An investigation into the cellular-level adverse effects of tourniquet use on the infrapatellar fat pad in primary total knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the cellular-level adverse effects of tourniquet use on the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Infrapatellar fat pad samples were collected in a prospective, randomized design to compare 2 groups of primary TKA patients with a tourniquet (T) and without a tourniquet (NT). The study included 80 knees of 58 patients with a mean age of 65.91 ± 9.04 years. The authors collected 3 samples from the T group (after exposure to the fat pad "t1," just before deflating the tourniquet "t2," just before fascia closure "t3") and 2 samples from the NT group (t1 and t3) for each patient. BAX, Bcl-2, and HIF-1α staining showed the extent of cellular hypoxia and apoptosis in IPFP cells, whereas the oxidative stress index (OSI) was determined using a biochemical method. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Kujala score were used as clinical outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean HIF-1α, BAX/Bcl-2, and OSI scores across all time points were significantly higher in the T group than in the NT group (p<0.001) (d=1.16, 2.9, and 0.9, respectively). The mean BAX/Bcl-2 (P=.030) and HIF-1α (P < .001) scores significantly peaked at t2 in the T group (d=-1.2 and -3.9, respectively). The OSI had higher levels at t1 (P=.011) and t3 (P=.073) (d=0.2 and 0.1, respectively) than at t2 in the T group. The third-month postoperative follow-up revealed that the mean KOOS, KSS, and Kujala score improved significantly compared to the baseline preoperative values (P < .001); however, there was no difference between the T and NT groups regarding the maximum and total knee range of motion or clinical outcome scores. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has shown that tourniquet use during primary TKA may be associated with significantly increased cellular hypoxia, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the IPFP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Therapeutic study.

Atypical compartment syndrome of the forearm due to mixed infection with Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii after a penetrating injury: A limb-saving approach.

Compartment syndrome is a well-described clinical condition and is considered an orthopedic emergency affecting individuals of all ages. A typical scenario for acute compartment syndrome involves lower limb fractures or crush injuries. However, physicians may occasionally encounter atypical presentations, defined as atypical compartment syndrome (ACS). A 38-year-old, left-handed male patient without any comorbidities developed ACS of the forearm and clinical presentation of sepsis after a small penetrating injury to his right forearm. He developed ACS secondary to infected hematoma and subsequent soft tissue infection caused by Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii. Both bacteria infected the patient by direct contamination after injury with a knife, resulting in multifloral contamination. The patient was successfully treated with reconstructive surgery. In conclusion, ACS secondary to this type of penetrating injury shows a subtle clinical course at the time of hospital admission and can insidiously progress from an infected hematoma, posing a serious threat to the limb or even cause mortality. Good extremity function without any disability can be achieved with an accurate diagnosis during the initial evaluation of the patient in the emergency department and prompt surgical intervention followed by appropriate reconstructive methods.

Aquatic vs. land-based exercise after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in middle-aged active patients with a degenerative meniscal tear: A randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of the value of aquatic exercise (AE) in the postoperative rehabilitation has increased, and several inherent advantages of AE, such as adjustment of both resistance and muscle strengthening parameters makes good rationale for its inclusion in postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine and compare the benefits of AE and land-based exercise (LBE) on pain, functionality, and quality of life after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 30 middle-aged (35-50), physically active patients who were randomized into LBE (n = 15) and AE (n = 15) groups after APM for a degenerative meniscal tear. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), single-leg hop test and Lysholm questionnaire scores in addition to isokinetic muscle strength values were evaluated at baseline, at fourth week immediately after cessation of exercise program and at eighth week follow-up visits. The exercise sessions were conducted in 1-h sessions per day, three days a week for a total of four weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in the VAS, single-leg hop test, Lysholm questionnaire, and most of SF-36 subscale scores in both groups at both fourth and eighth follow-ups. Isokinetic dynamometer revealed significant improvement in the peak torque values for extension at angular velocities of 60° and 180° at both follow-ups in the AE group. LBE group showed significant improvement in the peak torque value for extension only at an angular velocity of 60° only at fourth week follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups for any of these parameters at any of the follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Both AE and LBE programs had significantly improved pain, function, isokinetic muscle strength, and quality of life in patients after APM. Either type of exercise is essential as part of the rehabilitation protocol for good clinical outcomes after APM and should not be neglected (level II). CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04925726.

