DO THE CHANGES OF SCAPULOTHORACIC ANGLE AFFECT WINGED SCAPULA DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONAL SCORES DURING CLAVICLE FRACTURE TREATMENT?

Introduction: To compare surgical and conservative management of midshaft clavicle fractures according with scapulothoracic joint angle change, considering clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Methods: A total of 95 midshaft clavicle fracture patients aged between 18-70 years with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months were included in this study. Patients were treated either conservatively (Group I) or surgically (Group 2). Plane deformities, scapulothoracic joint angle, shortness and isokinetic muscle strength were measured. Shoulder Pain, Disability Index (SPADI) and Short Form-36 (SF36) were assessed. Results: Scapulothoracic joint angles were higher in the conservative treatment group than in surgery group (p=0.036). Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Surgical treatment was associated with significantly better SF-36 physical scores and with SPADI pain and disability scores. However, the two groups did not differ in terms of isokinetic muscle strength. Negative anteroposterior plane deformity (p<0.001) and negative axial plane deformity (p=0.004) were more frequent in the conservative treatment group. Clavicle shortness was more common in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: According to our findings scapulothoracic joint angle changes were seen in the conservative treatment group more than in the surgery group. Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study .

Introdução: Comparar o manejo cirúrgico e conservador das fraturas da diáfise da clavícula conforme alteração do ângulo escapulotorácico, considerando resultados clínicos, funcionais e radiológicos. Métodos: Um total de 95 pacientes com fratura do terço médio da clavícula com idade entre 18-70 anos, com um tempo mínimo de seguimento de 12 meses, foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram tratados conservadoramente (Grupo I) ou cirurgicamente (Grupo 2). Deformidades planas, ângulo escapulotorácico, encurtamento e força muscular isocinética foram medidos. O Índice de Dor e Incapacidade do Ombro (SPADI) e a Short Form-36 (SF36) foram avaliados. Resultados: Os ângulos da articulação escapulotorácica foram maiores no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,036). Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). O tratamento cirúrgico foi associado a escores físicos SF-36 significativamente melhores e escores SPADI de dor e incapacidade. No entanto, os dois grupos não diferiram em termos de força muscular isocinética. A deformidade no plano anteroposterior negativo (p<0,001) e a deformidade no plano axial negativo (p=0,004) foram mais frequentes no grupo de tratamento conservador. O encurtamento da clavícula foi mais comum no grupo de tratamento conservador. Conclusão: De acordo com nossos achados, as alterações do ângulo escapulotorácico foram mais observadas no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia. Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). Nível de Evidência III; Estudo comparativo retrospectivo .

The popliteal surface axis may define hip anteversion.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the usability and reliability of our new axis in a three-dimensional modelling work and demonstrate if it is a reproducible method for anteversion measurement that sufficiently correlates with other computed tomography (CT)-derived gold standards including trans- epicondylar axis (TEA) and posterior condylar axis (PCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional solid models were derived from left femoral CT data of 100 participants (50 males, 50 females; mean age 57 years; range, 21 to 86). The newly proposed popliteal surface axis (PSA) was compared with TEA and PCA in terms of anteversion measurement on these solid models. RESULTS: Popliteal surface axis was found as a reproducible reference axis in our study as it could be measured in 99% of our sample. The mean value of PSA based anteversion was (-) 1.8° which was 10.7° and 4.4° for PCA and TEA, respectively. Popliteal surface axis was perfectly correlated with PCA and TEA for anteversion measurements (p<0.001, r=0.92 for both). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the newly defined PSA may be used as an alternative method for determination of anteversion.

Relationship of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 4G/5G Gene Polymorphism and Nontraumatic Lunatum Avascular Necrosis.

PURPOSE: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a critical enzyme that regulates coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. The aim of this study was to determine the role of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in nontraumatic avascular necrosis of the lunate. METHODS: The study included 45 patients with Kienböck disease and 45 healthy individuals as a control group. In both groups, genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples to determine the distributions of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined in the distribution of the gene polymorphism between the patient and control groups. We found the 5G/5G genotype to be 1.7 times higher in the control group compared with the patient group. A 1.6-fold increase in the 4G homozygote genotype was identified in the patient group. The patient and control groups were also evaluated for 4G/4G plus 4G/5G and 5G/5G in terms of genotype distribution. No statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the PAI-1 4G/4G polymorphism is not a genetic risk for Kienböck disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study aimed to reveal the genetic etiology of Kienböck disease.

