A Formula to Predict the Magnitude of Achilles Tendon Lengthening Required to Correct Equinus Deformity.

OBJECTIVES: Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. An appropriate adjustment of the amount of ATL is crucial to avoid insufficient or excessive lengthening. However, there is currently no effective method to preoperatively calculate the tendon length needed for equinus deformity correction. Thus, in this study we evaluated the accuracy of a calculation using a mathematical model based on the law of cosines. METHODS: A total of 16 feet of 14 patients who were scheduled for ATL surgery due to equinus deformity were included in the study. ATL surgery was performed using a standard Z-plasty technique. Calculation of the amount of ATL using the law of cosines, and assessments of intraoperative lengthening of the tendon, were performed in a double-blind manner. The extent of lengthening resulting from the two methods was then compared. RESULTS: The mean ATL determined intraoperatively was 23.67 ± 8.7 mm, and that obtained using the cosine-based method was 22.49 ± 8.6 mm. Thus, the new method showed excellent statistical agreement with the actual lengthening performed during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The required dimension of ATL can be calculated preoperatively using the mathematical formula presented here. The advantages of this approach are that it allows accurate tendon lengthening and reduces the size of the surgical incision.

Greater Trochanter Apophysiodesis in Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Which Implant to Choose?

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanter apophysiodesis (GTA) is relatively minimal invasive technique for the treatment of trochanteric overgrowth. Various types of implants can be used in each procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of three different types of implants that were used in treatment of trochanteric overgrowth in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied radiological results of three implants (screw, screw washer, and EP) on inhibiting trochanteric growth in 32 patients. Articulo-trochanteric and trochanter-trochanter distances (TTDs) were measured on radiographs. Embedding of implant evaluated on final radiographs. RESULTS: The mean of age at the surgery was 10 ± 2.3 years, and the mean of follow up period was 50.0 ± 16.7 months. In all groups, articulo-trochanteric distance was decreased on final radiographs. In screw and screw washer group, increase of TTD was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Twelve, one, and two implants were embedded, respectively, in screw, screw washer, and EP groups. Two patients in EP group had revision surgery due to loosening. CONCLUSIONS: In this study group, GTA using screw and screw washer methods could slow down but did not restore trochanteric overgrowth. We suggest using washer to reduce embedding of the screw.

Effectiveness of Multilevel Botulinum Toxin A Injection with Integrated Treatment Program on Spasticity Reduction in Non-Ambulatory Young Children with Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multilevel Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) injection, as part of an integrated approach, for the treatment of spasticity in non-ambulatory young children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventeen non-ambulatory patients aged 4-8 years with diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level IV) were evaluated before and at 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after BTX-A injection. The effect of BTX-A on spasticity of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). The velocity-dependent properties of spastic muscle as both slow (R2) and fast (R1) stretches were evaluated in MTS. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed in R1 angles of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles at 1st and 3rd months after BTX-A injection in non-ambulatory young children with CP. Statistically significant improvement was found in MAS of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles and R2 angles of knee and ankle joint after 1st month of BTX-A injection. CONCLUSION: Multilevel BTX-A injection, as part of an integrated approach, can be used for focal treatment of spasticity, especially of hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, in non-ambulatory young children with CP GMFCS level IV.

Ponseti management of clubfoot after walking age.

BACKGROUND: With an incidence of 1-2 per 1000 live births, clubfoot is one of the commonest congenital deformities. Deformity has four components: equinus, hindfoot varus, forefoot adductus, and cavus. The Ponseti method for the treatment of clubfoot has been shown to be effective in children up to one year of age. Even with this effective method, late-presenting cases are still challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the corrective effect of the Ponseti method on different components of clubfoot after walking age and to find how the patient's age relates to this correction. METHODS: From 2003 to 2005 we treated 31 feet of 27 patients with clubfoot with a mean age of 21 months (12-72 months) with the Ponseti method. Average follow up was 42 months. All of the patients were evaluated before and after treatment for Dimeglio scores. Patients in the first group, aged less than 20 months, were compared with those in the second group, who were older than 20 months. The corrections for each component of the deformity were analyzed separately. RESULTS: All deformities showed significant correction. Improvements for each separate component were found to be statistically significant. Patients older than 20 months improved less for the components of varus, medial rotation of calcaneopedal block and adductus compared to younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Ponseti method is effective in correcting deformities of clubfoot, even after walking age, but affectivity may decrease with age.

Irreducible fracture dislocation of the ankle caused by tibialis posterior tendon interposition.

