Two-Stage Surgical Procedure in Intra-articular Distal Tibiofibular Fractures with Soft Tissue Injury: in Which Stage Should the Fibular Plate be Applied at Initial Surgery?

INTRODUCTION: The selection of the stage where fibular plate was performed in two-stage surgery of the intra-articular distal tibiofibular fractures with soft tissue injury is still controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the complications, radiological and functional outcomes between the patients who had fibular plate at initial or second phase during surgical management of such fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, medical records of 47 patients who underwent a two-stage surgical procedure for intra-articular distal tibia fractures accompanying soft tissue injury were retrospectively examined. Delta frame was applied in all cases within 24 hours following admission to the emergency department in accordance with AO principles. Those cases where fibular plate was applied during the initial stage and the second stage were classified as Group 1 and Group 2 in order to compare recorded data between the two groups. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, there were 25 cases in Group 1 and 22 cases in Group 2 in which fibular plate was applied at the first stage and the second stage, respectively. The mean follow-up was found as 27.7±7.0 months in Group 1 and 28.2±6.2 months in Group 2 (p=0.778). No difference was found between the two groups in terms of the age, sex, hospital stay, the time between two surgical procedures, tibiofibular angle and AOFAS scoring (p>0.05).These two groups were also similar in mechanism of injury, Denise-Weber or AO classification, rates of tibiofibular malalignment on post-operative CT, fibular rotation, intra-articular tibial step-off, tibial varus-valgus duration of union, rate of infection, fibular angulation and the presence of the flap/graft/debridement (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two-stage surgical procedure in intra-articular distal tibiofibular fractures may be an effective method decreasing soft tissue complications. The timing of the open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula at different stages may not necessarily have an impact on the success of the post-operative tibial reduction, the total duration of surgery, syndesmosis malalignment or soft tissue complications.

Two-Stage Surgical Procedure in Intra-articular Distal Tibiofibular Fractures with Soft Tissue Injury: in Which Stage Should the Fibular Plate be Applied at Initial Surgery?

@#Introduction: The selection of the stage where fibular plate was performed in two-stage surgery of the intra-articular distal tibiofibular fractures with soft tissue injury is still controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the complications, radiological and functional outcomes between the patients who had fibular plate at initial or second phase during surgical management of such fractures. Materials and Methods: In this study, medical records of 47 patients who underwent a two-stage surgical procedure for intra-articular distal tibia fractures accompanying soft tissue injury were retrospectively examined. Delta frame was applied in all cases within 24 hours following admission to the emergency department in accordance with AO principles. Those cases where fibular plate was applied during the initial stage and the second stage were classified as Group 1 and Group 2 in order to compare recorded data between the two groups. Results: According to the results of the study, there were 25 cases in Group 1 and 22 cases in Group 2 in which fibular plate was applied at the first stage and the second stage, respectively. The mean follow-up was found as 27.7±7.0 months in Group 1 and 28.2±6.2 months in Group 2 (p=0.778). No difference was found between the two groups in terms of the age, sex, hospital stay, the time between two surgical procedures, tibiofibular angle and AOFAS scoring (p>0.05).These two groups were also similar in mechanism of injury, Denise-Weber or AO classification, rates of tibiofibular malalignment on post-operative CT, fibular rotation, intra-articular tibial step-off, tibial varus-valgus duration of union, rate of infection, fibular angulation and the presence of the flap/graft/debridement (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, two-stage surgical procedure in intra-articular distal tibiofibular fractures may be an effective method decreasing soft tissue complications. The timing of the open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula at different stages may not necessarily have an impact on the success of the post-operative tibial reduction, the total duration of surgery, syndesmosis malalignment or soft tissue complications.

The epiphyseal scar joint line distance and age are important factors in determining the optimal screw length for medial malleoli fractures.

