Susan Mahan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Susan Mahan

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective Evaluation of Tarsal Coalition Excision Show Significant Improvements in Pain and Function

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective evaluation of parental anxiety related to newborn foot disorder

Journal of Children's Orthopaedics

Purpose The presence of a clubfoot is often found prenatally and some families seek counselling w... more Purpose The presence of a clubfoot is often found prenatally and some families seek counselling with a specialist. The purpose of this study was to compare the parental anxiety levels in families that: a) knew prenatally and had prenatal counselling; b) knew prenatally but did not seek prenatal counselling; and c) did not know until after delivery. Methods This prospective cohort study evaluated the anxiety of parents as they presented to the paediatric orthopaedic clinic with their newborn with a foot disorder (prior to the diagnostic confirmation of clubfoot). Each family filled out the ‘Pre-visit orthopaedic surgeon questionnaire’ and then after the initial visit with the orthopaedic surgeon (confirming the clubfoot diagnosis) the family filled out the ‘Immediately post-visit orthopaedic surgeon questionnaire’. Through these questionnaires, anxiety level was assessed prior to meeting postnatally with the paediatric orthopaedic specialist, as well as after the meeting and compared...

Research paper thumbnail of Radiographic Evaluation of First Metatarsal and Medial Cuneiform Morphology in Juvenile Hallux Valgus

Foot & ankle international, Jan 2, 2018

Operative treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this s... more Operative treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to better understand the pattern of radiographic deformity. Standing radiographs of 93 feet in 57 patients with JHV, and 50 feet in 36 normal patients were measured. Measurements included: hallux valgus angle (HVA), first metatarsal physis status (open or closed), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), Meary's angle, medial cuneiform angle (MCA), relative first to second metatarsal length ratio (1:2 MT ratio), cuneiform obliquity (CO), and congruency of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). JHV groups were defined as normal (HVA 0-15 degrees), mild-moderate (HVA 15-35), or severe (HVA > 35) and were analyzed. Seventy of 93 feet (75%) with JHV presented with mild-moderate JHV (average HVA of 26.2 ± 5.6 degrees), and 23 feet (25%, 23/93) presented with severe JHV (average HVA of 41.9 ± 5.3 degrees). Multivariable analysis determined that DMAA...

Research paper thumbnail of Subtalar Coalitions: Does the Morphology of the Subtalar Joint Involvement Influence Outcomes After Coalition Excision?

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Posteromedial subtalar (PMST) coalitions are a recently described anatomic subtype of tarsal coal... more Posteromedial subtalar (PMST) coalitions are a recently described anatomic subtype of tarsal coalitions. We compared with clinical patient-based outcomes of patients with PMST and standard middle facet (MF) coalitions who had undergone surgical excision of their coalition. The included patients had undergone surgical excision of a subtalar tarsal coalition, preoperative computed tomography (CT), and patient-based outcomes measures after surgery (including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] scale and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], activity score). Blinded analysis of the preoperative CT scan findings determined the presence of a standard MF versus a PMST coalition. The perioperative factors and postoperative outcomes between the MF and PMST coalitions were compared. A total of 51 feet (36 patients) were included. The mean follow-up duration was 2.6 years after surgery. Of the 51 feet, 15 (29.4%) had a PMST coalition and 36 (70.6%) had an MF coalition. No difference was found in the UCLA activity score; however, the mean AOFAS scale score was higher for patients with PMST (95.7) than for those with MF (86.5; p = .018). Of the patients with a PMST, none had foot pain limiting their activities at the final clinical follow-up visit. However, in the group with an MF subtalar coalition, 10 (27.8%) had ongoing foot pain limiting activity at the final follow-up visit (p = .024). Compared with MF subtalar tarsal coalitions, patients with PMST coalitions showed significantly improved clinical outcomes after excision. Preoperative identification of the facet morphology can improve patient counseling and expectations after surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Clubfoot relapse: does presentation differ based on age at initial relapse?

Journal of Children's Orthopaedics

Research paper thumbnail of Noise Reduction to Reduce Patient Anxiety During Cast Removal: Can We Decrease Patient Anxiety With Cast Removal by Wearing Noise Reduction Headphones During Cast Saw Use?