Bone cement with screw augmentation technique for the management of moderate tibial bone defects in primary knee arthroplasty patients with high body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether variables such as body mass index (BMI), size of the cement with screw augmentation area (CSA), distance between the base of tibial plate and the deepest point of the defect area (DPDA) may cause any mechanical problems leading to deterioration in tibiofemoral alignment or impact clinical outcomes when the surgeon utilizes bone cement with screw augmentation (BCSA) technique in the treatment of moderate non-contained tibial bone defects in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted between March 2018 and March 2019, included 37 knees of 28 patients (4 males, 24 females; mean age 71.3±8.9; range, 55 to 86 years) with moderate tibial bone defects requiring treatment with BCSA during primary TKA. Patients with BMI >30 were scored with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score for clinical outcomes; besides, CSA, DPDA, and tibiofemoral alignment were calculated on plain X-rays. RESULTS: Mean BMI was 34.1±5.7 (range, 24.9 to 45.9). Patients had a mean follow-up period of 44±13.9 (range, 28 to 75) months. Mean postoperative CSA was 98.2±35.3 (range, 42 to 180) mm2 and DPDA was 7.4±2.6 (range, 3.5 to 12.9) mm. Mean HSS score at last follow-up was 88.0±7.5 (range, 71 to 97). CONCLUSION: Bone cement with screw augmentation technique was associated with satisfactory clinical outcomes and tibiofemoral alignment was not significantly deviated in patients with high BMI. We determined that neither the depth of DPDA nor the size of CSA had any correlation with clinical outcomes.

Triple nonunion after steel-like triple pelvic osteotomy.

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is a widely known and accepted procedure carried out to treat acetabular dysplasia in adults. According to this technique, osteotomies are performed through the ischium, ilium and pubis in order to mobilize the whole acetabulum. In this article, we report a 30-year-old female patient who was admitted to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of intense pain after standing or walking. Patient had undergone Steel-like TPO for acetabular dysplasia approximately nine months before. After physical and radiological evaluation, patient was diagnosed with triple nonunion. Patient was successfully treated with debridement and grafting at iliac nonunion site followed by refixation with reconstruction plate and screws. A review of the literature did not detect any published studies or case reports regarding symptomatic triple nonunion after TPO using Steel-like method.

Atypical injury of radial nerve after humeral shaft fracture.

As general opinion, conservative treatment is usually suggested for closed humeral shaft fractures with radial nerve palsy; however, some authors advocate early surgical exploration, particularly for spiral fractures of the humerus accompanied with radial nerve palsy. In this article, we present a case of radial nerve palsy after fracture of the proximal-middle third of humeral shaft. A surgical exploration of the nerve revealed that the sharp tip of the bony fragment at fracture site was penetrated into the nerve and separated the nerve as two bands, almost like a ″buttonhole″ injury. We think that this kind of an atypical injury of the radial nerve would most probably not recover with conservative management; or the nerve may even be damaged worse by the fragment in case of a possible movement on the nerve's fracture line or by being trapped by callus formation during healing. In this case report, we aimed to raise awareness among orthopedists regarding such and similar atypical injuries of the radial nerve.

Proximal tibiofibular joint pain versus peroneal nerve dysfunction: clinical results of closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy performed with proximal tibiofibular joint disruption.

PURPOSE: Closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CW-HTO) requires shortening of the fibula or the fibular head or disruption of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ). However, no study has evaluated the proximal tibiofibular joint after the osteotomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the fate of the PTFJ after CW-HTO applied with using PTFJ disruption method. METHODS: This prospective study included 22 knees of 20 patients who underwent CW-HTO. The mean age of the patients was 50 ± 4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.5 ± 14.3 months (12-46 months). The grade of gonarthrosis (Ahlbäck's classification), tibiofemoral alignment and tibial slope angles were measured on radiographs pre- and post-operatively. During the surgery, the PTFJ capsule was released meticulously so as not to injure the peroneal nerve. Tenderness over the PTFJ was recorded preoperatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: No patient had tenderness or pain over PTFJ preoperatively. On the follow-up examinations, tenderness with compression was detected in nine knees with dorsiflexion, in ten with plantar flexion and in nine with neutral position of the ankle, respectively. None of the patients had peroneal nerve injury (including hypesthesia and mild weakness) post-operatively. However, while 11 knees were pain free in all positions of the ankle, seven knees had tenderness over PTFJ both in dorsiflexion and in plantar flexion. CONCLUSION: CW-HTO using PTFJ disruption provides good clinical results in terms of medial knee pain and corrects the alignment sufficiently while avoiding peroneal nerve injury. However, the results of this study indicated that this technique might result in painful PTFJs. Thus, the surgeon should consider a possibly painful PTFJ, which can be a cause of chronic lateral knee pain when performing this technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The effects of general and spinal anesthesia on systemic inflammatory response in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the systemic inflammatory responses (SIRs) developing after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed under general or spinal anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 40 patients (8 males, 32 females; mean age 67.15±9.27 years; range 51 to 89 years) who underwent TKA in our clinic between February 2014 and July 2014. Patients were grouped to receive general (group 1, n=20) or spinal anesthesia (group 2, n=20). Levels of pro-inflammatory markers [Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP)] were studied from the venous blood samples obtained immediately before induction to anesthesia (T1), immediately after closure of the operative wound (T2), and at 24 hours postoperatively (T3). RESULTS: In both groups, levels of CRP and IL-6 were significantly increased at T3 compared to those achieved at T1. Changes in the levels of TNF-α in both groups were similar. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the changes within the levels of the studied markers at the respective time intervals. CONCLUSION: According to our study results, SIRs developing after TKA performed under general or spinal anesthesia are similar.

