Histological Structure and Immunohistochemical Properties of the Ligamentum Teres in Patients With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Introduction This study aims to evaluate the histology of the ligamentum teres and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), which are involved in the destruction of extracellular matrix proteins in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methodology The patients who underwent open reduction and pelvic osteotomy due to DDH were included in the study. Patient groups were formed according to Tönnis stages, positive family history, consanguineous marriage, age, and bilateral involvement. The histology and immunohistochemical properties (MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMTS-7) of ligamentum teres tissue obtained from the patients were evaluated according to these groups. Results Thirty-five patients (female 30, 85.7%; male 5, 14.3%) with DDH between the ages of 14 and 99 months were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative Tönnis stages, positive family history, consanguineous marriage, age, and bilaterality did not cause a significant difference between histological parameters. A significant correlation was found between MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMTS-7 and all histological parameters. Conclusions The histological structure of ligamentum teres in patients with DDH shows moderate inflammation, fibrosis, neovascularization, hyalinization, and fatty infiltration regardless of age and radiological stage. ADAMTS-7, MMP-2, and MMP-9 correlate positively with the histological parameters of the ligamentum teres in patients with DDH.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in degenerative rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress occurs as a result of the disruption of the balance between the formations of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense mechanisms during the conversion of nutrients into energy. Increased body oxidative stress has been reported to be involved in the etiology of several degenerative and chronic diseases. We hypothesized that the body oxidative stress level is higher in patients with atraumatic degenerative rotator cuff tear than that in healthy individuals. METHODS: The patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for atraumatic, degenerative rotator cuff tear were prospectively evaluated. A total of 30 patients (group 1, 19 females and 11 males; mean age: 57.33 ± 6.96 years; range: 50-77 years) and 30 healthy individuals (group 2, 18 females and 12 males; mean age: 56.77 ± 6 years; range: 51-72 years) were included in the study. The Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Serum oxidative stress parameters of the patients and the control group were biochemically evaluated. Accordingly, thiol/disulfide (DS) balance (DS/native thiol [NT], DS/total thiol [TT]), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), oxidative stress index, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-associated factor-2 values were used as the biochemical parameters indicating an increase in the serum oxidative stress level. Total antioxidant status and NT/TT values served as the biochemical parameters indicating a decrease in the serum oxidative stress level. RESULTS: The study follow-up duration was 12 months. A statistically significant increase was observed in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores of patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair relative to that during the preoperative period (P = .01). The values of biochemical parameters (DS/NT, DS/TT, TOS, oxidative stress index, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-associated factor-2), which indicated an increase in the serum oxidative stress, were significantly higher in preoperative patients than those in postoperative patients, albeit the control group values were significantly lower than those of the postoperative patients. The biochemical parameters (NT/TT and total antioxidant status) indicating a decrease in the serum oxidative stress levels were significantly higher in the postoperative patients than those in the preoperative patients and significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: High levels of markers indicating an increase in the serum oxidative stress in patients with degenerative rotator cuff rupture suggested that TOS may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff degeneration. Although the oxidative load decreases during the postoperative period, the fact that it is still higher than that in healthy individuals supports this claim.

Evaluation of avascular necrosis risk factors after closed reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip before walking age.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is one of the most important complications after closed reduction and spica cast application in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment. This study aims to put forth the impact of closed reduction age and other factors which can cause AVN. Inclusion criteria of the study were: closed reduction and spica cast application before walking age (12 months) and minimum 2 years duration of follow-up. The presence of femoral head ossific nucleus, International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) score, acetabular indices and AVN were evaluated from radiographies. Hip abduction angles were evaluated on CT images. The absence of the ossific nucleus at the closed reduction time and preoperative IHDI grade were not significant risk factors for AVN (respectively OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 0.99-8.07; P = 0.052; OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 0.85-7.32; P = 0.094). For the patients older than 10 months, (1) the absence of the ossific nucleus was a significant risk factor for grade 2 or higher AVN according to the Bucholz Ogden criteria (P = 0.020) and (2) the higher preoperative IHDI grade (IHDI 3-4) was a significant risk factor for AVN (P = 0.032). AVN of the femoral head was a significant risk factor for fair or poor clinical outcome (P = 0.001). It is not reasonable to wait for radiological visibility of the ossific nucleus to prevent femoral head AVN before applying closed reduction and spica cast, irrespective of the age interval.

