Follow-up and Functional Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Firearm Injuries to the Extremities

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.

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Congenital hypoplasia or aplasia of the lumbosacral pedicle as an unusual cause of spondylolisthesis in the pediatric age group

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2013.3.peds12579 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 717-721 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Akash J. Patel ◽

Sudhakar Vadivelu ◽

Sohum K. Desai ◽

Andrew Jea

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Low Back ◽

Facet Joints ◽

Pediatric Age Group ◽

Posterior Instrumented Fusion

The authors describe rare cases of congenital hypoplasia of the L-5 pedicles and the congenital absence of the left S-1 pedicle in 2 young girls, respectively, including the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Moreover, they review the literature on this clinical entity. The patients presented with intractable chronic low-back pain. Plain radiographs and 2D CT scanning revealed the presence of the aforementioned anomalies. Degenerative changes to adjacent level and contralateral facet joints were thought to be the result of overload and instability and seemed to have led to spondylolisthesis, micromotion at L-5 and S-1, and subsequent low-back pain. The pediatric patients were treated with posterior instrumented fusion with good functional outcomes at a minimum 3-month follow-up. To the best of the authors' knowledge, these are the first reports of intractable low-back pain and spondylolisthesis accompanied by hypoplastic-aplastic pedicles at the lumbosacral junction in children.

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A study of pediatric cerebral arteriovenous malformations: clinical presentation, radiological features, and long-term functional and educational outcomes with predictors of sustained neurological deficits

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2019.2.peds18731 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vijay M. Ravindra ◽

Robert J. Bollo ◽

Ilyas M. Eli ◽

Julius Griauzde ◽

Arianna Lanpher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Neurological Deficit ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Eloquent Cortex

OBJECTIVELarge experiences with the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remain relatively rare, with limited data on presentation, treatment, and long-term functional outcomes. Because of the expected long lifespan of children, caregivers are especially interested in outcome measures that assess quality of life. The authors’ intention was to describe the long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who undergo AVM surgery and to identify predictors of sustained neurological deficits.METHODSThe authors analyzed a 21-year retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with intracranial AVMs treated with microsurgery at two institutions. The primary outcome was a persistent neurological deficit at last follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and independent living.RESULTSOverall, 97 patients (mean age 11.1 ± 4.5 years; 56% female) were treated surgically for intracranial AVMs (mean follow-up 77.5 months). Sixty-four patients (66%) presented with hemorrhage, and 45 patients (46%) had neurological deficits at presentation. Radiologically, 39% of lesions were Spetzler-Martin grade II. Thirty-seven patients (38%) with persistent neurological deficits at last follow-up were compared with those without deficits; there were no differences in patient age, presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score, AVM size, surgical blood loss, or duration of follow-up. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a focal neurological deficit on presentation, AVM size > 3 cm, and lesions in eloquent cortex were independent predictors of persistent neurological deficits at long-term follow-up. Overall, 92% of the children had an mRS score ≤ 2 on long-term follow-up.CONCLUSIONSPediatric patients with AVMs treated with microsurgical resection have good functional and radiological outcomes. There is a high rate (38%) of persistent neurological deficits, which were independently predicted by preoperative deficits, AVMs > 3 cm, and lesions located in eloquent cortex. This information can be useful in counseling families on the likelihood of long-term neurological deficits after cerebral AVM surgery.

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Follow-Up and Functional Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Gunshot Wounds to the Extremities

Montefiore Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine & Surgery ◽

10.12678/2470-3680.1.1.20 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 20-25

Author(s):

Alexa J. Karkenny ◽

Jonathan Morris ◽

Kyle A. Hamm ◽

Kathleen Maguire ◽

Jose B. Toro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcomes ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Gunshot Wounds

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Long-term hemorrhagic risk in pediatric patients with arteriovenous malformations

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2016.3.peds15715 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 329-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Wuyang Yang ◽

Heather Anderson-Keightly ◽

Erick M. Westbroek ◽

Justin M. Caplan ◽

Xiaoming Rong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural History ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Hemorrhagic Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Observation Period

OBJECTIVE Compared with the general population, the specific natural history of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in pediatric patients is less well understood. Furthermore, few pediatric studies have compared posttreatment hemorrhagic risk and functional outcome across different treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to elucidate these points. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients with AVMs evaluated at their institution between 1990 and 2013. The AVM natural history was represented by hemorrhagic risk during the observation period. For treated patients, the observation period was defined as the interval between diagnosis and treatment. Posttreatment hemorrhagic risk and functional outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 124 pediatric patients with AVMs were evaluated, and 90 patients (72.6%) were retained through follow-up. The average patient age was 13.3 ± 3.8 years, with a mean follow-up period of 9.95 years. The overall AVM obliteration rate was 59.7%. Radiosurgery had an obliteration rate of 49.0%. Thirteen patients were managed conservatively. Four patients under observation hemorrhaged during a total interval of 429.4 patient-years, translating to an annual risk of 0.9%. Posttreatment hemorrhagic risk by treatment modalities were categorized as follows: surgery ± embolization (0.0%), radiosurgery ± embolization (0.8%), embolization alone (2.8%), surgery + radiosurgery ± embolization (3.5%), and observation (0.8%). A significantly higher risk of posttreatment hemorrhage was observed for patients with hemorrhagic presentation (p = 0.043) in multivariate analysis. Seizure presentation, frontal lobe location, nonheadache presentation, and treatment modality were significantly associated with increased risk of poor functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In this study of pediatric patients with AVMs, the natural history of hemorrhage was relatively low at 0.9%. Resection remained the optimal management for hemorrhage control and functional outcome perseverance in these pediatric patients with AVMs. AVM obliteration is a valid treatment goal, especially for patients with ruptured presentation, to prevent further hemorrhages later in life.

