Improving Osteoporosis Prediction Using Vertebral Bone Quality Score and Paravertebral Muscle Measurements From Lumbar MRI Scans.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to use a novel method of combining vertebral bone quality score with paravertebral cross-sectional area measurements to improve the accuracy of predicting individuals with total hip T-scores <-2.5. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition associated with decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the conventional method for diagnosing osteoporosis, but it has limitations. Opportunistic osteoporosis screening techniques using lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score, have shown promise. This study aims to improve the accuracy of predicting individuals with low total hip T-scores using a novel method that combines VBQ scores with paravertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 98 patients with DXA and lumbar MRI scans was analyzed. VBQ scores were calculated based on lumbar MRI images, and CSA measurements of paravertebral and psoas muscles were obtained. Threshold-based logistic regression was used to identify optimal thresholds for predicting total hip T-scores <-2.5. RESULTS: The combined model incorporating the VBQ score and paravertebral muscle percent achieved an accuracy of 96.9% for predicting total hip T-scores <-2.5, compared to 81.6% when using the VBQ score alone. Incorporating paravertebral muscle measurements significantly improved the accuracy of identifying osteoporotic individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of VBQ score and paravertebral muscle measurements enhances the accuracy of predicting individuals with low total hip T-scores. Lumbar MRI scans provide valuable information beyond opportunistic osteoporosis screening, and the inclusion of paravertebral muscle measurements could aid in identifying at-risk individuals more accurately.

Bilateral Flexion-Type Supracondylar Humerus Fracture.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in the pediatric population, but flexion fractures are very rare in this population. The need for open reduction in these fractures is high and can be challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. In this article, we report a 9-year-old patient with bilateral flexion-type humeral fracture treated with closed reduction, which, to our knowledge, is the first report in the literature. We concluded that the first step in the treatment of flexion-type supracondylar fractures should be closed reduction with the help of an experienced assistant surgeon and that successful results can be obtained even in bilateral flexion-type fractures with appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Publication Trends in the Pelvic Parameter Related Literature between 1992 and 2022 : A Bibliometric Review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis on pelvic parameter related research over the last 30 years, analyzing trends, hotspots, and influential works within this field. METHODS: A comprehensive Web of Science database search was performed. The search yielded 3249 results, focusing on articles and reviews published from 1992 to 2022 in English. Data was analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer for keyword, authorship, and citation burst analysis, co-citation analysis, and clustering. RESULTS: The number of publications and citations related to pelvic parameters has increased exponentially over the last 30 years. The USA leads in publication count with 1003 articles. Top publishing journals include the European Spine Journal, Spine, and Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, with significant contributions by Schwab, Lafage V, and Protoptaltis. The most influential articles were identified using centrality and sigma values, indicating their role as key articles within the field. Research hotspots included spinal deformity, total hip arthroplasty, and sagittal alignment. CONCLUSION: Interest in pelvic parameter related research has grown significantly over the last three decades, indicating its relevance in modern orthopedics. The most influential works within this field have contributed to our understanding of spinal deformity, pelvic incidence, and their relation to total hip arthroplasty. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the trends and influential research in the field of pelvic parameters.

The protective role of vitamins C and E in steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis: An experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) can effectively protect the femoral head and reduce the risk of developing osteonecrosis in rats that have been treated with steroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (mean weight: 356±18 g; range, 330 to 375 g), which were randomly assigned to one of five groups. The control group received saline solution, while the other groups were given lipopolysaccharide/methylprednisolone (LPS/MPS) to induce osteonecrosis. Three groups in which osteonecrosis was induced were also intraperitoneally administered either VC, VE, or both once a day for four weeks. Intracardiac blood samples were taken at the end of the fourth week for biochemical examination, and the rats were then sacrificed under general anesthesia. After sacrification, right femurs were removed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and radiologic examinations. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean trabecular number increased significantly in the VC+VE group. There was a substantial decrease observed in the mean trabecular separation within the LPS/MPS group compared to the control group, although trabecular separation decreased in all three vitamin groups compared to the LPS/MPS group. The surface area/bone volume was significantly increased in the VC+VE group compared to the LPS/MPS group. Histological, immunohistochemical, and radiological examinations showed that the administration of VC and VE significantly reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction in rats with steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that VC, VE, and particularly VC+VE have a protective effect on the femoral head in rats with steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis. These findings may lead to new treatment options for patients.

