Comparison of the Miniaci and Dugdale techniques on functional outcomes in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the correction angles determined by the Miniaci and Dugdale techniques in patients treated with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and show their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Seventy-four patients constituted the study group. The correction angles in Group 1 were measured using the Miniaci technique, and those in Group 2 were measured using the Dugdale technique. The clinical evaluations included the Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (TGBA), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The effect of the correction angle on the patient's clinical outcomes was evaluated. Measurement techniques were also changed between groups for comparison. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (62 females, 12 males) with a mean age of 53.7 ± 4.9 years were followed up for a mean of 67.4 ± 5.5 months. The TGBA, WOMAC, and VAS scores were improved at the last follow-up compared to the preoperative scores (p < 0.05). The preoperative TGBA and WOMAC scores were not significantly different between the two groups, but the last follow-up TGBA and WOMAC scores in Group 2 were worse than those in Group 1 (p < 0.05). When measuring techniques were changed, the preoperative correction angle (PCA) value and the last follow-up correction angle (LFCA) value were lower in Group 1 measured with the Dugdale technique but higher in Group 2 measured with the Miniaci technique (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Since the correction angle values measured with the Miniaci technique in MOWHTO are higher than those measured with the Dugdale technique; the functional results are better. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, III.

Are there any differences between the shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in the conservative treatment of paediatric clavicle fractures?

PURPOSE: Clavicle fractures are treated conservatively in the paediatric age group, except in rare types of fractures. We investigated whether there was a difference between using shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in this age group. METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective study. In all, 41 children among 53 who underwent conservative treatment with a shoulder-arm sling or figure-of-eight bandage between 2014 and 2019 were included in the study and divided into two groups. Treatment results were compared clinically with respect to pain intensity, muscle strength and radiological examinations. RESULTS: Group A comprised 20 children with a figure-of-eight bandage and group B comprised 21 children with shoulder sling. According to the Robinson classification, ten fractures were displaced in group A and 12 in group B (p = 0.647). The mean time until the first appointment after the index visit that started the management course was 25.5 days (21 to 31) in group A and 24 days (20 to 30) in group B (p = 0.129). Fracture healing was observed in all patients at the first follow-up and the treatment was discontinued. There was no difference between the groups in the muscle strength examination and shoulder joint range of movement examination at the first-year follow-up (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION: In the paediatric age group, there was no significant difference between shoulder-arm sling and figure-of-eight bandage in the conservative treatment of clavicle fractures. Since the shoulder-arm sling is more suitable for treatment, it may be the primary preference. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (retrospective comparative study).