HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY USING A LOCKING TITANIUM PLATE WITH OR WITHOUT AUTOGRAFTING.

OBJECTIVE: To postoperatively evaluate knee scores, radiological assessment results, deficit correction, patellar height change, bone healing time, and weight bearing time in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with/without autologous iliac bone grafting. METHODS: This retrospective examination of treated controls from a randomized controlled study included 63 knees of 58 patients aged 46-59 years who underwent HTO with locking open wedge osteotomy plates. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, HTO with autologous iliac bone grafts (n = 31); and Group B, HTO without autologous iliac bone grafts (n = 32). Clinical and radiological data were evaluated prospectively at the preoperative consultation and again at 6, 9, and 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery (and annually thereafter). RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences in the radiological assessment, deficit correction, patellar height change, bone-healing time, and weight-bearing time at any time after surgery. The knee scores changed positively in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the results of patients undergoing HTO with open wedge osteotomy titanium locking plates with or without autografting, and comorbidities resulting from autografts were eliminated with the use of locking plates. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Study .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar escores de joelho, resultados da avaliação radiológica, correção de déficits, alteração da altura patelar, tempo de consolidação óssea e tempo para apoio de peso no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) com ou sem enxerto autólogo de osso ilíaco. MÉTODOS: O exame retrospectivo de controles tratados em estudo randomizado e controlado foi realizado em 63 joelhos de 58 pacientes com idade entre 46 e 59 anos submetidos a OTA com placas bloqueadas de titânio em cunha aberta. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, OTA com enxerto de osso ilíaco autólogo (n = 31) e Grupo B, OTA sem enxerto autólogo de osso ilíaco (n = 32). Os dados clínicos e radiológicos foram avaliados prospectivamente na consulta pré-operatória e 6, 9 e 12 semanas e 6 meses e 1 ano após a cirurgia (e depois disso, anualmente). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças significativas quanto a avaliação radiológica, correção de déficit, mudança de altura da patela, tempo de cicatrização óssea e tempo para apoio de peso entre os dois grupos em nenhum momento após a cirurgia. Os escores de joelho mudaram positivamente em ambos os grupos (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença nos resultados dos pacientes submetidos a OTA com placas bloqueadas de titânio em cunha aberta com e sem autoenxerto, e as comorbidades resultantes dos autoenxertos foram eliminadas com o uso de placas bloqueadas. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

High tibial osteotomy using a locking titanium plate with or without autografting / Osteotomia tibial alta com placa bloqueada de titânio com ou sem autoenxerto

ABSTRACT Objective: To postoperatively evaluate knee scores, radiological assessment results, deficit correction, patellar height change, bone healing time, and weight bearing time in patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with/without autologous iliac bone grafting. Methods: This retrospective examination of treated controls from a randomized controlled study included 63 knees of 58 patients aged 46-59 years who underwent HTO with locking open wedge osteotomy plates. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, HTO with autologous iliac bone grafts (n = 31); and Group B, HTO without autologous iliac bone grafts (n = 32). Clinical and radiological data were evaluated prospectively at the preoperative consultation and again at 6, 9, and 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery (and annually thereafter). Results: There were no significant intergroup differences in the radiological assessment, deficit correction, patellar height change, bone-healing time, and weight-bearing time at any time after surgery. The knee scores changed positively in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was no difference in the results of patients undergoing HTO with open wedge osteotomy titanium locking plates with or without autografting, and comorbidities resulting from autografts were eliminated with the use of locking plates. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar escores de joelho, resultados da avaliação radiológica, correção de déficits, alteração da altura patelar, tempo de consolidação óssea e tempo para apoio de peso no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) com ou sem enxerto autólogo de osso ilíaco. Métodos: O exame retrospectivo de controles tratados em estudo randomizado e controlado foi realizado em 63 joelhos de 58 pacientes com idade entre 46 e 59 anos submetidos a OTA com placas bloqueadas de titânio em cunha aberta. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, OTA com enxerto de osso ilíaco autólogo (n = 31) e Grupo B, OTA sem enxerto autólogo de osso ilíaco (n = 32). Os dados clínicos e radiológicos foram avaliados prospectivamente na consulta pré-operatória e 6, 9 e 12 semanas e 6 meses e 1 ano após a cirurgia (e depois disso, anualmente). Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas quanto a avaliação radiológica, correção de déficit, mudança de altura da patela, tempo de cicatrização óssea e tempo para apoio de peso entre os dois grupos em nenhum momento após a cirurgia. Os escores de joelho mudaram positivamente em ambos os grupos (p < 0,001). Conclusões: Não houve diferença nos resultados dos pacientes submetidos a OTA com placas bloqueadas de titânio em cunha aberta com e sem autoenxerto, e as comorbidades resultantes dos autoenxertos foram eliminadas com o uso de placas bloqueadas. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

IS RDW A PREDICTIVE PARAMETER FOR CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PATIENTS REQUIRING SURGERY?