The effects of hydroxychloroquine-induced oxidative stress on fracture healing in an experimental rat model.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) sulfate causes oxidative stress (OS) and its effect on fracture healing in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, open diaphyseal femur fractures were induced in 24 eight-week-old male rats (mean weight: 225±25 g; range, 200 to 250 g) and then fixed with K-wire. The rats were divided into four groups: HCQ-2, control-2 (C-2), HCQ-4, and control-4 (C-4). During the study period, rats in the HCQ groups received an HCQ solution (160 mg/kg/day), whereas rats in the control groups received saline. The HCQ-2 and C-2 groups were sacrificed on the 14th day, and the HCQ-4 and C-4 groups were sacrificed on the 28th day. After sacrifice, malondialdehyde levels induced by OS were calculated for each rat, and fracture healing was evaluated radiographically, histomorphometrically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde levels were higher in the HCQ groups than in the control groups (p<0.05). Hydroxychloroquine caused OS in rats. The ratio of total callus diameter to femur bone diameter was lower in HCQ groups compared to control groups (p<0.05). No differences were observed when comparing radiological and histological healing results between the control and HCQ groups. Alkaline phosphatase levels were lower in the HCQ-4 group than the C-4 group at week four (p<0.05), although osteocalcin and osteopontin levels did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Oxidative stress had no adverse effects on histologic healing outcomes and osteoblast functions. Cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b levels were higher in the HCQ-4 group than in the C-4 group (p<0.05). While the number and function of osteoclasts increased due to OS in callus tissue, a decrease in the number of chondrocytes was observed. CONCLUSION: Hydroxychloroquine-induced OS increases the number and function of osteoclasts and decreases the number of hypertrophic chondrocytes and endochondral ossification but has no significant effect on mid-late osteoblast products and histological fracture healing scores.

Complex Open Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Index Finger in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Pediatric metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocations are rare. Open MCP injuries are rarer. There are different surgical approaches to its treatment, and each approach has advantages and disadvantages. Debridement and open reduction should be performed urgently in the treatment. In our study, we will present the treatment and follow-up of a 15-year-old patient with an open index finger MCP joint dislocation. In conclusion, open MCP dislocations adversely affect hand function when their treatment is delayed, and complications can be avoided if full anatomical reduction and soft tissue reconstruction are performed quickly.

Comparison on effects of platelet-rich plasma versus autologous conditioned serum on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of local administrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on Achilles tendon healing in a rat model. METHODS: In this study, 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 12 months and weighing 350 to 400 g were used. The rats were divided into three groups (n=10 in each group): a control group and two treatment groups (PRP vs ACS). A standardized procedure was applied for the complete rupture and repair of the Achilles tendon in each group. The PRP group received one dose of PRP on the operative area, and ACS group received ACS at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the surgery. The control group received no injection. Animals were sacrificed 30 days after the operation, and tendon healing in each group was assessed histopathologically based on Bonar's semi-quantitative score and Movin's semi-quantitative grading scale. For the biomechanical analyses, unoperated Achilles tendons of all rats in the control and ACS groups were also harvested, and pulling tests were applied to the specimen to measure the longitudinal axis strength. The highest force value among the data obtained was defined as the maximum strength value (Fmax). RESULTS: The mean Bonar's score was significantly lower in the PRP group (3.8±0.8) than in the ACS (4.8±0.45) and control groups (5.2±0.837) (p=0.0028). The mean Movin's score was significantly lower in the PRP group (7.80±1.49) than in the ACS (9.8±1) and control groups (11.2±2.4) (p=0.029). The ratio of type I collagen was significantly higher in the PRP group (60±6) than in the ACS (52±4.5) and control groups (42±9) (p=0.005). Biomechanical results obtained from operated sites were comparable in terms of Fmax among groups (PRP, 33.93±2.61; ACS, 35.24±3.26; control, 35.69±3.62) (p=0.674). Similarly, the results obtained from unoperated sites were comparable among groups (PRP, 47.71±1.21; ACS, 48.14±2; control, 49.14.69±1.88) (p=0.395). CONCLUSION: In terms of histopathological results, PRP seems to be more effective than ACS for Achilles tendon healing in rats.

