Comparison of five different fluoroscopic methods for identifying the MPFL femoral footprint.

PURPOSE: The success of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is closely linked to the precise positioning of the femoral tunnel. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is commonly utilized to identify the MPFL footprint. This study aimed to ascertain the most accurate fluoroscopic method among the five previously described methods used to determine the MPFL femoral footprint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 44 well-preserved dry femur bones, the MPFL femoral insertion site was demarcated using anatomical bony landmarks, namely the center of the saddle sulcus between the medial epicondyle, adductor tubercle and gastrocnemius tubercle. Fluoroscopic true lateral knee images were acquired and measurements taken, referencing established methods by Schottle et al., Redfern et al., Wijdicks et al., Barnett et al., and Kaipel et al. The distance between anatomic and fluoroscopic MPFL footprints was then measured on digital fluoroscopic images. The accuracy of the locations was compared using a margin of error of 5 and 7 mm. RESULTS: The Schottle method consistently emerged superior, showcasing the smallest mean distance (3.2 ± 1.2 mm) between the anatomic and radiographic MPFL footprints and a high in-point detection rate of 90.9% under 5 mm criteria. While the Redfern method displayed perfect accuracy (100%) within the 7 mm criteria, the Schottle method also performed 97.7% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: For intraoperative identification of the MPFL footprint using fluoroscopy, the Schottle method is the most consistent and accurate among the assessed methods. Thus, its accuracy in detecting the MPFL footprint makes it recommended for MPFLR to ensure optimal outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, cadaveric study.

Effect of coronal fracture angle on the stability of screw fixation in medial malleolar fractures: A finite element analysis.

Malleolar screw fixation is the most widely used treatment method for medial malleolar (MM) fractures. Here, although buttress plate fixation is advocated for vertical MM fractures, the angular discrimination between oblique and vertical MM fractures is still not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to test the adequacy of screw fixation in MM fractures with different angles and determination of a 'critical fracture angle' to guide surgeons in the decision-making for screw fixation for MM fractures by utilizing an advanced engineering simulation approach. In addition to loading of the healthy tibia structure, various cases of the MM fracture double screw fixation (14 simulation scenarios in total with fracture angles between 30° and 90°, in 5° increments) were considered in this research and their static loading conditions just after fixation operation were simulated through nonlinear (geometric and contact nonlinearity) finite element analysis (FEA). Patient-specific computed tomography scan data, parametric three-dimensional solid modelling and finite element method (FEM) based engineering codes were employed in order to simulate the fixation scenarios. Visual and numerical outputs for the deformation and stress distributions, separation and sliding behaviours of the MM fracture fragments of various screw fixations were clearly exhibited through FEA results. Minimum and maximum separation distances (gap) of 3.75 and 150.34 µm between fracture fragments at fracture angles of 30° and 90° were calculated respectively against minimum and maximum sliding distances of 25.87 and 41.37 µm between fracture fragments at fracture angles of 90° and 35°, respectively. The FEA results revealed that while the separation distance was increasing, the sliding distance was decreasing and there were no distinct differences in sliding distances in the scenarios from fracture angles of 30°-90°. The limitations and errors in a FEA study are inevitable, however, it was interpreted that the FEA scenarios were setup in this study by utilizing acceptable assumptions providing logical outputs under pre-defined boundary conditions. Finally, the fracture healing threshold for separation and/or sliding distance between fracture fragments was assigned as 100 µm by referring to previous literature and it was concluded that the screws fixed perpendicular to the fracture in a MM fracture with more than 70° angle with the tibial plafond results in a significant articular separation (>100 µm) during single-leg stand. Below this critical angle of 70°, two screws provide sufficient fixation.

Anterior Tibial Artery and Its Clinical Importance in the Posterolateral Approach to the Tibial Plateau: An Angiographic Study on 219 Lower Limbs.