The use of fourth extensor compartment artery bone flap in Kienböck's disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to clinically evaluate the efficacy of pedicle bone flap treatment in stage II Kienböck's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 10 patients (8 males, 2 females; mean age 33.3 years; range, 23 to 46 years) treated with pedicle bone flap between January 2012 and June 2016. In all patients, a fourth extensor compartment artery (ECA) pedicle bone flap from the dorsal surface of the radius was prepared and placed through a window opened on the lunate bone. Clinical results of the patients were evaluated according to the Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: All patients could return to their daily activities after surgery. No superficial or deep infection developed requiring debridement or antibiotic use other than prophylaxis. None of the patients required reoperation due to complications or the progression of the disease. The mean Mayo wrist score was measured as 81 (good). CONCLUSION: In this study, results of the fourth ECA pedicle bone flap application were found to be effective in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the lunate bone. Further comparative and long-term follow-up studies are required including large and homogeneous patient groups.

The effects of type I collagen on bone defects and gene expression changes for osteogenesis: In a rat model.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of type I collagen on bone defects and on genes specifically for osteogenesis in a rat model. Two millimeter drill hole bone defect was created in the femur of rats. In the experimental group, type I collagen was applied in bone defects whereas in control group defects were left empty. Inflammation, development of connective tissue, osteogenesis, and foreign body reaction parameters evaluated with histologically and genes evaluated by blood samples. In the experimental group, the histopathologically significant change was found in favor of bone healing only at the first week. A significant increase was found in genetic expressions of BMP-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, TGF-ßRII, Smad-1, IL-6, BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, Eng, BMPR-II, c-fos, Cdkn1a, Chrd, Gdf-5, Id-1, PDGF-ß, IGF-1, Serpine-1, and TGF-ßRI at the first hour. At the first, third, and sixth week, no significant increase was found in any of the gene expressions. Type I collagen is found to be effective in favor of bone healing through increased inflammatory cytokines and expression of BMP genes in the early stages of fracture healing.

Is there a relation between rotator cuff injury and core stability?

BACKGROUND: Strong core stabilization not only minimizes the load on the vertebral column, but also improves strength and endurance of peripheral joints, and enables the energy transfer to distal segments. Despite the current interest surrounding core stability, none of the studies investigated the effect of core stability on the formation of rotator cuff tear or healing after repair. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between core stability and upper extremity functional performance in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery and to compare those with healthy subjects of similar age. METHODS: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RC repair group, n= 58 patient) and healthy subjects of the similar age group (control group, n= 114) were included in the study. The mean age was 55.03 ± 9.84 years in the RC repair group and 52.71 ± 6.31 years in the control group. The RC repair group took standardized rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program did not include core strength and stability exercise. Core endurance was assessed with Flexor Endurance, Prone Bridge and Supine bridge test. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Close Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability (CKCUES) test were used to evaluate the upper extremity functional performance. RESULTS: The core endurance (prone and supine bridge test) of the control group was statistically significantly better than the RC repair group (p⩽ 0.005). The DASH-T, SF-36 and CKCUES scores of the control group were also statistically significantly better. CONCLUSION: The neuromuscular system should be considered as a whole, and addition of the core stabilization exercises to an effective rehabilitation program after RC repair surgery may be beneficial.

Distal medial tibial locking plate for fixation of extraarticular distal humeral fractures; an alternative choice for fixation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative fixation method for distal humeral extra-articular fractures through posterior approach using distal tibia anatomic locking plate; and to evaluate the patient's functional outcome and union condition. METHODS: Eighteen patients (11 men and 7 women; average age of 37.0 ± 17.3 years (range: 18-73 years)) with a distal humeral extra-articular fracture who were treated with distal tibial medial locking plate were included into the study. The mean follow up time was 36.2 ± 16.7 (12-57) months. Functional results were evaluated with perception of pain, range of joint motion, grasp and pinch strengths. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 17 of 18 patients. Only one patient had non-union due to infection and underwent debridement. The mean time for union was 7.8 ± 5.9 months (2-20). Patient perception of pain was X = 1.88 ± 2.50 and X = 4.55 ± 2.68, respectively, at rest and activity. The active ranges of joint motion were adequate for functional use. General functional state of affected extremity (DASH-T) was perfect (X = 27.14 ± 25.66), the performance of elbow joint was good (X = 84.44 ± 11.57). There were no differences in the comparison of grasp and pinch grip of patients with uninvolved extremity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In distal humeral extra-articular fractures, use of distal medial tibia plate has advantages such as providing high rates for union, low rates for complication, and early return to work with early rehabilitation, therefore it may be considered a fixation choice that can be used for distal humeral extra-articular fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