Orthopedic nursing

Noise reduction headphones decrease the sound during cast removal. Their effectiveness in decreas... more Noise reduction headphones decrease the sound during cast removal. Their effectiveness in decreasing anxiety has not been studied. Compare pediatric patients' anxiety levels during cast removal with and without utilization of noise reduction headphones combined with use of a personal electronic device. Quality improvement project. Patients randomly assigned to noise reduction headphone group or standard care group during cast removal. Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale and heart rate were evaluated prior to, during, and after cast removal. Data were compared across groups. Fifty patients were included; 25 per group. No difference detected between the 2 groups in Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale score prior to (p = .05) or after cast removal (p = .30). During cast removal, the headphone group had lower FLACC Scale scores (p = .03). Baseline heart rate was lower in the headphone group prior to (p = .02) and after (p = .005) cast removal with no ...

Research paper thumbnail of Does Weather Matter? The Effect of Weather Patterns and Temporal Factors on Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Volume

The open orthopaedics journal, 2016

Orthopaedists often speculate how weather and school schedule may influence pediatric orthopedic ... more Orthopaedists often speculate how weather and school schedule may influence pediatric orthopedic trauma volume, but few studies have examined this. This study aims to determine: how do weather patterns, day, month, season and public school schedule influence the daily frequency of pediatric orthopedic trauma consults and admissions? With IRB approval, orthopedic trauma data from a level 1 pediatric trauma center, including number of daily orthopedic trauma consults and admissions, were collected from July 2009 to March 2012. Historical weather data (high temperatures, precipitation and hours of daylight), along with local public school schedule data were collected for the same time period. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to show the average number of orthopedic trauma consults and admissions as a function of weather and temporal variables. High temperature, precipitation, month and day of the week significantly affected the number of daily consults and admiss...

Research paper thumbnail of Decreasing Resource Utilization Using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs)

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 15, 2016

Standardized clinical assessment and management plans (SCAMPs) are a novel quality improvement in... more Standardized clinical assessment and management plans (SCAMPs) are a novel quality improvement initiative shown to improve patient care, diminish practice variation, and reduce resource utilization. Unlike clinical practice guidelines, a SCAMP is a flexible algorithm that undergoes iterative updates based on periodic data collection and review. We recently implemented a SCAMP for the closed treatment of pediatric torus fractures. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of SCAMP implementation on resource utilization, practice variability, cost of care, and outcomes. This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 273 patients with pediatric torus fractures. The pre-SCAMP cohort included 116 subjects from 2008 to 2010. The SCAMP cohort included 157 subjects from 2011 to 2013. The pre-SCAMP cohort was treated according to the judgment of attending fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The SCAMP cohort was treated with a standardized alg...

Research paper thumbnail of Lisfranc injuries in children and adolescents

Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B, Jan 3, 2016

In this descriptive analysis of pediatric Lisfranc injuries, records of 56 children treated for b... more In this descriptive analysis of pediatric Lisfranc injuries, records of 56 children treated for bony or ligamentous Lisfranc injuries over a 12-year period were reviewed. Overall, 51% of fractures and 82% of sprains were sports-related (P=0.03). A total of 34% of the cohort underwent open reduction internal fixation, which was more common among patients with closed physes (67%). Full weight bearing was allowed in open reduction internal fixation patients at a mean of 14.5 weeks, compared to 6.5 weeks in the nonoperative group. Complications were rare (4%) and included physeal arrest in one patient and a broken, retained implant in one patient.

Research paper thumbnail of Method and apparatus for automatically enhancing contrast in projected ultrasound image

Research paper thumbnail of Closed Versus Open Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children: A Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Presentation and Results

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 20, 2016

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the presentation and postoperative results of ch... more The purpose of this investigation was to compare the presentation and postoperative results of children treated for open and closed, completely displaced type III supracondylar humerus fractures (SCFs). Thirty patients with open and 66 patients with closed, completely displaced type III SCFs were evaluated. Open fractures underwent irrigation and debridement, and all patients were treated by open or closed reduction and pin fixation. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical data regarding mechanism of injury, neurovascular status, associated injuries, postoperative range of motion, infections, and pain. Radiographs were evaluated to quantify displacement, Baumann's angle, humeral capitellar angle, position of the anterior humeral line, and adequacy of reduction. Outcomes were assessed using Flynn criteria. Mean clinical follow-up for the open and closed fracture groups was 8.9 and 5.7 months, respectively....

