FRANCES ANNE FARLEY, MD

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This study looked at titanium levels in children with early onset scoliosis who received growth-friendly surgeries involving titanium instruments, comparing their results to children who had not had metal implants. They found that the children with scoliosis had higher titanium in their blood (4.0 ng/mL) while the control group had none, and this elevation persisted over time without any titanium found in their urine. This is important because it raises concerns about the long-term effects of titanium exposure in growing children. Who this helps: This helps patients and families affected by scoliosis as well as doctors managing their treatment.

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This study looked at how the superficial abdominal reflex (SAR) relates to spinal cord syringes in children with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I). Researchers found that 48% of patients tested had an abnormal or absent reflex, with this being much more common in those with CM-I-related syringes (61%) compared to idiopathic syringes (22%). These findings are important because they show that an abnormal SAR can indicate more serious characteristics of a syrinx, helping doctors better understand and treat patients with this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with Chiari malformation and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether using more screws during spinal surgery helps correct spinal curves in teenagers with Lenke 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Researchers found that having more screws did not improve the correction of spinal curves, and the important factors that influenced outcomes were the patient's sex and the size of the curve before surgery. This is significant because it shows that using more screws not only doesn’t help but can also increase costs without benefits. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand the best approach for treating this specific type of scoliosis in adolescents.

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This study looked at how forearm fractures differ between obese and normal-weight children. Researchers analyzed data from 565 children aged 2 to 17 with forearm fractures, finding that normal-weight children had open fractures nearly twice as often as obese children (9.7% vs. 4.9%). It was also noted that obese children were more likely to have specific types of fractures, like those in the distal forearm, while normal-weight children had different patterns, but in terms of treatment outcomes and complications, there were no significant differences. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating fractures in children, especially when considering the different characteristics and treatment implications for overweight and obese patients.

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This study compared two questionnaires, the EOSQ-24 and SRS-22, that measure the quality of life for children with congenital scoliosis. Researchers analyzed responses from 98 patients, averaging 9.5 years in age, and found a strong link between the scores from both questionnaires in most areas, except for the satisfaction section. This matters because it helps determine which questionnaire might be better for evaluating the health of these patients, especially since care is often shared between caregivers and the patients themselves. Who this helps: Patients with congenital scoliosis and their caregivers.

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This study looked at whether the experience level of doctors affects the accuracy of measurements taken with X-rays and ultrasounds for a certain spinal treatment called magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR). It involved six different doctors who assessed images from 29 patients, and they found that the accuracy of the measurements was high, regardless of the doctors' experience—showing excellent agreement in their results. This matters because it means that both experienced and less experienced doctors can reliably measure treatment progress using these methods right from the start, which can lead to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-onset scoliosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to encourage parents to properly dispose of leftover prescription opioids after their children use them, as leftover medications can be dangerous. Researchers found that parents who received a combination of two educational methods were more likely to throw away leftover opioids right away—38.5% of them did, compared to only 19.2% of those who received no information. This is important because it helps reduce the chances of children getting into these potentially harmful medications at home. Who this helps: This helps parents and families by keeping dangerous medications out of their homes.

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This study looked at how much titanium is found in the blood of children with early-onset scoliosis who were treated with three different types of growth-friendly devices: traditional growing rods (TGR), magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR), and vertical expandable prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTR). They found that children with VEPTR had the highest titanium levels at an average of 7.6 ng/mL, while those with TGR had the lowest at 1.5 ng/mL. This matters because high titanium levels could indicate that these devices are releasing more metal into the body, which could lead to health concerns over time. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of children with early-onset scoliosis understand potential risks linked to different treatment options.

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This study looked at how common clavicle fractures are in adolescents aged 10 to 18 and explored details about these injuries among 545 patients treated at eight children's hospitals in the U.S. Researchers found that 79% of the patients were boys, most injuries happened during sports (66%), and over half of the fractures were significantly displaced, meaning the bone pieces were far apart. Understanding these patterns can help doctors improve treatment and recovery for young patients with these types of fractures. Who this helps: This benefits patients who suffer from clavicle fractures, especially young athletes.

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In this study, researchers looked at how consistently different doctors could analyze and describe fractures in the upper arm bone (proximal humerus) of adolescents using standard and new methods. They found that their new method for measuring the angle of the fractures led to excellent agreement among doctors, with reliable results all around, while existing classification systems showed much less consistency. This matters because having a reliable way to assess these fractures can improve decisions about whether surgery is needed for young patients. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treating adolescents with upper arm fractures.

