Transosseous Fixation with Suspensory Fixation System on Medial Meniscus Root Tears.

Medial meniscal root injury is known to cause an increase in the tibiofemoral contact pressure and results in early osteoarthritis. Several techniques have been described for transosseous suture repair. Typically, the sutures are passed through the meniscus, pulled out through a transtibial tunnel, and tied over a bone bridge, a suture button, or a screw at the anterior tibial cortex. Desired meniscus root tension may not be achieved in transosseous fixation with a suture button. The suspensory fixation technique is aimed to prevent secondary looseness in the knot attached to the button implant in the tibia and to provide the desired tension in the fixation of the button implant in different degrees of flexion of the knee.

Comparison of Acetabular Labral Reconstruction With 7-mm Tibialis Anterior Allograft and 5-mm Iliotibial Band Autograft at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Labral reconstruction has been described as a treatment option for irreparable labral tear. Labral graft size ranges from 5 to 7 mm2 for reconstruction. A thicker labral graft could support mechanical stability and protect cartilage better. No study has compared the effect of graft thickness on clinical outcomes. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes between hips reconstructed with an autologous iliotibial band (AUITB; 5 mm2) graft and with an allogenic tibialis anterior (ALTA; 7 mm2) tendon graft. Our hypothesis was that hips reconstructed with a thicker allograft (7 mm2) would have better clinical outcomes than those with a smaller autograft (5 mm2). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 42 patients (aged 21 to 54 years) underwent arthroscopic hip segmental labral reconstruction during the study period of January 2016 to November 2018. Twenty patients had reconstruction with AUITB grafts (5 mm2) and 22 with ALTA grafts (7 mm2). Both groups had minimum 2 year follow-up. Patients were evaluated with patient-related outcome scores: modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific. Pain evaluation was performed using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There were significant differences in all studied variables when comparing pre- and postoperative scores. Yet, there were no differences in terms of patient-related outcome scores between the groups postoperatively. Postoperative visual analog scale scores averaged 2.1 for the AUITB group vs 1.9 for the ALTA group (P = .89); modified Harris Hip Score, 82.7 vs 83.3 (P = .77); Nonarthritic Hip Score, 81.1 vs 82.2 (P = .81); and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific, 81.6 vs 82.5 (P = .67). CONCLUSION: No differences were found in terms of clinical outcomes between the 7-mm2 ALTA graft and the 5-mm2 AUITB graft. Both graft types and thicknesses might be considered comparable choices for primary reconstruction. Although a thicker-graft labral reconstruction seemed to have more ability to cover joint surface, clinical results did not show any superiority of a thicker graft whether it is autologous or allogenic.

Comparison of two surgical methods in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures: Volar locking plate and K-wire augmented bridging external fixator.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the radiological, clinical and functional results of volar radius locking plate, and K-wire augmented bridging external fixator (BEF) treatments that applied in intra-articular distal radius fractures. METHODS: Between May 2016 and January 2019, 162 patients who met the inclusion criteria of 23-C2 and 23-C3 according to the AO/OTA classification who operated in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. 78 patients (37 males, 41 females, mean age 49.92) were fixated with K wire augmented BEF and 84 patients (41 males, 43 females, mean age 46.81) were fixated with volar locking plate (VLP). Demographic (age, gender, type of trauma, and follow-up time), radiological (radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, and fracture healing time), and clinical and functional (range of motion [ROM], grip strength, Quick Dash, Green O'Brien and Mayo scores) data of the patient groups were recorded and compared statistically. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the patient groups in terms of functional scoring systems. Radiologically, radial inclination, and radial length were significantly better in the volar plate group. In terms of joint ROM, flexion, extension, pronation, and supination movements were significantly better in the VLP group. Sudek atrophy incidence and loss of grip strength were higher in BEF group. Mean time of union was significantly shorter in the BEF group. CONCLUSION: Successful results can be obtained in both treatment methods. However, VLP treatment provides better joint ROM and lower complication rates compared to BEF treatment.

Arthroscopic Repair of the Hip Abductor Musculotendinous Unit: The Effect of Microfracture on Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic surgical repair has become a common procedure for treating patients with hip abductor tendon tears. Considering that retear rates are high after the repair of gluteus medius and minimus tendons, exploring alternative strategies to enhance structural healing is important. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding microfracture to single-row repair (SR) on outcomes after the surgical repair of gluteus medius and minimus tendons and compare with SR and double-row repair (DR) without microfracture. We hypothesized that microfracture of the trochanteric footprint with SR would lead to superior clinical outcomes and lower clinically evident retear rates compared with SR and DR without the addition of microfracture. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 50 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic repair of hip gluteus medius and minimus tendon tears were investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups: DR, 16 patients; SR, 14 patients; and SR with microfracture (SRM), 20 patients. Patients were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport Specific (HOS-SS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) both preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 30 months). RESULTS: Among the SR, SRM, and DR groups, the greatest decrease in VAS scores and increase in mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS scores were seen in the SRM group, and all the differences were significant (P < .001 to P = .006). The abductor tendon retear rates were 31.3%, 35.7%, and 15.0% in the DR, SR, and SRM groups, respectively. Retear rates were lower in the SRM group compared with the SR and DR groups (P = .042); however, there was no significant difference between the SR and DR groups (P = .32) in terms of retear rates. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic SR with microfracture was a safe, practical, and effective technique and had the potential advantage of enhancing biological healing at the footprint. The addition of microfracturing the trochanteric footprint significantly lowered the retear rate and provided better functional outcomes than SR and DR without microfracture.