Practice of tourniquet use in Turkey: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate patterns in the current practice of tourniquet use in Turkey. The results of this study can provide detailed information regarding tourniquet use and evaluate the need for guidelines on tourniquet use in Turkey. METHODS: The questionnaire was sent to orthopedic residents and surgeons by either giving printed questionnaires directly or by establishing preliminary communication with surgeons and then sending questionnaires by e-mail. Participating staff consisted of 3 groups: Group 1: orthopedic surgeons; Group 2: orthopedic residents; and Group 3: orthopedic academic staff. Statistical differences in tourniquet use were analyzed among the groups. RESULTS: Use of mechanical tourniquet was significantly higher in Group 1. Plain cuffs were used in orthopedic surgical practice more frequently. Assistant and orthopedic theatre personnel were commonly reported by participants as the tourniquet applicant. Periodic educational practice was not routine. The number of reported complications was higher in Group 3. Cuff padding was generally routine practice. Scientifically valid options at lowest inflation pressure were not observed among the results at the expected rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study indicate that there is wide variation in some aspects of tourniquet practice in Turkey. The differences are not acceptable because of the potential for significant complications with some practices. There is a need to provide and ensure adequate education to provide the best patient care. Furthermore, protocols should be developed for acceptable standards of tourniquet use.

An extraordinary mechanism causing intraoperative migration of the Kirschner-wire.

Migration of Kirschner wires (K-wires) postoperatively and with use of cannulated implants intraoperatively is a well-known complication. In this article, we present an extraordinary mechanism causing intraoperative migration of a K-wire. A K-wire which was used for temporary fixation of fracture fragments migrated forwardly due to its contact with the drill bit while drilling a hole for a screw. The interaction between the K-wire and the drill bit simulated a gear wheel effect and thus the rotating K-wire advanced. Although no complications occurred in this case, we believe that the mentioned mechanism may be of importance particularly in osteoporotic patients and may cause damage to vital structures.

An investigation of consistency between posterior condylar axis +3 degree external rotation line and clinical transepicondylar axis line techniques in primary total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate discrepancy between posterior condylar axis (PCA)+3 degree external rotation (ER) line and clinical transepicondylar axis (cTEA) line and consistency between the both techniques in primary total knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six knees [Bilateral knees were operated simultaneously in 12 patients (50%)] in 24 patients [3 men (12.5%), 21 women (87.5%); average age 67 (59-80 age)] were included in the study. During surgery, PCA+3° ER line and cTEA line were drawn on the distal femoral cutting surface by electrocautery pencil following distal femoral cut. The both lines on distal femur were recorded by digital camera and relationship between lines was ascertained in reference to PCA+3° ER line [parallel, internal rotation (IR), ER]. Statistical analysis was performed by the McNamara chi square test and Kappa (κ) value. RESULTS: Assessment of the images revealed that cTEA line in comparison to PCA+3° ER line was parallel in 22 knees (61.2%), but not parallel in 14 knees (38.8%) [IR in 10 knees (71.5%), ER in 4 knees (28.5%)]. There was a significant difference (McNamara chi square=12.7±1; p<0.001) and poor consistency (κ=0.00055) between both lines and techniques, respectively. CONCLUSION: For determination of femoral component rotation in surgery setting, different results between cTEA and PCA+3° ER techniques possibly may due to disadvantages of techniques and anatomic variation of distal femur. Thus, using both techniques to check each other's results seems unsafe.

