Intraoperative lateral wall breach simulation in the cadaveric spine and the impact of thread designs of screws on pullout strength in the osteoporotic thoracic vertebrae: A biomechanical study in human cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed (1) to simulate pedicle screw pullout after intraoperative external wall perforation and (2) to assess restoration strength with different thread designs in the pedicle screw instrumentation for osteoporotic thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: Twenty fresh-frozen human cadaveric thoracic vertebra bodies were prepared and divided into 4 groups: group 1, 5.5 mm × 45 mm polyaxial single thread pedicle screws (PASTS); group 2, after wall injury 5.5 mm × 45 mm PASTS; group 3, 6.5 mm × 45 mm PASTS after wall injury; and group 4: 6.5 mm × 45 mm polyaxial mixed-threaded screws after wall injury. While group 1 was the control group, groups 2, 3, and 4 were used as study groups after the lateral wall breach. All prepared screw units were placed on a universal pullout measurement testing device. RESULTS: The mean bone mineral density for 20 thoracic vertebrae was 0.57 ± 0.12 g/cm2 (range 0.53-0.6 g/cm2 ). The mean pullout strength was 474.90 Newtons (N) for group 1, 412.85 N for group 2, 475.4 N for group 3, and 630.74N for group 4. The lateral wall breach caused a 14.1 % decrease in average pullout strength compared with the initial screw pullout. Mixed (double)-threaded screws increased pullout strength compared to 6.5 mm screws (P=.036) Conclusion: Using a 1 mm thicker polyaxial pedicle screw or mixed (double)-threaded pedicle screw seems to increase pullout strength; however, this was statistically significant only for group 4. In the thoracic spine, the redirection possibility of the pedicle screw is limited, and augmentation with cement will not be appropriate due to the risk of wall injury-related leakage. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid violating the lateral cortex by using appropriate pedicle entry points and trajectories.

Interdisiplinary and intraobserver reliability of the Greulich-Pyle method among Turkish children.

OBJECTIVES: Greulich-Pyle (GP) is one of the most used method for bone age determination (BAD) in various orthopedic, pediatric, radiological, and forensic situations. We aimed to investigate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the GP method between the most relevant disciplines and its applicability to the Turkish population. METHODS: One-hundred and eighty (90 boys, 90 girls) patients with a chronological age younger than 18 (mean 9.33) were included. X-rays mixed by the blinded investigator were evaluated by two orthopedists, two radiologists, and two pediatric endocrinologists to determine skeletal age according to the GP atlas. A month later the process was repeated. As a statistical method, Paired t-test was used for comparison, an Intraclass Correlation Coefficients test was used for reliability and a 95 % confidence interval was determined. Results were classified according to Landis-Koch. RESULTS: All results were consistent with chronological age (p<0.001), according to the investigators' evaluations compared with chronological age. At the initial evaluation, the interobserver reliability of the method was 0.999 (excellent); at the second evaluation, the interobserver reliability was 0.997 (excellent). The intra-observer reliability of the method was 'excellent' in all observers. When results were separately evaluated by gender, excellent intraobserver correlation and excellent correlation with chronological age were found among all researchers (>0.9). When X-rays were divided into three groups based on age ranges and evaluated, 'moderate' and 'good' correlations with chronological age were obtained during the peripubertal period. CONCLUSIONS: The GP method used in skeletal age determination has excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability. During the peripubertal period, potential discrepancies in bone age assessments should be kept in mind. This method can be used safely and reproducibly by the relevant specialists.

