Successful visit to European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society Annual Congress
- Alpesh Kothari
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
As a member of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, I endeavour to attend each annual congress. It is a valuable opportunity to meet colleagues from across the world, learn and present our research.
Two research projects that I have been involved with were presented at the Annual Congress in Toulouse this year (2nd-5th April 2025): https://epos2025.org/.
The first paper presented was looking at a core outcome set in the context of Spinal Dysraphism (Spina Bifida). This was a collaboration with colleagues across the UK and abroad.
Core Outcome Sets (COS) are standardized collections of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials for a specific condition. They help address inconsistencies in outcome reporting, which can hinder the comparison and synthesis of research findings. By ensuring that trials measure the same key outcomes, COS improve the relevance and usability of research for patients, clinicians, and policymakers. This harmonization reduces reporting bias, enhances meta-analyses, and ultimately supports better-informed healthcare decisions.
The development of COS involves input from a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers, ensuring that the outcomes chosen are meaningful and comprehensive. Their use is especially valuable in areas with diverse or poorly defined outcome measures, where inconsistent reporting can obscure true treatment effects.
The COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) Initiative plays a central role in promoting the development and implementation of COS. It provides a searchable database of COS projects, methodological guidance, and tools to support researchers and funders. COMET encourages the adoption of COS across clinical research to improve transparency, efficiency, and impact.
For more information, visit the COMET Initiative website: https://www.comet-initiative.org and explore their COS database: https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/.
Thus, in this project we have highlighted important outcome measures that should be evaluated when research in the musculoskeletal aspects of Spinal Dysraphism
The second paper was presented by one of my exceptional medical students from the University of Oxford and was looking at surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip. It was a review of our last 100 cases and outcomes from the surgery.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly in infants and young children. It ranges from mild instability to complete dislocation. Early diagnosis through screening is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent long-term complications like arthritis or impaired mobility.
If a patient presents late or non-operative treatment fails, then surgical intervention is required. In most cases this can work exceptionally well and give a child a near normal hip. In a minority of patients however, problems can occur after surgery and affect long term outcomes. The goal of our research study was to understand the impact of different types of surgery on patient outcomes.
Based on our work and a systematic review of the literature I undertook in 2016 we believe that adding in bony surgery at the time the hip is put back in joint is a good idea and reduces the need for future corrective surgery. A link to that paper can be found here:-
I find this paper very useful for parents when counselling about the upcoming surgery.
Both presentations were well-received by the delegates and the journal articles will hopefully be published later on this year.
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