Surface morphology of osteochondral grafts harvested from femoral condyles with free-hand technique: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cadaver study was to examine the surface morphology of the osteochondral grafts harvested from the femoral condyles using the free-hand graft harvesting technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred osteochondral grafts were harvested with 6.5 mm chisels at ten different donor sites using the free-hand technique in five paired knee specimens (Mean age: 56.4 years). The cartilage and subchondral bone surface angles were measured through multiplanar reconstruction computerized tomography examination. The cartilage thickness was measured with a MicroScribe G2X digitizer with an accuracy of 0.02 mm. An acceptable congruity could be obtained when these plugs were transferred to a perpendicular socket (articular step-off of less than 1 mm and 0.5 mm) was evaluated. RESULTS: Four plugs were damaged or broken during harvesting due to technical difficulties; thus remaining 96 plugs were analyzed. The cartilage thickness varied between 1.36 mm and 3.26 mm across the donor sites. The cartilage was the thinnest in the medial intercondylar notch and thickest in the lateral supracondylar notch. Twenty of ninety-six plugs (20.8%) had unacceptable cartilage surface inclination according to the > 0.5 mm protrusion criteria. Of these plugs, 14 were harvested from the lateral intercondylar notch, whereas five of 96 plugs (5.2%) had unacceptable cartilage surface inclination according to the > 1 mm protrusion criteria. Of these plugs, all were harvested from the lateral intercondylar notch. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of unacceptable plugs (up to 100%) might be harvested from the lateral intercondylar notch. In large chondral lesions that require multiple plugs, lateral and medial supracondylar ridges were the best donor sites for perpendicular plug harvesting, whereas lateral intercondylar notch should be avoided.

Intermittent pedicle screw application provides better kyphosis restoration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis for Lenke type 1 and type 2 curves.

PURPOSE: There is still no consensus on the optimum pedicle screw density required for the desired thoracic kyphosis restoration in adolescent idiopathic surgery (AIS). The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of pedicle screw density on thoracic kyphosis restoration in AIS surgery. METHODS: The data of 106 patients from two centers that operated for Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were constituted according to the pedicle screw density: intermittent pedicle screw constructs (IPSC) (n = 52 patients) and consecutive pedicle screw construct (CPSC) (n = 54 patients) groups. The preoperative and at least 24-month follow-up radiographs and SRS-22 scores were evaluated. The Cobb angle of the main and concomitant curves in the coronal plane and the sagittal plane were measured and compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period for the IPSC and CPSC groups was 72.3 ± 37.2 and 62.9 ± 28.8 months, respectively. In the SRS-22 questionnaire, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of self-image/appearance domain scores (p = 0.466), but better results were obtained in the IPSC group in terms of treatment satisfaction domain scores (p = 0.010) and better thoracic kyphosis restoration was achieved in IPSC group radiologically for Lenke type 1 curves with - 81.4 ± 81.4% in the IPSC group and 6.8 ± 83.8% in the CPSC group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was considered that better thoracic kyphosis restoration could be achieved with the less lordotic effect of IPSC in Lenke type 1 curves. Although the current situation had a significant impact on radiological outcomes, its effect on SRS-22 scores was limited.

Bioabsorbable magnesium screw fixation for tibial tubercle osteotomy; a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Metallic screws are commonly used to fix tibial tubercle osteotomies (TTO). However, hardware removal late after osteotomy union is one of the most common causes of reoperation following TTOs. The use of bioabsorbable screws may eliminate secondary surgeries, but there is no study on their use in this indication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bioabsorbable magnesium (Alloy: MgYREZr) screws in tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) fixation. METHODS: Ten patients with objective patellar instability who underwent distal realignment procedure using Fulkerson TTO were retrospectively reviewed. The osteotomy was secured with two parallel 4.8 mm magnesium screws in all patients. Kujala score and Lysholm knee score were used to assess the functional outcomes before and after the operation. Union of the osteotomy, displacement, and other imaging findings were evaluated with serial knee radiographs during the follow-up. RESULTS: There were five male and five female patients with a mean age of 23.4±9.2 years (range, 15-45). The mean follow-up duration was 11.5±3.2 months (range,6-17 months). The osteotomy united in all cases at an average of 3 months. No infection or wound healing problems were seen. A significant increase in Kujala (p:.005) and Lysholm knee scores (p:.005) were recorded in all patients. CONCLUSION: The findings support that bioabsorbable magnesium screws can be safely used as an alternative fixation technique in TTO. Furthermore, it provides the advantage to eliminate the need for implant removal.