Does Thoracic Kyphosis Have any Importance in Selective Versus Nonselective Fusion Preference in Patients with Lenke Type 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

AIM: To investigate the importance of thoracic kyphosis (TK) for treatment preference in patients with Lenke Type 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by comparing radiological outcomes of the patients who underwent selective fusion (SF) or nonselective fusion (NSF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with Lenke Type 5C AIS were included and then divided into two groups as per the fusion procedure used in the surgical treatment. SF group including 16 patients (14 female patients; mean age = 15.56 yr; age range, 14?18) with normal TK and NSF group including 13 patients (nine female patients; mean age = 15.54 yr, age range, 13?18) with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) Cobb, thoracic (T) Cobb, TK and lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were measured on standing spine radiographs preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The correction rates (CRs) of Cobb angles and the difference in each other radiological parameters were calculated. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the mean CRs of TL/L Cobb and T Cobb angles, PI, SS, and PT (p=0.313, p=0.444, p=0.51, p=0.472, and p=0.14, respectively). However, significant differences were observed in the mean TK angle, which was ?2.13° ± 13.52° (range, 29?27°) in SF group and 28.46° ± 15.05° (range, ?4°?°47°) in NSF group (p=0.001), and LL angle was 0.88° ± 14.23° (range, ?21°?32°) in SF group and 11.54° ± 17.79° (range, ?31°?34°) in NSF group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: In patients in whom Lenke?s sagittal modifier is N, SF can be performed efficiently. NSF can be preferred for those with (+) Lenke?s sagittal modifiers as it provides better TK control.

The Prevalence of Biphalangealism for Each Toe in the Turkish Population: An Epidemiologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Biphalangealism has been evaluated in many studies and has been shown as a common variant. Its frequency varies according to the populations. This epidemiological study aimed to determine the prevalence of biphalangealism for each toe in the Turkish population and compare it with other populations. METHODS: The local hospital radiological database was searched for all consecutive foot radiographs, obtained between 2014 and 2018. Anteroposterior (AP) and oblique radiographs obtained to evaluate trauma or foot pathologies were included. Two-phalangeal toes according to radiographical views were defined as biphalangeal and other three-phalangeal toes were defined as normal. RESULTS: A total of 2,881 radiographs of 2,710 adult patients met the incusion criteria. There were 1,558 (57.5%) female and 1,152 (42.5%) male patients. The cases were unilateral in 2,539 patients and bilateral in 171 patients. The overall prevalence of biphalangeal third toe was 0.29%, fourth toe was 1.29%, and fifth toe was 23.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pedal biphalangealism is a common variant and its frequency varies according to the populations. The exact cause is still unclear. Further studies are required to assess the clinical impact of biphalangealism.

The effect of onlay cortical fibula strut grafts on biomechanical features of Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate biomechanically the effects of onlay fibula grafts on Vancouver Type B1 Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures (PPFs). METHODS: Vancouver Type B1 PFF models were created in 25 fourth-generation synthetic femurs and fixed with locking plates using bicortical, unicortical screws, and cables. While no graft was used in group 1, onlay fibula grafts were placed anteriorly in group 2 and medially in group 3. In group 4, the cortical strut allograft was placed on the medial femoral cortex, and a locking compression plate (LCP) was applied to the lateral femoral cortex. In group 5, the strut allograft was placed over the anterior cortex of the femur and fixed with the same technique as in group 4. All models were then subjected to rotational and axial cyclical stiffness tests and load to failure to measure and compare the mechanical strengths of the constructs. RESULTS: The mean stiffness values of group 4 with medial allograft, before and after cyclical loading, were higher than all other groups, under both rotational and axial forces. The mean stiffness values of fibula autografts (groups 2 and 3) were similar to that of anterior allografts (group 5) in each test except that the mean initial axial stiffness of group 5 was higher than group 2. Failure loads were also not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Although the rigidity of Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femur fractures is highest if allografts are placed medially, fibula autografts can also provide similar fixation strengths to allografts if locking plates with unicortical and bicortical screws and cables are used.

Evaluation of Dynamic Foraminal Stenosis with Positional MRI in Patients with C6 Radiculopathy-Mimicking Pain: A Prospective Radiologic Cohort Study.

