Phenotyping of the Turkish population according to Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee classification: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to phenotype healthy individuals and patients with arthritic knees in the Turkish population according to the Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study included 207 healthy individuals (109 males, 98 females; mean age: 32.9±8.4 years; range, 20 to 45 years) with a total of 414 knees (Group 1) and 296 patients (155 females, 141 males; mean age: 54.5±7.9 years; range, 43 to 80 years) with a total of 408 arthritic knees (Group 2) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent evaluation using digital long-leg radiographs between January 2019 and July 2023. Mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle were measured. Subsequently, the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated. Based on the results obtained, participants in both groups were categorized according to the CPAK classification. RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean aHKA was 0.3°±2.5°, and the mean JLO was 175.2°±3.5°. In Group 2, the mean aHKA was -1.4°±3.9°, and the mean JLO was 174.6°±3.7°. The most common CPAK type in healthy individuals (Group 1) was type 2 (41.5%), followed by type 3 (14.7%) and type 1 (14.5%). In arthritis patients (Group 2), the most common CPAK type was type 2 (31.6%), followed by type 1 (28.2%) and type 3 (13.5%). CONCLUSION: The CPAK classification serves as an important guide for categorizing lower extremity alignment. In the Turkish population, healthy individuals most commonly exhibited CPAK type 2, 3, and 1 alignments, respectively, while osteoarthritic patients predominantly displayed CPAK type 2, 1, and 3 alignments.

Factors Influencing the Clinical Outcomes of Two-Stage Re-Implantation in Patients With Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction Infection is one of the most distressing complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), requiring a long treatment process and may negatively affect patient satisfaction. All surgeons aim to achieve infection-free survival, painless, functional, and stable knee after treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with two-stage revision treatment. Many factors play a role in determining clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing two-stage revision knee arthroplasty for PJI. Methods Forty-nine patients were retrospectively evaluated. Forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Spacer types, growth rates in culture, types and amount of antibiotics added to the cement, and intervals between stages were evaluated. Pre- and post-treatment infection parameters, changes in the range of motion (ROM), clinical and functional (C&F) Knee Society Score (KSS) results, and complications were also studied. Results After a mean follow-up of 48.8 ± 16.5 months, re-infection was detected in five out of 44 patients (10.4%). No significant difference was noted regarding C&F KSS when comparing time intervals between the two stages, whether they were shorter or longer than 10 weeks. However, better ROM results were obtained in patients with less than 10 weeks between stages. The relationship between spacer type, ROM, and C&F KSS was not found to be significant. Particularly, the addition of 4g of teicoplanin to the cement shortened the time between the two stages. Conclusion C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels can be considered safe parameters for diagnosis, reimplantation timing, and follow-up. The use of dynamic spacers or reimplantation performed within 10 weeks after the first stage is associated with better ROM outcomes. Additionally, the addition of teicoplanin to the cement shortened the duration of antibiotic therapy.

Comparison of weight-based versus standard dosing of tranexamic acid for blood loss and transfusion amount in knee arthroplasty without tourniquet.

The aim of the study is to compare weight-based versus standard dosing of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) for blood loss and transfusion amount in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without a tourniquet. A total of 99 patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (standard): 1 g of IV TXA 30 min before skin incision, and 1 g at postoperative 30 min and 3 h. Group 2 (weight-based): 10 mg/kg IV TXA 30 min before the skin incision, and 10 mg/kg at postoperative 30 min, and 3 h. Hemoglobin levels, before, and 1, and 2 days after the operation, postoperative amount of decrease in hemoglobin levels, and amount of erythrocyte transfusion were recorded. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS) were applied in the evaluation of TKA results preoperatively, and at 1., 3., 6., and 12. months, postoperatively. In both study groups, hemoglobin levels in male patients dropped significantly more deeply than female patients. Also, in both study groups, hemo- globin levels were significantly lower in patients with comorbid illnesses. A statistically significant difference was not detected between both groups in terms of pre- and postoperative WOMAC scores, KSS knee scores, and KSS function scores. Our study showed that standard and weight-based dosing of IV TXA treatments were similar in efficacy and safety. Both treatments reduce blood loss and the need for transfusion. Also, there was no significant difference in terms of reliability between two groups.

