A Comparative Study of Mandibular Fractures in Senegal: Children vs. Adults

Introduction: The commonest maxillofacial fractures involve the mandible. Age can be considered among influential factors. Aim of the Study: To compare mandibular fractures between children and adults from the beginning up to the treatment in Senegal. Patients and Method: A three-year retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital. The medical records of patients admitted for maxillofacial injuries were reviewed. Patient and injury-related variables including age, gender, etiology, average consultation delay, anatomic location of fracture and treatment were compared up to age of 15 and beyond that. Results: Considering 272 casualties, maxillofacial fractures were less frequent among children than adults (36.7% and 59.7%) and were mainly mandibular (90.1% and 91.4%). Male predilection (sex ratio of 2.4 and 4.9) was twice (2) as pronounced from the age of 16. The average consultation delay was two (2) times shorter for children. Road traffic accidents which predominated among children (33.9%) had comparable frequency (32.3%) although they were outnumbered by assault (37.6%) among adults. Fractures occurred mainly on the corpus (90.1% and 90.4%), particularly on parasymphysis (40.1%) up to the age of 15, whereas angle fractures increased (8.5% to 19.6%) and joint damage decreased afterwards. Intra-oral orthopedic procedures (91.2% and 92.6%) in which mandibular retention splints were more common (37.3%) up to the age of 15 then arch ligatures (49%) were then widely favored. Conclusion: Differences relating to the distribution of causes but also to the anatomic location on the corpus and to the choice of intra-oral orthopedic procedures within overall similarities between children and adults regarding the male predilection, the frequency of road traffic accidents, the mandibular injuries, but also the school therapeutic attitude consisting of favoring the orthopedic option.

Management of Mandibular Fractures in Children in Ivory Coast: Experience of the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the University Hospital of Cocody from 2000 to 2019

Introduction: Mandibular fractures in children are becoming increasingly common. Treatment of these fractures is difficult due to their anatomical and physiological complexity. Therefore, there is a need for well-codified management. Our main aim was to develop a decision algorithm for the management of mandibular fractures in children based on our experience. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Cocody over a period of 20 years (2000-2019). Results: We enrolled 58 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.35 ± 2.3 years with a sex ratio of 2.22. Traffic accidents were the main cause of mandibular fractures (60.35%). Condylar fractures were the most common (46.87%). Treatment was orthopedic in 45.76% of cases, mixed (orthopedic and surgical) in 24.14% and surgical in 5.17%. Patients were followed up weekly for 1 month, then monthly for 6 months and annually for 3 years, with panoramic radiographs of the maxilla starting at 21 days. We observed 2 cases of complications: temporomandibular ankylosis and gingival stomatitis. Conclusion: Mandibular fractures are common in children. Management is difficult due to anatomical and physiological peculiarities. The choice of treatment depends on several criteria.

Scapula Fracture in a Child: Report of a Rare Injury

Scapular fracture is exceptional in children, mainly occurring after high-energy trauma. Radiologic investigations help its diagnosis and classification, which determines its management. We report the case of a 14-year-old patient admitted for blunt trauma of the left shoulder after falling from a speeding car. The diagnosis of a displaced fracture of the body of the scapula was made, and non-operative treatment was indicated and carried out for four weeks, followed by physiotherapy for another four weeks. Nine weeks after the trauma, the mobility of the affected shoulder was equivalent to that of the contralateral shoulder.

Spontaneous fracture of a titanium mesh cranioplasty implant in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND Titanium mesh cranioplasty is often performed after decompressive craniectomy.Spontaneous fracture of the titanium prosthesis is an extremely rare postoperative complication.Here,we report a 10-year-old boy who presented with a spontaneous fracture of titanium mesh without antecedent head trauma.CASE SUMMARY A 10-year-old boy presented with a 1-wk history of a tender bulge over the left temporo-parieto-occipital scalp.He had undergone a temporo-parieto-occipital titanium mesh cranioplasty 26 mo previously.He denied antecedent head trauma.Computerized tomography disclosed a perpendicular fissure in the titanium mesh,suggesting a diagnosis of spontaneous titanium mesh fracture.He underwent a second temporo-parieto-occipital cranioplasty and made an uneventful recovery.Three-dimensional modeling and finite element analyses were used to explore potential risk factors of titanium mesh fracture.CONCLUSION We report a case of spontaneous fracture of a titanium mesh cranioplasty implant.The current case and literature review indicate that titanium mesh implants should be well-anchored to the base of bony defects to prevent fatigue-induced fractures.