Accuracy of Freehand Versus Modified Funnel Technique for Pedicle Screw Insertion in the Thoracic Spine.

AIM: To describe a new pedicle screw insertion technique, a modification of the funnel technique, and to compare this technique with conventional freehand screw insertion regarding their accuracy and complications in the thoracic spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred forty-three patients who underwent a posterior spinal fusion with different etiologies were retrospectively analyzed. In 84 patients, pedicle screws were placed using the freehand technique, and in 259 patients, the modified funnel technique was used. Screw malposition was evaluated in the immediate and final follow-up in anteroposterior and lateral spinal radiographs by two independent observers. The rates of incorrect pedicle screws and complications, surgical duration, and estimated blood loss were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 6141 pedicle screws (1468 in the freehand group, 4673 in the modified funnel group) were evaluated. The rate of incorrect pedicle screws was higher in the freehand group (12.0% vs. 4.6%, p=0.001). The surgical time was shorter in the modified funnel group (190.9 ± 57.0 vs. 174.1 ± 47.6 min; p=0.017). The estimated blood loss was similar between the groups (1391.50 ± 570.01 vs. 1264.13 ± 602.29 mL; p=0.053). There were 82 intraoperative pedicle fractures but no neurologic complications in either group. CONCLUSION: The modified funnel technique provides more accurate pedicle screw insertion in the thoracic spine in the presence of dysplastic pedicles in conjunction with axial rotation compared with the freehand technique. Furthermore, surgical time may be reduced without increasing blood loss.

Effect of cartilage thickness mismatch in osteochondral grafting from knee to talus on articular contact pressures: A finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cartilage thickness mismatch on tibiotalar articular contact pressure in osteochondral grafting from femoral condyles to medial talar dome using a finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flush-implanted osteochondral grafting was performed on the talar centromedial aspect of the dome using osteochondral plugs with two different cartilage thicknesses. One of the plugs had an equal cartilage thickness with the recipient talar cartilage and the second plug had a thicker cartilage representing a plug harvested from the knee. The ankle joint was loaded during a single-leg stance phase of gait. Tibiotalar contact pressure, frictional stress, equivalent stress (von Mises values), and deformation were analyzed. RESULTS: In both osteochondral grafting simulations, tibiotalar contact pressure, frictional stress, equivalent stress (von Mises values) on both tibial and talar cartilage surfaces were restored to near-normal values. CONCLUSION: Cartilage thickness mismatch does not significantly change the tibiotalar contact biomechanics, when the graft is inserted flush with the talar cartilage surface.

Management and results of early-onset scoliosis with dual magnetically controlled growing rods: Additional preliminary results of spinal fusion surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications of dual magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) and to investigate the results of patients with definitive spinal fusion following MCGR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients (7 males, 8 females; mean age: 8.7±1.7 years; range, 6 to 10 years) with EOS who underwent dual MCGR and were prospectively followed between February 2013 and March 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, and the length of the spine between T1-T12 and T1-S1 were measured on preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs. The 24-Item Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) was used to assess the functional outcomes before and after the operation. All complications during the treatment were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 27.8±10.4 (range, 12 to 60) months. The mean curve correction immediately after the index surgery and latest follow-up was 47.6% and 42.4%, respectively (p>0.05). At the last follow-up, there were no significant changes in mean Cobb and kyphosis angles. The mean T1-T12 length increase was 26.2±7.1 (range, 16 to 40) mm, while the mean T1-S1 length increase was 43.3±15.0 (range, 24 to 70) mm. Complications developed in four (26.6%) of 15 patients. Definitive spinal fusion surgery was performed in seven patients. Total mean Cobb angle difference between the final follow-up and fusion surgery was 9.3° (p=0.016) and kyphosis angle difference was -2.1° (p=0.349). After fusion surgery, total lengthening in T1-T12 and T1-S1 distance was 10.5 mm (p=0.036) and 15.0 mm (p=0.022), respectively. A significant increase in all subdomain scores of the EOSQ-24 (p<0.05), except for financial impact, was recorded in all patients. CONCLUSION: Dual MCGR technique is an effective, reliable, and robust treatment alternative for primary EOS. However, surgeons should be aware of the relatively high rate of complications. In addition, residual deformity can be corrected successfully with definitive surgery.

