Comparison of sinus tarsi approach versus extensile lateral approach in the management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Controversy still exists for optimal treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). Conven-tionally, the extensile lateral approach (ELA) has been the most preferred approach. Although ELA provides excellent fracture access and direct evaluation of the depressed posterior facet, this approach has a high rate of serious complications, such as hematoma, superficial/deep infection, and wound healing issues. To overcome such complications, more minimally invasive techniques including external fixation, percutaneous fixation, arthroscopic assisted fixation, and sinus tarsi approach (STA) have been recently described. The primary aim of this study was to compare STA and LEA in the treatment of DIACFs. METHODS: Patients who were operated for DIACFs in our clinic were included in the study. Patients with closed DIACFs of Sanders Type II, III, IV, and over 18 years of age were identified. Physical examinations and radiological evaluations of the patients were per-formed, and clinical scores were filled. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the Sander's classification and comparisons were made again according to these subgroups. RESULTS: There were 37 patients (four female and 33 male) in STA group and 44 patients in LEA group (six female and 38 male). The mean age was 44.42±13.57 years (range, 18-61) for STA group and 37.32±11.09 years (range, 18-56) for the LEA group. In clinical outcomes, except for short-form survey (SF-12)/MCS-12 (Mental Score) and visual analog scale score, all the parameters were signifi-cantly better in STA group compared to LEA group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in radiographic results, except for the Böhler angle. Significantly less infection occurred in the STA group compared to LEA group (P=0.021). According to Sander's classification, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, foot and ankle disability index, and SF-12/PCS-12 and foot function index scores, no significant differences were determined between STA and LEA groups for Sanders Type 2, whereas the values were considerably higher in STA group than in LEA group for Sanders Type 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: In DIACFs, STA is considered a safe and effective method for restoring the width, height, and length of the calca-neus and reconstruction of joint alignment and has now become our standard technique for all calcaneal fractures requiring operative treatment.

Reliability of Computer-Assisted and Manual Measurement Methods for Assessment of Graf Type 1 and Type 2 Hip Sonograms.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the interobserver, intraobserver, and intermethod reliability of computer-assisted digital and manual measurements of hip sonograms. METHODS: Seventy-four hip sonograms were evaluated in this retrospective study. Five evaluators measured digital images and manual paper printouts according to the Graf method (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 1984; 102:248-255). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability rates were calculated. Reliability criteria were graded on a numeric scale. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of both computer-based and manual methods for alpha angle measurements was good to excellent, but the interobserver reliability was fair to poor for beta angle measurements. Intraobserver reliability was varied. Alpha angle measurements by both manual and computer-based methods had high concordance with each other, whereas beta angle measurements had low concordance. The intermethod variability did not differ between observers. CONCLUSIONS: The alpha angle measurements had high concordance with each other for both manual and computer-based methods, whereas the beta angle measurements had low concordance. This information should be taken into account in clinical practice. Overall, the two measurement methods were reliable and consistent with each other.

Iloprost inhibits fracture repair in rats.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that prostaglandins (PGs) dramatically stimulate healing processes in bone. However, the effect of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) on fracture healing remains unclear. To investigate the effect of PGI2, a study on fracture healing process in closed tibia fractures was designed. METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into two groups. On the first day, their right tibias were fractured by three-point bending technique. The study group (n = 18) received a single injection of 10 µg/kg iloprost for 5 days, while the control group (n = 18) received saline solution in the same way. On the 7th, 14th and 28th days following the fracture, six rats were sacrificed and their right legs were harvested in each group. The progression of fracture healing was assessed for each specimen by the scores of radiography (by Lane-Sandhu) and histology (by Huo et al). RESULTS: On the 7th day, the radiographic and histologic scores were equal. On the 14th day radiographic total score was 6 and histologic total score was 23 in the iloprost group, whereas radiographic total score was 11 and histologic total score was 33 in the control group. On the 14th day radiographic and histologic scores were significantly decreased in the iloprost group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). On the 28th day radiographic total score was 12 and histologic total score was 37 in the iloprost group, whereas radiographic total score was 15 and histologic total score was 40 in the control group. On the 28th day although there was a decrease in radiographic and histologic scores of the iloprost group acording to control group, it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Iloprost delays fracture healing in early stage in rats.