The effect of medullary fill on varus collapse in AO 31A3 intertrochanteric (reverse obliquity) fracture treated with cephalomedullary nails.

OBJECTIVE: Cephalomedullary nails are tools commonly used for surgical fixation in proximal femoral fractures. The most common complications in their use are varus collapse and screw cutout of the femoral head. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of intramedullary nail movement on varus collapse and screw cutout. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 70 composite femur models treated with PFNA. We divided the femurs into 4 groups based on the differences in nail diameter, fracture type and filling of the distal intramedullary area. All femurs were exposed to axial cyclic loading. Each femur was examined in terms of intramedullary nail movement and amount of erosions in femoral medulla [amount of erosion in femoral head (FT distance), amount of erosion in femoral neck (FB distance), amount of erosion in trochanteric major (TB distance) and expansion of trochanter tip (TT distance)]. RESULTS: We found that degree of nail movement in the intramedullary region was inversely correlated with nail diameter and directly correlated with instability of fracture. One of the parameters used to evaluate varus development, FB distance, was affected by the degree of intramedullary nail movement and fracture type. TB distance was affected by nail diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Nail diameter and fracture type are effective in intramedullary nail movement. Varus collapse progress is accelerated by the increase in nail movement in the intramedullary region. Thus, we conclude that it is important to strengthen diaphyseal adherence, which decreases intramedullary movement of the nail. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; well-design case control study.

Arthroscopic lateral capsule resection is enough for the management of lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: Controversy exists with regards to the etiology and treatment of lateral epicondylitis and the role of the lateral capsule in this pathology. The aim of this study was to compare arthroscopic lateral capsule resection with or without extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon debridement for treatment of lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 38 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for LE with two different techniques: Eighteen patients were treated with arthroscopic lateral capsular resection (LCR) + ECRB debridement and 20 patients were treated with arthroscopic LCR alone, without ECRB debridement. Both groups were assessed with Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) score for function and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain. RESULTS: Quick DASH scores were 12 [Formula: see text] 5 and 13 [Formula: see text] 4 at Groups 1 and 2, respectively, without any statistically significant difference. VAS pain scores were 15 [Formula: see text] 2 for both groups. VAS function scores were 85 [Formula: see text] 22 and 86 [Formula: see text] 18 at Groups 1 and 2 respectively. Sick leave periods in terms of weeks were 7 [Formula: see text] 5 and 7 [Formula: see text] 4 at Groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome of the two groups compared in terms of VAS pain, function scores, failure (re-operation) rates and sick leave period at the end of final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both arthroscopic LCR alone and Arthroscopic LCR with ECRB debridement for the management of refractory LE provide significant improvement in pain and function. Isolated Arthroscopic LCR could be a sufficient surgical treatment for refractory LE. Thus, ECRB debridement or release may not be necessary in every case. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Is 48 h a critical cut-off point for mortality in geriatric hip fractures?

Background/aim: In this study, our objective was to evaluate the mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients who were operated within 48 h after admission or after the 48thh. Materials and methods: A total of 194 patients who had undergone surgery for hip fracture between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient information was obtained from the hospital's database using the ICD codes 81.52, 82.00­82.09, and 82.10. Radiological examination reports were collected from the patient files. Information on mortality was obtained from the Death Notification System of the Turkish Ministry of Health. First-year mortality rates of patients operated within 48 h (Group 1) and those operated at 48­96 h (Group 2) were compared. Results: The mean duration between admission to the hospital and surgical intervention was 33.90 ± 1.95 h (3­96 h). The mean total hospitalization time was 7.29 ± 1.53 days (2­36 days). Of the patients, 62 (32%) died within one year after the operation. The mean survival times for patients operated ≤48 h or >48 h were 8.47 ± 1.90 and 6.57 ± 2.59 months, respectively (Z = 1.074, P = 0.283). There was no significant correlation between survival time and the time delay before the operation (r = ­0.103, P = 0.153). Additionally, the Cox regression analysis, including age (years), ASA (grade 3 vs. 2), time to operation (h), and days spent in the ICU, demonstrated no significant independent effect of the time to operation on survival (P = 0.200). Conclusion: Although shortening the time to surgery may have some rationale, we did not find any difference in patients operated before 48 h compared to 48­96 h concerning mortality.