Objective: Patients with a C6 radiculopathy-mimicking complaint are always in the gray zone if the diagnosis is not clear. The aim of the study is to make the diagnosis clear if the neck and shoulder pain is caused by a dynamic stenosis of the neural foramen at the C5-C6 level. Methods: Patients with a C6 radiculopathy-mimicking complaint were included in the study. Patients had a cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the normal limits, or a minimal protrusion at the C5-C6 level underwent a dynamic MRI procedure. We measured the foraminal area and spinal cord diameter (SCD) at the C5-C6 level by using the PACS system ROI irregular are determination integral embedded to PACS. Inter- and intraobserver reliability of measurements was evaluated. Results were analyzed statistically, and a p value< 0.05 was accepted as statistically meaningful. Results: A total of 23 patients between January 2019 and June 2019 were included in the study. There were 10 men and 13 women, and the mean age was 41.3 (range 33-53). Foraminal area decrease at C5-C6 in extension and increase in flexion when compared with the neutral position was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Foraminal area changes between the complaint side and the opposite side was not statistically different (p > 0.05). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of measurements were classified as in almost perfect agreement. Conclusions: Our present work presented dynamic and positional foraminal changes in MRI with radiculopathy-mimicking patients. Soever, we did not find a difference between the clinical complaint side and the opposite side in radiculopathy-mimicking patients. Cervical radiculopathy pain should not be attributed only to foraminal sizes. PACS embedded irregular area measurement integral allows the easy measure of a big number of patients without additional set-up and digital work requirements.

The Impact of Hallux Valgus on Adolescent Ballet Dancer Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life Scores.

BACKGROUND: It is well-known that hallux valgus (HV) alters foot biomechanics. In different populations, HV and postural stability has been studied, but HV and the adolescent ballet dancer has not been studied. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of HV on adolescent ballet dancers' balance and to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adolescent ballet dancers with HV. METHODS: Female ballet dancers aged 8 to 16 years were screened prospectively and divided into two groups: those with HV (group 1) and those without HV (group 2). The HV diagnosis was made clinically. The groups were compared according to balance parameters and HRQOL questionnaires. RESULTS: In group 1 (n = 31) and group 2 (n = 24), the mean age was 11.6 years and 12.2 years, respectively. Mean first metatarsophalangeal angle was 13.4° (range, 10°-15°) in group 2 and 19.8° (range, 16°-25°) in group 1. A statistically significant difference was found according to the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test results in the comparison of HV angle between groups. According to Spearman rho correlation analysis, it was determined that the increase in HV angle caused deterioration in the flamingo static balance test (r = 0.552; P = .019). No significant relationship was found between HRQOL questionnaires and the presence of HV (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent ballet dancers experience static balance impairment due to HV angle increase. Clinical measurement of HV and application of balance parameters made easy without need of set ups to perform evaluation with high numbers of participants in concordance with the literature.

Direct vertebral rotation significantly decreases the pullout strength of the pedicle screw: a biomechanical study in adult cadavers.

The pullout strength of the pedicle screws after direct vertebral rotation (DVR) maneuver is not known. This biomechanical study was performed to quantitatively analyze the pullout strength of a pedicle screw after DVR maneuver using human cadaveric vertebrae. Thoracic vertebral bodies from three cadavers were harvested and stripped of soft tissues. Thirty pedicles of 15 vertebrae were separated into two groups after bone mineral density measurements. Polyaxial 5.5 mm pedicle screws with appropriate length were inserted with a freehand technique for each pedicle. One Kirschner wire was inserted to the anterior part of each vertebral corpus the half depth of each corpus was embedded into PVC pipes using polyester paste. In the DVR group, each screw was pulled horizontally with 2 kg (~20 N) load over a screwdriver rigidly attached to the screw, and a DVR maneuver was simulated. The control group did not load with a DVR maneuver. Samples were placed on a universal testing machine and pullout loads were measured. The Mann-Whitney U test was utilized, and the P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. In the DVR group, the mean pullout strength was 183.35 N (SD ± 100.12), and in the control group, the mean pullout strength was 279.95 N (SD ± 76.26). Intergroup comparisons revealed that DVR maneuver significantly decreases the pullout strength (P = 0.012). The results of this study confirm that the pullout strength of pedicle screw significantly decreases by approximately 35% when DVR maneuver is applied.