Cyanocobalamin and cholecalciferol synergistically improve functional and histopathological nerve healing in experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a frequent problem among young adults. Hopefully, regeneration can occur in PNI unlike central nervous system. If nerve cut is complete, gold standard treatment is surgery, but incomplete cuts have been tried to be treated by medicines. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare clinical and histopathological outcomes of independent treatment of each of Vitamin B12 (B12) and Vitamin D3 (D3) and their combination on sciatic nerve injury in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Experimental animal study was performed after the approval of BEH Ethics Committee No. 2015/10. 32 rats were grouped into four (n=8) according to treatment procedures, such as Group 1 (controls with no treatment), Group 2 (intraperitoneal 1 mg/kg/day B12), Group 3 (oral 3500 IU/kg/week D3), Group 4 (intraperitoneal 1 mg/kg/day B12+ oral 3500 IU/kg/week D3). Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) and histopathological analysis were performed. RESULTS: SFIs of Group 2, 3, 4 were statistically significantly higher than controls. Group 2 and 3 were statistically not different, however Group 4 was statistically significantly higher than others according to SFI. Axonal degeneration (AD) in all treatment groups were statistically significantly lower than in Group 1. AD in Group 4 was significantly lower than in Group 2 and 3; there was no significant difference between Group 2 and 3. There was no significant difference between Group 1,2 and 3 in Axonolysis (A). But A of Group 4 was significantly very much lower than all others. Oedema- inflammation (OE-I) in all treatment groups were significantly lower than in Group 1; there was no significant difference between Group 2 and group 4. OE-I in Group 2 and 4 were significantly lower than in Group 3. There were no significant differences between Group 1, 2 and 3 in damage level scores; score of Group 4 was significantly lower than of Group 1. CONCLUSION: B12 and D3 were found effective with no statistically significant difference. But combined use of B12 and D3 improve nerve healing synergistically. We recommend combined use of B12 and D3 after PNI as soon as possible.

A new method for the assessment of reduction tension during open reduction in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe our standardized method for evaluating the tension of reduction around the hip joint during open reduction in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 67 pediatric patients (8 males, 59 females; mean age 21.9±11.1 months; range, 9 to 67 months) who were performed open reduction or open reduction with concomitant pelvic and/or femoral osteotomy for DDH at our clinic between January 2009 and March 2014. The amount of distraction between femoral head and acetabulum was measured to evaluate the tension of reduction during surgery. Factors associated with avascular necrosis (AVN) such as age at reduction, presence of concomitant pelvic and/or femoral shortening osteotomy, and severity of dislocation were determined. RESULTS: Statistically significant association was found between the presence of femoral osteotomy, severity of dislocation, and amount of distraction and AVN. The incidence of AVN was 38.8% (10 grade I, 12 grade II, 3 grade III, and one grade IV AVN). Cut-off value for the amount of distraction to prevent the development of AVN was calculated as 4 mm. CONCLUSION: According to our study findings, we advise using our technique for the evaluation of the tension of reduction around the hip joint and performing tension free reduction in the treatment of DDH to minimize the risk of AVN development.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biomechanical effects of splenectomy on Achilles tendon healing in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess Achilles tendon repair in rats following splenectomy to simulate patients with musculoskeletal system injury who had splenectomy after spleen injury, a situation often seen in orthopedics and traumatology practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (10 months old; average weight, 394.5 ± 28.3 g). The rats were fed with standard rodent food ad libitum at 22°C in a dark environment for 12 h. They were divided into two groups, namely the splenectomy (total splenectomy and Achilles tendon repair) and control groups (only Achilles tendon repair; n = 16). Four weeks after the surgery, the rats were euthanized, and their Achilles tendons were examined histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biomechanically. RESULTS: In the splenectomy group, proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, showed significantly lower values than those in the control group (p ˂0.01); moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines like vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-ß1, interleukin-2, interleukin-10, and hepatocyte growth factor were significantly higher than in the control group (p ˂ 0.001). The average ultimate tensile strengths were 2.58 ± 0.5 in the splenectomy and 2.78 ± 0.3 in the control group (p = 0.043). The average εUTS values were 0.33 ± 0.5 in the splenectomy and 0.44 ± 0.1 in the control group (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Splenectomy may positively influence Achilles tendon healing through modification of the proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory ratio in favor of anti-inflammatory cytokines by causing a decrease in spleen-originated inflammatory cells.