Effects of developmental dysplasia of the hip screening program on the treatment strategies: A retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital in the southeast region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the developmental dysplasia of the hip screening program on the treatment procedures in a tertiary health care center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the DDH patients between 2012 and 2019 from the operating theatre records. The patients were separated based on the year of treatment. The rates of each treatment modality were determined respectively from 2012 to 2019, and Pavlik harness usage of the patients were queried. The changes in the rates of several surgical interventions after the start of screening program were identified. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2019, 831 interventions were applied to 711 DDH patients. Closed Reduction (CR) is the least invasive treatment method, and it increased significantly from 20% to 46%. The rate of Open Reductions (OR) also increased from 3% to 9% at this time period, but it was statistically insignificant. Conversely, Pemberton-Salter Osteotomy (PSO) and Dega-Chiari Osteotomy (DCO) rates decreased significantly (41% to 28% and 9% to 0%, respectively). The rate of Pemberton- Salter osteotomy with femoral shortening (PSO-FS) rate decreased insignificantly from 27% to 20%. In patients that used Pavlik harness, the most common intervention was CR (83%). In CR group, the screened newborn rate increased more than two times from 2012 to 2019. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that after the initiation of the screening program for DDH, less invasive treatment modalities such as CR and OR interventions increased, and major bony procedures such as PSO, PSO-FS and DCO interventions decreased. Furthermore, as the screening program advanced, CR rate and the use of Pavlik harness rate in CR interventions increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Patellar Fixation With Suspensory Fixation Device in Single-Tunnel Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint. Among the patellofemoral instability surgery options, MPFL reconstruction is the most preferred soft-tissue procedure. There is no gold-standard surgical treatment method in MPFL reconstruction, and many surgical methods have been described. We describe our surgical technique for MPFL reconstruction wherein the semitendinosus autograft is fixed to a single tunnel opened in the patella with a suspensory fixation device and only a single interference screw on the femoral side.

Effects of younger siblings on the brace compliance and recurrence in children with clubfoot during Ponseti treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of the number of total siblings, younger siblings, and complex clubfoot deformity on the brace compliance and recurrence in the management of children with clubfoot deformity using the Ponseti technique. METHODS: The data from 91 children, including 22 girls and 69 boys (total 130 idiopathic clubfeet), seen from 2016 to 2019 were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. The deformity was unilateral in 52 (57.1%) children (32 right, 20 left) and bilateral in 39 (42.9%). The mean age at presentation was 2 (range, 1-30) weeks, and the mean follow-up was 21.5 (range, 12-36) months. All the clubfeet were treated according to the Ponseti method. After removing the cast, a foot abduction brace (Dennis Brown splint) was worn. A complex clubfoot deformity was identified in 12% (n=11) children. At the follow-up, the Pirani score, recurrence status, and brace compliance were recorded. Recurrent deformity was defined as any deformity recurrence requiring manipulation, recasting, or surgical treatment. Brace compliance was assessed per the parents' report. RESULTS: The median number of children in a family was 3 (range, 1-12). A total of 53 (58.2%) parents had up to 3 children, and 38 (41.8%) parents had more than 3 children. Of the patients, 22 (24.2%) had younger siblings and 25 (26.4%) had a family history of clubfoot. A total of 58 feet (44.6%) in 40 children (43.9%) developed recurrence. Brace non-compliance was the main risk factor for recurrence, increasing the recurrence rate 32-fold compared with that of compliant parents (odds ratio [OR], 32.67, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.02-106.49; p=0.001). The rate of non-compliance with brace use was 51.6% (n=47). Brace non-compliance was significantly associated with having a younger sibling (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.36-11.2; p=0.011) and having a complex deformity (OR, 11.62; 95% CI, 1.42-95.1; p=0.022) but was not associated with the total number of children (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.7-3.73; p=0.265). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that having new siblings in the first years of the Ponseti treatment may increase the brace non-compliance by minimizing the attention paid to the children with clubfeet by their parents. Nonetheless, complex clubfoot deformity may promote brace compliance by increasing the parents' interest during the treatment process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

The Association Between BMP-2, UQCC1 and CX3CR1 Polymorphisms and the Risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

