COVID-19: booster(s) vs. hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit admission.

OBJECTIVE: As the pandemic continues, different vaccine protocols have been implemented to maintain the protection of vaccines and to provide protection against new variants. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' vaccination status and document the efficacy of boosters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 were enrolled from 28 hospitals in Turkey for five months from September 2021. 5,331 confirmed COVID-19 patients from collaborating centers were randomly enrolled to understand/estimate the distribution of vaccination status in hospitalized patients and to compare the efficacy of vaccination/booster protocols. RESULTS: 2,779 men and 2,552 women of which 2,408 (45.2%) were admitted to Intensive Care Units participated in this study. It was found that the highest risk reduction for all age groups was found in groups that received 4 doses. Four doses of vaccination for every 3.7 people under 50 years of age, for every 5.7 people in the 50-64 age group, and for every 4.3 people over 65 years of age will prevent 1 patient from being admitted to intensive care. Regardless of the type of vaccine, it was found that the risk of ICU hospitalization decreased in those who were vaccinated compared to those who were not vaccinated. Regardless of the type of vaccine, the ICU risk was found to decrease 1.25-fold in those who received 1 or 2 doses of vaccine, 1.18-fold in those who received 3 doses, and 3.26-fold in those who received 4 doses. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the addition of a fourth dose is more effective in preventing intensive unit care even in disadvantaged groups.

Arthroscopic versus Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair: Should We Ignore the Mini-Open Surgery?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To compare the functional and radiological results of the total arthroscopic treatment (TAT) performed due to the rotator cuff (RC) tear problem with the results of the arthroscopically assisted mini-open surgery (AAMOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS This study conducted over a two-year period included all had TAT or AAMOS. Patients were included in the study if they had undergone arthroscopic or mini-open rotator cuff repair, with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of the surgical technique performed. Patients who had TAT was included into the group 1 and, AAMOS group 2. Exclusion criteria included other significant intra-articular pathology such as SLAP lesions or glenohumeral arthrosis, previous rotator cuff surgery, massive rotator cuff tears (>5 cm), and neurologic disorders such as brachial plexopathy or suprascapular neuropathy. Every patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging evaluation before surgery and at last follow-up after surgery. Acromion typed of patients were recorded. Patients were questioned for ASES and Constant score. RESULTS Fifty-eight shoulders were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients were female and 30 were male. The mean age was 55.63 ± 8.06 years. Both groups had 29 patients per each. Mean follow-up period was 26.26 ± 11.46 months. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean age and gender distribution of the groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference in the follow-up period between two groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the postoperative ASES measurements between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative Constant measurements between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the Acromion types between the two groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the both groups in terms of accompanying shoulder pathology and AC joint degeneration (p > 0.05). In the postoperative MRIs of the patients, 7 patients in the Group 2 and 6 patients in the Group 1 were found to have recurrent tears. No statistically significant difference was found (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION When compared their patients who underwent RC repair by AAMOS intervention with those treated with TAT intervention and stated that the results were satisfactory for both groups and close to each other during their 2-year follow-up regardless of the tear diameter. Rotator cuff repairing with TAT is becoming a popular method of shoulder surgery. Initial reports of outcomes with this technique have indicated similar results when compared with open techniques, with less perioperative morbidity. Patients with RC tears treated by TAR, the shoulder range of motion was achieved in a shorter time and the rate of development of fibrous ankylosis was found to be lower. We performed the same configuration for the repair technique that may avoid to differ the results. Additionlay, all patients in study had the same rehabilitation protocol not to differ the results. Our study demonstrated similar results, with no differences noted in clinical outcomes between the TAT and the AAMOS for all scoring scales evaluated. Our experience with TAT notes a steep learning curve for proper technique. Certainly, surgeons may attempt a TAT, knowing that the patient's long-term outcome will not differ if the AAMOS is needed. CONCLUSIONS It must be kept in mind that both surgical methods may provide satisfactory results; the decision regarding which method should be used must be based on the skills, experience and technical oppurtunities of the orthopedic surgeon. However, any of the surgical technique is chosen, smilar excellent clinical results can be achieved. Key words: rotator cuff, mini-open surgery, total arthroscopic repair, cuff tear, Constant score, ASES score.