A rare cause of type 1 complex regional pain syndrome: Osteoblastoma of the talus.

We report a 14-year-old boy who presented with pain in the left foot and ankle for about 9 months. The clinical symptoms of the patient suggested complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging studies ravealed a bone tumor in the talus, consistent with an osteoblastoma. The patient underwent operative treatment with curettage and grafting. The complaints of the patient completely resolved by 6 months after surgery, and there was no recurrence at the postoperative 23th month follow-up.

Osteoprotegerin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients with diabetic foot.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in patients with diabetic foot and patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to investigate the prevalence and severity of 25(OH)D insufficiency in patients with diabetic foot. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 105 patients including 58 patients with diabetic foot (42 males, 16 females; mean age 63.6 years; range, 31 to 90 years), who applied to our hospital between June 2014 and May 2015, and 47 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients (27 males, 20 females; mean age 51.4 years; range, 29 to 85 years) (control group). 25(OH)D and osteoprotegerin serum levels in both groups were measured and compared. RESULTS: Osteoprotegerin levels in diabetic foot group were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). The 25(OH)D levels in diabetic foot group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). There were positive correlations between OPG levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine levels in patients with diabetic foot. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of OPG in patients with diabetic foot may display the severity of the clinical status due to its positive correlation with CRP and creatinine. We detected severe 25(OH)D deficiency in the majority of diabetic foot patients. Vitamin D supplementation may be required in diabetic foot patients to prevent unfavorable immunologic alterations.

The age dependent change in the incidence of calcaneal spur.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the calcaneal spur incidence and age, gender and side. METHODS: Lateral ankle X-rays of 1335 patients (550 (41.2%) females and 758 (58.8) males; mean age: 46.5 ± 13.5 years) who referred to our hospital because of trauma were reviewed. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur, posterior calcaneal spur and association of such incidences with age, gender and side were all evaluated. RESULTS: Incidences of plantar calcaneal spur and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% (male: 31%, female: 34%) and 13.1% (male: 11%, female: 16%), respectively. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur increased by age whereas there was not any association with gender and location. The highest incidence was detected as 41.8% over 70 years of age. Incidence of posterior calcaneal spur increased by age and female gender whereas no significant association was observed with location. The highest incidence was detected as 22.3% between 61 and 70 years of age. CONCLUSION: Incidences of plantar and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% and 13.1%, respectively. Both plantar and posterior calcaneal spur incidence increases by age. Posterior calcaneal spur occurs significantly more frequently in females while, no difference is found between the males and females in incidence of the plantar calcaneal spur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study.