The anterior tibial artery (ATA) is the most critical anatomical structure at risk at the distal border of the posterolateral approach to the tibial plateau. This study aimed to use available lower extremity digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images to determine the distal safe limit of this approach by measuring the distance from the tibial joint line to the ATA where it pierces the interosseous membrane. Tibial plateau mediolateral width (TP-ML-W) and the perpendicular distances from the ATA to the tibial joint line and fibular head were measured on DSA images in 219 lower extremities. To normalize the distances according to the tibial dimensions, each distance was divided by the TP-ML-W, and a ratio was obtained. Popliteal artery branching pattern was categorized according to the classification proposed by Kim et al. Comparative analysis between right and left extremities, genders, and anatomical variations were performed. There were 102 male and 26 female subjects with a mean age of 60.7 ± 15.7 years (range, 17-92 years). Ninety-one subjects had bilateral lower extremity DSA; thus, a total of 219 extremities were analyzed. The TP-ML-W was wider in male (78.3 ± 7.0) than female (70.5 ± 7.3) subjects (p = 0.001). The ATA coursed through the interosseous membrane at 50.9 ± 6.9 mm (range, 37.4-70.2 mm) distal to the tibial plateau joint line, and it was 66.5 ± 7.2% of the TP-ML-W. The ATA coursed through the interosseous membrane at 36.5 ± 6.0 mm (range, 21.9-53.8 mm) distal to the fibular head, and it was 47.7 ± 6.6% of the TP-ML-W. All measured variables were similar between the regular branching pattern of the popliteal artery (type 1A) and other observed variations among male subjects. The safe length of dissection in the posterolateral approach is average 66.5% (range, 45.7-86.7%) of the TP-ML-W. This ratio is valid for both genders. The use of a ratio instead of a distance, which is subject to personal variations, seems to be more logical and practical for planning this surgery, but the wide range should still not be ignored.

Is there a safe place for posterior malleolar screw fixation? An anatomic study on dry bones.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the secure location and angle of the most distal screw during posterior malleolar (PM) fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was performed on September 15, 2019. Distal tibial concave articular depth and PM inclination angle were measured on 100 (50 male and 50 female) dry tibia bones using a digital caliper. A comparative analysis between male and female tibias was performed. RESULTS: Anteroposterior width of male tibia (38.3±3.1 mm) was wider than female tibia (35.3±3.2 mm) (p:<0.001). Mediolateral length of the male tibia (44.8±3.5 mm) was longer than female tibia (42.7±3.4 mm) (p:0.003). Male tibial joint (5.4±0.7 mm) was deeper than that of female (4.7±0.3 mm) (p:<0.001). The PM inclination angle was higher in male tibia (18.0±1.5°) than female tibia (15.4±1.3°) (p:<0.001). CONCLUSION: If a screw placement parallel to the joint surface is desired, the screw insertion should be located 6 mm and 5 mm superior to the distal edge of the PM rim in males and females, respectively. If a more distal screw is required, the screw should be inserted in at least 18° and 15° anterosuperior direction for males and females, respectively.

Bioabsorbable magnesium screw versus conventional titanium screw fixation for medial malleolar fractures.

BACKGROUND: It is still unknown whether bioabsorbable magnesium (Mg) screws provide an advantage over titanium screws in the treatment of medial malleolar (MM) fractures. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of MM fractures fixed with either bioabsorbable Mg screws or conventional titanium screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 48 patients with MM fractures who underwent compression screw fixation was retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-three patients (16 male, 7 female; mean age: 37.9 ± 17.7 years) were treated with bioabsorbable Mg screws, and 25 patients (14 male, 11 female; mean age: 45.0 ± 15.7 years) were treated with conventional titanium screw fixation. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year, with a mean time of 24.6 ± 10.5 months (12-53 months). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to evaluate the clinical results. The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) osteoarthritis grading was used to evaluate posttraumatic osteoarthritis on final ankle radiographs. Fracture union, rate of implant removal, and complications were recorded. Comparative analysis of two independent groups was performed using the chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable concerning demographic and clinical characteristics. Age (p = 0.146), sex (p = 0.252), side (p = 0.190), MM fracture type (p = 0.500), associated fractures (p = 0.470), and follow-up period (p = 0.903) were similar between the groups. At final follow-up examination, AOFAS score (p = 0.191) was similar between groups. Fracture union was achieved in all cases. Grade of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, according to KL, was equally distributed in both groups (p = 0.074). No deep infection or osteomyelitis was seen. Five patients in the titanium screw group underwent implant removal, due to pain in three of them and difficulty in wearing shoes in the other two (p = 0.031). Implant removal was performed after a mean of 14.2 ± 3.1 months (12-19 months). CONCLUSIONS: Bioabsorbable Mg and titanium screws had similar therapeutic efficacy in MM fracture fixation regarding functional and radiological outcomes. However, the rate of implant removal was higher with titanium screws. Bioabsorbable Mg screws may be a favorable fixation option since secondary implant removal procedures can be prevented. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective case series.