A patient with severe irreducible open fracture dislocation of the ankle was admitted to our emergency department. After wound irrigation and debridement, skeletal traction was applied to the calcaneus to minimize soft tissue injury and swelling. The patient was followed in traction for 1 week, after which reduction and fixation of the fibula was attempted but not achieved. We extended the incision distally, visualized the ankle, and located the tibialis posterior tendon between the distal tibia and fibula, thereby inhibiting the reduction. The tendon coursed into the tibiotalar joint anteriorly and pushed the talus anterolaterally. After manipulation of the tendon to its anatomically correct location, the ankle was easily reduced. The wound at the medial side was closed with a fasciocutaneous rotational flap. The ankle was then immobilized for 6 weeks postoperatively. The patient regained her full range of motion, and there were no problems with the tibialis posterior tendon, such as rupture or insufficiency. Isolated tibialis posterior tendon interposition between the distal tibiofibular and tibiotalar joints has rarely been reported, and can inhibit anatomical reduction of the fractured ankle.

[The results of intramedullary nailing in children who developed redisplacement during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures]. / Alçi tedavisi sirasinda tekrar deplase olmus çocuk önkol kiriklarinda intramedüller çivileme sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the results of intramedullary nailing in children who developed redisplacement during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures. METHODS: Twenty-eight children (19 boys, 9 girls; mean age 10.6 years; range 8 to 15 years) were treated with intramedullary fixation upon failure of initial reduction of both-bone forearm fractures after a mean of four weeks (range 3 to 6 weeks) of cast treatment. Intramedullary fixation was performed following closed (n=20) or open (n=8) reduction using K-wires in the first 10 cases, and titanium elastic nails in 18 cases. Single bone fixation was possible in four (14.3%) cases. For malunion assessment, the amount and location of the maximum radial bow were measured and compared with the normal side and with corresponding extremities of age-matched controls. Functional results were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 12 to 18 months). RESULTS: Except for a nonunion of the ulna in one patient who underwent single bone fixation, all correction losses could be restored to normal alignment and united within a mean of seven weeks (range 6 to 8 weeks). The amount and location of the maximum radial bow did not differ significantly from those of the normal side and control extremities (p>0.05). Functional results were excellent in 25 patients (89.3%), good in two patients (7.1%), and unacceptable in one patient (3.6%). None of the patients developed infection, neurapraxia, or after removal of the nail, angulation, refracture, or extremity length discrepancy. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary fixation for correction losses during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures is a safe and inexpensive treatment, allowing early mobilization and providing excellent anatomic and functional results.

[The effectiveness of short-segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures]. / Torakolomber vertebranin patlama kiriklarinda kisa segment posterior enstrümantasyonun etkinligi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of short-segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures and investigated correlations between radiographic and functional results as well as factors that affected correction losses. METHODS: We reviewed 48 patients (30 males, 18 females; mean age 40+/-14 years; range 18 to 67 years) who underwent short-segment posterior instrumentation with pedicle screws and fusion. The most common involvement was at L1 in 18 patients (37.5%), followed by T12 in 11 patients (22.9%). According to the Frankel grading system, six patients had complete, 14 patients had incomplete neurologic deficits. The Cobb angles were measured, and canal remodeling was assessed by computed tomography. Modified functional results were derived using the Denis pain and work scales. The mean follow-up was 21.7+/-9.1 months (range 12 to 48 months). RESULTS: The mean correction in the Cobb angle was 18.2+/-8.6 degrees (p<0.01), the mean correction loss was 7.4+/-5.7 degrees (p<0.01), and the mean canal remodeling was 51.3+/-9.3% (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between Cobb angle correction and correction loss (r=0.38, p<0.01). An intraoperative correction of greater than 15 degrees was significantly associated with a greater correction loss (p<0.05). Patients with a correction loss of more than 10 degrees had a significantly poorer Denis pain score and modified functional result (p<0.05). Modified functional results were excellent in 16 patients (33.3%), good in 23 patients (47.9%), fair in seven patients (14.6%), and poor in two patients (4.2%). At final follow-ups, the Cobb angle was not correlated with functional results (p>0.05). All the patients having incomplete neurologic deficits improved by at least 1 Frankel grade. CONCLUSION: An intraoperative correction exceeding 15 degrees is significantly associated with a greater correction loss, which in turn has a significantly adverse effect on functional results.

[Cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head]. / Femur basi avasküler nekrozu olan hastalarda çimentosuz total kalça artroplastisi.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the results of cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients with late-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: Unilateral cementless total hip replacement was performed in 25 patients (19 males, 6 females; mean age 39.6 years; range 26 to 56 years) with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A cementless acetabular cup with screws was used for the acetabulum with a cementless femoral component. Functional results were evaluated according to the Harris hip score. Radiographically, acetabular and femoral components were evaluated according to the criteria of Lins et al. and Engh et al., respectively. Heterotopic ossification was assessed according to the criteria of Brooker et al. The mean follow-up was 63.9 months (range 48 to 94 months). RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score increased from 41.5 (range 33 to 52) to 87.1 (range 74 to 96) after the treatment (p<0.001). No radiographic loosening was detected in 22 patients (88%). Radiolucent lines were observed in one acetabular and two femoral components, but no secondary interventions were performed as the patients were asymptomatic. Heterotopic ossification was observed in 13 patients, which was grade 1 in eight patients, grade 2 in two patients, and grade 3 in three patients. CONCLUSION: In general, patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis of the femoral head are younger and more active compared to those with osteoarthritis, showing a high likelihood of future revision procedures. Our results favor cementless applications as a more appropriate alternative in this patient group.

