NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT OF 3D MODELLING ON SURGICAL PLANNING IN SPINAL DEFORMITIES.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 3d printed models on surgical pre-operative planning of complex spinal deformities. Methods: In our study, five orthopedic surgeons made surgical planning of 5 patients with severe spinal deformity in three conditions: X-ray with computer tomography (X-ray-CT), 3D-computed tomography (3dCT), and 3d printed spine models. Operation plans were examined according to the level and number of instrumentations, osteotomy level, and time required for decision-making. Results: X-ray-CT, 3dCT, and 3d modeling methods were compared, and no statistically significant difference was observed in the number of screws and osteotomy score to be used in operation. The time required for decision ranking is 3d Model, 3d CT, and Xray-CT. Conclusions: 3d printed models do not influence the operative plan significantly; however, it reduces surgical planning time at pre-op duration, and those models gave some opportunities to practice with implants on a patient's 3d spine model. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test .

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de modelos 3D impressos no planejamento pré-operatório cirúrgico de deformidades complexas da coluna vertebral. Métodos: Em nosso estudo, 5 cirurgiões ortopédicos fizeram o planejamento cirúrgico de 5 pacientes com deformidade espinhal grave em três condições: raio-X com tomografia computadorizada (raio X-CT), tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3D (3dCT) e modelo de coluna vertebral impressa (modelo 3d). Os planos de operação foram examinados de acordo com o nível e número de instrumentos, nível de osteotomia e tempo necessário para a tomada de decisão. Resultados: Foram comparados os métodos de modelagem de raio X-CT, 3dCT e modelo 3d e nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi observada no número de parafusos e escore de osteotomia a serem utilizados na operação. O ranking do tempo necessário para a tomada de decisão foi de modelo 3d, 3d CT e raio X-CT. Conclusões: Os modelos impressos em 3d não influenciam significativamente o plano operatório, porém reduzem o tempo de planejamento cirúrgico no pré-operatório e esses modelos deram algumas oportunidades de praticar com implantes no modelo de coluna 3d do paciente. Nível de evidência III; Estudos de Diagnóstico - Investigando um Teste de Diagnóstico .

Biomechanical comparison of tigecycline loaded bone cement with vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were "1" to analyze the compressive and tensile mechanical strength characteristics of tigecycline loaded bone cement and "2" to compare them with those of vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements which are used in prosthetic joint infections complicated with resistant microorganisms. METHODS: In this study, three experimental groups, which consisted of vancomycin (subgroups containing 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g vancomycin), daptomycin (subgroups containing 0.5 g, 1 g, and 1.5 g daptomycin), and tigecycline (subgroups containing 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tigecycline) and one control group without antibiotics were used. Using a standardized protocol, all antibiotic loaded bone cements were prepared. For each antibiotic group, including the control group, 10 samples were tested. All samples were biomechanically tested in terms of compressive strength and tensile strength. RESULTS: Compression tests showed that all determined antibiotic concentrations resulted in a significant decrease when compared with the control group (p<0.0011). Vancomycin and daptomycin study groups demonstrated lower tensile strength than the control group (p<0.0011). However, comparison of tensile values of tigecycline study groups with the control group revealed no significant difference (p>0.0011). In addition, all statistically significant results from between groups comparisons revealed higher tensile and compressive mechanical strength values for the tigecycline groups (p<0.0011). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has demonstrated that tigecycline loaded bone cement may have no mechanical disadvantage compared with vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements in terms of mechanical strength when used at defined concentrations.

