Single versus double plate fixation of humeral shaft nonunion.

INTRODUCTION: Humeral shaft fractures are common fractures of the diaphysis of the humerus. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the clinical outcomes of humeral nonunions surgically treated with open reduction and single- versus double-plate fixation with grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients with nonunion treated with single- or double-plate screw fixation with bone grafting were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment method as Group 1 (single-plate, n = 14) and Group 2 (double-plate, n = 17). Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, initial and final treatment, type of nonunion and localisation, graft use, shortening, follow-up, time to union, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) scores, and patient-reported cosmetic outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the patients, eight were males, and 23 were females, with a mean age of 47.6 ± 15.8 (range, 20-86) years. Initial treatment was conservative treatment (Sarmiento brace) in seven patients, plate fixation in 22 patients, and intramedullary nailing in two patients. The mean follow-up was 31.0 ± 16.9 months in Group 1 and 25.4 ± 15.6 months in Group 2. There was one nonunion in Group 1 and three in Group 2. There were no significant differences in the union rate and time to union (p = 0.378 and p = 0.262, respectively). The mean Quick-DASH scores and cosmetic results were similar between the groups (p = 0.423 and p = 0.165, respectively). Radial nerve palsy developed in three patients in Group 2, and all these patients recovered completely during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although the double-plate fixation technique has similar clinical, radiological, and functional results to single-plate fixation, it is a more invasive and expensive technique with a longer operation time. Therefore, it should not be used as the first-line treatment option for all humeral shaft nonunion. Nevertheless, the double-plate technique may be preferred to achieve in cases requiring high stability, such as hypertrophic nonunion, osteopenia and comminuted fractures.

Distribution of nerve endings in human thumb interphalangeal joint.

This study aims to quantitatively analyze the distribution of encapsulated nerve endings in the human thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint capsule. There are three types of nerve endings. Type-I nerve endings (Ruffini-like ending) sense pressure changes, Type II (Pacini-like ending) nerve endings contribute to the kinesthetic sense, and Type III (Golgi-like ending) nerve ending provides proprioceptive information. We dissected five right thumbs IP joints from freshly frozen cadavers (5 men). The mean age of the cadavers at the time of death was 63.4 years (55-73). Sections were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin and antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) to identify encapsulated nerve endings. Transverse sections were cut and divided into volar, dorsal, and then into two equal parts, proximal and distal. The density of encapsulated nerve endings compared to volar versus dorsal and proximal versus distal regions was examined. This study showed that type 1 nerve endings were more common in the distal parts of the IP joint (p < 0.05). Also, type 3 nerve endings were observed in the thumb IP joint. There was no difference between regions in type II and type III nerve endings. The current study demonstrates that the distribution of encapsulated nerve endings in the IP joint is different from the PIP and DIP joints. Moreover, further studies are required to understand the thumb's physiology.

Investigation into the effect of systemic single high-dose erythropoietin on the healing of Achilles tendons in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine systemic erythropoietin's effect on the Achilles tendon's healing in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The Achilles tendon of each rat was transected 5 mm proximal to its insertion to the calcaneus. All Achilles tendons were then repaired using modified Kessler methods. A single dose (5000 U/kg) of intraperitoneal erythropoietin (EPO) was administered to group I. Group II was a control group and did not receive an EPO injection. Four rats from each group were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 6 weeks after injection. Histopathological assessments were performed by observers blinded to the treatment. RESULTS: Groups I and II showed a similar increase in fibroblast cytoplasmic content and fibrillar collagen in the extracellular matrix. Collagen deposition, cellular proliferation, number of lipid vacuoles and capillary increases were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has shown no direct effect of a single systemic high dose of EPO on the histological properties of the Achilles tendon in rats.

Residual Symptoms After Carpal Tunnel Decompression and Treatment With Gabapentin: A Multicenter Study.

