Papers by Thomas Palocaren
Journal of Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery
Background: The management of malignant bone tumors in children has come a long way in the past f... more Background: The management of malignant bone tumors in children has come a long way in the past few decades. The transition from amputation to limb salvage has been made possible due to the rapid development in the diagnosis and the oncological management of these malignant tumors. However, there exist significant reservations regarding endoprosthetic reconstruction in children. Material and methods: A mini-review was conducted of articles detailing the use of prosthetic reconstruction following tumor resection in children. The data regarding complications and functional outcomes following surgery were collected and presented. Results: The studies reviewed reported a 5-year survival rate between 60 – 70 %. Uniform across the studies was the need for multiple surgeries when endoprosthesis was used for limb reconstruction, ranging between 2.8 – 3.5 surgeries. The most common complication noted across the studies was related to soft tissue problems such as joint instability followed by...
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B
Clinical Research on Foot & Ankle
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, 2010
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating complication following treatment of unstable slipped ca... more Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating complication following treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The advent of newer methods such as open reduction and surgical dislocation of the hip has increased the debate on the optimal method of treatment. However, the risk or predisposing factors for AVN remain unclear. We aimed to assess the outcome of in situ fixation and the risk factors associated with AVN. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 patients (27 hips) with unstable SCFE out of the 280 children managed for SCFE from 1995 to 2006. The mean age in years of the patients at surgery was 12.2+/-1.58, and our sample comprised 70.4% males, and 29.6% females, with a mean follow-up of 3.1+/-1.9 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to assess factors predisposing to AVN. AVN occurred in 22.2% (6/27) of the children with unstable SCFE. After adjustment for age, race, and time to surgery, sex and preoperative slip angle were the only 2 significant factors related to an increased risk of AVN, risk ratio (RR)=4.15, 95% confidence interval=1.00-17.19, P=0.05 and RR=1.04, 95% confidence interval=1.00-1.07, P=0.03, respectively. Female children constitute a high-risk group for AVN in this subgroup. AVN is still prevalent among patients with unstable SCFE who underwent in situ pinning. Female sex and slip magnitude are potential predisposing factors for developing AVN.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, Mar 1, 2010
Fixed flexion contractures of the knee are more common and disabling than extension contractures ... more Fixed flexion contractures of the knee are more common and disabling than extension contractures in children with arthrogryposis. For correcting these deformities, there are various surgical options such as soft tissue release, distal femoral osteotomy, and frame distraction. We sought in this study to examine the effectiveness of anterior distal femoral stapling using 8-plates for correcting knee flexion contracture in children with arthrogryposis. We retrospectively assessed 16 knees in 10 children using clinical and radiographic measures. To determine the outcome, we assessed the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) as well. Statistically, a paired t test, independent t test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the results. After anterior distal femoral stapling, there was a reduction in the flexion deformity of the knee in children with arthrogryposis, P<0.05. There was an estimated 18-degree correction comparing the mean preoperative flexion deformity and the mean postoperative flexion deformity. This correction was significant in children when the knee flexion deformity was less than 45 degrees. The FMS also improved in those patients where the residual flexion contracture was less than 30 degrees at follow-up, suggesting an improvement in their ambulatory capacity, P<0.05. Among children with arthrogryposis who present with knee flexion contractures, anterior distal femoral stapling with 8-plates improved their flexion deformity and ambulatory capacity. This technique is less invasive than soft tissue releases, distal femoral osteotomy, or frame distraction and is most rewarding in children with arthrogryposis whose flexion contractures is less than 45 degrees.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B
Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma
Salmonella osteomyelitis in immunocompromised individuals with sickle cell anaemia is well docume... more Salmonella osteomyelitis in immunocompromised individuals with sickle cell anaemia is well documented. Its occurrence in immunocompetent children is rare. All pus culture positive cases of salmonella typhi between the period 2009 to 2014 were reviewed and only those children without sickle cell disease or trait were considered further. Eighty five patients had positive cultures. Of these only three children had culture positive Salmonella septic arthritis in the absence of sickle cell disease. Two children had shoulder septic arthritis while one had hip septic arthritis. Our case series highlights the possibility of salmonella typhi osteomyelitis in immunocompetent individuals. Clinicians should be aware of this presentation which is usually delayed due to the atypical organism and lack of clinical response in the initial stages, as disastrous sequelae of septic arthritis may result if prompt treatment is not initiated in time.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2015
