Investigation of new application technique named star taping in patellofemoral pain: a randomized, single-blind, and placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is characterized by pain around the patella during functional activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the new method of applying the patellar Kinesio taping (KT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants with PFP were randomly assigned to a Kinesio star taping (n = 14), placebo taping (n = 12), or control group (n = 13). Knee pain intensity during activity, resting, at night-time and during buckling were measured using the visual analogue scale under both KT, placebo taping, and home exercising before and after six weeks. Oedema, performance, knee function, and muscle strength were assessed with circumferential measurement, the Kujala questionnaire, vertical jumps, a 10-step down test, squat test, triple jump test, respectively, in all groups before and after taping. RESULTS: Decreases were detected in pain in each group (p < 0.05) but there were no differences in pain during activity, and buckling in the three groups before and after taping (p > 0.05). Performances and knee functions showed similar results in all groups before and after taping (p > 0.05). The outcomes of all tapings showed that there were no differences between the groups in terms of oedema (p > 0.05), the knee functions (p > 0.05), and muscles strength on the affected and unaffected sides, there were no significant differences between inter and intra groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week new technique star taping together with home-based exercises have similar effects with placebo taping and home exercise groups on oedema, pain, performance, function in PFP. The effects of star taping technique may be determined in future studies as long- and short-term in different types of injuries.

Effect of Q-angle, lateral distal tibial angle and hip muscle torques on ankle injury.

BACKGROUND: The ankle sprain is the most common ankle injury. Although the factors that increase the risk of ankle injury are included in the literature, the definitive evidence is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine whether Q-angle, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), and hip muscle torque are associated with ankle sprain. METHODS: Thirty-six individuals who underwent an axial X-ray examination of the lower extremity following ankle sprain were included. The Q-angle and LDTA were measured on the axial knee X-rays on both sides. The isometric muscle strength was measured with a digital handheld dynamometer for the quadriceps femoris muscle, the gluteus medius muscle and the gluteus maximus muscle. Muscle torques were calculated by multiplying isometric muscle strength values with the distance to the joint center. RESULTS: Discrimination analysis shows that the gluteus maximus (0.90), gluteus medius (0.49), quadriceps femoris muscle torques (0.34), and lateral distal tibial angle (0.43) were the factors that most contributed to ankle sprain. No significant relationship was found between the Q-angle and ankle sprain (p = 0.603). A strong relationship was found between LDTA, quadriceps femoris, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscle torques and ankle sprain (p = 0.014, p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the torques of the proximal muscle may be more related than the Q-angle to lateral ankle sprain injury. Individuals with high LDTA should also be carefully examined for the risk of ankle sprain.

A novel reduction support frame for management of unstable tibial fractures with intramedullary nail: Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Management of unstable tibial fractures (UTF) can be challenging due to widening of the proximal and distal metaphyseal zone, soft tissue problems, and poor vascularity. We aimed to compare the effect of novel tibial orthopedic reduction support (TORS) frame constructed by re-used tubular external fixator systems and manual traction with regard to the quality of re-duction, and fracture healing. METHODS: A total of 65 patients who were admitted with UTF and underwent intramedullary nailing were assessed; 43 patients un-derwent manual traction technique, and 22 patients underwent TORS technique. The sagittal and coronal plane angulations were eval-uated in initial postoperative radiographs, and radiologic union scores for tibial fractures (RUST) were compared at follow-up X-rays. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43.49±19.09 years in the manual-traction group and 43.41±16.8 years in the TORS group. The mean coronal plane angulation was 1.84±3.16 in the manual traction group and 1.86±4.21 in the TORS group. The mean sagittal plane angulation was 1.19±1.93 in manual traction group and 0.32±0.65 in the TORS group. The number of coronal and sagittal plane angulations >5° was higher in manual traction group than TORS group. The mean RUST was significantly higher in the TORS group than in the manual traction group at 6th, 9th, and 12th-month controls. The union rates were also higher in the TORS group at 9th and 12th-month controls. CONCLUSION: TORS frame is a simple and cheap technique and should be considered as reduction support in the management of UTF by intramedullary nailing.