The clinical factors associated with benefit finding of complementary medicine use in patients with back pain: A cross-sectional study with cluster analysis.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been increasing. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with perceived benefit from CAM methods in back problems. METHODS: The study was conducted on patients who practiced any CAM methods due to complaints of back pain. Social-demographic properties, details of CAM methods employed were questioned. Severity of pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS); benefits were evaluated by the Likert scale. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to discover relationships among variables. RESULTS: In total, 500 patients (265 female, 235 male) were included in the study. Mostly used methods were herbal therapy (32%), balneotherapy (31%), cupping (19.4%) and massage-manipulation (19.2%). Of patients, 355 (71%) were satisfied. The variables associated with benefit finding were female gender, age, chronicity and severity of pain, high educational level, upper middle income status, use as a result of recommendation, dissatisfaction with conventional methods, residence in an urban area, non-herbal method use, being married, and social insurance (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients using CAM perceived benefits; in particular, women living in urban areas, highly educated, aged more than 40, who suffer from severe chronic back pain, may be more inclined to go to CAM therapists.

Effect of Long-Term Use of Bisphosphonates on Forearm Bone: Atypical Ulna Fractures in Elderly Woman with Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a common musculoskeletal disease of the elderly population characterized by decreased bone mineral density and subsequent fractures. Bisphosphonates are a widely accepted drug therapy which act through inhibition of bone resorption and prevent fractures. However, in long-term use, atypical bisphosphonate induced fractures may occur, particularly involving the lower weight bearing extremity. Atypical ulna fracture associated with long-term bisphosphonate use is rarely reported in current literature. We present a 62-year-old woman with atypical ulna due to long-term alendronate therapy without a history of trauma or fall. Clinicians should be aware of stress fracture in a patient who has complaints of upper extremity pain and history of long-term bisphosphonate therapy.

Long-Term Results of Mini-Open Repair Technique in the Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Prospective Study.

An ideal surgical treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture includes restoring the original length of the tendon, minimizing possible adhesions with the surrounding tissues, minimizing the risk of repeat rupture, alleviating wound problems, and providing an acceptable cosmetic outcome. In the mini-open repair technique, unlike the percutaneous repair technique, the quality of the tenodesis can be visualized without disturbing the healing potential of the surrounding tissues, thus minimizing wound problems. The purpose of the present study was to assess the long-term results of the mini-open repair technique in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. A total of 20 consecutive patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture, admitted to our inpatient clinic from October 2003 to March 2008, were included in the present study. The patients underwent Achilles tenodesis with the mini-open repair technique, and each patient was followed up for 5 years. The study was completed in April 2013. The surgical procedure was performed with the assistance of a device designed in our orthosis laboratories, similarly to that defined by Assal et al. Of the 20 patients, 18 were male and 2 were female. Their mean age was 39.3 (range 21 to 55) years. The Achilles tendon rupture was located on the left side in 15 patients (75%) and on the right side in 5 patients (25%). The mean follow-up duration was 58.5 (range 18 to 60) months and no complications occurred during the follow-up period, including repeat rupture, wound site infection, and sural nerve injury. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score for the patients was 99.2 (range 94 to 100) points at the final follow-up visit. All our patients were able to return to work and sporting activities. According to the Trillat scores, the outcome was excellent in 19 patients and good in 1 patient at the 18th postoperative month. No complaint, such as pain or loss of function, that might have a negative effect on the patients' business or social life was detected in 18 patients who were assessed at 5 years after surgery; 2 patients could not be reached at 5 years. In conclusion, as a technique combining percutaneous and open surgical techniques, mini-open repair of Achilles tendon rupture allows a satisfactory end-to-end approximation of the tendon just in the open surgery and provides the wound healing advantages of percutaneous surgery.

ASA III osteoporotic fracture in 62 patients treated with vertebroplasty under local anesthesia.

