Related Experiment Videos
Tibial length following intraosseous infusion: a prospective, radiographic analysis
R T Fiser1, W M Walker, J J Seibert
1Department of Pediatric, University of Arkansas for Medical Science/Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock 72202-3591, USA.
Insights
Intraosseous infusion provides emergency vascular access in children. A study found no significant leg length discrepancy one year after intraosseous infusion, suggesting it does not cause growth disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Intraosseous infusion is a critical method for emergency vascular access in pediatric patients.
- Concerns exist regarding potential growth plate injury and subsequent growth disturbances following intraosseous infusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate tibial length discrepancy radiographically one year or more after intraosseous infusion in children.
- To determine if intraosseous infusion is associated with long-term leg length discrepancies.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, blinded observational study was conducted.
- Ten pediatric subjects receiving intraosseous infusions were included.
- Tibial length was measured radiographically one year or more post-infusion, comparing infused limbs to contralateral controls.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was observed in mean tibial length between the infused legs and the control legs.
- Radiographic assessment indicated no substantial leg length discrepancy attributable to intraosseous infusion.
Conclusions:
- Intraosseous infusion in children does not appear to cause significant leg length discrepancy one year after the procedure.
- The findings suggest that intraosseous infusion is a safe procedure with no long-term impact on limb growth.
Abstract:
Intraosseous infusion is a well accepted means of obtaining emergency intravascular access in children. Despite the low incidence of serious complications from intraosseous infusions, the potential exists for growth plate injury and subsequent growth disturbance following intraosseous infusion. We conducted a prospective, blinded observational study of 10 subjects to evaluate tibial length discrepancy radiographically one year or more following intraosseous infusion. We found no significant difference in mean tibial length between the legs that had intraosseous infusions and the opposite legs, which served as controls. We conclude that intraosseous infusion does not appear to produce subsequent leg length discrepancy one year after infusion.