Research paper thumbnail of Posteromedial subtalar coalitions: prevalence and associated morphological alterations of the sustentaculum tali

Pediatric Radiology, 2016

A variant form of subtalar coalition isolated to the posterior sustentaculum has been previously ... more A variant form of subtalar coalition isolated to the posterior sustentaculum has been previously described, though its prevalence is not known and its relationship to the middle facet has not been characterized. To determine the prevalence and morphological alterations of isolated posteromedial subtalar coalitions. Computed tomography (CT) images of the foot or ankle performed from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed and 97 patients (mean age: 13.3+/-2.9 years; range: 9-19 years) with subtalar coalition were identified. In 41 (42%) of these, the condition was bilateral, yielding a total of 138 subtalar coalitions. In the 33 patients where CT demonstrated isolated posteromedial subtalar coalitions, multiplanar reformats along the long axis of the sustentaculum tali were generated, from which the anteroposterior dimensions of the sustentaculum tali and middle facet were measured. Posterior sustentaculum measurements defining the posterior extension of the sustentaculum beyond the middle facet were directly measured by two radiologists. Ratios of middle facet to posterior sustentaculum measurements were calculated. Thirty-three patients undergoing CT for ankle fracture served as controls. Ninety-seven of 138 coalitions (70.2%) affected the middle facet and 2/138 (1.4%) involved the posterior facet. There were 39 (28.2%) posteromedial subtalar coalitions in 33 patients. Mean AP measurements of the middle facet and posterior sustentaculum in patients with posteromedial subtalar coalitions were 12.6 mm and 18.2 mm, respectively, compared to 16.6 mm and 9.2 mm in controls (P<0.001). Mean middle facet/posterior sustenaculum (MF/PS) ratios were 0.74 for posteromedial subtalar coalitions vs. 1.92 for controls (P<0.001). Posteromedial subtalar coalitions comprise more than one-quarter of subtalar coalitions, and are associated with an intact, but shorter, middle facet and longer sustentaculum tali. This observation may aid in accurate diagnosis and management of this relatively common disorder.

Research paper thumbnail of Prenatal Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Conditions

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Feb 28, 2010

ABSTRACT Background: Use of ultrasound in the prenatal period is increasing and musculoskeletal a... more ABSTRACT Background: Use of ultrasound in the prenatal period is increasing and musculoskeletal anomalies are often found. Parents-to-be are often confronted with the reality of a potentially imperfect child part-way into the pregnancy. Prenatal counseling with a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon may be of some benefit to alleviate concerns. Methods: Musculoskeletal anomalies found on prenatal ultrasound are reviewed, including those in the upper extremeity, spine, syndromes, and lower extremity. Incidence and associated anomalies are discussed. Results: Many different musculoskeletal anomalies across a broad spectrum of potential severity may be found on prenatal ultrasound. In most cases, isolated musculoskeletal diagnoses have the potential for excellent long-term function. Prenatal counseling with the parents-to-be may properly inform them of the issues and treatment expectations for their unborn child, and relieve their concerns and fears. Conclusions: Prenatal counseling with a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon for musculoskeletal diagnoses found on ultrasound may alleviate fears of the parents and better inform them of the treatment expectations for their unborn child. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment dilemma in multiple metatarsal fractures: when to operate?

Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B, Jan 17, 2016

Fractures of multiple metatarsals in the pediatric population are uncommon; however, indications ... more Fractures of multiple metatarsals in the pediatric population are uncommon; however, indications for surgical treatment have not been delineated. The aim of this study was to review multiple metatarsal fractures to help refine surgical indications. A total of 98 patients had multiple metatarsal fractures; displacement greater than 10% shaft width (displaced) was encountered in 33 (34.0%) patients. Fifteen patients had displacement of more than 75% shaft width of one metatarsal. Patients older than 14 years of age were more likely to have surgery for their injury (52.6%) than those younger than 14 years of age (3.7%) (P<0.0001). Younger patients and those with less than 75% displacement should be considered for nonoperative care. Level IV.