Functional Outcomes and Complication Analysis of Plate Osteosynthesis versus Hemiarthroplasty in Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results and complications of open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty performed in Neer three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, and comprised data of patients who were diagnosed with three-part or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus and underwent surgical procedure between January 2008 and April 2013. Those who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation using anatomical locking plates were placed in group A, and those who had undergone hemiarthroplasty were in group B. Constant-Murley shoulder outcome, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder and visual analogue scale scores were compared between the two groups. The degrees of forward flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint were recorded. Complications in both the groups were recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.\. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 30(62.5%) were in group A; 16(53.3%) males and 14(46.7%) females, with an overall mean age of 60.0±9.4 years. The remaining 18(37.5%) were in group B; 7(39%) males and 11(61%) females, with an overall mean age of 67.3±10.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±16.4 months. The mean Constant-Murley and University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p=0.021). In group A, heterotropic ossification was observed in 1(3.4%) patient, avascular necrosis in 3(10%), screw penetration without avascular necrosis in 4(13.2%), and non-union in 1(3.4%), while in group B, shoulder subluxation was noted in 2(11.1%) patients and malunion of the greater tubercle in 6(33.3%). CONCLUSION: Although statistically non-significant, higher functional scores, forward flexion and abduction degrees were observed in patients who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation, while significantly lower visual analogue scale scores were recorded in the hemiarthroplasty group.

The Effect of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on the Number and Characteristics of Orthopedic Trauma Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Istanbul.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the causes of traumatic fractures, types of fractures, and fractures requiring surgery occurred during the one month period following the measures taken by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare these data with that of the previous year. Patients and methods The number of patients with fractures, the distribution of these fractures and the number of patients who had surgical indications and underwent a surgery were identified. Patients' age, gender and the type of trauma they were exposed to were determined. Results While there were 117 patients who were diagnosed with a fracture during the one month period in 2020, 619 patients had presented to our department during the same period in 2019. When compared to 2019, the prevalence of the trauma mechanisms for falling from height, traffic accident, low-energy trauma, firearm injury and sports injuries decreased by 91.7%, 85.7%, 80.3%, 80.0% and 72.7%, respectively, in 2020. A statistically significant increase was proportionally observed in pediatric supracondylar humerus, boxer's and hip fractures (p<0.001). Conclusion Compared to the same period last year, although the number of patients with fractures decreased significantly following the implementation of most of the public quarantine measures, a statistically significant increase was observed in pediatric supracondylar humerus, boxer and hip fractures on a proportional basis.

Long-Term results of total Hip Arthroplasty performed using a cementless expansive Acetabular Cup and Spotorno Femoral Stem.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the long-term clinical and radiological results, revision rates and causes, and the rate of implant survival in total hip arthroplasty performed using CLS® expansion cup and Spotorno® cementless femoral stem. METHODS: Clinical results of total hip arthroplasty performed on 131 hips of 114 patients in Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between 1993 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score. Revision rates were determined and implant survival rates were identified using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS: Of the patients, 39 were males and 75 were females. The average age of the patients at surgery was 48.7±11.3 years. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 13.9±2.4 years. The mean Harris Hip Score was 34.35±6.09 preoperatively and 88.20±7.11 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimate for the cup at 13.9 years, taking revision for any reason as the end point was 95.6% (95% CI), while the 15th and 17th year survival rates were 90% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In total hip arthroplasty using a cementless expansive acetabular cup, a 95.6% survival rate is achieved after an average of 14 years, whereas the rate decreases to 85% after 17 years. Even if the incidence of cup breakage is reduced with proper implantation, particle disease and periacetabular osteolysis remains a problem for the long-term survival.

