Traumatic coccydynia patients benefit from coccygectomy more than patients undergoing coccygectomy for non-traumatic causes.

PURPOSE: Conservative treatment is the first step in the management of coccydynia. However, surgical treatment is required in cases where conservative treatment fails. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of traumatic and atraumatic etiologies on functional outcomes in patients who underwent coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who underwent partial coccygectomy between October 2010 and December 2018 for the diagnosis of chronic coccygodynia were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to etiologies as atraumatic (group AT) and traumatic (group T). Concomitant disorders of the patients were recorded as psychiatric and musculoskeletal diseases. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for low back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scale, Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary and Short Form-36 Mental Component Summary were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes pre- and postoperative at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 67.3 ± 13.9 (range; 44-115) months. Group AT and group T included 48 (mean age 37.1 ± 11.3 and 36 (75%) female) and 49 patients (mean age 36 ± 11 and 35 (71.4%) female), respectively. The groups were statistically similar in terms of age (p = 0.614), gender (p = 0.691), body mass index (p = 0.885), tobacco usage (p = 0.603) and duration of pain (p = 0.073). However, the rate of musculoskeletal and total concomitant disorders was higher in the Group AT than in Group T (p < 0.05). The average preoperative SF-36 MCS and SF-36 PCS scores improved at the last follow-up from 43.3 ± 6.2 and 35.6 ± 4.9 to 72 ± 14.1 and 58.3 ± 10.9, respectively. The preoperative VAS and ODI decreased from 8 ± 1.4 and 39.8 ± 8.5 to 2.6 ± 1.8 and 13.4 ± 8.9 at the last follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: Successful results were obtained with surgical treatment in chronic coccygodynia. In addition, functional outcomes in patients with traumatic etiology are better than in atraumatic ones. Levels of evidence Level III; Retrospective Comparative Study.

Comparison of the lateral and posterior approaches in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

This study explored the radiological, functional, and cosmetic results of treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures with open reduction and percutaneous pinning, comparing posterior triceps V-splitting (group I, n=22) and lateral (group II, n=25) approaches. The time to union, the functional and cosmetic results, and the flexor and extensor muscle strengths were measured and compared with the contralateral extremities. There were no statistical differences between the groups. The V-splitting posterior approach is as safe and effective as the lateral approach in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

Efficacy of bone marrow-stimulating technique in rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: This study used a chronic rotator cuff (RC) tear model to investigate the effect of microfracture as a bone marrow-stimulating (BMS) technique for RC healing. METHODS: A chronic retracted RC tendon tear model was created bilaterally in the subscapularis tendons of 20 New Zealand rabbits. The tendons were repaired after 8 weeks using a single-row configuration. Tendons in the right shoulder were repaired in standard fashion (control group). Microfractures were performed in the left shoulders before repair (microfracture group). The animals were euthanized 8 and 16 weeks after repair. The repaired tendons were tested biomechanically for their ultimate failure load, linear stiffness, and elongation at failure. Gross and histologic evaluations of the tendon-to-bone healing were evaluated. RESULTS: Macroscopically, subscapularis tendons were attached on the lesser tuberosity. In the microfracture group, collagen fibers were organized in relatively thicker bundles. The mean ultimate failure load of the microfracture group was significantly greater at 8 weeks (148.4 ± 31 N vs. 101.4 ± 26 N, respectively; P = .011) and 16 weeks (155 ± 30 N vs. 114.9 ± 25 N, respectively; P = .017) after repair. There were no significant differences between the groups for linear stiffness at 8 weeks (15.9 ± 2.7 N/mm vs. 15.8 ± 1.3 N/mm, respectively; P = .798) and 16 weeks (16.9 ± 4.3 N/mm vs. 17.1 ± 3.6 N/mm, respectively, P = .848) and elongation at failure at 8 weeks (4.7 ± 1.1 mm vs. 4.7 ± 1.3 mm, respectively; P = .848) and 16 weels (4.8 ± 1.5 mm vs. 4.9 ± 0.9 mm, respectively; P = .749). CONCLUSION: The microfracture on the tuberosity of the repaired chronic rotator cuff tear promoted dynamic tendon healing with significantly increased ultimate force to failure and with thicker collagen bundles and more fibrocartilage histologically at 8 weeks.