OBJECTIVE: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a complicated skeletal disease ranging from subluxation to complete dislocation of the hip as a result of insufficient development of the acetabulum and femur. To date, numerous genes such as C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex assembly factor 1 (UQCC1) and growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), have been investigated to elucidate the underlying genetic etiology. Turkish population is one of the communities where DDH patients frequently observed, but almost no study has been conducted to elucidate the genetic etiology. In our study, we aimed to investigate the polymorphism of CX3CR1 rs3732378 and UQCC1 rs6060373, which have been shown to be associated with DDH in different populations. In addition, we aimed to investigate the BMP-2 rs235768 polymorphism which has not been investigated in the etiology of DDH. METHODS: Overall, 168 subjects (68 participants in the patient group, 100 participants in the control group) were investigated. The participants with following evidence and symptoms were excluded from the two groups: any systemic syndrome, another congenital anomaly, hereditary diseases, breech presentation, history of oligohydramnios, swaddling and high birth weight (> 4000 g). 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were examined by qRT-PCR method. RESULTS: For CX3CR1 rs3732378 polymorphism, significant differences were observed in genotypes and allele frequencies (p < 0.0001). This condition was associated with a 12-fold increased risk in recessive modeling and 75-fold increased risk in dominant modeling. There was no significant relationship between DDH and the other two polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Our work is the first study to investigate DDH and genetic polymorphisms in Turkish population where DDH is observed quite frequently. It is also the first study to investigate the relationship between BMP-2 rs235768 polymorphism and DDH. Our study revealed a clear relationship between CX3CR1 rs3732378 polymorphism and DDH in Turkish population.

Using the modified Ponseti method to treat complex clubfoot: Early results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the results of complex clubfoot patients treated with modified Ponseti method and put forth the warning clinical signs of complex deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 11 patients (10 males, 1 female; mean age 60.1±49.7; range, 2 to 180 days) with 16 complex clubfeet treated with modified Ponseti method were included in this study conducted between January 2016 and June 2019. All the data of the patients were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. Demographic features, clubfoot severity, number of casts, position of each foot before cast removal, ankle dorsiflexion (DF), complications, and additional procedures were noted at all clinical visits. RESULTS: Eleven (11.2%) of 98 patients had complex clubfoot deformity. Six (7.7%) of 78 newly diagnosed patients and five (25%) of 20 referred patients had complex clubfeet. We treated 16 complex clubfeet of 11 patients. The mean follow-up period was 13.3 (range, 10 to 16) months. All deformities were initially corrected using a mean of seven (range, 5 to 8) casts and Achilles tenotomy. Relapses occurred in three (18.75%) patients, but all recovered after recasting. The creases above the heels disappeared in all of the patients, whereas plantar creases persisted on two (12.5%) feet. Pirani scores and DF improved statistically significantly after treatment, and DF improved significantly between tenotomy and the final visit. CONCLUSION: The modified Ponseti method is an effective treatment for complex clubfoot. Classical clinical appearance, treatment-resistant deformities and referred patients should be warning signs for complex clubfoot.

Resistive index and peak systolic velocity for congenital talipes equinovarus: A color Doppler ultrasonography study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether resistive index (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) are suitable parameters to determine if a clubfoot differs from feet of the normal population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four feet of 27 clubfoot patients (22 males, 5 females; mean age 30.4±16.3 months; range, 5 to 72 months) were included in this retrospective study conducted between December 2017 and January 2019. Twenty-seven feet were conservatively treated, 19 had surgical treatment, and eight feet were healthy in patients with unilateral clubfoot. In addition, 22 feet of 11 normal controls (6 males, 5 females; mean age 33.4±15.3 months; range, 15 to 60 months) were studied. Color Doppler ultrasonography examinations were performed to evaluate the three major arteries of the leg and foot: dorsalis pedis (dp), tibialis posterior (tp), and popliteal (pop). Color filling, flow direction, spectral analysis, velocity, and RI were examined. RESULTS: With the exception of the dp artery RI, the PSV and RI values for all arteries differed significantly from those of the control group. There were no significant differences among the conservative, surgical, and healthy groups, while there were significant differences between each of the treated groups and the control group. Tibialis posterior artery PSV and pop artery RI were the best parameters to identify clubfoot and the cut-off points were 54 cm/second and 0.77, respectively. CONCLUSION: Peak systolic velocity and RI may be accepted as important parameters for identification of clubfoot deformity. Tibialis posteriorartery PSV and pop artery RI are the best- detailed parameters for this examination.

