Effect of fracture location on rate of conversion to open reduction and clinical outcomes in pediatric Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common form of elbow fracture in children and adolescents. At present, treatment planning is based on the Gartland classification. Reduction and percutaneous pinning are done for Gartland type III fractures. In cases where closed reduction is unsuccessful, the procedure is converted to open reduction. However, there is no consensus on which patients are more likely to require conversion to open reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fracture location on the rate of conversion to open reduction and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 112 patients who underwent early surgery for Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fracture between August 2011 and August 2017 were evaluated. The patients' age, sex, facture location, post-operative loss of reduction, and complications were noted. The fractures were classified according to fracture level relative to isthmus (high level) or at/below the isthmus (low level). Closed reduction was initially preferred. Open reduction with percutaneous pinning was performed, when necessary. Flynn's criteria were used to evaluate elbow motion after treatment. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 39 months (16-62 months). The mean age of the patients was 6.4±2 years (1.4-12 years). Thirty-nine of the patients were female, 73 were male; 32 fractures were in the dominant arm, 80 were in the non-dominant arm. Ninety of the fractures were classified as high level (proximal) and 22 as low level (distal). Patients with low-level fractures were significantly younger (p<0.01). Patients with low-level fractures also showed a significantly higher rate of conversion to open reduction compared to those with high-level fractures (p<0.01). Clinical outcomes evaluated with Flynn's criteria were statistically equivalent between the high and low fracture groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Gartland classification provides important guidance for the treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures, but may have limitations. Our results suggest that revising the classification by incorporating fracture location may be more beneficial for pre-operative planning.

The Effect of early active Movement following Repair of Extensor Tendons in Zone IV using three different suture Techniques - A cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of early active movement on the area repaired with three different suture techniques used in extensor tendon injuries in zone IV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of nine cadaver's 35 extensor tendons from 9 intact upper extremities were used in this study. The proximal and distal borders of the extensor tendons in zone IV were marked. The distance between the proximal and distal border was measured with a 0.5 mm precision tape measure and the mid-point was marked. Intertendinous connections were dissected and loop sutures were prepared for each extensor digitorum. Afterwards, force was applied to each digit along the tendon axis from the loops inserted into the extensor tendons, to measure the extensor forces required to extend the MCP joints to 0˚ with a hand scale. The flexor tendons of the digits were dissected at zone III, and loop sutures were prepared individually for the tendons to enable independent flexion for each digit. The force required to fully flex the digits was measured with a hand scale. The extensor tendons were incised transversely and repaired at the mid-point in zone IV with three different suture techniques (double Kessler, double figure of eight, running interlocking horizontal mattress (RIHM)). The extenxor tendon lengths in zone IV were re-measured for all digits after suturing. The predetermined forces required for full flexion and extension of the digits were applied to the repaired digits. After force was applied 20 times to each tendon, the gap formation was checked. Totally 200 flexion and 200 extension movements were applied to each finger with the help of a hand-held scale. Formation of 2-mm gap was failure criteria. At the end of the movements the extent of the gaps was recorded. In the absence of insufficiency at the repair site, 50 additional flexion and extension movements with double the previously recorded forces were applied to the tendons. RESULTS: There was a significant shortening of the extensor tendons after repair independent from the used suture technique. No significant gap formation was detected in all three suture techniques. CONCLUSION: All three suturing techniques are reliable for early active movements following the zone IV extensor tendon repairs. Therefore, surgeons can choose one of those three suture techniques to repair extensor tendon injuries in zone IV.

Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve as a Donor Source for Digital Nerve Grafting: A Concept Revisited.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the availability of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) autograft for acute or delayed repair of segmented digital nerve injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 13 digital nerve defects of 11 patients; treated with interposition of LACN graft that harvested from ipsilateral extremity were included in the study. Mean follow up period was 35, 7 months. The mean time from injury to grafting is 53, 3 days. The results of the mean 2PDT and SWMT values of injured /uninjured finger at the end of follow up period were evaluated with Paired T test. The correlation between the defect length and the difference of 2PDT, SWMT values between the uninjured and injured finger at the end of follow up period; were evaluated with Pearson - correlation analysis. RESULTS: The mean value of our 2PDT and SWMT results are ~5,923, ~3, 52, respectively in which can be interpreted between the normal and diminished light touch. The defect length and difference percentage of SWMT values is positively and significantly correlated statistically. Mean length of interposed nerve grafts was 18.5 mm. The age of the patient and the mean values of 2PDT and SWMT with the difference % of 2PDT and % of SWMT are not statistically correlated. CONCLUSION: Based on results regarding sensory regaining at recipient side and negligible sensory deficit at harvesting side, we suggest that lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve might be a valuable graft option for digital nerve defects.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with free vascularized fibular grafting: Results of 7.6-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine long term follow up of the patients who had femoral head osteonecrosis and had been treated with free vascularized fibular grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 hips of 21 patients who had undergone free vascularized fibular grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head. There were 16 male and 5 female patients. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 30.7 years (between 15 and 53 years). The mean follow-up time was 7.6 years (between 5 years and 9.2 years). RESULTS: During follow-up, one patient died because of leukemia, and one patient was lost. The remaining 26 hips of 19 patients were evaluated. According to the Ficat classification, at the time of surgery, 17 hips were in grade 2 and 9 hips were in grade 3. The post-operative Harris hip scores in grade II disease were excellent in 12 patients, good in 3 patients, and fair in 1 patient. In grade III disease, 1 patient was excellent, 5 patients were good, and 1 patient was fair. There was a significant increase in HHS scores (61 ± 9.7 vs 84 ± 17.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Free vascularized fibular grafting yields extremely good results, particularly in pre-collapse stages of disease in young patients. The operation time does not mark increased if the surgical team is "familiar" with the procedure, and the residual fibular defect of the donor site does not impair the functions of daily living. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Surgical Treatment of Lateral Malleolar Fractures Using the Compression Cerclage System.

Background Lateral malleolar fractures (Weber type B or OTA 44-B) account for 60% of all ankle fractures. To achieve anatomic restoration, surgical stabilization provides better results than conservative treatment. Various fixation methods are available to treat these fractures; however, the best method is still unknown. Our objectives were to present a new, useful, and efficient surgical technique for stabilizing lateral malleolar fractures and to analyze the outcomes of patients treated with the compression cerclage system. Methods The surgical technique consists of a Kirschner wire that is passed percutaneously and perpendicular to the fracture line, and a cerclage wire that is passed in a semi-circular fashion over the ends of the Kirschner wire on the lateral side of the bone, leaving loops on each side to allow bilateral compression while twisting both wires. We retrospectively evaluated patients treated with this technique, with or without additional fractures. Follow-up of <24 months and bilateral ankle fractures were the exclusion criteria. Fractures were examined clinically and radiologically in comparison to the uninjured side and were rated according to the criteria reported by McLennon and Ungersma. Olerud and Molander ankle score was used to evaluate functional outcome. Results At the final follow-up, 15 out of 21 patients (9 women and 6 men; mean age, 48.2 years [range, 19-78 years]) were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 5.16 years (28-129 months). Five patients had an isolated lateral malleolar fracture; eight had lateral and medial malleolar fractures; and two had trimalleolar fractures. At the final follow-up, 11 patients were rated good functionally and four were fair, and all patients were rated good radiographically according to the criteria by McLennon and Ungersma. Mean Olerud and Molander ankle score was 93.3 (range, 80-100). Conclusions The compression cerclage system provides good functional and radiological outcomes in patients with lateral malleolus fractures. This method is useful, safe, and efficient with minimum hardware. It can be applied through limited soft-tissue stripping, which is especially important in patients with a high risk for wound complications.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with free vascularized fibular grafting: results of 7.6-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine long-term follow-up results of patients with femoral head osteonecrosis who were treated with free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG). METHODS: The results of 28 hips of 21 patients (16 male, 5 female) who underwent FVFG for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age of patients at time of surgery was 30.7 years (range: 15-53 years). Mean follow-up duration was 7.6 years (range: 5-9.2 years). RESULTS: During follow-up, 1 patient died because of leukemia, and 1 patient was lost. The remaining 26 hips of 19 patients were evaluated. According to Ficat classification, at time of surgery, 17 hips were grade II, and 9 hips were grade III, 3 hips underwent total hip arthroplasty. Postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) in grade II disease was excellent in 12 patients, good in 3 patients, and fair in 1 patient. In grade III disease, 1 patient was excellent, 5 patients were good, and 1 patient was fair. There was a significant increase in HHS scores from preoperatively to postoperatively (61±9.7 vs 84±17.8, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: FVFG yields extremely good results, particularly in pre-collapse stages of the disease in young patients. The operation time does not markedly increase if the surgical team is knowledgeable of the procedure and the residual fibular defect of the donor site does not impair functions of daily living.

Distraction lengthening of the proximal phalanx in distal thumb amputations.