Comparison of Pedicle Screws Versus Hybrid Fixation With Sublaminar Polyester Bands in the Treatment of Neuromuscular Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: The choice of implants in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) surgery remains controversial. Sublaminar polyester bands (SPBs) seem to be a promising alternative implant. The purpose of current study was to compare clinical and radiologic results of posterior instrumentation and fusion using hybrid constructs versus only pedicle screws for NMS treatment. METHODS: In 24 patients, pedicle screws were used in all segments, and 18 patients underwent hybrid fixation. Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis angles, and pelvic obliquity were compared before and immediately after surgery, at the last follow-up radiographs. Demographic, clinical information, duration of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, and complications were compared between groups. Additionally, patients were assessed for pain with visual analog scale (VAS) and quality of life with Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Oswestry scale. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients were similar except for EBL (P = 0.002) and follow-up duration (P = 0.004). The mean curve correction was 58.1% in the hybrid group, and 67.6% in the screw group (P = 0.07), and loss of correction was significantly lower in hybrid group (2.72° ± 1.48° vs. 3.66° ± 1.52°, P = 0.049). Functional scores at final follow-up were equal in both groups (VAS P = 0.865, Oswestry P = 0.097, SF-36 Physical P = 0.358, SF-36 Mental P = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS: SPBs might be a better fixation alternative at the apex of rigid spinal deformity in NMS. The deformity can be corrected with less blood loss and at a similar rate of correction, with similar rate complications compared with pedicle screws.

Research Tendency in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis over the Past Decade: A Bibliometric Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this bibliometric analysis was to identify trends and hot topics in research on lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) over the past decade, for helping researchers explore new directions for future research in that area. METHODS: All research articles on LSS, written in English and indexed in the Web of Science database (WoS) between 2010 and 2020, were used. The visualization of network and in-depth bibliometric analysis including the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, cited references, and key words was carried out with the help of CiteSpace. RESULTS: A total of 4033 papers (3577 original articles and 476 reviews) were identified and included in the study. The most productive year was in 2019. The Spine was the journal that published the highest number of articles and received the most citations. The most productive country and institutions in this field were the United States and Seoul National University, respectively. Kim HJ was the most prolific author, and Deyo RA ranked the first in the cited authors. The most cited article was published in 2010 by Deyo et al. and described the complications and charges index for LSS. From the coword cluster analysis, there were 3 frontiers in lumbar spinal stenosis: intervention, outcomes, and pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: We have summarized the literature on LSS in the past decade including publication information, country, institution, authors, and journal. Research on minimally invasive surgery, outcomes, and gene therapies in LSS will be hot topics in the future.

Multiple perineural cysts in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae of a mature individual.

A 54-year-old female patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with back and low back pain. There were no remarkable physical or neurological findings in the two-year follow-up period of the patient. There were 39 lesions at 17 levels (mean diameter: 5.93±2.77 [range, 1.00 to 12.2] mm) in entire vertebra in magnetic resonance imaging and more than one perineural cysts were observed adjacent to the same nerve root at several vertebrae levels. In this patient, conservative treatment was preferred.

Giant Cell Tumor of the Patellar Tendon Sheath: A Rare Case of Anterior Knee Pain.

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a benign, proliferative lesion of the synovium of the joint, the bursa, and the tendon sheath. We report a case of intra-articular, localized GCTTS arising from the patellar tendon, which is a rare cause of anterior knee pain. The diagnosis may be delayed due to non-specific symptoms and normal plain radiographic findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is diagnostic to detect the lesion, but several other clinical entities and lesions should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis. The treatment of choice is a total excision of the lesion without leaving residual tumor tissue, in order to reduce the risk of recurrence. We present a patient with GCTTS of the patellar tendon and discuss its clinical and radiographic characteristics, differential diagnosis, pathology, and treatment.

Simultaneous Anterior Glenohumeral Dislocation and Ipsilateral Acromioclavicular Separation: A Dual Injury of the Shoulder.

Isolated acromioclavicular separations or shoulder dislocations are common injuries. However, a combination of complete acromioclavicular separation and anterior shoulder dislocation is extremely rare. Herein we present a combination of anterior shoulder dislocation and type III acromioclavicular separation that was succesfully treated conservatively. Orthopaedic surgeons should have a high clinical suspicion in daily practice. We believe that both pathologies can be treated conservatively.