Cytotoxicity of a new antimicrobial coating for surgical screws: an in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of surgery-related infection is a persistent problem in orthopaedics and infections involving implants are particularly difficult to treat. This study explored the responses of bone and soft tissue to antimicrobial-coated screws. We investigated whether such screws, which have never been used to fix bony tissues, would result in a cytotoxic effect. We hypothesised that the coated screws would not be toxic to the bone and that the likelihood of infection would be reduced since bacteria are not able to grow on these screws. METHODS: Titanium screws were inserted into the left supracondylar femoral regions of 16 rabbits. The screws were either uncoated (control group, n = 8) or coated with a polyvinylpyrrolidone-polyurethane interpolymer with tertiary amine functional groups (experimental group, n = 8). At Week 6, histological samples were obtained and examined. The presence of necrosis, fibrosis and inflammation in the bony tissue and the tissue surrounding the screws was recorded. RESULTS: Live, cellular bone marrow was present in all the rabbits from the experimental group, but was replaced with connective tissue in four rabbits from the control group. Eight rabbits from the control group and two rabbits from the experimental group had necrosis in fatty bone marrow. Inflammation was observed in one rabbit from the experimental group and five rabbits from the control group. CONCLUSION: Titanium surgical screws coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone-polyurethane interpolymer were associated with less necrosis than standard uncoated screws. The coated screws were also not associated with any cytotoxic side effect.

Does grafting of the tuberosities improve the functional outcomes of proximal humeral fractures treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) can be improved by fixation of the tuberosities. This study compares clinical and radiologic results of patients with comminuted proximal humeral fractures treated with rTSA, with and without autologous grafting. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with rTSA and tuberosity fixation. In 18 patients (group I; mean age, 75 years), tuberosity fixation was augmented with autografting; in 15 patients (group II; mean age, 71 years), graft augmentation was not used. The mean follow-up was 16.7 (range, 12-24) months in group I and 16.8 (range, 12-25) months in group II. RESULTS: Radiologic tuberosity union was achieved in 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients who underwent autograft augmentation and in 6 of 15 (40.0%) patients treated without autografting. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 69.6 ± 13.0 in group I and 51.0 ± 20.0 in group II. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 31.9 ± 24.0 in group I and 58.2 ± 24.6 in group II. A significant difference was detected between groups for ASES and DASH scores. Among shoulder range of motion measures, only forward flexion differed significantly between groups I and II (124° ± 23° vs. 98° ± 30°, respectively). External rotation muscle strength was significantly higher in group I (3.36 ± 1.46 kg) than in group II (2.39 ± 2.00 kg). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients by rTSA, cancellous block autograft augmentation can increase the rate of tuberosity union and improve functional outcomes.

Safety of modified Stoppa approach for Ganz periacetabular osteotomy: A preliminary cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cadaveric study was to investigate the efficacy of the modified Stoppa approach in Ganz periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). METHODS: The Ganz PAO was performed on 10 hemipelvises with normal hips, from 5 cadavers using the modified Stoppa approach through the Pfannenstiel incision. All of the osteotomies were performed under fluoroscopic control and direct visualizing the osteotomy site from the same incision. After the osteotomy, the acetabulum was medialized and redirected anterolaterally, and fixed with 2 screws. The neurovascular structures and the joints were examined by dissecting the soft tissues after fixation of the osteotomies. Outcome parameters were center-edge (CE) angle, the distances between the osteotomy and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), and between the osteotomy and the sciatic notch, neurovascular and joint penetrations. RESULTS: After the osteotomy, the mean CE angle was improved from 19.8° to 25.2°, mean distance between the osteotomy and ASIS was 3.1 cm, and the mean distance between the osteotomy and the sciatic notch was 10.2 mm. The neurovascular structures and the joints were examined by dissecting the soft tissues after fixation of the osteotomies. No damage to the joint, surrounding arteries, veins or nerves was detected in any of the cadavers. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral dysplastic hips can be treated with a 10 cm, cosmetically more acceptable incision in the same session using this approach. Quadrilateral surface of the acetabulum can be directly seen using this approach and the osteotomy can be safely performed.

