The effect of vitamin D and bisphosphonate on fracture healing: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the using bisphosphonate, vitamin D, and a combination of bisphosphonate and vitamin D on fracture healing, by comparison of radiological and histological findings of the study groups and a control group. METHODS: A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. A mid-third fracture was created in the femur of all rats. Saline was administered to Group A, bisphosphonate (Alendronate) to Group B, bisphosphonate (Alendronate) + vitamin D (Calcitriol) to Group C and vitamin D (Calcitriol) to Group D. All preparations were administered orally for 28 days. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the effect on fracture healing according to radiological findings. The histological findings of fracture healing showed Groups B and C to be significantly more advanced than Group A (p = 0.017, p = 0.009). However no significant difference was found in Group D comparison with Group A (p = 0.224). CONCLUSION: According to the histological findings, advanced fracture healing was seen in the groups administered with bisphosphonate or combined bisphosphonate and vitamin D compared to the use of vitamin D alone and the control group. It was concluded that bisphosphonate treatment combined with vitamin D can be used safely without any negative effect on fracture healing.

Pedicle axis view combined by sacral mapping can decrease fluoroscopic shot count in percutaneous iliosacral screw placement.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of the posterior pelvic ring is a demanding procedure with high exposure to radiation. The conventional technique includes the use of three classical projections with the C-arm: inlet, outlet, and true lateral views. A projection in the axis of the upper sacral alar pedicles with a 30° cephalad and 30° ventral oblique view would help in obtaining a more accurate visualization of the safe corridor. Two subcutaneously placed K-wires, one placed horizontally and one vertically, may facilitate the starting point and aim changes by offering the surgeon an option for exactly matching the position of the sacrum with the image. The purpose of this study was to detect if the radiation application could be decreased by our new methodology. METHODS: Seventeen patients with pelvic posterior ring disruptions, in which percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was indicated, were included in the study. Group 1 comprised 7 patients in whom conventional projections and technique were used. Group 2 comprised 10 patients in whom 30°­30° projection and sacral mapping technique via two subcutaneous K-wires were applied. Radiation exposure time, total fluoroscopic shot count, fluoroscopic shot count needed for only guide wire and screw placement, radiation dose, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median number of fluoroscopic images for guide and screw placement was 132 (56­220) and 29.5 (19­83) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The median total fluoroscopic radiation time was 138 (68­234) and 52 (28­77) s in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001). Group 1 had a significantly higher median radiation dose than Group 2 [3020 (1502­6032) vs. 1192 (426­2359); (p = 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Iliosacral screw placement with the help of sacral mapping and a fourth view, "30°­30°", helps the surgeon to markedly reduce the fluoroscopic shots, radiation time and dose during guide wire and screw placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level II.

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis in the ankle joint.

INTRODUCTION: Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilage nodules originating from the synovia, bursa and tendon sheaths. Although it is extremely rare in the ankle joint, malignant transformation is possible. The choice of treatment is usually open surgery for excision of loose bodies and synovectomy. Limited data is available concerning arthroscopic approaches. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 28-year-old male patient was evaluated for pain and swelling of the right ankle joint. Based on the findings of physical examination and radiographic investigations, arthroscopic surgery was performed due to ankle impingement syndrome. A diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis was made following the pathological survey. DISCUSSION: Synovial chondromatosis is slowly progressive and is considered to be a self-limiting situation. Treatment strategies are decided on according to the patient's complaints, age and disease stage. Open or arthroscopic surgery. can be performed. Some advantages of arthroscopic surgery are wide visualization areas, easy access to areas difficult to reach, lower morbidity, no necessity for casting and immobilization, early rehabilitation and quick recovery period. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, arthroscopic management can be successful in selected patients with synovial osteochondromatosis localized to the ankle joint.

Treatment of clubfoot with the Ponseti method: should we begin casting in the newborn period or later?

The Ponseti method has become accepted worldwide as the treatment of choice for nonoperative management of clubfoot. However, there has been no research on whether casting should begin in the newborn period (< or = 30 days old) or later (> 30 days but < 1 year old) or on whether the length of the foot at the beginning of casting is predictive of the outcome of therapy. Therefore, we conducted an investigation to compare outcomes in patients started on casting therapy in the newborn period or later. Outcomes were based on Pirani and Diméglio scores. The study population was comprised of 40 clubfeet in 29 consecutive infants with no associated neuromuscular disease, who underwent Ponseti treatment. The median follow-up was 34 months (range, 20-47 months). Casting began in the newborn period on 26 feet of 18 patients (newborn group), and after 1 month of age on 14 feet of 11 patients (older infant group). Final Diméglio scores were significantly worse for the patients whose casts were applied in the newborn period, compared with those who had the first cast applied at a time >30 days postpartum (P = .04). Infants with feet > or =8 cm in length at the start of cast treatment had better final Diméglio scores than those with feet <8 cm. Our findings suggest that casting according to the Ponseti method should begin in infants older than 1 month of age, or with an involved foot > or =8 cm in length.

Factors affecting the fracture healing in treatment of tibial shaft fractures with circular external fixator.

This study aims to analyse the contribution of various risk factors for the delay of tibial shaft fractures treated by circular external fixator and predicting the high risk fractures for delayed union. 32 extraarticular tibial shaft fractures of 31 adult patients treated with circular external fixator were included. The patients were analysed according to age, energy of trauma, having an open fracture or not, AO classification, obliquity, use of supplementary fixation techniques in surgery, distance of fracture line to neighbouring rings, having a pin-track infection or not, reduction score, and smoking. There were eight delayed unions and two non-unions in our study. Consolidation time was significantly shorter (p=0.01) between the supplementary fixation group and the others. There was a significant difference in fracture healing time between pin-track-infected patients and the patients who did not have pin-track infection (p=0.037). In conclusion, our results indicate that non-union infection and not using supplementary fixation techniques are the major factors that delay the healing time. Supplementary fixation enhances the reduction rate and a low reduction score is related with the occurrence of a pin-track infection.