AIM: The screw length is important to achieve a stable fixation for medial malleoli fractures. We aimed to evaluate the optimal screw length for different age groups in surgically treated medial malleoli fractures. The second aim was to identify the utility of the distance of epiphyseal scar to joint line or joint line to medullary space for assessment of screw length. MATERIAL METHOD: 368 X-rays and computed tomography (CT) images of ankle joints were retrospectively evaluated for optimal screw length, epiphyseal scar to joint line distance, joint to medullary space distance. The mean screw length for each decade was calculated. The correlations of screw length with age, screw length with distance of epiphyseal scar to joint line, and screw length with distance of joint line to medullary space were evaluated. RESULTS: The optimal screw length was obviously decreased in patients in 61-70 and >70 years old group (p = 0.002). As the distance of epiphyseal scar from joint line was increased, the optimal length of screw was also increased (p = 0.001). The distance of epiphyseal scar from joint line was decreased by age (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The optimal screw length was decreased by age and the epiphyseal scar to joint line distance could be a clue for optimal screw length in medial malleoli fractures.

Results of percutaneous fixation and distal radius core decompression in scaphoid waist non-unions treated without grafting.

Scaphoid non-union management is still a challenge in clinical practice for orthopaedic surgeons. Though several treatment methods have been described, there is an ongoing debate about optimum management. Based on new concepts about avascular conditions, promising results were reported with metaphyseal decompression of the distal radius by increasing the vascularization of the radial column of the carpus. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of distal radius core decompression and fixation with palmar percutaneous cannulated compression screws without grafting in patients with scaphoid waist fracture non-union. Twenty-nine patients with scaphoid non-union were included in this prospective study. There were 27 male and 2 female patients with an average age of 29 years (range 18-45 years). Mean time from the injury to surgery was 18.3 months. The Slade and Geissler classification was used to classify the non-unions. Wrist range of motion (ROM), pain based on a visual analog scale (VAS), and the Mayo wrist score were used to assess the clinical outcomes. Postoperative radiographs and CT-scans were reviewed to assess fracture union, carpal alignment and screw position. The average clinical follow-up was 76 weeks (range: 74-87 weeks) postoperatively. Mean time to union was 11 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). There was no humpback/no DISI in any of the cases. Twenty-six patients healed successfully with no additional procedures. Three patients with failed union underwent revision surgery with grafting. At the final follow-up, average wrist ROM was 61° (range: 30-80) in extension and 61° (range: 35-80) in flexion, the average Mayo wrist score was 66±20 (range: 20-90), and the mean VAS was 2±2 (range: 0-7). Percutaneous fixation without grafting associated with distal radius core decompression can provide satisfactory outcomes in surgical management of scaphoid non-unions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Role of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in assessing the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

AIM: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and complication following coronary bypass surgery. Besides well-known risk factors, inflammatory parameters have gained popularity assessing the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation. In this study, we aimed to document the relation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2012, 523 patients on normal sinus rhythm, undergoing elective on-pump coronary bypass operations were prospectively followed up for occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Total and differential white blood cell counts were made immediately before the operation and on postoperative day 2. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was calculated from these measured values. RESULTS: Ninety-one (17.4%) patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation The mean age of the patients maintaining normal sinus rhythm was lower compared to ones with atrial fibrillation (60.76±9.59 vs. 65.44±8.63, P<0.001). Preoperative and postoperative total and differential white blood cell counts did not have any effect on occurrence of atrial fibrillation. There were not statistically significant differences between normal sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation groups when preoperative and postoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were considered (2.90±2.11 vs. 3.02±2.30, P=0.619; 10.07±21.97 vs. 9.34±6.73, P=0.752, respectively). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was not found to be a predictor for new onset atrial fibrillation following coronary bypass surgery.

Heparin toxicity in cell culture: a critical link in translation of basic science to clinical practice.