The effect of soft tissue interposition of the Endobutton on clinical results and on its postoperative migration after single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the possible consequences of soft tissue interposition of Endobutton on clinical outcomes and reoperation rates after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: We measured the distance between the centre of the Endobutton and the lateral femoral cortex on the postoperative first day anteroposterior X-rays of the 156 knees that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Those with a distance less than 1 mm were regarded as Group 1 (118 patients), the ones between 1 mm and 2 mm were regarded as Group 2 (30 patients) and the ones more than 2 mm were regarded as Group 3 (8 patients). The movement of the Endobutton of more than 1 mm along the femoral tunnel axis on anteroposterior X-rays or its rotation by more than 5° on lateral X-rays during follow-up were considered migration. Clinical assessment scores (Lysholm, Tegner Activity Scale), clinical examination tests, and rates of Endobutton migration in the groups were analysed. RESULTS: Eleven Endobuttons (9.3%) in Group 1, 26 Endobuttons (86.7%) in Group 2 and all of the 8 Endobuttons (100%) in Group 3 were observed to have migrated. Clinical results and examination tests showed no significant difference between Groups 1 and 2, whereas a significant difference was detected in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Soft tissue interposition is a major cause of Endobutton migration, and an interposition over 2 mm between the Endobutton and the lateral femoral cortex can negatively affect the outcomes after an anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is a reliable measurement of increased rotational laxity in the knee with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were: 1. To evaluate the use of the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance as a measurement showing rotational instability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. 2. To determine the effect of concomitant anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury on TT-TG distance. METHODS: Knee magnetic resonance (MR) images of 251 patients were retrospectively evaluated to compare the study group (131 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction due to acute complete ACL injury and the control group (120 patients) without any trauma and/or patellofemoral instability. The rate of secondary signs of ACL injury (Anterolateral ligament injury, Kissing lesion, Anterior tibial translocation, Buckling of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)) in the study group was noted. The relationship between the TT-TG distance and other secondary signs was examined. RESULTS: TT-TG distance was measured as 10.83 ± 1.2 mm, 12.88 ± 1.1 mm, 14.17 ± 1.5 mm in control, isolated ACL and ACL + ALL groups, respectively (p < 0.05). TT-TG distance was significantly higher in the patients with ALL injury and kissing lesions than the patients without these lesions (p Ë‚ 0.05). TT-TG distance did not differ significantly between the patients with and without anterior tibial translocation or buckling of the PCL (p Ëƒ 0.05). TT-TG distance measurements showed significant interobserver 0.994 (0.992-0.996) and intraobserver 0.997 (0.996-0.998) correlation. CONCLUSIONS: TT-TG distance measurement can be used as a reliable quantitative measure of the increased rotational instability after ACL injury. TT-TG distance increases significantly if there is an ALL injury accompanying the ACL injury.

Academic productivity and obstacles encountered during residency training: A survey among residents in orthopedics and traumatology programs in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the academic productivity of and the obstacles encountered by orthopedic residents in Turkey. METHODS: Overall, 220 orthopedic specialists who were registered in the Ministry of Health and had started orthopedic residency between 2009 and 2010 were invited to participate in a survey through e-mail. The survey comprised a total of 19 questions to evaluate the academic works conducted and obstacles encountered during residency. Academic work was defined as an article published in the peer-reviewed journals as well as an oral or poster presentation at a national or international congress. Case reports, letters to the editor, and technical notes were excluded. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 116 respondents who completed the survey. In peer-reviewed journals in Science Citation Index (SCI) or SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.09 and 0.73, respectively. In peer-reviewed journals other than those in SCI and SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.37 and 1, respectively. The mean number of oral and poster presentations per resident at national and international congresses was 2.63 and 4.67, respectively. No significant difference in the number of academic works was noted between the regions and institutions (p>0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of associate professors and assistant professors in the clinic and the total number of academic works (article plus presentation) (p<0.01 and p=0.017, respectively). Regarding encouragement and support to academic works, 6.9% of the respondents found the clinic to be excellent, 20.7% good, 24.1% moderate, and 48.3% bad. No significant difference in encouragement and support to academic works was noted among the institutions (p=0.115). The most common obstacle encountered in conducting academic works was long working hours (74.5%). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the region and institution, the participation of orthopedic residents in academic works is low in Turkey. Several obstacles were encountered in conducting academic works, with the most common being long working hours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic study.

