and …

Health Disparity Indices In The Assessment Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Are All Indices Similar?, William Woodhams, Michael Benvenuti, Jonathan Warren, George Thomas, John Anderson, Richard M. Schwend, K Aaron Shaw

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity. Previous studies have demonstrated that healthcare disparities affect the initial presentation of AIS patients. However, studies have utilized various socioeconomic status (SES) indices with no previous study assessing the congruency of these indices.

METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of adolescent patients presenting for initial evaluation of scoliosis was performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital based in the central United States. Patient demographic data were recorded in addition to radiographic data consisting of coronal curve magnitude at presentation and skeletal maturity indices. Socioeconomic variables were collected, including geographic area of …

Intraoperative Electrical Stimulation Can Identify Potential Ulnar Nerve Injury From Crossed Pinning Of A Supracondylar Humerus Fracture., Lucas A. Georger, Mckenna C. Noe, Richard M. Schwend

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Treatment of Gartland type III supracondylar fractures using reduction and crossed Kirschner wire fixation is considered the most stable method; however, there is a risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury during medial pin placement. We describe a technique for intraoperative detection of such nerve injury.An inexpensive disposable nerve stimulator is set at 2 mA and applied directly to the Kirschner wires after placement, alerting the surgeon intraoperatively if a wire contacts the ulnar nerve. A positive response involves any finger motion with Kirschner wire stimulation. We recommend this novel method of intraoperative Kirschner wire stimulation using an inexpensive disposable nerve …

Preoperative Immobilization For Pediatric Femur Fractures., Connor Mathes, Leilani Mansy, Lisa Berglund, Caleb W. Grote

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Guidelines for the definitive surgical management of pediatric femoral shaft fractures have recently been established. Initial preoperative immobilization of these patients varies by age and size; limited guidelines exist to guide caregivers in appropriate preoperative care. Here, we present our recommendations based on clinical experience and literature review. We prefer temporary splints for patients younger than 5 years and Bucks boot traction for skeletally immature patients older than 5 years. In small patients, the splint should extend past the iliac crest and down to the foot to ensure proper immobilization of the femur fracture. For Bucks boot traction, proper traction …

Biomechanical Analysis Of 3d Correction And Bone-Screw Forces As A Function Of Rod Insertion Sequence And Orientation Relative To The Sagittal Plane In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Instrumentation., Camille Pillot, Xiaoyu Wang, Alexandria Mallinos, Todd Ritzman, Lorena Floccari, Richard M. Schwend, Carl-Eric Aubin

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis instrumentation, rods are typically aligned with the sagittal plane during the initial translation maneuver. Surgeons often empirically orient the rod slightly opposite to the scoliotic curve, but the optimal orientation and insertion sequence, as well as their influence on 3D correction and forces, remain unclear. This study investigates the biomechanical influence of these rod parameters on scoliosis correction.

METHODS: Patient-specific multi-body biomechanical models were developed for 30 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (11 hypo-, 12 normo-, 7 hyper-kyphotic thoracic curves) to simulate posterior instrumentation with a primary segmental translation correction maneuver. Rod insertion was tested in …

Food Insecurity In Adolescent Athletes, Andrew Donaldson, Shannon Margherio, Jay Roberson, Kevin Latz

Research Days

Background: The prevalence of food insecurity among children in the United States is estimated at 21%. Food insecurity during childhood leads to worse school performance, more emotional and behavioral health concerns, and increased suicide attempts. Further, food insecurity has been noted to have multiple deleterious effects on the collegiate student athlete, including lower GPA, disordered eating, and substance use.

Hypothesis: Food insecurity is prevalent in the adolescent athlete population and exists across demographics.

Methods: Voluntary surveys were distributed to parents at all sports medicine clinics at our institution. Demographic data was collected including athlete age, race, school and school district, …

Intraspinal Anomalies In Presumed Ais Does Not Increase The Risk Of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Changes During Posterior Spinal Fusion, Connor Mathes, Bill Woodhams, Aaron Shaw, John Anderson, Michael Benvenuti, Richard Schwend

Research Days

This study aims to identify the association between intraoperative neuromonitoring changes during posterior spinal fusion surgery among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and those found to have intraspinal anomalies on standard preoperative imaging.