Research paper thumbnail of ¿Influye el uso de una faja para el bebé en el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera?

Research paper thumbnail of ¿Influye el uso de una faja para bebé en el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera?

Research paper thumbnail of Method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging using adaptive gray mapping

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-reported Outcomes of Tarsal Coalitions Treated With Surgical Excision

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 20, 2014

There are little patient-reported data on functional outcomes of tarsal coalition resection in ch... more There are little patient-reported data on functional outcomes of tarsal coalition resection in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium-term (>2 y) outcomes in patients who have had surgical excision of their symptomatic tarsal coalition and to compare patient-based outcomes in patients who have calcaneonavicular (CN) coalitions to those with talocalcaneal (TC) coalitions. A billing query was conducted to identify patients who had surgical excision of their tarsal coalition between 2003 and 2008. Eligible patients were mailed questionnaires consisting of a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. Patients were also specifically asked if their activity level was limited by their foot pain. Only patients who returned questionnaires were included. Demographics and diagnostic images were reviewed. A nonresponder analysis was completed. Complications su...

Research paper thumbnail of A simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 1996

We present a simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace to ... more We present a simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace to infer respiratory volume changes. As in earlier methods, we assume two degrees of freedom in the chest wall and that volume displacement depends linearly on surface motion at the rib cage and abdomen. Because the area of the rib cage is larger, a given motion of its surface produces a greater lung volume change; therefore, the rib cage motion signal is given a larger gain before the two signals are added to estimate volume. In contrast to earlier methods, we use a “standard ratio” to weight relative gains of the rib cage and abdominal signals for all subjects rather than determining a gain ratio for each individual subject. Our procedure does not require subjects to perform the sometimes difficult isovolume maneuvers used in the calibration method of Konno and Mead (J. Appl. Physiol. 22: 407–422, 1967), does not require statistical computation used in the multiple-breath linear regression method, and does not produce the occasional substantial errors in gain ratio that may occur with the other methods. When magnetometers are used, the standard ratio is 4:1 (rib cage-to-abdomen); when Respitrace is used, the standard ratio is 2:1. In 11 subjects, calibration with standard ratios was as accurate as the isovolume and linear regression techniques. Accuracy during normal breathing was nearly always within 10% (median 2%), but occasional large errors occurred with both instruments.

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal Cigarette, Alcohol, and Coffee Consumption in Relation to Risk of Clubfoot

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 2014

Clubfoot is associated with maternal cigarette smoking in several studies, but it is not clear if... more Clubfoot is associated with maternal cigarette smoking in several studies, but it is not clear if this association is confined to women who smoke throughout the at-risk period. Maternal alcohol and coffee drinking have not been well studied in relation to clubfoot. The present study used data from a population-based case-control study of clubfoot conducted in Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina from 2007 to 2011. Mothers of 646 isolated clubfoot cases and 2037 controls were interviewed about pregnancy events and exposures, including the timing and frequency of cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and coffee drinking. More mothers of cases than controls reported smoking during early pregnancy (28.9% vs. 19.1%). Of women who smoked when they became pregnant, those who quit in the month after a first missed period had a 40% increase in clubfoot risk and those who continued to smoke during the next 3 months had more than a doubling in risk, after controlling for demographic factors, parity, obesity, and specific medication exposures. Adjusted odds ratios for women who drank &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;3 servings of alcohol or coffee per day throughout early pregnancy were 2.38 and 1.77, respectively, but the numbers of exposed women were small and odds ratios were unstable. Clubfoot risk appears to be increased for offspring of women who smoke cigarettes, particularly those who continue smoking after pregnancy is recognisable, regardless of amount. For alcohol and coffee drinkers, suggested increased risks were only observed in higher levels of intake.