Objectives To identify postoperative residual symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to investigate the effectiveness of gabapentin in the treatment of residual symptoms. Materials and methods Of a total of 412 patients who underwent surgery for CTS in four centers over a four-year period, 14 who had residual symptoms after CTS release and did not receive gabapentin (Group A) and 14 patients with postoperative residual symptoms and received gabapentin were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative residual symptoms were defined as persistent nocturnal numbness and tingling with or without occasional daytime pain. Tinel's and Phalen's tests were performed for the diagnosis of residual symptoms. Functional Severity Score (FSS), Symptom Severity Score (SSS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate functional outcomes, severity of symptoms, and numbness and sleep quality, respectively at six and 12 weeks postoperatively. Level of Evidence: III, therapeutic study Results There was no statistically significant difference in the mean postoperative FSS (p=0.845) and VAS-numbness scores (p=0.367) between the groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean postoperative SSS (p=0.025) and VAS-sleep quality scores (p<0.001) between the groups. Conclusion Gabapentin treatment can be a treatment of choice for residual symptoms after CTS surgery and clinical improvement can be achieved owing to its relieving effect, particularly in nocturnal symptoms of patients having neuropathic pain.

A Novel Technique for Labral Reconstruction Using Long Head of Biceps Tendon: Duru Technique.

Arthroscopic capsulolabral repair is a well-established surgical treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. When there is insufficient labral tissue during arthroscopic primary or revision Bankart repairs, various soft tissue procedures have been recommended. All these procedures aim to reattach glenohumeral ligaments to the glenoid rim and regain the tight anterior structures to prevent re-dislocation or subluxation. Some authors recommend the Latarjet procedure, even in the absence of critical bone loss in this patient group. The labrum increases the depth of the glenoid cavity, thereby, increasing the glenoid track. It behaves like a block for the humeral head. Reconstruction of the labral tissue may strongly contribute to shoulder joint stability when it is totally absent. In this article, we describe a novel labral reconstruction technique (Duru technique) using the long head of the biceps tendon in two patients without an existing labral tissue.

Importance of measurement methods and demographic characteristics in evaluating ulnar variance: A retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare 2 methods of ulnar variance (UV) measurement (the perpendicular method and the circular method) and to determine whether UV changed based on the demographic characteristics (sex and age). METHODS: UV was measured on bilateral wrist radiographs of 124 patients (62 men, 62 women; mean age=48.5 years; range=18-79 years) who had no history of trauma, congenital wrist anomaly, previous wrist surgery, and wrist osteoarthritis by a single radiologist with 4 years of experience. All measurements were made on standardized radiographic images using 2 methods: the perpendicular method and the circular method. All the patients were then divided into groups based on sex and age, and the study population was determined by selecting a similar number of patients for each sex and age group. RESULTS: The mean UV of the right and left wrists was measured as 0.33 (range=-4.3 to 5.7) mm by the perpendicular method and as 0.034 (range=-5 to 5.7) mm by the circular method. A significant difference was determined between the 2 measurement methods (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between sex and UV values in the left wrist measurements by both methods (p<0.05). A significant correlation was found between the UV and age in both right and left side measurements, indicating a statistically significant difference between the methods (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrated significant differences in the UV measurement between the 2 methods. Furthermore, UV measurement may change based on age and sex. These differences should be considered in the treatment planning of patients with wrist disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Risk of Injury to the Neurovascular Structures in the Pararectus Approach Used in Acetabular Fractures: A Cadaver Study.

