External validation of the PATHFx decision-support tool on Turkish patients with skeletal metastasis.

Objective: Accurate determination of life expectancy becomes very important when determining the treatment of patients with pathologic fractures. We aimed to investigate the predictive role of the PATHFx model in Turkish patients by estimating the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and externally validating the results of PATHFx on the Turkish population. Methods: The data of 122 patients who presented to one of four orthopaedic oncology referral centres in Istanbul (2010-2017) and underwent surgical management of pathologic fractures were retrospectively collected. Patients were evaluated according to age, sex, type of pathologic fracture, presence of organ metastasis, presence of lymph node metastasis, haemoglobin concentration at presentation, primary oncologic diagnosis, number of bone metastases, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status. Estimations of the PATHFx program by months were statistically evaluated using ROC analysis. Results: In our study population (122 patients), all survived the first month, 102 survived the third month, 89 were alive at 6 months, and 58 patients survived at 12 months. At 18 and 24 months, 39 and 27 patients were alive, respectively. The AUC value was 0.677 at 3 months, 0.695 at 6 months, 0.69 at 12 months, 0.674 at 18 months, and 0.693 at 24 months. The 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates were statistically significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). ECOG performance status was 0-2 points in 33 patients (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) data set: 93 cases, our data set: 33 cases). ECOG performance status was 3-4 points in 89 patients (MSKCC data set: 96 cases, our data set: 89 cases). Conclusions: The objective data used by PATHFx for prediction provided statistically accurate estimates on Turkish patients, who are presumed to have mixed genomes through history from both Europe and Asia, and demonstrates its applicability to the Turkish population.

Evaluation of patients with pathological fractures treated by standard trauma principles but neglecting the underlying malign bone disease.

INTRODUCTION: There are several studies in the literature about pathological fractures but almost no information about patients whose pathological fracture caused by a malignant lesion misdiagnosed and treated as a simple fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate patient and fracture characteristics, and outcomes in cases where fractures occurred in the presence of a malign pathology but were treated as simple fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases of malign bone lesions between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a final diagnosis of malign bone lesion but whose pathological fractures were treated ignoring the underlying malign bone disease were included. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected from patient's medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients met the inclusion criteria. Three of the patients were female and the cohort mean age was 56.8 ± 21.8 years at the time of admission. Patient diagnoses were: renal cell carcinoma metastasis (n = 1); colon cancer metastasis (n = 1); chondrosarcoma (n = 2); osteosarcoma (n = 1); and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of bone (n = 1). In all cases surgical management differed from those that should have been applied if the pathological fracture had been identified. Furthermore, surgical management after definitive histological diagnosis were more aggressive compared to if the malignancy had been identified at first admission. All patients died after a mean follow-up of 16.67 ± 11.7 months and the complication rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: When a pathological fracture is misdiagnosed and managed as a simple bone fracture, outcomes are extremely poor. In these situations, remedial surgery is more extensive, with increased complication rates and there is poor life expectancy.

Mid-term implant survival, functional and radiological results and mechanical complications of mega-prosthetic reconstruction around the knee with the PENTA® system.

AIM: Mega-prosthetic reconstruction is the most common treatment method for massive osteoarticular defects caused by tumor resection around the knee. The new implant is a highly modular rotational-hinged megaprosthesis system with a distinct pentagonal stem geometry and variable implantation options. The aim of this study is to present the mid-term implant survival characteristics, functional and radiological results and mechanical complication profile of the new megaprosthesis. METHODS: One hundred and one mega-prosthetic knee reconstruction procedures in 90 patients (M/F: 51/39) utilizing the new implant system were retrospectively analyzed. In 68 patients, the megaprosthesis was used for primary reconstruction following tumor resection while it was used for revision of other implants in 22. The mean age was 28.5 (7-66) years and the mean follow-up was 59.2 (24-124) months. The most common primary pathology was osteosarcoma with 63-70% patients, the most common anatomical site of involvement was the distal femur with 56-62% patients. RESULTS: Henderson Type 2 failure (aseptic loosening) was seen in only 2-2.2% patients while Type 3 (structural failure) was seen in 29-32.2% Although the 5-year anchorage survival rate was 94.3%, overall mechanical implant survival was 76.1% at 5 years due to a relatively high failure rate in the first-generation hinge mechanism of the implant. The 5-year hinge survival rate demonstrated a significant improvement rate from 61.7% to 87.2% between the first and second generations of the implant (p = 0.027). The mean MSTS score was 24 out of 30 (14-29). The mean cumulative ISOLS radiographic score for index megaprosthesis operations was 19.7 (12-24), which corresponded to excellent outcome. CONCLUSION: The new megaprosthesis system is a reliable choice for the reconstruction of tumor-related massive osteoarticular defects around the knee. Although long-term follow-up is necessary for a definitive evaluation of the implant's survival characteristics, midterm follow-up yields exceptional anchorage properties related to pentagonal stem geometry with very good functional outcomes.

