Interpositional Arthroplasty With Extensor Digitorum Brevis Tendon in Freiberg Disease.

BACKGROUND: No consensus has been reached in the treatment of Frieberg disease. Our aim was to evaluate medium- to long-term results of patients with advanced Freiberg disease managed with extensor digitorum brevis tendon interpositional arthroplasty. METHODS: There were 24 patients (19 females, 5 males) managed with interpositional arthroplasty for advanced Freiberg disease between 2003 and 2015. The mean follow-up was 133.8 (range, 60-198) months. According to Smillie classification, there were 4 grade 3, 13 grade 4, and 7 grade 5 patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and postoperatively with visual analog scale (VAS) and subjective satisfaction evaluation. Joint space was evaluated on x-rays. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score increased (53.9 to 80.3, P = .001). Eight patients had excellent, 14 had good, and 2 had fair scores. A significant increase was found in dorsiflexion (38.1° [24°-52°] vs 55.3° [34°-65°]; P = .001) and plantarflexion (19.0° [10°-28°] vs 28.6° [19°-39°]; P = .001). Narrowing of the joint space was not seen in any patient, but expansion was determined in all patients (0.39 [0.35-0.47] vs 0.44 [0.41-0.47] cm; P = .002). Of the patients, 9 were very satisfied, 12 were satisfied, 2 were moderately satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. The mean postoperative VAS pain score was 1.7 ± 0.9 (0-4). CONCLUSION: After a minimum 5-year follow-up, most patients with Freiberg disease managed with interpositional arthroplasty using the extensor digitorum brevis tendon had excellent to good functional results with a widening of the joint space. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tranexamic acid in total knee replacement which protocol? which application form? A prospective randomised study.

The aim of this study was to prospectively compare different delivery forms, doses and combined application forms of TXA for the reduction of blood loss and prevention of the allogeneic blood transfusion in patients with TKA and evaluate the results. The study included patients with knee joint osteoarthritis who were unresponsive to conservative management and 168 patients met the inclusion criteria. They were divided into 5 groups randomly as, Control (1), Local (2), Systemic+short infusion (3), Systemic+long infusion (4) and Systemic+oral TXA (5). When compared with the Control group, blood loss was significantly reduced in Groups 2, 3 and 4 (p=0.001, 0.001, 0.003) but not in Group 5. Twenty- four hour drainage output was lower in all treatment groups (p=0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.004). Although TXA groups had no difference in terms of blood loss, 24- hour drainage outputs of the local TXA group were less than Group 4 and 5 and it yielded similar amounts in comparison with group 3. It was determined that TXA use whether local or systemic gave rise to decreased blood loss and prevent allogeneic blood transfusion. But, regarding the results above, local TXA seemed to have favorable effects when compared with systemic+long infusion and systemic+oral TXA usage, whereas local use had similar results with systemic+short infusion. Additionally, there found no difference between systemic+short, systemic+long infusion and systemic+oral combined TXA usage with respect to blood loss, transfusion rates and drain follow-up. We recommend further prospective randomized controlled studies to make clear these differences. Systemic+oral combined TXA use have promising results when compared with other systemic multiple deliveries.