OBJECTIVE: Thumb amputation is a major cause of hand dysfunction, and the treatment for distal thumb amputations remains controversial. Although finger reconstruction methods using distraction lengthening are known to restore finger length and function, we found no reports in the literature regarding phalangeal lengthening in thumb amputations. We aimed to evaluate proximal phalangeal lengthening in thumb amputations at or near the interphalangeal (IP) joint. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had undergone distraction lengthening of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. All patients underwent osteotomy, either during the initial procedure or as a second-stage procedure. Distraction began 10 days after osteotomy with the use of an external fixator that remained in place until ossification of the gap occurred without bone grafting. Patients were evaluated using the QuickDASH score. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 27 years and a mean follow-up period of 7 years were enrolled. The mean phalangeal lengthening achieved was 20 mm. Ossification occurred at all distraction sites, and the fixators were maintained for a mean of 85 days. The mean healing index was 42.5 days/cm. All 14 patients achieved the desired amount of phalangeal lengthening without major complications such as nonunion, premature union, or gross infection. CONCLUSION: For reconstruction in cases of distal thumb amputations, distraction lengthening of the proximal phalanx can be used to improve absolute length, web space, and grip distance. The technique is safe and effective, improves functionality/cosmesis, and offers a low complication risk.

Do timing of injection and status of the suction drain effect postoperative pain scores after intra-articular bupivacaine injection in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if the timing of intra-articular local anesthetic injection and the status of the suction drain affect variable pain scores after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: The study included 40 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction randomized into 4 groups. Patients in Group 1 received intra-articular 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine 20 minutes before the start of the operation (preemptive: PE), Group 2 at the end of the operation with the suction drain opened (DO). Group 3 also received intra-articular bupivacaine at the end of the operation and the drain was kept closed for one hour postoperatively (DC). Group 4 did not receive any intra-articular injection (control group: CG) and served as the control group. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores and additional analgesic requirements were recorded. RESULTS: The PE group had the lowest and the control group the highest VAS scores at the second postoperative hour. At the fourth postoperative hour, VAS scores were significantly higher in the DC group than the DO group (p<0.05). At the sixth postoperative hour, the PE and DC groups had significantly lower VAS scores than the other groups (p<0.05). At Hour 12, the PE and control groups had higher VAS scores than the DO and DC groups. VAS scores were not different among groups at Hour 24. The interval to first analgesic requirement was significantly shorter in the control group and longer in the PE group in comparison to the other two groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intra-articular bupivacaine injection at different stages of the operation yielded variable VAS scores in the postoperative period. Closing the drain after intra-articular injection resulted in an early onset analgesic effect without shortening the duration.

Neglected lunate dislocation presenting as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Most of carpal tunnel syndrome cases are idiopathic, and secondary causes are so rare that can be easily missed. We present a patient with neglected undiagnosed lunate dislocation compressing on median nerve causing its signs and symptoms.

Calcaneocuboid joint dislocation: a case report.

Tarsal bone dislocation is a rare entity. It is usually undiagnosed in the emergency department. We present the case of a 44-year-old man who was diagnosed as having calcaneocuboid joint dislocation in the emergency department. The dislocation was reduced in the emergency department, and a below-the-knee cast was applied. Successful clinical and radiologic results were obtained during follow-up. In this case, unlike the previous reports in the literature, conservative management succeeded in the treatment of calcaneocuboid joint dislocation.

Acute emergency tibialization of the fibula: reconstruction of a massive tibial defect in a type IIIC open fracture.

Gustilo type IIIC open fractures of the tibia are high-energy injuries necessitating long treatment periods and usually multiple surgical procedures and eventually resulting in high morbidity rates and even amputations. We present here a case involving a type IIIC open tibial fracture with massive loss of the entire tibial diaphysis, which we treated by performing acute tibialization of the fibula after revascularization of the posterior tibial artery in a single-stage emergency operation.

Trigger finger at the carpal tunnel level: three case reports.

Although trigger finger occurs mostly due to a problem at the A1 pulley various other causes have also been reported. We present three patients with different tumors at the carpal tunnel as a cause of triggering. All patients were treated with local excision.

Functional results of limb salvage in below-knee type III C open fractures or traumatic amputations.