The effects of radial bowing and complications in intramedullary nail fixation of adult forearm fractures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of radial bowing changes on fracture healing and functional results in adult forearm intramedullary nail applications and complications of forearm nails that have been discussed rarely in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients -11 with isolated radius and 12 with both radius and ulna fractures- (17 males, 6 females; mean age 38.6 years; range 18 to 69 years) who were operated between September 2009 and August 2014 were included in the study. The effects of radial bowing changes on bone healing rates, time to union, and functional levels of the forearm as well as complications of forearm nails were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed fracture healing without any complication in 20 patients (86.9%) and nonunion in three patients (13.1%) although six months had passed after the operation. Statistically significant difference was detected between radial bowing change and nonunion (p=0.01). Two patients (8.6%) with AO/OTA Classification (The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen [AO]/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] Classification), type B3 forearm double fractures had synostosis. Extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture or impingement was detected in six patients (26.8%) for which nails were applied on radius fracture. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nail application may be an appropriate treatment alternative in forearm fractures with their high healing rates; however, synostosis may arise with its use in wedge fractures (AO/OTA type B3) at the same level. Although radial bowing changes do not have a significant effect on ranges of motion of the forearm, it should be kept in mind that fracture healing may be affected adversely in patients with radial bowing changes of high rates. Complications regarding extensor pollicis longus tendon may develop during intra- or postoperative periods in patients for which a radius nail has been applied.

Fosfomycin Addition to Poly(D,L-Lactide) Coating Does Not Affect Prophylaxis Efficacy in Rat Implant-Related Infection Model, But That of Gentamicin Does.

Gentamicin is the preferred antimicrobial agent used in implant coating for the prevention of implant-related infections (IRI). However, the present heavy local and systemic administration of gentamicin can lead to increased resistance, which has made its future use uncertain, together with related preventive technologies. Fosfomycin is an alternative antimicrobial agent that lacks the cross-resistance presented by other classes of antibiotics. We evaluated the efficacy of prophylaxis of 10% fosfomycin-containing poly(D,L-lactide) (PDL) coated K-wires in a rat IRI model and compared it with uncoated (Control 1), PDL-coated (Control 2), and 10% gentamicin-containing PDL-coated groups with a single layer of coating. Stainless steel K-wires were implanted and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300) suspensions (103 CFU/10 µl) were injected into a cavity in the left tibiae. Thereafter, K-wires were removed and cultured in tryptic soy broth and then 5% sheep blood agar mediums. Sliced sections were removed from the tibiae, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and semi-quantitatively evaluated with X-rays. The addition of fosfomycin into PDL did not affect the X-ray and histopathological evaluation scores; however, the addition of gentamicin lowered them. The addition of gentamicin showed a protective effect after the 28th day of X-ray evaluations. PDL-only coating provided no protection, while adding fosfomycin to PDL offered a 20% level protection and adding gentamicin offered 80%. Furthermore, there were 103 CFU level growths in the gentamicin-added group, while the other groups had 105. Thus, the addition of fosfomycin to PDL does not affect the efficacy of prophylaxis, but the addition of gentamicin does. We therefore do not advise the use of fosfomycin as a single antimicrobial agent in coating for IRI prophylaxis.

Humeral shaft fractures and radial nerve palsy: early exploration findings.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the results of early nerve explorations in cases with radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture and to investigate in which cases early nerve explorations may be beneficial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (17 males, 7 females; mean age 36 years; range 18 to 72 years) with complete sensory and motor radial nerve damage associated with humeral shaft fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with high-energy trauma and the ones who had spiral and segmental fractures with low energy traumas were included in the study. Early nerve exploration was performed in all patients within an average of 4.8 days (range 1 to 20 days) after fracture development. Electrophysiological assessments were performed in cases with no neurological recovery until 12th week. RESULTS: Spiral fractures of the humerus shaft observed in 14 (58.3%) of the 24 operated patients were the most common fracture type, followed by transverse fracture in four patients (16.6%) and comminuted fracture in two patients (8.3%). As a result of the exploration, we observed nerve compression between the fracture fragments in seven patients (29.1%); a majority of these patients (n=6) had spiral fractures of humerus and one patient had comminuted fracture. One patient with a spiral type fracture had nerve transection. Radial nerve function recovered in most of the patients (95.8%). Average duration for fracture union was 6.7±3.8 months (range 3 to 18 months). CONCLUSION: Spiral fractures of humerus, particularly with wedge fragment, may be a candidate for early surgical exploration. Early exploration may be beneficial in terms of early identification of neural injury in patients with radial nerve dysfunction associated with spiral and comminuted humerus fracture.