Comparison of the efficiency of different antibiotic irrigation solutions in decontamination of allografts contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the local antibacterial efficacy of saline, rifampicin, gentamicin, high-concentration fusidic acid and low-concentration fusidic acid in the decontamination of allografts contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Fifty-five sterile, fresh-frozen femoral heads obtained from the bone bank were contaminated with methicillin-sensitive ATCC 25923 Staphylococcus aureus. Samples were divided into groups and debrided with high-pressure (80 psi) pulse lavage using a saline, rifampicin irrigation solution (50 mg/l), gentamicin irrigation solution (50 mg/l) and low- (50 mg/l) or high-concentration (500 mg/l) fusidic acid irrigation solution for 30 seconds from a distance of 10 cm. After irrigation, allografts were incubated in the culture and developed colonies were counted. Mean±standard deviation (min-max) values were calculated. The differences between the four irrigation groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis and groups were compared two at a time using the post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: No colonization was detected with the exception of one allograft in the rifampicin irrigation group. The gentamicin irrigation group had similar results as the high-concentration fusidic acid irrigation group and both results were superior to those of the saline and low-concentration fusidic acid irrigation groups (p=0.010 and 0.004, respectively). The low- and high-concentration fusidic acid irrigation groups were similar and were not shown to have superior results than saline irrigation group. CONCLUSION: Rifampicin irrigation solution was the most effective in the decontamination of allografts previously contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Gentamicin, high-concentration fusidic acid, low-concentration fusidic and saline irrigation solutions may also be used respectively, according to their effectiveness.

Bullet in hip joint.

Recently, hip arthroscopy has become more popular in the diagnosis and extraction of intraarticular foreign bodies compared to open surgery. If a foreign object such as a bullet is not extracted from the hip joint, it may cause mechanical arthritis, infection and systemic lead toxicity. We present the arthroscopic excision of a bullet from the hip joint of a 33-year-old male patient who sustained a gunshot injury.

[Volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures]. / Radius alt uç kiriklarinda volar plak ile tedavi uygulamalari.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the results of volar locking and unlocking plate fixation of adult distal radius fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients (14 female, 20 male, mean age: 48.5 +/- 17.9 years) who were treated for distal radius fractures were investigated retrospectively. The fractures were distributed as follows: 17.6% AO type B3, 11.8% AO type C2 and 70.6% AO type C3. The patients were evaluated clinically (Gartland and Werley score, visual analog scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score) and radiographically (Stewart score). RESULTS: The mean follow-up of patients was 24 +/- 16.3 months. According to the Gartland-Werley score, the results were excellent in 24.9%, good in 55.9%, moderate in 11.8% and poor in 2.9% of the patients. The mean VAS score was 0.5 +/- 1.1, and the mean DASH score was 26.1. According to the Stewart criteria, 44.1% of the patients were rated as excellent, 52.9% as good and 2.9% as moderate. Two patients had complex regional pain syndrome, one patient carpal tunnel syndrome and one patient tenosynovitis. CONCLUSION: Volar plate fixation is a good and effective treatment for distal radius fractures. The plate should be inserted properly and physiotherapy should not be ignored.

Is it possible to save one lumbar segment in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures?