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that may be performed under either local or general anesthesia. In this study, we aimed at assessing the outcomes of the vertebroplasty performed under local anesthesia in patients at high risk of general anesthesia. Vertebroplasty was performed under local anesthesia in the treatment of a total of 62 patients (68 vertebrae in total) with osteoporotic vertebral fractures between 2011 and 2013. None of the patients had a history of trauma. Patients who were classified as ASA III during the preoperative examinations were included in the study. VAS scores were evaluated before the surgery, on the first postoperative day, and in week 1 and in month 1 after the surgery. The average age was 77.5 years (age range 53-102). An average of 2 cc of cement was injected to 22 patients (35.5 %), and an average of 3 cc of cement was injected to 40 patients (64.5 %). The mean VAS scores were 7.52 (6-9) before the procedure, 3.55 (2-5) on the first day, 2.03 (0-4) in week 1 and 0.87 (0-2) in month 1 postoperatively. Asymptomatic cement embolism was detected in one patient. No other complications were observed in the study group. Vertebroplasty performed under local anesthesia is an effective and safe procedure in terms of pain control and early ambulation and is bereft of the complications associated with general anesthesia.

Correlation between body mass index and quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to assess the relationship of patient weight, height and body mass index (BMI) with the size of the quadrupled hamstring tendon used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: from patient records, we retrospectively assessed the weight, height, BMI and graft sizes of 126 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using a quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft between January 2010 and January 2013 at our institution. The data obtained from perioperative measurements were studied using correlation analysis. RESULTS: statistically significant relationships were found between patient height and graft diameter (p = 0.033, r = 0.19) and between patient weight and graft diameter (p < 0.0001, r = 0.33). No statistically significant relationships were found between graft diameter and BMI or between graft length and patient height, weight and BMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: patient height and weight were found to be related to quadrupled hamstring graft diameter in our patient population. BMI was not related to the quadrupled hamstring graft size. The exact size of the graft cannot be predicted preoperatively on the basis of these variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on functional status and quality of life after knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled study.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of NMES to the post-TKA rehabilitation protocol on the functional status and quality of life of the patients. [Subjects and Methods] Patients were randomized into an exercise (control) and electrical stimulation (NMES) group. A home exercise program was prescribed for the control group. For the neuromuscular stimulation group 30 minute electrical stimulation applied to the vastus medialis muscle 5 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks. VAS, the timed up and go test, WOMAC and SF-36 scores were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the first month and the third month of the follow-up period. [Results] Both the NMES group had 30 patients each, with 2 and 1 male patients respectively. The comparisons of WOMAC results at month 1 revealed that pain, stiffness, and total scores of the NMES group was significantly better than those of control group at the first and third months. Significantly better physical function and SF-36 subscales, except mental health, were found for the NMES group at the first month of follow-up. [Conclusion] The inclusion of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation program after knee arthroplasty was more effective at providing rapid improvements in knee pain, walking distance and quality of life.

The relationship between vitamin D status, physical activity and insulin resistance in overweight and obese subjects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) incidence has been increasing worldwide along with the rise of obesity and sedantery lifestyle. Decreased physical activity (PA) and obesity have also been associated with the low vitamin D levels. We aimed to determine the association between PA, vitamin D status and insulin resistance in overweight and obese subjects. A total of 294 (186 female, 108 male) overweight or obese subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels were measured in blood samples. Body mass index (BMI), HOMA-index and total score of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form (IPAQ) were calculated. Insulin resistant subjects were compared with the non-resistant group. The mean age of the participants was 45 ± 12.25 and 41.39 ± 10.32; 25(OH)D levels were 8.91 ± 4.30 and 17.62 ± 10.47 ng/dL; BMIs were 31.29 ± 4.48 and 28.2 ± 3.16 kg/m², IPAQ total scores were 548.71 ± 382.81 and 998 ± 486.21 in the insulin resistant and nonresistant subjects, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in terms of 25(OH)D, FPG, insulin levels, IPAQ total score and BMI between the two groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001).Significantly low 25(OH)D levels, high BMI and low PA in insulin resistant subjects confirm the importance of active lifestyle and the maintenance of normal vitamin D levels in overweight and obese subjects in prevention of T2DM.