OBJECTIVES: Complex acetabular fractures involving the quadrilateral plate may necessitate infrapectineal buttress plating, which can be performed through the pararectus approach. The aim of this cadaveric study was to identify the anatomical guide points to protect neurovascular structures at the risk of injury during the pararectus approach. METHODS: Six fresh frozen cadavers (12 hemipelves) were dissected in this study. Location of the inferior epigastric artery (IEA), obturator nerve and corona mortis (CM) was measured using common anatomic landmarks, namely, anterior superior iliac spine, symphysis pubis (SP), and sacroiliac (SI) joint. RESULTS: In the superficial dissection of the abdominal wall, the mean distance between the IEA and anterior superior iliac spine was 106.7 ± 5.2 (range, 99.2-116.4) mm, and the mean distance between IEA and SP was 77.9 ± 3.5 (range, 70.6-82.2) mm. In deep dissection, the mean distance between the SI joint and the SP was 133.1 ± 5.7 (range, 126.0-142.0) mm. The mean distance between the SI joint and ON was 37.3 ± 2.8 (range, 31.0-41.0) mm. The CM was unable to be detected in 2 cadavers, 1 on the right and 1 on the left hemipelves. The mean distance between the CM and SP was 47.7 ± 3.9 (range, 43.0-55.0) mm. CONCLUSIONS: A pararectus approach is a useful approach which allows infrapectineal plating in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures; however, the preservation of critical neurovascular structures is essential during dissection. This study is helpful to identify the structures at risk according to commonly used anatomic landmarks. These data might be a necessary guideline for hip and trauma surgeons.

Magnesium Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation of Radial Styloid Fractures: Case Report.

Background Several types of fixation materials may be used for the radial styloid fractures such as Kirschner wire fixation, screw fixation, volar plate fixation, and fragment-specific radial buttress plate fixation. However, each of these fixation techniques has certain complications usually related to either the surgical dissection or the application of fixation and symptomatic permanent hardware. Implant removal secondary to irritation of prominent screw heads or bulky plates is not uncommon after radial styloid fracture fixation. Case Description Herein, two patients with an isolated radial styloid fracture who were treated with bioabsorbable magnesium (alloy: MgYREZr) screws are presented. In both patients, the fracture union was achieved without any complication and need for implant removal. Literature Review This is the first report on the use of magnesium screws for this indication. Clinical Relevance Magnesium bioabsorbable compression screw fixation may be an alternative solution that eliminates removal operations due to symptomatic hardware in radial styloid fractures.

Single versus double screw fixation for the treatment of scaphoid waist fractures: Finite element analysis and preliminary clinical results in scaphoid nonunion.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the single versus double screw fixation of scaphoid waist fractures using finite element analysis, and to present the preliminary clinical results of double screw fixation in a consecutive series of patients with scaphoid nonunion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A transverse scaphoid waist fracture (Herbert type B2) model was fixed with either single or double cannulated compression screws. Displacement and rotation of the fragments were performed using three-dimensional finite element analysis in three different wrist positions. A retrospective review was performed on 13 male patients (mean age 31.6±12.8 years; range, 17 to 64 years) who underwent double screw fixation for an established scaphoid nonunion in our clinic between January 2015 and December 2017. Assessment of union was established with serial plain radiographs in eight patients and with wrist computed tomography in five patients. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: In all wrist positions, the displacement of the fracture gap in double screw fixation in all planes (x, y, and z) was less than in single screw fixation. Similarly, rotation of the fracture fragments around the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid was lower in double screw fixation. Complete union was obtained in all patients. The mean time to union was 5±0.75 months (range, 4 to 6 months). The mean VAS was 0.8±0.9 (range, 0 to 3). Mayo wrist score was 91±6.9 (range, 80 to 100) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Double-screw fixation technique may be a solution to reduce the rate of scaphoid nonunion in unstable type B2 scaphoid fractures or nonunion.

Is There a Relationship between Patellofemoral Alignment and Osgood-Schlatter Disease? A Case-Control Study.