Early Suspicion of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia for Successful Free Flap Salvage: Reports of Two Cases.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an underestimated complication of heparin treatment. Flap loss and related morbidity (even mortality) are caused by occlusion of the capillary vessels by a highly immunogenic complex formed by adherence of antiheparin antibodies to platelet factor 4. Early suspicion and effective treatment of HIT developing in two free flaps are described. We report on the management of two patients with HIT. Both patients were treated successfully by early suspicion and hematology consultation. Heparin products were discontinued; the patients were switched to a nonheparin anticoagulant. We emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, hematologist assessment, and a change to a nonheparin anticoagulant to prevent flap failure and possibly the catastrophic consequences of such failure.

Can the arterial clamp method be used safely where a tourniquet cannot be used?

BACKGROUND: Clamp application is safe and widely used in the visceral organs. This raises the question: why not use clamping in orthopaedic, oncological, fracture and revision surgeries of areas where tourniquets are not suitable. This experimental animal study aimed to compare tourniquet and arterial clamp applications with regard to their histological effects and inflammatory responses on a molecular level, on the artery, vein, nerve and muscle tissue. METHODS: Twenty-one rabbits were divided into three groups (group I: proximal femoral artery clamp; group II: proximal thigh tourniquet; and group III: control group). In the clamp group, the common femoral artery was clamped with a microvascular clamp for two hours. In the tourniquet group, a 12-inch cuff was applied to the proximal thigh for two hours at 200 mmHg. The common femoral artery, vein, nerve, rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were excised and analysed in all groups. RESULTS: Artery and vein endothelial injuries were found in the clamp and tourniquet groups (relative to the control group, p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). However, no difference was found between the clamp and tourniquet groups regarding vessel wall injury. CONCLUSIONS: We found there were no differences in incidence of vessel, muscle and nerve injury when comparing the tourniquet and clamp applications. For surgical procedures that are unsuited to a tourniquet, arterial clamping can be selected, resulting in close-to-tourniquet vessel injury rates but without tourniquet-related complications.

Use of cement combined grafting in upper and lower extremity benign bone tumors.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effectivity of cement combined demineralized bone matrix (DBM) treatment on new bone formation in the cortical window as well as to evaluate the effect of new bone formation on functional outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two benign bone tumor patients (15 males, 17 females; median age 38 years; range, 12 to 68 years), who were treated with cement combined DBM between February 2010 and December 2014, were evaluated retrospectively. Patient characteristics were recorded as age, gender, tumor localization, histological diagnosis, Enneking stage, tumor size, size of the cortical window, usage of prophylactic fixation, time to return to work, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score, tumor relapse, and new bone formation on the cortical window in the computed tomography scans after one year of surgery. RESULTS: Median tumor volume was 17.2 cm3 (range, 2.8 to 139.6 cm3), median area of the cortical window was 8.3 cm2 (range, 1.6 to 28.4 cm2), and median postoperative one-year MSTS score was 84.5 (range, 66 to 97). MSTS scores were significantly worse with the usage of prophylactic fixation (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the usage of prophylactic fixation and cortical window size (p=0.013). There was a low-level negative correlation in terms of age and bone formation on the cortical window (p=0.046, r= -0.356) and mid-level negative correlation between cortical window size and functional scores (p=0.001, r= -0.577). CONCLUSION: Application of cement combined with DBM procedure is an effective, alternative, and biological treatment in bone tumors that provides immediate stability and stimulates new bone formation on the cortical window.

