Volar-locking plate versus external fixator in the management of distal radius fractures: An isokinetic study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and isokinetic evaluation of distal radius fractures treated by volar locking plate (VLP) and external fixator. METHODS: The study included fifty patients with distal radius fracture type C1/C2/C3. Twenty-seven patients (12 men, 15 women; mean age 49.5±4.42) underwent open reduction and VLP fixation, and 23 patients (10 men, 13 women; 52.1±4.6) underwent closed reduction and external fixation. The follow-up period was at least 12 months and the mean following time was 13.5±1.02 (12-15) months. The functional parameters measured were range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Radiographic parameters (radial incli-nation, palmar tilt, and radial height) and isokinetic evaluation were measured at the 6 months and at the final follow-up after surgery. The isokinetic test was done at the speed of 60º/s. The non-fractured arm was tested first and all results were also expressed as a percentage of that on the normal side. Wrist scores according to the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire were used. RESULTS: The DASH scores, grip strength, and palmar flexion were better in VLP group at the 6 months (p<0.05). However, there were no differences between two groups at the one year (p=0.79). Isokinetic evaluation of the VLP showed that peak pronation torque and total pronation work were better than external fixation at the 6 month (p<0.05). At the final of follow-up was seen no significant differences between two groups (p=0.11). CONCLUSION: We looked at external fixation and locked volar plates in a prospective study and we found an improved range of movement and isokinetic evaluation outcome at 6 months after locked plating, but there were no differences between two groups at the final of follow-up. Our study showed no evidence for the superiority of one treatment over the other at the final follow-up.

Analysis of the hip fracture records of a central training and research hospital by selected characteristics.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Despite the importance of hip fractures, very few studies have assessed their epidemiological characteristics in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and demography of hip fractures from the recent data of a central training and research hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, we identified hip fracture cases between 2009 and 2013. The age, sex, region, injury pattern, and calendar year for all patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 687 patients (488 women, 199 men) described in our clinic's records, 122, 131, 144, 138, and 154 patients applied with hip fractures from the years 2009 to 2013, respectively. The mean ages of the women and men were 74.8 and 68.5 years, respectively. There were 220 patients who had femoral neck fracture (32%), 419 who had intertrochanteric fracture (61%), and 48 who had subtrochanteric fracture (7%). CONCLUSION: The female geriatric population may have an increasing and distinct hip fracture risk, mainly in the trochanteric region. Furthermore, recent studies that show variations in the frequency and demography of hip fractures highlight the importance of meticulous recording of patients' information. A nationwide survey of different categories of hospitals and various geographic regions of Turkey is also needed to inform effective prevention strategies.

Chronic Expanding Hematoma in the Popliteal Fossa after Pseudoaneurysm Surgery because of Nail Puncture.

Hematomas caused by surgery or trauma that persist and expand slowly for more than a month are defined as chronic expanding hematomas (CEH). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for the diagnosis. Total excision with the pseudocapsule is the treatment method. Pseudoaneurysms result from arterial wall disruptions and can be mistaken for CEH. We present a rare case report of a 45-year-old man with a large, painful swelling in his left popliteal fossa. He had a puncture wound by a nail 11 years ago and a gradually expanding mass occurred in his popliteal fossa. A pseudoaneurysm was detected and operated a year later. After surgery, a gradually expanding mass recurred in his popliteal fossa. On the arteriography, the popliteal artery was occluded and the blood flow was maintained with collateral vessels. On MRI, an enormous swelling of 115 × 107 × 196 cm in diameter was seen. It was diagnosed as CEH and was excised completely protecting the collateral vessels and there was no recurrence after a year from the surgery.

Cemented calcar replacement versus cementless hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Unstable intertrochanteric fractures remain a challenging problem in elderly individuals due to high failure rates associated with internal fixation. Hemiarthroplasty is one treatment option for intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the reliability of cementless and cemented hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: Elderly patients with AO type 31-A2 intertrochanteric femur fractures were treated with cemented (n=40) or cementless (n=46) hemiarthroplasty. Duration of surgery, amount of blood loss and blood transfusion, Harris hip scores, rate of loosening of the femoral component, duration of hospital stay after surgery and mortality rates were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in length of hospital stays, Harris hip scores, amount of blood transfusions, implant loosening and follow-up mortality rates. Walking ability was better in the cemented group in the early follow-up period. Duration of surgery, amount of blood loss and perioperative mortality rates were significantly lower in the cementless group than in the cemented group. CONCLUSION: Cementless hemiarthroplasty is a reliable treatment choice for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients with early mobilization, acceptable functional results, low implant loosening rates, shorter surgery time, lesser blood loss and lower perioperative mortality rate.