The effect of the platelet-rich plasma on osteogenic potential of the periosteum in an animal bone defect model.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether plasma-rich plasma (PRP) enhances the osteogenic potential of periosteal grafts used to repair bone defects and maintains both histologically and biomechanically more durable bone tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard bone defect was formed to the left femurs of 54 Sprague-Dawley rats and three groups were formed. In the first group (n=18), no periosteal repair was done for bone defect. In the second group (n=18), periosteal graft tissue was sutured to cover the defect entirely. In the third group (n=18), before periosteal repair, a 1 mL of PRP fibrin was applied into the bone defect. All femoral specimens were compared histologically at four and six weeks and biomechanically by three-point bending test at six weeks after treatment. RESULTS: In the PRP applied group, healing of the bone defect at four weeks was significantly better than the other groups in terms of histological new bone formation (p<0.05). At six weeks, new bone formation in both of the periosteum preserved groups was superior to the first group (p<0.05, for both). There was no statistically significant difference between the second and third groups at the end of the sixth week in the biomechanical analysis, although both groups were significantly stronger than the first group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stimulation of the periosteum with PRP application causes early osteogenic differentiation of precursor cells. Although, at biomechanical basis, PRP application does not create any significant difference, in the recovery of the bone defects at very early period, application of PRP may play a role to accelerate fracture healing and to decrease nonunions.

Comparison Of Short-Term Effects Of Virtual Reality and Short Foot Exercises In Pes Planus.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality exercises (VRE) offers functional, multipurpose usage with a motivational approach. This study aimed to compare VRE and short foot exercises (SFE) in individuals with flexible pes planus. METHODS: Forty participants with pes planus were assigned to the SFE group (n = 20) or VR exercise group (n = 20). Both groups performed exercises three times a week for four weeks. The groups were assessed with a navicular drop test for the height of the medial longitudinal arch, craig Test for femoral anteversion, Star Excursion Test for balance,10 step test for performance. RESULTS: For two groups there is a statistically significant difference between before and after treatments(p < 0.05). There is no difference between VRE and SFE groups after treatments for all parameters(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two different 4-week-exercise programs for pes planus have a similar effect on performance, balance, and navicular drop values in both groups. It was considered that the practice of VR exercises like short foot exercises could also address rehabilitation goals, which included improving balance, performance, and foot posture. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04283357.

Analysis of factors among 30-day and 1-year mortality rates in patients with borderline stable-unstable intertrochanteric hip fracture.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of surgical procedures on mortality and to identify the possible risk factors for mortality in the management of geriatric hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 191 patients (105 women and 86 men; mean age 82.26±9.681 [60-108] years) with AO/OTA 31A2.2 intertrochanteric fractures and treated with sliding hip screw, proximal femoral nail, or hemiarthroplasty were included in this retrospective cohort study. The treatment type was decided by the responsible surgeon according to the patients' pre-injury activity level, bone quality, and features of the fracture. Age, sex, type of fracture, type of surgery performed, American society of anesthesiology (ASA) grade, type of anesthesia, time to surgery, type of physical therapy, length of hospital stay, and number of comorbidities were documented. We evaluated the 30-day and 1-year mortality of patients treated with sliding hip screw (SHS), proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFN-A), or hemiarthroplasty and identified the possible risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients underwent SHS, 58 underwent PFN-A, and 84 underwent hemiarthroplasty. Of these, 2 patients with SHS, 2 with PFN-A, and 11 with hemiarthroplasty died within 30 days after surgery, whereas 7 patients with SHS, 15 with PFN-A, and 23 with hemiarthroplasty died 1 year after surgery. The 30-day and 1-year overall mortality rates were 7.9% and 23.6%, respectively. Both the 30-day and 1-year mortality risks were higher in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty than in patients undergoing SHS (p=0.068 versus 0.058). The 30-day mortality was higher in patients receiving general anesthesia than in those receiving combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (p=0.009). The 1-year mortality risk was higher in patients with ASA grade 4 than in those with grade 1 and 2 (p=0.045). Advanced age (p=0.022) and male sex (p=0.007) were also found to be the risk factors for 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that higher ASA grade, male sex, general anesthesia, and hemiarthroplasty procedures are associated with higher mortality rates in elderly patients with hip fractures. Thus, we highly recommend orthopedic surgeons to consider all these factors in the management of intertrochanteric hip fractures in the geriatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Prognostic Study.