Benign bone tumors of hand and wrist: evaluation of diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the choice of graft or cement, the relationship between the graft types and union rates, functional results, and complications in hand and wrist benign bone lesions while also evaluating the diagnosis and treatment modalities of lesions with high recurrence potential like giant cell- containing lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2005 and May 2016, 48 benign osseous hand and wrist tumors of 48 patients (22 males, 26 females; mean age 33±13.1 years; range, 11 to 70 years) were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to demographic data, complaints at admission, radiological findings, surgical methods, graft type, pathological diagnosis, and complications. RESULTS: Although not statistically significant, there were differences between cement, allograft, and autograft according to union time and loss of range of motion. There was no statistical difference between cement, allograft, and autograft according to complications. CONCLUSION: Autograft obtained percutaneously with a trephine needle may provide earlier union with minimal donor site morbidity. Wide resection and reconstruction options should be kept in mind in giant cell-containing tumors. Further investigations are needed about the relationship between soft tissue edema in magnetic resonance imaging and the recurrence risk in hand and wrist benign bone tumors.

Hand osteoid osteoma: evaluation of diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: OO (osteoid osteoma) is a common, osteoblastic, benign bone tumor but rarely seen in the hand region. There is still some debate about the diagnosis and treatment of hand OOs. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, radiologic features, surgical treatment options and functional outcomes. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2014, surgically treated and pathologically verified 9 hand OO cases were investigated retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome scores were calculated using the M2-DASH (Manchester-Modified Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand) Score. RESULTS: Lesion locations were as follows: middle phalanx in 2/9 (22%) patients (2nd and 4th digit), proximal phalanx in 6/9 (67%) patients (one 4th, two 2nd and three 5th digits) and metacarpal (2nd) in 1/9 (11%) patient. Incidence of nidus formation was 6/9 (67%) on X-ray, 7/9 (78%) on CT imaging and 2/9 (22%) on MR imaging. The mean time to diagnosis was 13.22 ± 5.44 months. Preoperative mean M2-DASH score was 41 ± 6 and postoperative was 7.4 ± 8.6. CONCLUSION: Osteoid osteoma is usually seen below 25 years, and rarely found over 40 years of age. There is male dominance with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Delay of diagnosis may be encountered because of many differential diagnoses. When OO is suspected, CT imaging should be taken before the MR imaging. Because of superiority in soft tissue imaging, MR imaging should be an alternative tool in complex cases.

Foot and Ankle Osteoid Osteomas.

Foot and ankle osteoid osteomas (OOs) are often cancellous or subperiosteal and rarely present with a periosteal reaction. Additionally, the large number of disorders included in the differential diagnosis and the nonspecific findings on radiographs complicate the diagnosis. We performed a manual search of the senior surgeon's hospitals' operating room records for the terms "benign bone tumor," "foot," "ankle," and "osteoid osteoma" from January 2003 until December 2014. Of 87 surgically treated patients with lower extremity OOs, 9 patients (11%) with foot or ankle OOs were included. The mean age at presentation was 21 (range 6 to 30) years; all 9 (11%) patients were male. The patients were evaluated for swelling, pain, trauma history, night pain, response to pain relievers, duration of complaints, and interval to diagnosis. The mean follow-up period was 48 ± 24 months, and no recurrences had developed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score was 59.04 ± 11 before surgery and 91.56 ± 6 after surgery. The difference was statistically significant at p ≤ .0003. Most previous studies have been limited to case reports. The need for findings from a case series was an essential determinant of our decision to report our results. Patients usually have been treated conservatively, often for a long period. However, delays in treatment cause social, economic, and psychological damage. In conclusion, the presence of atypical findings on radiographs has resulted in a preference for magnetic resonance imaging instead of computed tomography; however, the diffuse soft tissue edema observed on MRI can lead to the use of long-term immobilization and a delay in the diagnosis.

Comparison of the lateral and posterior approaches in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

This study explored the radiological, functional, and cosmetic results of treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures with open reduction and percutaneous pinning, comparing posterior triceps V-splitting (group I, n=22) and lateral (group II, n=25) approaches. The time to union, the functional and cosmetic results, and the flexor and extensor muscle strengths were measured and compared with the contralateral extremities. There were no statistical differences between the groups. The V-splitting posterior approach is as safe and effective as the lateral approach in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

An Unusual Localization of Intraosseous Schwannoma: The Hamate Bone.

Intraosseous schwannoma of the hamate bone presented in this case is a very rare benign tumor, and its diagnosis combined with clinical, imaging and needle biopsy is important to guide further therapy. The diagnosis of schwannoma of the hamate was proved histologically following its surgical treatment by curettage.