Is pharmacological anticoagulant prophylaxis necessary for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery?

We report the outcomes of mechanical prophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis in patients who underwent elective surgery for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS).We retrospectively studied the patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation for AIS. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) started at 8 hours after surgery; Group B LMWH started at 24 hr after surgery; Group C did not receive chemoprophylaxis. The data about wound oozing, need for transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin level, length of stay in hospital, interval from the surgery to removal of closed suction drainage tube, postoperative blood loss from closed suction drain, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) were investigated.The mean age and Lenke classification for all the groups were similar. No DVT or PE was detected in any group. The mean blood loss from the drain was higher in Group A (400 mL) and Group B (450 mL) when compared to Group C (150 mL) (P = .001). There were more wound oozing in Groups A (5) and B (6) than in Group C (3) (P = .585). Three patients in Group B, 3 patients in Group A, and no patient in Group C had superficial infections. However, there was no statistical difference between the groups (P = .182). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in Groups A (6 days) and B (6 days) then in Group C (5 days) (P = .001).Our current study claims that chemoprophylaxis is not necessary for the patients without risk factors after AIS surgery. Early mobilization and mechanoprophylaxis represents adequate prophylaxis in addition to pain management and well hydration in patients' routine treatment. The complications of chemoprophylaxis are not correlated to the initiation time of prophylaxis.

Postoperative mechanical alignment analysis of total knee replacement patients operated with 3D printed patient specific instruments: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical treatment for final stage gonarthrosis. The lifespan of the prosthetic implants used in TKR surgery is a major interest for the orthopaedic research community.Previously, proper implant alignment of the implants has been advocated for longevity of the TKR surgery. Recently, patient-specific (PSI) instruments have been proposed to improve the mechanical alignment of the TKR by permitting better implant positioning over conventional TKR surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the mechanical alignment results of patients operated with PSIs and conventional instruments. METHODS: Two groups of 20 patients chosen in a quasi-random manner have been compared in this study. In the first group femoral distal and tibial osteotomies were made by a PSI which was produced by the patients' computed tomography scans. All osteotomies in the control group were made with the TKR set's routine instruments by conventional means. Patients' preoperative and postoperative mechanical femorotibal angles (mFTA), femoral coronal angles (FCA), tibial coronal angles (TCA) were measured and the number of outliers which showed more than 3° of malalignment were counted in both groups for comparison. RESULTS: The average postoperative mFTA was found to be 2.09° for the PSI group and in was found to be 2.84° for the control which was not statistically significant. The comparison of postoperative FCA and TCA also did not show significant difference between the groups. The number of outliers showing more than 3° of malalignment per group were found to be 1 out of 20 (5%) for the PSI group and 7 out of 20 (35%) for the control which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this study patient-specific instrumentation provided significantly better mechanical alignment compared to conventional TKR for the frequency of outlier cases with malalignment beyond 3°. PSI proved no significant difference when the groups were compared for mFTA, FCA and TCA. Our findings support that PSI may improve TKR alignment by improving the ratio of the outlier patients with marked malalignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Effectiveness of posterior structures in the development of proximal junctional kyphosis following posterior instrumentation: A biomechanical study in a sheep spine model.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal junctional kyphosis - PJK has been defined by a 10 or greater increase in kyphosis at the proximal junction as measured by the Cobb angle from the caudal endplate of the uppermost instrumented vertebrae (UIV) to the cephalad endplate of the vertebrae 1 segments cranial to the UIV. In this biomechanical study, it is aimed to evaluate effects of interspinosus ligament complex distruption and facet joint degeneration on PJK development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Posterior instrumentation applied between T2 - T7 vertebrae using pedicle screws to randomly selected 21 sheeps, divided into 3 groups. First group selected as control group (CG), of which posterior soft tissue and facet joints are protected. In second group (spinosus group, SG) interspinosus ligament complex which 1 segment cranial to UIV has been transected, and third group (faset group-FG) was applied facet joint excision. 25 N, 50 N, 100 N, 150 N and 200 N forces applied at frequency of 5 Hertz as 100 cycles axial to the samples. Then, 250 N, 275 N and 300 N forces applied static axially. Interspinosus distance, kyphosis angle and discus heights was measured in radiological evaluation. Abnormal PJK was defined by a proximal junctional angle greater than 100 and at least 100 greater than the corresponding preoperative measurement. RESULTS: In CG group, average interspinosus distance was 6,6 ± 1.54 mm and kyphosis angle was 2,2 ± 0.46° before biomechanical testing, and they were measured as 9,4 ± 1.21 mm and 3,3 ±0.44° respectively after forces applied to samples. In SG group, average interspinosus distance was 6,2 ± 1.72 mm and kyphosis angle was 2,7 ± 1.01° before experiment, and they were measured as 20,8 ± 5.66 mm and 15,1 ± 2.34° respectively after forces applied to samples. In FG group, average interspinosus distance was 4,8 ± 1.15 mm and kyphosis angle was -1 ± 4.14° before experiment, and they were measured as 11,1 ±1.96mm and 11 ± 2.87° respectively after forces applied to samples. In comparison to group CG, statistically significant junctional kyphosis was seen on both FG and SG group after statistical analysis. (p < 0.05). PJK was seen statistically significant more on SG group than FG group. (p < 0.05). Not any statistically significant difference was seen on measurement of disk distances among three groups. (p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Protecting interspinosus ligament complex and facet joint unity during posterior surgical treatment for spine deformation is vital to prevent PJK development. Based on our literature review, this is the first biomechanical study that reveals interspinosus ligament complex are more effective on preventing PJK development than facet joints.