Relationship between restless leg syndrome and quality of life in uremic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with RLS suffer nonrestorative sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and concentration problems. In addition, dialysis itself effects the psychological and social life of the patient negatively. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of RLS in patients on regular hemodialysis, and its relationship with patients' quality of life, socio-demographic and laboratory data. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen stable chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients referring to the hemodialysis unit of Turkish Kidney Foundation and 49 patients that met IRLSSG diagnostic criteria were included into the study. IRLSSG Diagnostic Criteria and International Restless Leg Syndrome rating scale were used as a guideline to diagnose and evaluate the severity of RLS. Short form-36 health survey was used to evaluate the quality of life. For statistical analysis, the "SPSS for Windows" package program was used. RESULTS: A total of forty-nine patients, of whom 26 were female and 23 were male, that met IRLSSG diagnostic criteria were included into the study. Mean age of the patients was 61.35 ± 13.17 years. There was a negative correlation between the IRLSS score and SF36 Physical Score, Mental Score and Total Score, respectively (p=0.018 r=-0.351, p=0.01 r=-0.380, p=0.00 r=-0.499). There was no significant correlation between the IRLSS score and dialysis duration, blood ferritin and parathyroid hormone and other comorbid diseases. CONCLUSION: RLS is a common distressing problem in patients with ESRD, which negatively impacts functional health status. Clinicians should be aware of the symptoms of RLS to decrease morbidities related with quality of life.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of moderate knee osteoarthritis: a randomized prospective study.

[Purpose] To assess the effects of different numbers of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications on pain and physical function in grade 3 knee osteoarthritis (OA). [Subjects and Methods] A total of 102 patients with grade 3 knee OA were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 received a single injection of PRP, Group 2 received two injections of PRP two weeks apart, Group 3 received three injections of PRP at 2-weeks intervals. All patients were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) before the treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. [Results] Ninety-eight patients (15 males, 83 females) completed the study. The mean ages of the patients were 53.5±6.6, 54.9±5.3, and 55.1±5.6 years in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively. Statistically significant improvements were noted in all of the evaluated measures in all of the groups. The mean differences of Group 1-Group 2 and Group 1-Group 3 WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC function scores were statistically significant. [Conclusion] PRP is an effective treatment for functional status and pain in moderate knee osteoarthritis and a minimum of two injections is appropriate.

Factors affecting the outcome of osteochondral autografting (mosaicplasty) in articular cartilage defects of the knee joint: retrospective analysis of 152 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results and prognostic factors affecting the outcome of osteochondral autografting (mosaicplasty) in articular cartilage defects of the knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-two patients who underwent mosaicplasty for femoral condylar cartilage defects (modified Outerbridge classification: Grade III and IV) of the knee joint between 1998 and 2007 in our institution were included. There were 126 male and 26 female patients with a mean age of 24.8 ± 4.6 years. The average size of the lesion was 2.7 ± 0.7 cm(2). Of these patients, 33 had concomitant meniscal and/or cruciate ligament injuries which were treated simultaneously. All patients were followed up with a mean of 18.2 ± 4.2 months (range 12-24 months) using Lysholm knee score. We analyzed the relationship between the outcome variable (Lysholm knee score at the final follow-up) and the predictor variables (age, gender, lesion size, lesion grade, localization, accompanying intra-articular injuries and duration of follow-up). RESULTS: The mean preoperative Lysholm knee score was 55.2 ± 3.6 points and increased to 88.2 ± 2.5 points at the final follow-up. There was a significant increase in Lysholm score during follow-up period (p = 0.0001). The results were excellent in 2 cases (1.3 %), good in 144 cases (94.7 %) and fair in 6 cases (3.9 %). No patients had infection, systemic complication and revision surgery. Backward regression analysis showed that age, lesion size, localization and associated intraarticular injuries are the only predictors of the final Lysholm knee score in best fit model (R (2) = 0.442, p = 0.0001). The linear regression equation was (Lysholm score at final follow-up) = 93.4 - [0.2 (age of patient) + 0.8 (lesion size) + 0.9 (localization) + 2.8 (presence of associated intraarticular injuries)]. CONCLUSIONS: Mosaicplasty is an effective technique for the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee joint which restores the joint function in a short period of follow-up. Furthermore, age, lesion size, localization, and concomitant surgical interventions are major factors affecting the final outcome. The final knee score deteriorates as the age of the patient and size of the lesion increases. Furthermore, concomitant surgical interventions and lesions located on the medial femoral condyle have a negative effect on the final knee score.

Mosaicplasty for the treatment of the osteochondral lesion in the femoral head.

Osteochondral defects of the femoral head are rare and principles of treatment include anatomic reduction, rigid fixation, enhancement of blood supply, and restoration of articular congruity. In this report, we present a case where the defect of the femoral head was treated with surgical dislocation of hip anteriorly and mosaicplasty. At 3-year follow-up, the patient was symptom free with near complete incorporation of the graft radiographically. Our observations in this case suggest that mosaicplasty with an open approach is an alternative treatment in the osteochondral defects of the femoral head.