Heparin is a universal drug used frequently for its anticoagulant effects. The variabilities in distribution and tendency of heparin to accumulate in tissues cause increased tissue concentrations despite normal serum levels. We aimed to underline the toxic effects of heparin in cell culture make projections for clinical applications. L929 mouse fibroblastic cell line was plated in 96-well culture plates at an initial density of 5000 cells/well. Heparin was prepared in 10 different concentrations (10-300 units/well). Following 3 days of incubation, viabilities were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for each concentration in each day and compared. The viability of cells decreased significantly with increasing doses of heparin; at least 50 units/well in the first and second days and at least 20 units/well in the third day (P < 0.05 for each). There was statistically significant difference when the viabilities of cells treated with same heparin concentration in different days were compared (P < 0.05). The authors clearly demonstrated the toxic effects of heparin in cell culture, toxic effects increased as the dose increased. To prevent the unwanted clinical side-effects of heparin further studies should be made and more accurate testing methods should be developed to determine the effective tissue concentration of heparin.

Mid-term results for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and functional results for a series of patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at mid-term follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 32 patients with isolated medial compartment arthritis who underwent unilateral UKA. Outcomes were assessed using pre- and postoperative Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Knee Society Score (KSS) metrics. RESULTS: On physical examination at a follow-up of at least 5 years, mean knee flexion was 121° , mean knee extension was 2°, and mean varus angulation was 2°. At post-operative evaluation, the mean WOMAC score was 96.12 and the mean KSS score was 93. Pre- and postoperative WOMAC and KSS scores were evaluated by paired Student's t-tests; p < 0.001 determined a highly significant difference. DISCUSSION: Early UKA designs had poor outcomes. Newer implant designs and specific patient selection criteria have been reported to be associated with improved outcomes. This study examined mid-term outcomes (mean duration of follow-up, 5 years). CONCLUSION: The clinical and functional results of UKA at 5-year follow-up were shown to be satisfactory. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether UKA provides satisfactory long-term outcomes.

Effects of ultrasound on the reaction step of boric acid production process from colemanite.

Colemanite is one of the most important boron minerals used for production of boric acid. Boric acid (H(3)BO(3)) is produced by the reaction of colemanite (2CaO.3B(2)O(3).5H(2)O) with sulfuric acid in a heterogeneous solid-liquid reaction leading to crystallization of gypsum as a byproduct. The influence of ultrasound on the dissolution of colemanite in H(2)SO(4) solution and on the precipitation of the gypsum during the reaction was investigated. Experiments have been carried out in a batch stirred vessel at 85 degrees C in the absence and presence of ultrasound. The stirring rates were chosen as 600 rpm (for 500-600 microm) and 800 rpm (for 1000-1180 microm) to provide a homogeneous suspension during the reaction. The boric acid and calcium ion concentrations in the solution were determined as a function of time. The results showed that ultrasound enhances the dissolution of colemanite and precipitation rate of the gypsum in the solution after 1h. It has been shown that the use of ultrasound decreases the size of gypsum crystals.

False aneurysm of perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery after external fixation for a complicated femur fracture.

False aneurysm of the profunda femoris artery rarely occurs and is a serious complication following femur fracture. A 39-year-old man who developed a false aneurysm arising from the perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery following an external fixation for a complicated femur fracture was presented. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by selective arterial angiography after occurrence of significant hemorrhage and swelling of the injured thigh. The false aneurysm was treated by ligation of the perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery and excision of the aneurysmal sac via the medial approach. Clinical status of the patient was uneventful postoperatively. The right thigh swelling decreased rapidly following the operation in 1 week. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day with external fixation. False aneurysm in a branch of the profunda femoris artery is a very rare status following application of the external fixator due to complicated femur fracture. Related literatures and interventions were reviewed on the basis of this case.

Arthroscopic mediopatellar plicaectomy and lateral retinacular release in mechanical patellofemoral disorders.