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective Evaluation of Tarsal Coalition Excision Show Significant Improvements in Pain and Function

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Research paper thumbnail of Prospective evaluation of parental anxiety related to newborn foot disorder

Journal of Children's Orthopaedics

Purpose The presence of a clubfoot is often found prenatally and some families seek counselling w... more Purpose The presence of a clubfoot is often found prenatally and some families seek counselling with a specialist. The purpose of this study was to compare the parental anxiety levels in families that: a) knew prenatally and had prenatal counselling; b) knew prenatally but did not seek prenatal counselling; and c) did not know until after delivery. Methods This prospective cohort study evaluated the anxiety of parents as they presented to the paediatric orthopaedic clinic with their newborn with a foot disorder (prior to the diagnostic confirmation of clubfoot). Each family filled out the ‘Pre-visit orthopaedic surgeon questionnaire’ and then after the initial visit with the orthopaedic surgeon (confirming the clubfoot diagnosis) the family filled out the ‘Immediately post-visit orthopaedic surgeon questionnaire’. Through these questionnaires, anxiety level was assessed prior to meeting postnatally with the paediatric orthopaedic specialist, as well as after the meeting and compared...

Research paper thumbnail of Radiographic Evaluation of First Metatarsal and Medial Cuneiform Morphology in Juvenile Hallux Valgus

Foot & ankle international, Jan 2, 2018

Operative treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this s... more Operative treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) has a high recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to better understand the pattern of radiographic deformity. Standing radiographs of 93 feet in 57 patients with JHV, and 50 feet in 36 normal patients were measured. Measurements included: hallux valgus angle (HVA), first metatarsal physis status (open or closed), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), Meary's angle, medial cuneiform angle (MCA), relative first to second metatarsal length ratio (1:2 MT ratio), cuneiform obliquity (CO), and congruency of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). JHV groups were defined as normal (HVA 0-15 degrees), mild-moderate (HVA 15-35), or severe (HVA > 35) and were analyzed. Seventy of 93 feet (75%) with JHV presented with mild-moderate JHV (average HVA of 26.2 ± 5.6 degrees), and 23 feet (25%, 23/93) presented with severe JHV (average HVA of 41.9 ± 5.3 degrees). Multivariable analysis determined that DMAA...

Research paper thumbnail of Subtalar Coalitions: Does the Morphology of the Subtalar Joint Involvement Influence Outcomes After Coalition Excision?

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Posteromedial subtalar (PMST) coalitions are a recently described anatomic subtype of tarsal coal... more Posteromedial subtalar (PMST) coalitions are a recently described anatomic subtype of tarsal coalitions. We compared with clinical patient-based outcomes of patients with PMST and standard middle facet (MF) coalitions who had undergone surgical excision of their coalition. The included patients had undergone surgical excision of a subtalar tarsal coalition, preoperative computed tomography (CT), and patient-based outcomes measures after surgery (including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] scale and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], activity score). Blinded analysis of the preoperative CT scan findings determined the presence of a standard MF versus a PMST coalition. The perioperative factors and postoperative outcomes between the MF and PMST coalitions were compared. A total of 51 feet (36 patients) were included. The mean follow-up duration was 2.6 years after surgery. Of the 51 feet, 15 (29.4%) had a PMST coalition and 36 (70.6%) had an MF coalition. No difference was found in the UCLA activity score; however, the mean AOFAS scale score was higher for patients with PMST (95.7) than for those with MF (86.5; p = .018). Of the patients with a PMST, none had foot pain limiting their activities at the final clinical follow-up visit. However, in the group with an MF subtalar coalition, 10 (27.8%) had ongoing foot pain limiting activity at the final follow-up visit (p = .024). Compared with MF subtalar tarsal coalitions, patients with PMST coalitions showed significantly improved clinical outcomes after excision. Preoperative identification of the facet morphology can improve patient counseling and expectations after surgery.

Research paper thumbnail of Clubfoot relapse: does presentation differ based on age at initial relapse?

Journal of Children's Orthopaedics

Research paper thumbnail of Noise Reduction to Reduce Patient Anxiety During Cast Removal: Can We Decrease Patient Anxiety With Cast Removal by Wearing Noise Reduction Headphones During Cast Saw Use?

