Mohamed Sayed Khamies, Ahmed Mortada-Mahmoud, Mohamed Laklouk
{"title":"Response to the letter to the editor regarding 'Naviculectomy Combined with \"à la Carte\" Soft-Tissue Releases: Is It a Practical Solution for Congenital Vertical Talus in Adolescence?'","authors":"Mohamed Sayed Khamies, Ahmed Mortada-Mahmoud, Mohamed Laklouk","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/BPB.0000000000001393","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":"35 6","pages":"619-620"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149082675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krish S Sardesai, Lucas Georger, Andrew Dumas, McKenna Noe, Richard M Schwend
{"title":"Safety and efficacy of intraoperative vectored cranial traction with Gardner-Wells tongs for pediatric spine deformity surgery.","authors":"Krish S Sardesai, Lucas Georger, Andrew Dumas, McKenna Noe, Richard M Schwend","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001366","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pediatric spine deformity surgery in the prone position predisposes patients to pressure-related complications, ranging from ulcers to perioperative vision loss (POVL). Previous studies have identified that Gardner-Wells tongs with 15 lbs. of vectored traction at 45° elevation above horizontal can minimize facial pressure. We hypothesized that vectored traction would lead to a complication rate significantly lower than reported in the literature. Medical charts of 3088 consecutive patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery between 2008 and 2023 at a single site were queried. Cases in patients aged 2-18 years lasting more than 2 h (2680 patients) were included after confirming Gardner-Wells tong use. Charts were queried using complication-related keywords, and mean surgical time was compared between patients with and without complications ( α = 0.05). A total of 38 (1.42%) cases had pressure-related complications: 17 facial abrasions (44.7%), 12 pressure sores/ulcers (31.6%), and nine instances of facial swelling (23.7%). There were no cases of POVL, cellulitis, abscess, or local infection. Complications were associated with longer surgery time (409 vs. 308 min; 95% confidence interval = 38.2-163.8; P < 0.005). Pressure-related complications were much lower with vectored traction compared with previous reports without facial elevation. All complications were minor and reversible, and POVL was not observed. Vectored traction with Gardner-Wells tongs is a safe and effective intervention for minimizing facial pressure during prone spine surgery.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level IV.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"517-522"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ji Uk Choi, Choon Sung Lee, Dong-Ho Lee, Jae Hwan Cho, Sehan Park, Mingeol Je, Chang Ju Hwang
{"title":"Straightening the facts: early versus late adolescent surgery in idiopathic scoliosis.","authors":"Ji Uk Choi, Choon Sung Lee, Dong-Ho Lee, Jae Hwan Cho, Sehan Park, Mingeol Je, Chang Ju Hwang","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001367","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate how age at surgery influences outcomes in teenage patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), addressing the gap in comparative analysis within the adolescent years.In this retrospective cohort study, patients with AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion were divided into two groups: less than 14 years (Y-14) and greater than or equal to 14 years (O-14). Inclusion criteria were Lenke Type 1A curve, scoliosis angle between 45 and 80°, and minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic parameters, correction rates, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores were compared. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with curve correction.The study included 168 patients (Y-14, n = 37; O-14, n = 131). The Y-14 group demonstrated significantly larger preoperative main thoracic curves (59.7 vs. 53.3°) and greater flexibility (52.9 vs. 46.4%). The Y-14 group achieved higher correction rates both immediately after surgery (83.3 vs. 77.5%) and at 2-year follow-up (82.3 vs. 75.6%), maintaining more favorable main thoracic curve correction over time (final follow-up: 10.2 vs. 12.9°). SRS-22 scores showed no significant differences between groups. In univariable analysis, age, height, weight, main thoracic bending, and flexibility were significantly associated with main thoracic curve correction. Multivariable analysis identified age as an independent predictor of correction.Patients who underwent AIS surgery before age 14 demonstrated superior radiographic outcomes and maintained better correction over time than those who underwent the surgery at 14 years or older, while SRS-22 clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. These findings suggest that surgical timing within adolescence influences radiographic correction in AIS.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level III.