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This study looked at complications in children aged 10 to 18 who had surgery to fix broken collarbones. Out of 36 patients, 86% experienced complications after the surgery, including issues like discomfort from the metal plate (59%), numbness (16%), and some required a second surgery to remove the plate (43%). All fractures healed, but it's important for patients and their families to know these potential issues before deciding on surgery. Who this helps: This research provides valuable information for young patients and their families considering collarbone surgery.

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This study looked at how well intrathecal morphine (a type of pain relief given through the spine) and oral painkillers worked for controlling pain in teenagers after surgery for scoliosis. It found that patients using intrathecal morphine had better pain relief in the early hours after surgery (pain scores of 2.9 compared to 4.2) and could move and recover faster than those who received a different method (less time to start moving and shorter hospital stays). This means that using intrathecal morphine can help teens recover more comfortably and quickly, without needing to stay in intensive care. Who this helps: Patients recovering from spinal surgery for scoliosis.

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This study looked at rare cases of clavicle bone breaks in teenagers that don't heal properly, called nonunions. Out of 25 patients (mostly boys around 14 years old), almost all (96%) healed successfully after surgery, especially when treated with a special bone graft. The main risk for these nonunions was having previously broken the same clavicle, indicating that kids with past clavicle injuries need closer monitoring. Who this helps: This helps doctors and young patients recovering from clavicle fractures.

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This study looked at children aged 10-17 with idiopathic scoliosis who were undergoing spine surgery. Researchers found that about 30% of the children had a cluster of high psychological and physical symptoms, which predicted more severe pain and a higher chance of needing pain medication one year after surgery. Specifically, these children experienced 50% more ongoing use of painkillers and reported higher pain intensity compared to those with lower symptom levels, highlighting the importance of identifying these symptoms early to improve pain management after surgery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and healthcare providers better support children undergoing spine surgery.

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This study looked at children with a condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) where the head of the thigh bone slips out of place. Researchers compared 45 patients, divided into younger (average age 10.9) and older (average age 12.1) groups, to see how serious their SCFE cases were when they had a second slip. They found that while there were no significant differences in most measurements, more mature patients had more severe slips during their second SCFE event. The key takeaway is that if the first episode of SCFE is severe, there may be a higher risk of a serious second slip, but generally, doctors can avoid surgery on the unaffected side without increasing the chance of problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families by providing clearer guidance on treatment options for SCFE.

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This study looked at whether giving antibiotics after surgery for fractures in children's arms helps prevent infections. Researchers analyzed data from 951 kids over 15 years and found that 618 met their criteria for the study, with 238 (about 39%) receiving antibiotics. Despite this, the overall infection rate was low at 1.8%, and using antibiotics did not lower the risk of infection. This matters because it questions the need for antibiotics post-surgery, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary costs. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers make better decisions about antibiotic use for young patients.

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This study looked at how to improve recovery for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who have surgery to fuse their spinal bones. Researchers found that by educating families before surgery and standardizing parts of post-surgery care, patients could sit up and be ready to leave the hospital much sooner—sitting up in an average of 27.2 hours compared to 40.2 hours before this approach and leaving the hospital 15 hours earlier on average. Despite these quicker recoveries, patients still reported high satisfaction with their care, scoring around 9 out of 10. Who this helps: This benefits adolescent scoliosis patients and their families by improving their hospital experience and recovery times.

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This study looked at how obesity affects adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, which is a curved spine without a known cause. Researchers found that overweight adolescents had larger spine curves (averaging 49.3 degrees) compared to healthy-weight adolescents (43.9 degrees), while obese adolescents had even larger curves (50.4 degrees). Additionally, obese teens faced more complications post-surgery, including a significant increase in superficial infections (13% vs. 1.6% in healthy-weight teens). Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers better manage treatment for overweight and obese adolescents with scoliosis.

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This study looked at children aged 10-17 who were about to have spine surgery for scoliosis, focusing on how their pre-surgery pain and other symptoms might predict their pain after the surgery. They found that 30% of the kids had a high symptom profile that included more pain, fatigue, and depression, which led to worse pain outcomes after surgery. Specifically, these children reported an average pain increase of 1.13 points and were significantly more likely to still be using pain medication two weeks post-surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits children undergoing spine surgery and their doctors by identifying those at higher risk for long-term pain.