[Effects of short- and long-segment posterior instrumentation on spinal canal remodeling in thoracolumbar vertebra burst fractures]. / Torakolomber vertebra patlama kiriklarinda kisa ve uzun segment posterior enstrümantasyonun kanal içi düzelme üzerine etkileri.

BACKGROUND: Spinal canal remodeling results according to Magerl classification and fracture localization after short- and long-segment posterior instrumentation treatment were evaluated in patients with thoracolumbar junction burst fracture. METHODS: Eighty patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: short-segment posterior instrumentation was applied in 36 patients [9F, 27M; Median age: 42.1 (range: 19-65)] and Group 2: long-segment posterior instrumentation was applied in 44 patients [18F, 26M; Median age: 46.3 (range: 18-78)]. Twenty patients had T12, 41 patients had L1 and 19 patients had L2 fracture. According to Magerl classification, 44 patients were A3.1, 19 were A3.2 and 17 were A3.3. In both groups, spinal canal remodeling effectiveness was evaluated postoperatively with respect to all parameters. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 35.7 months for Group 1 (12-58) and 33.1 months for Group 2 (12-58). In both groups, spinal canal remodeling was statistically significant, but a higher recovery ratio was obtained in Group 2 in comparison to Group 1. According to Magerl classification, in type A3.3 fractures, a more significant remodeling was obtained in Group 2 patients (p=0.005). A significant difference was determined in Group 2 at the T12 level according to fracture localization (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: An adequate spinal canal remodeling is obtained by posterior instrumentation, but in comminuted fractures like Magerl type A3.3, a better remodeling can be obtained by long-segment posterior instrumentation.

Comparison between external fixation and cast treatment in the management of distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and older.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiographic outcomes of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures treated by closed reduction plaster cast fixation (CRPCF) and external fixation (EF) in patients 65 years and older. METHODS: This retrospective and nonrandomized study comprised 46 consecutive patients older than 65 years who had distal radial fractures. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment: a CRPCF group and an EF group. All the fractures were dorsally displaced and AO/ASIF type A or C, without articular stepoff or gap. Cases were evaluated based on the criteria of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score, wrist range of motion, and radiologic results. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 25.1 months. Union was achieved in all cases. Although it was not a statistically significant difference, posttreatment complications were more common in the CRPCF group (10 patients) than in the EF group (7 patients). In the CRPCF group, most complications were discomfort from the cast, whereas in the EF group, most were pin site infections. The average wrist extension and ulnar deviation (clinically) and palmar tilt and radial height (radiologically) were statistically better in the EF group at the final follow-up. The mean DASH scores were 20.3 in the CRPCF group and 21.9 in the EF group. There was no statistically significant difference in the DASH scores; in wrist flexion, radial deviation, pronation, supination, grip strength, or pinch strength (clinically); or in ulnar variance or radial inclination (radiologically). There was no correlation between the DASH scores and palmar tilt and ulnar variance. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that both CRPCF and EF are useful methods for distal radius fractures in elderly patients. The results showed significant differences in wrist extension and ulnar deviation.

Open reduction via posterior triceps sparing approach in comparison with closed treatment of posteromedial displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures.

The results of closed and open reduction via posterior approach with percutaneous pinning of posteromedial displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children were evaluated. Fifty-five consecutive patients with Gartland type III fractures were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 22 months (12-48 months). The closed reduction group consisted of 32 patients and the open reduction group with the posterior approach using the triceps-sparing method consisted of 23 patients. Both groups were stabilized with cross Kirschner wire fixation and followed the same protocol. In comparison with closed reduction, despite the fact that better bone alignment was obtained with open reduction, longer union time (7 vs. 5.8 weeks), significantly reduced range of motion of the elbow (12.3 degrees vs. 3.8 degrees), poorer functional outcomes and bad cosmetics because of hypertrophic scar tissue of the skin were found. The patients were analyzed according to their Bauman angle and Flynn criteria: good or excellent functional and cosmetic results were 91% in the closed reduction group but 52% in the open reduction group. On the basis of results of this study, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the posteromedial totally displaced fractures are preferable to open reduction with posterior approach.

Alendronate enhances antibiotic-impregnated bone grafts in the treatment of osteomyelitis.