Blount Method in the Management of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common traumatic elbow injury in children. Several techniques are described in their support. Blount’s method is one of the widely used orthopedic means. The objective of our study was to evaluate the results of supracondylar fractures of the humerus treated by this method in our department. This was a descriptive, longitudinal study with the prospective collection over a period of 12 months from May 2018 to April 2019. It focused on children aged 0 to 15 years treated in the Orthopedic Traumatology Department of the CHU of Kati for a supracondylar fracture of the humerus in extension. A minimum follow-up period of 6 months was necessary for inclusion. 12 patients were collected. The sociodemographic, anatomopathologic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects were studied. The results were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria. The male sex was predominant with a ratio of 2. The average age was 5.5 years. The average admission time was 12.5 hours. Domestic accidents were the main etiology (66.66%) and Type II fracture was the most frequent with 58.33%. The duration of immobilization was 42 days for 11 patients. Complications were 1 case of secondary displacement and 1 case of 12&#730 flexion deficit. The average Baumann angle was 72&#730. The result was satisfactory for all our patients. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common in children, especially boys. The method of Blount when it is well carried out by respecting the indications gives good results.

Monteggia type-Ⅰequivalent fracture in a fourteen-month-old child:A case report

BACKGROUND Monteggia and equivalent lesions are relatively rare but result in severe injuries in childhood,typically affecting children between 4 and 10 years old.The diagnosis and treatment of an equivalent Monteggia lesion is more complicated than those of a typical Monteggia fracture.This type of lesion may be challenging and may lead to serious complications if not treated properly.Pediatric Monteggia equivalent type I lesions have been reported in a few reports,all of which the patients were all over 4 years old.CASE SUMMARY A 14-mo-old boy was referred to our clinic after falling from his bed 10 d prior.With regard to the clinical examination,an obvious swollen and angular deformity was noted on his right forearm.Plain radiographs and reconstructed computed tomography scans showed a Monteggia type I fracture and dislocation.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)confirmed a type I Monteggia equivalent lesion consisting of ulnar fracture and Salter-Harris type I injury in the proximal radius.The radial head was still in the joint,and only the radial metaphysis was displaced anteriorly.Open reduction and pinning of both displaced radial and ulnar fractures achieved an excellent result with full function.CONCLUSION We recommend MRI examination or arthrography during reduction,especially if the secondary ossification center has not appeared.

Scoring system for poor limb perfusion after limb fracture in children

BACKGROUND Assessment of the vascular status following limb fracture in children is important to evaluate the risk of compartment syndrome,which is an emergency condition.AIM To establish a simple and efficient grading scale of limb perfusion in children undergoing surgery for limb fracture.METHODS This retrospective study included pediatric patients with a limb fracture and postoperative plaster fixation who were admitted at The Department of Pediatric Orthopedics of Xinhua Hospital between February 2017 and August 2017.The outcome was poor limb perfusion,which is defined as the postoperative use of mannitol.The children were divided into two groups:The normal perfusion group and the poor perfusion group.Key risk factors have been selected by univariable analyses to establish the Grading Scale for Vascular Status.RESULTS A total of 161 patients were included in the study:85 in the normal perfusion group and 76 in the poor perfusion group.There were no significant differences in age,sex,body mass index,ethnicity,cause of fracture,fixation,or site of fracture between the two groups.After surgery,the skin temperature(P=0.048)and skin color(P<0.001)of the affected limb were significantly different between the two groups.The relative risk and 95%confidence interval for skin temperature of the affected limb,skin color,and range of motion of the affected limb are 2.18(1.84-2.59),2.89(2.28-3.66),and 2.16(1.83-2.56),respectively.The grading scale was established based on those three factors(score range:0-3 points).Forty-one patients(32.5%)with score 0 had poor limb perfusion;all patients with scores 1(n=32)and 2(n=3)had poor limb perfusion(both 100%).CONCLUSION In children undergoing surgery for limb fracture,a higher Grading Scale for Vascular Status score is associated with a higher occurrence of poor limb perfusion.A prospective study is required for validation.

An Unusual Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Fractured <i>in Vivo</i>with Embolization Happened in a Child: A Case Report

We report a case of a 7-year-old child who received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for chemotherapy. He suffered from an unusual PICC fracture in vivo with pulmonary embolism after eight circles of chemotherapeutic agents administered. In this case report, we review the literatures for the underlying pathophysiology of this uncommon phenomenon. IV nurses should consider the possibility of the infusion dysfunction deriving from the PICC line fractured. Accurate tip catheter placement and specific care may reduce morbidity.

