Predicting Prolonged Wound Drainage after Hemiarthroplasty for Hip Fractures: A Stacked Machine Learning Study.

Background: Prolonged wound drainage (PWD) is one of the most important reasons that increase the risk of early periprosthetic joint infection after arthroplasty. It is very important to evaluate the risk factors for PWD in the surgical field after arthroplasty surgery. This can be accomplished using machine learning or artificial intelligence methods. Our aim in this study was to compare machine learning methods in predicting possible PWD. Methods: The study was carried out on clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of 313 patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA) for proximal femur fractures. We preprocessed the dataset and trained and tested machine learning methods using cross validation. We compared various machine learning algorithms (linear discriminant analysis, decision tree, k-nearest neighbors, gradient boosting machine, and logistic regression [LR]) based on performance measures. We also combined the most successful algorithms with a metaclassifier. To help understand the relationship between risk factors, we provided a risk factor severity ranking. Results: To estimate the risk of PWD, classification was performed with first-level classifiers and then integrated as a LR-based meta-learner stacking method. More performance improvements were achieved with the stacking method. Conclusions: We found that the stacking method was superior to other methods in PWD classification. We determined that the volume of fluid collected from the drain, morbid obesity class, blood transfusion, and body mass index score were the four most important risk factors according to stacking.

The effect of age, BMI, and bone mineral density on the various lumbar vertebral measurements in females.

PURPOSE: Healthy spinal balance is dependent on spinal sagittal alignment. It is evaluated by several spinopelvic measures. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of age and body mass index and the bone mineral density on the several vertebral measures and sagittal spinopelvic measurements. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 89 female patients were grouped according to age (> 70, < 70); to BMI (underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-25 kg/m2), overweight (25-30 kg/m2); and to spine T scores (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). On lateral lumbar X-ray, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle and pelvic incidence (PI) are measured. On sagittal T2 MRI images, anterior and posterior vertebral heights and foraminal height and area of the L1-L5 segments were measured. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 70.54 ± 6.49. The distribution of the patients in BMI groups and BMD groups were even. Mean lumber lordosis (LL) was 48.27 ± 18.06, and the mean pelvic incidence (PI) was 60.20 ± 15.74. In the younger age group, LL was found to be higher than the older age group. The vertebral and spinopelvic angle measures within the different BMI and BMD groups revealed no difference in between. There were no statistically significant difference in correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, the results revealed that younger patients have higher lordosis angle, and normal BMD patients have higher foraminal height and area measures than osteoporotic and osteopenic patients. Obesity seemed not to have any influence on vertebral measures. Spinopelvic parameters seem not to be effected by BMD and BMI.

Analysis of the fluid biochemistry in patients with prolonged wound drainage after hip hemiarthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The origin and content of prolonged wound drainage (PWD) after arthroplasty remain uncertain. In this study, we performed the biochemical, biological and advanced proteomic analysis of the drainage fluid collected from PWD patients following hip hemiarthroplasty (HA). METHODS: Data of 28 patients who developed PWD after HA were prospectively analyzed. After examining the biochemical content of the drainage fluid collected on postoperative day 6, to find out if the drainage fluid was transudate or exudate, it was compared with the patient's serum values according to the Light criteria. Subsequently, biological and proteomic analyzes of both drainage fluid and serum were performed. The similarities and differences in terms of protein concentrations, protein identities were examined. In the drainage fluid, we analyzed lymph-specific proteins. RESULTS: 16 patients with PWD were male (61.1%), 12 were female (38.9%), and the mean age of all patients was 79.64 ± 8.44 (65-95). Biochemical test results of the drainage fluid / serum were as follows: Total protein: 2.1 / 5.2 g/dl, albumin: 1.3 / 3.1 g/dl, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): 121/324 U/l, cholesterol: 28/160 mg/dl, triglyceride: 37/122 mg/dl, sodium (Na): 140/ 140mg/dl, potassium (K): 4.1/ 4.1 mg/dl. pH of the drainage fluid was 7.6. According to these biochemical values, drainage fluid was classified as transudate. As a result of protein identification, fibrinogen beta chain, keratin type 1, creatine kinase M-type protein were detected in drainage fluid. Subsequent western analysis revealed that, gliseraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and beta actin antibody were detected in the drainage fluid but not in serum. CONCLUSION: Despite the similarity in serum and transudative PWD fluid in terms of biochemical content, we found that when we carried out further proteomic analysis, PWD contains lymph-specific proteins. Unlike PWD, these proteins were not determined in serum. PWD fluid can be also called as lymphorrhea. PWD fluid with abundant proteins may also provide an appropriate environment for the growth of microorganisms.