Open mosaicplasty in osteochondral lesions of the talus: a prospective study.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus present with symptoms of pain and painful motion, affecting the quality of the patient's daily life. We evaluated the 2-year short-term outcomes of patients whose large osteochondral lesions of the talus were treated with medial malleolar osteotomy and a mosaic graft harvested from the knee on the same side. A total of 32 patients who had cartilage lesions due to osteochondritis dissecans in the medial aspect of the talus underwent mosaicplasty after medial malleolar osteotomy. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 16.8 (range 12 to 24) months. The staging and treatment plan of the osteochondral lesions of the talus were made according to the Bristol classification. The follow-up protocol for the patients included direct radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system was used to assess the patients during the pre- and postoperative periods. Of the 32 patients, 3 (9.4%) were female and 29 (90.6%) male, with a mean age of 27.5 (range 20 to 47) years. The mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 59.12 ± 7.72 but had increased to 87.94 ± 3.55 during the postoperative 2 years. The increase in American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was statistically significant (p < .05). We have concluded that open mosaicplasty is a reliable and effective method for the treatment of osteochondral lesions with subchondral cyst formation in the talus, exceeding 1.5 cm in diameter.

Midterm results of biologic fixation or mosaicplasty and drilling in osteochondritis dissecans.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) primarily affects subchondral bone. Multiple drilling, fixation implant or autogenous osteochondral grafts are reported as treatment options. We present the midterm results of cases in which an OCD lesion was treated by osteochondral autograft transfer and drilling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, 14 knees with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS-OCD) type II and III lesions were treated in our clinic using osteochondral autograft transfer and drilling by arthroscopic or open surgery. The average age of our patients was 22.14 years (range 17-29 years) and average followup was of 24.3 months (range 11-40 months). Lesion type was ICRS type II in five patients (35.7%) and ICRS type III in nine patients (64.3%). In cases with ICRS-OCD type II lesions, in situ fixation was applied following circumferential multiple drilling, while mosaicplasty was done following debridement and multiple drilling in cases with ICRS-OCD type III lesion. Mosaicplasty was performed in the lesion area by an average of 2.5 (range 1-3) cylindrical osteochondral autografts. Patients were not allowed to perform loading activities for 3 weeks in the postoperative period; movement was initiated by using CPM device in the early phase; full range of motion was achieved in third week, and full weight bearing was permitted in 6 to 8 weeks RESULTS: While 6 and 8 patients were classified preoperatively as fair and poor, respectively, according to Hughston scale, excellent and good results were obtained postoperatively in 10 and 4 patients, respectively. During the followup, no problems were detected in any of the patients in the regions where osteochondral graft was harvested. CONCLUSION: Biologic fixation or mosaicplasty and drilling as a technique to treatment of the lesion in OCD by osteochondral autograft transfer has resulted in good and excellent clinical outcomes in our patients and it is considered that providing blood flow to subchondral bone by circumferencial drilling leads to an increase in the robustness of biological internal fixation and shortens the duration of recovery.

Coccygectomy in the surgical treatment of traumatic coccygodynia.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Direct or indirect trauma to the coccygeal bone can induce chronic coccygodynia. The aim of this study is a retrospective analysis of our patients surgically managed for traumatic coccygodynia and a critical review of the results obtained in comparison to the literature. BASIC PROCEDURES: We have retrospectively investigated patients with traumatic coccygodynia referred to our centre after a failure of conservative treatment. Surgery (coccygectomy) was performed in 74 patients (64 women, 10 men) suffering from coccygodynia resistant to conservative treatment, all without serious complications, between the years 1998 and 2004. The mean follow up was 4.1 years (range, 2-8 years). The mean age of patients on the date of surgery was 43.4 years (range, 16-65 years). The average duration of pain prior to surgery was 7 months (range, 3 months to one year). MAIN FINDINGS: All but three patients had either good or excellent results after surgery. Three patients reported postoperative pain lasting 3-6 months. All three had good results after re-operation of a proximal segment without excision. Five postoperative complications, four superficial and one deep infection were observed. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: In patients with posttraumatic, conservative therapy-resistant coccygodynia, operative treatment with coccygectomy is a feasible management option. We recommend total or partial coccygectomy using a longitudinal incision in carefully selected and well-informed patients.