Treatment of Children’s Shaft Fracture of Tibia and Fibula with ESIN Fixation

The Objective is to evaluate Elastic Stable Intrame-dullary Nailing (ESIN) fixation through the treat-ment of children’s shaft fracture of tibia and fibula. From January 2007 to January 2009, 16 cases of children’s shaft fracture of tibia and fibula had been treated by ESIN. 15 cases were followed up after the surgery and the follow-up time was 4 - 12 months (4.5 in average). The results turn out that all the patients’ fractures have got healed by Phase I and the healing time is 10 weeks in average. The near joints’ activity and affected extremity completely return to normal. This group of cases doesn’t show any sign of infection, bone nonunion, malunion or epiphysis injury. And six patients have had their intramedullary nails taken out after six months. It can be concluded that ESIN is good for treating children’s long diaphysis fracture which has difficulty in closed diaplasis and is suitable for children aged 6 - 13. ESIN has the advantages of small incision, slight injury of soft tissue, short sur-gery time, rapid recovery and few complications.

Open Patellar Fracture in a 2-Year-Old Child: A Rare Case Report

We present this unusual fracture in order to stress the importance of being aware of the existence of open fractures of patella in 2-year-old child. Fractures of the patella are rare in children, as the patella is largely cartilaginous and has great mobility. Normally in this age closed patellar fractures cannot be diagnosed radiologically as the ossification starts only after 3 years of age. Our case is an open transverse patellar fracture in a two-year-old girl which is treated with transcartilagenous absorbable sutures, which is not found reported in the literature.

Rare shear-type fracture of the talar head in a thirteen-year-old child—Is this a transitional fracture:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Talar fractures are exceedingly rare in childhood.There are very few studies on the clinical aspects,the long-term outcomes and the appropriate treatment of these fractures in pediatric patients.The mechanism of trauma consists of the application of a sudden dorsiflexion force on a fully plantar-flexed foot.Traumatic mechanism,symptoms and imaging of injuries of the talar head are similar to transitional fractures that are normally described at the distal epiphysis of the tibia:the so-called transitional fracture is defined as an epiphyseal injury when the growth plate has already started to close.CASE SUMMARY A thirteen-year-old girl reported a high-energy trauma to her right foot,due to falling from her horse.X-rays at the Emergency Department were negative.Because of persistent pain,the patient was assessed by an orthopedic surgeon after two weeks and computed tomography scans revealed a misdiagnosed displaced shear-type fracture of the talar head.Hence,surgical open reduction and fixation with two headless screws was performed.The girl was assessed regularly,and plain films at follow-up revealed complete healing of the fracture.Within six months after surgery,the patient returned to pre-injury sport activities reporting no complications.CONCLUSION Injuries of the talar head in childhood should be considered as transitional fractures.Open reduction with internal fixation aims to reduce malalignment and osteoarthritis.Computed tomography scans are recommended in these cases.

Casting: Pearls and pitfalls learned while caring for children's fractures

Casting is a routine procedure used for fracture care in the pediatric population. The purpose of this review is to provide pearls and pitfalls that our institution has learned from previous literature. When applying the cast, we recommend using cotton padding for the liner and fiberglass or plaster depending on how much swelling is expected. A well-molded cast must be applied in order to prevent further fracture displacement.Cast valving is a valuable technique that allows a decrease in pressure which prevents discomfort and complications like compartment syndrome. Preventing thermal injuries, skin complications, and a wet cast are other important considerations when caring for casts.Appropriate use of a cast saw, avoiding pressure spots,and properly covering the cast are ways to respectively prevent those complications. Lastly, patient education remains one of the most valuable tools in ensuring proper cast maintenance.

Olecranon Fractures in Children: About 21 Cases Treated at the Owendo University Hospital Center at Libreville (Gabon)

Background: The olecranon fractures in children are relatively rare articular fractures. The aim of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic particularities of this fracture in children at Owendo University Teaching Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analytical, monocentric study over 2 years from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2020 at the Owendo University Hospital in Libreville and relating to the medical files of patients treated for a fracture of the olecranon in children in the service and regularly followed in outpatient consultation. Results: We collected 21 patients with an average age of 8.7 years. Falls dominated the etiologies. The Bracq classification was the one used in our series with the predominance of type D. The treatment was orthopedic in 33.3% of cases and surgical in 66.7% of cases. With an average follow-up of 12 months, the results were good in 71.5%, average in 19.0% and poor in 9.5%. Conclusion: The analysis of our results compared to those of the authors of the literature according to the precise parameters seems satisfactory.