Acetabuloplasty at the anatomic centre for treating Crowe class III and IV developmental hip dysplasia: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip replacement in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a difficult technical procedure for surgeons to perform because of the potential for these patients to have severe anomalies in their bones and soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed acetabuloplasty in 54 hips from 44 patients by reaming the posterior wall of the native acetabulum and medialising the acetabular component to restore the anatomic centre of hip rotation using a small cup without bone grafting. Median time to post-surgery follow-up was 5 (range 2-14) years. RESULTS: Prosthetic survival rates in patients after 2 and 5 years post hip replacement were 93% (50/54) and 89% (48/54), respectively. 4 patients required early revision because of malposition and instability of the acetabular cup. 3 patients with Crowe type IV dislocations had transient sciatic nerve palsy and 3 had deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of the acetabular shell using posterior bone stock to provide normal hip rotation is a successful alternative technique for acetabuloplasty in patients with DDH.

Surgical Treatment of Displaced Acetabular Fractures Using a Modified Stoppa Approach.

A retrospective evaluation was performed of 36 patients (25 males and 11 females; average age, 44 years) with displaced acetabular fractures who were treated with a modified Stoppa approach. Fractures included 18 anterior columns, 2 both columns, 8 anterior columns with posterior hemitransverse, 6 transverse, and 2 T-type, according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Range of motion, Harris Hip Scores, and Merle d'Aubigné scores were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative measurements taken included displacements and gaps on axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography (CT) images and postreduction quality assessed radiologically. Mean follow-up was 14.7 months. Mean perioperative bleeding was 970 cc (range, 800-1250 cc). Mean Harris Hip Score was 77.9, mean Merle d'Aubigné score was 16.4, mean flexion was 105.2°, and mean extension was 16.9°. Anatomical reduction of the acetabular fracture was achieved in 29 (80.5%) patients; it was satisfactory in 5 (13.8%) and poor in 2 (5%). Mean preoperative displacements on axial, coronal, and sagittal sections were 4.1, 3.6, and 3.1 mm, respectively, and mean postoperative displacements were 0.2, 0.3, and 0.2 mm, respectively. Mean preoperative gap distance was 14.5 mm, and mean postoperative gap distance was 1.1 mm. Postoperative foot drop was observed in 2 patients, obturator nerve damage in 1, partial iliac vein damage in 1, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 1. Despite a steep learning curve, the modified Stoppa approach is a good alternative to the ilioinguinal approach. It can be used to treat many complex acetabular fractures.

Biomechanical Comparison of 2 Different Femoral Stems in the Shortening Osteotomy of the High-Riding Hip.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that a rectangular cross-sectional femoral stem may produce more initial stability of the transverse subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy rather than a circular cross-sectional stem. METHODS: Twenty, fourth-generation, synthetic femur models were inserted with either circular or rectangular cross-sectional femoral stems after 3 cm of transverse subtrochanteric shortening. Half of the models were tested with axial bending and the other half with torsional loads. After the femora underwent cyclic loading, they were loaded until failure. Outcome parameters were stiffness values before and after cyclical loading, failure loads/torques, and displacements at the osteotomy sites. RESULTS: In axial bending tests, the results were not significantly different between the groups. Under rotational forces, the mean stiffness value before cyclical loading and failure torque of the cylindrical stems was significantly higher than that of rectangular cross-sectional stems (11.8 ± 1.2 vs 7.1 ± 2.8 Nm/degree; P = .009 and 136.9 ± 60.2 vs 27.1 ± 17.5 Nm; P = .027 Nm, respectively). The mean amounts of displacements at the osteotomy sites were not significantly different between the groups in any direction in both axial and rotational tests. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, using straight, cylindrical femoral stems can increase rotational stability of the transverse osteotomy more than the rectangular cross-sectional stems although the latter one has the advantages of rectangular geometrical design.