Comparison of Kinesiotaping, Exercise and Subacromial Injection Treatments on Functionality and Life Quality in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Disturbance of scapulohumeral rhythm has been shown to play a major role in subacromial impingement syndrome. Exercise, taping and subacromial injection are first ray conservative treatment modalities. We aimed to correct scapulohumeral rhythm with kinesio taping and exercise program via focusing on especially periscapular muscles not on glenohumeral structures to achieve scapulothorasic stabilization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy five patients were divided into three groups randomly with different treatment modalities which are only exercise group (Group 1), kinesiotaping + exercise group (Group 2), and injection + exercise group (Group 3). Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORCI), Quick Disability of arm, shoulder, hand (Q-DASH), Constant- Murley Scores (CMS) were evaluated for each patient at the beginning, 15th and 60th days and compared in time and technique manner. Scores were analyzed statistically with One-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: All the three groups had better results in short and long term follow ups as compared to initial admission. But in the second group 15th and 60th day results were superior to other groups significantly (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Most of recent studies using kinesio taping were focused on mechanical correction of humerus which will be an impaired treatment to correct the main cause of impingement. Not only mechanical correction of periscapular muscles and also stabilization of scapulae will help to gain scapulohumeral rhythm.

Comparison of functional outcomes in patients fixed with dynamic hip screw and proximal femur nail-anti-rotation in A1 and A2 type intertrochanteric femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare clinical and functional outcomes between patients treated with Dynamic hip screw (DHS) and Proximal Femoral Nail-Antirotation (PFN-A) implants. METHODS: This study included 122 patients (66 men [54.1%] and 56 women [45.9%]) who underwent surgery with DHS and PFN-A for an intertrochanteric femur fracture and had at least 12 months follow-up. Reduction assessment, femoral neck-shaft angle and tip-apex distance measurements were performed in early postoperative radiographs. On control visits in months 1, 3, 6 and 12, range of motion, thigh or hip pain, and Trendelenburg positivity were assessed in clinical examination and reduction assessment, femoral neck-shaft angle and tip-apex distance measurements were performed on radiographs after the union. Patients were assessed using Hip Harris Score after the union. RESULTS: Regardless of implant type used, mean tip-apex distance measured at the immediate postoperative period was 27.6 in patients with implant failure, whereas 21.6 in patients without, indicating a significant difference. Again, mean femoral neck-shaft angle measured at the immediate postoperative period was 123 degree in patients with implant failure, whereas 130 degree in those without, indicating a significant difference. It was found that the femoral neck-shaft angle was <128 degree in all patients with implant failure whereas it was >128 degree in 94% of patients without implant failure at immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The findings regarding femur neck-shaft angle at the immediate postoperative period was <128 degree in all patients with implant failure and that it was ≥128 degree in 94% of patients without implant failure emphasize the importance of anatomic restoration in femur neck-shaft angle during surgery. The finding that mean tip-apex distance was 27.6 mm in patients with implant failure and 21.6 mm in patients without implant failure indicates that the technique is as important as implant type selected for treatment success of the implantation.

Who Tweets About Diabetic Foot on Twitter and Which Tweets Are More Attractive?