Using fracture-based continuum modeling of coupled geomechanical-hydrological processes for numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing

This paper describes numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing using fracture-based continuum modeling(FBCM)of coupled geomechanical-hydrological processes to evaluate a technique for high-density fracturing and fracture caging.The simulations are innovative because of modeling discrete fractures explicitly in continuum analysis.A key advantage of FBCM is that fracture initiation and propagation are modeled explicitly without changing the domain grid(i.e.no re-meshing).Further,multiple realizations of a preexisting fracture distribution can be analyzed using the same domain grid.The simulated hydraulic fracturing technique consists of pressurizing multiple wells simultaneously:initially without permeating fluids into the rock,to seed fractures uniformly and at high density in the wall rock of the wells;followed by fluid injection to propagate the seeded fracture density hydraulically.FBCM combines the ease of continuum modeling with the potential accuracy of modeling discrete fractures and fracturing explicitly.Fractures are modeled as piecewise planar based on intersections with domain elements;fracture geometry stored as continuum properties is used to calculate parameters needed to model individual fractures;and rock behavior is modeled through tensorial aggregation of the behavior of discrete fractures and unfractured rock.Simulations are presented for previously unfractured rock and for rock with preexisting fractures of horizontal,shallow-dipping,steeply dipping,or vertical orientation.Simulations of a single-well model are used to determine the pattern and spacing for a multiple-well design.The results illustrate high-density fracturing and fracture caging through simultaneous fluid injection in multiple wells:for previously unfractured rock or rock with preexisting shallow-dipping or horizontal fractures,and in situ vertical compressive stress greater than horizontal.If preexisting fractures are steeply dipping or vertical,and considering the same in situ stress condition,well pressurization without fluid permeation appears to be the only practical way to induce new fractures and contain fracturing within the target domain.

Management of acute length-unstable Monteggia fractures in children:A case report

BACKGROUND Monteggia fractures are uncommon injuries in paediatric age.Treatment algorithms assert that length-unstable fractures are treated with plate fixation.In this case report,intramedullary fixation of an acute length-unstable Monteggia fracture allowed a stable reduction to be achieved,along with an appropriate ulnar length and alignment as well as radio capitellar reduction despite the fact that the orthopaedic surgeon did not use a plate for the ulnar fracture.The scope of treatment is to avoid the use of a plate that causes periosteal stripping and blood circulation disruption around the fracture.CASE SUMMARY A four-year-old girl presented at the Emergency Department following an accidental fall off a chair onto the right forearm.The X-ray highlighted a lengthunstable acute Bado type 1 Monteggia fracture of the right forearm.On the same day,the patient underwent surgical treatment of the Monteggia fracture.The surgeon preferred not to use a plate to avoid a delay in fracture healing and to allow the micromotion necessary for callus formation.The operation comprised percutaneous fixation with an elastic intramedullary K-wire of the ulnar fracture and,subsequently,humeroradial joint reduction through manual manipulation.The orthopaedic surgeon assessed the stability of the radial head reduction under fluoroscopic control through flexion,extension,pronation and supination of the forearm.Healing of the fracture occurred within six weeks after surgery,as indicated by the presence of calluses on at least three cortices on standard radiographs.Dislocation/subluxation or loss of ulnar reduction was not apparent at the final X-ray examination.CONCLUSION Intramedullary fixation of unstable Monteggia fractures results in excellent outcomes,provides reliable reduction and causes fewer complications.

Fracture risk assessment in children with benign bone lesions of long bones

BACKGROUND Fracture risk assessment in children with benign bone lesions of long bones remains poorly investigated.AIM To investigate the risk factors for pathological fracture in children with benign bone lesions and to propose a modified scoring system for quantitative analysis of the pathologic fracture risk.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 96 pediatric patients with benign bone lesions.We compared radiographic and clinical features between 40 patients who had fractures through a benign bone lesion and 56 who had no fracture.Information including histological diagnosis,anatomical site,radiographic appearance,severity of pain,and lesion size was recorded for the patients.A modified scoring system was proposed to predict the risk of fracture.RESULTS The univariate comparisons showed a significant difference between the fracture and non-fracture groups in terms of lesion type,pain,lesion-to-bone width,and axial cortical involvement of the patients(P<0.05).Lesion type,pain,lesion-tobone width,and axial cortical involvement were independently correlated with an increased risk of fracture.The mean score of the fracture group was 7.89,whereas the mean score of the non-fracture group was 6.01.The optimum cut-off value of the score to predict pathological fracture was 7.The scoring system had a sensitivity of 70%and a specificity of 80%for detecting patients with fractures.The Youden index was 0.5,which was the maximum value.The area under the receiver operator characteristic was 0.814.CONCLUSION Lesion type,pain,lesion-to-bone width,and axial cortical involvement are risk factors for pathological fracture.The modified scoring system can provide evidence for clinical decision-making in children with benign bone lesions.A bone lesion with a total score>7 indicates a high risk of a pathologic fracture and is an indication for prophylactic internal fixation.