Percutaneous double-button fixation method for treatment of acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological results of patients treated with the percutaneous double-button technique for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed of 13 patients surgically treated for acute Type III AC joint dislocation with the percutaneous double-button fixation method. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance of the affected side was compared with that of the healthy side on anterior-posterior radiographs obtained at the final follow-up. In the functional evaluation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used. RESULTS: The 13 patients in the study included 12 males and 1 female with a mean age of 43.4 years (range: 22-60 years). The mean follow-up period was 13.61 months (range: 9-24 months). The mean CC distance on the operated side was 9.23 mm (range: 8-15 mm), and when compared with the healthy side, no statistically significant difference was observed. Preoperative Constant scores of a mean of 30.3 (range: 18-42) increased to 84.4 (range: 70-90) at the final follow-up. Preoperative DASH scores had a mean of 14.1 (range: 11-28) and decreased to 0.4 (range: 0-3) at the final follow-up (p<0.001). Mean preoperative VAS score was 6.0 (range: 5-8), which decreased to 0.6 (range: 0-3) at the final follow-up (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous double-button fixation technique is a safe, practical, and effective fixation method that can be used as an alternative to arthroscopic and open methods for acute Type III AC joint dislocations.

Evaluation of mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, opening wedge, and dome-type high tibial osteotomies for knee arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Three methods of surgery used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) are mobile bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (Oxford UKA), opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO), and dome-type HTO. This article aimed to retrospectively compare these three methods in terms of outcomes for health status, patient satisfaction, and function. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2010, 255 knees of 235 patients underwent operations for medial knee OA. Three types of surgery were performed. Group 1 consisted of 109 knees of 94 patients who underwent Oxford UKA. Group 2 was made up of 36 knees of 36 patients who underwent HTO using circular external fixation, and Group 3 comprised 57 knees of 52 patients on whom opening wedge type HTO using locking plate fixation was performed. SF-36 and HSS knee scores were used to compare the functional outcomes among groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative measures in all 3 of the treatment groups for physical function, physical role, pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health according to SF-36 and HSS scores. In the 2nd group, the average correction of the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) was 38 mm with 11.7º along the femorotibial axis and 6.2º along the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). In the 3rd group, the average correction in the MAD was 28 mm with 9.7º along the femorotibial axis and 5.6º along the MPTA. All 3 of the treatment alternatives were observed to be sufficient. Satisfactory postoperative results were achieved in the UKA group in terms of social function and mental health, and the patients were able to achieve early rehabilitation and return to their previous life activities. CONCLUSION: UKA is the ideal option for patients who wish for the earliest possible return to social and recreational activities.

Apophyseal avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine due to a simple bone cyst.

Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the anterior inferior iliac spine are rare; they are usually seen in adolescents as a result of sudden contraction of the rectus femoris muscle. Treatment is usually conservative, but surgical management may be necessary in certain circumstances. We present an unusual case of a 14-year-old male who was referred to our department for a suspicious pathological fracture of his right anterior inferior iliac spine; he was found to have an avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine due to simple bone cyst. We discuss the treatment of this rare injury caused by a benign osseous tumour.