Diabetic foot is a serious problem for health care systems. Twitter can provide communication between people and it might be an informative tool for health care management. The purpose of this study is detecting the people or organizations that tweet about diabetic foot and analyze the interactions of these tweets on Twitter. All tweets containing the keyword "diabetic foot" in April 2019 were collected. The users were separated into 7 groups: patients with diabetes, health care providers, nongovernmental organizations, information sites and communication media, private companies, medical students, and others. Health care professionals and nonprofessionals were evaluated in likes, mentions, and retweets. The major group was health care providers. By 2-group comparisons of professionals and nonprofessionals, all likes, mentions, and retweets were significantly different (P = .02, P = .04, P < .001, respectively). We concluded that the tweets of health care professionals get more interaction than others. Twitter might be a useful tool to distinguish accurate information about diabetic foot. Also, health care professionals should use for making people aware of the diabetic foot and shed light on society.

Mesenchymal stem cells have significant anti-infective effect on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis vascular graft infections.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation on vascular graft infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and compare with antibiotic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult 56 Wistar rats (age, over 5 months; weighing, 300-350 g) were divided into eight groups. Group 1 was defined as the control group and group 2 was defined as the infected control group. Groups 3 and 4 were defined as Dacron grafted and MRSE infected groups, treated with tigecycline and MSCs, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were performed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft and infected with MRSE. These groups were also administered tigecycline and MSC treatment, respectively. Groups 7 and 8 were infected with MRSE without graft administration and were also performed tigecycline and MSC treatment, respectively. Grafts and soft tissue specimens were collected at 13 days postoperatively. Colony counts of peri-graft tissue were performed. All samples were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the markers that determine stem cell activity. RESULTS: The overall success of the treatments was assessed by the number of rats with MRSE recurrence, regardless of graft used. The difference between the untreated group 2, tigecycline groups (3, 5 and 7) and MSCs groups (4, 6 and 8) were statistically significant. Success of MSC and tigecycline treatments was similar in Dacron, PTFE, and non-grafted groups. There was a resistance of MRSE infection in Dacron groups to MSC and tigecycline treatments. This was considered to be indicative of the susceptibility of the Dacron grafts to infection. However, there was no significant difference between group 2 and Dacron groups in terms of bacterial colonization. ELISA results were significant in three cytokines. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells can be considered as an alternative treatment option on its own or part of a combination therapy for control of vascular graft infections.

Comparison of bench-top simulation versus traditional training models in diagnostic arthroscopic skills training.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the efficacy of existing training models for acquisition of arthroscopic skills and to investigate the most effective training method or combination of methods for residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 fifth-year students from medical school (40 males, 60 females; mean age 23.7 years; range, 22 to 33 years) volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly divided into five education groups (E1-5): group E1 (trained on bench-top simulator), group E2 (read surgical technique), group E3 (read surgical technique and watched surgical video), group E4 (watched surgical video only), and group E5 (control group). After completion of the pre-training, each student was individually asked to perform an arthroscopy practice. A checklist containing the tasks to be performed was given to students and students were asked to complete the tasks on the checklist in five minutes. RESULTS: In group E1, the mean rate of successful achievement of tasks was significantly higher than other groups in both knee and shoulder arthroscopy models. Rate of each task was statistically similar for groups E2, E3, E4 and E5. In group E1, mean durations for completion of tasks in both arthroscopy models were significantly shorter than other groups. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender between those who successfully completed the tasks in both arthroscopy models. CONCLUSION: A basic arthroscopic bench-top simulator may be a low-cost and effective training method to increase arthroscopic skill levels in resident training compared to traditional methods.