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"533-540"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148266870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical characteristics at the onset of peri-knee acute osteomyelitis in 56 children.","authors":"Haiting Jia, Weidong Mu","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001350","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of acute peri-knee osteomyelitis in children at onset. Fifty-six children (30 boys and 26 girls, aged 19 days to 15 years) diagnosed and treated from July 2017 to 2024 were enrolled, including 32 with distal femoral, 21 with proximal tibial, 2 with proximal fibular, and 1 with patellar involvement. Patients were grouped by epiphyseal involvement (32 epiphysis group and 24 nonepiphysis group), knee septic arthritis (19 arthritis group and 37 nonarthritis group), and methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection (16 MRSA group and 40 non‑MRSA group). Clinical data, including age, gender, onset duration, body temperature, and inflammatory markers, were compared among groups; receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression were used to analyze MRSA infection. The epiphysis group showed a higher rate of concurrent septic arthritis than the nonepiphysis group, and the arthritis group had a higher proportion of epiphyseal osteomyelitis. The MRSA group had significantly higher C‑reactive protein (CRP) levels, and CRP exhibited moderate diagnostic value for MRSA infection. Logistic regression identified CRP more than 92.785 mg/L as an independent risk factor for MRSA infection. Our study revealed that in peri-knee acute osteomyelitis, septic arthritis of the knee often occurs when epiphyseal osteomyelitis is present, and epiphyseal osteomyelitis is often present when there is septic arthritis of the knee. CRP levels were higher in MRSA-infected osteomyelitis. CRP above 92.785 mg/L was a high-risk factor for MRSA infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"580-584"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veronica Lodovici, Giorgio Marrè Brunenghi, Lorenza Marengo, Marco Maltinti, Paolo Domenico Parchi, Federico Canavese
{"title":"Palliative hip surgery in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy: outcomes of two surgical techniques.","authors":"Veronica Lodovici, Giorgio Marrè Brunenghi, Lorenza Marengo, Marco Maltinti, Paolo Domenico Parchi, Federico Canavese","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001392","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the clinical, radiographic, and caregiver-reported outcomes of two palliative hip surgery (PHS) techniques - Egermann resection and Girdlestone resection - in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy. A retrospective cohort of 30 Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V children (41 hips) who underwent PHS between 2014 and 2025 at two tertiary referral centers was reviewed. Proximal femoral migration (PFM) was assessed on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs obtained immediately after surgery, at 6-12 months, and at final follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the caregiver-reported Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CP QOL-Child), and pain using a visual analog scale. Postoperative complications were recorded and classified according to the Clavien-Dindo-Sink (CDS) system. Both surgical techniques were associated with satisfactory pain relief and caregiver-reported quality of life. At final follow-up, PFM did not reach a statistically significant difference between the two groups (3 ± 20 mm vs 14 ± 18 mm; P > 0.05). Technique 2 was associated with fewer painful heterotopic ossifications requiring surgical revision. The overall complication rate was 32% of hips (13/41), with CDS III complications requiring reintervention in 12% of hips (5/41). Caregiver-reported CP QOL-Child scores were comparable between groups. PHS provides effective pain relief and satisfactory caregiver-reported quality of life in GMFCS V children. Both techniques represent viable palliative options, with distinct profiles of PFM and soft tissue-related complications. Surgical decision-making should be individualized according to patient anatomy and anticipated functional needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"567-574"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Establishing normative femoral morphology in the pediatric population using computed tomography.","authors":"Büşra Demirci, Yalçin Turhan, Niyazi Erdem Yaşar, Hilmi Alkan, Başak Sinem Sezgin, Avni Merter Keçeli, Ezgi Yağiz Ertuna, Sevinç Püren Yücel, Şenol Bekmez","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001390","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001390","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study defines normal lower limb morphology in healthy children using computed tomography (CT) to distinguish normal variants from pathological deformities during lower limb growth. Our pilot study showed that measurements of femoral anteversion angle (FAA) and intracanal diameter (ICD) on CT were not feasible under age 6. CT scans were retrospectively analyzed in 172 patients (318 femurs) aged between 6 and 17. Measurements included FAA, ICD, and femoral antecurvatum. The distribution of the parameters according to age, gender, and side comparisons were evaluated. Mean FAA was 19.2 ± 10.4°. Girls had significantly higher mean FAA [23.5 ± 8.5° in girls vs. 18.1 ± 10.5° in boys ( P < 0.001)]. Mean FAA showed a trend of decrease of around 50% as