Predatory journal preference in the field of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of predatory journals in Orthopedics and Traumatology and to investigate the relationship of these publications with the regulations of scientific fields made in recent years in Turkey. METHODS: The journals and publishers between the years 2000-2018 were screened and websites visited one by one on the basis of the orthopedic journals and publishers list determined as predators or possible predators. Orthopedic publications originated from Turkey was detected in these predatory journals. Article admissions, article processing charges, editorial and referee average response times were reviewed from the websites of journals. In addition, the effect of changing associate professorship application requirements and academic incentive regulation on the preference of predatory journals was examined. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2018 years 1626 issues which can be reached in 282 journals were examined. 4795 articles were screened in 29 journals which have articles originated from Turkey. One hundred and six (2.21%) articles which originated from Turkey was reached in these publications. Average article processing charge was $865 ($ 0-1819). Fifty-nine of 106 (55%) articles originated from Turkey were found in only 4 journal. Journals which have articles originated from Turkey were not on the Web of Science list. The response time to the articles was between 2 and 6 weeks in these journals. After the change criteria in associate professorship in 2016, 3.32 fold increase in annual average number of publications originated from Turkey have been identified in predatory journals. After the change criteria in academic incentive regulation in 2015, 4.76 fold increase in annual average number of publications originated from Turkey have been identified in predatory journals. CONCLUSION: The number of articles in predatory journals is increasing all over the world. This situation also valid in the field of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Turkey. Authors should pay attention regarding predatory journals not only article processing charges but also very short evaluation period.

No Benefits of Combining Proximal Row Carpectomy With PIN Neurectomy for Wrist Disorders-A Comparative Study With Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) resection in combination with proximal row carpectomy (PRC), is a preferred method in order to obtain rapid recovery. However, the contribution of such combination to results isn't known well. OBJECTIVES: We performed a comparative study to evaluate the effects of PIN neurectomy for PRC and a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify whether such combination has an advantage. METHODS: Patients with wrist diseases who underwent PRC were evaluated retrospectively. Patients without PIN neurectomy (group 1, n = 7) and with PIN neurectomy (group 2, n = 8) were compared in respect of mean age, follow-up, gender, Q-DASH, VAS, MAYO wrist scores, flexion-extension/radial-ulnar deviation range of motion at final follow-up. The MEDLINE database was searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015, as the second part of the study. The following keywords were used: "proximal," "row," "carpectomy." Studies, which met the inclusion criteria, were evaluated in terms of such combination. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the groups in regard with age (P = .463), follow-up period (P = .728), the ranges of flexion-extension (P = .431) and radio-ulnar deviation (P = .689), Q-DASH (P = .452), and MAYO scores (P = .728). In the second part of the study, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and none of them was specifically evaluating such combination. Only one study had specific comments on PRC with PIN neurectomy. CONCLUSION: According to our study (which, to our knowledge, was the first comparative study in the literature), we advocate not to combine PRC with PIN neurectomy for such an approach has no advantage.

HISTORIQUE: La résection interosseuse postérieure (IOP) combinée à la carpectomie proximale (CTP) est favorisée pour stimuler une convalescence rapide. Cependant, on en connaît mal l'apport sur les résultats. OBJECTIFS: Les auteurs ont procédé à une étude comparative pour évaluer les effets de la neurectomie IOP pour la CTP et à une analyse bibliographique systématique pour déterminer si cette combinaison comportait des avantages. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont soumis les patients ayant une maladie du poignet qui avaient subi une CTP à une évaluation rétrospective. Ils ont comparé les patients sans neurectomie IOP (groupe 1, n = 7) à ceux en ayant subi une (groupe 2, n = 8) pour ce qui est de l'âge moyen, du suivi, du sexe, des scores du poignet Q-DASH, VAS et MAYO, ainsi que de l'amplitude de flexion­extension et de déviation radio-ulnaire au suivi final. Dans la deuxième partie de l'étude, ils ont effectué des recherches dans la base de données MEDLINE pour en extraire les études publiées entre 2005 et 2015. Ils ont utilisé les mots-clés suivants: proximal, row, carpectomy. Ils ont évalué les études qui respectaient les critères d'inclusion en fonction de cette combinaison. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs n'ont constaté aucune différence significative entre les groupes pour ce qui est de l'âge (p = 0,463), de la période de suivi (p = 0,728), de l'amplitude de flexion­extension (p = 0,431) et de déviation radio-ulnaire (p = 0,689), ainsi que des scores Q-DASH (p = 0,452) et MAYO (p = 0,728). Dans la deuxième partie de l'étude, 12 études respectaient les critères d'inclusion et aucune n'évaluait expressément cette combinaison. Une seule étude incluait des commentaires sur la CTP combinée à la neurectomie IOP. CONCLUSION: D'après la présente étude, qu'ils croient être la première étude comparative sur le sujet, les chercheurs préconisent de ne pas combiner la CTP à la neurectomie IOP, car elle ne comporte aucun avantage.