The effect of intensive exercise program and kinesiotaping following total knee arthroplasty on functional recovery of patients.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a gold standard for terminal term gonarthrosis patients in order to diminish pain, correct deformities, and regain stability. Postoperative functional recovery of patients depends on the current postoperative rehabilitation program to an important extent. The purpose of our study is to compare midterm functional level of gonarthrosis patients who were included in physiotherapy rehabilitation program following TKA with people in similar ages without any surgical indication nor intervention. We have aimed also to compare functionality of people who had additional kinesiotaping (KT) treatment with people who had conservative treatment only after knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Functional level and knee functionality of people in study were evaluated at the end of postoperative first month by 6-min walk test and Lysholm knee score respectively. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between groups with and without TKA in terms of height, weight, body mass index, Lysholm score, and 6-min walk test score (p > 0.05). In patient group with TKA, people with postoperative KT treatment had greater 6-min walk test score for postoperative first month (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: TKA is considered a gold standard procedure in order to increase the quality of life and improve functionality of terminal term gonarthrosis patients. It is necessary to immediately control pain and edema of knee and apply intensive rehabilitation program aimed at muscle strengthening around hip and knee in order to increase the success of operation.

Rafting technique without bone grafting in reverse Hill-Sachs lesions.

In this article, we report a case of bilateral posterior shoulder instability, having reverse Hill-Sachs lesions of 25 to 50% of the articular surface on the right side, and of 50% on the left side. The defects were anatomically reconstructed after tuberculum minus osteotomy by elevation of the articular surface and buttressing with raft screws without graft usage. Early rehabilitation with pendulum shoulder exercises was started at third postoperative day. At postoperative sixth week, patient had full range of motion without instability and pain. At postoperative 18th month, the patient had normal physical examination and the constant shoulder score was 86, which was 92.4% of the age- and gender-matched population. Rafting technique without bone grafting may be a treatment alternative with satisfactory clinical results for medium to large sized reverse Hill-Sachs lesions of posterior shoulder instability.

Comparison of two medial epicondylectomy techniques in cubital tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare partial medial epicondylectomy (PMe) and distal medial epicondylectomy (DMe) techniques in terms of sensory and motor improvements, functional results and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 59 cubital tunnel syndrome patients (37 males, 22 females; mean age 42.3 years; range 23 to 80 years). Of the patients, DMe was applied on 30 and PMe was applied on 29. Patients were evaluated with Wilson Krout scores, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) test, and grip and pinch strength measurements preoperatively and at postoperative third, sixth, and 12th months. Both groups' pre- and postoperative intragroup and intergroup results were compared. RESULTS: Wilson Krout scores in postoperative checks were better with DMe compared to PMe. The improvement in SWM test scores was statistically significant for only DMe. The improvement in grip strength, lateral pinch and terminal pinch measurements in DMe group was significant at postoperative third month. In PMe group, significant improvement for these measurements was obtained at postoperative sixth month. The only complication observed with DMe was tenderness developing over the medial epicondyle. Painful subluxation of the nerve associated with paresthesia was detected in four patients in PMe group. CONCLUSION: Compared to PMe, DMe offers more satisfactory subjective results. Motor functional recovery occurs earlier with DMe. DMe appears to have lower complication rates.

Congenital extensor tendon dislocation causing pseudotriggering of the little finger.

The main complaints in extensor tendon dislocations are pain, swelling, sense of discomfort, snapping and difficulty in writing and forceful flexion. However, congenital extensor tendon subluxations may present with triggering of the fingers due to tendon dislocations. Unnecessary A1 pulley release may be performed for pseudotriggerring with unsuccessful results. Here, we report an unusual case of congenital extensor tendon subluxation of multiple digits with triggering of the left little finger and aim to attract notice to pseudotriggering of the digits due to tendon dislocations. An extensor hood reconstruction performed by an extensor digitorum communis tendon slip which is passed beneath the deep intermetacarpal ligament is a successful choice of treatment for these patients.

Anterior inferior iliac spine avulsion fracture: a series of 5 cases.