age increased. A total of 2.9% of the study population had femoral retroversion. Right-to-left side difference in FAA was more than 5° in 24.6%, and more than 10° in 3.33% of the study population. The mean ICD increased 56% as age increased. Girls had significantly lower mean ICD as compared with boys [8.7 ± 1.8 mm in boys vs. 7.3 ± 1.9 mm in girls ( P < 0.01)]. Femoral antecurvatum did not change significantly throughout growth. This study provides CT-based normative data on femoral morphology (FAA, ICD, and femoral antecurvatum) in a healthy pediatric population aged 6-18 years. FAA showed a negative correlation with age. Girls had higher FAA but lower femoral antecurvatum and narrower ICD than boys. These findings should be confirmed in larger, longitudinal studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"607-616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148581077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas Cho, Ajay Nair, Phillip Stokey, Kristina Kaufmann, Jiayong Liu
{"title":"A mini-review of risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip: insights from multiple comparative cohort studies.","authors":"Thomas Cho, Ajay Nair, Phillip Stokey, Kristina Kaufmann, Jiayong Liu","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001365","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001365","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common pediatric orthopedic disorder. While several risk factors, such as breech presentation, female sex, family history, swaddling, and oligohydramnios, are clinically recognized, their quantitative strength of association has not been well established through pooled evidence. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the risk factors for DDH quantitatively. A systematic search of PubMed and Embase was conducted through December 2025 to identify comparative cohort studies reporting on DDH risk factors. Data were pooled using random-effects models to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Review Manager Web was utilized for statistical analyses, and a P value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 22 studies involving 133 108 participants (3151 DDH cases) were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that breech presentation (RR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.37-4.75, P < 0.001), family history of DDH (RR = 3.64, 95% CI: 2.34-5.68, P < 0.001), oligohydramnios (RR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.43-9.03, P = 0.007), and female sex (RR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.48-5.62, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors associated with a three to four-fold increased risk of DDH. This study provides pooled quantitative evidence confirming that breech presentation, family history, oligohydramnios, and female sex are significant risk factors for DDH. These findings underscore the importance of targeted screening for infants with these key risk factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"547-553"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
María I Biaggi-Costas, Leslian Vélez-Ramos, Iván Iriarte, Norman Ramírez
{"title":"Association between vitamin D deficiency and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.","authors":"María I Biaggi-Costas, Leslian Vélez-Ramos, Iván Iriarte, Norman Ramírez","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001375","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, is a prevalent condition among adolescents with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences. Recent studies have proposed the potential involvement of vitamin D in scoliosis pathogenesis; this study aimed to explore that possible association. A case-control analysis was conducted involving 177 adolescents aged 10-18 years, comprising 73 patients diagnosed with AIS and 104 controls. Anthropometric data (age, gender, height, weight, BMI, and Cobb angle) and biochemical markers [25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase] were collected and compared. While the mean serum vitamin D level was lower in AIS cases (26.4 ng/ml) than in controls (28.8 ng/ml), this difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.096). However, categorical analysis revealed a significantly higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency among AIS cases (21.9%) than among controls (10.6%), with an unadjusted odds ratio of 2.37 (95% confidence interval: 1.03-5.47; P = 0.043). This association lost statistical significance after adjustment for confounders, including gender, BMI, and PTH levels, in a multivariate logistic regression model. These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency alone may not be a direct causative factor in AIS. The results also underscore the importance of accounting for confounding factors such as hormonal markers, body composition, and gender. Further research, especially in diverse populations, is needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and clinical management of AIS.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level III.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"541-546"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hitesh Shah, Ashish Rande, Mohan V Belthur, Dhiren Ganjwala, Anil Agarwal, Nirmal Raj Gopinathan, Abhay Gahukamble, Parmanand Gupta, Abhishek Bhasme, Binoti Sheth, Nikhil Challwar, Vidyasagar Chandankere, Dimuthu Tennakoon, James A Fernandes, Anria Horn, Tim Nunn, Alejandro Baar, Qaisur Rabbi, Anuj Shrestha, Quazi Alam