Comparison of the clinical results of isolated Bankart and SLAP 5 lesions after arthroscopic repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical results of patients with traumatic isolated Bankart lesions and type V superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions after arthroscopic repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability were evaluated retrospectively between December 2014 and January 2019. Fifty-one patients (49 males, 2 females; mean age 25 years; range, 18 to 36 years) without bone defects affecting >20% of the glenoid fossa, off-track engaging Hills-Sachs lesions, multidirectional instability, or ligamentous laxity were included in the study. Group 1 had 31 patients with isolated Bankart lesions and group 2 had 20 patients with type V SLAP lesions. There were only two female patients in group 1 and all patients were male in group 2. The mean age was 25 years (range, 18 to 36 years) in group 1 and 25 years (range, 19 to 35 years) in group 2. Rowe, Constant, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the patients preoperatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 32 months (range, 12 to 48 months) in group 1 and 28.5 months (range, 12 to 42 months) in group 2. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the number of shoulder dislocations before the surgery, mean age at the time of surgery, and the mean time from the first dislocation to surgical treatment. When the Rowe, Constant, and WOSI scores were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up, there were statistically significant changes within, but not between, the two groups. CONCLUSION: In type V SLAP lesions, the affected and repaired labrum surface area is larger than isolated Bankart lesions. However, as a result of appropriate surgical treatment, the affected surface area does not have a negative effect on clinical outcomes, and similar clinical results can be obtained in patients with type V SLAP lesions compared to patients with isolated Bankart lesions.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Novel Apatite-Wollastonite Ceramic Cage Design for Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Finite Element Model Study.

OBJECTIVES: Cage design and material properties play a crucial role in the long-term results, since interbody fusions using intervertebral cages have become one of the basic procedures in spinal surgery. Our aim is to design a novel Apatite-Wollastonite interbody fusion cage and evaluate its biomechanical behavior in silico in a segmental spinal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mechanical properties for the Apatite-Wollastonite bioceramic cages were obtained by fitting finite element results to the experimental compression behavior of a cage prototype. The prototype was made from hydroxyapatite, pseudowollastonite, and frit by sintering. The elastic modulus of the material was found to be 32 GPa. Three intact lumbar vertebral segments were modelled with the ANSYS 12.0.1 software and this model was modified to simulate a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Four cage designs in different geometries were analyzed in silico under axial loading, flexion, extension, and lateral bending. RESULTS: The K2 design had the best overall biomechanical performance for the loads considered. Maximum cage stress recorded was 36.7 MPa in compression after a flexion load, which was within the biomechanical limits of the cage. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical analyses suggest that K2 bioceramic cage is an optimal design and reveals essential material properties for a stable interbody fusion.

The early radiological effects of Dega and Pemberton osteotomies on hip development in children aged 4-8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

We aimed to investigate the early radiological effects of Dega and Pemberton iliac osteotomies that were performed in patients aged 4-8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip on development of hip joint. Dega osteotomy or Pemberton osteotomy was performed in 76 hips of 58 patients because of developmental dysplasia of the hip between September 2011 and June 2015 and were evaluated retrospectively. Of a total of 76 hips, Pemberton osteotomy was performed on 39 (19 unilateral) and Dega osteotomy was performed on 37 (21 unilateral). In all hips, the acetabular index, acetabular depth ratio, centre-edge angle of Wiberg, and Reimer's index values were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up. We measured the surface areas of the femoral head ossific nucleus in patients with unilateral dysplastic hips and compared results before both osteotomy procedures and at the final follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the acetabular index and acetabular depth ratio values (P>0.05) preoperatively and at the final follow-up, but the mean centre-edge angle of Wiberg and Reimer's index values showed significant statistical differences in favor of the Dega procedure (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the Pemberton procedure when the mean ratio of the surface area of the femoral head ossific nucleus on the dysplastic side in relation to the normal side was compared preoperatively (P=0.042) and at the final follow-up (P=0.027) in unilateral hips. Although Dega and Pemberton osteotomies produce satisfactory radiological outcomes at early stages in children aged 4-8 years with developmental dysplasia of the hip, a higher rate in the surface area of the femoral head ossific nucleus was observed in the Pemberton osteotomy group, which also had a lower mean age than the Dega osteotomy group.