Orthopedic nursing

Noise reduction headphones decrease the sound during cast removal. Their effectiveness in decreas... more Noise reduction headphones decrease the sound during cast removal. Their effectiveness in decreasing anxiety has not been studied. Compare pediatric patients' anxiety levels during cast removal with and without utilization of noise reduction headphones combined with use of a personal electronic device. Quality improvement project. Patients randomly assigned to noise reduction headphone group or standard care group during cast removal. Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale and heart rate were evaluated prior to, during, and after cast removal. Data were compared across groups. Fifty patients were included; 25 per group. No difference detected between the 2 groups in Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale score prior to (p = .05) or after cast removal (p = .30). During cast removal, the headphone group had lower FLACC Scale scores (p = .03). Baseline heart rate was lower in the headphone group prior to (p = .02) and after (p = .005) cast removal with no ...

Research paper thumbnail of Does Weather Matter? The Effect of Weather Patterns and Temporal Factors on Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Volume

The open orthopaedics journal, 2016

Orthopaedists often speculate how weather and school schedule may influence pediatric orthopedic ... more Orthopaedists often speculate how weather and school schedule may influence pediatric orthopedic trauma volume, but few studies have examined this. This study aims to determine: how do weather patterns, day, month, season and public school schedule influence the daily frequency of pediatric orthopedic trauma consults and admissions? With IRB approval, orthopedic trauma data from a level 1 pediatric trauma center, including number of daily orthopedic trauma consults and admissions, were collected from July 2009 to March 2012. Historical weather data (high temperatures, precipitation and hours of daylight), along with local public school schedule data were collected for the same time period. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to show the average number of orthopedic trauma consults and admissions as a function of weather and temporal variables. High temperature, precipitation, month and day of the week significantly affected the number of daily consults and admiss...

Research paper thumbnail of Decreasing Resource Utilization Using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs)

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 15, 2016

Standardized clinical assessment and management plans (SCAMPs) are a novel quality improvement in... more Standardized clinical assessment and management plans (SCAMPs) are a novel quality improvement initiative shown to improve patient care, diminish practice variation, and reduce resource utilization. Unlike clinical practice guidelines, a SCAMP is a flexible algorithm that undergoes iterative updates based on periodic data collection and review. We recently implemented a SCAMP for the closed treatment of pediatric torus fractures. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of SCAMP implementation on resource utilization, practice variability, cost of care, and outcomes. This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 273 patients with pediatric torus fractures. The pre-SCAMP cohort included 116 subjects from 2008 to 2010. The SCAMP cohort included 157 subjects from 2011 to 2013. The pre-SCAMP cohort was treated according to the judgment of attending fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The SCAMP cohort was treated with a standardized alg...

Research paper thumbnail of Lisfranc injuries in children and adolescents

Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B, Jan 3, 2016

In this descriptive analysis of pediatric Lisfranc injuries, records of 56 children treated for b... more In this descriptive analysis of pediatric Lisfranc injuries, records of 56 children treated for bony or ligamentous Lisfranc injuries over a 12-year period were reviewed. Overall, 51% of fractures and 82% of sprains were sports-related (P=0.03). A total of 34% of the cohort underwent open reduction internal fixation, which was more common among patients with closed physes (67%). Full weight bearing was allowed in open reduction internal fixation patients at a mean of 14.5 weeks, compared to 6.5 weeks in the nonoperative group. Complications were rare (4%) and included physeal arrest in one patient and a broken, retained implant in one patient.

Research paper thumbnail of Method and apparatus for automatically enhancing contrast in projected ultrasound image

Research paper thumbnail of Closed Versus Open Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children: A Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Presentation and Results

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 20, 2016

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the presentation and postoperative results of ch... more The purpose of this investigation was to compare the presentation and postoperative results of children treated for open and closed, completely displaced type III supracondylar humerus fractures (SCFs). Thirty patients with open and 66 patients with closed, completely displaced type III SCFs were evaluated. Open fractures underwent irrigation and debridement, and all patients were treated by open or closed reduction and pin fixation. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical data regarding mechanism of injury, neurovascular status, associated injuries, postoperative range of motion, infections, and pain. Radiographs were evaluated to quantify displacement, Baumann's angle, humeral capitellar angle, position of the anterior humeral line, and adequacy of reduction. Outcomes were assessed using Flynn criteria. Mean clinical follow-up for the open and closed fracture groups was 8.9 and 5.7 months, respectively....