Paraplegia or death secondary to upper cervical spine instability and spinal cord compression are... more Paraplegia or death secondary to upper cervical spine instability and spinal cord compression are known consequences of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC). Stabilization and occasionally decompression of the upper cervical spine are indicated to treat upper cervical instability and stenosis. The purpose of this study was to report the results of upper cervical spine fusion in children with SEDC who had upper cervical instability. Twenty children (17 females and 3 males) with SEDC who underwent upper cervical spine fusion at a mean age of 72 months were retrospectively analyzed. Three of these children were under the age of 2. Fifteen children had posterior instrumentation and fusion whereas 5 children had posterior in situ fusion without use of any implant. Thirteen of 20 children had iliac crest autograft. Radiographic and clinical results were reported. The average follow-up period was 8 years and 8 months. All children with instrumentation achieved fusion. Three of 5 children who had no instrumentation had nonunion (1 child had a stable nonunion and did not need revision; 1 had a single noninstrumented revision and ended up with a stable nonunion without further intervention; and the third one had a noninstrumented revision and had to have a second, instrumented, revision to achieve fusion). Six children had thoracolumbar scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis which required surgical management.No postoperative neurological deficits were observed. Two of the 3 children with a preoperative neurological deficit showed full recovery and the third one remained unchanged. Pseudarthrosis is the main complication for the noninstrumented group. Distal junctional instability after successful fusion is seen at long-term follow-up (average=6 y) for 13% of patients in instrumented group. Instrumentation and iliac bone grafting results in 100% upper cervical fusion for SEDC children who demonstrated instability before surgery. Level IV-therapeutic.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B, 2012
Patients with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by ichthyos... more Patients with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by ichthyosis, spastic diplegia/quadriplegia, mental retardation and ocular features that include pigmentary changes in the retina, rarely present to the orthopaedic surgeon. We detail a rare and unusual presentation of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome in an adolescent boy with bilateral femoral neck fractures.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2010
Fixed flexion contractures of the knee are more common and disabling than extension contractures ... more Fixed flexion contractures of the knee are more common and disabling than extension contractures in children with arthrogryposis. For correcting these deformities, there are various surgical options such as soft tissue release, distal femoral osteotomy, and frame distraction. We sought in this study to examine the effectiveness of anterior distal femoral stapling using 8-plates for correcting knee flexion contracture in children with arthrogryposis. We retrospectively assessed 16 knees in 10 children using clinical and radiographic measures. To determine the outcome, we assessed the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) as well. Statistically, a paired t test, independent t test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the results. After anterior distal femoral stapling, there was a reduction in the flexion deformity of the knee in children with arthrogryposis, P<0.05. There was an estimated 18-degree correction comparing the mean preoperative flexion deformity and the mean postoperative flexion deformity. This correction was significant in children when the knee flexion deformity was less than 45 degrees. The FMS also improved in those patients where the residual flexion contracture was less than 30 degrees at follow-up, suggesting an improvement in their ambulatory capacity, P<0.05. Among children with arthrogryposis who present with knee flexion contractures, anterior distal femoral stapling with 8-plates improved their flexion deformity and ambulatory capacity. This technique is less invasive than soft tissue releases, distal femoral osteotomy, or frame distraction and is most rewarding in children with arthrogryposis whose flexion contractures is less than 45 degrees.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2010
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating complication following treatment of unstable slipped ca... more Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a devastating complication following treatment of unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The advent of newer methods such as open reduction and surgical dislocation of the hip has increased the debate on the optimal method of treatment. However, the risk or predisposing factors for AVN remain unclear. We aimed to assess the outcome of in situ fixation and the risk factors associated with AVN. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 patients (27 hips) with unstable SCFE out of the 280 children managed for SCFE from 1995 to 2006. The mean age in years of the patients at surgery was 12.2+/-1.58, and our sample comprised 70.4% males, and 29.6% females, with a mean follow-up of 3.1+/-1.9 years. Univariable and multivariable binomial regression models were used to assess factors predisposing to AVN. AVN occurred in 22.2% (6/27) of the children with unstable SCFE. After adjustment for age, race, and time to surgery, sex and preoperative slip angle were the only 2 significant factors related to an increased risk of AVN, risk ratio (RR)=4.15, 95% confidence interval=1.00-17.19, P=0.05 and RR=1.04, 95% confidence interval=1.00-1.07, P=0.03, respectively. Female children constitute a high-risk group for AVN in this subgroup. AVN is still prevalent among patients with unstable SCFE who underwent in situ pinning. Female sex and slip magnitude are potential predisposing factors for developing AVN.
