Evaluation of cerebellum volume and trunk oscillation velocity in cases with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: It has been suggested that the cause of the balance disorder seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) originates from the central nervous system. However, the extent of the balance problem and the dysfunction of which part of the central nervous system has not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to correlate the values obtained by balance analysis and cerebellum volume measurement in female individuals with AIS with healthy individuals. METHODS: Cerebellum volume was calculated via the cloud-based software " https://volbrain.upv.es " using brain magnetic resonance images of 27 healthy and 26 individuals with AIS. The duration of stay in the test positions, the movement strategy used during this time and the amount of postural sway were analyzed by using a computer-assisted force platform and compared statistically. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the AIS and control groups in cerebellum total volume, vermis cerebelli volume (cm3), and trunk oscillation velocity (mm/s) parameters (p < 0.05). Cerebellum and vermis cerebelli volumes were found to be lower and trunk oscillation velocity was found to be greater in patients with AIS. CONCLUSION: Balance problems in patients with AIS are correlated with decreased cerebellum volume and increased trunk oscillation velocity.

The role of pineal gland volume in the development of scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is believed to be caused by genetic, neurological, osseous growth anomalies, histological variables including muscle fiber percentage and core structure changes, metabolic and hormonal dysfunction, vestibular dysfunction, and platelet microarchitecture. The objective of this study was to contribute to the determination of the cause of AIS by analyzing the changes in pineal gland volume in AIS cases. METHODS: Study (AIS) and control group were each comprised of 26 patients who met the inclusion requirements. Scoliosis radiograph and MRI of the pineal glands were used for radiological examinations. The distribution of age, gender, Risser grading for skeletal radiological development, and sexual maturation according to Tanner categorization were uniform and statistically insignificant between groups. RESULTS: When the pineal gland volumes of the cases were evaluated according to age, the AIS group was found to have significantly reduced pineal gland volumes in all age groups. The pineal gland volume was found to be 38.1% lower in the AIS group compared to the control group (p˂0.001). In the AIS group, patients aged 13 years had the lowest pineal gland volume (77.2 ± 13.86 mm3), while patients aged 15 years had the highest volume (97.9 ± 16.47 mm3). CONCLUSION: Changes in pineal gland volume support the role of the pineal gland in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.

The Nightmare of Calcaneus: Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to share the clinical results of open calcaneus fractures, which are extremely rare and have become the fearful nightmare of orthopedic surgeons. METHODS: Between June of 2014 and June of 2020, of 196 patients with the diagnosis of calcaneus fracture, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB, 17 patients (11 men and six women; mean age, 36.2 ± 4.6 years; range, 22-56 years) under prospective follow-up were retrospectively screened and included in the study. Patients were recorded in terms of classification of fracture, mechanism of injury, comorbidities, surgical progress, complications, and associated orthopedic and nonorthopedic injuries. Functional clinical results and quality of life of the patients were evaluated at the 6-month follow-up with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. RESULTS: The most common etiologic factor was work-related injuries, with 29.4%. Although triple arthrodesis surgery was performed in three cases because of pseudoarthrosis, amputation was performed in one case because of deep infection. The most common soft-tissue defect was located at the medial aspect of the foot, which was commonly reconstructed with the used of reverse flow island sural flap. The average total American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 51.6 (range, 48-74) and similarly, physical component, pain, and social parameters on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were statistically significant compared to Turkish population normal scores. CONCLUSIONS: A long and laborious process is required for both the patient and the surgeon in the treatment of open calcaneal fractures. However, it is possible to obtain good results with soft-tissue reconstructions.