{"title":"Reliability of the Beit CURE classification for the management of chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis of the long bones in children.","authors":"Hitesh Shah, Ashish Rande, Mohan V Belthur, Dhiren Ganjwala, Anil Agarwal, Nirmal Raj Gopinathan, Abhay Gahukamble, Parmanand Gupta, Abhishek Bhasme, Binoti Sheth, Nikhil Challwar, Vidyasagar Chandankere, Dimuthu Tennakoon, James A Fernandes, Anria Horn, Tim Nunn, Alejandro Baar, Qaisur Rabbi, Anuj Shrestha, Quazi Alam","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001371","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHOM) of long bones in children remains a major clinical challenge in low- and middle-income countries. The Beit CURE classification has been used to guide treatment, but its reliability across different centers and raters has not been established. Forty-four children with CHOM were evaluated using digital radiographs by 16 fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons from five continents. All the raters were trained in Beit CURE classification and assessed each case twice, 4 weeks apart. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The raters also predicted anticipated surgical management and the number of procedures needed. Interobserver reliability was fair overall (ICC: 0.467, 95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.59). Agreement was highest for types A and B4 (>80% consensus) and lowest for types B2, B3, and C (<25%). The reliability for growth plate involvement was moderate (ICC: 0.628) and was poor for site involvement (ICC: 0.269). Predictions regarding surgical planning were inconsistent, especially for B2, B3, and C lesions. The Beit CURE classification demonstrated only limited reproducibility among experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeons. While types A and B4 were reliably identified, other subtypes showed poor agreement, undermining clinical decision-making. Refinements - such as merging B2 and B3, providing clearer definitions of sclerosis and involucrum quality, and integrating clinical parameters - are needed before the Beit CURE classification system can serve as a reliable guide for treatment planning.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 2.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"585-591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148347221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ibraheem Qureshi, Nithya Thomas, Matthew Heffelfinger, Dennis Murphy
{"title":"Clinical accuracy and applications of large language models in pediatric orthopedics: a systematic review.","authors":"Ibraheem Qureshi, Nithya Thomas, Matthew Heffelfinger, Dennis Murphy","doi":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001368","DOIUrl":"10.1097/BPB.0000000000001368","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To systematically evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) in pediatric orthopedics, comparing their performance against established clinical guidelines and assessing their utility for patient education and clinical decision support. A search of PubMed and ScienceDirect (2020-2025) identified 2624 articles using the keywords 'ChatGPT', 'Gemini', 'Claude' and 'orthopedic pediatrics'. After screening and refinement using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Meta AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude across multiple pediatric orthopedic conditions across conditions like developmental dysplasia of the hip, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and scoliosis. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. LLM accuracy ranged from 44.3 to 93% (pooled: 74.1%), with pooled accuracy of 74.1%. Reproducibility was moderate, with ChatGPT demonstrating a Spearman coefficient of 0.55 for complex queries. Regional expert consensus scores varied significantly (Europe: 80, North America: 65; P = 0.034; Fleisskappa = 0.113). Up to 33% of responses to guideline-based questions were rated neutral or inaccurate. Reading complexity was elevated (Flesch-Kincaid grade: 12.7), exceeding the recommended sixth-grade level. Parent surveys indicated 82% trust in artificial intelligence as supplementary tools with professional oversight. Minimal statistical heterogeneity was observed ( I2 = 0.00%), though publication bias was detected (Egger's test P = 0.0001). LLMs show potential for education and triage but lack consistency in complex scenarios, elevated reading complexity, and significant regional variability in expert assessments. These tools should be used as educational supplements under professional medical supervision rather than for independent clinical decision-making. Broader clinical application requires domain-specific tuning, standardized evaluation, and readability optimization.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level V- systematic review.</p>","PeriodicalId":50092,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics-Part B","volume":" ","pages":"599-606"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148284724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}