Vascular Leiomyoma Presenting as Anterior Knee Pain (Case Report).

Vascular leiomyomas or angioleiomyomas are rare benign solitary smooth muscle tumors that origin usually in the extremities. Most of these tumors are composed of venous vessels. Here in, we report a rare case of subcutaneous vascular leiomyoma of the right knee of a 38 year old woman who was presented with recurrent anterior right knee pain and soft tissue swelling. Clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic findings of the tumor is discussed. Leiomyomas are not mostly considered in the differential diagnosis by radiologist due to its rarity. Typical imaging and clinical findings of a tumor is an important clue for an accurate and early diagnosis.

Long segment instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fracture: fusion versus nonfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture is a controversial issue. Although spinal fusion has been a touchstone of spinal fixation, nonfusion technique have become raising its popularity recently. Some studies suggested that nonfusion had several advantages over fusion. The aim of this prospective study was to compare long segment posterior instrumentation with fusion versus long-segment posterior instrumentation without fusion. METHODS: For this purpose, 42 consecutive patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 included 21 patients treated by long segment instrumentation with fusion (WF), whereas Group 2 included 21 patients treated by long segment instrumentation without fusion (WOF). Long segment instrumentation was hook fixation (claw hooks attached to second upper vertebra and infralaminar hooks attached to first upper vertebra) above and pedicle fixation (pedicle screws attached to first and second lower vertebrae) below the fractured vertebra. RESULTS: Measurements of local kyphosis, sagittal index and anterior vertebral height compression showed that both group had similar outcome at final follow-up. Moreover, there was no difference between the two groups according to low back outcome score. Also, implant failure rate (4.7%) was quite low in both groups. However, WF group had prolonged operative time, increased blood loss and donor site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological and clinical parameters demonstrated that spinal fusion is not necessary in long segment posterior instrumentation for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

[Comparison of three fixation methods in transverse fractures of the patella in a calf model]. / Dana modelinde transvers patella kiriklarinda üç farkli tespit yönteminin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the strength of three different fixation methods against distraction forces in a transverse fracture model of calf patellae. METHODS: Thirty calf patellae were randomly divided into three groups equal in number. Transverse fractures were induced at the same localization in all the samples. The fractures were fixed with a modified anterior tension band technique, Acutrak 4/5 screws, and a combination of Acutrak 4/5 screws and tension band technique in three groups, respectively. Following fixation, each patella was mounted in a compression-distraction testing machine from the quadriceps and patellar tendons on each side of the patella, and equal distraction forces were applied to each patella. The average load to failure at the fracture site was calculated and the results were compared with the Friedman test. RESULTS: The mean failure loads were significantly different in three groups, being 288.8+/-40.1 newton (N), 878.5+/-68.6 N, and 938.6+/-38.8 N, respectively (p<0.001). The most efficient stabilization was obtained in the third group in which Acutrak 4/5 screws and the tension band application were used in combination, while the modified anterior tension band technique alone was found to be the weakest fixation technique. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Acutrak 4/5 screws enabled a rigid fixation in the surgical treatment of patellar fractures.

Use of ultrasound for diagnosis of interposition of soft tissue in bone fracture line.

Ultrasound (US) has recently become a favorable diagnostic technique in orthopedics and traumatology, as well as in other medical sciences. We aimed to determine effectiveness of US in diagnosis of soft tissue interposition that impedes or delays the union of fracture. The present study included 55 acute fractures in 39 patients, in whom operation (open reduction and internal fixation) was scheduled because no closed reduction was achieved, in our department between January 1999 and December 2003. Before the operation, the fracture line in all patients was scanned by a 5- to 7-MHz linear probe of the US device. The data obtained by US examination were compared to findings obtained by surgical intervention with the McNemar test. These were calculated as positive predictive value and negative predictive value, with specificity and sensitivity. The difference between the study and control groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.625). These findings demonstrated that sensitivity value, specificity value, positive and negative predictive values were 96.9%, 86.3%, 91.4% and 95%, respectively. US is an efficient, safe and reliable diagnostic technique for detection of interposition of soft tissue in bone fracture line.

Aseptic necrosis of the hamate: a case report.

The case of a 25-year-old man with osteonecrosis of the hamate is reported. He had pain and swelling in his right wrist. The diagnosis was accomplished with plain radiographs as well as with MRI. The case was treated surgically that included resection of the necrotic bone. The occured cavity was filled with autogenous cancellous bone graft. In addition, capito-hamate arthrodesis was performed. Histopathological examination following the operation demonstrated avascular necrosis of the hamate. The arthrodesis was obtained four months after the operation.

Indirect spinal canal decompression of vertebral burst fracture in calf model.