Comparison of the effects of human recombinant epidermal growth factor and platelet-rich plasma on healing of rabbit patellar tendon.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the histological healing process and gene expression profile in tendon after the administration of human recombinant epidermal growth factor (hrEGF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 mature New Zealand white rabbits (6-month-old; weight 2.5-3.0 kg) were used in the study. Patellar tendons of rabbits were tenotomized and then repaired. Rabbits were separated into three groups and repair areas were injected with 1 mL hrEGF in group 1 (n=9) and 1 mL PRP in group 2 (n=9). No injection was performed in group 3 (controls, n=6). Tissue samples were obtained from the repaired patellar tendons of three rabbits each from groups 1 and 2 and of two rabbits from group 3 at the end of the first, second, and fourth weeks, and these tissues were histologically and genetically assessed. Expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and chemokine receptors (CXCR1, CXCR2) were examined. RESULTS: The frequency of neovascularization was detected to be higher in group 1 compared to group 3 at the end of the second and fourth weeks (p=0.018 and p=0.009, respectively). Group 1 was detected to show more increase in terms of the prevalence of tenocytes (p=0.014 and p=0.009, respectively) at the end of the second week, and in terms of collagen intensity at the end of the fourth week (p=0.0018 and p=0.034, respectively) compared to groups 2 and 3. Highest levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were detected in group 1, followed by groups 2 and 3 at all time points. Highest CXCR2 gene expression was detected in group 1. CONCLUSION: Compared to PRP, hrEGF caused more increase in healing tissue at neovascularization, tenocyte, fibroblast, collagen, and tissue macrophage levels; and higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL8, and CXCR2. Intralesional hrEGF administration can effectively accelerate tendon healing.

Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis: syndesmosis-only fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate syndesmosis-only fixation in Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis and to assess the need for additional fibular fixation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with Weber C ankle fractures and tibiofibular diastasis were followed for at least 24 months after treatment. In treatment of the Weber C fractures, only a syndesmosis screw was used through a mini open lateral incision if the syndesmosis could be anatomically reduced and fibular length and rotation could be restored. At follow-up, anteroposterior tibiofibular distance, lateral fibular distance, medial mortise distance and fracture healing were compared and patients were clinically evaluated using the Olerud and Molander ankle scale scoring system. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 49 months and the decreases in anteroposterior tibiofibular distance and lateral fibular distance were statistically significant. At the last follow-up the average clinical score was 86. Ankle mortise was reduced at follow-up in all cases except one, which resulted in a late diastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Syndesmosis-only fixation can be an effective method of treating Weber type-C lateral malleolar fractures with syndesmosis disruption in cases where intraoperative fibular length can be restored and anatomical syndesmosis reduction can be achieved. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a fixação apenas da sindesmose em fraturas do tornozelo de Weber tipo C com diástase tibiofibular e a necessidade de fixação adicional. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um pacientes com fraturas de tornozelo Weber C e diástase tibiofibular foram seguidos por pelo menos 24 meses após o tratamento. No tratamento dessas fraturas, apenas um parafuso para sindesmose foi colocado através de mini-incisão lateral e se a sindesmose pudesse ser anatomicamente reduzida e o comprimento e a rotação da fíbula pudessem ser restaurados. No seguimento, a distância tibiofibular anteroposterior, a distância fibular lateral e a distância medial do encaixe do tornozelo e a consolidação das fraturas foram comparados e os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente pelo sistema de pontuação da escala de tornozelo de Olerud e Molander. RESULTADOS: A duração média do seguimento foi de 49 meses e as diminuições da distância tibiofibular anteroposterior e fibular lateral foram estatisticamente significantes. No último seguimento, a pontuação clínica média foi de 86. O encaixe do tornozelo foi reduzido em todos os casos, exceto um, que resultou em uma diástase tardia. CONCLUSÕES: A fixação apenas da sindesmose pode ser um método eficaz de tratamento de fraturas laterais Weber tipo C com lesão na sindesmose, nos casos em que o comprimento fibular intraoperatório pode ser restaurado e a redução anatômica da sindesmose possa ser obtida. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis: syndesmosis-only fixation / Fraturas no tornozelo Weber C com diástase tibiofibular: fixação apenas da sindesmose