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This study looked at how children's weight changed after undergoing surgery with a special device called a Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) for a condition called thoracic insufficiency syndrome. Researchers found that while all children gained weight after the surgery, those who struggled with weight before the surgery showed more improvement, and many of the children who did not struggle with weight continued to have issues. Importantly, weight gain was linked more to improvements in nutrition rather than better lung function. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by highlighting the importance of nutrition after surgery.

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The study looks at congenital scoliosis, which is a sideways curve of the spine present at birth due to issues with the vertebrae, and how it affects other body systems. Researchers discussed various treatment methods, noting that new options like growing rods and magnetic rods are now available for young children, improving the way these patients are cared for. The use of advanced tools during surgery can help doctors place screws more accurately, which is crucial for effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with congenital scoliosis and their surgeons.

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The study explored how two different surveys, the EOSQ-24 and SRS-22, measure the quality of life in children with congenital scoliosis. Researchers found that the results from these two surveys strongly matched, indicating that the SRS-22, which is filled out by patients, could be suitable for children with congenital scoliosis who can understand it. This is important because it gives doctors a reliable way to gather feedback directly from young patients about their condition. Who this helps: This benefits children with congenital scoliosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at the amount of radiation exposure children receive during spinal surgery when using two different imaging methods: intraoperative CT navigation and fluoroscopy. The research found that children who had surgery with CT navigation were exposed to an average of 1.48 millisieverts of radiation, compared to just 0.34 millisieverts for those using fluoroscopy, which is a significant difference. This is important because it highlights that using CT can lead to much higher radiation exposure, especially for obese children, so families should be informed about these risks when making decisions about surgical options. Who this helps: Families of children with spinal deformities.

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This study focused on a new mutation in the FGD1 gene linked to Aarskog-Scott syndrome (AAS), which causes issues with facial, skeletal, and genital development. Researchers found a specific mutation, called p.Arg921X, in a family where affected relatives, including a boy and his uncle, experienced unusual joint stiffness in their arms and legs and heart problems. These findings highlight the need to test patients with similar joint issues for FGD1 mutations, which could lead to better understanding and care for individuals with this syndrome. Who this helps: This helps patients with Aarskog-Scott syndrome and congenital joint contractures, along with their families and doctors.

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A 15-year-old girl with scoliosis had surgery to correct her spine, but afterwards, she had trouble speaking and swallowing. Doctors found that her left vocal cord was weak, likely due to an injury during the surgery. After removing a problematic screw from her spine, she completely recovered without any lingering issues. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery for scoliosis and their doctors by highlighting potential risks and recovery options.

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This study looked at the vitamin D levels in children receiving a specific treatment for chest deformities called vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR). It found that 71% of these children had low vitamin D levels, which is similar to the rates seen in other children with fractures. This is important because low vitamin D can lead to weaker bones and higher injury risks, so checking and treating vitamin D deficiency in these patients is crucial for their overall health. Who this helps: This helps children undergoing VEPTR treatment and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a 22-month-old boy who had a painful infection in his hip that didn’t improve with standard treatments. Despite trying several antibiotics and surgeries, he still had high fevers and inflammation until doctors discovered he had a condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) along with a fungal infection. After treating both issues, the boy got better and was able to go home, highlighting the need for doctors to consider immune system problems in similar cases where normal treatments don't work. Who this helps: This helps children with similar infections and their doctors when standard treatments fail.

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This study looked at children who developed osteochondromas, a type of bone growth, after receiving total body radiation as part of cancer treatment. Out of 233 children who received this radiation, 7 were found to have osteochondromas, occurring on average about 8.6 years after their treatment, with some patients experiencing pain or other issues related to these growths. This research highlights the importance of informing patients and families about the long-term skeletal risks linked to radiation therapy in childhood cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps pediatric cancer patients and their families by increasing awareness of potential long-term effects.

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This study looked at infections that can happen after spine surgery for children with scoliosis. Among the 20 kids who got infections, 14 had a specific type of scoliosis related to muscle disorders. The research found that having a higher curvature of the spine before and after surgery, being unable to walk, and staying longer in the hospital all increased the chances of getting an infection. This is important because it helps doctors understand which patients are at greater risk and how to better prepare for surgery to prevent infections. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of children undergoing spine surgery, especially those with neuromuscular scoliosis.