Factors associated with prolonged wound drainage after hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures in elderly.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of prolonged wound drainage (PWD) and the amount of drainage fluid after hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) and to investigate the risk factors for the development of PWD associated with the patient, fracture and surgical treatment. METHODS: Data from 313 patients who underwent HA were prospectively analysed. The mean drainage time and drainage amount of patients with PWD were calculated. Patient demographic data, pre-operative ASA scores and anticoagulation status, presence of diabetes, fracture type, surgical approach, femoral stem type, cable usage, amount of drain output, blood transfusion quantity, time from injury to surgery, time from surgery to discharge and patient blood tests were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of PWD after HA was 8.9% (28 patients). The mean drainage time in patients with PWD was 4.9 ± 1.85 (3-9) days, and the mean collected total fluid volume was 51.1 ± 26.9 (21-132) mL. PWD was more commonly observed in the lateral approach group (p < 0.001) and morbidly obese patients (p < 0.001). In the PWD group, the mean post-operative first-day haemoglobin value was lower (p < 0.001), more blood transfusions were required (p < 0.001) and the amount of drainage output from the closed suction drain (CSD) was higher (p < 0.001). The duration of hospitalization was longer in patients with PWD (p < 0.001). Lateral approach, morbid obesity and increased drainage output were found to be associated with PWD in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Lateral approach, morbid obesity and increased drainage output were found to be risk factors for the occurrence of PWD.

The effects of early femoral nerve block intervention on preoperative pain management and incidence of postoperative delirium geriatric patients undergoing trochanteric femur fracture surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a common clinical problem which causes severe pain in geriatric patients. However, severe pain following fracture may bring on mental disorders and delirium. A neuroinflammatory response with IL-6 and IL-8 has been shown to be associated with the pathophysiology of delirium. In this study, our primary hypothesis is that preoperative femoral nerve block (FNB) intervention in geriatric patients will more effectively attenuate pain following trochanteric femur fracture than the preoperative paracetamol application. Our secondary hypothesis is that interleukin levels (IL-6, IL-8) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be lower in the femoral nerve block group than the paracetamol group. Our tertiary hypothesis is that the incidence of postoperative delirium will be lower in the femoral nerve block group. METHODS: The patients over 65 years of age with ASA status II-IV and admitted to the Emergency Service for femur fracture were included in this study. Recommendations of the 'delirium prevention table' were applied to all of the patients at arrival. In the first group, 15 mg/kg paracetamol was administered intravenously every eight hours. In the second group, femoral nerve blockage was performed, and a catheter was placed. Then, 0.5 mL/kg bupivacaine 0.25% was applied every eight hours. In both groups, pain scores four hours after interventions were recorded. All patients were operated within 48 hours under spinal anesthesia. During spinal anesthesia, 2 mL of CSF samples were taken from all patients for analysis of IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines, and pain scores during positioning were recorded. RESULTS: VAS scores four hours after the first preoperative pain treatment and during the positioning for regional anesthesia were significantly lower in the femoral nerve block group. IL-8 levels are significantly lower in the femoral nerve block group but not in IL-6 levels. The incidence of delirium was less in the femoral nerve block group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The femoral nerve block was more effective in preoperative pain management of trochanteric femur fracture and preventing pain during regional anesthesia application. The mean IL-8 level was lower in the femoral nerve block group when compared to the paracetamol group. There is no difference in the postoperative delirium incidence between groups.