Role of a combination dietary supplement containing mucopolysaccharides, vitamin C, and collagen on tendon healing in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mucopolysaccharide, vitamin C, and collagen supplementation on the healing of Achilles tendon in rats. METHODS: Sixteen rats were separated into 2 groups. Both Achilles tendons of all rats were transected 5 mm above the insertion and repaired using a Kessler suture. After the surgical repair, the study group received the daily recommended amount of the supplement by gastric gavage, while the control group received a placebo. At the end of the third week, the animals were sacrificed. The biomechanical properties of the groups were compared with ultimate tensile strength and stiffness tests. The biological properties of the 2 groups were assessed with a histomorphometric comparison to determine the amount of collagen type I (COL1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) expression in 3 different tissue subgroups (collagen matrix, tenocytes, and endotenon fibroblasts). RESULTS: Analysis of histomorphometric results revealed that the rats receiving dietary supplements demonstrated a significant increase in PCNA (mean value of 86 in the control group and 168.85 in the trial group; p < 0.05) and TGF-ß1 (mean value of 87.57 in the control group and 161.85 in the trial group; p < 0.05) in the endotenon fibroblasts of the repair site. However, there was no difference between the groups in PCNA or TGF-ß1 when the collagen matrix and the tenocytes of the repair site were examined. Furthermore, no significant difference could be found between groups in COL1 in any of the 3 tissue subgroups (collagen matrix, tenocytes, and endotenon fibroblasts). The statistical analysis also indicated that the rats receiving supplements did not demonstrate a significant increase in the ultimate tendon tensile strength or stiffness. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed no advantage to the oral administration of the trial supplement in collagen synthesis or biomechanical properties in rats after 3 weeks using the presented study design. However, the increased expression of PCNA and TGFß1 seen in the endotenon fibroblasts of the repair site might play a role in the continuum of tendon healing.