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This study looked at the impact of denosumab, a drug used for osteoporosis, on the growth plates in a 9-year-old boy with a bone condition called fibrous dysplasia. After seven months of treatment, researchers saw changes in his bones, but importantly, his growth continued normally for at least 17 months after stopping the drug, indicating no significant harmful effects on his growth. Understanding denosumab's safety in kids is crucial because it could help guide treatment options for similar patients. Who this helps: This helps children with conditions affecting their bones and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the outcomes for young patients who had spinal hardware removed after a type of back surgery called posterior spinal fusion, specifically focusing on pain relief and infection. Researchers found that only 40% of the patients who had hardware removed due to pain reported feeling better afterward, and those with infections experienced more significant changes in their spinal curve compared to those without infections. This is important because it highlights that removing spinal hardware might not solve pain issues and could lead to worsening curvature of the spine, especially if an infection was present. Who this helps: This study benefits patients dealing with back pain after spinal surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how obesity affects the severity of arm fractures in children aged 2 to 11 who had surgery for a specific type of elbow fracture. Out of 354 children, it was found that obese kids were nine times more likely to have complex fractures and significantly more likely to experience nerve issues both before and after surgery. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights the need for addressing childhood obesity to reduce serious injuries and complications from falls. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and parents by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in children to prevent severe injuries.

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This study looked at children with congenital scoliosis and how their treatment options—observation, surgery, or VEPTR (a special rib device)—impacted their quality of life as measured by the SRS-22 questionnaire. The results showed that children who were just observed reported almost normal scores, while those who had surgery or VEPTR initially reported some decreases in their scores for function and pain but later saw improvements in overall scores, including satisfaction and body image. This is important because it shows that treatments can lead to better outcomes for children with this condition, especially those who undergo surgery or VEPTR. Who this helps: This helps children with congenital scoliosis and their families.

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This research focused on how often children and teens suffer from cervical vascular injury (CVI) after experiencing blunt trauma in the neck, such as from car accidents. Among the 61 patients studied, 7 were found to have CVI, giving an overall rate of 11.5%. Additionally, certain types of neck fractures increased the risk of having CVI, which highlights the need for advanced imaging tests to better detect these injuries and guide treatment. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by improving diagnosis and management of potential neck injuries after trauma.

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This study looked at two ways to treat broken thigh bones (femurs) in children: using titanium elastic nails or plates. The researchers found that while both methods generally worked well, those who had plate fixation had better recovery scores and a lower complication rate (14% compared to 48% for nails). This is important because it suggests that plates may be a safer and more effective option for treating these specific fractures in young patients. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with femur fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at children with a condition called trigger thumb, where the thumb gets stuck in a bent position. Researchers followed 28 children, observing that 10 thumbs healed on their own, while 9 thumbs needed surgery to fix the problem. They discovered that the thumb's tendon was normal but sometimes got too thick, causing it to get stuck; resolving this thickness led to improvement. Who this helps: This helps children with trigger thumb and their parents.

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This study examined how reliable different methods are for measuring the shortening of clavicle fractures in teenagers. The researchers found that different observers had a fair level of agreement when measuring the fractures, but none of the methods was clearly better than the others. The average difference in measurements was about 3 mm, which is small enough that it shouldn't significantly affect treatment decisions for these injuries. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating adolescents with clavicle fractures by providing insights into measurement reliability.

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This study looked at how effective denosumab, a medication usually used for osteoporosis, is in treating a 9-year-old boy with severe fibrous dysplasia (FD), a condition where normal bone is replaced by abnormal tissue, leading to pain and fractures. After 7 months of treatment, the boy experienced a significant decrease in pain and tumor growth, along with notable changes in his bone markers. However, he also faced some side effects related to mineral balance, which required additional supplements. Who this helps: This research benefits children with fibrous dysplasia and their doctors by exploring a new treatment option.

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This study looked at how reliable two different methods (computer-based and manual) are for measuring the alignment of kids' legs using digital X-rays. Researchers examined 32 X-ray images and found that while both methods produced fair to good results, the manual method was generally more reliable for certain measurements. Notably, the measurement of the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) had excellent reliability, which means it's very consistent. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and doctors making decisions about how to treat leg alignment issues.

