Distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy technique in hallux valgus deformity: Clinical and radiological results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of hallux valgus patients treated with distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six feet of 22 patients (4 males, 18 females; mean age 46.2±18 years; range, 16 to 70 years) who were diagnosed as hallux valgus between March 2013 and April 2016 and who underwent distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy were included in this retrospective study. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society/Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS/HMIS) was used for clinical and functional evaluation. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), sesamoid position, first metatarsal length and forefoot bone and soft tissue width were measured for radiological evaluation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 33.1±9.8 months. The AOFAS/HMIS score increased significantly postoperatively (p=0.001). In the footwear section of the AOFAS/HMIS, the median preoperative score of 5 (range, 0-5) increased to 10 (range, 5-10) at the postoperative period (p=0.001). Hallux valgus angle, IMA, DMAA, and first metatarsal length significantly decreased when compared to preoperative measurements. Forefoot bone width also decreased significantly from 9.3 cm (range, 7.5-11.5 cm) to 8.8 cm (6.8-10.3 cm) (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy is a safe method for hallux valgus deformity. Forefoot width reduction, decrease of soft tissue tension, sesamoid reduction, and plantar fascia relaxation are the crucial benefits of this method.

Can a Hip Diagnosed as Graf Type 1According to Graf Checklist Deteriorate Over Time? A Case Series and Evaluation of the Graf Method.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Graf method, mature Type 1 hips will not worsen overtime. However, some cases have been reported in literature of hips which were initially Graf Type 1 hips and then worsened later. Our aim is to show the mistakes of the hip sonograms, which had been diagnosed as a mature Graf Type 1 hips. CASE REPORT: A review of literature revealed four studies initially diagnosed as Graf Type 1 hips and which then worsened overtime. Professor Graf has previously stated that measurements from inappropriate sonograms may result in an incorrect diagnosis. In this paper, the four aforementioned studies and their sonograms reported in literature were evaluated according to the Graf technique. In the light of the findings, it was discussed whether a mature hip could worsen overtime. In the reported cases, some of the deficiencies according to the Graf checklist were determined. CONCLUSION: From this examination, it can be concluded that Type 1 mature hips which worsened overtime, except for special circumstances as previously mentioned by Professor Graf, are related to an initial wrong diagnosis. As a result, if a Graf Type 1 hip was determined appropriately according to Graf checklist, it will never worsen later in normal circumstances.

Neglected bilateral congenital dislocation of the patella.

Congenital dislocation of the patella is a disorder that presents with dysfunction in extensor mechanism. Although congenital dislocation of the patella mostly occurs in children with genetic disorders, it may also occur in totally healthy children, despite rarely. In this article, we report a 16-year-old male patient who referred to our clinic with complaints of gait disturbance, frequent falls, and muscular weakness in lower extremity. The patient had no complaints during walking, but had difficulty in running and walking up and down the stairs. It was observed that the range of motion of the knee joint was completely painless and the quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated as 3/5. An evaluation of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the patella was dislocated. It became clear with magnetic resonance imaging that extensor mechanism was continuous but patellar tendon was not attached to its anatomical position. Surgical treatment was not planned because the patient did not describe any pain complaint and there was no limitation of joint movement, he could walk without support and without device and also refused to be operated. The choice of treatment should be based on the patient's preference, and pain and functional status.

Biomechanical comparison of supraacetabular external fixation and anterior pelvic bridge plating.