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To evaluate syndesmosis-only fixation in Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis and to assess the need for additional fibular fixation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with Weber C ankle fractures and tibiofibular diastasis were followed for at least 24 months after treatment. In treatment of the Weber C fractures, only a syndesmosis screw was used through a mini open lateral incision if the syndesmosis could be anatomically reduced and fibular length and rotation could be restored. At follow-up, anteroposterior tibiofibular distance, lateral fibular distance, medial mortise distance and fracture healing were compared and patients were clinically evaluated using the Olerud and Molander ankle scale scoring system. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 49 months and the decreases in anteroposterior tibiofibular distance and lateral fibular distance were statistically significant. At the last follow-up the average clinical score was 86. Ankle mortise was reduced at follow-up in all cases except one, which resulted in a late diastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Syndesmosis-only fixation can be an effective method of treating Weber type-C lateral malleolar fractures with syndesmosis disruption in cases where intraoperative fibular length can be restored and anatomical syndesmosis reduction can be achieved. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a fixação apenas da sindesmose em fraturas do tornozelo de Weber tipo C com diástase tibiofibular e a necessidade de fixação adicional. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um pacientes com fraturas de tornozelo Weber C e diástase tibiofibular foram seguidos por pelo menos 24 meses após o tratamento. No tratamento dessas fraturas, apenas um parafuso para sindesmose foi colocado através de mini-incisão lateral e se a sindesmose pudesse ser anatomicamente reduzida e o comprimento e a rotação da fíbula pudessem ser restaurados. No seguimento, a distância tibiofibular anteroposterior, a distância fibular lateral e a distância medial do encaixe do tornozelo e a consolidação das fraturas foram comparados e os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente pelo sistema de pontuação da escala de tornozelo de Olerud e Molander. RESULTADOS: A duração média do seguimento foi de 49 meses e as diminuições da distância tibiofibular anteroposterior e fibular lateral foram estatisticamente significantes. No último seguimento, a pontuação clínica média foi de 86. O encaixe do tornozelo foi reduzido em todos os casos, exceto um, que resultou em uma diástase tardia. CONCLUSÕES: A fixação apenas da sindesmose pode ser um método eficaz de tratamento de fraturas laterais Weber tipo C com lesão na sindesmose, nos casos em que o comprimento fibular intraoperatório pode ser restaurado e a redução anatômica da sindesmose possa ser obtida. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Injury of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve due to hamstring graft harvest.

PURPOSE: Sensory disturbance around the surgical incision due to injury of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve can be seen in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In this research, we aimed to compare the incidence, extent of sensory loss, its clinical effect, and natural course caused by two different skin incisions used for hamstring graft harvest. METHODS: Vertical incision for 36 patients and oblique incision for 42 patients used for graft harvest were included in this study. Sensory loss areas were documented at 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month. Pin prick examination is used to detect the change in sensation. Digital photographs of hypaesthesia were taken and analysed by computer for area detection. The length of incision and subjective complain of sensory loss were also noted. RESULTS: At 6th month, 77% (28/36) of the vertical incisions were associated with persistent sensory loss when compared to the oblique incision (45%, 19/42). The measured area of hypaesthesia was significantly higher in vertical incision (42.4 ± 22.3 cm2) than that in oblique incision (9.3 ± 15.3 cm2) at 6th month. The area of hypaesthesia gradually shrunk in size from distal to proximal in direction. Also, subjective cutaneous anaesthesia was higher in vertical incision (15/36, 41%) than oblique incision (6/41, 14%) at 6th month. CONCLUSION: Oblique incision with less risk of nerve damage is better for graft harvesting. Area of hypaesthesia gradually reduces with time and even recover totally. As a possible complication, nerve injury and its benign prognosis should be explained to the patient before surgery.