Efficacy of bone-end intervention on fracture healing in bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Delayed unions are quite common in the treatment of atypical femur fractures, which are thought to result from the long-term use of bisphosphonates. The effects of interventions for sclerotic tissue on the fracture line in atypical femoral fractures are not fully known. For this reason, we compared the results of patients with atypical femoral fractures treated by closed intramedullary nailing to patients treated by open surgery accompanied with interventions for their sclerotic bone ends, aiming to answer: (1) In the treatment of atypical femoral fractures, do bone-end interventions have a positive effect on the radiological union rate and radiological union time? (2) Do bone-end interventions influence complication rates in the treatment of atypical femoral fractures? HYPOTHESIS: Bone-end interventions provide a faster and higher rate of union compared to closed intramedullary nailing and result in fewer complications in atypical femoral fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients who met the inclusion criteria and had atypical femoral fractures treated by intramedullary nailing between 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2016 were reviewed. Of these, 15 fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing (Group 1), and 17 were treated with open surgery and drilling of the bone ends followed by intramedullary nailing (Group 2). Demographic data, laboratory values, radiological union times, and complications were compared between the groups. Nonunion was defined as fractures with a persistent fracture line 12 months after surgery without any sign of union. RESULTS: A similar rate of primary union was obtained in both groups (Group 1, 13/15 [87%]; Group 2, 16/17 [94%]; p=0.471). The mean radiological consolidation period was shorter in Group 2 (Group 1, 6.8±1.8 months; Group 2, 5.1±1.3 months; p=0.004). Nonunion rates were similar between the groups (Group 1, 1/15 [7%]; Group 2, 1/17 [6%]; p=0.927). For 1 patient in Group 1, a femoral neck fracture occurred 10 months after surgery, and a revision was performed with a long femoral stem. DISCUSSION: In the treatment of atypical femoral fractures with intramedullary nailing, we found that the patients who were treated with open intervention of the bone ends had similar union and complication rates to those treated with closed methods, but radiological union time was found to be shorter in the open-intervention group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective case-control study.

Incomplete atypical femoral fractures after bisphosphonate use in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of incomplete atypical femoral fractures (iAFFs) in postmenopausal women using bisphosphonates and to investigate the potential risk factors for the development of iAFF. METHODS: The national health-care records system indicated that 2746 postmenopausal women in our region aged ≥50 years were taking bisphosphonates. Using an assumed iAFF prevalence of 10% and levels of 5% α significance and ±5% precision, we calculated that a sample size of 132 participants was needed for this study. The patients were randomly selected and invited to the hospital. Radiographs and bone scans were used to evaluate each patient for iAFF. Bone mineral density, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase measurements were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 72.79 ± 7.35 years, and the mean duration of bisphosphonate use was 7.7 ± 3.4 years. We found iAFF in 14 (10.6%) patients, and 3 patients had bilateral involvement. Of the 17 femurs with iAFF, a proximal third location was seen in 2 patients (11.8%), a mid-third location in 14 (82.4%), and a distal third location in 1 (5.9%). The duration of bisphosphonate use was longer, and parathyroid hormone levels were higher in patients with iAFF compared to those without an incomplete fracture. CONCLUSION: We found a relatively higher prevalence of iAFF in postmenopausal women using bisphosphonate. Early identification and treatment of iAFF is crucial for reducing potential patient morbidity and hospital costs.

Continuous adductor canal block following total knee arthroplasty provides a better analgesia compared to single shot: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare single-shot adductor canal block and continuous infusion adductor canal block techniques in total knee arthroplasty patients. METHODS: We prospectively randomized 123 patients who were scheduled for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty surgery into single shot (n = 60; mean age: 67.1 ± 6.9 years) and continuous (n = 63; mean age: 66.9 ± 6.8 years) adductor canal block groups. Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores, need for additional opioids and functional results as; timed up and go test, the 30-s chair stand test, 5 times sit-to-stand test, the 6-min walking test, the time to active straight leg raise, time to walking upstairs, maximal flexion at the time of discharge, duration of stay in hospital were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Pain scores were lower in the continuous adductor canal block group as compared to the single-shot adductor canal block group throughout the postoperative period (p = 0.001). Rescue analgesia was required for 6 (10%) patients in the single shot group and for 1 (1.59%) patient in the continuous group (p = 0.044). Patients in the continuous adductor canal block group displayed better functional results than the single-shot adductor canal block group with respect to active straight-leg rise time (25.52 ± 4.56 h vs 30.47 ± 8.07 h, p = 0.001), 6-min walking test (74.52 ± 29.38 m vs 62.18 ± 33.32 m, p = 0.035) and maximal knee flexion degree at discharge (104.92 ± 5.35° vs 98.5 ± 7.55°, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups for other functional and ambulation scores. CONCLUSION: Pain control following total knee arthroplasty was found to be better in those patients treated with continuous adductor canal block as compared to those treated with single-shot adductor canal block. Patients treated with continuous adductor canal block also displayed better ambulation and functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Therapeutic Study.