Plate Positioning Affects the Pressure on the Axillary Nerve Following a Deltopectoral Approach.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To investigate the pressure levels on the axillary nerve at different plate positions after plate fixation of a proximal humerus fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used. The plates were applied on the lateral side of the humerus. A FlexiForce pressure sensor was placed between the nerve and the plate, and the pressure on the nerve was measured (Group 1). The plates were then placed in two different positions such that distal portion of the plates would have 30° anterior and 30° posterior angles to the anatomical axis of the humerus (Group 2 and 3). The anterior of the distal attachment of the deltoid muscle was then elevated and the plates were placed in the middle of the anatomical axis of the humerus (Group 4). The position of the plates were controlled by fluoroscopy and the pressure was measured for each configuration sequentially. RESULTS The mean age of the cadavers was 70.5 ± 6.8 years (range: 61-80 years). Mean pressure values of the groups were 2.65 ± 0.8, 2.52 ± 0.8, 5.65 ± 1.4, and 2.56 ± 0.9 N, respectively. Group 3 had statistically highest-pressure values than the other groups, while no difference was found among groups 1, 2, and 4. DISCUSSION Numbness and weakness of the shoulder muscles are other clinical findings. If numbness on the deltoid muscle is reported, then atrophy is noted in the deltoid muscle in later stages. Persistent pain may be seen even if fracture union occurs after PHF surgery. Axillary nerve entrapment may be considered after the removal of common complications such as avascular necrosis due to fracture, screw migration, infection, and biceps tendon and rotator cuff problems. The sensory branch of the axillary nerve provides the sensation of the anterior joint capsule and lateral part of the deltoid muscle. CONCLUSIONS Proximal humerus plates, which are angled posteriorly along, lead to an increased pressure on the axillary nerve. Anterior orientation of the plate or elevation of deltoid insertion may be used to prevent the possible complications related to axillary nerve. Level of evidence Level II. Key words: proximal humerus fracture, Philos, axillary nerve, nerve injury.

Is Peroneus Longus Allograft Good Alternative for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Comparison Study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To compare the early clinical results of patients who had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with peroneus longus allograft versus hamstring tendon autograft. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were included in the study. Patients were grouped by their graft preference. Lachman and Pivot-shift tests were performed to the patients. Laxity was measured by KT-1000 arthrometer test with 15, 20 and 30 pound power. The maximum force values of nonoperated knee and the operated knee were recorded with Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer (HUMAC) and compared to each other. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, modified Lysholm and Cincinnati evaluation forms were compared between two groups. RESULTS Twenty patients included into peroneus longus allograft (Group 1) and 20 patients were included into hamstring autograft group (Group 2). The mean age of patients Group 1 and 2 were 34.25 ± 6.73, and 29.6 ± 4.55, respectively. No significant difference was noted between two groups at modified Lysholm, Cincinati and IKDC scores (p > 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the Lachman and Pivot hift levels (p > 0.01). No significant difference was found in KT-1000 device measurements between groups according to the performed techniques (p > 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between Cybex extension-flexion 60 /sec measurement and extension 240 /sec measurement of the patients (p > 0.01). DISCUSSION Allografts can be preferred because of the advantages, such as lack of donor site morbidity, short operative time, large graft, small incision, minimal scar, good cosmetic appearance, less postoperative pain, less movement restriction, and less arthrofibrosis. However, there are disadvantages, such as disease transmission, low biocompatibility, immune response, long recovery time, and high cost. Although it is difficult to compare the stability and functionality of allografts and autografts because of the differences in graft processing, fixation methods, and surgical techniques in studies, similar clinical results are reported in long-term follow-ups CONCLUSIONS Graft preference is dependent on surgical experience, patient age, activity status, comorbidities, presurgical status, and patient decision. Allograft ACL reconstruction is a good alternative to arthroscopic ACL reconstruction performed with hamstring tendon graft. Key words: anterior cruciate ligament, peroneus longus allograft, hamstring autograft, ACL reconstruction.

Assessment of biomechanical properties of specially-designed miniplate patterns in a mandibular subcondylar fracture model with finite element analysis and a servohydraulic testing unit.