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether haemogram parameters are predictive factors for both the severity of the disease and a decision in favor of surgical treatment in patients with an established diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) . Methods: The medical files of patients with a diagnosis of CuTS who were followed-up conservatively (n=92) or surgically treated (n=92) were retrospectively screened and the haemogram parameters were recorded . Results: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area of 0.665 under the curve, with 76.3% sensitivity and 84.8% specificity at the cut-off of a red cell distribution width (RDW) level grater than 15.45%. RDW levels higher than 15.5%, electromyography (EMG) severity, and a clinical score higher than three were found to be independently associated with surgery . Conclusion: An elevated RDW value was related to the severity of the electromyogram. RDW may, therefore, be a useful independent predictor for the decision to surgical treatment of CuTS. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Comparison of Semi-Invasive "Internal Splinting" and Open Suturing Techniques in Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the semi-invasive "internal splinting" (SIIS) method for repair of Achilles tendon rupture relative to open repair with Krakow sutures. Efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical and functional outcomes, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurements, isokinetic results, and surgical complication rates. Functional measurements included the Thermann and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scores, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare the bilateral length and thickness of each Achilles tendon. The isokinetic outcomes were evaluated using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Of the 45 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 24 were treated by SIIS and 21 by the open Krackow suture technique. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 43.7 (range 6 to 116) months. In the SIIS group, patients returned to normal daily activities after 7.2 (range 6 to 8) weeks compared with 14.3 (range 12 to 15) weeks in the open surgery group. The AOFAS ankle scores were 93.5 (range 82 to 100) points in the open repair group and 96.2 (range 86 to 100) points in the SIIS group. The Thermann scores were 80.4 (range 53 to 91) points for the open repair group and 87.9 (range 81 to 100) points for the SIIS method. The mean Achilles length on the operated side measured using magnetic resonance imaging was 175.06 (range 110 to 224) mm and 177.76 (range 149 to 214) mm for the open surgery and SIIS groups, respectively. Sensory impairment in the territory of the sural nerve was identified in 1 patient immediately after SIIS surgery, although this defect had completely resolved within 12 months. SIIS yielded better outcomes relative to the open surgery group according to the isokinetic measurements. Taken together, these data indicate the SIIS method for Achilles tendon ruptures performed better in terms of both functional and objective outcomes compared with open surgery.

Arthroscopic fixation with intra-articular button for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients.

The aim of this study was to describe our experiences with arthroscopy-guided intra-articular button fixation in the treatment of displaced tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature children. Eleven adolescent patients with an average age of 12.2 years were treated arthroscopically between January 2005 and February 2007. At follow-up evaluation at 69 months, we did not find any instability. Only minimal differences were found in the functional outcomes (Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores: 95.7 and 94.3, respectively). None of the patients had a leg-length discrepancy defined at the time of the final follow-up. The advantages of this technique are as follows: (a) it is a simple and reliable arthroscopic technique with a direct view, (b) the fixation is stable,

Vacuum-assisted closure for skin necrosis after revision total knee arthroplasty.

Although skin necrosis following total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty is rare, it may cause severe complications. Skin changes begin with superficial infections and may result in removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of skin necrosis is an important factor, which determines the prognosis of the prosthesis. Several techniques have been defined for sufficient closure. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was treated for skin necrosis that developed after knee revision arthroplasty, using serial debridement, convergence sutures and an intermittent vacuum-assisted closure device (KCI Inc., San Antonio, TX).

IS RDW A PREDICTIVE PARAMETER FOR CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PATIENTS REQUIRING SURGERY?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether haemogram parameters are predictive factors for both the severity of the disease and a decision in favor of surgical treatment in patients with an established diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) . METHODS: The medical files of patients with a diagnosis of CuTS who were followed-up conservatively (n=92) or surgically treated (n=92) were retrospectively screened and the haemogram parameters were recorded . RESULTS: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area of 0.665 under the curve, with 76.3% sensitivity and 84.8% specificity at the cut-off of a red cell distribution width (RDW) level grater than 15.45%. RDW levels higher than 15.5%, electromyography (EMG) severity, and a clinical score higher than three were found to be independently associated with surgery . CONCLUSION: An elevated RDW value was related to the severity of the electromyogram. RDW may, therefore, be a useful independent predictor for the decision to surgical treatment of CuTS. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Comparação entre fio de kirshner e hastes elásticas de titânio em fraturas pediátricas da diáfase femoral / Kirschner wire versus titanium elastic nails in pediatric femoral shaft fractures