Partial Capitate Shortening Osteotomy and Its Impact on Lunate Revascularization: Mid-Term Results.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of Kienböck disease is still a clinical challenge. The treatment used in each instance is decided according to stage of the disease at presentation. Good clinical and radiological results could be obtained with partial capitate shortening osteotomy. However, mid-term results of this technique and its effect on lunate revascularization are not well known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report our results of partial capitate shortening osteotomy in the treatment of stage II and IIIA Kienböck disease. METHODS: Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 37.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 9.6). Patients were evaluated clinically in terms of range of motion, DASH and VAS scores, satisfaction with the outcome, and grip/tip/palmar/key pinch strength compared to the contralateral side. Radiological evaluation consisted of Lichtman staging on plain radiographs and lunate revascularization on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at both preoperative and postoperative evaluations. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 55.2 (SD = 24) months. The mean DASH and VAS scores were 14.3 (SD = 6.7) and 1.5 (SD = 1.3), respectively. For patient satisfaction, the mean score was 3.6 (SD = 0.6). The Lichtman stage of 7 patients remained unchanged. Lunate revascularization was detected with MRI in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients in the study prevents more strict conclusions, our results are promising, and the technique presented offers minimally but observable lunate revascularization and high success rates in preventing the progression of the disease.

HISTORIQUE: Le traitement de la maladie de Kienböck demeure un défi clinique. Dans chaque situation, le traitement dépend de la phase de la maladie à la consultation. On peut obtenir de bons résultats cliniques et radiologiques grâce à une ostéotomie partielle de raccourcissement du capitatum. On connaît toutefois mal les résultats à moyen terme de cette technique et ses effets sur la revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire. OBJECTIFS: La présente étude visait à rendre compte des résultats de l'ostéotomie partielle de raccourcissement du capitatum dans le traitement de la maladie de Kienböck de stade II et IIIA. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Dix patients d'un âge moyen de 37,7 ans (ÉT 9,6) ont participé à l'étude. Les chercheurs ont évalué l'amplitude de mouvement de ces patients, leurs scores DASH et VAS, leur satisfaction envers les résultats et leur force de préhension des doigts, de la paume et de la pince sub-termino-latérale par rapport au côté controlatéral. Ils ont procédé à une évaluation radiologique préopératoire et postopératoire au moyen de la classification de Lichtman par radiographie classique et de la revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire par imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM). RÉSULTATS: Le suivi avait une durée moyenne de 55,2 mois (ÉT 24). Les scores DASH et VAS moyens s'élevaient à 14,3 (ÉT 6,7) et à 1,5 (ÉT 1,3), respectivement. Le score moyen de satisfaction des patients était de 3,6 (ÉT 0,6). Le stade de Lichtman de sept patients est demeuré stable. Chez 6 patients, l'IRM a révélé une revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire. CONCLUSIONS: Même si le peu de patients à l'étude empêche les auteurs de tirer des conclusions plus rigoureuses, les résultats sont prometteurs. La technique utilisée entraîne une revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire minime, mais observable, et empêche l'évolution de la maladie dans une grande proportion des cas.

Relationship between self-reported and performance-based tests in assessment of patients with total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported and performance-based tests in the assessment of patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Ninety four patients (35 males, 59 females) were included in the study with mean age 57.1 ± 14.6 years. Patients performed four performance tests (Timed "Up & Go" Test, Sit to Stand Test, Self-paced Walk Test and Stair Test) and two self-reported measurements (Harris Hip Score [HHS] and SF-36 [36-Item Short Form Health Survey]) were preferred to assess patients. RESULTS: There were varying correlations between performance tests and subscales of the SF-36 including physical function, energy/fatigue, pain, general health. Strong correlation was found between HHS and Timed "Up and Go"( r = -0.59, p < 0.001), self-paced walk test ( r = -0.58, p < 0.001). Moderate correlation was found between HHS and sit to stand test ( r = -0.406, p < 0.001), stair test ( r = 0.32, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There were especially moderate-to-strong correlations between self-reported measurements and performance-based tests in the evaluation of patients with THA. Therefore, outcomes assessment after THA may include self-reported measurements or performance-based tests.