The frequency of reduction loss after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular dislocations using a double-button device, and its effect on clinical and radiological results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of reduction loss of more than 3 mm on clinical and radiological results after at least 2 years of follow-up after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations using a double-button device. METHODS: Thirty-six patients who had acute (< 3 weeks old), type III or V acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations underwent arthroscopic fixation of the AC joint using a double-button device. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed at preoperative, postoperative first day, 3 months and last follow-up. When the coracoclavicular (CC) distances of patients at the last follow-up were compared to the early postop CC distances, those with a difference of 3 mm or less were grouped as group A and those with a difference of more than 3 mm were grouped as group B. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, follow-up time, time from injury to surgery, return to work, and distribution of Rockwood classification. Pre-operative CC distance was reduced from 18.7 ± 3.5 to 8.5 ± 0.6 in the early postoperative period. Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients compared with the unaffected side (CC distance 8.6 ± 0.7). However, the CC distance increased to 9.9 ± 1.5 at the third-month follow-up and increased to 11 ± 2.7 at the last follow-up. There were no significant Constant score differences between the groups in the preoperative and last follow-up periods (p > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the mean Acromioclavicular Joint Instability (ACJI) score of group A was 84.4 ± 8, whereas it was 68.3 ± 8.3 for group B, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the subjective evaluation and aesthetic subjective satisfaction values of group B were lower than group A (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction loss of more than 3 mm was observed in 25% of patients after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular dislocations using a double-button device. Although this loss did not create a statistically significant difference in Constant scores, AC joint-specific tests such as ACJI, subjective evaluation, and aesthetic subjective satisfaction values were significantly impaired.

Radiologic Outcomes and Complication Analysis of the Posterior Vertebral Column Resection in the Treatment of Previously Operated Severe Kyphoscoliosis: A Retrospective Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiologic outcomes and complication analysis of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) performed on previously operated patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (SK). METHODS: Twelve patients (6 men and 6 women) with SK underwent PVCR. The mean age of the patients preoperatively was 16 years (range, 10-26 years). The mean follow-up period was 5.3 years (range, 2-7 years). Previous surgeries included posterior growth arrest in 3 patients, hemivertebrectomy in 4 patients, and posterior fusion in 5 patients. The sagittal plane parameters and coronal parameters were measured in the preoperative, in the early postoperative, and during the last follow-up stages. Complications were also noted. RESULTS: The mean thoracic scoliosis Cobb angle was 76.8° (range, 35°-142°) preoperatively, 37.8° (range, 5°-80°) early postoperatively, and 41.5° (range, 11°-80°) during the last follow-up (P < 0.0001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 84.7° (range, 23°-132°) preoperatively, 50.3° (range, 25°-78°) early postoperatively, and 48.5° (range, 25°-80°) during the last follow-up (P = 0.0032). Complications occurred in 5 patients (41.7%); a hemothorax in 1 patient, rod fracture in 3 patients, and permanent neurologic deficit in 1 patient. Temporary loss of neuromonitoring motor evoked potentials developed in 2 patients during deformity correction. CONCLUSIONS: PVCR provides effective correction in patients with SK. However, expected surgical correction of a deformity may not always be achieved because of intraoperative neuromonitoring changes. Furthermore, PVCR can lead to a large number of major complications in patients with SK who have undergone previous spinal surgery.