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da fixação intramedular usando o fio deKirschner em comparação com hastes elásticas de titânio (HET)nas fraturas pediátricas da diáfise do fêmur. Métodos: Pacientespediátricos com fraturas da diáfise femoral foram submetidos àfixação intramedular usando o fio de Kirschner ou HET em umgrupo de 42 crianças com idade média de 6,55±2,42 (4-11) anos.Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos,onde 16 (38,1%) pacientes foram tratados com fio de Kirschner e26 (61,9%) pacientes com HET em termos de duração de união.Ademais, nenhum dos pacientes demonstrou má união ou uniãoretardada. Conclusões: O uso do fio de Kirschner ajustado em vezde HET na fixação intramedular de fraturas diafisárias do fêmurem crianças selecionadas pode ser uma opção cirúrgica vantajosadevido ao menor custo, fácil acessibilidade e ausência da necessidadede uma segunda cirurgia para remoção do implante. Nívelde Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixationusing the Kirschner-wire (K-wire) compared to the titaniumelastic nail (TEN) in pediatric femoral shaft fractures. Methods:A sample of 42 pediatric patients with a mean age of 6.55±2.42years (range 4-11 years) presenting femoral shaft fractures underwentintramedullary fixation using the K-wire or TEN. Results:There was no significant difference found between groups, ofwhich 16 (38.1%) patients were treated with K-wire and 26(61.9%) patients were treated with TEN in terms of union duration.Moreover, none of the patients showed nonunion or adelayed union. Conclusions: The use of adjusted K-wire insteadof TEN in the intramedullary fixation of femoral shaft fracturesin selected children may be an advantageous surgical optiondue to the lower cost, easy accessibility and no need for asecond surgery for implant removal. Level of Evidence III,Retrospective Study.

Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy and ultrasound treatment in the patients with lumbar discopathy.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of high intensity laser and ultrasound therapy in patients who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and who were capable of performing physical exercises. 65 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 received 10 sessions of high intensity laser to the lumbar region, Group 2 received 10 sessions of ultrasound, and Group 3 received medical therapy for 10 days and isometric lumbar exercises. The efficacy of the treatment modalities was compared with the assessment of the patients before the therapy at the end of the therapy, and in third month after the therapy. Comparing the changes between groups, statically significant difference was observed in MH (mental health) parameter before treatment between Groups 1 and 2 and in MH parameter and VAS score in third month of the therapy between Groups 2 and 3. However, the evaluation of the patients after ten days of treatment did not show significant differences between the groups compared to baseline values. We found that HILT, ultrasound, and exercise were efficient therapies for lumbar discopathy but HILT and ultrasound had longer effect on some parameters.

Assessment of Postoperative Tendon Quality in Patients With Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tendon Fiber Tracking.

Although pre- and postoperative imaging of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) has been well documented, radiographic evaluations of postoperative intratendinous healing and microstructure are still lacking. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an innovative technique that offers a noninvasive method for describing the microstructure characteristics and organization of tissues. DTI was used in the present study for quantitative assessment of fiber continuity postoperatively in patients with acute ATR. The data from 16 patients with ATR from 2005 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The microstructure of ART was evaluated using tendon fiber tracking, tendon continuity, fractional anisotropy, and apparent diffusion coefficient values by way of DTI. The distal and proximal portions were measured separately in both the ruptured and the healthy extremities of each patient. The mean patient age was 41.56 ± 8.49 (range 26 to 56) years. The median duration of follow-up was 21 (range 6 to 80) months. The tendon fractional anisotropy values of the ruptured Achilles tendon were significantly lower statistically than those of the normal side (p = .001). However, none of the differences between the 2 groups with respect to the distal and proximal apparent diffusion coefficient were statistically significant (p = .358 and p = .899, respectively). In addition, the fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were not significantly different in the proximal and distal regions of the ruptured tendons compared with the healthy tendons. The present study used DTI and fiber tracking to demonstrate the radiologic properties of postoperative Achilles tendons with respect to trajectory and tendinous fiber continuity. Quantifying DTI and fiber tractography offers an innovative and effective tool that might be able to detect microstructural abnormalities not appreciable using conventional radiologic techniques.

Clonus: definition, mechanism, treatment.

Clonus is involuntary and rhythmic muscle contractions caused by a permanent lesion in descending motor neurons. Clonus may be found at the ankle, patella, triceps surae, wrist, jaw, biceps brachii. In general, clonus may occur in any muscle with a frequency of 5-8 Hz and the average period of oscillations of the ankle clonus is approximately 160-200 ms. Plantar flexion (PF) comprises 45% of the period, dorsifleksion (DF) comprises 55% of the period. The first beat is always longer, with the time shortening in continuing beats and becoming stable in the 4th or 5th period. The exact mechanism of clonus remains unclear. Two different hypotheses have been asserted regarding the development of clonus. The most widely accepted explanation is that hyperactive stretch reflexes in clonus are caused by self-excitation. Another alternative explanation for clonus is central generator activity that arises as a consequence of appropriate peripheral events and produces rhythmic stimulation of the lower motor neurons. The durations of clonus burst were found longer than the durations of Soleus medium-latency reflex (MLR). There is a similarity in their nature, although the speed and cause of the stretch of triceps surae differ in the MLR and the clonus, and there is a sufficient period of time for group II afferents and for other spinal mechanisms to be involved in the clonus, together with Ia afferents. Clonus can be treated by using baclofen, applying cold, botox or phenol injections.