Quantitative comparison of a laterally misplaced pedicle screw with a re-directed screw. How much pull-out strength is lost?

OBJECTIVE: Redirecting of a laterally misplaced pedicle screw into the accurate position decreases the pull-out strength due to the reinsertion, lateral wall cortical perforation and widening of the pedicle hole. Thus, this biomechanical study was performed to quantitatively analyze the pullout strength of a redirected laterally misplaced pedicle screw into the accurate position. METHODS: Thirty pedicules of 15 bovine vertebrae were separated to 3 groups, according to the screw placement method: 1) standard flawless trajectory; 2) trajectory with lateral pedicle wall perforation; 3) trajectory with lateral wall perforation redirected to the standard trajectory. Samples were placed on a universal testing machine and pullout loads were measured. Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized within 95% confidence interval and p value <0.05 to test for the statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean pullout strength was 2891±654,2 N(1383-3814,5) in Group 1; 817,8±227,6 N(308,6-1144,9) in Group 2 and 2081,1±487,7 N(1583,5-2962,5) in Group 3. The results found out to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Inter-group comparisons revealed that lateral pedicle wall perforation significantly decreases the pullout strength (p<0.05) and redirection of the screw increases the strength (p<0.05), however it was still weaker than the screws with flawless standard trajectory but this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that pullout strength of pedicle screw decreases by approximately 71% when the lateral wall is perforated and decreases 28% after redirection to the accurate position.

Bilateral First-Ray Amputation of the Foot Due to Severe Tophaceous Gout Complicated by Infection and Discharged Sinus A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Gout is a purine metabolism disease. Tophaceous gout may cause joint destruction and other systemic problems and sometimes may be complicated by infection. Infection and sinus with discharge associated with tophaceous gout are serious complications, and treatment is difficult. We present a patient with tophaceous gout complicated by infection and discharging sinus treated by bilateral amputation at the level of the first metatarsus. METHODS: A 43-year-old man previously diagnosed as having gout, and noncompliant with treatment, presented with tophaceous gout associated with discharging sinus and infection on his left first metatarsophalangeal joint. Because of the discharging sinus associated with the tophaceous deposits, the soft-tissue and bony defects, and the noncompliance of the patient, amputation of the first ray was undertaken, and a local plantar fasciocutaneous flap was used to close the defect. After 8 months, the patient was admitted to the emergency department with similar symptoms in his right foot, and the same surgical procedure was performed. RESULTS: One year after the second surgery, the patient had no symptoms, there was no local inflammatory reaction over the surgical areas, and laboratory test results were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Gout disease with small tophi often can be managed conservatively. However, in patients with extensive lesions, risk of superinfection justifies surgical treatment. Results of complicated cases are not without morbidity; therefore, early surgical treatment may prevent extremity loss and further complications. In severe cases, especially with compliance issues, amputation provides acceptable results.