This study presents the surgical and functional outcomes of below-knee total leg amputation and Gustilo type III C open fracture cases that were considered appropriate for salvage treatment according to a more proactive approach, despite being candidates for amputation according to the current scoring systems. Nineteen patients (21 legs) underwent replantation-revascularization surgery. At least Chen Grade II functional level was the aim. A limb salvage operation was performed in 21 legs in 19 patients (18 male, 1 female). The mean age was 28.5 years (range: 11 to 42 years). Six legs in four patients presented with total amputation, and 15 legs in 15 patients had Gustilo Type III C open fractures. A successful replantation/revascularization was performed in 20 legs, with a Chen Grade I and Grade II functional outcome in 3 and 17 legs, respectively. None of these patients were eligible for salvage operation according to currently used scoring systems. Limb-preserving surgery performed upon the assessment of local and general conditions of the patients with traumatic below-knee amputations or Gustilo Type III C open fractures seems to be a viable therapeutic option that can serve to achieve Chen Grade II functional level in most patients.

Lengthening of a thumb distal phalanx replanted to its metacarpus because of loss of the proximal phalanx: case report.

We report a successful thumb replantation by resecting the remnants of the crushed proximal phalanx and uniting the distal phalanx with the thumb metacarpal. The procedure resulted in extreme shortening, which we managed by distraction lengthening and deepening of the first webspace.

The reconstruction of foot soft tissue defects by tangential debulking of the latissimus dorsi flap.

Reconstruction of foot soft tissue is challenging particularly in the presence of a large defect involving both dorsal and plantar surfaces. In large defects, use of a latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap is the preferred coverage method, yet LDM flaps are bulky. Despite undergoing multiple debulking procedures, patients whose feet are repaired with LDM flaps must wear oversized custom-made shoes. We developed an approach to allow patients to wear regular shoes. In six patients, we used a debulking procedure that was based on tangential trimming of the flap to the level of thickness required for normal foot contour. All patients underwent debulking 3 months after initial LDM flap coverage. The mean duration of follow-up care was 21 months (range, 8 to 32 months). All flaps survived a secondary debulking procedure. One patient developed an ulcer at the weight-bearing area of a sole. All six patients were able to wear regular shoes without difficulty.

Incision infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis after total hip arthroplasty without any primary tuberculosis focus.

We describe a case of a tuberculous abscess unassociated with other clinical features of tuberculosis in a 46-year-old woman with a history of 4 hip surgeries plus total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to developmental hip dislocation. Four months after THA, she developed a collection at the incision site for which specimens produced positive culture findings for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We could not detect any primary focus of tuberculosis anywhere in the patient's body. We performed soft-tissue debridement and drainage completely above the fascia lata to remove pus. The infection recurred twice despite chemotherapy and the earlier treatment. At a 6-year follow-up examination, there was no sign of either tuberculosis or prosthetic loosening. To our knowledge, this is the first report of localized tuberculous abscess within a THA incision.

L-shaped big toe: a case of severe hallux valgus interphalangeus.

A case report of bilateral severe hallux valgus interphalangeus is presented. This is an interesting case because of the possible etiology that could not be found in any other previous publications.

[Radiologic evaluation of shoulder instability: conventional radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging]. / Omuz instabilitesinde görüntüleme yöntemleri: radyografi, bilgisayarli tomografi ve manyetik rezonans görüntüleme.

Glenohumeral instability remains a very complex and sometimes challenging diagnostic problem. In most patients, the diagnosis relies mainly on history and physical examination. Radiologic studies provide further information about associated lesions. Although the initial imaging modality for any shoulder condition should be routine radiographs, additional imaging modalities are utilized to evaluate treatment options and prognosis. Computed tomography arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging provide valuable information. However, magnetic resonance arthrography may be required in cases in which it is uniquely appropriate for its multiplanar capability and excellent soft tissue contrast.

[The value of acromioplasty in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome]. / Akromiyoplastinin subakromiyal sikisma sendromundaki yeri.

Although acromioplasty is widely used in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome, there is some controversy about the role of acromion morphology in the etiology. The acromion and the coracoacromial ligament provide passive stabilization against upward migration of the humeral head and play an important role in shoulder biomechanics. This article discusses relevant issues on subacromial impingement syndrome pertaining to the acromion and the value of acromioplasty in the treatment.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy for discoid lateral meniscus in children and adolescents: 4.5 year follow-up.

We retrospectively reviewed the 4.5 year (range, 21-88 months) follow-up results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomies performed in 11 knees between 1994 and 2000 to treat a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus. The average age at surgery was 11.5 years (range, 5-17 years). All except one of the discoid menisci were of a complete type, and all except three were torn menisci. At the latest follow-up examination, the result was excellent for nine knees, and good for two; no degenerative changes were evident on the roentgenograms. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should be the treatment of choice for the complete type symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus, even if it is intact. Preoperative lack of the knee extension requires a gentle rehabilitation program postoperatively.