Reliability and diagnostic utility of radiographs in patients with incomplete atypical femoral fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of radiographs in identifying incomplete atypical femoral fractures and to determine interobserver and intra-observer reliability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs of 10 femurs with incomplete atypical femoral fractures confirmed using bone scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging, and 40 femurs without incomplete atypical femoral fractures confirmed using bone scintigraphy, were reviewed by 4 orthopedic surgeons and 4 radiology specialists. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to determine a diagnosis of incomplete atypical femoral fractures. Interobserver reliability was measured using Fleiss' kappa value, and intra-observer reliability was ascertained using Cohen's kappa statistic. RESULTS: Mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the positive and negative predictive values were found to be 89, 89, 89, 67, and 97% respectively, in diagnosing incomplete atypical femoral fractures using radiographs. Interobserver reliability was found to be at a good level (Fleiss' kappa = 0.66, standard error = 0.03, 95% confidence interval = 0.61-0.71). Intra-observer Cohen's kappa values ranged from 0.53 to 0.91. CONCLUSION: The use of radiography was satisfactory in identifying incomplete atypical femoral fractures, and the level of interobserver agreement was found to be good. As radiographs are associated with low positive predictive values, an advanced imaging method should be used when an increase in femoral cortical thickness is the only contributory factor to suspicion of an incomplete atypical femoral fracture.

Efficacy of Pie-Crusting Technique on Soft Tissues in Distal Tibia and Fibula Fractures.

Distal tibia and fibula fractures are challenging injuries to treat as evidenced by the high rates of wound complications because of vulnerable soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on soft tissue complications of the pie-crusting technique when applied between 2 incisions in distal tibia and fibula fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. We reviewed 34 patients with distal tibia and fibula fractures treated between September 2014 and March 2017. The pie-crusting technique was performed during wound closure in 16 (47.06%) fractures (group 1) and classic wound closure was done in 18 (52.94%) fractures (group 2). The primary outcome was evaluated as the presence or absence of soft tissue complications such as superficial skin necrosis, deep skin necrosis, and deep infection. The mean age was 50.44 ± 13.51 (range 23 to 65) years in group 1 and 51.67 ± 14.49 (range 18 to 68) years in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 27.35 ± 9.02 (range 16 to 46) months. The mean surgery time after injury was 5.88 ± 3.5 (range 1 to 14) days in group 1 and 7.32 ± 4.25 (range 1 to 16) days in group 2. No soft tissue complications were seen in any patient in group 1. Five (27.77%) occurrences of superficial skin necrosis were observed in group 2. In 2 (11.11%) patients in group 2, deep necrosis and wound dehiscence occurred, and subsequent deep infection developed in 1 (5.55%) of these patients. The overall complication rate was higher in group 2 (p = .005). We believe that the pie-crusting technique is beneficial for wound closure in distal tibia and fibula fractures, because it reduces the tension of the skin and allows leakage of subcutaneous fluids.

Characteristics of injuries caused by paragliding accidents: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to analyze the characteristics and risk factors relating to fatalities and injuries caused by paragliding. METHODS: The judicial examination reports and hospital documents of 82 patients traumatized in 64 accidents during 242 355 paragliding jumps between August 2004 and September 2011 were analyzed. RESULTS: In these accidents, 18 of the 82 patients lost their lives. In the patients with a confirmed cause of accident, most of them were involved with multiple fractures and internal organ injuries (n=8, 44.4%). CONCLUSION: We investigated the incidence of paragliding injuries, the types of the injuries, and the severity of affected anatomical regions. The findings are significant for the prevention of paragliding injuries and future research.