Efficiency of Balloon Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

Eighty-seven osteoporotic vertebral fractures of 82 patients were treated with balloon kyphoplasty. Preoperative, postoperative and follow-up outcomes of functional impairment, pain scores and vertebral height restorations of the patients were recorded and evaluated statistically. Seventy-two of the patients were female (87.8%) and 10 (12.2%) were male. Mean age of all patients were 66.4 years. Preoperative mean Anterior Vertebral Body Height of 48.20±13.94 % and Middle Vertebral Body Height of 59.40±14.26 % were recorded as 79.91±9.50 % and 86.90±8.38 % respectively postoperatively and noted to be 73.26±8.59 % and 84.65±8.19 % at last controls respectively. The mean Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analog Pain Scale also improved significantly. Local Kyphosis of all the patients were also evaluated and a significant improvement was noted postoperatively. The long term results of this study suggest that balloon kyphoplasty is an effective and safe treatment option in osteoporotic vertebral fractures and should be considered for functional improvement, pain relief and height restoration.

Removal of a bent intramedullary nail in lower extremity: report of two cases and review of removal techniques.

Removal of a bent intramedullary nail (IMN) is a rare but challenging orthopedic problem. Several removal techniques have been described up to date; however, there is no extensive review and no algorithm to manage these cases in current literature. The purpose of this paper is to present two cases that presented with bent IMN and provide an algorithm for management of this rare complication.

Calcaneal Insufficiency Fracture Secondary to Celiac Disease-Induced Osteomalacia: A Rare Cause of Heel Pain.

UNLABELLED: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of plantar heel pain; however, a broad spectrum of disorders may also present with plantar heel pain. A detailed history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging studies may be necessary to reach an accurate diagnosis. Herein, the clinical presentation of a 33-year-old woman with calcaneal insufficiency fracture secondary to celiac disease-induced osteomalacia is presented, and its diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Calcaneal insufficiency fractures should be kept in mind in a patient with celiac disease that presents with heel pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study.

Acromioclavicular Dislocation Associated with Coracoid Process Fracture: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature.

Acromioclavicular dislocation associated with coracoid process fracture is a rare injury. Herein we reported two further cases with such combination of injuries and reviewed all previously published cases in current literature. In this review, we discussed the demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and treatment options extensively.

Functional outcomes and complications after surgical repair of triceps tendon rupture.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present the functional outcomes and complications after primary repair of triceps tendon ruptures (TTR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on eight patients (six males, two females) who underwent transosseous suture repair for TTR. Mayo elbow score, range of motion, muscle strength and patient satisfaction were evaluated after at least 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25.1 years (range 16-42). The mechanism of injury was a sports injury in three patients, simple fall (fall on outstretched hand) in four and motorcycle accident in one patient. Two patients had associated radial head fracture, and one had a radial head fracture and trochlear fracture, and one patient had a medial epicondyle fracture. In two patients the diagnosis was missed at the initial admission to ED (delay, 20 and 75 days). Only one patient, who was a bodybuilder, had a history of anabolic steroid use, and the rest had no underlying disease or a predisposing factor for TTR. One of the patients with radial head fracture (displaced three parts) underwent simultaneous fixation using two headless screws. Patients were followed up for a mean of 18.8 months (range 12-26). At the final follow-up, all patients were satisfied with the treatment and the Mayo elbow score was excellent in six patients and good in two patients. There was 5° extension loss in two patients. Triceps muscle strength was 5/5 in all patients. Ulnar nerve entrapment occurred in one patient, so ulnar nerve release and anterior transposition were performed 3 months after surgery. Posterior interosseous nerve palsy occurred in one patient who underwent simultaneous radial head fracture fixation, but eventually returned back to normal 3 months postoperatively. All patients returned to their previous level of activity and occupation. CONCLUSION: Transosseous suture technique is a safe and effective treatment method for acute TTR with a low rate of complications and excellent functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Intraarticular Entrapment of Os Subfibulare Following a Severe Inversion Injury of the Ankle: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) rupture is the most commonly injured anatomic structure in lateral ankle sprain. In some cases, ATFL avulsion fracture from the lateral malleolus may occur instead of purely ligamentous injuries. The ATFL avulsion fracture is detected as a small ossicle at the tip of lateral malleolus on direct radiographs, which is called os subfibulare in chronic cases. CASE PRESENTATION: Severe displacement of this ossicle to the tibiotalar joint space is an extremely rare injury. Herein, a case of intra-articular entrapment of os subfibulare following a severe inversion injury of the ankle, which caused a diagnostic challenge was presented. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of entrapment of os subfibulare in the talotibial joint space. Fixation of the os subfibulare to lateral malleolus resulted in union and excellent functional results.