Unstable pelvic ring injuries are complex and risky injuries due to high morbidity and mortality. Although anterior pelvic external fixator is a suitable method for rapid stabilization of an injured pelvic ring, due to some disadvantages such as high complication rate, nerve damage, and difficulties of patient's mobility and comfort, there has recently been increased searching for alternative methods for stabilization of the pelvic ring. Pubic symphysis zone freely moves in pelvic models. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical stability of anterior pelvic bridge plating and compare it with supraacetabular external fixators in an untreated unstable pelvic fracture model. Samples were loaded statically with 2-mm/min loading rate in single leg standing position. Maximum load was 2.3 kN. When loading the samples, photographs were taken continuously. Stiffness values were calculated from the load displacement curves. Some reference parameters were described and were measured from unloaded and 2.3-kN-loaded photographs of the test. The mean stiffness values were 491.14 ± 52.22, 478.55 ± 41.44, and 470.25 ± 44.51 N/mm for anterior pelvic bridge plating group, supraacetabular external fixator group, and Control group, respectively. According to the measured parameters from photographs, the mean displacement at the pubic symphysis was 4.7 ± 0.32, 15.8 ± 2.01, and 18.2 ± 0.47 mm for anterior pelvic bridge plating, supraacetabular external fixator, and Control group, respectively. The highest displacement in the pubic symphysis was found in Control group, and minimum displacement was observed in anterior pelvic bridge plating group. When the perpendicular distance between the right and left lower end of ischium was examined, it was observed that displacement was minimum in anterior pelvic bridge plating group compared to other two groups, regarding to the high stability of pubic symphysis. In conclusion, this study revealed superiority of anterior subcutaneous plate fixation with biomechanical results.

Percutaneous medial collateral ligament release in arthroscopic medial meniscectomy in tight knees.

PURPOSE: Visualization and surgery of tears in the posterior medial meniscus are difficult in tight knees. Iatrogenic chondral lesions might cause serious morbidity, and residual tears may result in inadequate symptom relief. We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of superficial medial collateral ligament (MCL) release during arthroscopic medial meniscectomy in tight knees. METHODS: Eighteen patients [median age: 43 years (22-59); median follow-up: 8.3 months (6-12)] who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy were included in the study. Patients with ligamentous injuries, severe chondral damage or meniscal repairs were excluded. Preoperatively, anteroposterior knee radiographs were obtained with 11-kg valgus stress using a specialized instrument. During the operation, if opening of the medial knee in 30° flexion under 11-kg valgus stress was inadequate, controlled release of the posterior portion of the MCL was performed using a 16-gauge needle. Intraoperative valgus stress was monitored using a specially designed lateral support with mounted load cell. MCL injury was evaluated both with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and valgus stress radiographs, which were obtained in the 1st week and 3rd and 6th months postoperatively to monitor healing of the elongated MCL. RESULTS: In all patients, meniscectomy could be performed with adequate visualization of the posterior medial meniscus and without iatrogenic chondral injury. The median medial joint space width on valgus stress radiographs was 7.1 mm preoperatively and 9.1, 8.0 and 7.2 mm in the 1st week, and 3rd and 6th months, respectively (p < 0.0001). On MRI, the injured structure was the posterior two-thirds of the MCL. Median Lysholm score, which was 42 points before the operation, had increased to 94 points at the final follow-up (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Controlled release of the MCL in tight knees allowed easier handling in posterior medial meniscus tears and a better understanding of tear configurations, avoiding iatrogenic chondral lesions. The MCL injury healed uneventfully. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pin site care during circular external fixation using two different protocols.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of tibial fractures with Ilizarov external fixation is a valuable treatment alternative; however, development of problems at the pin site is one of the major drawbacks of this technique. Moreover, there is no general agreement regarding pin site care. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different pin site care techniques after treatment of tibial fractures with an Ilizarov external fixator. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of education and research hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, we followed up 610 pin sites in 39 cases using two different pin site care protocols. INTERVENTION: For the first 15 days, patients in both groups cleaned each pin site using sterile gauze impregnated with 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (Polyod) every 3 days. After 15 days, patients in group 1 (20 cases, 310 pin sites) were advised to perform pin care by daily showering and brushing the pin sites with soap and an ordinary soft toothbrush, whereas patients in group 2 (19 cases, 300 pin sites) were advised to perform pin care by daily showering and cleaning the crusts using sterile gauze impregnated with 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (Polyod). Each pin site was denominated according to location. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pin sites were inspected and graded on a scale of 0 to 5 according to slight modification of the system of Dahl described by Gordon et al during outpatient visits on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th, 120th, and 150th days of follow up after the operation until fixator removal. Grade 1 and grade 2 infections were categorized as minor infection not requiring any extra pin site care and grade 3 and above infections as major infection. RESULTS: Minor infection rate of all pin sites was determined as 50.7% in group 1 and 43.6% in group 2. Major infection rate was determined as 3.5% in group 1 and 3.7% in group 2. No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pin site care can be performed without impairing patient comfort and without prohibition of showering. Pin site care can be self-managed by the patients without complex sterilization techniques.