Comparison of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery regarding clinical outcomes, complication and return to daily life: A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical results and complications as well as patient satisfaction in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome operated with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) techniques. METHODS: This study conducted in Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between August 2016 and January 2018. A total of 54 patients were operated with the ECTR technique and 50 patients were operated with the OCTR technique after failing nonsurgical treatment. Patients functional scores are assessed with the carpal tunnel syndrome-functional status score (CTS-FSS) and carpal tunnel syndrome-symptom severity score (CTS-SSS). Operation time, incision length and complications of the two techniques were noted and compared. RESULTS: The age, sex distribution, distribution of sides, and complaint period were not significant (p > 0.05) between the groups. The preoperative or postoperative CTS-SSS and CTS-FSS values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Incision length, time to return to work and return to daily life in the OCTR group was significantly higher than the ECTR group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECTR has similar results in terms of symptom relief, severity, functional status, pillar pain and complication rates compared to OCTR. However, it has the advantages of early return to daily life, early return to work and less incision length.

Comparison of early clinical results and re-tear rates of transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repairs with or without medial knots.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical results and repair integrity of two of the commonly used transosseous-equivalent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques, which are the knotless and the medial knotted suture bridge, for patients with full-thickness medium to large-sized rotator cuff tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 121 patients (55 males, 66 females; mean age 56.7±7.3 years; range, 39 to 72 years) with cuff tears. In total, 64 shoulders were operated on using the conventional medial knotted suture bridge technique (group A) and 57 shoulders were operated on using the knotless suture bridge technique (group B). The Constant score, visual analog scale (VAS) and active forward flexion angle were assessed preoperatively and after a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative rotator cuff integrity was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a mean of 19±4.7 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, and anteroposterior extension of the tear on the sagittal MRIs. Postoperatively, the mean Constant score increased from 32.3±8.5 points to 84±11.6 points in group A and from 31.3±9.3 points to 86.4±8.7 points in group B (p<0.001), while the mean VAS score decreased from 6.0±1.0 to 1.3±1.2 in group A and from 6.4±1.0 to 1.0±0.8 in group B (p<0.001). According to the control MRIs, the re-tear rate was 10.9% (n=7) in group A and 8.8% (n=5) in group B. No statistically significant difference was found in either the clinical scores or re-tear rates between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In comparison to the medial knotted technique, less time-consuming and simpler knotless technique provides similar satisfactory outcomes after a minimum of one year postoperatively.

The effect of morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) on functional outcome and complication rate following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes and complication rates of patients in short-term and midterm follow-up period when medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)-applied patients were grouped according to BMI values. METHODS: One hundred four patients (mean age 60.2 ± 7.4 (range, 49-80)) to whom medial UKA was applied between 2011 to 2016 with a minimum of 2 years follow-up were grouped as normal and overweight (less than 30 kg/m2), obese (30-34.9 kg/m2) and morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) according to their BMI. The postoperative Knee Society Scores (KSS), functional Knee Society Scores (fKSS), Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) results and complication rate of these groups were compared statistically. The implant positioning of the patients requiring revision was analysed according to the Oxford radiological criteria. RESULTS: The average BMI of 104 patients was 34.4 (range, 22-56.9). Twenty-six (25%) of these were normal or overweight, 40 (38.5%) were obese and 38 (36.5%) were morbidly obese. However, in these BMI groups, there was no significant difference between the preoperative VAS, postoperative VAS and VAS score changes among these three groups (p > 0.05). The postop KSS, f KSS and OKS were significantly poorer in the morbidly obese group by 75.2, 70.5 and 33.1, respectively. Furthermore, amount of ROM changes (4.2°) were significantly poorer in the morbidly obese group (p < 0.05). Complications including eminence fractures, insert dislocations, tibial component collapses and superficial infections developed in 10 patients (9.6%). Six of them (60%) were morbidly obese, and four of them (40%) were obese. Furthermore, 11 (10.6%) of the patients required revision. Eight (72.7%) of the patients were morbidly obese, and three (27.3%) of them were obese. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that morbid obesity is an independent risk factor for functional outcomes and implant survival after UKA. However, it is possible to obtain excellent results for obese and overweight patients with good planning and correct surgical technique. Morbid obese patients should be preoperatively informed about poor functional outcome and high complication rate. Treatment of morbid obesity before UKA surgery may be a good option.