[Treatment of humeral pseudarthroses by open reduction and internal fixation]. / Humerus psödoartrozlarinin açik redüksiyon ve internal tespit ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting was assessed in the treatment of humeral diaphysis pseudarthrosis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (16 men, 8 women; mean age 44 years; range 28 to 64 years) were operated on for humeral pseudarthrosis. Of these, 16 patients and eight patients had had previous surgical and conservative treatments, respectively. Surgery was performed after a mean of 10.8 months (range 7 to 21 months) following the initial treatments. Preoperatively, none of the patients had infected nonunion, a bone defect greater than 4 cm, and radial nerve injury. Treatment included open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting. The plate was secured with at least four screws (8 cortices) both proximally and distally. The mean follow-up was 40 months (range 28 to 60 months). The range of motion of the shoulder and elbow was evaluated according to the criteria by Rommens et al. Functional evaluations were made according to the criteria by Stewart and Hundley. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all the patients after a mean of 19 weeks (range 14 to 26 weeks). Shoulder range of motion was excellent in all the patients. Elbow range of motion was excellent in 22 patients and moderate in two patients. Functional results were excellent in 20 patients and good in four patients. Deep infection, nonunion, malunion, implant failure, or permanent nerve injury did not occur in any of the patients. Two patients had transient radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: Treatment with open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting is a safe and effective option in humeral pseudarthroses, particularly in cases without infection, bony defect, and deformity requiring correction.

[The efficacy of non-operative treatment of burst fractures of the thoracolumbar vertebrae]. / Torakolomber vertebra burst kiriklarinda konservatif tedavinin etkinligi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of non-operative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: The study included 26 patients (19 males, 7 females; mean age 36 years; range 18 to 67 years) who underwent conservative treatment for single-level thoracolumbar fractures without posterior column involvement. None of the patients had neurologic deficits and canal encroachment was 50% or less in all fractures. Functional results were evaluated with the use of Denis' pain and work scales. Relationships were sought between functional results and follow-up time, progression in kyphosis angle, residual kyphosis, and residual canal stenosis, and between radiologic parameters. RESULTS: Functional results were excellent or good in 65.3%, and poor in 7.7%. Three patients required surgery because of pain. Final follow-up evaluations showed a significant progression in the mean Cobb angle (p<0.001) and a significant remodelization in the mean canal encroachment (p<0.001). No significant correlations were found between progression in kyphosis, residual kyphosis, residual canal stenosis, and functional results (p>0.05). The mean initial Cobb angle was correlated with the mean initial canal encroachment (p<0.05). There was also a correlation between the initial canal encroachment and final remodelization (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although non-operative management of thoracolumbar fractures has considerable efficacy, it may yield poor results in a small percentage of patients, some of whom require surgery because of pain. Thus, further prospective, randomized, and comparative studies with longer follow-up periods are required to define prognostic factors that may predict poor results following non-operative treatment.

[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.

[Treatment of childhood unstable radius distal methaphysis fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wires]. / Cocuk radius alt uç metafizinin instabil kiriklarinin kapali redüksiyon ve perkütan Kirschner teli ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of treatment with closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wires in childhood unstable radius distal methaphysis fractures. METHODS: Forty-four fractures of radius distal methaphysis of 43 children (33 boys, 10 girls; mean age 11.7 years; range 8.6 to 16 years) were treated with immediate closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wires. Fractures with more than 50% displacement were considered unstable. A satisfactory reduction was defined as the presence of 80% cortical contact on anteroposterior and lateral x-rays, an angulation of less than 20 degrees and 15 degrees at ages below and over 10 years, respectively, and the absence of malrotation. Clinically, the range of motion of the elbow and wrist, forearm rotation, and grip strength were measured and compared with those of the other side in the 12th postoperative week. A restriction of 10 degrees or more in relation to the other side was regarded as failure. Radiologic indications of failure in the postoperative sixth week were residual angulations of more than 15 degrees and 10 degrees at ages below and above 10 years, respectively, and malrotation. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (93.2%) achieved a successful outcome. Failure was encountered in three patients (6.8%). Two patients developed type 1 pin tract infection, which resolved with antibiotic therapy and wound care. Patients returned to their normal activities in a mean of 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and the use of percutaneous Kirschner wires proved to be the choice of treatment in unstable radius distal methaphysis fractures in children.