The use of a low-profile Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of complex fractures and non-unions of the distal femur.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a modified (low-profile) Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of complex fractures of the distal femur such asseptic or aseptic non-unions following previous surgeries, osteoporotic fractures, and high-grade open fractures. Ten male patients with a mean age of 50 years (range, 22-72 years) were treated with a modified Ilizarov fixator. The system was composed of tensioned olive wires attached to four 5/8 rings (two proximal and two distal to the fracture line) connected to each other with three rods. The fixator was not extended to the proximal femur nor across the knee to the tibia, and no Schanz screws were used. The main outcomes evaluated were union, time in fixator and IOWA knee score. Time in the fixator averaged 158 days (range, 125-180). Mean follow-up was 74 months (range, 24-108 months). All fractures united without major complications. One case healed with a 3 degrees varus angulation at the fracture site. The mean IOWA score was 83.8 (range, 70-98). Although superficial pin-tract infection was observed at 10 pin sites, no patient developed deep infection requiring premature pin removal. There was breakage of one wire, which was replaced under anaesthesia, and one patient presented a patella fracture after a fall, which healed after tension-band wire fixation. Considering the high union and low complication rates, we suggest the use of a low-profile Ilizarov fixator in the management of certain distal femoral fractures and non-unions that may be difficult to manage using other means of fixation.

Minimally invasive plating of the distal tibia: do we really sacrifice saphenous vein and nerve? A cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of saphenous nerve (SN) and great saphenous vein (GSV) injury during percutaneous screw placement of the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate with tab in distal tibias of cadaver extremities. METHODS: Thirty-one unpaired (1 fresh and 30 formalin fixed) adult cadaveric lower extremity specimens were dissected. Using the principles of minimally invasive plating, a 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate was implanted in 16 extremities and a 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate with tab in the remaining 15 extremities. Injuries to or any evidences of direct contact with the SN or GSV were recorded. Additionally, the shortest distances of each hole to the main branches of these anatomic structures were measured. RESULTS: The risk of injury to the SN and GSV was higher in holes 4, 5, and 6 when using the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and in holes 3, 5, and 8 when using the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate. CONCLUSIONS: The SN and GSV are at high risk for injury during percutaneous screw placement of the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate at the distal tibia. Careful dissection in the stab incisions down the plate, atraumatic placement of the drill sleeves, and protection of the soft tissues during screw insertion might decrease the risk of injury to the SN and GSV.

Rotator interval dimensions in different shoulder arthroscopy positions: a cadaveric study.

The rotator interval was defined as a triangular structure, where the base of the triangle was the coracoid base, the upper border was the anterior margin of the supraspinatus, and the lower border was the superior margin of the subscapularis muscle-tendon unit. We evaluated the rotator interval dimensions in 15 shoulders from 10 lightly embalmed adult cadavers in 3 shoulder arthroscopy positions: 0 degrees of abduction and 30 degrees of flexion (beach chair [BC]), 45 degrees of abduction and 30 degrees of flexion (lateral decubitus 1), and 70 degrees of abduction and 30 degrees of flexion (lateral decubitus 2). In each shoulder position, measurements were made in neutral rotation (NR), 45 degrees of external rotation (ER), and 45 degrees of internal rotation (IR). The coracoid base lengthened with IR in all positions and shortened in ER in the lateral decubitus position but not in the BC position. Abduction significantly lengthened the coracoid base, which was shortest in the BC position with ER (24 +/- 4 mm) and longest in the lateral decubitus 2 position with IR (33 +/- 5 mm). The coracoid base, where sutures are placed during plication of the interval, was observed to lengthen and, therefore, loosen with IR and abduction. To prevent postoperative ER restriction, plication should be made in ER or neutral rotation when operating in the BC position and the degree of abduction should be decreased and the shoulder held in ER when operating in the lateral decubitus position.