Surgical treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures is controversial. Most authors reported that short segment fixation led to a high incidence of implant failure and correction loss. On the other hand, long segment fixation has the disadvantage of fusing more segments. We aimed to compare the outcomes of long-segment fixation versus two or three levels above and one level below fixation for acute thoracolumbar fractures. Twenty six consecutive patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 included 14 patients treated with long fixation, whereas group 2 included 12 patients treated with two or three levels above and one level below fixation. Fractures were classified according to the Mc Cormack, Magerl and Denis classifications. Clinical (Oswestry questionnaire, Visual analog score) and radiological (Sagittal index, percentage of anterior body height compression, local kyphosis and Cobb angle) outcomes were analysed. The average follow-up for the long and hybrid fixation groups were 28 and 20 months respectively. Clinical scores of both groups at the last follow-up were not significantly different. The preoperative, postoperative and follow-up sagittal index, anterior body height compression, local kyphosis angle and Cobb angle were not significantly different. Correction loss of 3.36 degrees was seen in the long segment fixation group, versus 2.75 degrees in the other group at the last follow-up. There was no significant difference between the results achieved in the patients who had transpedicular fixation two or three levels above and one level below the fractured vertebra and those who had long segment fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Glove perforation time and frequency in total hip arthroplasty procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate glove perforation rate and time and evaluate the factors affecting glove perforation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Nine hundred seventy-nine gloves used in 57 THA procedures were assessed according to the perforation. Forty-four (77.2%) procedures were primary THA and 13 (22.8%) were revision THA. Gloves were changed when perforated, become dirty with blood or blood products, and before bone cementing. All gloves were filled with water at the end of the operation and controlled for perforation. Two hundred and one surgical gloves used during scrubbing and removed after draping the patient were examined as the control group. The location (which finger), number and time of the perforation, surgery type and duration, and distribution of the perforation location according to the surgical team were assessed. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 62.9 ± 14.6 (range: 33 to 97) years and the mean surgery duration was 162.9 ± 32.0 minutes. Thirty-two glove perforations were noted in 19 of the operations. Of these perforations, 28 belonged to the surgeons and first assistants. There was no significant difference between the dominant or non-dominant hand according to the location of perforations. Perforations in the first and second fingers of the gloves accounted for 81.3% of all perforations. There was no significant difference in terms of number of gloves used, perforation numbers and operation duration between the primary and revision THA procedures. Two perforated gloves (0.99%) were found in the control group and the difference between the number of perforations in the control and study groups was significant (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of two pairs of gloves to avoid the risk of contamination and protect the surgical team from infectious disease in major surgeries like THA. Surgical gloves should be changed when they are excessively contaminated with surgical fluids and the surgeon and first assistant should also change their outer gloves at an average of every 90 minutes.

History, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopic correlation in meniscal lesions.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the accuracy of clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus arthroscopic findings and to determine the value of an experienced examiner in clinical decision making. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with a preoperative MRI underwent arthroscopy over a 5-month period. All patients had a clinical examination performed by an experienced knee surgeon, a specialist in general orthopedics, a senior resident, and a fourth-year resident. These examiners recorded and evaluated the results of seven tests: the medial and lateral joint line tenderness test, the McMurray test, the Apley test, the Stienmann I test, the Payr's test, Childress' sign, and the Ege's test. The injury was classified as a meniscal tear if there were two positive tests. Clinical history, physical examination, and MRI findings were compared with the arthroscopic findings. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of these methods of evaluation were then calculated. RESULTS: Clinical examination performed by an experienced knee surgeon had better specificity (90% vs. 60%), positive predictive value (95% vs. 83%), negative predictive value (90% vs. 86%), and diagnostic accuracy (93% vs. 83%) than MRI for medial meniscal tears. These parameters showed only a marginal difference in lateral meniscal tears. The experienced knee surgeon had better sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy parameters for medial meniscus tears in comparison with the other three examiners. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that clinical examination by an experienced examiner using multiple meniscus tests is sufficient for a diagnosis of a meniscal tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Evaluation of the reliability of classification systems used for distal radius fractures.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the reliability of classification systems by determining inter- and intraobserver agreement in displaced distal radius fractures. Radiographs of 32 patients (21 men and 11 women with a mean age of 41.6 years) who presented with a displaced distal radius fracture were classified by 9 orthopedic surgeons (5-25 years experience) using 5 different classification systems (Fernandez, AO, Frykman, Melone, and Universal Classification systems) twice with 20-day intervals. The results were processed with kappa statistics and used in assessment of inter- and intraobserver agreement of the classification systems. When classification systems were compared, the highest kappa coefficient in intraobserver agreement was determined in Universal classification (0.621). Fernandez (0.474), AO (0.309), Frykman (0.305), and Melone classification systems (0.262) followed the Universal system respectively. Kappa statistical results were evaluated using the Landis Koch score system for the assessment of interobserver agreement. According to the Landis Koch score system, the results were insufficient in all classification systems. Fernandez classification system had the highest interobserver agreement (0.235) and Melone classification system had the lowest interobserver agreement (0.056). According to the results of our study, the systems used to classify the displaced distal radial fractures are insufficient. A new classification system that ensures the 3-dimensional assessment of the fracture is more user-friendly and a high inter- and intraobserver agreement is necessary.