Thickness of plantar fascia is not predictive of functional outcome in plantar fasciitis treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define a quantitative parameter to indicate which cases of plantar fasciitis will benefit from local corticosteroid injection or ESWT and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities. METHODS: Seventy patients (mean age: 49.10; range: 41-58) with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatment for 3 months were treated with either betamethasone injection or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Correlation between AOFAS scores, fascia thickness, duration of symptoms, age and calcaneal spur length were assessed. RESULTS: Degree of fascial thickening (mean 4.6 mm for all patients) did not influence baseline AOFAS scores (r = -0.054). Plantar fascia thickness significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (1.2 mm for steroid, 1.2 mm for ESWT) (p < 0.01 for both groups). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores (68% for steroid and 79% for ESWT, p = 0.069) and fascial thickness (24% for steroid and 26% for ESWT, p = 0.344) were similar between two groups. Functional recovery was not correlated with baseline fascial thickness (r = 0.047) or degree of fascial thinning after treatment (r = -0.099). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores was correlated only with baseline AOFAS scores (r = -0.943). CONCLUSIONS: Plantar fascia thickness increases significantly in plantar fasciitis and responds to treatment. Both ESWT and betamethasone injection are effective in alleviating symptoms and reducing plantar fascia thickness in chronic plantar fasciitis. However, the only predictive factor for functional recovery in terms of AOFAS scores is patients' functional status prior to treatment. Measuring of plantar fascia is not helpful as a diagnostic or prognostic tool and MRI imaging should be reserved for differential diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Functional and radiological results of percutaneous K-wire aided Métaizeau technique in the treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the radiological and functional results and the efficiency of paediatric radial neck fracture fixation following reduction with the Métaizeau technique together with percutaneous K-wire applied under fluoroscopy to ensure minimum soft tissue damage. METHODS: The study included 20 patients with Judet Type 3, Type 4a and Type 4b fractures operated on with the Métaizeau technique aided by percutaneous K-wire between 2007 and 2014. The mean age of the patients was 9.75 years (range, 4-13 years). Mean preoperative angulation was measured as 52.4° (range, 35°-85°). The average postoperative follow-up time was 34.65 months (range, 13-84) months. Postoperative radiological evaluations were made according to the Ursei classification and functional assessment with the Tibone - Stoltz classification system. RESULTS: Radiologically, the difference between preoperative and postoperative radius head angulation was found statistically significant (p0.001). In the clinical assessment of injured and uninjured arms, there was no statistically significant difference between flexion-extension (p = 0.330) and supination-pronation range of motion (p = 0.330) and carrying angles (p = 0.094). According to the radiological Ursei evaluation, 17 (85%) patients were in perfect condition and 3 (15%) were good. In the classification of Tibone - Stoltz, 16 (80%) patients were evaluated as perfect, 3 (15%) as good and 1 (5%) as fair. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study and related literature, the use of the Métaizeau technique in displaced radial neck fractures requiring surgical treatment in children can be recommended since it creates minimum damage to the soft tissue, is easy to apply and the results are satisfactory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

A randomized comparison of the proximal crescentic osteotomy and rotational scarf osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological results of proximal crescentic osteotomy (PCO) and rotational scarf osteotomy performed in the treatment of hallux valgus. METHODS: A total of 57 consecutive patients (60 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus deformity were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The PCO group consisted of 22 women and 5 men (30 feet) and the mean age was 43(±14.5) years. The scarf group consisted of 23 women and 7 men (30 feet) and the mean age was 40.9(±12.6) years. Outcomes were assessed by using of preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and visual analogue scale (VAS). Weight bearing X-rays were used for radiological evaluation. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS scores improved from 42(±16.2) to 66.7(±13.4) points in PCO group and from 36.2(±16.1) to 73.2(±13.5) points in scarf group. The mean pain score improved from 6.3(±1.3) to 2.4(±2) in PCO group and from 6.5(±1.9) to 2.5(±1.3) in scarf group. The mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) decreased from 38.1°(±7.1) preoperatively to 23.8°(±8.5) at postoperative first year in PCO group, and from 36.1°(±7.5) preoperatively to 22.2°(±7.5) at postoperative first year in scarf group. The mean intermetatarsal angle (IMA) decreased from 17.3°(±3.8) preoperatively to 11.8°(±3.3) at postoperative first year in PCO group, and from 16.2°(±2.6) preoperatively to 9.3°(±2.4) at postoperative first year in scarf group. When all the patients were assessed together, the relations between preoperative DMAA values and postoperative first year HVA (r = 0,327) and IMA (r = 0,399) values were positive but had low significance. The HVA and IMA values were increased in both groups at the end of the first year when compared to the postoperative sixth week values (p < 0.01 for both groups for both values). CONCLUSION: The PCO and the rotational scarf osteotomy in the treatment of hallux valgus deformity provides a satisfactory correction. The clinical and radiological results of both methods are similar. Especially in patients with high preoperative DMAA, an increase in the HVA and the IMA values may occur in the first postoperative year when compared to the postoperative sixth week values. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

The Efficacy Of 1,2- Intercompartmental Supraretinacular Artery Pedicled Vascularised Bone Graft For Scaphoid Proximal End Non-Union And Avascular Necrosis.