Comparison of Suture Types and Techniques in Achilles Tendon Repair: An Ex Vivo Biomechanical Animal Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Ideal suture technique and type in tendon repair are remain unclear. This biomechanical study aimed to assess the biomechanical characteristics of three techniques, modified Kessler (mKE), modified Krackow (mKR), and modified tension Bunnell (mtBU), in sheep Achilles' tendon tear repair using three suture types, polypropylene, polyester, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sutures, which are also compared. METHODS: Sixty-three Achilles' tendons harvested from sheep were transversely hacked as a replacement for rupture in a standardized measure and repaired using mKE, mKR, and mtBU techniques with No. 2 polypropylene, polyester, and UHMWPE sutures. Biomechanical parameters, such as Young's modulus, ultimate strength, and strength to the 5-mm gap were recorded for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mtBU technique with UHMWPE use resulted in increased ultimate strength, strenght to 5-mm gap, Young's modulus, and quantity of specimens with low clinical failure modes compared to other techniques with other suture materials. Furthermore, mtBU has the lowest thickness at the repair side of the tendons. This approach showed tendon failure during maximal traction testing, whereas the mKE and mKR had polyethylene and polyester suture failures. CONCLUSIONS: The UHMWPE suture was significantly superior to the other sutures in each suture techniques in terms of strength and durability. The mtBU technique using UHMWPE suture showed better biomechanical results, implying that this repair might be more appropriate to obtain early mobilization after tendon ruptures.

Vitamin B12 reduces the negative effects of nicotine on fetal bone development in the rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental rat study was to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) against the teratogenic effects of nicotine use during pregnancy in the fetus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar-Albino pregnant rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Vit-B12), Group 3 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day), Group 4 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12), Group 5 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day) and Group 6 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12). Nicotine was administered subcutaneously and Vit-B12 was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days. The skeletal systems of the embryos were stained using the double-staining method. The total bone length (TBL), the length of the ossified part, and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. In addition, the weight and crown-rump length (CRL) of the embryos were measured and recorded. RESULTS: Clinical shock effect was observed in all rats administered nicotine. A significant decrease in weight, CRL, and TBL was measured in Group 3 (p=0.0081) and, particularly in Group 5 (p=0.026), which were given only nicotine, compared to other groups. In the morphometric measurements of Group 4 and Group 6 to which Vit-B12 was added, values close to the control group were measured (p=0.173). The data of Group 6 were statistically significantly larger than Group 5 (p=0.007), while it was statistically smaller than Group 1 (p=0.0038). CONCLUSION: Nicotine use negatively affects the morphological development of the embryo. On the other hand, Vit-B12 provides benefits in reducing these negative effects.

Is the Preoperative Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Level Predictive of the Severity of Diabetic Hand Infection According to Surgical and Clinical Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: We purposed to investigate whether preoperative HbA1c level is associated with the severity of surgical treatment in diabetic hand infection cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2015 and October 2018, 102 patients were surgically treated due to diabetic hand infection. Of the patients, 75 who met the criteria for diabetic hand infection were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, < 8.5% HbA1c level (poorly controlled); and Group 2, 8.5% or higher HbA1c level (uncontrolled). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded. Drainage, VAC, ray/open amputation, and microsurgical reconstruction were performed according to the examination and clinical findings. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study groups consisted of 41 patients (5 female/36 male; median age 59 years, range 32-68) in Group 1 and 34 patients (6 female/28 male; median age 62 years, range 28-67) in Group 2. The mean follow-up period was 21.14±10.42 months in Group 1 and 16.70±10.19 months in Group 2, which were not significantly different (p>0.05). The most common microbiological pathogen was polymicrobial in both study groups (39% in Group 1 and 41.2% in Group 2). Drainage was the most common surgical procedure in both groups and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the surgical techniques that were used (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although HbA1c level is an important biomarker for monitoring glycemia in diabetic patients, it is not associated with the severity of surgical treatment in diabetic hand infections.

Is the One Ray Normal or Are the Rest Shorter?: Brachymetapody-A Case Report.

In this case report, we present the case of a 20-year-old male patient who suffered from pain in walking clinically, and in whom an extremely rare type of brachymetatarsia was diagnosed. Although distorted body image is the main reason for consulting a specialist, the patient presented because he was unable to find a proper shoe. The patient had no familial history of brachydactyly, trauma, or a genetic disorder. In this extremely rare case, the decision was made to perform shortening of the normal foot ray with a double osteotomy to the metatarsal and proximal phalanx. At the end of the follow-up period, the patient was walking pain-free and had no limitation in shoe choice.

