The Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid Administration on Blood Loss and Transfusion in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: The standard surgical method for primary gonarthrosis in advanced stages is total knee arthroplasty (TKA), despite the risk of bleeding that requires transfusion. Blood transfusions are potentially dangerous. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a statistical difference in the amount of bleeding and the need for transfusion between patients who received and did not receive perioperative local tranexamic acid in TKA. Methods: The hospital data system was used to access the data of patients who underwent TKA in our clinic between January 2015 and January 2022 with a diagnosis of gonarthrosis. Patients who underwent TKA and had gonarthrosis as the primary diagnosis were included in the study. They were separated into two groups: A control group (Group C) and a group that received perioperative local tranexamic acid (Group LTXA). The amount of bleeding was compared by taking into account patients' hemogram follow-ups, the amount of blood from their drains, and their transfusion needs during the postoperative period. Results: The findings demonstrated that TKA patients who received local tranexamic acid administration experienced a significant decrease in perioperative blood loss and needed lesser transfusions. Conclusion: The findings of our investigation are consistent with other studies and are in favor of the usage of TXA in TKA. To validate our findings and establish the ideal TXA dosage and administration method in TKA, additional research is required.

Comparison of two surgical techniques for Lisfranc injuries; closed reduction and fixation versus primary partial arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: This study reviewed the outcomes of Lisfranc injuries treated by primary partial arthrodesis (PPA) or closed re-duction and internal fixation (CRIF). METHODS: A retrospective review was made of patients who underwent PPA or CRIF for a Lisfranc injury after low-energy trauma, and follow-up was assessed according to radiographic, and clinical outcomes. A total of 45 patients with a median age of 38 years were followed up for an average of 47 months. RESULTS: The average American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score was 83.6 points in the PPA group and 86.2 points in CRIF group (p>0.05). The mean pain score was 32.9 in the PPA group, 33.7 in the CRIF group (p>0.05). Secondary surgery for symptomatic hardware was required in 78% of the CRIF group and in 42% of the PPA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment of low-energy Lisfranc injuries with either PPA or closed reduction and fixation produced good clinical and radiological outcomes. The total AOFAS scores were comparable between two groups. However, the function and pain scores were seen to improve more with closed reduction and fixation while there was a greater requirement for secondary surgery in the CRIF group.

Are cross finger and thenar flaps effective in the treatment of distal finger amputations with the reposition-flap method?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using cross finger and thenar flaps in treatment of distal fingers amputations with reposition-flap method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2017 and January 2020, a total of 20 fingers of 19 patients (15 males, 4 females; mean age: 31.6±10.4 years; range, 19 to 52 years) who were treated with repositioning using a cross finger or thenar flap were retrospectively analyzed. Finger length, flap status, pain, cold intolerance, two-point discrimination, bone healing and appearance of the nail were recorded. Functional evaluation was performed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) score and range of motion. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 19.5±5.2 months. A poor result was seen in one patient with the development of necrosis in the flap. With the exception of one finger with necrosis in the flap, no major complications were observed. Union was achieved in all other bones. The mean shortness was 3.7±1.9 mm. The mean Quick-DASH score was 4.5±5.0 and the mean two-point discrimination test was measured as 6.8±0.9. CONCLUSION: In fingertip amputations repositioning with a cross finger or thenar flap can achieve a near-normal fingertip appearance with the advantages for the surgeon of a short learning curve and no requirement for microsurgery experience. If replantation cannot be applied in fingertip amputations, this method should be considered among the treatment options, particularly for patients with high aesthetic expectations.

Treatment with Buttress Plate Technique for Symptomatic Ulnar Styloid Base Nonunion.

Background Surgical treatment options for symptomatic ulnar styloid base nonunion can be divided into two groups: styloid excision and styloid fixation methods. Styloid fixation is commonly performed using tension band wiring or distal ulna hook plate. However, these methods are more suitable for large styloids than small ones. For this reason, fixation of small styloids still remains a problem. Purpose To present the surgical details and results of patients operated using the buttress plate technique, due to the symptomatic ulnar styloid base nonunion. Patients and Methods In this study, 11 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic ulnar styloid base nonunion using buttress plate technique were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were evaluated with the help of forearm and wrist range of motion, grip strength, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score and visual analogue pain score. Results The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range: 13-21 months). Union was achieved in 10 patients. At the final follow-up, the forearm supination and pronation active range of motions were significantly higher than those in the preoperative period, the visual analogue pain score mean value was 0.7 (range: 0-5), and the DASH score mean value was 7 (range: 1-32). Conclusion We conclude that good results can be achieved with the buttress plate technique in patients with both large and small fragmented ulnar styloid base nonunions and no distal radioulnar joint instability. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.

Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femoral Fractures: Minimally Invasive Locking Plate Versus Retrograde Femoral Nails.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare minimal invasive locking plate and retrograde intramedullary nailing in the treatment of supracondylar femur fracture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in respect of fracture healing, complications, and functional results. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 32 supracondylar femur fractures comprising 20 cases treated with minimal invasive locking plate fixation and 12 with retrograde femoral nailing. The two techniques were compared in respect of range of motion (ROM), functional scores, intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, and radiological examination findings. Results: The mean functional scores did not differ between the nailing and plate fixation groups. In the minimal invasive locking plate group, 2 (10%) patients had delayed union, so revision surgery was applied. The mean post-operative ROM was comparable between two groups (86.2° vs. 86°). Reduction quality in the sagittal plane and maintenance of the initial reduction were better in the minimal invasive locking plate group. Greater shortening of the lower extremity was seen in the retrograde femoral nailing group than in the minimal invasive locking plate group (20.3 vs. 9.3 mm). Perioperative blood loss was greater (2 units vs. 1.2 units) and mean operating time was longer in the minimal invasive locking plate group (126.5 min vs. 102.2 min). Conclusion: In patients with good bone stock, supracondylar femur fracture following TKA can be treated successfully with retrograde nailing or minimal invasive locking plate. Retrograde femoral nailing has the advantage of less blood loss and a shorter operating time. Reduction quality may be improved with the minimal invasive locking plate fixation technique. Both surgery techniques can be successfully used by orthopedic surgeons taking a case-by-case approach.