Lunate excision with capitohamate fusion in the treatment of stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report our results of lunate excision combined with capitohamate fusion in the treatment of Kienböck's stage IIIB/IIIC disease. METHODS: A total of 7 patients with a mean age 35.2 (SD 11.5) years were enrolled in the study. Pain was the principal reason for surgery. All operations were carried out by the same senior surgeon. Patients were evaluated in terms of range of motion, DASH and VAS scores, satisfaction, and grip/tip/palmar/key pinch strength compared with contralateral sides. Preoperative carpal height indexes and findings of osteoarthritis were determined radiographically and compared with postoperative evaluations. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow up was 15.2 months. Mean DASH and VAS scores were 13.8 2.7 and 2 1.1 respectively. The mean patient satisfaction score was 3.2 0.4 over 4 points. The mean grip strength in the operated hands was 66.4%, palmar pinch was 75.1%, tip pinch was 71.8% and key pinch was 70.4% when compared to the contralateral unaffected sides. The mean flexion range in the operated hands was 58.8%, extension range was 60.3%, radial deviation range was 65.2% and ulnar deviation range was 65.7% when compared to the contralateral sides. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative carpal height ratios (p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: Our early term results indicate that lunate excision combined with capitohamate fusion may be an alternative treatment option in patients with stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Effect of Different Insole Materials on Kinetic and Kinematic Variables of the Walking Gait in Healthy People.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data that could address the effects of off-the-shelf insoles on gait variables in healthy people. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 35 years were included to this study. Kinematic and kinetic data were obtained in barefoot, shoe-only, steel insole, silicone insole, and polyurethane insole conditions using an optoelectronic three-dimensional motion analysis system. A repeated measures analysis of variance test was used to identify statistically significant differences between insole conditions. The alpha level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Maximum knee flexion was higher in the steel insole condition (P < .0001) compared with the silicone insole (P = .001) and shoe-only conditions (P = .032). Reduced maximum knee flexion was recorded in the polyurethane insole condition compared with the shoe-only condition (P = .031). Maximum knee flexion measured in the steel insole condition was higher compared to the barefoot condition (P = .020). Higher maximum ankle dorsiflexion was observed in the barefoot condition, and there were significant differences between the polyurethane insole (P < .0001), silicone insole (P = .001), steel insole (P = .002), and shoe conditions (P = .004). Least and highest maximum ankle plantarflexion were detected in the steel insole and silicone insole conditions, respectively. Maximum ankle plantarflexion in the barefoot and steel insole conditions (P = .014) and the barefoot and polyurethane insole conditions (P = .035) were significant. There was no significant difference between conditions for ground reaction force or joint moments. CONCLUSIONS: Insoles made by different materials affect maximum knee flexion, maximum ankle dorsiflexion, and maximum ankle plantarflexion. This may be helpful during the decision-making process when selecting the insole material for any pathological conditions that require insole prescription.

Evaluation of Extensor Mechanism in Revision Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The success of revision total knee arthroplasty depends on adequate exposure that does not produce complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of revision total knee arthroplasty between V-Y quadricepsplasty (QP) and quadriceps snip (QS) approaches. METHODS: In the study, 92 knees with follow-up of 12-108 months which were operated by using QP (55) and QS (37) were evaluated retrospectively. Measurements were taken by using universal transparent goniometer, also varus valgus deformities, knee flexion angles, instability, Hospital for Special Surgery and Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores, functional condition of the knee and activity levels of the patients were evaluated cross-sectionally. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not found regarding extensor restriction, varus or valgus deformities, knee flexion angles, flexor and extensor muscular strength, Hospital for Special Surgery and Lower Extremity Functional Scale score (P > .05). CONCLUSION: QP is a preferable method which allows a wider arthrotomy for stiff knees and revision knee surgery, and provides larger access to the joint. Choosing this incision does not bring disadvantage in terms of extensor mechanism.