A multicenter intertrochanteric fracture study in the elderly: Hemiarthroplasty versus proximal femoral nailing.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical and functional results of intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) or proximal femoral nailing (PFN) in elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicenter, prospectively followed-up, retrospectively compared cohort-type study included 308 patients (81 males, 227 females; mean age 78.4±7.2 years; range, 65 to 95 years) who were treated with BHA or PFN for intertrochanteric fractures by five orthopedic surgeons in four provinces and seven clinics between January 2014 and May 2018. Clinical follow-up was performed at third week, third and sixth months, and at the end of the first and second years. The American Society of Anesthesiologists for preoperative status, Singh index for bone quality, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) for functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: While 156 patients (38 males, 118 females; mean age 77.7±5.9) were treated with BHA, 152 patients (43 males, 109 females; mean age 79±6.1) were treated with PFN. While there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of total HHS, a significant difference was found in the sub-parameters (p<0.001). Good and excellent results were found in 78.2% of BHA and 86.2% of PFN patients. Mortality rates were similar at the end of two years (14% and 13.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In general, clinical and functional outcomes of BHA and PFN are similar. The rates of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis are significantly higher in BHA. However, BHA is advantageous in terms of operation time and early weight bearing compared to PFN.

Is the cross-finger flap a good option at the extensor zone defect?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the surgical and clinical outcomes of reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flaps applied to patients with dorsal digital defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and September 2018, 25 (22 males, 3 females; mean age 35.6±11.6 years; range, 19 to 65 years) out of 27 patients under prospective follow-up with finger dorsal digital defect were retrospectively screened and included in the study. The data, obtained by the same two surgeons at six months postoperatively in patients who had undergone reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flaps surgery, concerned cold intolerance, a static two-point separation test, and functional results using range of motion (ROM) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring. RESULTS: The majority of the patients presented with occupational injury (64%), most commonly to the dominant hand (76%) and the fourth finger (36%) most frequently. Seven patients with extensor tendon defects underwent reconstruction with a palmaris longus autograft. At the six-week postoperative follow-up, all flaps were live, the donor site had no morbidity, and no additional intervention was performed. There was no statistically significant difference in finger joint ROM (p>0.05). Cold intolerance was observed in 14 patients (56%). The mean dynamic two-point distinction was 6.0±0.7 mm and the QuickDASH score was 22.3±5.0. CONCLUSION: Due to reasons such as minimal donor site morbidity, satisfactory functional finger outcomes, and easy applicability, reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flap is a good option for reconstruction of defects in the dorsal aspect of the finger with or without extensor mechanism defects.

The effects of focal brain damage on fracture healing: An experimental rat study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether the motor cortex (MC) or the somatosensory cortex (SC) is more active during the course of bone healing after traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three male Wistar albino rats (age, 8 to 10 months; weighing, 250 to 300 g) were randomized into three groups as the control group, MC damage group and SC damage group. Two rats from each brain damage group were sacrificed to verify the locations of the cortical injuries. Callus formation, callus/diaphysis ratios, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured at one, three and six weeks. RESULTS: The increases in callus masses in the control, MC, and SC groups were statistically significantly different between one and three weeks (p<0.05). Although this increase in the MC and SC groups was significant compared to the control group at the end of one week, no statistically significant difference was found between the MC and SC groups (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in callus/diaphysis ratio between control, MC and SC groups in favor of MC group only at one week (p<0.05). The increase in serum ALP levels at three weeks was statistically significantly different in the MC and SC groups compared to the control group and significantly higher in the MC group compared to the SC group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a possible relationship between enhanced fracture healing after TBI and damage in the MC. Motor cortex plays a more active role on fracture healing in TBI.