This study was aimed to investigate the role of anatomic variations in patellofemoral alignment in patients with or without Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and to determine the potential anatomic risk factors that may play role in the etiology. This prospective observational case-control study was conducted on two groups of adolescent patients. Group 1 comprised patients who were diagnosed as having OSD and group 2 consisted of an equal number of age-matched patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with traumatic knee injury and underwent knee radiographic examination but without a diagnosis of OSD. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), dominant side, and level of sporting activity were recorded. Quadriceps (Q) angles were measured using a long-arm goniometer with patients lying in the supine position with their knees in full extension and contracting the Q muscles. On anteroposterior, lateral knee, and tangential patella (Merchant and Laurin views) radiographs, the following measurements were performed: Insall-Salvati (IS), Caton-Deschamps (CD), and Blackburne-Peel (BP) indexes, congruence angles, lateral patellofemoral angles, sulcus angles, and patella type according to Grelsamer's morphology classification. Both groups were similar in respect of age (p = 0.160), sex (p = 0.311), height (p = 0.326), weight (p = 0.596), BMI (p = 0.153), and dominancy (p = 0.500). The rate of patients engaged in sports activities was significantly greater in the OSD group (p = 0.003). No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect to IS index, CD index, BP index, sulcus angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and congruence angle (p-values: 0.358, 0.995, 0.912, 0.802, 1.000, and 0.907, respectively). The mean Q angle was measured as 15.6 ± 2.2 degrees in the OSD group and 14.3 ± 2.5 degrees in the control group (p = 0.014). Despite the difference being statistically significant, it was clinically insignificant because the difference was only 1.3 degrees. The principle etiologic factor seems to be increased physical activity rather than subtle variations is patellofemoral anatomy and alignment of extensor mechanism.

Comparison of magnesium versus titanium screw fixation for biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy (MMO) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), fixed with either magnesium (Mg) or titanium (Ti) screws. METHODS: A total of 22 patients (12 male and 10 female) with a mean age of 40.6 ± 12.5 years (range 18-56 years) who underwent MMO for OLT treatment were included in this retrospective study. Of the 22 patients, MMO was fixed with bioabsorbable Mg screws (Alloy: MgYREZr) in 11 patients, and in the remaining 11 patients (one bilateral) MMO was fixed with Ti screws. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year with a mean of 20.7 ± 8.9 months (range 12-49 months). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results. Union of the osteotomy, postoperative displacement and all other complications were followed and analyzed. RESULTS: An improvement in the AOFAS scale and VAS points were recorded in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p 0.079 and 0.107, respectively). Complete union of the osteotomy was obtained in all patients. One patient in the Ti group required implant removal due to pain and irritation. There were no other significant complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that bioabsorbable Mg compression screws have similar therapeutic efficacy to Ti screws in respect of functional and radiological outcomes in MMO fixation. Bioabsorbable Mg screw is an alternative fixation material which can be safely used for MMO in ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Arthrodesis Using Limited Wrist Fusion Plates in Kienböck's Disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis with a limited wrist fusion plate in patients with Stage IIIB Kienböck's disease (KD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on nine patients with Stage IIIB KD who underwent STT arthrodesis between 2014 and 2017 at our institution. Clinical evaluations of the patients were made using the shortened quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) Outcome Measure score (Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada) and grip strength measurements before surgery and at the final follow-up examination. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm the union of the arthrodesis. RESULTS: A complete union was obtained in all patients. The Q-DASH score was changed from 57.8 ± 8.2 points (range: 47.7 - 70.5) to 32.3 ± 17.3 points (range: 13.6 - 54.5) (p = 0.008). Similarly, the grip strength was improved significantly (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The use of limited wrist fusion plates for STT arthrodesis in KD is a safe and effective treatment method that provides a high rate union and acceptable functional results.

Avulsion fracture of anterior talofibular ligament from talus: A case report.

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries can occur in three different distinct patterns; rupture of the ligament as a pure soft tissue injury, an avulsion fracture at the ATFL's attachment to either the fibula or the talus. Although fibular avulsion fractures are common, avulsion fracture of ATFL from talus is extremely rare with a single previously reported case in the current literature. A 34-year-old female with ATFL talar avulsion fracture associated with medial malleolar fracture was presented to the emergency department. Fixation of the fragment resulted with excellent functional outcome without a residual instability. Besides more common injury patterns such as mid-substance ATFL rupture and ATFL fibular avulsion fracture, talar avulsion fracture pattern should also be kept in mind in a patient presented with lateral ankle sprain. When a fragment is seen on the ankle radiographs at the tip of fibula, previously described special oblique views should be performed to reveal the correct origin of the fragment.