Bilateral lunate intraosseous ganglia.

An intraosseous ganglion is a relatively uncommon, benign cystic lesion that occurs in young and middle-aged adults. Bilateral and symmetrical lesions of the wrist are rare. Intraosseous ganglia of the carpal bones are uncommon causes of chronic wrist pain. Isolated cases of intraosseous ganglion have been reported most commonly in the lunate and scaphoid. The lunate was most frequently affected, followed by the capitate, scaphoid, and triquetrum bones. Radiolucent lesions in the carpal bones are not uncommon and are often seen incidentally in asymptomatic patients. The differential diagnosis of a lytic lesion in a carpal bone includes unicameral bone cyst, degenerative cyst, fibrous developmental defect, osteomyelitis, and intraosseous ganglion cyst. This article describes a case of bilateral lunate intraosseous ganglia. A review of the literature revealed that bilateral and symmetrical intraosseous ganglia of the wrist are rare, with only 3 other reported cases of bilateral lunate lesions.

Autologous blood and corticosteroid injection and extracoporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Lateral epicondylitis is a common disorder characterized by pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. It occurs most frequently as a result of minor, unrecognized trauma during sports activities and occupation-related physical activities. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-, medium-, and long-term effects of corticosteroid injection, autologous blood injection, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.Sixty patients (32 women, 28 men) with lateral epicondylitis were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 received a corticosteroid injection; group 2, an autologous blood injection, and group 3, extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Thomsen provocative testing, upper extremity functional scores, and maximal grip strength were used for evaluation. Outcomes were assessed at 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Corticosteroid injection gave significantly better results for all outcome measures at 4 weeks; success rates in the 3 groups were 90%, 16.6%, and 42.1%, respectively. Autologous blood injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy gave significantly better Thomsen provocative test results and upper extremity functional scores at 52 weeks; the success rate of corticosteroid injection was 50%, which was significantly lower than the success rates for autologous blood injection (83.3%) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (89.9%). Corticosteroid injection provided a high success rate in the short term. However, autologous blood injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy gave better long-term results, especially considering the high recurrence rate with corticosteroid injection. We suggest that the treatment of choice for lateral epicondylitis be autologous blood injection.

Tibial hemimelia and femoral bifurcation.

Femoral bifurcation and tibial agenesis are rare anomalies and have been described in both the Gollop-Wolfgang complex and tibial agenesis-ectrodactyly syndrome. This article presents a case of Gollop-Wolfgang complex without hand ectrodactyly. Tibial agenesis-ectrodactyly syndrome and Gollop-Wolfgang complex are variants of tibial field defect, which includes distal femoral duplication, tibial aplasia, oligo-ectrodactylous toe defects, and preaxial polydactyly, occasionally associated with hand ectrodactyly.This article describes the case of a patient with bilateral tibial hemimelia and left femoral bifurcation. The proximal tibial anlage had not been identified in the patient's left leg. After failed fibular transfer procedure, the knee was disarticulated. The other leg was treated with tibiofibular synostosis and centralization of fibula to os calcis. At 7-year follow-up, the patient ambulates with an above-knee prosthesis and uses an orthopedic boot for ankle stability.In patients with a congenital absence of the tibia, accurate diagnosis is of the utmost importance in planning future treatment. In the absence of proximal tibial anlage, especially in patients with femoral bifurcation, the knee should be disarticulated. Tibiofibular synostosis is a good choice in the presence of a proximal tibial anlage and good quadriceps function.