Isotretinoin induced achilles tendinopathy: Histopathological and biomechanical evaluation on rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate histopathological and biomechanical effects of isotretinoin on Achilles tendon. MATERIALS & METHODS: Sixteen rats were divided into two groups including the control group (n = 8) and isotretinoin group (n = 8). The control group received 1.42 ml/kg soy oil per day whereas the isotretinoin group received 15 mg/kg/day (gavage dose 1.42 ml/kg) isotretinoin dissolved in soy oil through gavage method for 6 weeks. Achilles tendons were excised at the end of week 6. The tendon samples were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin under a light microscope. Quantitative evaluation was performed via Movin and Bonar scoring. A computer-monitored tensile testing machine was utilised for biomechanical testing. Biomechanical characteristics of the tendon samples (elastic modulus, yield force, ultimate tensile force) were measured. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation revealed a significantly higher Movin and Bonar scores in histopathological evaluation. Movin score in isotretinoin group was 4.1 ± 2.5 and it was 2.3 ± 1.0 in control group (p = 0.032). Bonar score in isotretinoin group was 2.9 ± 1.4 and it was 1.6 ± 0.7 in control group (p = 0.022). In line with histopathological evaluation, biomechanical measurements in isotretinoin group (elastic modulus, yield force, ultimate tensile force) were significantly lower than the control group. Elastic modulus in isotretinoin group was 227 ± 27.7 N/mm2 and in control group it was 281.7 ± 38.7 N/mm2 (p = 0.006). In isotretinoin group; yield force was 33.7 ± 4.3 Pa and in control group it was 40.8 ± 5.9 Pa (p = 0.021). Ultimate tensile force in isotretinoin group was 35.7 ± 4.2 Pa and in control group it was 44 ± 7 Pa (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The present study detected histopathological and biomechanical negative effect of isotretinoin on Achilles tendon. Therefore, isotretinoin should be questioned in medical history of patients with tendinopathy.

Epidermoid cysts localized on extremities.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the incidence, anatomic localization, relationship to trauma, treatment complications, relapse ratios after treatment, and factors affecting relapse of epidermoid cysts localized on the extremities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study evaluated retrospectively 120 patients (76 males, 44 females; mean age 41.8 years; range 9 to 76 years) diagnosed with and operated due to epidermoid cyst localized on the extremities between January 2012 and June 2017. Patients' age, gender, cyst's localization, anatomic localization, complaint duration, and trauma history were investigated as well as whether a cutaneous islet was left on the cyst and whether any cyst rupture occurred intraoperatively; and relapse and association of relapse ratios with these parameters. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between patients with or without relapse in terms of age, gender distribution, or cyst size or localization (p>0.05). Relapse ratios were significantly lower in patients in whom a cutaneous islet was left intraoperatively (p<0.05). Relapse ratios were significantly higher in patients who developed intraoperative cyst rupture (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between relapse and trauma history (p>0.05). Intraoperative cyst rupture ratios were significantly lower in patients in whom a cutaneous islet was left intraoperatively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Epidermoid cysts are most frequently localized on the hands. They may also be atypically localized with different dimensions and characteristics. Well definition of the cyst margins and characteristics and avoiding intraoperative rupture while excising the cyst together with the cutaneous islet are essential to reduce possible postoperative complications and relapse ratios.

Investigation of the biomechanical and histopathological effects of autologous conditioned serum on healing of Achilles tendon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on the healing of transected rat Achilles tendons via the assessment of biomechanical and histological parameters. METHODS: The study was conducted on 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Five rats were used as donors for ACS preparation. Animals were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. In both groups, the Achilles tendon was cut transversally and then sutured. In the placebo control and ACS-treated groups, saline or ACS, respectively, was injected into the repair zone three times after surgery. Ten rats from each group (ACS group, n = 20; control group, n = 20) were euthanized at days 15 and 30 after surgery for histopathological (n = 5) and biomechanical (n = 5) testing. The histopathological findings were interpreted using the Bonar and Movin scales. Tendon remodelling was evaluated via the immunohistochemical staining of collagen type 3. Biomechanical effects were assessed by tensile testing. RESULTS: The Bonar and Movin scale scores were significantly better in the ACS-treated group on both day 15 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively) and day 30 (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The immunohistochemical density of collagen type 3 was significantly lower in the ACS-treated group on day 30 (p = 0.018). The type 1/3 collagen ratios of the groups were similar on days 15 and 30, as determined by Sirius Red staining (p = 0.910 and p = 0.133, respectively). In the biomechanical assessment results, the ACS-treated group's maximum load to failure values were significantly higher on day 15 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Injection of ACS had a positive effect on the histopathological healing of rat Achilles tendons on days 15 and 30 and on biomechanical healing on day 15. ACS treatment contributed to lowering the collagen type 3 density by day 30. According to our study, ACS may be favourable for the treatment of human Achilles tendon injuries and tendinopathies.

Liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor: a rare tumor of proximal femur.

Liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor is a very rarely observed benign fibro-osseous lesion, which contains complex histological structures. It was first described in the year 1986. Histopathological examination of the lesion may show myxoid areas, osteoclastic activity, bone trabeculae similar to fibrous dysplasia, fat necrosis, ischemic ossification and rarely cartilage components. This lesion, which is particularly localized to the proximal femur, is thought to be associated with fibrous dysplasia. In this case report, we aim to present a liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor case, which was treated surgically, in light of the literature review. The patient who was treated with curettage, grafting and 95-degree dynamic condylar screw-plate system was asymptomatic at the 16th month control and recurrence was not detected.

Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in patients with widespread musculoskeletal pain.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) vitamin D) deficiency in patients complaining of widespread musculoskeletal pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 14,925 patients (13,589 females and 1336 males; mean age: 47.0 years, range: 20-99 years) were included. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D was measured by ELISA. The patients were classified into two groups: 1) patients with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 2) patients without vitamin D deficiency (>20 ng/mL). RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 73.9%. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that low 25(OH) vitamin D level was associated with sex, age, and month in which 25(OH) hypovitaminosis was determined. The risk of a low 25(OH) vitamin D was level was 1.74 times higher in female patients than in males. The risk of low 25(OH) vitamin D level was highest in March during the year. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that vitamin D deficiency should be considered in patients with widespread musculoskeletal pain and some precautions, such as sunbathing during summer, should be recommended for patients with a risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Volar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb: A case report.

We present an 18 year-old patient with a volar dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Open reduction was performed through a dorsal incision. Because of the soft tissue interposition such as dorsal capsule, volar plate, dislocated extensor pollicis longus and brevis tendons, ruptured ulnar collateral ligament; open reduction, soft tissue and ligament repair are recommended for this type of thumb dislocations.

Comparison of intramedullary nailing and minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of simple intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia (AO-OTA type 43 C1-C2).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare midterm functional and radiographic results of minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with intramedullary nailing (IMN) of simple intra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO-OTA type 43 C1-C2). METHODS: Seventy-three simple intra-articular distal tibial fracture patients were evaluated retrospectively. All were treated between 2009 and 2014. The average age of the patients was 40.3 years. Thirty-seven patients were treated with IMN and 36 patients were treated with MIPO. Fibular plate osteosynthesis was applied in 5 cases (13.5%) in the IMN group and in 23 patients (63.9%) in the MIPO group. RESULTS: Functional results and complications of IMN and MIPO methods were assessed in 73 patients. The average union time was 16.4 ± 2.7 weeks in the IMN group and 15.2 ± 1.8 weeks in the MIPO group (p = 0.079). The average Olerud-Molander Ankle Score was 87.8 ± 8.1 in the IMN group and 81.5 ± 11.8 in the MIPO group (p = 0.013). Four patients in the IMN group experienced valgus malunion, while it was not observed in any patients in the MIPO group (p = 0.042). Recurvatum malunion was detected in 10 patients in the MIPO group and not seen in the IMN group (p = 0.001). Ankle dorsiflexion angle was 25.8 ± 4.5° in the IMN group and 33.3 ± 8.9° in the MIPO group (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Simple intra-articular distal tibial fractures are successfully treated with IMN and MIPO. Prevalence of valgus malunion was higher in the IMN group and recurvatum was more prevalent in the MIPO group. MIPO is the first preference according to the literature; however, successful results have been obtained with IMN in this fracture pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.