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Recovery of Pediatric Patients After Firearm Injury: Can Health Systems Do More?

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/00031348211024227 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482110242

Author(s):

Rachel M. Borthwell ◽

Samuel Olanrewaju ◽

Brant A. Putnam ◽

Dennis Y. Kim ◽

Vincent E. Chong

Keyword(s):

Health Systems ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

The United States ◽

Outpatient Services ◽

Structural Determinants ◽

Post Injury ◽

Firearm Injury ◽

Firearm Injuries ◽

Biopsychosocial Assessment

Background Firearm injuries are the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Nonfatal firearm injuries far outnumber fatalities, yet data detailing the recovery and post-injury needs of pediatric patients after hospital discharge are limited. This study evaluated health system support of pediatric patients after firearm injury, from acute hospitalization to outpatient follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients <18 years who presented to an urban level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019. Cases were categorized as accidental or intentional (stratified as assault-related or “crossfire” injuries). Outcomes included biopsychosocial assessment (BA) utilization, trauma psychology service consultation, and linkage to outpatient services. Results Among 115 patients, 94% were victims of community violence. Black (50%) and Latinx (44%) patients were disproportionately affected, as were males aged 15-16 years (71%). Overall mortality was 8%. Biopsychosocial assessment and trauma psychology consultations occurred in 43% and 20% of cases, respectively. Of eligible patients, 71% received referral to post-hospitalization support services. The most commonly identified needs were counseling, gang intervention, and help with the carceral system. Conclusion Health systems should support long-term recovery of pediatric patients after firearm injury, particularly addressing social and structural determinants of health. Inpatient-to-outpatient linkages should be strengthened, and prospective follow-up is needed.

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Analysis of human acellular nerve allograft combined with contralateral C7 nerve root transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in brachial plexus injury: a mean 4-year follow-up

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2019.2.jns182620 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 132 (6) ◽

pp. 1914-1924 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Liang Li ◽

Jiantao Yang ◽

Bengang Qin ◽

Honggang Wang ◽

Yi Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brachial Plexus ◽

Nerve Root ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Elbow Flexion ◽

Shoulder Abduction ◽

Allograft Reconstruction ◽

Acellular Nerve Allograft ◽

The Mean ◽

Monofilament Test

OBJECTIVEHuman acellular nerve allograft applications have increased in clinical practice, but no studies have quantified their influence on reconstruction outcomes for high-level, greater, and mixed nerves, especially the brachial plexus. The authors investigated the functional outcomes of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for nerve gaps in patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI) undergoing contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root transfer to innervate the upper trunk, and they determined the independent predictors of recovery in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.METHODSForty-five patients with partial or total BPI were eligible for this retrospective study after CC7 nerve root transfer to the upper trunk using human acellular nerve allografts. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength, degree of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and static two-point discrimination (S2PD) were examined according to the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) scoring system, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were scored to establish the function of the affected upper limb. Meaningful recovery was defined as grades of M3–M5 or S3–S4 based on the scoring system. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.RESULTSThe mean follow-up duration and the mean human acellular nerve allograft length were 48.1 ± 10.1 months and 30.9 ± 5.9 mm, respectively. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength was grade M4 or M3 in 71.1% and 60.0% of patients. Patients in the following groups achieved a higher rate of meaningful recovery in deltoid and biceps strength, as well as lower DASH scores (p < 0.01): age < 20 years and age 20–29 years; allograft lengths ≤ 30 mm; and patients in whom the interval between injury and surgery was < 90 days. The meaningful sensory recovery rate was approximately 70% in the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and S2PD. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length significantly influenced functional outcomes.CONCLUSIONSHuman acellular nerve allografts offered safe reconstruction for 20- to 50-mm nerve gaps in procedures for CC7 nerve root transfer to repair the upper trunk after BPI. The group in which allograft lengths were ≤ 30 mm achieved better functional outcome than others, and the recommended length of allograft in this procedure was less than 30 mm. Age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length were independent predictors of functional outcomes after human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.

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Long-term stability of fusiform dilatation of the internal carotid artery following surgery adjacent to the circle of Willis: report of 2 cases

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2020.7.peds20469 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Madeline B. Karsten ◽

R. Michael Scott

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Internal Carotid Artery ◽

Arachnoid Cyst ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Internal Carotid ◽

Imaging Finding ◽

Neurological Status ◽

Suprasellar Region

Fusiform dilatation of the internal carotid artery (FDCA) is a known postoperative imaging finding after craniopharyngioma resection. FDCA has also been reported following surgery for other lesions in the suprasellar region in pediatric patients and is thought to be due to trauma to the internal carotid artery (ICA) wall during tumor dissection. Here, the authors report 2 cases of pediatric patients with FDCA. Case 1 is a patient in whom FDCA was visualized on follow-up scans after total resection of a craniopharyngioma; this patient’s subsequent scans and neurological status remained stable throughout a 20-year follow-up period. In case 2, FDCA appeared after resection and fenestration of a giant arachnoid cyst in a 3-year-old child, with 6 years of stable subsequent follow-up, an imaging finding that to the authors’ knowledge has not previously been reported following surgery for arachnoid cyst fenestration. These cases demonstrate that surgery involving dissection adjacent to the carotid artery wall in pediatric patients may lead to the development of FDCA. On very long-term follow-up, this imaging finding rarely changes and virtually all patients remain asymptomatic. Neurointerventional treatment of FDCA in the absence of symptoms or significant late enlargement of the arterial ectasia does not appear to be indicated.

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