KIRSCHNER WIRE VERSUS TITANIUM ELASTIC NAILS IN PEDIATRIC FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation using the Kirschner-wire (K-wire) compared to the titanium elastic nail (TEN) in pediatric femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: A sample of 42 pediatric patients with a mean age of 6.55±2.42 years (range 4-11 years) presenting femoral shaft fractures underwent intramedullary fixation using the K-wire or TEN. RESULTS: There was no significant difference found between groups, of which 16 (38.1%) patients were treated with K-wire and 26 (61.9%) patients were treated with TEN in terms of union duration. Moreover, none of the patients showed nonunion or a delayed union. CONCLUSIONS: The use of adjusted K-wire instead of TEN in the intramedullary fixation of femoral shaft fractures in selected children may be an advantageous surgical option due to the lower cost, easy accessibility and no need for a second surgery for implant removal. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Efficacy of intraarticular application of ketamine or ketamine-levobupivacaine combination on post-operative pain after arthroscopic meniscectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intraarticular injection of ketamine or ketamine plus levobupivacaine on post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed on 60 patients aged 18-65 years who planned to undergo elective arthroscopic meniscectomy. The patients were divided into three groups: the ketamine group (n = 20) received 1.0 mg/kg of intraarticular ketamine in 20 ml of normal saline, the ketamine-levobupivacaine group (n = 20) received 0.5 mg/kg of intraarticular ketamine plus 50.0 mg of 0.25 % levobupivacaine in 20 ml of normal saline, and the control group (n = 20) received 20 ml of intraarticular normal saline. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the efficacy of analgesia at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h post-operatively. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the median VAS scores among the three groups according to Bonferroni adjustment at all time points (p < 0.01), with the exception of 6 and 24 h post-operatively. The median VAS scores at 1, 2, and 4 h post-operatively were higher in the control group than in the two treatment groups (p < 0.001). The median VAS scores in the control group at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h post-operatively and those in the ketamine group at 4, 8, and 12 h post-operatively were significantly higher than those in the ketamine-levobupivacaine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraarticular ketamine provides effective post-operative analgesia. Addition of intraarticular levobupivacaine to ketamine may provide better amelioration of pain after outpatient arthroscopic meniscectomy.

The mechanisms of medial pedicle wall violation: insertion method is as important as correct cannulation of the pedicle.

A cadaver study aims to determine the mechanisms of medial pedicle wall violation after a correct cannulation of the pedicle. The study presents finding out the effect of insertion angle and insertion force on medial wall violation. We used 100 lumbar pedicles of cadavers. Special wooden blocks were produced to simulate a fixed angle fault after a correct pedicle cannulation. Pedicles were divided into 4 groups: 10-degree free drive (group 10), 15-degree free drive (group 15), 10-degree push drive (group 10P), and 15-degree push drive (group 15P). After insertion of pedicle screws, laminectomies were done and the pedicles were evaluated from the inside. Pedicle complications were more in group 10P than group 10 (P = 0.009). Medial wall fracture (P = 0.002) and canal penetration were more in group 15P than group 15 (P = 0.001). Groups 10P and 15P were similar regarding medial wall fractures but canal penetration was significantly higher in group 15P (P = 0.001). Medial wall breaches can happen after correct cannulation of pedicles. Change in insertion angle is one factor but the most important factor is the use of a pushing force while inserting a screw. The pedicle seems to be extremely tolerant to insertion angulation mistakes up to 10 degrees and tends to lead the screw into the correct path spontaneously.

A new isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise using EMG-biofeedback.

A new isometric contraction quadriceps-strengthening exercise was developed to restore the quadriceps strength lost after knee surgery more rapidly. This study evaluated the results of this new method. Patients were taught to perform the isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise in the unaffected knee in the supine position, and then they performed it in the affected knee. First, patients were taught the classical isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise, and then they were taught our new alternative method: "pull the patella superiorly tightly and hold the leg in the same position for 10 seconds". Afterward, the quadriceps contraction was evaluated using a non-invasive Myomed 932 EMG-biofeedback device (Enraf-Nonius, The Netherlands) with gel-containing 48 mm electrodes (Türklab, The Turkey) placed on both knees. The isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise performed using our new method had stronger contraction than the classical method (P < 0.01). The new method involving pulling the patella superiorly appears to be a better choice, which can be applied easily, leading to better patient compliance and greater quadriceps force after arthroscopic and other knee surgeries.