Spinal Deformity Characteristics Associated With Intraspinal Anomalies In A Population Of Presumed Ais, Connor Mathes, Aaron Shaw, Bill Woodhams, John Anderson, Michael Benvenuti, Richard Schwend

Research Days

This study aims to identify an association between pre-operative radiographic criterion and the presence of an underlying intraspinal anomaly in patients presenting with presumed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

Navigating The Fallout: How Pediatric Spine Surgeons Cope, Recover, And Persevere After Major Surgical Complications, Sandeep Yanamala, Richard M. Schwend, Hannah Geoffroy, Gary Sutkin

Research Days

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that surgeons who continue practicing after a major complication are more likely to have strong institutional and peer support, a growth mindset, and access to coping mechanisms that mitigate distress and legal pressures. Study Design:
Qualitative study using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) based on semi-structured interviews with pediatric spine surgeons who have experienced major surgical complications.
Introduction:
Complications in pediatric spine surgery have significant emotional, ethical, and legal
consequences. However, little is known about the factors that differentiate surgeons who continue performing spine surgery from those who transition away.
Methods:
33 pediatric spine surgeons were interviewed (28 …

Can Oral Caffeine Decrease Postoperative Opioid Consumption Following Posterior Spinal Fusion In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial., Anne E. Stuedemann, Richard M. Schwend, K Aaron Shaw, Nicolette Saddler, Michon Huston, Michael Benvenuti, Julia Leamon, Ashley K. Sherman, John Anderson

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Current studies have examined the efficacy of opioid-sparing analgesics primarily in adult surgical populations, while fewer guide pediatric postoperative pain treatment. Caffeine exerts most of its biological effects by binding to adenosine receptors, which are important for modifying pain and inflammation. Caffeine's ability to modulate pain following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has not been previously assessed.

METHODS: The hospital investigational drug study (IDS) pharmacy provided either a treatment dose or placebo dose of caffeine to be given to the patient and was also in charge of randomization for the study.

RESULTS: There were 24 …

Ocd Lesions Of The Lateral Femoral Condyle And The Impact Of The Location On Recovery, Catharine Kral, Joshua Cummings, Ellie Helton, Shannon Margherio, Brian S. Harvey, Kevin Latz

Posters

Descriptive study based on Zhou, Liang, et al. we categorized the LFC OCD lesions into weight bearing and non-weight bearing lesions to assess clinical and radiographic variables and evaluate the need for progression to operative management.

Anterior Solid Dual-Rod Instrumentation And Fusion For Flexible Thoracolumbar Or Lumbar Spinal Deformities In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis., Mckenna C. Noe, Kenneth A. Furlough, Richard M. Schwend

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Anterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (ASIF) via a thoracolumbar approach has been used to treat Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis for decades. Advances in ASIF technique and instrumentation have yielded significant improvements in rates of instrumentation failure, need for reoperation, instrumented and adjacent segment kyphosis, and pseudarthrosis. Despite reports of ASIF's success using these strategies, a detailed technical description with illustrations of this procedure in the literature is lacking.

METHODS: We present a detailed illustrated surgical technique guide for anterior solid-rod instrumentation via a thoracoabdominal approach in the correction of a Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis deformity.

RESULTS: ASIF …

Opioid Use After In Situ Fixation Of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Stephanie Coupal, Colleen Moreland, Jonathan R. Warren, Mckenna C. Noe, Lisa Berglund, Caleb Grote

Research Days

Preliminary results of a prospective single-institution study evaluating opioid use following in situ screw fixation of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) in pediatric patients.

Outcomes Of Toddler’S Fractures After Implementation Of Comprehensive Care Management Protocol With Controlled Ankle (Cam) Boots, Sheena J. Amin Md, Janet K. O'Rear Bsn, Julia Leamon Msn, Olivia R. Pruss Bs, Mckenna C. Noe Bs, Micah K. Sinclair Md, Caleb W. Grote Md, Phd

Research Days

A study comparing skin breakdown complications in patients being treated for toddler's fractures at a single academic medical center before and after implementation of a new management and immobilization protocol involving the use of CAM boots.

Conservative Management Of Medial Femoral Condyle Osteochondritis Dissecans In The Pediatric Knee, Kennedy J. Morey, Brian Harvey, Kennison Adams, El Domingo-Johnson, Angie Vanderpool, Natalie Stork, Donna Pacicca, Brian Lee, Kevin Latz

Research Days

This study investigates the effectiveness of various non-operative treatments for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of the knee, a condition commonly affecting pediatric populations. Our project aims to evaluate outcomes such as symptom resolution, return to activity, and the potential for avoiding surgical intervention among patients undergoing different methods of conservative management. Through a retrospective analysis of patients, the study identifies trends in the effectiveness of different conservative treatment methods.