Osteochondroma of the talus: an unusual location.

Osteochondroma rarely affects talus although it is the most common primary bone tumor. We report a case of talar osteochondroma in a 6 year-old boy. There was no recurrence two years after the local resection of the lesion.

Bilateral periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures following total knee arthroplasty are infrequent, but challenging to clinicians. In this article, we present a 74-year-old female case of bilateral supracondylar femoral periprosthetic fractures which were treated with locking plates. The fractures were healed with osseous union, the range of motion was 0-110° for each knee, and there was a 6° residual varus deformity in the left knee. The functional results were excellent during two-year follow-up. Open reduction and locking plate fixation are effective treatment methods for periprosthetic supracondylar fractures following total knee arthroplasty in selected patients. If an anterior femoral notching accidentally develops during the intraoperative setting, using a femoral component with an attached intramedullary stem supports weakened distal part of the femur.

Clinical evaluation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in knees with severe tibiofemoral primary osteoarthritis.

Despite the coexistence of primary arthritic involvement of the tibiofemoral and proximal tibiofibular joints (PTFJ), clinical features of the PTFJ in knees with severe femorotibial arthritis have not been described to date. The PTFJ in knees with primary osteoarthritis may be a source of lateral knee pain after total knee arthroplasty operations. This study seeks to address whether there is a relationship between the clinical findings and degeneration of the PTFJ in knees with severe tibiofemoral primary osteoarthritis. Sixty knees in 34 consecutive patients (31 females and 3 males; mean age 71 years; range 61-86 years) with Kellgren-Lawrence grades III-IV primary femorotibial arthritis were enrolled in this study in order to collect clinical data regarding the PTFJ. Radiographs showed 23 PTFJs were grade IV, 14 were grade III, and 23 were grade II. With regard to the type of PTFJ, 13 joints were horizontal and 47 were oblique. Pain and tenderness were observed in 13 PTFJs upon clinical exam (two horizontal and 11 oblique PTFJ types; grade II in five, grade III in two, and grade IV in six). Lateral hamstring tightness was found in 28 knees (24 oblique and four horizontal PTFJ types; grade II in 10, grade III in two, and grade IV in 16). Ten of the 28 PTFJs in knees with lateral hamstring tightness were painful during the physical examination. No significant relationship was found between PTFJ exam findings and PTFJ type (Fisher's Exact test, p=0.713), PTFJ grade of arthritis (chi(2) test, p=0.700), or between hamstring tightness and PTFJ type (chi(2) test, p=0.194). However, hamstring tightness was significantly correlated with the grade of arthritis in the PTFJ (chi(2) test, p=0.004). Although degenerative disease of the PTFJ is commonly associated with degenerative disease of the knee joint, radiographic findings of the PTFJ in patients with severe degenerative knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment do not correlate with clinical findings.

Foot and ankle injuries and time lost from play in professional soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Ankle and foot injuries are common in professional soccer players, but the relation among diagnosis, severity and time lost from play is not well known. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship among diagnosis, injury severity and time lost to play of professional soccer players with severe ankle and foot injuries with reviewing the recent literature. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Collected data of 66 players with severe ankle and foot injuries were included in the study. Type of injury, diagnosis, treatment, injury severity and finally, time lost from play were evaluated from the medical records. Injury severity ('severe' if >28 days, 'moderate' if between 8 and 28 days) and time lost from play were calculated from medical records and by telephone interviews with the players. RESULTS: Most injuries (n=20, 32%) occurred during player-to-player contact. The most common diagnosis was ankle sprain (30.3%) with anterior talofibular ligament injury. Most (55%) hindfoot injuries were Achilles tendinopathy with or without rupture. Treatment was surgical in 23 patients (35%). The mean time lost from play for players with severe foot and ankle injuries was 61 days (range 21-240 days); after Achilles tendon ruptures, the mean time lost was 180 days. Injury severity was severe (>28 days lost from play) in 64% patients and moderate (8-28 days lost from play) in 36% patients. CONCLUSION: Time lost to play can dramatically increase by the presence of severe ankle and foot injuries. Serious ankle and foot injuries in this study resulted in players being out of professional competition for about 2 months.

Long-term complications of open carpal tunnel release.