The effect of metabolic syndrome on recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether or not metabolic syndrome (MS) affects recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 86 hands of 78 patients (19 males, 59 females; mean age 52.0±8.2 years; range 36 to 78 years) who underwent CTS surgery. Patients were examined clinically and demographically for the presence of MS. Patients were also evaluated using a visual analog scale and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire. Diagnoses of recurrence were established using electromyography in patients with clinical CTS and Tinel and/or Phalen test positivity. The effect of MS on recurrent CTS was examined statistically by independent t-test. RESULTS: At the end of a mean follow-up period of 36.2±19.2 months (range 12 to 60 months), recurrence was identified in 31 (36%) of the 86 hands. Of these 31 hands, MS was present in 23 (74.2%). In the 55 hands (64%) without recurrence, MS was present in 10 (18.2%). According to these differences, the effect of MS on recurrent CTS was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that MS affected recurrence in patients who had undergone CTS surgery.

Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture Reconstruction Using the Lindholm Method and the Vulpius Method.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical and functional outcomes of chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction via the Lindholm technique and via the Vulpius' lengthening of the gastrocnemius. METHODS: We evaluated 15 patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture (Lindholm technique in eight patients and primary repair with the Vulpius technique in seven patients). In the final follow-up, the Hooker scale was used to measure the ankle functional capacity in all patients. The patients were evaluated on the basis of their capability to stand on tiptoe on the affected limb and the time required to return to pre-injury daily activities. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 19.6 months (range, 12 - 38 months). The mean time to return to work and daily activity was 3.2 months. The mean calf atrophy at the end of follow-up was 1.2 cm (range, 0 - 2.5 cm). At the last follow-up visit, no patient had any limitation in the activities of daily living and the active and passive ankle range of motion was good. All patients were able to perform single-leg heel rises at the end of follow-up and the Hooker scores were excellent for 11 patients and satisfactory for four patients. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures via the Lindholm technique or via the Vulpius technique is associated with good clinical and functional outcomes.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (Trevor disease) in the ankle.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica, also termed Trevor disease, is a rare disorder that, although benign in nature, can be locally aggressive, particularly when affecting the ankle joint, which is the joint most frequently affected, followed by the knee. The female:male ratio is 1:3, and it is generally diagnosed between 2 and 14 years of age. Surgical treatment with complete resection is recommended before irreversible joint damage and deformity occurs. We presented a case in which dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica was diagnosed on the medial aspect of a right ankle joint.

[A giant hydatid cyst localized in pelvis and thigh]. / Pelvis ve uyluk yerlesimli dev kist hidatik.

A hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease which is caused by a cestode named Echinococcus and often located in the liver. Localization in the bone and soft tissue is rarely seen. In this article, we present a 64-year-old male case with a hydatid cyst located in the soft tissue of the left anterolateral aspect of the thigh. The hydatid cyst starting from the gluteal region proximally into the pelvis, the femoral head and the hip joint leading to the spread of secondary protrusio acetabuli and extending distally to the popliteal region formed a massive lesion. In addition to medical treatment followed by repeated surgeries, the patient with relapses is still under surgical follow-up and medical treatment.

Comparison of simultaneous bilateral with unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA) and unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKA) in terms of morbidity, clinical and radiological findings and quality of life. METHODS: The study included 48 simultaneous BTKAs (46 females, 2 males; mean age: 64.00 ± 8.31 years) and 53 UTKAs (46 females, 7 males; mean age: 64.40 ± 7.45 years) performed between November 2007 and June 2012. Groups were compared with respect to comorbidity, complications, blood transfusion, hospital stay, clinical and radiological (American Knee Society Score) findings and quality of life (SF-36). RESULTS: Three patients in the BTKA group and 1 in the UTKA group required intensive care admission due to pulmonary embolism; 2 cases occurred within the first postoperative 30 days. One BTKA patient died in the early postoperative period and 1 patient from the BTKA and 1 from the UTKA group died within 1 year. Hospital stay, perioperative blood transfusion parameters and mortality rates were significantly different in favor of UTKA and revision operation rates in favor of BTKA (p<0.05). All patients had improved knee and function scores and SF-36 scores. However, there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous BTKA should be considered in selected patients under 70 years of age with good compliance and no comorbid disease.