Prevalence of scoliosis and cost-effectiveness of screening in schools in Turkey.

The study was intended determine the prevalence of scoliosis and to assess the cost-effectiveness of a school screening program for scoliosis in Turkey. A total of 4259 children (2057 females and 2022 males aged 10-14 years old) were screened. Thirty-nine children had a positive forward bending test. The prevalence of scoliosis was 25 per 1000 in the screened population. The ratio of girls to boys with scoliosis was 2.5:1. A minor curve was detected in 72.7% of children with scoliosis (Cobb angle of 10-20 degrees), and a major curve was found in 27.3% (Cobb angle >20 degrees). The cost of screening was found to be 47 cents per child, but the cost per case of scoliosis was determined to be $236.81. School screening for scoliosis seems to be cost-effective in Turkey.

[Amputations in eastern Turkey (Van): a multicenter epidemiological study]. / Van bölgesindeki amputasyonlar: Cokmerkezli epidemiyolojik çalisma.

OBJECTIVES: The indications for amputations vary among countries and different regions depending on many factors. This study was designed to evaluate amputations performed in the province of Van and to determine specific causes of amputations associated with geographical and cultural characteristics of the region. METHODS: A total of 475 amputations were performed in 440 patients (345 males, 95 females; mean age 28.5 years; range 3 months to 85 years) in medical institutions of Van between 1995 and 2005. The patients were evaluated with respect to age and sex, etiology, side and level of amputations, and surgical interventions performed. RESULTS: Amputations were the most common in the 21 to 30-year age group with 109 patients. Pediatric patients below the age of 10 years accounted for 13.4%. Of all the amputations, 218 (45.9%) involved the upper extremity, and 257 (54.1%) involved the lower extremity. Amputations were right-sided in 223, left-sided in 188 patients, and 29 patients underwent multiple amputations. Trauma was the most common cause of amputations (n=177, 40.2%), with leading etiologies as gunshot injuries (n=45), land mine (n=33) and hand grenade (n=7) blasts. Other frequent indications apart from traumatic causes were diabetes mellitus (n=86), congenital diseases (n=33), and peripheral vascular disease (n=30). Causes more specific to regional characteristics were tandoor burns (n=7), mistreatment by traditional bonesetters (n=3), and frostbites (n=3). Replantation was performed in 24 patients, of which 15 (62.5%) were successful. CONCLUSION: Our region features gunshot injuries and land mine blasts as the most common traumatic causes of amputations.

Hydatid bone disease of the femur.

Osseous hydatid disease is caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus. The species most responsible for hydatid disease is Echinococcus granulosus, endemic especially in sheep-rearing districts like Mediterranean countries and Australia. In Turkey, the exact incidence of human hydatid disease is not known, but < or =34% of asymptomatic farmers have positive serology. Bone hydatidosis is rare, making up 0.5% to 4% of all cases. Patients usually present with pain, swelling, or pathological fracture. There are no specific radiographic signs in affected bone. In the later stages, lytic lesions with a trabeculated pattern, with or without sclerosis, may be seen. Computed tomography (CT) is still the best method for diagnosis and posttherapy follow-up of osseous hydatidosis. On CT, skeletal cystic hydatidosis appears as one or several closely related, well-defined, osteolytic lesions. There may be bone expansion, cortical thinning, cortical destruction, sclerosis, honeycomb appearance, and extension into adjacent soft tissues.