The aim of our study was to compare the biomechanical stability of three different systems used to fix mandibular condylar fractures on synthetic polyurethane mandibles using a servohydraulic testing unit and finite element analysis (FEA). We measured the resistance to displacement loads causing 1.75 and 3.5mm displacements of the fragments, and the maximum resistance values before failure of the fixation system in 30 condylar necks of 15 polyurethane mandible models. The three subgroups investigated were arranged as a triangular plate (n=10), a quadrangular plate (n=10), and a straight miniplate (n=10). The most successful fixation pattern was achieved with two straight four-hole miniplates. However, the triangular plate can easily be applied as a second option by an endoscopic approach. The rectangular plates showed no success in mandibular condylar fractures.

Comparison and validation of finite element analysis with a servo-hydraulic testing unit for a biodegradable fixation system in a rabbit model.

The aim of this study was the biomechanical validation of three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) with a servo-hydraulic testing unit (STU) for a resorbable fixation system (RFS) in a rabbit model. Bilateral mandibular vertical body osteotomies (BMVBO) were performed in 15 female New Zealand rabbits. The animals were divided into three groups. The STU and FEA tests were done immediately after surgery in group 1 (1 day), at the first postoperative month in group 2, and at the third postoperative month in group 3. Both stress tests were carried out by applying vertical forces at the lower incisal edge, loading from 0 N force and increasing this until breakage occurred at the bone. The maximum forces that the hemimandibles could stand and the amount of deformation were recorded and analysed with the FEA and STU tests. We found the STU and FEA test results to be similar and that they could be used interchangeably for groups 1 and 3. However, the FEA results differed most from the real STU values in group 2 because of callus formation that had not ossified at the osteotomy line.

A novel anchorage technique for transnasal traction in rigid external maxillary distraction.

We describe an effective technique for anchorage of transnasal traction in the management of maxillary rotation during external distraction.

Actinomycosis: report of a case with a persistent extraoral sinus tract.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative and granulomatous infection that may reside for years and recur with sudden onset. It is the second most common type of actinomycosis and could be caused by trauma or infection. We report a draining actinomycotic sinus tract with extraordinary thickness that occurred owing to a long-standing chronic periapical infection of an extracted upper left second premolar 3 years before.

Clinical and anatomical aspects of possible mylohyoid nerve injury during genioplasties.

Damage to the cutaneous branch of the mylohyoid nerve (CBMN) during genioplasties is possible but rare. The aim of this cadaveric study was to demonstrate possible mechanisms of injuring the CBMN during genioplasties. Mandibulotomy access was used to carry out sublingual and lateral cervical dissections on 10 formalinized cadavers with a mean age of 65 years. The length of the mylohyoid nerve was measured at three sections on the mandible. The posterior section of the mylohyoid nerve was 8.7+/-0.5 mm; the middle section was 14.5+/-0.9 mm and the anterior section was 15.6+/-1.2 mm in length. The submental skin island of 7 specimens had unilateral innervation by the CBMN. The bilateral innervation pattern was detected in 3 of the specimens. Damage to the sensory and the motor branches of the mylohyoid nerve can occur during genioplasties by transaction of the soft tissue pedicle attached to the mental spine and inferior border of the symphis. Surgeons should pay attention during dissection and osteotomy of the chin to avoid complications of the mylohyoid nerve and its branches.

Anatomical and functional aspects of ligaments between the malleus and the temporomandibular joint.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the anatomical topography and the relationship between the ligaments, malleus and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to determine the role of these ligaments on the movement of the malleus. The malleus, incus, petrotympanic fissure (PTF), chorda tympani, anterior malleolar ligament (AML), discomallear ligament (DML), malleomandibular ligament, sphenomandibular ligament and articular disc were explored in 15 skulls. Traction and tension tests were carried out to clarify their role in malleolar movement. In 12 of the cases, two separate ligaments were connected to the anterior of the malleus, whereas a single ligament from the anterior of the malleus to the PTF was observed in 3 cases. In 12 cases, the DML united the retrodiscal tissues. In the other 3 cases, the medial and the lateral parts of the ligament were connected to the retrodiscal tissue after passing through the PTF. The thickness of the ligaments differed among specimens. When tension was applied to the DML no malleolar movement occurred, but when the AML was overstretched, significant movement was observed in 5 cadavers; little movement in 6 cadavers, and no movement in 4 cadavers. This study suggests that extreme stretching of the condyle in conjunction with the ligaments between the ossicles of the inner ear and the TMJ could be the reason for unexplained otological problems.