Health Disparities In Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (Scfe) Presentation, Rithika Ginjupalli, George Thomas, Rohit Siddabattula, Richard M. Schwend, Caleb Grote

Research Days

This study identifies various health disparities in SCFE presentations using neighborhood-level determinants COI and ICE in addition to sociodemographic determinants such as race and gender.

Improving Awareness And Utilization Of Safety Net Resources After Extremity Firearm Injury, Colleen M. Moreland, Caleb W. Grote, Richard M. Schwend, Julia G. Harris

Research Days

The orthopaedic surgery department can improve follow-on care for pediatric survivors of extremity firearm injuries by creating and implementing a checklist of defined safety net resources.

Electrical Stimulation Of The Medial Pin After Insertion Is Safe And Effective In Preventing Iatrogenic Ulnar Nerve Neuropraxias In Type Iii Supracondylar Fractures. A Case Series Of 128 Consecutive Patients., Lucas Georger B.A., Mckenna Noe B.S., Richard M. Schwend M.D.

Research Days

This case series explores the safety and efficacy of using a disposable nerve stimulator for intraoperative stimulation of both medial and lateral pins in Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures, revealing no instances of ulnar nerve stimulation response or postoperative iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, thereby highlighting the potential for this cost-effective approach to ensure stable medial column pin fixation without ulnar nerve complications.

Safety And Efficacy Of Intraoperative Vectored Traction With Gardner-Wells (Gw) Tongs For Pediatric Spine Deformity Surgery - A Series Of 1000 Cases, Lucas Georger B.A., Krish Sardesai B.A., Andrew Dumas B.S., Mckenna Noe B.S., Richard M. Schwend M.D.

Research Days

Conducting an ongoing exploration, this study delves into the safety and efficacy of Gardner-Wells Tongs in pediatric spinal deformity surgery, involving a series of 418 cases, revealing a 5.5% complication rate primarily associated with facial swelling and abrasions, emphasizing the need for further investigation to validate the safety and effectiveness of this intervention.

Anterior Hip Pain In Adolescent Female Wrestler, Melanie Kennedy

Posters

No abstract provided.

Two Ais Cases, Two Surgeons, One Operating Room, One Day. The Results Of A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jonathan Warren, Robert C. Link, Sean Bonanni, John T. Anderson, Richard M. Schwend

Research Days

Background: To lessen surgical times for AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF), our department developed a quality improvement initiative where two AIS cases were completed in one day by a specialized team with two surgeons operating together in the same operating room (OR).

Objectives/Goal: We describe the results of this initiative and compare operative times and blood loss between cases to determine if operative time improves as experience with this structure increases.

Methods/Design: From 2017-2023, patients aged 10-18 years with AIS were prospectively scheduled to undergo primary PSIF on the dedicated “Two Spine Tuesday” at our institution. …

Preoperative Srs-22 Scores Predict Postoperative Achievement Of Distribution-Based Mcid In Ais Patients Treated With Posterior Spinal Instrumentation And Fusion, Jonathan Warren, Cyrus Etebari, Morgan Whitmire, Kenneth Furlough, Brant Ansley, John T. Anderson, Richard M. Schwend

Research Days

Background: There is a growing body of literature assessing the role of preoperative patientreported outcome measures in predicting postoperative achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies assessing whether preoperative SRS-22 scores are predictive of postoperative achievement of MCID in patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Objectives/Goal: Our purpose is to determine if preoperative SRS-22 scores in patients with AIS who undergo posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion can predict postoperative achievement of MCID.

Methods/Design: SRS-22 forms were provided to all patients scheduled to undergo posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. MCID …

Indications For Early Surgical Intervention In Adolescents With Salter-Harris Ii Distal Radius Fractures, Cyrus Etebari, Jonathan R. Warren, Olivia Pruss, Sricharan Yadali, Vincent Staggs, Micah K. Sinclair

Research Days

Introduction: Currently, there is little information regarding risk factors for failure of nonoperative treatment in Salter-Harris II distal radius fractures (SHII-DRF). Our purpose is to identify predictors of which patients will require acute surgery and which will develop late malunion based on degree of deformity and skeletal maturity.