Research paper thumbnail of Posteromedial subtalar coalitions: prevalence and associated morphological alterations of the sustentaculum tali

Pediatric Radiology, 2016

A variant form of subtalar coalition isolated to the posterior sustentaculum has been previously ... more A variant form of subtalar coalition isolated to the posterior sustentaculum has been previously described, though its prevalence is not known and its relationship to the middle facet has not been characterized. To determine the prevalence and morphological alterations of isolated posteromedial subtalar coalitions. Computed tomography (CT) images of the foot or ankle performed from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed and 97 patients (mean age: 13.3+/-2.9 years; range: 9-19 years) with subtalar coalition were identified. In 41 (42%) of these, the condition was bilateral, yielding a total of 138 subtalar coalitions. In the 33 patients where CT demonstrated isolated posteromedial subtalar coalitions, multiplanar reformats along the long axis of the sustentaculum tali were generated, from which the anteroposterior dimensions of the sustentaculum tali and middle facet were measured. Posterior sustentaculum measurements defining the posterior extension of the sustentaculum beyond the middle facet were directly measured by two radiologists. Ratios of middle facet to posterior sustentaculum measurements were calculated. Thirty-three patients undergoing CT for ankle fracture served as controls. Ninety-seven of 138 coalitions (70.2%) affected the middle facet and 2/138 (1.4%) involved the posterior facet. There were 39 (28.2%) posteromedial subtalar coalitions in 33 patients. Mean AP measurements of the middle facet and posterior sustentaculum in patients with posteromedial subtalar coalitions were 12.6 mm and 18.2 mm, respectively, compared to 16.6 mm and 9.2 mm in controls (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). Mean middle facet/posterior sustenaculum (MF/PS) ratios were 0.74 for posteromedial subtalar coalitions vs. 1.92 for controls (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). Posteromedial subtalar coalitions comprise more than one-quarter of subtalar coalitions, and are associated with an intact, but shorter, middle facet and longer sustentaculum tali. This observation may aid in accurate diagnosis and management of this relatively common disorder.

Research paper thumbnail of Prenatal Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Conditions

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Feb 28, 2010

ABSTRACT Background: Use of ultrasound in the prenatal period is increasing and musculoskeletal a... more ABSTRACT Background: Use of ultrasound in the prenatal period is increasing and musculoskeletal anomalies are often found. Parents-to-be are often confronted with the reality of a potentially imperfect child part-way into the pregnancy. Prenatal counseling with a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon may be of some benefit to alleviate concerns. Methods: Musculoskeletal anomalies found on prenatal ultrasound are reviewed, including those in the upper extremeity, spine, syndromes, and lower extremity. Incidence and associated anomalies are discussed. Results: Many different musculoskeletal anomalies across a broad spectrum of potential severity may be found on prenatal ultrasound. In most cases, isolated musculoskeletal diagnoses have the potential for excellent long-term function. Prenatal counseling with the parents-to-be may properly inform them of the issues and treatment expectations for their unborn child, and relieve their concerns and fears. Conclusions: Prenatal counseling with a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon for musculoskeletal diagnoses found on ultrasound may alleviate fears of the parents and better inform them of the treatment expectations for their unborn child. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment dilemma in multiple metatarsal fractures: when to operate?

Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B, Jan 17, 2016

Fractures of multiple metatarsals in the pediatric population are uncommon; however, indications ... more Fractures of multiple metatarsals in the pediatric population are uncommon; however, indications for surgical treatment have not been delineated. The aim of this study was to review multiple metatarsal fractures to help refine surgical indications. A total of 98 patients had multiple metatarsal fractures; displacement greater than 10% shaft width (displaced) was encountered in 33 (34.0%) patients. Fifteen patients had displacement of more than 75% shaft width of one metatarsal. Patients older than 14 years of age were more likely to have surgery for their injury (52.6%) than those younger than 14 years of age (3.7%) (P<0.0001). Younger patients and those with less than 75% displacement should be considered for nonoperative care. Level IV.