Comparison of Bioabsorbable Magnesium versus Titanium Screw Fixation for Modified Distal Chevron Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of magnesium versus titanium screw fixation for modified distal chevron osteotomy in hallux valgus (HV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients who underwent modified distal chevron osteotomy for HV deformity between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Headless magnesium (Mg) compression screw fixation was applied in 16 patients (17 feet) and headless titanium (Ti) compression screw in 15 patients (17 feet). Patients were followed up for at least 12 months with a mean of 19.0 ± 6.8 months in the Mg screw group and 16.2 ± 6.19 in the Ti screw group, respectively (p: 0.234). Clinical results were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (AOFAS-MTP-IP) scale and a visual analogue scale (VAS). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured before and after surgery. Time to osteotomy union and any complications were recorded and compared between the groups. RESULTS: An improvement in the AOFAS-MTP-IP scale and VAS points were recorded in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p: 0.764 and 0.535, resp.). At the final follow-up examination, HVA and IMA were similar (p: 0.226 and 0.712, resp.). There was no significant loss of correction between the early and final radiographs in respect of HVA and IMA in both groups (p: 0.321 and p: 0.067). Full union of the osteotomy was obtained in all patients. Prolonged (1.5 months) swelling and mild hyperemia around the surgical incision were observed in 1 patient in the Mg group but there was a good response to physical and medical therapy, and the complaints were completely resolved. There were no other significant complications in either group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that bioabsorbable Mg compression screw fixation has similar therapeutic efficacy to Ti screw fixation in respect of functional and radiological outcomes. Bioabsorbable Mg screw is an alternative fixation material that can be safely used for modified distal chevron osteotomy in HV surgery.

Results of a New Correction Technique in Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: Mid-term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes.

Introduction The term "scoliosis" is defined as a spinal curvature of >10˚ in the coronal plane. A currently widely used method in scoliosis treatment is posterior instrumentation and fusion following deformity correction made with pedicle screws and rods. Various methods have been described for deformity correction during surgery, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In 2009, Us et al. described a new correction method using an Ilizarov wire. The aim of this study was to present the mid-term results of the patients operated with this technique. Methods This study included 18 patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis between 2006 and 2010, who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery with the intra-operative temporary traction method from the posterior. Results  Based on the standing anteroposterior radiographs taken preoperatively, the Cobb angle of the major curvatures was calculated as mean 50.83˚ (range: 30˚-72˚). Postoperatively, the mean 68.8% correction at 15.77˚ was determined. At the final follow-up examination, a correction loss of mean 3.3% (range: 0% to 6.8%) was observed. Conclusion This technique can be considered a simple and safe alternative method for correction in scoliosis surgery.

Can we use the contralateral glenoid cavity as a reference for the measurement of glenoid cavity bone loss in anterior shoulder instability?: a comparative analysis of 3D CT measurements in healthy subjects / ¿Podemos utilizar la cavidad glenoidea contralateral como referencia para la medición de la pérdida ósea de la cavidad glenoidea en la inestabilidad del hombro anterior?: un análisis comparativo de mediciones 3D TC en sujetos sanos