An innovative universal screw removal instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical benefits of an instrument designed to facilitate removal of polyaxial screws during revision surgery. METHODS: All polyaxial screws can be removed without additional materials or a large amount of debridement using our newly designed instrument. Forty-two screws were removed from five patients without any complications using this instrument. RESULTS: We removed the cap screws and rods from the 42 polyaxial screws in five patients and made them monoaxial using the new screw removal apparatus. The screws and rods were removed quickly in a minimally invasive way with no complications. No damage to the pedicle or surrounding soft tissue occurred during screw removal. No neurogenic changes developed during revision surgery after changing the screws. CONCLUSION: This newly designed screw removal instrument was used safely and effectively to remove all polyaxial and monoaxial pedicle screws.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome due to a Vertebral Hemangioma and Postpartum Osteoporosis following Treatment.

In pregnancy, advanced vertebral hemangiomas may be seen, and these require treatment. The case reported here is of a 35-year-old female in the 32nd week of pregnancy who was admitted to the orthopaedics clinic with a history of backache and difficulty walking. A burst fracture of L1 associated with a vertebral hemangioma was identified with an L3 compression fracture secondary to osteoporosis. The local kyphosis angle between T12 and L2 was 27°. Kyphotic deformity was corrected and postoperatively, the measured T12-L2 local kyphotic angle was 9°. Twelve hours postoperatively, oral nutrition was allowed, but she developed nausea and vomiting and twenty-four hours postoperatively, an electrolyte imbalance developed. Postoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which occurred following the correction of a kyphotic deformity that had developed secondary to an advanced hemangioma in pregnancy.

Treatment of unusual proximal humeral fractures using unilateral external fixator: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To report the functional and radiological results of unusual comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus, treated with 'closed reduction and external fixation' (CREF) using hybrid-type unilateral external fixators (EFs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and June 2013, eight patients (mean age 62.6; range 48-84 years) with comminuted proximal humeral fractures extending to the humeral head and one-third proximal diaphysis were treated with CREF using hybrid-type EFs. Functional results were evaluated in terms of shoulder ranges of movement, Constant, DASH, and VAS scores, and radiological results were evaluated using antero-posterior and lateral radiograms of the treated humerus. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16.6 (range 12-28) months. The mean fixator time was 84 (range 63-118) days. The mean range of forward flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction were 145°, 61.2°, 65°, and 115°, respectively. The mean Constant, DASH, and VAS scores were 79.8, 10, and 1.75, respectively. Seven of the eight patients (87.5 %) healed radiologically. Two complications were observed in two patients: non-union and superficial pin site infection. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of unusual, comminuted proximal diaphyseal humeral fractures, CREF using a hybrid-type EF is a minimally invasive, advantageous procedure with acceptable rates of healing, low risk of surgical site infection, and early range of motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Triggering of the Digits After Carpal Tunnel Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger may be seen simultaneously in the same hand. The development of trigger finger in patients undergoing CTS surgery is not rare, but the relationship between these conditions has not been fully established. The aims of this prospective randomized study were to investigate the incidence of trigger finger in patient groups undergoing transverse carpal ligament releasing (TCL) or TCL together with distal forearm fascia releasing and to identify other factors that may have an effect of these conditions. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This prospective randomized study evaluated 159 hands of 113 patients for whom CTS surgery was planned. The patients were separated into 2 groups: group 1 (79 hands of 57 patients) undergoing TCL releasing only and group 2 (80 hands of 56 patients) undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing together. The age and gender of the patients, dominant hand, physical examination findings, visual analogue scale (VAS), and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. Follow-up examinations were made at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months for all patients. We noted development of trigger finger in the surgical groups, and its location and response to treatment. RESULTS: The incidence of trigger finger development was statistically significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (13.9% and 31.3%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the development of trigger finger posttreatment found that the surgical method and severity of EMG were significant, whereas the effects of the other factors studied were not found to have any statistical significance. CONCLUSION: There was an increased risk of postoperative trigger finger development in patients undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing surgery for CTS compared to those undergoing CTL only. There is a need for further studies to support this result and further explain the etiology.