Metatarsal head resurfacing hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of advanced stage hallux rigidus: outcomes in the short-term.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of metatarsal head metal resurfacing hemiarthroplasty in patients with advanced stage hallux rigidus. METHODS: The study included 14 feet (4 left, 10 right) of 12 patients (10 female, 2 male; mean age: 63 ± 5; range: 55 to 71 years) who underwent metatarsal head metal resurfacing hemiarthroplasty (HemiCAP(®)) between 2007 and 2010. Additionally, capsular release and periarticular osteophyte debridement were performed. Staging was made according to Coughlin and Shurnas' clinical and radiological grading system. Hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were measured using pre and postoperative standing AP and lateral foot views. Clinical assessment was made with first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and satisfaction level. RESULTS: Mean follow up was 19.5 (range: 14 to 26) months. Two patients had bilateral involvement. According to Coughlin and Shurnas' clinical and radiological grading system, nine feet were Stage 3 and five feet were Stage 4. According to the AOFAS scale, results of eight feet (57.1%) were excellent, four feet (28.6%) were good and two feet (14.3%) were moderate. Mean total AOFAS score increased by 26.2 points postoperatively (p<0.05). Mean range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint improved significantly from a preoperative 22.2 ± 5.6 (range: 10 to 28) degrees to a postoperative 56.3 ± 9.6 degrees (p<0.05). Mean hallux valgus angle decreased from a preoperative 14.3 (range: 9 to 17) degrees to a postoperative 11.1 (range: 4 to 13) degrees and the mean intermetatarsal angle increased from a preoperative 10.5 (range: 8 to 14) degrees to a postoperative 10.8 (range: 8 to 15) degrees. Patient satisfaction levels were very good in 10 feet (71.4%), good in 3 (21.4%), and moderate in one (7.2%). Complications included metatarsalgia aggravated by long walks in one patient and hypoesthesia of the great toe in three patients. Push-off power of the great toes was measured as 4/5 in three cases, and 5/5 in others. CONCLUSION: Metatarsal head metal resurfacing hemiarthroplasty provides high patient satisfaction level and good functional outcome in the short-term, in the surgical treatment of advanced stage hallux rigidus refractory to conservative treatment options.

A new index for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relation between a new index we created for the assessment of distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid, and the clinical outcome. METHODS: We devised a radiographic separation index (RSI), to evaluate the displacement of the ulnar styloid. We used this index in 44 patients (28 men and 16 women; mean age: 43.2 years; range: 24-64 years) with distal radius fractures involving the the ulnar styloid. In all cases, the distal radius fracture was fixed using a volar locking plate. The styloid fracture was treated conservatively. The relation between the RSI value and clinical results was then investigated. RESULTS: In the 44 patients there were clinically 38 excellent, 4 good, and 2 moderate results. RSI ratios ranged from 2% to 11%. The patients with an excellent result had an RSI ratio of less than 5%. We found a significant correlation between the RSI ratio values and the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the RSI can be used as a predictor of the clinical outcome in patients with distal radius fractures involving the ulnar styloid.

Osteoid osteoma of the cuboid bone: a rare cause of foot pain.

Osteoid osteoma, a common bone lesion of benign nature, is more rarely seen in feet. It most commonly involves the talus yet rarely the cuboid. The atypical symptoms of foot involvement may delay the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis most commonly includes ankle sprain, monoarticular arthritis, anterior impingement syndrome, tarsal spur, osteomyelitis, stress fracture, eosinophilic granuloma. The delay in diagnosis and treatment of osteoid osteoma in the foot may be a cause of chronic foot pain. In this study, we present a 17-year-old boy with osteoid osteoma in his right cuboid bone. The patient was undiagnosed during the first year of his symptoms. After surgical removal of the tumor, his complaints were resolved. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Osteoid osteoma is an unusual bone tumor of the foot. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients exhibiting foot pain. In speculative cases with no obvious radiographic findings, further imaging studies, such as CT, should be considered.