Do three-dimensional modeling and printing technologies have an impact on the surgical success of percutaneous transsacral screw fixation?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the role of computed tomography (CT)-derived templates, produced by three- dimensional (3D) modeling, image processing and printing technology, in percutaneous transsacral screw fixation and evaluate the effects of their use on surgical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study conducted between June 2018 and December 2019 utilized 15 composite pelvis models for transsacral-transiliac screw fixation. For the procedure, modeled templates were utilized for wiring on the left side of the pelvis models, while the conventional method was performed on the right side of the pelvis models. In the computed tomography images acquired after wiring, appropriate wire position was evaluated. RESULTS: The placed wires held the S1 body appropriately in all of the procedures with or without template use. With the template use, the wires were placed appropriately in the surgical bone corridor suitable for the transsacral-transiliac screw fixation in all of the models. However, with the conventional methods, the wires were not placed in the safe surgical bone corridor in four models. The wire deviation angle in the axial plane was significantly lower in the template group (p=0.001), whereas it was not different between the template group and the conventional method group in the coronal plane (p=0.054). The amount of deviation from the ideal wire entry site was significantly reduced in the template group compared to the conventional method group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: With the use of 3D modeling and printing technology, CT-derived templates can be produced and utilized for transsacral screw fixation procedures and their use increases surgical success by reducing the surgical margin of error.

Predicting postoperative pain with neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is well known and usually disturbing complication of arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictability of postoperative pain through the correlation of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with inflammation. In addition, the correlation of parameters such as operative time, tear size, age and gender with postoperative pain was evaluated. METHODS: Sixty three patients, who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, were evaluated in this single-center-based retrospective study. The American Society of Anaesthesiologists I and II risk groups were determined as the inclusion criteria. NLR was calculated using preoperative one day hemogram values in all patients. The amounts of analgesic use and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores at the 12th, 24th and 48th hours and on the 3rd and 7th days were recorded. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to correlate postoperative NRS scores with multiple independent factors, including preoperative NLR, sex, age, tear size, repair type, operative time, block time, postoperative analgesic intake and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Sixty three patients with a mean age of 59.4 years (range, 40-72 years) were evaluated. The mean tear size was 2.8 cm (range, 1-5 cm), the mean operative time was 84.1 min (range, 35-135 min), the mean duration of block was 7.6 hours (range, 4-12 hours) and the mean length of hospital stay was 1.7 days (range, 1-3 days). There was no significant correlation between age, sex, tear size, repair type, operative time and postoperative NRS (p > 0.2). The preoperative NLR was found to be a strong predictor of postoperative NRS (p < 0.001, rho = 0,864). There was a correlation between the NLR and mean analgesic intake (p = 0,03). The duration of block was decreased in patients with a NLR above 2, while it was prolonged in patients with a NLR below 2 (p = 0.04, rho = -0,725). CONCLUSION: The preoperative NLR was found to be a strongest factor predicting high acute pain levels after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. Likewise, NLR was also predictive of postoperative block time and analgesic consumption.

Outcomes of Surgical Management of Acetabular Fractures Treated with Anterior Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of anterior and combined approaches for treatment of acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven acetabular fractures in 35 patients treated with an anterior approach were evaluated retrospectively. Fractures were classified according to Judet-Letournel. Early and final radiological evaluation was based on Matta's criteria. Modified Merle d'Aubigne and Postel criteria were used for functional assessment. RESULTS: Eleven (30%) fractures were simple type and 26 (70%) were mixed type. Two (18%) of the simple fractures were transverse and 9(82%) were anterior column fractures. Fourteen (54%) of the mixed type fractures were both column fractures, 5 (19%) were transverse+posterior wall, 5 (19%) were T shaped and 2 (8%) were anterior column+posterior hemitransverse fractures. Surgical approach was ilioinguinal in 15 (43%) patients, Stoppa in 9 (26%) and combined11 (31%). Our functional outcomes were perfect in 10 (27%) hips, good in 20 (54%), moderate in 4 (10%) and poor in 3 (8%). Our radiological results were perfect in 15 (40.5%) hips, good in 15 (40.5%), moderate in 4 (11%) and poor in 3 (8%). CONCLUSION: Anterior surgical approaches provide satisfactory outcomes in appropriate fracture types. Posterior approach can be combined in certain fracture types. We think that rate of the requirement for a concomitant posterior approach for certain fractures of the acetabulum will decrease as experience increases.

Is pelvic mapping applicable in iliosacral screw fixation to determine screw entry point and screw trajectory?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate if pelvic mapping is applicable in iliosacral screw fixation to determine screw entry point and screw trajectory. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical files and images of 16 patients (10 males, 6 females; mean age 35 years; range, 20 to 57 years) who underwent iliosacral screw fixation due to sacroiliac joint injury and sacrum fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Pelvic mapping was performed using preoperative tomography images of the patients and appropriate screw entry point and trajectory were determined. Postoperative computed tomography scans of all patients were obtained and these were used to evaluate the accuracy of the screw position. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. The entry points and trajectory of the screws were compatible for all patients pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Mapping of the pelvis is a method that can be used for preoperative planning of iliosacral screwing.