Reconstruction of dorsal hand and finger defects with reverse radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the midterm outcome and the degree of satisfaction of patients who underwent reconstruction of dorsal hand and finger defects with reverse flow radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps and to test whether or not this is a reliable method which can be applied without the need for microsurgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients were admitted with post-traumatic complex hand defects and treated by reconstruction with reverse flow radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps from January 2010 to May 2013. The patient demographics, size of the hand and finger defects, and complications were recorded. The functional status of each of the patients was evaluated using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring system, and patient satisfaction was assessed using Likert scores. RESULTS: The patients comprised nine males and two females with a mean age of 30.7 ± 9.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 ± 5.2 months. The average defect size was 41 ± 14.3 cm². None of the patients had circulation defects caused by the sacrifice of the radial artery. The mean quick DASH score was determined as 30.2 ± 15.3. The Likert patient satisfaction evaluation was good in one patient, and very good in ten patients. All flaps survived well with only two complications; superficial skin necrosis occurred at the suture site in one patient and venous insufficiency occurred in the other patient. Both complications recovered with secondary healing following wound debridement. CONCLUSIONS: The reverse-flow radial forearm flap is a reliable method in the management of dorsal defects of the hand and does not require micro-surgical techniques.

Morphometry of the medial tibial plateau in Turkish knees: correlation to the current tibial components of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure the resected surfaces of the tibia in knees of Turkish patients and to compare these measurements with the dimensions of tibial implants in current use. METHODS: We made measurements of seven different dimensions of the medial tibial plateau at the virtual resection level for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) on MRIs of 260 patients and the most commonly used four UKA implants in Turkey. Statistical analysis was performed by using Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient by using SPSS software. RESULTS: The anteroposterior and widest mediolateral dimensions of the tibial plateau of Turkish knees were found relatively more approximate to the dimensions of Oxford and Zuk prostheses compared to that of Accuris and Mitus (p<0.001). The distance between the central mediolateral dimension and the widest mediolateral dimension was 2.4 (range: 0-6.3) mm in males and 2.6 (range: 0-6.2) mm in females. The maximum mediolateral dimension was found posterior to the central mediolateral dimension in the majority (202 out of 260) of cases. These findings point towards the asymmetry in the AP halves of the resected medial tibial condyle. CONCLUSION: Tibial components designed according to anthropometric measurements based on both Western and Asian populations do not perfectly meet the requirements of Turkish population. Designing different UKA prostheses for different populations are required for best fit.

The olecranon osteotomy provides better outcome than the triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures. METHODS: This study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Approach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

The effect of infraspinatus hypotrophy and weakness on the arthroscopic treatment of spinoglenoid notch cyst associated with superior labrum anterior-to-posterior lesions.

PURPOSE: Patients with spinoglenoid notch cyst associated with superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions were evaluated. The patients were all treated by arthroscopic cyst decompression combined with SLAP repair. The hypothesis of the study was that the patients who underwent prolonged conservative treatment period prior to surgery would exhibit significant infraspinatus hypotrophy and weakness, and their postoperative clinical and functional outcomes would be less satisfactory. METHODS: Sixteen patients exhibited positive MRI and EMG findings with clinical signs of weakness and pain. The median age was 40.5 years (range 32-52), and the study group consisted of 11 males and 5 females with a median follow-up period of 26 months (12-48). The median duration of symptoms and conservative treatment prior to the surgical intervention was 3.5 months (1-14). Seven patients in group A exhibited infraspinatus hypotrophy. Group B comprised 9 patients without infraspinatus hypotrophy. RESULTS: The results of the pre- and postoperative Constant scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and external rotation strength test rates were compared between groups. They all improved in terms of pain, strength, and function (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the pre- and postoperative external rotation strengths and Constant scores (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the pre- and postoperative VAS scores (n.s.). A significant correlation was observed in group A between surgical timing, the preoperative external rotation strength ratio (P = 0.04) and the postoperative VAS scores (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic treatment was satisfactory with good clinical outcomes. Infraspinatus hypotrophy occurred in cases of prolonged surgical duration and significantly affected external rotation strength and functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.