[Early-term hip development following Pemberton osteotomy: a radiological follow-up]. / Pemberton osteotomisi sonrasi erken dönem kalça gelisimi: Radyolojik takip.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the relationship of early-term radiological changes with development of the hip joint after Pemberton osteotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study, which was conducted between January 2010 and December 2014, included 101 hips (26 bilateral) of 75 patients (25 males, 50 females; mean age 31.5 months; range 15 to 71 months) which were performed Pemberton osteotomy due to developmental dysplasia of the hip. Radiologically, we assessed the parameters of center-edge angle, acetabular index (AI), and acetabular depth index (ADI). We measured the surface area of the femoral head ossific nucleus on anterior-posterior pelvic X-rays. We graded the degree of hip dislocation according to Tönnis classification while the femoral head avascular necrosis was graded according to Kalamchi-MacEwen classification. We separated the operated hips in all patients and in only unilaterally operated patients in three groups according to their follow-up durations as 12 months, 12 to 24 months, and more than 24 months. We analyzed the associations of radiological parameters in all follow-up durations. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 22.5 months (range, 6 to 66 months). Preoperative mean AI was 42.25° (range, 29° to 60°) and last follow-up mean AI was 20.45° (range, 10° to 32°). Preoperative mean ADI was 16.48° (range, 9°-30°) and last follow-up mean ADI was 26.1° (range, 23°-47°). Sixty hips were Tönnis type 4, 26 hips were type 3, and 15 hips were type 2. According to follow-up duration classification; there were 32 hips (21 unilateral) with 12 month-follow-up, 43 hips (17 unilateral) with 12-24 month-follow-up, and 26 hips (11 unilateral) with more than 24-month follow-up. We applied shortening osteotomy to 18 femurs. According to Kalamchi-MacEwen classification; avascular necrosis type 1 was present in 16 hips, type 2 in two hips, type 3 in three hips, and type 4 in two hips. We performed revision operations for five hips because of recurrent subluxations. CONCLUSION: We observed progressive improvements in hip joints and consequently in radiological parameters in the early-term after Pemberton osteotomy.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with Anthony-K plate: prospective minimum five year follow-up data.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complication rates, after a minimum of five years of follow-up after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using an Anthony-K plate. METHODS: MOWHTO was performed on 35 knees of 34 consecutive patients. A visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and Lysholm scores, were used in clinical evaluation. Upon radiographic assessment, alignment was expressed as the femorotibial angle (FTA). The posterior tibial slope (PTS) and the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI) were also measured. RESULTS: VAS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores improved significantly upon follow-up (p < 0.001 for all). The overall mean FTA was 4.68 ± 4.39° varus pre-operatively; at the last post-operative follow-up, the value was 8.43 ± 2.02° valgus. The mean correction angle was 13.1 ± 2.7°. A significant increase in PTS was evident (p < 0.01), as was a significant decrease in the ISI (p < 0.01). The overall complication rate was 8.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: The Anthony-K plate affords accurate correction, initially stabilises the osteotomy after surgery, and maintains such stability until the osteotomy gap is completely healed, without correction loss. The plate survival rate was 97.2 % after a minimum of five years of follow-up. The plate increased the PTS, as do other medial osteotomy fixation plates.

Effects of salmon calcitonin treatment on serum and synovial fluid bone formation and resorption markers in osteoporosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salmon calcitonin, and calcium and vitamin D treatment on bone mineral density, serum and synovial fluid bone formation and resorption markers in patients with osteoporosis. METHODS: The study was completed with twenty-five osteoporosis patients divided into two groups: The 15 patients comprising Group I (1 male and 14 females; mean age: 67.0±12.0) were administered calcitonin treatment in addition to calcium and vitamin D. The 10 patients in Group II (3 males and 7 females; mean age 68.0±16.0) were administered calcium and vitamin D only. Serum and synovial fluid calcium phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, calcitonin, C-telopeptide (CTx), N-telopeptide (NTx) and sialoprotein levels, and bone densitometries were determined at the beginning and at the end of one year of treatment. RESULTS: In the calcitonin and calcium and vitamin D treatment group (Group I), femoral neck density scores were decreased and vertebrae scores were increased after one-year treatment. Both scores were increased in the non-calcitonin group (Group II). In Group I, synovial fluid levels of calcitonin, sialoprotein and NTx were decreased, and synovial fluid CTx levels showed no change. The only decrease that was statistically significant was that in calcitonin levels. In Group II, synovial fluid calcitonin levels were decreased, synovial fluid CTx levels were increased and synovial fluid NTx and sialoprotein level were unchanged. These changes were not statistically significant. Serum changes in the parameters were not statistically significant in either group. CONCLUSION: In osteoporosis, salmon calcitonin treatment affects synovial fluid bone formation and absorption marker levels. Advanced studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms by which this takes place, and to explain the relationship between osteoporosis and articular cartilage metabolism.