Methods: This was a review of SHII-DRFs in patients 9 to 18 years of age, from 2017-2020. Demographics, initial displacement, displacement post-reduction, and displacement after cast removal were evaluated. Skeletal maturity was determined using Sander’s classification. These values were compared between patients who underwent casting alone, underwent acute surgery, or required late …

Common Misperceptions Of Child Abuse In Toddler Femur Fractures, Olivia Pruss, Jonathan Warren, Vincent Staggs, Grace Tideman, Collin Erickson, William L. Hennrikus, Richard M. Schwend

Research Days

Background: Current AAOS guidelines recommend that all children younger than thirty-six months with a femur fracture be evaluated for child abuse. However, the chance for abuse in walking-age children is highly unlikely at less than 20%.

Objectives/Goal: The purpose of this study is to identify how a patient’s age and femur fracture morphology impact the likelihood that providers assess a fracture as non-accidental and their decision to pursue further investigation of possible child abuse.

Methods/Design: This was a questionnaire study completed by clinicians from multiple specialties. There were 5 subgroup populations (6, 12, 18, 24, 35 months old) combined with …

Predicting Avascular Necrosis After Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Jonathan Warren, Alexander Metoxen, Michael Held, Brant Ansley, Berglund Lisa

Research Days

Background: There is no consensus in the literature on the risk of developing avascular necrosis (AVN) after unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). In recent years, a number of studies have sought to better characterize risk factors for AVN in this population. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study that uses predictive modeling to assess the chance of developing AVN based on different patient-centric factors.

Objectives/Goal: Our goal is to assess whether or not previously-published risk factors for AVN in unstable SCFE such as duration of symptoms, reduction type, type of surgery, timing of surgery, and …

Two Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (Ais) Cases, Two Surgeons, One Operating Room, One Day. Faster And Safer Than One Case In A Day., Jonathan Warren, Robert C. Link, Sean Bonanni, John T. Anderson, Richard M. Schwend

Research Days

Background: To lessen surgical times for AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF), our department developed a quality improvement initiative where two AIS cases were completed in one day by a specialized team with two surgeons operating together in the same operating room (OR).

Objectives/Goal: Our purpose is to describe the results of this initiative and compare operative times and outcomes to single cases completed by a single surgeon during the same period.

Methods/Design: From 2017-2023, patients aged 10-18 years with AIS were scheduled to undergo primary PSIF on the dedicated “Two Spine Tuesday” at our institution (Group …

Innovative Management Of Posterior Upper Thigh Pain In Two Adolescent Athletes, Thomas Munro, Brian Harvey

Posters

Case history: Two 16-year-old males with posterior upper leg pain. Athlete A reports he had been exploding up to dunk a basketball when he felt a pop with immediate pain in his posterior LLE. He was treated conservatively with activity modification and PT resulting in improvement of symptoms and return to full activity. He returned 15-months after the initial injury due to recurrence of pain. Athlete B stated he had tweaked his hamstring multiple times over the summer and had been working with a physical therapist for rehabilitation. He had attempted full rest for a couple weeks with graded return …

Insidious Ankle Swelling, Catharine Kral, Brian Harvey

Posters

10-year-old female presented to clinic for left heel pain and swelling. She participates in dance for an estimated 8-9 hours a week. Symptoms started four weeks prior to presentation. She does not remember any inciting event, fall, trauma, or other mechanism of injury prior to onset. She says the pain is localized to the lateral aspect of her calcaneus and extending up to her Achilles. She has never seen any bruising, erythema, or skin changes overlaying the swollen region. Family reports she intermittently has a limp. It is most tender to touch or when she bumps her foot on something. …

Increasing Cefazolin Use For Surgical Prophylaxis In Penicillin-Allergy-Labeled Patients., Kathryn A. Vandervelde, Sarah Suppes, Kate Gibbs, Kevin Latz, Angela C. Vanderpool, Rana El Feghaly, Jennifer Goldman

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Objective: Penicillin (PCN) allergy labels affect antimicrobial selection for surgical prophylaxis. We aimed to increase the percentage of cefazolin usage in patients with PCN allergy labels undergoing orthopedic surgery from 50% to 80%.

Design: Quality improvement initiative.

Setting: Children's Mercy Kansas City (CMKC), a freestanding children's hospital.

Patients: Children scheduled for an orthopedic surgery (excluding spinal surgery) at CMKC who had a PCN allergy label and received a perioperative antibiotic.

Methods: No standardized process existed to identify and clarify PCN-allergic-labeled patients preoperatively. We developed a process for patient identification combined with a pharmacist phone interview for PCN allergy clarification. In …