Dr. Jonathan Schoenecker from Vanderbilt joins the show to discuss his recent research on using CRP to manage musculoskeletal infections. This episode also covers recent research on the value of axial imaging in infections, numerous hip preservation treatments and considerations, and more. This episode is sponsored by OrthoFix. Your hosts are Craig Louer from Vanderbilt, Carter Clement from Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Josh Holt from University of Iowa, and Julia Sanders from Children’s Hospital Colorado. Music by A. A. Aalto.

"Main Event" Citations

1. CRP Predicts the Need to Escalate Care After Initial Debridement for Musculoskeletal Infection. Moore-Lotridge et al. JPO. 2024 Mar. PMID: 37997444

2. Clinical Utility of Repeat Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies Among Children With Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis. Thorne et al. JPO. 2024 Mar. PMID: 38477331

"Lightning Round" Citations

1. A Role for Thyroid Testing in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis? 32% Rate of Abnormal Values in Tested Patients. Nielsen et al. JPO. 2024 Feb. PMID: 38415747

2. Intraoperative Epiphyseal Perfusion Monitoring Does Not Reliably Predict Osteonecrosis Following Treatment of Unstable SCFE. Ellsworth et al. JPO. 2024 Feb. PMID: 38411144

3. Traditional Versus Water-resistant Short Leg Casting: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Carveth et al. JPO. 2024 Feb. PMID: 38329338

4. Microwave Ablation of the Pig Growth Plate: Proof of Concept for Minimally Invasive Epiphysiodesis. Noonan et al. CORR. 2024 Mar. PMID: 38471002

This month we are joined by Dr. Raymond Liu from Case Western Reserve and Rainbow Babies in Cleveland to discuss his work on skeletal maturity grading systems, patient reported outcomes in limb deformity, and 3D anatomical studies. Hear about Mongolia pushing the limits in rigid nailing of pediatric femur fractures and stick around for highlights from the lightning round including ultrasound for fracture diagnosis, guided growth for patellar instability and 3D analysis after spinal fusion.

Your hosts are Julia Sanders from Children’s Hospital Colorado, Carter Clement from Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Craig Louer from Vanderbilt, and Josh Holt from University of Iowa. Music by A. A. Aalto.

For more information on the JPO Journal Club organized by Dr Liu, please contact Caroline Eaton from Advancing Pediatric Orthopaedics at ceaton@faportho.org.

To download the "What's the Skeletal Maturity" app for free, visit your device app store (Android currently undergoing upgrades, but available soon!)

Citations for papers discussed:

Moon TJ, Canitia E, Amakoutou K, et al. Prospective Multicenter Preliminary Validation of Limb Deformity-modified Scoliosis Instruments in Pediatric Patients With Limb Deformity. J Pediatr Orthop. 2024;44(3):e260-e266.

Furdock RJ, Sun KJ, Ren B, et al. The Reliability of the Modified Fels Knee Skeletal Maturity System. J Pediatr Orthop. 2024;44(2):e192-e196.

Nedder VJ, Chen KJ, May CC, Abzug JM, Liu RW. Developmental Anatomy of the Radial Bow in Pediatric Patients using 3D Imaging. J Pediatr Orthop. Published online February 23, 2024.

Catanzano, A. , Upasani, V. , Bryan, T. , Yaszay, B. & Newton, P. (2024). Breaking the Rules in Three Dimensions: What to Expect After a Thoracic-only Fusion With Structural Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Curves. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 44 (3), e242-e248.

Combs, K. & Kocher, M. (2024). US for Initial Diagnosis of a Suspected Distal Radial Fracture in Children Was Noninferior to Radiography for Arm Function at 28 Days. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 106 (4), 354. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.23.01337.

Tomasevich, Kelly M.a; Kantor, Adam H.a; Metz, Allan K.a; Hanson, Indiana T.b; Froerer, Devin L.c; Rosenthal, Reece M.a; Aoki, Stephen K.a. Mid-term outcomes of temporary medial distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis with and without medial patellofemoral ligament repair for recurrent patellar instability in skeletally immature patients with genu valgum. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B 33(2):p 119-129, March 2024.

Dr. Mark Seeley from Geisinger Health System joins the show for a stimulating discussion on a wide range of topics including his practice as an employed surgeon in a healthcare system with its own health plan and some of the unique opportunities this provides. We discuss the role of surgeons in stewardship of healthcare spending. Dr. Seeley elaborates on his work in education and his recent study evaluating a novel femur osteotomy simulation tool. Articles selected for the lightning round include MRI predictors of residual hip dysplasia 10-years after hip reduction, risks of refracture after operatively treated both bone forearm fractures, and complications of operative treatment for lateral condyle humeral fractures with associated elbow dislocation. Your hosts are Josh Holt from University of Iowa and Julia Sanders from Children's Hospital Colorado. Music by A. A. Aalto.