The aim is to show the efficacy of 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularised bone graft in treatment of scaphoid non-union with concomitant proximal end avascular necrosis retrospectively. Twentytwo cases of scaphoid nonunion with concomitant proximal end avascular necrosis were evaluated. Radiographic evaluation was made with radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical evaluation was made according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Mayo wrist score, and the Short Form-36. Union was achieved in 18 81.8%. The mean age was 31.13 ± 5.29 years and the mean follow-up was 34.95±16.87 months. The median wrist flexionextension range was 123.5° (100°-144°) preoperatively and 128° (82°-146°) postoperatively. The median radial-ulnar deviation was measured as 41.5° (24°- 55°) preoperatively and 42° (24°-58°) postoperatively. The dominant hand was measured as 92% (p = 0.061) grip strength compared to the healthy side and the non-dominant side as 74% (p = 0.012). Improvement was observed in all patients in SF-36,DASH,Mayo score and in patients with union (p < 0.001). The radiological and clinical results of this study showed that 1,2- intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularised bone graft is an effective method in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with concomitant proximal end avascular necrosis.

Posterior cruciate-substituting total knee replacement recovers the flexion arc faster in the early postoperative period in knees with high varus deformity: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior cruciate retention (CR) and substitution (PS) has been controversial in knee replacement surgery. Satisfactory medium and long-term results have been reported in knees with and without deformity but there are limited studies about early functional comparison in terms of recovery of flexion arc, stair activity, walking ability and straight leg raising, especially, in early postoperative period in knees with deformity. Therefore, we aimed to compare the flexion arc in CR and PS knees in postoperative first year including early postoperative days prospectively. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a deformity of >10° were included and allocated to CR and PS groups randomly. KSS and Feller-patella scores were recorded both preoperatively and postoperatively (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th months). Flexion and extension were measured both preoperatively and postoperatively (1st, 2nd, 3rd day and discharge day as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th months). Visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded postoperatively at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and discharge day and at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th months. The walking ability, stair activity and straight leg raising were recorded. Patients were also examined at the last visit with minimum 7-year follow-up with KSS, Feller-patella and VAS scores. Their mean flexion arcs were measured and recorded. RESULTS: There were 61 TKR evaluated. KSS knee and function scores at the 3rd month and KSS Knee Score at 1st year were superior in PS knees (p = 0.029, p = 0.046, p = 0.026). Flexion arc was found larger on day 1, 2, 3 and discharge day, and at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th month in PS group (p = 0.048, p = 0.002, p = 0.027, p = 0.043, p = 0.014, p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p = 0.018). Walking and stair activity showed no difference but straight leg raising was better in CR knees (p = 0.02). Mean flexion arc was larger in PS knees at the last visit after 7 years (119.0° ± 7.5° in PS and 113.8° ± 8.7° in CR, p = 0.02). There was no revision required in that time interval. The other parameters were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PS knees gained active flexion arc faster and larger. But straight leg raising activity recovered early in CR knees. Both types of prosthesis produced satisfactory outcome. PS and CR TKRs can be performed with the same performance in osteoarthritic knees even with high varus deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Level II.

The effect of local and systemic application of tranexamic acid on the amount of blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion after total knee replacement.

The effect of local and systemic Tranexamic Acid on blood loss and need for transfusion after total knee replacement was compared prospectively. Between 2012-2013, 90 patients with unilateral TKR were included. They were randomly divided into 3 and 15 mg/kg TXA was infused before and 10 mg/kg 1 hour after surgery in Group 1, 2 gr TXA was used topically in 2 and no TXA was applied in 3. Total blood loss and transfusion rate were used as outcome. Mean amounts of blood loss were 898.03 ±â€ˆ298.21, 823.64 ±â€ˆ224.33 and 1263.77 ±â€ˆ298.79 ml in Groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. There was a decrease in blood loss in TXA groups (p < 0.001). No difference was found between local and systemic groups (p = 0.385). Transfusion was not required in TXA groups but it was 8 in control group. No thromboembolic problem was seen in any patient. Since TXA decreased blood loss and lessen the need for transfusion significantly without increasing thromboembolic events in TKR, we suggest its usage in TKR either systemically or topically whenever possible. Level of evidence: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Level II).