The Effect of Critical Shoulder Angle on Clinical Scores and Retear Risk After Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair at Short-term Follow Up.

The authors aimed to investigate whether standard acromioplasty can reduce critical shoulder angle (CSA) effectively and to investigate the effects of postoperative CSA on the clinical outcomes and retear rates. Patients are divided in to three groups: group 1 (24 patients): CSA under 35° before surgery, group 2 (25 patients): CSA over 35° before surgery and under 35° after surgery and group 3 (17 patients): CSA over 35° before and after surgery. Standard acromioplasty was performed if CSA is over 35 and no acromioplasty was performed if the CSA is already under 35. Preoperative and postoperative CSAs, UCLA, Constant-Murley clinical score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were measured. The size of the rotator cuff tear was classified by the Patte classification in preoperative MRI and the quality of the repair was evaluated as retear if discontinuity detected in the postoperative first year MRI. There were 31 female and 35 male patients with a mean age of 59.3 ± 4.5 years (range, 48-68) at the time of surgery. The mean CSA is reduced from 37.8° ± 1.4 to 34.9° ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) significantly for patients who underwent acromioplasty. In 25 (59.5%) of the 42 patients, the CSA was reduced to under 35°, whereas in the other 17 (40.5%) patients, it remained over 35°. The mean Constant and UCLA score was 46.4 ± 6.6; 18.5 ± 1.6 preoperatively and 82.4 ± 6.2; 31.1 ± 1.9 postoperatively respectively (p < 0,001). The mean VAS decreased from 4.94 ± 1.09 to 0.79 ± 0.71 (p < 0.001). No Clinical difference was seen between patients in which CSA could be reduced under 35° or not in terms of Constant-Murley score, UCLA and VAS score. Retear was observed in 2 (8.3%) patients in group 1, in 4 (16%) patients in group 2 and in 3 patients (17.6%) in group 3. There was not any significant difference between the patients who had retear or not in terms of neither the CSA values nor the change of CSA after the surgery. Standard acromioplasty, which consists of an anterolateral acromial resection, can reduce CSA by approximately 3°. This is not always sufficient to decrease the CSAs to the favorable range of 30°-35°. In addition, its effect on clinical outcomes does not seem to be noteworthy.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Lever Sign Test in Acute, Chronic, and Postreconstructive ACL Injuries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of lever sign test in acute, chronic, and postreconstructive ACL injuries. METHODS: In total, 78 patients (69 male, 9 female) were subjected to clinical instability tests including Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift, and lever sign when an injury of the ACL was suspected. All tests were performed bilaterally in all patients in acute, chronic period and patients who underwent surgery after the anaesthesia and after the reconstruction at the last follow-up by two senior orthopaedic surgeons. MRI was taken from all patients and MRI image was taken as the reference test when evaluating the accuracy of the tests. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 26.2±6.4 years (range, 17-44 years). Sensitivity and accuracy values of the Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift, and lever tests in the acute phase were calculated as 80.6%, 77.4%, 51.6%, 91.9% and 76.9%, 75.6%, 60.3%, 92.3%, respectively, and in the chronic (preanaesthesia) phase were calculated as 83.9%, 79.0%, 56.5%, 91.9% and 80.8%, 78.2%, 64.1%, 92.3%, respectively. Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift, and lever sign Acute's significant [AUC: 0.716, 0.731, 0.727, 0.928, respectively] activity were observed in the prediction of ACL rupture in MRI. CONCLUSION: An ideal test to diagnose the integrity of the ACL should be easy to perform and reproducible with high sensitivity and specificity. From this perspective, the lever test seems to be a good test for clinicians in acute, chronic and postreconstructive ACL injuries.