Bisphosphonates are systemic drugs. There is limited knowledge about their effects when applied locally and in osteomyelitis treatment. A prospective longitudinal randomised controlled study was designed in rat tibia to test the efficacy of local or systemically administered bisphosphonates for controlling the osteolytic reactions and possible effects on local infection control. Tibial osteomyelitis was induced in 72 Wistar albino rats with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 strain. Débridement was performed on all rats in all groups. No other treatment was given to the control group. Treatment groups received "plain bone grafts", "vancomycin-loaded bone grafts", "vancomycin-loaded bone grafts+systemic alendronate", "alendronate-impregnated bone grafts" and "vancomycin+alendronate-impregnated grafts". Study results were evaluated by swab cultures, radiology, quantitative computed tomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and histopathology. S. aureus was eradicated in groups II and IV by the sixth week. Diaphyseal widening, bone deformation, diaphyseal widening and osteolysis scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and bone mineral content, density measurements and DEXA scores were significantly higher (p = 0.001) with alendronate administration. Histology revealed marked osteoblastic activity. Local alendronate interfered with local infection control. Even though local alendronate at the given dose has stronger effects, the possible effects on the local inflammatory process needs to be clarified.

[Flexible intramedullary nailing of children]. / Cocuk femur cisim kiriklarinda esneyebilen intramedüller çivi uygulamasi.

BACKGROUND: Various methods are being used in the treatment of femur diaphysial fractures in children aged between 6 to 12 years. Titanium elastic nailing is one of the alternatives. We evaluated our experience in flexible intramedullary nailing. METHODS: We investigated 21 patients with femur diaphysial fractures who were with titanium elastic nailing. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 9.6+/-2.4 (range between 5.1-14.7 years) and all the fractures were at the diaphysis. The fracture pattern was as following: 9 (42.9%) transverse, 7 (33.3%) oblique, 5 (23.8%) spiral. Fixations were performed with two nails which were implanted in retrograde manner. The average time of follow-up was 29+/-11.6 months (range; 9-48 month). The mean time to fracture union was 13+/-11.9 weeks (4-52). Implant removal was performed after a mean time of 7+/-2.2 months (range; 6-16 month). Patients's hip and knee range of motions were complete and clinically there were no angular or rotational deformity at postoperative one year. There were radiologically 11+/-1.7 (range; 10-15) degrees of varus valgus malalignment in 8 patients; these angles were reduced to 5+/-1.9 (range; 3-9) degrees at the follow of two years. CONCLUSION: The results of the flexible titanium nailing in femur diaphysial fractures of the children, aged between 6 to 12 years, suggest that this method may be a first choice therapy in this particular group of patients.

A different perspective for radiological evaluation of experimental osteomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: Radiological scoring systems used in experimental osteomyelitis combine several factors into a single score. Because response of bone tissue to infection is a dynamic process, such systems have limited ability to differentiate between treatment groups. The analyzing of radiological criteria separately at different stages of the disease may be superior to a general score. METHODS AND METHODS: Osteomyelitis was induced with Staphylococcus aureus in the left tibiae of 72 adult Wistar albino rats. The rats were assigned to one of six different treatment groups. Their radiographs were graded (1) by the use of previously published general scoring systems and (2) by the evaluation of periosteal reaction, bone deformation, diaphyseal widening, osteolysis, soft tissue swelling, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), separately. The assessments were performed 3 weeks after induction as well as 3 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Periosteal reaction and diaphyseal widening demonstrated significant differences within 3 weeks of treatment, contrary to the general scores. After 6 weeks of treatment, individual criteria, including diaphyseal widening, osteolysis and BMC but only one of the general grading scores, were able to differentiate between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: For differentiation of treatments in experimental osteomyelitis individual assessment of radiological criteria is superior to previously published general scoring systems.

Magnetic resonance arthrographic evaluation of syndesmotic diastasis in ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: We examined whether magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) contributes to the diagnosis of syndesmotic complex disruption in ankle fractures. Patients suffering syndesmotic diastasis according to conventional radiographic criteria were evaluated by MRI and MRA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 ankles) with Denis-Weber type B and C fractures and were suspected of having syndesmotic diastasis considering tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap measurements in conventional radiographs were prospectively evaluated by MRI and MRA methods. Syndesmotic diastasis was diagnosed by radiographic, MRI, and MRA findings and by intraoperative observation and assessment criteria. Differences between MRI and MRA findings were tested statistically. Conventional radiography, MRI, and MRA results were analyzed by two independent observers, and interobserver concordance was also assessed. RESULTS: In 15 patients regarded to have syndesmotic diastasis on conventional radiography the diagnosis was confirmed in 8 (53.3%) with MRI and 12 (80%) with MRA. Following overall assessment 13 of 15 patients (86.6%) were determined to have diastasis. There were statistically significant differences in diagnosis after MRI and after MRA. There was interobserver concordance in conventional radiographic, MRA assessments, and in assessments for anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments separately in MRI. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that conventional radiography and MRI is not sufficient in assessing syndesmotic disruption, and that MRA can make an important contribution to diagnosis in ankle fractures.