Centre of the posterior cruciate ligament and the sulcus between tubercle spines are reliable landmarks for tibial component placement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the axes aligned with the sulcus between the tibial spines and the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament at the knee and with the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle provide a neutral rotational and coronal alignment of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In a cohort of 45 TKA patients, CT scans were taken to quantify coronal and rotational positioning of the components. All patients received a posterior stabilised total knee replacement with a fixed insert (PFC Sigma; DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc; Warsaw, IN, USA). The tibial guide was aligned with the sulcus between the tibial spines and the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament at the knee and with the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle. RESULTS: The average post-operative coronal mechanical alignment was 1° varus (range 4.5° varus-1.5° valgus; SD ±1.51). The average post-operative rotational deviation from the transepicondylar axes (TEA) was 0.78° of internal rotation (1.50° of internal rotation - 3.5° of external rotation) for the tibial component. The whole-extremity mechanical axis deviation was outside the tolerance range of 3° in 4 patients (8.9 %). Deviation of the tibial component rotational position relative to the TEA was 3° or less in 94.5 % of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: When the tibial component is aligned using the axis drawn from the centre of the PCL to the sulcus between the tibial spines on the proximal tibia and to the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle, good alignment will be achieved in both the coronal and axial planes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Accuracy of anatomical references used for rotational alignment of tibial component in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to research which was the most reliable of the four techniques based on local anatomic markers used to determine tibial component rotation in total knee arthroplasty, and whether the markers varied in knees with varus deformity. METHODS: The study included 33 knees with a normal anatomic axis and 32 knees with a varus deformity and osteoarthritis. On the MR images, the femoral transepicondylar axis (TEA) was determined and transposed to the standard tibial resection level. At this level, four axes were drawn on the axial sections: tibial posterior condylar line (PC), tibial plateau anterior line (AC), a vertical line (AA) drawn to Akagi's line, and the maximal mediolateral distance (MMLD). The relationships of these lines and the transposed TEA were compared between two groups. RESULTS: In all the knees, the mean values of the PC, AA, and MMLD axes compared to TEA reference were 5.5° ± 5.7 (mean ± SD), 7° ± 3.2, and 6.7° ± 8.1 internal rotation, respectively, and the AC axis was 8.9° ± 6.7 external rotation. In the AC, AA, and MMLD axes, the change occured because of varus deformity was statistically meaningful. For all the observers, the axis with the least SD and the most accuracy was the AA axis. CONCLUSIONS: Of the four axes used to determine tibial component rotation, only the PC axis is not affected by varus deformity, and the least affected axis according to the observers was the AA axis, and thus the AA and PC axes can be used for guidance in determining the rotation of the tibial component. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic studies-investigating natural history and evaluating the effect of a patient characteristic: High-quality prospective cohort study with >80% follow-up, and all patients enrolled at same time point in disease, Level I.

[The relationship between chronic hip pain and femoroacetabular impingement: an evaluation with clinical signs and radiography]. / Kronik kalça agrisi ile femoroasetabuler sikisma arasindaki iliski: Klinik bulgular ve radyografi ile degerlendirme.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the rate of the clinical and radiographic findings of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients with chronic hip pain and compared the findings with those of a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiographic findings of FAI in 38 patients (group 1) having hip pain for more than three months were analyzed and compared with 42 controls (group 2). Internal rotation degrees were measured while the hips were at 90° flexion and impingement test was performed by rotating the hips internally at 90° flexion and adduction. The FAI findings were investigated on anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and cross-table lateral radiographs of the hip joint in both groups. The collum-diaphyseal angle, alpha angle and anterior offset ratio on the femoral side and the center-edge angle, acetabular index, extrusion index and crossover sign on the acetabular side were evaluated. RESULTS: The internal rotation degree of the painful hips were less than 20 degree in 18 (47.4%) patients in group 1 and in one (2.4%) patient in group 2 (p<0.001). The impingement sign was positive in 15 (39.5%) patients in group 1 and in one (2.4%) patient in group 2 (p<0.001). While the rate of radiographic findings that can cause pincer type FAI were same in both groups, the rate of patients with radiographic findings that can cause cam type FAI was 76.3% (n=29) in group 1 and 42.9% (n=18) in group 2 (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Femoroacetabular impingement is one of the causes of chronic hip pain and if evaluated with suitable clinical and radiographic parameters, the rates of diagnosis may increase.