Test-retest reliability of the 50-foot timed walk and 30-second chair stand test in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

The purpose was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the 50-Foot Timed Walk (50FWT), and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST) in the patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study was a test-retest study. Thirty-seven patients with THA performed two trials for both the 30CTS and 50FWT on the same day with one hour interval. To assess reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)], standard error of measurement (SEM), the smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level (SRD95) were calculated. The ICCs for the 50FWT and 30CTS were 0.98 and 0.94, respectively. The SEM and SRD95 for the 50FWT and 30CTS were 0.3 and 0.8 seconds and 0.4 and 1.2 repeats, respectively. The test-retest reliability of the tests was very high. The 50FWT and 30CST are very reliable to measure the functional performance in patients with THA in the clinical settings.

Cervical digits: a report of 3 cases.

The occurence of digit like structures around vertebral column is a rare and only one case in the cervical region has been reported before. Here we report three more cases of cervical digits with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging correlations as the first cases of the literature.

Test-retest reliability of the stair test in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Stair climbing is one of the important functional activities of daily living to maintain mobility and independence. Walking and stair climbing have been identified by clinicians and patients as critical functional activities before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Testing the ability to manage steps has been commonly used in clinical and research settings because it is an inexpensive and simple way to measure functional status after THA. The frequent use of this test supports studies seeking evidence to validate stair test (ST) as a measure of physical performance in subjects with THA. The aim of this study is to determine the test-retest reliability of the 9-step ST in patients with THA. METHODS: Patients performed twice trials for the ST on the same day with one hour interval. To assess test-retest reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient--ICC (2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change at the 90% confidence level (MDC90) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients with THA participated in this study. The ST showed very high reliability (ICC = 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99)). The SEM was 0.3 seconds and the MDC90 was 0.7 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Test-retest reliability of the ST was very high for the patients with THA, and the SEM and MDC90 were adequate for clinical use. The ST is less time consuming and has very high reliability to measure the functional level after THA in the clinical setting.

Avascular necrosis of the distal pole of the scaphoid.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the scaphoid predominantly occurs in the proximal pole. Review of the literature revealed only six cases and all are suspect due to the lack of either MRI investigation or investigation of bleeding preoperatively. We report four new cases and one of them appears to be a real distal pole AVN of the scaphoid in the literature.

Preiser's disease treated by pronotor quadratus pedicled bone graft.

There is no evidence-based treatment protocol for Preiser's disease. This case report studies seven cases treated by pronator quadratus pedicled bone graft. Three years after the operation, all patients had good or excellent results. This technique is advocated for stage 2 Preiser's disease.

Dorsal percutaneous screw fixation of delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures: decision making with MRI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate scaphoid delayed fractures or nonunions treated by percutaneous fixation with MRI correlations. METHODS: We evaluated 33 consecutive scaphoid delayed unions or nonunions treated by dorsal percutaneous fixation at a mean 16 months (range, seven to 48 months) after the operation. There were 31 male and two female patients with an average age of 29 years (range, 25-33 years). RESULTS: Pre-operative MRI revealed no signs of avascular necrosis. At the latest follow-up, all patients had good or excellent results. CONCLUSION: We suggest dorsal percutaneous screw fixation for scaphoid delayed fractures or nonunions after eliminating the presence of AVN by pre-operative MRI examination.

Total knee arthroplasty in ochronosis: a case report and critical review of the literature.

Alkaptonuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1.2 dioxygenase activity. The clinical presentation shows an ochronotic pigment which is deposited in all connective tissues, including in cartilage, particularly. The knee is the most common site of peripheral abnormality. There is currently no definitive cure for alkaptonuric ochronosis. In this article, we present a 69-year-old male case who underwent bilateral cemented total knee arthroplasty simultaneously. Our results during two-year follow-up were satisfactory. A critical review of the literature revealed no uniformity in reporting such cases.

Scapholunate dissociation associated with distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The exact prevalence of scapholunate dissociation (SLD) associated with distal radius fracture (DRF) and the effect of persistent SLD on the function of the wrist are not known. So, we examined the association between SLD and DRF and the effects of treatment on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients with 839 DRF were included in the study. The radiographs of the patients were examined with special reference to SLD both in pre- and post-reduction period. Persistent SLD cases were evaluated by the scoring system of Green and O'Brien at least 2 years after the fracture. RESULTS: Of the 839 fractures, 215 had SLD after the injury. When post-reduction radiographs were examined, SLD persisted in 98, but in 14 SLD was detected in the post-reduction period while not apparent in initial radiographs. So, a total of 112 patients (13.4%) had persistent SLD. Nineteen patients were lost to follow-up and remaining 93 wrists examined clinically. Seventy-nine had pain on the scapholunate joint and 14 had not. When these patients were evaluated by Green and O'Brien system, symptomatic patients had fair or poor results but asymptomatic had good. The association between DRF and SLD is 13.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of the distal radius fractures is not associated with SLD. Intra-articular fractures were associated with significant increase in the prevalence of SLD. In some cases, SLD may appear after reduction in distal radius. Most cases with SLD are symptomatic, and this may be the reason of poor cases following distal radius fracture.