Journal of Children's Orthopaedics, 2007
Release of the psoas tendon for flexion deformity of the hip in children with cerebral palsy has ... more Release of the psoas tendon for flexion deformity of the hip in children with cerebral palsy has traditionally been performed at the pelvic brim, lateral to the neurovascular bundle, or at its insertion into the lesser trochanter. As the psoas tendon is lateral to the pectineus, the traditional exposure of the tendon through an approach medial to the pectineus is limited by the extent to which the pectineus can be retracted proximally. We describe the use of the anteromedial approach used for the developmentally dislocated hip to expose the psoas tendon between the pectineus and the neurovascular bundle. This provides a much better visualisation of the tendon as it crosses the superior pubic ramus to its insertion. The use of this approach has not been described in cerebral palsy.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 2008
We describe a schwannoma located in the mid-diaphyseal region of the fibula of a 14-year-old boy.... more We describe a schwannoma located in the mid-diaphyseal region of the fibula of a 14-year-old boy. Radiologically this was an expansile, lytic, globular and trabeculated lesion. MRI showed a narrow transition zone with a break in the cortex and adjacent tissue oedema. Differential diagnosis included schwannoma, fibrous dysplasia, giant cell tumour and aneurysmal bone cyst. The tumour was excised en bloc, with marginal resection limits, and there has been no recurrence two years after surgery. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of classic schwannoma. There were typical hypercellular Antoni A zones, less cellular Antoni B zones, and diffuse immunoreactivity to S100 protein. This is the first report of schwannoma involving a long bone in a child.
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 2014
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is the gradually acquired malalignment of the upper femora... more Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is the gradually acquired malalignment of the upper femoral epiphysis (capital) and the proximal femoral metaphysis. SUFE is uncommon in India, and there are no previous studies on outcome and clinical characteristics of patients with SUFE from India. This study evaluates the presentation, disease associations and outcome of SUFE from a tertiary care centre in India. Twenty six consecutive children with SUFE seen over a period of 4 years were reviewed. The clinical presentations, severity of the slip, surgical interventions (n=30) were assessed. Twenty one boys and five girls with a mean age 13.1 years (range 10-16 years) were included in the study. Four children had bilateral involvement. There were 4 rural and 22 urban children from the eastern and southern states of the country. The presentation was acute in 7, acute on chronic in 5, and chronic in 14, with a mean duration of symptoms of 51 days (range 3-120 days). Slips were stable in 16 and unstable in 10 children. Two children had adiposogenital syndrome. Body mass index was high in 12 out of 23 children. Vitamin D levels were low in 20 out of 21 children, with a mean vitamin D level of 12.61 ± 5 ng/ml. Eighteen children underwent in situ pinning. Eight children underwent capital realignment. Clinical outcome as assessed by Merle d' Aubigne score was excellent in 6, good in 10, fair in 6 and poor in 1. Half of the in situ fixation patients underwent osteoplasty procedure for femoroacetabular impingement and 5 more were symptomatic. The head neck offset and α angle after in situ pinning were -1.12 ± 3 mm and 66.05 ± 9.7°, respectively and this improved to 8.7 mm and 49°, respectively, after osteoplasty. One child in the pinning group had chondrolysis. Eight patients with severe slip underwent capital realignment. Mean followup was 20.15 months. The anterior head neck offset and α angle were corrected to 6.8 ± 1.72 mm and 44.6 ± 7.0° mm, respectively. Two children with unstable slip in the capital realignment group had avascular necrosis which was diagnosed at presentation by bone scan. High BMI, vitamin D deficiency and endocrine disorders are associated with SUFE in India and should be evaluated as some of these are amenable to prevention and treatment. Most patients treated with in situ pinning developed femoroacetabular impingement. The early results after capital realignment procedure are encouraging and help to avoid a second procedure which is needed in a majority of patients who underwent in situ pinning.
British Journal of Urology, 1994
To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with Group A streptococci (GAS) bact... more To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with Group A streptococci (GAS) bacteriuria. Patients with GAS bacteriuria seen in a tertiary care hospital in southern India between 1988 and 1993 were identified. Data were collected from the hospital records. GAS were isolated from 15 women and 11 men. Clinical data were available for 24 of these. The condition presented as asymptomatic bacteriuria (nine patients), dysuria or frequency (12), and fever without localizing signs (three). All infections occurred in individuals with systemic or local conditions predisposing to urinary tract infection. All patients responded well to antimicrobial therapy. GAS bacteriuria is rare and occurs only in individuals with other predisposing conditions. Patients with this infection respond well to therapy.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2013
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pavlik harness treatment in patients wi... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pavlik harness treatment in patients with bilaterally dislocated Graf type IV hips and compare them to cases with unilaterally dislocated hips. Twenty-one patients (42 hips) who presented with bilaterally dislocated hips with no prior treatment were studied. The comparison group consisted of 33 patients (33 hips) with unilateral hip dislocation treated with the same protocol. Successful treatment was defined as relocation of the hips within 3 weeks of Pavlik harness application. Twelve of 21 patients (57%) in the bilateral group (6 failed bilaterally, 6 unilaterally) and 18/33 patients (54.5%) in the unilateral group failed harness treatment. The use of the Pavlik harness in dislocated hips is associated with a high failure rate. Patients presenting with bilaterally dislocated hips however, are at no greater risk for failure than patients presenting with unilateral hip dislocation. Level III.
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Papers by Thomas Palocaren