A comparison of the scapular manipulation and Kocher's technique for acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the scapular manipulation technique and the Kocher's method in terms of efficacy, safety, and the intensity of pain felt by the patient in the reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2009 and January 2010, a total of 64 patients with acute traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder were evaluated. Of the 64 patients assessed, three patients were excluded because of cardiopulmonary problems. The remaining 61 patients (41 males, 20 females; mean age 42±18.5 years; range 17 to 87 years) were enrolled in this prospective randomized study and divided into two groups. Thirty-one patients were treated with scapular manipulation (group 1) and 30 patients were treated by the Kocher's method (group 2). A procedural sedation/analgesia was applied before the reduction to meet the target sedation score of 1 or 2 according to the Ramsay sedation scale. A visual analog scale was used to determine the intensity of the pain felt by the patients during reduction. RESULTS: Reduction was successfully achieved with the scapular manipulation method in 96.7% of the patients, and with the Kocher's method in 93.3% (p>0.05). The degree of pain experienced by group 1 was lower than group 2 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both scapular manipulation and Kocher's techniques are successful and reliable methods when procedural sedation/analgesia is used routinely. Scapular manipulation is a less painful method of reduction of an anterior shoulder dislocation in comparison with the Kocher's technique.

What do patients recall from informed consent given before orthopedic surgery?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the consent process and the retention of relevant information in patients with orthopedic trauma and those undergoing elective surgery. METHODS: The study enrolled 142 consecutive patients (79 women, 63 men; mean age 52.02±20.05 years) undergoing either elective or trauma-related surgery. The patients were introduced to the consent process, which involves a verbal and written explanation of the orthopedic condition, surgical procedure, and intraoperative and postoperative risks. At postoperative 1-3 days, patients were asked to recall the orthopedic condition, procedure they underwent, and risks of the surgery. RESULTS: The rate of recall by patients was 131/142 patients (92.3%) for diagnosis, 86/142 patients (60.6%) for surgical procedure, and 32/142 patients (22.5%) for potential complications. Fifty-nine patients (41.5%) could not recall any potential complications. Gender did not influence the ability to describe the operation or potential complications (p>0.05). Advanced age negatively affected recall of information about the surgery and complications (p<0.01), and educational level was correlated with the recall rate (p<0.05). Forty-two patients (29.6%) claimed to have read the consent form before signing it. A greater percentage of patients undergoing elective surgery had read the consent form (p<0.05). Rate of not recalling any potential complications was higher in the trauma group compared with the elective surgery group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients had poor retention of information presented during the consent procedure. Further attention should be focused on enhancing patients' understanding of several components of the informed consent process for surgery.

The effect of blood albumin and total lymphocyte count on short-term results in elderly patients with hip fractures.

BACKGROUND: A study was performed to determine the effects of blood albumin and total lymphocyte count on the postoperative one-year period in 74 elderly hip fracture patients. METHODS: In 2006, 74 patients (52 female, 22 male) with hip fracture who were 65 years of age or older were included in the study. Admission albumin levels and total lymphocyte counts were recorded. The outcomes examined were mortality, length of hospital stay and ambulatory ability. Ambulatory ability was assessed according to Parkland and Palmer criteria. RESULTS: There were 61 patients aged 65-84 years, and 13 patients aged 85-105 years. Forty-one patients (55.4%) had hypoalbuminemia and 23 patients (31.1%) had low total lymphocyte count. Low albumin and total lymphocyte counts were associated with higher mortality (p = 0.011). Patients with low albumin levels had longer length of hospital stay (p = 0.002). Patients with normal albumin and total lymphocyte counts had higher mobility score meaning better function (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis yielded that low total lymphocyte count, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 3-4 and female gender remained significant independent predictors of one-year mortality. No single blood parameter was found to be effective on ambulatory status. CONCLUSION: Risk of mortality in elderly hip fracture patients increases with female gender, ASA 3-4 and low total lymphocyte counts. Hypoalbuminemia is associated with longer hospitalization. Identification of these risk factors can help in the case management for a more favorable outcome.

Nonunion of a Hoffa fracture in an adult.