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This study looked at how often hip dislocations and surgeries happen in children with cerebral palsy who are unable to walk, comparing two treatments: selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and intrathecal baclofen pump (ITBP). Researchers found that 10.6% of patients who had SDR experienced hip dislocation compared to 7.4% of those treated with ITBP, but the difference was not significant, indicating that both treatments resulted in similar outcomes. Despite having these procedures, 25% of hips from the SDR group and 32% from the ITBP group still needed reconstruction surgery, suggesting that the L1 nerve root may not significantly affect hip problems after these treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy when deciding on treatment options.

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Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder caused by missing blood clotting proteins, and people with it bleed into their joints repeatedly, which damages them over time. The best treatment is giving patients clotting factor medications regularly starting in infancy to prevent these joint bleeds, and when bleeds do happen, doctors should drain the joint and give more medication immediately. Patients who don't receive this preventive treatment develop severe arthritis-like damage in multiple joints with poor outcomes, though surgery combined with careful medication management can help those with advanced damage.

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This study looked at children with congenital scoliosis, comparing two types of spinal surgery: one that uses instruments like rods (instrumented fusion) and another that doesn't (uninstrumented fusion). Researchers found that while the instrumented group corrected their spinal curves by an average of 21 degrees right after surgery, the uninstrumented group only corrected by 4 degrees. However, both groups showed similar outcomes in terms of life satisfaction and functional ability over time, indicating that while the immediate correction differed, both surgeries led to good quality of life results. Who this helps: This helps children with congenital scoliosis and their families by providing insights into surgical options.

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This study looked at a device called the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) that is used to help children with breathing problems due to chest deformities. Researchers found that while the device did improve scoliosis (curvature of the spine) angles by about 29%, with preoperative angles going from 64.7 degrees to 46.1 degrees, it did not significantly improve lung function or lung volume, as patients' breathing test scores remained largely unchanged. This matters because it indicates that while the device helps with spinal alignment, it does not help kids breathe better. Who this helps: This helps children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at how cervical spine injuries are treated in both children and adults, focusing on the important steps needed before, during, and after surgery. It highlighted that effective treatment involves understanding the spine's structure, managing the patient's airway, and ensuring proper positioning during surgery—particularly since children are more at risk for serious injuries. These insights are crucial for improving patient outcomes and making sure that both adult and pediatric patients receive the best care possible. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical teams treating patients with cervical spine injuries.

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This study looked at a rare type of benign tumor called an ossifying lipoma in the neck area of a 15-year-old girl. The researchers found a 3x2x2 cm mass near her spine, which they successfully removed through her mouth, and tests confirmed it was indeed an ossifying lipoma. The girl had a smooth recovery, and there have been no signs of the tumor coming back after six months, showing that this surgical method is safe and effective for similar cases. Who this helps: This helps adolescents with similar neck tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to treat broken collarbones (clavicles) in teenagers, comparing surgery to treating them without surgery. Researchers found that teens who had surgery healed faster, returning to their normal activities in about 12 weeks, compared to 16 weeks for those who did not have surgery. Additionally, a condition called malunion, where the bone heals incorrectly, happened more often in those who were treated without surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents with collarbone fractures and their doctors by providing insights on the best treatment options.

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This study looked at two surgical methods for fixing fractures in both bones of the forearm in teenagers: flexible intramedullary nailing and open reduction with internal fixation using plates and screws. Researchers found that both methods took similar time to heal (about 8.5 weeks for nailing and 8.9 weeks for ORIF), and 83% of patients regained full movement in their forearms. However, the nailing method had fewer complications—no major issues compared to five in the ORIF group—making it a safer choice, even though it changed the position of the bone slightly. Who this helps: This helps teenagers with forearm fractures and their doctors in choosing safer treatment options.

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This study looked at burst fractures in the spine of children and teenagers, a rare but serious injury. Researchers analyzed data from 37 patients and found that those treated with surgery had better improvement in spinal alignment than those treated without surgery, with kyphotic deformity decreasing from 17.1 degrees to 7.2 degrees after surgery. Importantly, the study also revealed that the risk of spinal cord injury was highest in those with thoracic fractures, highlighting that where the fracture occurs is more important than how much the spinal canal is compressed. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers make better treatment decisions for pediatric patients with spinal injuries.