Research paper thumbnail of ¿Influye el uso de una faja para el bebé en el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera?

Research paper thumbnail of ¿Influye el uso de una faja para bebé en el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera?

Research paper thumbnail of Method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging using adaptive gray mapping

Research paper thumbnail of Patient-reported Outcomes of Tarsal Coalitions Treated With Surgical Excision

Journal of pediatric orthopedics, Jan 20, 2014

There are little patient-reported data on functional outcomes of tarsal coalition resection in ch... more There are little patient-reported data on functional outcomes of tarsal coalition resection in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium-term (>2 y) outcomes in patients who have had surgical excision of their symptomatic tarsal coalition and to compare patient-based outcomes in patients who have calcaneonavicular (CN) coalitions to those with talocalcaneal (TC) coalitions. A billing query was conducted to identify patients who had surgical excision of their tarsal coalition between 2003 and 2008. Eligible patients were mailed questionnaires consisting of a modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. Patients were also specifically asked if their activity level was limited by their foot pain. Only patients who returned questionnaires were included. Demographics and diagnostic images were reviewed. A nonresponder analysis was completed. Complications su...

Research paper thumbnail of A simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 1996

We present a simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace to ... more We present a simple and reliable method to calibrate respiratory magnetometers and Respitrace to infer respiratory volume changes. As in earlier methods, we assume two degrees of freedom in the chest wall and that volume displacement depends linearly on surface motion at the rib cage and abdomen. Because the area of the rib cage is larger, a given motion of its surface produces a greater lung volume change; therefore, the rib cage motion signal is given a larger gain before the two signals are added to estimate volume. In contrast to earlier methods, we use a “standard ratio” to weight relative gains of the rib cage and abdominal signals for all subjects rather than determining a gain ratio for each individual subject. Our procedure does not require subjects to perform the sometimes difficult isovolume maneuvers used in the calibration method of Konno and Mead (J. Appl. Physiol. 22: 407–422, 1967), does not require statistical computation used in the multiple-breath linear regression method, and does not produce the occasional substantial errors in gain ratio that may occur with the other methods. When magnetometers are used, the standard ratio is 4:1 (rib cage-to-abdomen); when Respitrace is used, the standard ratio is 2:1. In 11 subjects, calibration with standard ratios was as accurate as the isovolume and linear regression techniques. Accuracy during normal breathing was nearly always within 10% (median 2%), but occasional large errors occurred with both instruments.

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal Cigarette, Alcohol, and Coffee Consumption in Relation to Risk of Clubfoot

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 2014

Clubfoot is associated with maternal cigarette smoking in several studies, but it is not clear if... more Clubfoot is associated with maternal cigarette smoking in several studies, but it is not clear if this association is confined to women who smoke throughout the at-risk period. Maternal alcohol and coffee drinking have not been well studied in relation to clubfoot. The present study used data from a population-based case-control study of clubfoot conducted in Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina from 2007 to 2011. Mothers of 646 isolated clubfoot cases and 2037 controls were interviewed about pregnancy events and exposures, including the timing and frequency of cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and coffee drinking. More mothers of cases than controls reported smoking during early pregnancy (28.9% vs. 19.1%). Of women who smoked when they became pregnant, those who quit in the month after a first missed period had a 40% increase in clubfoot risk and those who continued to smoke during the next 3 months had more than a doubling in risk, after controlling for demographic factors, parity, obesity, and specific medication exposures. Adjusted odds ratios for women who drank &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;3 servings of alcohol or coffee per day throughout early pregnancy were 2.38 and 1.77, respectively, but the numbers of exposed women were small and odds ratios were unstable. Clubfoot risk appears to be increased for offspring of women who smoke cigarettes, particularly those who continue smoking after pregnancy is recognisable, regardless of amount. For alcohol and coffee drinkers, suggested increased risks were only observed in higher levels of intake.