INTRODUCTION: An experimental study of experimental burst fractures in bovine spinal specimens was conducted to analyze the effects of transpedicular short-segment posterior fixation followed by reduction on indirect spinal canal decompression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, experimental burst fractures were created in 11 bovine specimens with a hydraulic materials-testing machine. The specimens were evaluated with plain radiographs and CT scans before reduction. Thereafter, they were instrumented with titanium transpedicular screws and rods (short-segment posterior fixation); and reduction was achieved which included distraction and kyphosis correction maneuvers. RESULTS: Each spinal specimen was evaluated with plain radiographs and CT scans after reduction by applying distraction and kyphosis correction maneuvers. Plain radiographic analysis showed that the kyphosis angle and segmental height values improved. Furthermore, CT scans revealed that the spinal canal diameter values improved compared with those before reduction. The differences between before and after reduction in kyphosis angle, segmental height, anterior body compression, and percentage of retropulsion were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Short-segment posterior fixation followed by indirect spinal canal decompression led to an improvement over spinal canal retropulsion in experimental burst fractures. Furthermore, the kyphosis angle and segmental height values improved following the reduction compared with those before reduction.

The rolling belts injuries in childhood.

Rolling belt injuries are commonly seen in the summer when the tractors and water pumps work in agricultural fields. These machines' rolling belts may attract children and entrap their hands. The injuries frequently affect soft tissues and bone of volar side of their hands. Amputations may be seen. In the present study, 45 patients with rolling belt injuries were retrospectively analysed. It was observed that 133 fingers of 42 patients and three hands (Zone III) of three patients were surgically treated. The treatment included primary closure of the lacerations, tendon/nerve repair, fixation of fractures, grafting, and local or cross-arm or groin flaps. Stump closure procedures were performed in 21 fingers with total amputations or non-viable tissues. The injuries in most of the cases were localised at Zones I and II. We performed revascularisation procedures in five fingers. Only one of them stayed alive (20%). Our results revealed that 13 cases were good, 21 were fair and 11 were poor to according to Gorsche and Wood criteria. These injuries cause the burns and defects on digital arteries-veins as well as flexor tendons. Frequently, phalanx fractures and finger amputations may occur. Also, the skin defects are common. The treatment of rolling belt injuries is difficult, quite expensive, and the outcomes are not always satisfactory.

The surgical treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip in older children: a comparative study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare simultaneous open reduction and Salter innominate osteotomy versus one-stage combined surgical treatment including femoral shortening. A total of 24 patients were studied. Group 1 included 16 hips in 14 patients treated by simultaneous open reduction and Salter innominate osteotomy; Group 2 included 13 hips in 10 patients treated by one-stage open reduction, Salter innominate osteotomy and femoral shortening. The average age at the time of operation was 4.1 years (range: 3.3 to 5.1). Average follow-up was 5.3 years (range: 2.7 to 9.0). Clinical and radiological assessment at final follow-up showed that the outcome was not significantly different between the two groups. The duration of operation, however, was significant different between the groups. Patients with DDH between 3 and 5 years of age were treated successfully with either simultaneous open reduction and Salter innominate osteotomy or a one-stage combined surgical procedure including femoral shortening. Clinical and radiological outcomes were similar. Nevertheless, after this follow-up period, the rate of avascular necrosis was slightly higher in Group 1; on the other hand, one-stage combined surgical treatment including femoral shortening significantly prolonged the operative time.

[Measurement of the carrying angle of the elbow in 2,000 children at ages six and fourteen years]. / Alti ve on dört yas grubundaki 2000 çocukta ölçülen dirsek tasima açisi degerleri.

OBJECTIVES: It is important to know the carrying angles of both elbows in the evaluation of deformities which may be seen after treatment of distal humerus fractures. This study was performed to determine the basal values of the carrying angle in specific age groups. METHODS: The carrying angles of both elbows were measured with the use of a goniometry in 2000 students of randomly selected primary schools in Sivas and its nearby districts. Measurements were performed in those who completed the ages of six (500 girls, 500 boys) and 14 (500 girls, 500 boys) years, with the elbow in full extension and forearm in supination. The mean carrying angles of dominant and non-dominant elbows were analyzed in eight groups. RESULTS: The mean angles measured from dominant arms were significantly greater than those of the contralateral side in both sexes and age groups (p<0.05). The mean angles of both elbows were greater in girls than those of the corresponding elbows in boys at six years of age, while vice versa was the case at 14 years of age; however, these differences did not reach significance (p>0.05). Finally, both boys and girls at 14 years of age had significantly greater angles in dominant and non-dominant elbows compared to corresponding sex and elbow side in six-year groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with the literature data showing that the carrying angle increases with age and that it is always greater on the dominant side.