Avulsion fractures of the pelvic apophyses rarely occur in adolescent athletes in the course of sudden strong contraction of muscle attached to growth cartilage. This injury may usually be misdiagnosed for tendon or muscle strain. Patient's history, physical examination, and radiologic studies are important for diagnosis. The literature includes only a few case reports but no case series as yet. The aim of this study was to present the results of 5 cases of anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) avulsion fractures treated conservatively. The study included 5 patients (4 male, 1 female, mean age 13.6 years) who underwent conservative treatment for AIIS avulsion fractures and had an adequate follow-up. All patients were admitted to the emergency department and misdiagnosed as muscle strain. Three of them were football player, 1 skier, and 1 fighter. Each patient was treated with immobilization and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. At follow-up, all patients showed relief from their pain and mechanical symptoms and regained full range of motion and returned to their previous levels of activity. Diagnosis requires careful attention to the physical examination and imaging. In this series, all pelvic avulsion fractures (100%) were managed successfully with a conservative approach. Good results and return to previous levels of activity can be achieved with conservative treatment.

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on fracture healing in rat femural fractures with intact and excised periosteum.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on fractures with intact periosteum and excised periosteum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups. Osteotomy and intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation were performed on all right femurs under ketamin anesthesia. The first group (n=10) was identified as control group. In the second group (n=10), periosteum located at the osteotomy site was excised circumferentially during surgery. In the third group (n=9), periosteum was left intact and ESWT was applied. In the forth group (n=8), periosteums of all rats were excised and ESWT was applied. All fracture lines were evaluated radiographically each two weeks and histologically at the sixth week. Results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: In periosteum excised group which represents a model of open fractures with soft tissue defect, ESWT application had a significantly positive histologic effect on bone healing. However, radiological evaluation did not reveal any statistically significant difference between groups with intact and excised periosteums. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, ESWT can be used to improve fracture healing and prevent pseudoarthrosis in the treatment of open fractures with accompanying soft tissue and periosteum damage. However, further clinical studies are required to include ESWT in routine practice.

An unusual presentation of peroneal neuropathy secondary to pigmented villonodular synovitis: a case report.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVS) is a benign proliferative disorder of unknown origin that affects synovial joints, most commonly the knee. The joint knee can be affected by localized or diffuse form. Diffuse PVS, the aggressive form of the disease is much more problematic, especially when it extends extra-articularly, and is associated with high recurrence rates. Although this disease is categorized as an inflammatory process rather than a neoplasm, it may be locally destructive and involve muscles, tendons, bone and skin. Neural involvement of the disease is rather rare, and only limited knowledge about neuropathy due to PVS we have yet. The presentation of the disease in our patient is a peroneal neuropathy which is the first reported case in English language literature of PVS of the knee seen with extra-articular tissue involvement.

Elution characteristics and mechanical properties of calcium sulfate-loaded bone cement containing teicoplanin.

BACKGROUND: Acrylic bone cement is the most widely used drug delivery system clinically. It has already been shown that antibiotic release is significantly increased when calcium sulfate-loaded acrylic bone cement is used. However, there is no information yet about the mechanical responses of these composite materials. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium sulfate on the elution characteristics and mechanical behavior of teicoplanin-loaded acrylic bone cement. METHODS: Four groups of acrylic bone cements (GI, GII, GIII, GIV) were prepared using the same liquid/powder ratios. After mixing, the bone cement and additive mixtures were packed into different-type molds to prepare the specimens for the elution and mechanical tests. All of the specimens were tested for two conditions (dry and human plasma solution). The mechanical tests included the setting time (hardness) and tensile, bending, and compression strengths. The fracture surfaces of the failed samples were also examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Teicoplanin release in the calcium sulfate powder added groups (GIII and GIV) was higher than that of GII. When the calcium sulfate and teicoplanin were added on acrylic bone cement, the compressive, bending and tensile strength, hardness values, and elastic modulus decreased. Also, further reductions were evident in human plasma solution. CONCLUSIONS: Although mechanical properties of tested specimens decreased, all of the results obtained were higher than those required by the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards, but further investigations are necessary before making definitive statements for clinical applications.