Nailing or plating for subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a non-randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of reverse less invasive stabilization system for distal femur (LISS-DF) plates and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the treatment of patients with subtrochanteric fracture. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with 32 fractures were included in this study. The PFNA group consisted of 16 patients, and the reverse LISS-DF plate group consisted of 15 patients. Intraoperative data such as surgical time (min), amount of blood transfusion (units and erythrocyte suspensions) and radiation time (seconds) were noted. Time elapsed until fracture consolidation (weeks), time until full weight bearing (weeks), mean Harris hip score and length of stay (LOS) at hospital (days) were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: The reverse LISS-DF group had a significantly longer elapsed time until fracture consolidation (p < 0.05). The mean radiation time was significantly longer (p < 0.05), and the Harris hip scores at last control were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the PFNA group. No significant differences were determined in terms of complications and re-operation rates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that in the reverse LISS-DF-treated group, the mean time for bone union was longer and weight bearing was delayed. Considering the surgical technique, minimal surgical approach, reduced amount of blood transfusion and superior functional results following surgery, we concluded that the PFNA system offers advantages over reverse LISS-DF plating in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures.

Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis is an uncommon condition that has few case reports in the literature. Reported series indicate that it is a condition classically accompanying vertebral and metaphyseal fractures during the immediate pre-puberty years but that seems to develop naturally during puberty. Current clinical treatment is complicated because of lack of understanding on the origins of Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The 13-year-old female patient with no former complaints had pain in her left hip while walking 2 years ago. Excluding the secondary osteoporosis reasons, the patient was diagnosed with Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis and after the medical treatment she was followed-up. DISCUSSION: The patient was subjected to a rehabilitation program for muscle weakness. She had difficulty in walking as a result of prolonged immobilization. At the end of a two-year treatment, significant improvement was achieved in muscle strength in the extremities, walking distance, and posture. CONCLUSION: With this report, we would like to raise awareness about a possible association of persistent fractures with this rare metabolic disorder, Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis, which should be included in differential diagnosis of patients with persistent appendicular skeleton fractures.

Popliteal artery injury associated with blunt trauma to the knee without fracture or dislocation.

Popliteal artery injuries are frequently seen with fractures, dislocations, or penetrating injuries. Concern about arterial injury and early recognition of the possibility of arterial injury is crucial for the salvage of the extremity. This article provides an outline of the diagnostic challenges related to these rare vascular injuries and emphasizes the necessity for a high level of suspicion, even in the absence of a significant penetrating injury, knee dislocation, fracture, or high-velocity trauma mechanism. The importance of a detailed vascular examination of a blunt trauma patient is emphasized.

Posterior fixation of thoracolumbar burst fractures: is it possible to protect one segment in the lumbar region?

BACKGROUND: The treatment for thoracolumbar burst fractures is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare intermediate-segment (IS) and long-segment (LS) instrumentation in the treatment for these fractures. METHODS: IS instrumentation was considered as pedicle fixation two levels above and one level below the fractured vertebra (infra-laminar hooks attached to lower vertebra with pedicle screws). LS instrumentation was done two levels above and two levels below the fractured vertebra. Among a total of 25 consecutive patients, Group 1 included ten patients treated by IS pedicle fixation, whereas Group 2 included fifteen patients treated by LS instrumentation. RESULTS: The measurements of local kyphosis (p = 0.955), sagittal index (p = 0.128), anterior vertebral height compression (p = 0.230) and canal diameter expansion (p = 0.839) demonstrated similar improvement at the final follow-up between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding clinical outcome [Hannover scoring system, Oswestry disability questionnaire and the range of motion of the lumbar region compared to neutral (0°)]. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic parameters were the same between the two groups. However, the clinical parameters demonstrated that IS instrumentation is a more effective management of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) with AO dynamic condylar screws (DCS) for the treatment for unstable peritrochanteric femoral fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of intramedullary fixation with those of plate-screw fixation for peritrochanteric femoral fracture patients older than 60 years old. METHODS: This article reports on a retrospective review of patients who had peritrochanteric femoral fractures and were treated with a 95° fixed-angle screw plate (DCS) or an intramedullary nailing system (PFNA). Patients with 79 fractures were enrolled in the study; 47 of them were treated with the PFNA system and 37 with the DCS. Followed for at least 1 year, the treatment groups were compared by taking into consideration all demographic and trauma variables. RESULTS: No significant differences were discovered between the two groups with regard to side of injury, mechanism of trauma, associated comorbidities, AO fracture classification, average follow-up duration, mortality, and fracture reduction quality at the 1-year follow-up. The average surgical time was significantly lower in the PFNA group (57 min.) compared to the DCS group (87 min.). Longer operative time was needed in the DCS group, and thus, greater blood loss occurred compared to the PFNA group. The functional results of the PFNA group were found to be significantly better than those of the DCS group. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to some advantages, such as minimal exposure, reduced operative blood loss, and the achievement of biological fixation, PFNA is a better choice for the treatment for unstable peritrochanteric fractures.