Influence of Distal Fusion Level on Sagittal Spinopelvic and Spinal Parameters in the Surgical Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of distinct distal fusion levels on spinopelvic parameters in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The distal fusion level selection in treatment of AIS is the one of milestone to effect on surgical outcome. Most of the paper focused on the coronal deformity correction and balance. The literature have lack of knowledge about spinopelvic changing after surgical treatment and the relation with distal fusion level. We evaluate the spinopelvic and pelvic parameter alteration after fusion surgery in treatment of AIS. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with AIS (88 females and 12 males) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were assigned into the following three groups according to the distal fusion level: lumbar 2 (L2), lumbar 3 (L3), and lumbar 4 (L4). Using a lateral plane radiograph of the whole spine, spinopelvic angular parameters such as thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) were radiologically assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 15±2.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 24.27±11.69 months. Regarding the lowest instrumented vertebra, patients were categorized as follows: 30 patients in L2 (group 1), 40 patients in L3 (group 2), and 30 patients in L4 (group 3). TK decreased from 36.60±13.30 degrees preoperatively to 26.00±7.3 degrees postoperatively in each group (p=0.001). LL decreased from 52.8±9.4 degrees preoperatively to 44.30±7.50 degrees postoperatively (p=0.001). Although PI showed no difference preoperatively among the groups, it was statistically higher postoperatively in group 3 than in the other groups (p<0.05). In addition, in group 2, PI decreased from 50.60±8.74 degrees preoperatively to 48.00±6.84 degrees postoperatively (p=0.027). SS decreased from 35.20±6.40 degrees preoperatively to 33.40±5.80 degrees postoperatively (p=0.08, p>0.05). However, mean SS was significantly higher in group 3 (p=0.042, p<0.05). PT decreased from 15.50±7.90 degrees preoperatively to 15.2±7.10 degrees postoperatively. The positive relationship (28.5%) between LL and PI measurements was statistically significant (r=0.285; p=0.004, p<0.01). Furthermore, the positive relationship (36.5%) between LL and SS measurements was statistically significant (r=0.365; p=0.001, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When the distal instrumentation level in AIS surgery is below L3, a significant change in PT and SS (pelvic parameters) is anticipated.

Does pedicle screw density matter in Lenke type 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of high versus low implant density on correction in Lenke type 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. A retrospective study of 59 Lenke type 5 AIS patients treated at a single institution were divided into to 2 groups according to implant density. Implant density, preoperative, early postoperative, and last follow-up thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves were measured. Thirty-one constructs were high and 28 constructs were low density. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, Cobb angle, and follow-up time. Mean implant density in low density group and high density group was 75.4% and 96.6%, respectively. High versus low-density comparison showed that there is no significant difference with regard to curve correction in early postoperative and last follow-up periods. The results show that pedicle screw density being low or high, does not affect curve correction rates in the short and long term in our patients.

The effect of tourniquet usage on cement penetration in total knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomized study of 3 methods.

BACKGROUND: It is a randomized study to compare cement penetration on x-rays after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among 3 different ways to use tourniquets; application during the surgery, application only with implantation prosthesis and with no tourniquet use. METHODS: A total 69 knees of 59 patients were included in the study in a quasirandom manner. Each patient had physical exams and standard radiographic evaluations at 6 weeks after the TKA procedure. Outcome evaluations included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Knee Society Scores (KSS), blood transfusion, and drainage status after surgery for all groups. For radiographic review, the tibial plateau was divided into zones in the anterior-posterior and lateral views, according to the Knee Society Scoring System. RESULTS: The average age of the patients who were eligible for the study was 65.05 (range 46-81) years. All 59 patients included in the study were female patients. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients who had TKA with use of a tourniquet during the entire operation. Group 2 consisted of 20 patients who had TKA with use of tourniquet only at the time of cementing and group 3 consisted of 25 patients with no use tourniquet. There is no significant difference in early cement penetration among the groups (group 1 2.50 mm, group 2 2.28 mm, group 3 2.27 mm; group 1 vs 2 P = .083, group 1 vs 3 P = .091, group 2 vs 3 P = .073). There is no significant difference for postoperative drainage among the 3 groups (group 1 245 mL, group 2 258.76 mL, group 3 175.88 mL; group 1 vs 2 P = .081, group 1 vs 3 P = .072, group 2 vs 3 P = .054). There was no need to transfuse more than 1 unit in any patient. The VAS score was significantly higher (group 1 3.58, group 2 1.55, group 3 1.52; group 1 vs 2 P = .022, group 1 vs 3 P = .018, group 2 vs 3 P = .062) and KSS was significantly lower in the tourniquet group (group 1 63, group 2 79, group 3 82; group 1 vs 2 P = .017, group 1 vs 3 P = .02, group 2 vs 3 P = .082). CONCLUSION: We do not suggest long-duration tourniquet use, which can lead higher pain scores and reduce functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty.