Does sagittal alignment of the femoral component have an impact on radiological loosening and functional results in revision knee arthroplasty?

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sagittal alignment of the femoral component on both radiological loosening and functional results in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), as well as the anterior condylar offset (ACO) and posterior condylar offset (PCO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2005 and November 2020, a total of 47 patients (12 males, 35 females; mean age: of 67.1±8.4 years; range, 52 to 90 years) who underwent rTKA due to aseptic prosthesis failure were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and clinical outcomes of the patients were recorded. Early postoperative sagittal alignment of the femoral component, ACO, and PCO were measured. Radiological loosening of patients was evaluated using the modified Knee Society Score, while the functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 55.4±28.0 (range, 24 to 142) months. While there was a moderate and inverse correlation between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component and ACO (p=0.002), there was no significant correlation between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component and PCO (p=0.980). There was a weak and inverse correlation between BMI and KOOS (p=0.024). There was no significant relationship between the sagittal alignment of the femoral component, ACO, PCO, age, and sex with radiological loosening (p=0.241) or KOOS (p=0.894). CONCLUSION: In rTKA, sagittal alignment of the femoral component does not affect radiological loosening and functional results. The sagittal alignment of the femoral component exhibits a moderate and inverse correlation with ACO, while it has no significant correlation with PCO.

A comparison of exchange nailing and plate augmentation over a retained intramedullary nail in aseptic oligotrophic and atrophic femoral shaft pseudoarthrosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the success of plate augmentation over a retained intramedullary nail (IMN) against exchange nailing performed with autologous bone grafting in oligotrophic and atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the femoral shaft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2005 and October 2020, a total of 42 of 56 patients (28 males, 14 females; mean age: 47.3±17.2 years; range, 19 to 84 years) with aseptic atrophic or oligotrophic femoral nonunion were retrospectively analyzed. The patients, 20 were operated with plate over a retained IMN, and the rest (n=22) by exchange nailing. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, treatment success, duration of surgery, blood loss during surgery, infection rates, length of hospital stay, time to bridging of the nonunion site, and time to obliteration of the fracture line (solid union) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.8±20.4 (range, 12 to 96) months in the plate over an IMN group and 34.7±27.4 (range, 12 to 90) months in the exchange nailing group. At the final follow-up, solid union occurred in all of the patients in the plate augmentation over a retained IMN group, and 21 of 22 (95.45%) patients in the exchange nailing group. Blood loss during surgery was significantly less in the plate augmentation over IMN group (p=0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in the other variables between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results demonstrate that plate over a retained IMN is effective as exchange nailing in the surgical treatment of oligotrophic and atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the femoral shaft. However, it can be speculated that plate application over IMN is more advantageous in terms of blood loss during surgery.

Evaluation of the Parameters Affecting Respiratory Functions at Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the spinal and extraspinal factors responsible for pulmonary dysfunction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Development of thoracic deformity due to scoliosis results with the restrictive ventilatory pattern and the reduced pulmonary function. To prevent pulmonary function deterioration, it is imperative to understand which factors are causing the restrictive lung disease in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online database search was conducted in a hospital computerized archive between 2008 and 2018 years. Cobb angle of >30 degrees, Lenke type 1 and 2 patients treated in a single spine unit were included. Coronal and sagittal Cobb angle, bending correction rate for evaluation of flexibility, Risser score, apical vertebra rotation (AVR), and pulmonary function test of patients were obtained. RESULTS: There was a moderate negative correlation between forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, and AVR. There was no correlation between forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity with age, sex, Cobb angle, Risser score, kyphosis, and bending correction rate. CONCLUSIONS: When considering the results of the current study and the other studies in the literature there is not any strong correlation between the features of scoliotic curvature and respiratory functions. In the current study, 52 (72.22%) of 72 patients with moderate to severe scoliosis had mild to severe respiratory dysfunction. Considering the age-related physiological respiratory loss, to evaluate the necessity of surgical treatment in patients with moderate and severe scoliosis, especially in patients with high AVR, the respiratory functions of the patient should also be evaluated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

An evaluation of the characteristics of orthopedic pediatric traumas during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of implemented social isolation measures on the characteristics of orthopedic pediatric traumas during this COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period. METHODS: Patients who were admitted at our center between two time periods: April 3, 2019-May 31, 2019 (no lockdown period) and April 3, 2020-May 31, 2020 (lockdown period) were included to the study. Group 1 comprised 743 patients who were treated during no lockdown period, whereas Group 2 comprised 615 patients who were treated during lockdown period. Patients' medical records and radiographs were reviewed through our hospital's computer database. In addition, we recorded each patients' age and gender, their definite diagnosis, the anatomic location of the trauma, the type of trauma (fracture, dislocation, tendon injury, ligament injury, fracture dislocation, open fracture, etc.), the type of pediatric fracture (displaced fracture, torus fracture, epiphyseal fracture, pathological fracture, etc.), and the treatment method (non-operative/operative). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was significantly lower in Group 2 (p<0.001). There were significant differences between the groups in terms of anatomic locations of the traumas (p<0.001). The types of the traumas, pediatric traumas, and treatment were significantly different between the groups (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The frequency of operative treatment was significantly higher in Group 2 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated significant differences in patients' demographics as well as trauma characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic.

Mid-term evaluation of clinical and functional outcomes after arthroscopic medial longitudinal and bucket-handle meniscus repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes following the arthroscopic medial meniscal repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients (42 males, 8 females; mean age: 32.9±7.6 years; range, 17 to 48 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair for longitudinal and bucket-handle medial meniscal tears between March 2005 and October 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups as those having a longitudinal tear (patient group, n=31) and having a bucket-handle tear (control group, n=19). Preoperative and final follow-up functional outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm Knee Score (LKS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 61.7±22.8 (range, 36 to 110) months. The mean preoperative LKS, IKDC score, TAS, and KOOS scores were significantly improved at the final postoperative follow-up (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in functional outcome scores between longitudinal and bucket-handle repairs (p>0.05), and isolated repairs and concomitant meniscal repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic meniscal repair provides similar mid-term functional and clinical outcomes for longitudinal and bucket-handle medial meniscal tears. Concomitant meniscal repair does not seem to affect meniscal healing.

Effect of malpractice claims on orthopedic and traumatology physicians in Turkey: A survey study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the malpractice claims experienced by orthopedic and traumatology physicians and to determine their effects on burnout, job satisfaction, and clinical practice. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted on orthopedic and traumatology specialists between May 2019 and February 2020. Data collection was carried out via e-survey at "turk-ortopedi" mail group, which is an electronic communication network of orthopedic and traumatology physicians. For data collection, sociodemographic data forms were used including the general characteristics, working conditions, and the malpractice claim events along with the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale to evaluate burnout and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire to investigate job satisfaction. RESULTS: In total, 353 orthopedic and traumatology physicians (348 men, 5 women), including 37 professors, 41 associate professors, and 275 surgeons, completed the questionnaire. In total, 65.4% of the participants (231 physicians and 471 relevant dossiers) stated that they were currently facing a malpractice claim. Emotional burnout and hesitant behavior in medical practices were significantly higher among the physicians who had undergone an investigation/trial with the claim of malpractice (p<0.05), whereas intrinsic job satisfaction was significantly lower (p<0.05). It was determined that orthopedic and traumatology physicians dealing with arthroplasty, vertebral surgery, hand surgery, and foot/ankle surgeries had undergone significantly more trials (p<0.05). In the evaluation of the burnout levels and job satisfaction scores of the physicians according to the age, academic title, seniority, and institution, it was determined that burnout level decreased with age, those between the ages of 25 and 34 years were exhausted the most, and job satisfaction increased with age. It was also found that burnout level decreased and job satisfaction increased as the academic title became higher, and attending physicians were the most exhausted. Moreover, burnout level decreased as seniority increased, the most senior ones were the ones most exhausted, and job satisfaction increased with seniority. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has revealed that malpractice claims cause emotional burnout, low intrinsic job satisfaction, and a hesitant behavior in medical practice for the orthopedic and traumatology physicians. The concept of malpractice alone may result in unnecessary analyses/examinations for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Study.

Evaluation of Dislocation Risk Factors With Total Hip Arthroplasty in Developmental Hip Dysplasia Patients: A Multivariate Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for dislocation in patients diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who underwent total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who developed dislocation and compared them with 400 patients in the control group without hip instability. Patients-, surgery-, and implant-related factors were investigated. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 32.3 months. The mean time to dislocation was 4.4 months. There were 7 men (17.5%) and 33 women (82.5%) in the dislocation group and 83 men (20.7%) and 317 women (79.3%) in the control group (P = .627). Diabetes mellitus (DM; P = .032) and history of previous hip surgery for DDH were associated with dislocation (P < .001). The subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (P = .001), acetabular inclination (P = .037), acetabular anteversion (P < .001), femoral head size (P < .001), and postoperative infection (P = .003) were associated with dislocation. Major predictors of hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty in patients with DDH were previous hip surgery (odds ratio [OR], 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-24.6; P = .004), high hip center (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.31-6.38; P = .008), DM (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.06-6.80; P = .037), and acetabular inclination (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.09-6.26; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Patients with DM and previous hip surgery should be informed about increased dislocation rates. Using a larger head diameter and restoration of the true hip rotation center are essential to prevent hip dislocation in these patients. Furthermore, accurate positioning of the acetabular inclination and anteversion are also important.