Spontaneous healing of complicated crown-root fractures in children:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Complicated crown-root fracture is considered a severe dental trauma and is unlikely to heal without treatment.Usually,dentists have to remove the loose coronal fragment of the fractured tooth and treat the remaining part with multidisciplinary approaches.However,we observed spontaneous healing of fracture in two pediatric cases with a history of complicated crown-root fractures over 4 years ago.CASE SUMMARY In case 1,a 12-year-old boy complained of pain at tooth 11 following an accidental fall 1 d ago.Clinical examination showed a crack line on the crown of tooth 11.Cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images of tooth 11 showed signs of hard tissue deposition between the fractured fragments.The patient recalled that tooth 11 had struck the floor 1 year ago without seeking any other treatment.In case 2,a 10-year-old girl fell down 1 d ago and wanted to have her teeth examined.Clinical examination showed a fracture line on the crown of tooth 21.CBCT images of tooth 21 also showed signs of hard tissue deposition between the fractured fragments.She also had a history of dental trauma 1 year ago and her tooth 11 received dental treatment by another dentist.According to her periapical radiograph at that time,tooth 21 was fractured 1 year ago and the fracture was overlooked by her dentist.Both of these two cases showed spontaneous healing of complicated crown-root fractures.After over 4 years of follow-up,both fractured teeth showed no signs of abnormality.CONCLUSION These findings may provide new insights and perspectives on the management and treatment of crown-root fractures in children.

Titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below six years of age

AIM To report the clinical and radiographic results of titanium elastic nail(TEN) in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below age of six years.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 27 diaphyseal femoral fractures in children younger than six years treated with TEN between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 5 wk and the nails were removed from 6 to 12 wk after surgery. Twenty-four cases were clinically and radiographically re-evaluated using the Flynn's scoring criteria, focusing on: Limb length discrepancy, rotational deformity, angulation, hip and knee range of motion(ROM), functional status, complications, and parent's satisfaction.RESULTS Sixteen males and eight females with a mean age of 3.2 years at the time of treatment were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of 58.9 mo. No cases of delayed union were observed. The mean limb lengthening was 0.3 cm. Four cases experienced limb lengthening greater than 1 cm and always minor than 2 cm. Twelve point five percent of the cases showed an angulation < 10°. Complete functional recovery(hip and knee ROM, ability to run and jump on the operated limb) occurred in 95.7% of cases. Complications included two cases of superficial infection of the TEN entry point, one case of refracture following a new trauma, and one TEN mobilization. According to the Flynn's scoring criteria, excellent results were obtained in 79.2% of patients and satisfactory results in the remaining 20.8%, with an average parent's satisfaction level of 9.1/10.CONCLUSION TEN is as a safe, mini-invasive and surgeon-friendly technique and, considering specific inclusion criteria, it represents a useful and efficacy option for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures even in patients younger than six years of age.

Indirect Reduction and Intramedullary Pinning in Severely Displaced Radial Neck Fractures in Children

Fractures of the radial neck account for 5-10% of traumatic lesions of the elbow in the child. Conservative method of reduction may fail to reduce severely displaced fractures. Open reduction of severely displaced radial neck fractures is associated with a high incidence of complications. The present study describes the results achieved after closed and indirect reduction of the severely displaced radial head using a 2-mm K-wire passed intramedullary from near the radial styloid. The bent tip of the K-wire was used to manipulate the displaced head back to the shaft without opening the fracture site. The indirect reduction of the radial head using bent intramedullary K-wire is a simple, minimally invasive method, easy to perform, and obtains encouraging results with few complications. Intramedullary pin also achieves fixation of the radial head after reduction and prevents its secondary displacement.

Management and classification of the fracture of lateral process of talus:An overview and literature update

Fracture of the lateral process of the talus(FLPT)is uncommon in clinical practice and can be easily missed or misdiagnosed.In recent years,as researchers from all over the world have further deepened their research on FLPT,there has been a breakthrough in the classification,and the methods and principles of clinical management have changed accordingly;however,there is still no standardized guideline for the diagnosis and management of FLPT,and there have been few relevant literature review articles related to this kind of fracture in the past at least 5 years.In this article,we review the clinical classification,classification-based therapeutic recommendations,and prognosis of FLPT,with the aim of providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and management of this infrequent fracture.