The purpose of this study was to compare the glenoid cavity measurements in healthy subjects. 100 adult subjects without shoulder pathology who had pulmonary computed tomography for any reason, were included in the study. Lung CT images were three-dimensionally rendered and glenoid cavity enface images were obtained. On these images, the glenoid cavity superior-inferior long axis and anterior-posterior equator, as well as the equatorial anterior and posterior radii, were measured. Dominant and nondominant glenoid cavity measurements were compared using the t-test in dependent groups. The long axis of the dominant glenoid cavity was 38.15 ± 3.5 mm, whereas it was 37.87 ± 3.3 mm on the non-dominant side (p = 0.068). The mean width of the glenoid cavity was 28.60 ± 3.3 mm in dominant glenoids cavities and 28.00 ± 2.9 mm in the non-dominant side (p = 0.0001). The equatorial anterior and posterior radii were significantly different between the two sides (p = 0.010, p = 0.001, respectively). The ratio of length to equator was different between the two sides (p = 0.012). The difference in equatorial lengths was 0.98 ± 0.8 mm (range, 0-4.2 mm). The mean difference between the long axis of the glenoid cavity was 1.2 ± 0.9 mm (range 0-4.6 mm). The equator on 69 individuals was larger on the dominant side. Glenoid cavity long axis was larger on the dominant side of 61 individuals. Glenoids cavities are not equal and not symmetrical to each other or influenced by hand dominancy. Measurements based on the assumption that both glenoids cavities are equal may be misleading.

El propósito de este estudio fue comparar las mediciones de las cavidades glenoideas en sujetos sanos. Se incluyeron en el estudio 100 sujetos adultos sin patología de hombro que tenían tomografía computarizada pulmonar. Las imágenes de CT de pulmón se representaron tridimensionalmente y se obtuvieron imágenes de la faceta de la cavidad glenoidea. En estas imágenes, se midieron el eje largo glenoideo superior e inferior y el ecuador anteroposterior, así como los radios ecuatoriales anterior y posterior. Las mediciones de las cavidades glenoideas dominantes y no dominantes se compararon usando la prueba t en grupos dependientes. El eje largo de la cavidad glenoidea dominante fue 38,15 ± 3,5 mm, mientras que fue 37,87 ± 3,3 mm en el lado no dominante (p = 0,068). El ancho medio de la cavidad glenoidea fue de 28,60 ± 3,3 mm en las glenoides dominantes y de 28,00 ± 2,9 mm en el lado no dominante (p=0,0001). Los radios ecuatoriales anterior y posterior fueron significativamente diferentes entre los dos lados (p=0,010; p=0,001, respectivamente). La relación de longitud al ecuador fue diferente entre los dos lados (p=0,012). La diferencia en las longitudes ecuatoriales fue de 0,98 ± 0,8 mm (rango, 0-4,2 mm). La diferencia media entre el eje largo de la cavidad glenoidea fue de 1,2 ± 0,9 mm (rango 0-4,6 mm). El ecuador en 69 individuos era más grande en el lado dominante. En 61 individuos el eje largo de cavidad glenoidea fue más grande en el lado dominante. Las cavidad glenoideas no son iguales ni simétricas entre sí ni están influenciadas por la dominancia de la mano. Las mediciones basadas en la suposición de que ambas cavidades glenoideas son iguales pueden ser engañosas.

Diabetes mellitus accelerates fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus muscle after tendon tear: An experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on intramuscular fatty degeneration after a full-thickness supraspinatus (SS) tendon tear in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 24 adult male Wistar Albino rats (age, 18 to 24 weeks; weighing, 320-380 g) randomized into a sham group (n=6), control group (n=6) and experimental group (n=12). Rats with fasting blood glucose levels ≥250 mg/dL at each measurement after an injection of streptozotocin were accepted to have DM. On the seventh day of the study, the SS muscles of the rats in the experimental and control groups were cut from the insertion. All animals were performed euthanasia four weeks after the surgical procedure and SS muscles were excised completely. Fatty degeneration in the SS muscle was assessed histologically and immunohistochemically with oil red O and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) staining using histological score (H-score) and quantitative methods. RESULTS: More intense oil red O and PPAR-γ staining was observed in all regions of the SS muscles of the experimental group compared to control and sham groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that DM accelerates intramuscular fatty degeneration after SS tendon tears. Fatty degeneration should be monitored closely in diabetic patients with rotator cuff tear who were selected for conservative treatment and early surgical treatment should be considered as an option.