Perceptions of preoperative expectations and postoperative outcomes from orthognathic surgery: part I: Turkish female patients.

This study was conducted in Turkish female patients to investigate their preoperative concerns, motivation, expectations, preoperative preparation for surgery and perception of outcomes concerning orthognathic surgery. Thirty women, with an age range of 18 to 31 years (mean age 21.8+/-3.8 years), participated in the study. The expectations and the results of orthognathic treatment were assessed based on the patients' subjective appraisal. Patients completed questionnaires before and after the operations, designed to investigate the preoperative and postoperative psychological impact of the surgery, the perception of problems with physical and psychological functioning, self-image, body image and satisfaction with surgical outcome. The questionnaires were evaluated statistically with SPSS 11.5 for Windows. The patients' perception of their psychological improvement, faith in the surgical team, physical functioning, self-esteem, social confidence, body image and satisfaction after dentofacial correction were higher than the preoperative levels. The conclusions of the study support the theory that enhancement of facial appearance by orthognathic surgery improves the psychological status of females with growth disturbances of the jaw.

Numerical simulation of nano scanning in intermittent-contact mode AFM under Q control.

We investigate nano scanning in tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) under quality (Q) control via numerical simulations performed in SIMULINK. We focus on the simulation of the whole scan process rather than the simulation of cantilever dynamics and the force interactions between the probe tip and the surface alone, as in most of the earlier numerical studies. This enables us to quantify the scan performance under Q control for different scan settings. Using the numerical simulations, we first investigate the effect of the elastic modulus of the sample (relative to the substrate surface) and probe stiffness on the scan results. Our numerical simulations show that scanning in an attractive regime using soft cantilevers with high effective Q factor (Q(eff)) results in a better image quality. We then demonstrate the trade-off in setting Q(eff) of the probe in Q control: low values of Q(eff) cause an increase in tapping forces while higher ones limit the maximum achievable scan speed due to the slow response of the cantilever to the rapid changes in surface profile. Finally, we show that it is possible to achieve higher scan speeds without causing an increase in the tapping forces using adaptive Q control (AQC), in which the Q factor of the probe is changed instantaneously depending on the magnitude of the error signal in oscillation amplitude. The scan performance of AQC is quantitatively compared to that of standard Q control using iso-error curves obtained from numerical simulations first and then the results are validated through scan experiments performed using a physical set-up.

Clinical and radiological evaluation of cherubism: a sporadic case report and review of the literature.

Many cases have been published on cherubism since Jones described it first time in three children of the same family [Am. J. Cancer 17 (1933) 946]. Cherubism is an autosomal-dominant disorder in which the normal bone is replaced by cellular fibrous tissue and immature bone. Extracranial skeletal involvement is rarely seen in hereditary and non-hereditary forms of the disorder. The mandible is the most severely affected craniofacial component, in which uncontrolled growth of the malady deteriorates the aesthetic balance of the face. Bilateral swelling of the cheeks, mandibular enlargement and maxillary spongious hypertrophy cause orbital manifestations and tendency of eyes looking up to the sky. Thus, the pathognomic clinical feature resembles the appearance of "raised to heaven" Renaissance cherubs. The sporadic case concerns a child affected by cherubism. Radiographic and clinical data of the patient are presented and brief review of the literature is included.

Periodontal lesions in lipoid proteinosis.

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare autosomal recessive heritable disease. Clinical features are hoarseness starting in infancy and the formation of yellowish papules and plaques on the skin and mucous membranes of the nose, oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Light and electron microscopy demonstrates a subepithelial accumulation of PAS-positive (hyaline) material around blood vessels and in the dermis. This case is unusual in that the gingiva is also involved in the lipoid proteinosis.