Location of Femoral Vessels Around the Acetabulum in Crowe Type 4 Dysplastic Hips.

BACKGROUND: There are anatomical differences in the femur and acetabulum on the dysplastic hips. Yet, although there are detailed researches on bony structure differences, studies regarding anatomical differences for the vascular structure are insufficient. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the femoral artery and vein with acetabulum in computed tomography evaluation of Crowe type 4 hips and to compare with normal hip femoral vein and artery anatomic position. METHODS: Forty patients with one side hip Crowe type 4 deformity and opposite side normal hip were found suitable for the study. Pelvis CT was previously applied to all patients for the planning of total hip arthroplasty surgery. Normal hip acetabulum and the true acetabulum of the dysplastic hip were marked with the Ranawat's triangle and were then divided into quarters with four axial slices of the acetabulum; as dome, proximal one-fourth, center, and distal three-fourths. The shortest distance from the femoral vessels to the pelvis was measured at these 4 axial slices at the dysplastic side and compared with the healthy side. RESULTS: The distance of the vein to the acetabulum is closer to the dysplastic side. At distal three-fourths of Ranawat's triangle axial images, both femoral artery and femoral vein are closer to acetabulum at the dysplastic side. CONCLUSION: The analysis of preoperative images in cases of Crowe type 4 hip shows that the femoral vessels are closer to the anterior wall of the dysplastic true acetabulum at the level of the center of the hip (vein, mean: 2.7 mm closer) and below the center of the hip (vein, mean: 3 mm; and artery, mean: 3.3 mm closer) when compared with the normal acetabulum. Anatomic relationships knowledge can be used intraoperatively to avoid iatrogenic vascular injury during Crowe type 4 dysplastic hip arthroplasty surgery.

Role of computed tomography in determining the choice of treatment for delayed ceramic acetabular liner fracture: A case report.

Ceramic acetabular liner fracture is a rare complication and requires early revision surgery to avoid abrasive damaging of metal components by ceramic particles. Chromium-cobalt femoral head can be used in revision surgery if only fractured ceramic particles are completely removed because the abrasive effect of ceramic debris is more pronounced on metal head compared to ceramic head. In this article, we report a 50-year-old male patient of delayed acetabular liner fracture in which we used a ceramic head that is more resistant to residue ceramic particles. We assessed the patient by using computed tomography (CT) to locate the ceramic particles. By using CT imaging, we can detect which ceramic particles pose high morbidity risk for debridement.

Survey on the surgical skills of orthopedics and traumatology residents from accredited and nonaccredited institutions in Istanbul.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether orthopedic and traumatology residents who are undergoing training achieve competence in surgical techniques after completion of their specialization and to determine whether there are significant differences between the responses of residents from accredited and nonaccredited institutions. METHODS: A total of 131 orthopedics and traumatology residents from nine institutions in the Istanbul province answered the questionnaire during the morning training meeting. In addition to basic demographic data, level of seniority, equipment competence, and theoretical and practical training, the residents were asked about their opinion on what type of surgeries they could perform after their specialization, considering the surgery and follow-up of the case as well as the complications occurring during this period. The residents responded to questions on 46 surgeries under the main headings of trauma, arthroscopy, arthroplasty, spine, pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, deformity, and bone and soft tissue tumors. In addition to descriptive statistical methods, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's multiple comparison test, and chi square test were used to evaluate the data. The significance level for the results was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: In total, 131 orthopedics and traumatology residents answered the questionnaire. Furthermore, 53 (40.5%) specialization students were employed at accredited institutions and 78 (59.5%) at nonaccredited institutions. According to the responses, case presentations, article-writing sessions, and in-province meetings held regularly at accredited institutions showed a significant difference compared to non-accredited institutions (p<0.05), and the residents at the accredited institutions benefited significantly more from the availability of books and electronic media in gaining theoretical knowledge (p<0.05). When the responses of the residents from accredited and nonaccredited institutions regarding 46 different surgeries were compared, a significant difference was found in 17 of them (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the averages of residents' responses on the surgical fields they have interest for (p<0.05). It was determined that the residents believed that they could mostly perform surgeries in the fields of trauma, followed by arthroplasty, deformity, arthroscopy, pediatric orthopedics, hand surgery, and spine and tumor surgery. According to their level of seniority, a significant difference was found between the averages of residents' opinions regarding their surgical skill levels (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: We believe that it would be beneficial for the trainers to take necessary precautions to increase the skill levels of the residents of orthopedic surgery. Accreditation significantly contributes to the standardization of education as well as quality improvement. Further action should be taken to increase the number of accredited clinics.