[Recurrent traumatic hip dislocation in a child]. / Cocukta tekrarlayan travmatik kalça çikigi: Olgu sunumu.

Recurrent traumatic hip dislocation is rarely seen in childhood. We presented a case of traumatic hip dislocation which was treated by conservative methods. A two-year-old girl was treated with closed reduction and a hip spica cast for posterior traumatic dislocation in the right hip. Two years later, a recurrent dislocation occurred following a minor trauma on the same side. She was again treated with closed reduction and immobilization with a hip spica cast for three weeks followed by a three-week load bearing restriction. Early follow-up examinations showed an increased internal rotation of the hip compared to the left side, suggesting increased posterior capsular laxity. It then disappeared on her final follow-up at age six and magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence for avascular necrosis or capsular laxity. She was asymptomatic and her physical examination was within normal limits. Of note, several members in her family had developmental dysplasia of the hip.

[The results of acetabular shelf procedures in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease]. / Legg-Calve-Perthes hastaliginda asetabuler çati ameliyati sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of acetabular shelf procedures performed for the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. METHODS: The study included 14 patients (17 hips) with LCP disease, who were treated with acetabular shelf operation. The mean ages at the time of diagnosis, operations, and final examinations were 7 years (range 5 to 9 years), 8 years (range 6 to 10 years), and 12 years (range 10 to 16 years), respectively. The mean follow-up was five years (range 3 to 9 years). Before surgery, all patients had Catterall 3-4 hips, and at least two risk factors were identified. On pre- and postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiograms, the Mose sphericity indices and CE angles were measured. In addition, the presence of hinge abduction was evaluated by dynamic arthrography preoperatively, and on direct radiograms and clinically during final examinations. The hips were graded according to a modified Stulberg classification on final direct radiograms. Clinical evaluation was made with the use of the Iowa hip scores. RESULTS: The Mose measurements did not yield significant improvement on anteroposterior radiograms (p>0.05), whereas postoperative improvement was significant on lateral views (p<0.05). Improvement in CE angles was also statistically significant (p<0.001). According to the Stulberg classification, 10 hips (58.8%) (Stulberg 1-2) were successful, three hips (17.6%) (Stulberg 3) were discussible, and four hips (23.5%) (Stulberg 4-5) were failures. Of four failures, three patients were at the age of 9 years or above. The final Iowa hip scores ranged from 65 to 99 (mean 88.2). Hinge abduction disappeared postoperatively in seven hips (7/13, 53.8%). CONCLUSION: Acetabular shelf operation following dynamic arthrography may be an alternative treatment option for hips with hinge abduction in LCP disease; however, it does not alter the natural course of the disease as the age increases.

[The results of plate fixation with the use of biological fixation principles and minimally invasive technique in femur fractures]. / Femur kiriklarinda minimal invaziv yöntem ve biyolojik fiksasyon prensipleri ile plakla osteosentez uygulama sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of patients treated by the minimally invasive technique and plate fixation in accordance with biological fixation principles for femoral fractures. METHODS: Biological fixation principles were used in the treatment of 24 patients (18 males, 6 females; mean age 32 years; range 18 to 56 years) with femoral fractures. Fractures were reduced by indirect reduction and the plate was forwarded through distal and proximal incisions over the periosteum without the need for incisions on the fracture line. Fixation of the plates was performed with the use of screws from distal and proximal incisions. The patients were allowed partial and full weight-bearing in a mean of 3.6 and 5 months, respectively. By means of monthly clinical and radiologic examinations, union was assessed by callus formation in the fracture line and painless weight-bearing. In addition, leg length discrepancy, rotation, angulation deformities, and knee and hip range of motions were determined. The mean follow-up was 2 years and 7 months (range 16 months to 4 years and 5 months). RESULTS: The mean union time was 4.6 months (range 4 to 11 months). Except for one patient (4%) with delayed union, all patients achieved union. No infections occurred related to the fracture site. CONCLUSION: Successful clinical and radiologic results can be obtained by biological methods of fixation in diaphyseal femur fractures with multiple fragments, segment formation, in multi-trauma patients with high Injury Severity Score and compromised pulmonary function, and in those having subtrochanteric or supracondylar fractures associated with high complication rates.