Posterior cruciate-retaining versus posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis with severe varus deformity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional results of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) - retaining and posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasties in patients with severe varus gonarthrosis. METHODS: Medical records of 112 knees of 96 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty for severe varus (≥15°) were reviewed. PCL-retaining and PCL-stabilizing groups consisted of 58 and 54 knees, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 56.6 months (range: 24-112 months). Knee Society (KS) clinical rating system was used in clinical evaluation. Range of motion, degree of flexion contracture, postoperative alignment, and complication rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Mean preoperative mechanical tibiofemoral angle was 20.1° in varus alignment, and was restored to 4.6° in valgus postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between PCL-stabilizing and PCL-retaining groups when KS knee scores, function scores, and flexion arc were evaluated. Two patients in PCL-retaining group underwent revision surgery due to aseptic loosening of tibial component. One patient in PCL-stabilizing group needed arthrotomy due to patellar clunk syndrome. CONCLUSION: There were no notable differences between the 2 groups and PCL-retaining design had outcomes as good as PCL-stabilizing total knee implant in osteoarthritic knees with severe varus deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Can washing socks without flipping inside out cause hair tourniquet syndrome? A claim with two case reports.

Hair tourniquet syndrome (HTS) is a rare, painful condition that results when hair or pieces of thread become wrapped tightly around toes, fingers, or other appendages, occluding blood flow and causing strangulation or amputation. Although the aetiology of HTS is unclear, we postulate that washing baby socks in a washing machine without turning them inside out might be a cause. Mothers should be informed about HTS and this simple prevention method should be suggested to them. Here, we present two cases of HTS and discuss possible causes.

The Surgical Overcorrection of Lenke Type 1 Deformities with Selective Fusion Segments: What Happens to the Coronal Balance?

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to determine the alterations on coronal balance after overcorrection of Lenke type 1 curve, retrospectively. METHODS: Datas of 34 patients (29 female, 5 male patients; mean age, 16.3±3.3 years; range, 13-24 years) surgically treated for scoliosis between 2004 and 2010 were reviewed, retrospectively. The adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Lenke type 1 curve treated with only posterior pedicle screw and postoperative thoracic curves less than 10° by Cobb method on frontal plane were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 52.5±29.7 months. RESULTS: The mean amount of the preoperative thoracic curves was measured as 41.2°±6.1° (range, 30°-56°). The mean amount of the early postoperative thoracic curves was measured as 6.5°±1.8° (range, 3°-9°). The mean amount of the thoracic curves was measured as 8.5°±4.6° (range, 3°-22°) during the last follow-up (p=0.01). The mean preoperative coronal balance was measured as 8.5mm(range, 1-30mm). The mean early postoperative coronal balance was measured as 3.5mm(range, 0-36 mm). The mean coronal balance was measured as 5.5mm(range, 0-38mm) during the last follow-up (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that Lenke type 1B and 1C should be carefully evaluated and the fusion levels should be accurately selected in order to maintain the correction of coronal balance. We suggest that selective fusion with overcorrection in Lenke type 1A are applied to curves that can be corrected lumbar curve at the preoperative bending radiograph and curves that not have coronal decompensation and >10° distal junctional kyphosis, preoperatively.

A new and simple suturing technique applied after surgery to correct ingrown toenails may improve clinical outcomes: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of a new suturing technique applied after the Winograd procedure has been completed. METHODS: This study was prospective, randomized, and controlled. In total, 128 patients were recruited and divided into two groups. The outcomes of those treated with the new suturing technique (group I) were compared with those of patients treated with the traditional suturing technique (group II), both of which were applied after the Winograd procedure had been completed. The clinical outcomes and recurrence rates of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Patients in group I required significantly more time to return to work or school than did those in group II (p = 0.015). We found no significant difference between youths (age < 18 years, n = 55) and adults (age ≥ 19 years, n = 69) in this context (p = 0.161). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in group II than in group I (p = 0.011). The extent of satisfaction was significantly higher in group I (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Our new suturing technique is associated with lower recurrence and higher satisfaction rates. However, the times elapsing before shoes could be worn were similar in the two groups.