Comparison of volar versus dorsal screw fixation for scaphoid waist fractures: A finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: Scaphoid waist fractures may be fixed through volar or dorsal screw fixation. However, there is no consensus on which surgical fixation method should be performed. The purpose of this study was to compare volar versus dorsal screw fixation of scaphoid waist fractures under physiological loading conditions utilizing finite element analysis. METHODS: A transverse scaphoid waist fracture (Herbert type B2) model was fixed with a headless cannulated compression screw using either a volar or dorsal approach. Displacement and rotation of the fragments and stress analysis on the scaphoid bone and screw were analyzed in the models using 3-D finite element analysis in three different wrist positions; total extension (TE), neutral (N) and total flexion (TF). RESULTS: Displacement of the fracture gap in volar fixation in all planes (x, y, z) was less than in dorsal fixation in the TF and N positions. Furthermore, rotational stability was stronger in volar fixation in all planes and wrist positions. von Mises stress values were concentrated on the proximal fragment in all wrist positions. CONCLUSIONS: Although both volar and dorsal fixation techniques can be preferred in Herbert type B2 fractures, results of this finite element analysis suggest that centrally placed volar compression screw fixation may be biomechanically advantageous over dorsal screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Radiographic analysis of anatomic risk factors for scaphoid fractures; A case-control study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of anatomic variations in distal radius radiographic indices in patients with or without scaphoid fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radial inclination (RI), volar tilt (VT), radial height (RH) and ulnar variance (UV) were measured on wrist radiographs of 320 patients with (Group I, n = 167) or without (Group II, n = 153) scaphoid fracture, fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance for each variable. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), cutoff value, and area under the ROC curve were analyzed. Odds ratio was calculated for defined cutoff values. RESULTS: The mean age of the groups was similar (29.3 ±â€¯10.2 vs 31.1 ±â€¯9.9 years, p = 0.060). RI (30.0 ±â€¯2.9 vs 26.8 ±â€¯2.3°) VT (11.4 ±â€¯2.4 vs 10.5 ±â€¯2.2°), RH (14.8 ±â€¯2.1 vs 13.2 ±â€¯1.9 mm), UV (-0.46 ±â€¯1.7 vs 0.00 ±â€¯1.5 mm) were higher in scaphoid fracture group (Gr I vs Gr II, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.001, p = 0.012 respectively). Ulna minus variant was more prevalent in fracture group (p = 0.001). Optimal cutoff points for RI, VT, RH and UV in differentiating fractured and intact scaphoid were 28.6° (Sn = 81.0%, Sp = 26.3%), 12.2° (Sn = 80.4%, Sp = 67.1%), 14.85 mm (Sn = 80.4%, Sp = 52.1%) and 0 mm (Sn = 88.6%, Sp = 75.8%), respectively. Odds ratios for defined cutoff points for RI, VT, RH and UV were 10.4 (95% CI, 6.2-17.4), 1.8 (95% CI, 1.1-3.0), 3.7 (95% CI, 2.3-6.2) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.3-3.7) respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased RI, VT, RH and negative UV were found to be predisposing anatomical risk factors for scaphoid fracture when FOOSH.

Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fracture Treated with a Bioabsorbable Magnesium Compression Screw.

Magnesium (Mg) bioabsorbable screws are new biomaterials used in fracture fixation. In the current literature, there is only one case report on the use of magnesium bio-absorbable screws in ankle fractures. Within the present study, a 19-year-old female who sustained an isolated lateral malleolar fracture was treated with open reduction and intramedullary Mg screw fixation and then followed up for two years. Fracture union was achieved without any complication such as failure of fixation, loss of reduction, infection, or any other adverse reaction. Mg bioabsorbable screws are an alternative method of fracture fixation as compared to conventional metallic implants since they eliminate the need for implant removal.