BACKGROUND: The impact of humeral rodding on functional ability in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has not previously been reported. This article investigates this issue. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 35 children with OI who underwent humeral rodding at our institution between 1995 and 2013. Fassier-Duval rods were inserted in 19 cases, K-wires in 13 cases, and Rush rods in 3 cases. Functional ability was assessed preoperatively and every year postoperatively using the self-care and mobility domains of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). RESULTS: The mean PEDI self-care score increased by 5.7 (P=0.028) and the mean PEDI mobility score increased by 3.6 (P=0.008) at 1-year postsurgery. Improved function was maintained in the majority of cases at a mean of 7.0 years postcorrection. CONCLUSIONS: Humeral rodding in children with OI leads to significant improvement in functional ability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
BACKGROUND: The impact of humeral rodding on functional ability in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has not previously been reported. This article investigates this issue. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 35 children with OI who underwent humeral rodding at our institution between 1995 and 2013. Fassier-Duval rods were inserted in 19 cases, K-wires in 13 cases, and Rush rods in 3 cases. Functional ability was assessed preoperatively and every year postoperatively using the self-care and mobility domains of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). RESULTS: The mean PEDI self-care score increased by 5.7 (P=0.028) and the mean PEDI mobility score increased by 3.6 (P=0.008) at 1-year postsurgery. Improved function was maintained in the majority of cases at a mean of 7.0 years postcorrection. CONCLUSIONS: Humeral rodding in children with OI leads to significant improvement in functional ability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.