Functional and radiological outcomes of multiple dorsal carpometacarpal fracture dislocations treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients with multiple dorsal carpometacarpal (CMC) joint fracture dislocations treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 14 patients (12 males, 2 females; mean age 35.1 years; range, 22 to 64 years) between January 2013 and December 2017. Our main outcome measurements were the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, loss of grip strength, limitation of range of motion (ROM), and Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis classification identified with radiographs and computed tomography images. RESULTS: The mean QuickDASH scores at seventh week and third month were 73.57 (range, 65-90) and 29.11 (range, 25-42.5), respectively. The mean QuickDASH score at seventh, ninth, and 12th month, and final follow-up was 4.64 (range, 0-30) and the QuickDASH score at these follow-up points was not 0 for only three patients. The mean loss of grip strength was 32.14% and two patients (14.29%) had limitation of ROM in third proximal interphalangeal joint at final follow-up. Four patients had grade I, nine patients had grade II, and one patient had grade III osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although functional results demonstrated that multiple CMC joint fracture dislocations can be treated with ORIF, the high rate of osteoarthritis is a disadvantage.

Effects of Graft Selection in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Midterm Functional Results.

OBJECTIVES: This study is a comparison of the midterm clinical results of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an allograft and those who had an autograft procedure. METHODS: The results of 70 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with an anterior tibial tendon (ATT) allograft (n=18) or a hamstring (HT) autograft (n=52) were evaluated retrospectively. At the last follow-up, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner-Lysholm scores were used to assess functional status, as well as results of the Lachman test, the anterior drawer test, and the pivot-shift test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, gender, length of time before operation, graft thickness, or femoral tunnel length (p>0.05). The results were satisfactory in both groups in the postoperative period in terms of the length of time until a return to sports, IKDC score, Tegner-Lysholm score, range of motion, quadriceps circumference, and laxity, with no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that midterm clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction with an ATT allograft or an HT autograft are similar when the correct technique is used according to the appropriate indications by an experienced surgeon and a successful rehabilitation program implemented after the operation.

The Results of Core Decompression Treatment in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head.

OBJECTIVE: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is a progressive disease seen in young, active patients, leaving significant disability in the joint when untreated. We retrospectively examined the results of patients with early stage AVNFH who had been operated in our clinic. METHODS: In our study, 65 hips of 46 patients were evaluated retrospectively. These patients were evaluated clinically by the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel Score and Harris Hip Score. The patients were radiologically staged according to the criteria by Ficat and Arlet with hip anterior-posterior and lateral graphs and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of the patient group was 73 months, and the mean age of the patients was 35 years. Of these patients, 59% were female and 41% were male; 41% had bilateral and 40% had right hip involvement. One of the patients developed AVNFH while she was pregnant, 7 were idiopathic, and 38 (81%) developed AVNFH due to steroid use. According to the Ficat and Arlet classification, 18 hips were found to be stage 1, 37 hips stage 2, and 9 hips stage 3 during admission. From the etiological point of view, 81% of the patients developed AVNFH while using steroid and 19% had idiopathic AVNFH. As for clinical improvement of the patients, the Harris Hip Score increased from 58 to 90 in idiopathic patients and 55 to 83 among steroid users. The Merle d'Aubigné-Postel classification scores increased from 6 to 15 in the idiopathic group and from 6 to 13 among steroid users. Radiologically, according to the Ficat and Arlet stage, progression was seen in all stages. Of the patients, 38.8% in stage 1, 70.2% in stage 2, and 88.8% in stage 3 showed progression, whereas 20% demonstrated rapid progression and needed total hip prosthesis. All patients who demonstrated progression were on chronic steroid therapy. The mean time to conversion to total hip replacement was 27 months. CONCLUSION: Osteonecrosis is a disease associated with high morbidity. Early diagnosis can reduce morbidity and improve a patient's quality of life. Core decompression has the effect of stopping the progression of AVNFH in the early (stage 1) stages, although it has a significant and long-term palliative effect in all stages. Most of the young and active patients with AVNFH still do not have any ideal method for treatment today, but core decompression in the early stages has been seen to reduce morbidity. It is a time-saving attempt before the final treatment, which is hip arthroplasty, is performed.