Physical performance parameters during standing up in patients with unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare quadriceps femoris muscle performance parameters of patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The study included 80 patients. Thirty-five underwent unilateral primary TKA (35 females; mean age: 67.11 ± 3.97 years) and 45 underwent bilateral primary TKA (2 males, 43 females; mean age: 67.12 ± 7.32 years). Patients were evaluated in terms of performance parameters including stand-up time, rising index, standing postural sway velocity, and symmetries of body weight distribution on the extremities while standing up using a Balance Master® balance and performance instrument in the postoperative 6th and 12th month. RESULTS: No significant difference was determined in body weight symmetry ratios between the operated and non-operated extremity in unilateral TKA patients in the 6th and 12th month sit-to-stand test (p>0.05) whereas there was a significant difference in bilateral TKA patients (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral TKA patients in terms of time needed for standing up, rising index and gravity sway velocity at the postoperative 6th month and 12th month (p>0.05). Bilateral TKA patients stood up in a shorter time than unilateral TKA patients (p<0.05) although the degree of body sway was higher after standing up (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral TKA patients should be encouraged to focus on exercises with non-dominant limbs and to use them more while physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs including physical performance activities are planned.

A biomechanical comparison of the thrust plate prosthesis and a stemmed prosthesis.

The thrust plate prosthesis (TPP) is a neck preserving femoral component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) which may facilitate more precise biomechanical reconstruction of the hip. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical results of the TPP with a conventional THA. We compared anteroposterior radiographs from 60 patients who had undergone cementless THA, with 44 who had undergone a TPP. We measured the hip centre of rotation, femoral offset, limb length, and neck-shaft angle. The horizontal hip centre of rotation, vertical femoral offset, limb length and neck-shaft angle measurements showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in both groups when compared with preoperative values. However, the vertical hip centre of rotation and horizontal femoral offset measurements were different only in TPP patients when compared with preoperative values (p<0.05). When both groups (TPP and THA) were compared only the horizontal hip centre of rotation displayed a significant difference (p=0.003) in favor of the THA. Therefore, we found no difference in restoring the biomechanics of the hip using the two methods, and only the horizontal hip centre of rotation restoration favoured the THA. Our findings indicate that the TPP does not produce more accurate restoration of leg length or offset. Reproduction of hip mechanics after TPP may not be as good as has been suggested.

Assessment of pain-related fear in patients with the thrust plate prosthesis (TPP): due to hip fracture and hip osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study is to determine the differences between hip fracture and hip arthrosis groups and to assess pain related fear of injury in patients who were operated using the TPP following hip fracture or hip arthrosis. Fifty-eight patients (mean age = 63.9 ± 10.3 years) who were operated using the TPP, following hip fracture (hip fracture group; n = 25) or coxarthrosis (coxarthrosis group; n = 33) were recruited. All of the measurements were performed after a follow-up time of at least 2 years. Functional level by Harris Hip Scoring System (HHS), pain related fear by Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and pain intensity by numerical rating scale (NRS) was evaluated. There were no significant differences between demographic and clinical characteristics of two groups. However, pain intensity was higher in coxarthrosis group than hip fracture group. There was no correlation between the TSK scores and either Harris scores or NRS scores (p > 0.05) in the hip fracture group. No correlation between NRS and TSK was found in coxarthrosis group but there was a significant correlation between TSK and HHS. TSK scores were high in both groups. High TSK scores proved us that the patients with TPP had fear of movement even they had enough physical performance. The coxarthrosis group had higher pain intensity. Rehabilitation clinicians should consider pain-related belief which is more important than pain intensity and functional level in coxarthrosis patients.