Arthroscopy was performed on 168 knees of 164 patients with anterior knee pain by a single arthroscopic surgeon between April 1993 and March 2000, with a mean follow-up of29 months. There were 168 mediopatellar plicae, 16 infrapatellar plicae, 8 suprapatellar plicae, and 30 lateral plicae, and all plicae were excised. Lateral retinacular release was performed in 74 patients with patellar lateral compression syndrome, patellar lateralization, and patellar lateral subluxation through anterolateral portal without using a third portal with the help of a hook knife. Débridement and drilling were performed in type 3 and 4 chondropathies (Outerbridge classification), and cartilage débridement was performed in type 2 chondropathies. We examined the effect on morbidity and prognosis of the arthroscopic lateral retinacular release through the standard anterolateral portal; the results of condylar chondropathies and débridement and drilling applied to the chondropathies were also evaluated. Mediopatellar plica was seen to play a mechanical role in the development of medial femoral chondropathy, which confirms that excision of plica is a prophylactic procedure. A further successful method is lateral retinacular release applied through the standard anterolateral portal with conventional methods without using a third portal at the cases with patellar lateral compression syndrome, patellar lateralization, and patellar lateral subluxation. Classical débridement and drilling methods are cheap and easy for the treatment of chondropathy. We consider these methods still to be useful methods of treatment.

Evaluation of the late neurologic deficits accompanied by hypertrophic scars and keloids in children with elbow fractures.

In this study, the relation between hypertrophic scar and keloid (HSc) lesions around incisions and late neurologic deficits was investigated in operated elbow fractures in children. Six elbow fracture patients with HSc lesions were evaluated for neurologic deficits with late onset. The fractures were all closed and treated with open reduction and internal fixation. No neurologic deficit was detected before surgery and in the early postoperative periods. Late neurologic deficits observed in these patients were evaluated according to British Medical Research Committee scoring scale on admission and after therapy. In the reoperations for neurologic deficits, the nerve segments were found to be compressed in intensive scar tissue. Typical pseudoneuromas were observed in the proximal part of compression; however, the corporal integrity of the nerves was not interrupted. External neurolysis were performed in all patients. Excellent improvements in sensory and motor functions were detected and no recurrence occurred in follow-up. Elbow fracture patients, especially those with HSc lesions around their incisions, should be followed up for possible neurologic deficits with late onset.

The role of acromioclavicular arthritis in impingement syndromes.

The role of acromioclavicular (A-C) arthritis in stage 2 and 3 impingement syndromes was investigated in this study. Twenty-seven patients with stage 2 and 3 impingement syndrome were evaluated both clinically and radiologically for the presence of A-C arthritis. Patients with A-C arthritis who were treated by conservative or surgical methods were rated before and after therapy according to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 16 months, with an average of 13 months. A-C arthritis was diagnosed in 21 of 27 patients (one grade 2 and 20 grade 3, according to Kellegren). Clinical and radiological evaluation of these 21 patients revealed A-C joint pain and a positive lidocaine injection test in all (100%), a positive horizontal adduction test in 20 (95.2%), decreased joint space in 18 (85.75%) and osteophytes in 11 (52.4%). Surgical treatment was considered for 12 A-C arthritis patients; and distal clavicle resection was performed in 11 of these cases. The average score measured by the UCLA rating scale increased from 13 to 28 in the group treated with surgery (satisfactory result), and from 10 to 13 in the group treated with conservative therapy (unsatisfactory result). The results of this study may be interpreted as demonstrating that A-C arthritis is a common etiologic factor in chronic impingement syndromes and its co-existence has a strategic importance in the choice of treatment method. Surgical resection of the distal clavicle should be considered in the presence of this pathology since this technique provides excellent results in pain relief and appears to be superior to conservative therapy in these cases.

Regional histaminergic potencies in rabbit systemic circulation.

1. Regional activity of histamine was studied in various rabbit arteries, including segments of the aorta, aortic branches, branchout regions and arteries to fore and hind limbs by dose-response experiments. 2. Local histaminergic potencies were found to be heterogenceous. Circular and longitudinal smooth muscle responsivity in the aorta increased in the distal direction; aortic branches have their own histaminergic response characteristics beginning from their branchouts. Paired arteries (right and left subclavia, renal and iliac) possess matching histaminergic activities. 3. The observed characteristics of the responses suggest predetermined distribution of histaminergic activities along systemic circulation which may be regulatory in the distribution of blood.