The relationship between morphometric parameters and Trendelenburg sign following the Hardinge incision.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationship between morphometric parameters such as height, weight, and body mass index with the development of the Trendelenburg gait following the Hardinge approach, which is one of the most commonly used approaches in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The study included 59 patients (43 women, 16 men; mean age 55 years; range 37 to 74 years) who underwent total hip arthroplasty via the Hardinge approach for primary coxarthrosis. The patients were examined postoperatively at 15 days, and at the end of the first and third months. The mean follow-up period was 24.3 months (range 12 to 37 months). The height, weight, and body mass index values of the patients with and without a positive Trendelenburg sign were compared. RESULTS: The Trendelenburg sign was positive in 19 patients (32.2%) following total hip arthroplasty with the Hardinge approach and persisted for a mean of 8.3 months (range 4-14 months). Patients with a positive Trendelenburg sign had a mean height of 157.4 cm (range 151 to 173 cm), mean weight of 82.5 kg (range 70 to 108 kg), and mean body mass index of 33.2 kg/m(2) (range 25.4 to 30.5 kg/m(2)). The corresponding figures in patients without a Trendelenburg sign were as follows: 166.3 cm (range 158 to 180 cm), 79.4 kg (range 72 to 94 kg), and 28.7 kg/m(2) (range 21.6 to 30.5 kg/m(2)). There was no significant difference between the two patient groups with respect to weight, but height and body mass index showed highly significant differences (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Based on our finding that patients having a significantly shorter height and greater body mass index sustained Trendelenburg positivity for quite a long time, we recommend that these two factors be taken into consideration in the preoperative evaluation of patients for total hip arthroplasty with the Hardinge approach. Thus, the use of the Hardinge approach in total hip arthroplasty may not be convenient in short subjects having borderline obesity.

[Results of limited open rotator cuff repair with partial acromioplasty for rotator cuff tears with subacromial impingement syndrome]. / Subakromiyal sikisma sendromu ile birlikte rotator manset yirtiginin, kismi akromiyoplasti ile sinirli açik rotator manset tamiri sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: Short term results of partial acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair with a limited open surgical technique were evaluated in patients with rotator cuff tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients (16 males, 32 females; mean age 52 years; range 29 to 70 years) with rotator cuff rupture were recruited to the study between January 2001 and December 2006. A limited open rotator cuff repair along with partial acromioplasty (via rasper) was applied in all cases. The Constant-Murley shoulder score was used before and after surgery. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 38 months (range 14 to 70 months). Pre- and postoperative Constant-Murley scores averaged 44 (range 36 to 51) and 88 (range 75 to 96) respectively. Anchoring sutures were displaced in one subject (2%) and tendon insufficiency recurred, another two cases (4%) had impingement from secondary granulation tissue that developed due to sutures in the tendon repair site. CONCLUSION: We believe that minimal acromioplasty via a limited open surgical approach is an applicable technique with good results in the treatment of rotator cuff tears with subacromial impingement syndrome.

[Open reduction and K-wire fixation of mallet finger injuries: mid-term results]. / Cekiç parmakta açik redüksiyon ve K-teli ile internal tespit: Orta dönem takip sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated mid-term results of surgical treatment of mallet finger injuries in patients in whom close reduction was not successful. METHODS: The study involved 34 patients (26 males, 8 females; mean age 27 years; range 21 to 37 years) with mallet finger deformity due to avulsion fracture of the proximal dorsal lip of the distal phalanx. According to the Doyle classification, all injuries were type IVb. Following unsuccessful attempts of closed reduction, the patients were treated with open reduction and K-wire fixation. Cast immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint was employed for four weeks and rehabilitation was started after removing the K-wires in the sixth week. Radiographic and clinical assessments were made according to the Doyle and Crawford criteria, respectively, after a mean follow-up period of 18 months (range 11 to 34 months). RESULTS: Radiographic union was achieved in all the patients and an anatomic reduction was obtained in 31 patients (91.2%). According to the Crawford criteria, the results were excellent in 27 patients (79.4%), good in four patients (11.8%), and moderate in three patients (8.8%). Patients with a good result had a mean extension loss of 5 degrees , and those with a moderate result had a mean flexion loss of 10 degrees . The remaining patients had full range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint. None of the patients developed joint subluxation, narrowing of the joint space, or degenerative changes. CONCLUSION: An anatomical reduction is essential in mallet finger deformities. Open reduction and internal K-wire fixation can be preferred due to its low complication rate and ease of application in patients whose mallet deformity cannot be treated by closed reduction.

[Retrograde intramedullary interlocking nailing in fractures of the distal femur].