Fifty patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) surgery at least 12 months earlier for carpal tunnel syndrome were reviewed, focusing on scar tenderness, pillar pain, and symptoms of neuroma. A total of 55 hands were studied. At an average of 20.2 months of follow-up, 5.5% had Tinel's sign, 7.3% had scar tenderness, 12.7% had pillar pain, and 18% had burning discomfort. Pillar pain was elicited in a much higher fraction of patients by using the "table test" (provocation of pillar pain by having the patient lean with his/her weight on the hands placed on the edge of a table), even when traditional tests were negative. Symptoms and signs are present in a substantial number of patients after OCTR, even after almost 2 years of follow-up. Patients should be informed of the incidence of long-term symptoms and signs after OCTR surgery.

Pain and affective distress before and after ACL surgery: a comparison of amateur and professional male soccer players in the early postoperative period.

Pain thresholds and levels of distress before and in the early postoperative period after anterior cruciate ligament surgery were measured in professional and amateur male soccer players and compared. Between June 2005 and March 2007, 30 soccer players (10 amateur, 20 professional) with acute or chronic tears of the anterior cruciate ligament who were scheduled for a bone-tendon-bone ACL reconstruction procedure were enrolled in the study. Measures of pain intensity, depression and anxiety were assessed 1 day pre-operation and 1 week and 3 weeks post-operation (T1 T2 and T3). Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and anxiety with both the state and trait forms of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Scores on the VAS, BDI, and STAI in both groups were analyzed. The mean VAS scores at T1 and T2 in professional players were not significantly higher than those in amateur players (P>0.05). Professionals had significantly higher BDI scores at T1 and T2 (P<0.05), but this difference was not significant at T3 (P=0.12). High depression scores did not correlate with high pain scores. Pain scores between professional and amateur soccer players with ACL injuries were not significantly different pre-op or in the early post-op period. Depression was more common in professionals before and after their ACL surgery, but anxiety levels were not significantly different between the two groups.

Radiological evaluation of the proximal tibiofibular joint in knees with severe primary osteoarthritis.

The proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) can be considered to be the fourth compartment of knee joint. Although degenerative diseases of the knee joint may also have detrimental effects on the PTFJ until now, details of arthritic affection of PTFJ in the elderly who have severe femorotibial arthritis have not been described. Convenience samples of knees of elderly patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade III-IV primary osteoarthritis were investigated further in order to determine the X-ray findings of PTFJ. Sixty knees in 34 patients with an average age of 71 years (61-86 years) were examined. Both knees were examined in 26 patients. On the radiographs, 23 joints were grade IV, 14 were grade III, and 23 were grade II. At most, only minor differences were seen between knees on the same patient in terms of lower extremity alignment, grade of TFJ degeneration, grade of PTFJ degeneration, and type of PTFJ. Interobserver correlation was good for radiographic evaluation of PTFJ (kappa = 0.557). By intraobserver analysis with McNemar test, there was no statistically significant difference between the radiographic evaluations of PTFJ (p = 0.167). Arthritic grades of PTFJ and tibiofemoral joints were strongly correlated (Pearson coefficient r = 0.58, p < 0.001). No significant relation was found between type of PTFJ and grade of arthritis (chi(2) test, p = 0.42). In the light of these findings, the proximal tibiofibular joint should be evaluated for arthritic findings that may be responsible for lateral knee pain before a total knee arthroplasty operation is considered. The type of PTFJ is not related to the degree of this joint arthritis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome associated with a neurilemoma in posterior tibial nerve: a case report.

Compression neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) and its branches in the tarsal tunnel is called tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) and has various aetiologies. Space-occupying lesions in the tunnel, such as neurilemomas, can cause such a disease. When a neurilemoma occupies the tarsal tunnel, it can compress the PTN directly or indirectly and results in restriction of the tunnel volume. Symptoms due to this restricted volume may vary in TTS. A case of neurilemoma of PTN in tarsal tunnel with a complaint of posteromedial ankle intermittent pain in a 20-year-old patient is presented here. A mass was observed at the ankle posteromedially during clinical examinations and the patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiological investigation. Radiographic evaluation of the ankle was normal. However, MRI was revealed a mass adjacent to the PTN in the tarsal tunnel. An ovoid, smooth-surfaced, encapsulated and eccentrically localized mass in the PTN was detected at surgery. The mass was excised from the nerve and pathological evaluation revealed a neurilemoma (schwannoma). Neurilemomas arising from the PTN in the tarsal tunnel should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis when a patient complains of a posteromedial ankle pain. Since it is a space-occupying lesion and encapsulated tumor in the tarsal tunnel, simple surgical resection is curative without a distinct morbidity.