The coronal fractures of femoral condyles, known as Hoffa fractures, are a rarity. Conservative management often leads to unsatisfactory results and nonunion. In this study, we present a case of a 35-year-old patient with an established nonunion of medial Hoffa fracture of right knee treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the radiologic and functional outcomes of patients with radial head fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Between 1998-2003, 15 patients (7 males, 8 females; mean age 34.1; range 18 to 49 years) with radial head fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Follow-up time was 54.6 months (42-78). Three fractures were Mason type II, 8 were III and 4 were IV. They were evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and functionally by Broberg and Morrey criteria. RESULTS: All the fractures except in 1 patient with Mason type III had united. The mean range of motion of the elbow was 20 degrees to 145 degrees with 71.9 degrees of pronation and 83.2 degrees of supination. According to Broberg and Morrey criteria, the outcome was excellent in 8, good in 4, fair in 1 and bad in 2. Excision and prosthetic replacement were performed in 1 patient because of implant failure. CONCLUSION: We suggest open reduction and internal fixation even in comminuted cases because it gives satisfactory elbow function and avoids radial shortening, loss of motion and wrist joint dysfunction as a result of radial head excision. When it fails, excision and prosthetic replacement can be done later.

Interpositional arthroplasty with extensor digitorum brevis tendon in Freiberg's disease: a new surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Freiberg's infraction is an osteochondrosis of a lesser metatarsal head resulting in joint degeneration. There is no consensus regarding the management of these lesions. Here, we describe an interpositional arthroplasty using extensor digitorum brevis tendon as a solution for Freiberg's disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2006, 6 women and 4 men with Freiberg's disease unresponsive to conservative treatment were operated with interpositional arthroplasty with extensor digitorum brevis tendon. Mean age was 34 (range, 20 to 48) years and followup time 24.6 (range, 12 to 36) months. The transferred tendon was passed through a tunnel, centered, stabilized and rolled into a ball following the debridement of joint. According to the Smillie classification, there were 3 grade II, 5 grade III, and 2 grade IV. The AOFAS scoring system was used for clinical assesment. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores were 58.3 (range, 44 to 77) and 80.4 (range, 67 to 100), respectively. The complaint of pain with joint motion was decreased in all patients except one. The postoperative passive range of motion of joints did not differ significantly. We found 4 excellent (40%), 5 good (50%) and 1 poor (10%) result. CONCLUSION: We recommend our technique of interpositional arthroplasty with the extensor digitorum brevis tendon because it is free of additional donor site morbidity. It can be performed easily without specialized instruments. Also, the use of natural tissue eliminates potential foreign body reactions and risk of infection.

The effects of phytoestrogens on fracture healing: experimental research in New Zealand white rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens are plant-derived natural molecules having some bone forming and bone substituting effects. In the present study, the role of phytoestrogens on bone healing was investigated in a rabbit fracture model. METHODS: Twenty-two New Zealand white rabbits with right tibia fracture were divided into two groups randomly. The plant derived extract of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) prepared before the study was administered intramuscularly in group 1 and group 2 was chosen as control. Fracture healing was monitored in weekly basis with blood alkaline phosphatase level, radiographs of extremities and 99m-Tc MDP bone scintigraphy. The study was finished at the end of the 3rd week. The extremities including tibial fractures were collected for histological examination. RESULTS: Radiographic evidence of fracture healing obtained on postoperative day seven was superior in group 1 than control group (p<0.01). The 99m-Tc MDP bone scintigraphy uptake ratios on postoperative seventh day showed higher uptake in group 1 than in group 2 (p<0.05). The differences of scintigraphic uptakes in fractured tibias calculated on postoperative seventh day and postoperative 14th in group 1 were higher than group 2 (p=0.04). The histopathologic evaluation performed after sacrification of all rabbits on postoperative 25th day showed no significant difference between both groups. No statistical difference was determined related to the other variables. CONCLUSION: Flavonoids affected positively the early periods of fracture healing mechanism in New Zealand white rabbits. We suggest further studies with phytoestrogens to determine the effects of various dosages and administration ways.

Subperiosteal osteoid osteoma in the hallux of a 9-year-old female.

Osteoid osteoma arising in the phalanx is rather uncommon, and although the clinical and radiographic findings can be characteristic, the diagnosis is not always clear. In this article, we describe the case of a 9-year-old female who presented with a painful toe that, after careful evaluation and excisional biopsy, was determined to be caused by subperiosteal osteoid osteoma. The lesion was treated successfully with excision of the nidus.