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated retrograde locked intramedullary nail applications in patients with distal femur fractures. METHODS: Distal femur fractures of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age 45 years; range 25 to 69 years) were treated with retrograde locked intramedullary nailing. One patient had bilateral fractures. According to the AO classification, the fractures were A1 (n=8), A2 (n=4), A3 (n=4), and C1 (n=1). There were 13 closed (76.5%), and four open (23.5%) fractures. The mean time to surgery was 10 days (range 2 to 20 days). Open technique was used for nine fractures, and percutaneous technique for eight fractures. Preoperatively, three patients with a floating knee were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging and were found to have a ruptured cruciate ligament. All patients underwent intraoperative knee examination, which showed a ruptured cruciate ligament in five patients. Functional results were assessed using the modified HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) knee rating scale at the end of a mean follow-up period of 32.6 months (range (12 to 68 months). RESULTS: The mean time to union was 25 weeks (range 14 to 42 weeks). One patient had delayed union (42 weeks). Joint range of motion was normal in three knees (17.7%), was 100 to 110 degrees in nine knees (52.9%), 80 degrees in four knees (23.5%), and below 80 degrees in one knee (5.9%). According to the modified HSS knee scale, the results were excellent in five femurs (29.4%), good in six femurs (35.3%), moderate in five femurs, and poor in one femur (5.9%). Postoperative radiographic examination showed varus angulation (10 degrees ) in four patients (23.5%), and posterior angulation (10-20 degrees ) in four patients. In one patient, healing occurred with extreme deformation (30 degrees posterior angulation). None of the patients experienced wound site problems or infections. One patient developed deep vein thrombosis in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distal femur fractures with retrograde locked intramedullary nailing yields satisfactory results in adults.

Complete transiliac pelvic osteotomy for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip without internal fixation.

Several problems are encountered with pelvic osteotomy in hip dysplasia including insufficient coverage, avascular necrosis, graft instability and fixation of secondary bone grafts. We evaluated results of pelvic osteotomy in 4-8 year olds in our institution. 44 cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed. 14 hips in 12 patients were treated with a step-cut osteotomy and the results are discussed. The mean age was 5.6 (range: 4-8) years, and mean follow up was 87.7 months (60-120). The patients were followed up according to the Severin clinical assessment criteria, and their radiological findings were evaluated and classified in accordance with the Tonnis criteria. Radiologically, a marked correction was obtained in center-edge angle, which was increased to 22.30 from the preoperative value of -11.20. No graft shift or loss was observed in any cases. There was also no loss in coverage achieved by surgical intervention. Coxofemoral positioning was found to be normal in eighty percent of cases. 8% of cases had avascular necrosis. Full range of hip motion was achieved in 84% of cases, and 84% of cases exhibited negative Trendelenburg's sign. The modified osteotomy we describe eliminated the need for fixation and secondary surgery. Graft stability and bone conservation were achieved.

[Treatment of adult tibial diaphysis fractures with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing]. / Tibia diyafiz kiriklarinin oymali kilitli intramedüller çivi ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of reamed and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures. METHODS: The study included 73 patients (68 males, 5 females; mean age 31 years; range 17 to 68 years) who were treated with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures. There were 28 AO/ASIF type A, 29 type B, and 16 type C fractures. The fractures involved the proximal 1/3 (n=12), middle 1/3 (n=50), and distal 1/3 (n=11) of the tibial diaphysis. Twenty-eight fractures (38.4%) were closed. According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 30 patients (41.1%) had grade I, 10 patients (13.7%) had grade II, and five patients (6.9%) had grade IIIA open fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed following open reduction in 17 patients (23.3%), and closed reduction in 56 patients (76.7%). The mean time to surgery was 3.4 days (range 2 to 11 days) and the mean follow-up was 48 months (range 24 to 60 months). The patients were evaluated with respect to range of motion, time to union, and complications. Functional results were assessed using the Johner-Wrush criteria. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all the patients within a mean of 18.2 weeks (range 8 to 52 weeks). Four patients required dynamization because of delayed union and grafting was performed in one patient. Transient sensorial deficit occurred in one patient after dynamization. One patient underwent revision surgery because of migration of the distal locking screws. The only limitation of range of motion was seen in flexion of two patients (2.7%) who developed anterior knee pain. According to the Johner-Wrush criteria, functional results were very good in 45 patients (61.6%), and good in 28 patients (38.4%). CONCLUSION: Treatment of tibial diaphysis fractures with reamed and locked intramedullary nailing is an appropriate choice with a low complication rate. It can be safely used in moderately contaminated open fractures.