Extramembranous transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon for the treatment of drop foot deformity in children.

BACKGROUND: To study the efficacy of extramembranous transfer of the tibialis posterior (posterior tibial) tendon for the treatment of drop foot deformity in children. MATHERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 24 patients (11 girls and 13 boys) with drop foot deformity, who underwent tibialis posterior tendon transfer. The mean age was 12.33 years (range: seven to18 years), and the mean follow-up period was 32.54 months (range: 24 - 55 months). Drop foot developed due to different levels of nerve injury associated with trauma or surgical operation in 18 (75 %) patients, and due to meningomyelocele in six (25 %) patients. Tibialis posterior tendon was flipped from the anteromedial aspect of the tibia and transferred to the lateral cuneiform bone. The patients were evaluated via the Stanmore system questionnaire. RESULTS: Evaluating the outcomes by the Stanmore system, poor results in two feet (8.3 %), fair in two feet (8.3 %), good in eight feet (33.3 %), and excellent in 12 (50 %) feet were obtained. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative outcomes. The mean active ankle dorsiflexion was 8.96 degrees (range: zero to 20 degrees). CONCLUSIONS: Extramembranous transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon is a quite successful method in retrieving active dorsiflexion of the foot in patients with drop foot deformity. It is a method which eliminates the need for orthosis and enhances the quality of life of patients.

Distribution of occult fractures detected in emergency orthopedic patient trauma with computerized tomography.

BACKGROUND: Computerized tomography (CT) is a very useful diagnostic method in orthopedic emergency cases where fractures are suspected but cannot be detected through direct radiography, or when the fracture is detected in direct radiography but better evaluation of the anatomical structure is necessary. In this study, we analyzed occurrences of missed fractures in radiographs that were subsequently diagnosed in CT scans. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. We examined the medical records of all orthopedic trauma patients who visited our hospital's emergency room due to orthopedic trauma between January 2010 and January 2011 and whose spine, pelvis and extremity CTs were taken. RESULTS: Occult fractures were detected using CT in 12 (6.6%) of the children and 102 (6.8%) of the adults. We detected cervical vertebra fractures in 23 patients, femoral neck fractures in 6 patients, and tibia plato fractures in 5 patients, which can cause complications unless immediately acted upon in the emergency room. CONCLUSION: CT revealed most missed diagnoses and proved that direct radiography is less capable of detecting fractures of some critical regions. Where there is clinical suspicion, we recommend that before conservative treatment of patients, especially in cases of possible cervical spine and pelvic region fractures, CT should be requested, even if the radiography is normal.

Bilateral calcaneal stress fractures: a case report.

The majority of plantar heel pain is diagnosed as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. When history or physical findings are unusual or when routine treatment proves ineffective, one should consider an atypical cause of heel pain. Stress fractures of the calcaneus are a frequently unrecognized source of heel pain. In a normal population, the possibility of calcaneal stress fractures must be borne in mind with patients who have bilateral heel pain. When a stress fracture is considered, clinicans have different imaging options. First of all, x-rays must be used to evaluate for any visible osseous pathology. If plain films are inconclusive, the clinician can proceed with a bone scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In the literature, calcaneal stress fractures are mostly reported in soldiers or athletes, but our case is one of a 44-year-old housewife with bilateral heel pain treated as Achilles tendinitis and plantar faciitis for a long time. Her final diagnosis was bilateral calcaneal fracture by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.