Inter- and Intraobserver Reliability of Three Different Methods Used for the Assessment of Carpal Collapse in Healthy Individuals.

Introduction: Three different methods are described in the literature for the evaluation of carpal collapse. Measurements of carpal collapse by different people may affect the results. We aimed to investigate the inter and intraobserver reliability of three different methods used in carpal height measurement and to review the reference ranges for each method in healthy individuals. Methods: 179 wrist radiographs were evaluated by an orthopedist and a radiologist. Two observers made their evaluations independently of each other and unaware of each other's measurement results. They measured the carpal height ratio, the revised carpal height ratio, and the distance between the capitate-radius on each radiograph. One month later, all radiographs were reevaluated by two observers. Results: Results were analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient. All methods had very high reproducibility. Interobserver reliability of the CH and RCH ratios were similar, and both had higher interobserver reliability scores than the CR index. In intraobserver reliability, the score of the CH ratio was higher in all measurements, and the lowest score was in the CR index. However, there was no statistical difference between the three methods in terms of inter- and intraobserver reliability. Conclusion: All three methods can be used in cases where the healthy extremity is desired to be used as a reference point in the evaluation of carpal height. Although the reliability scores of the CH ratio were found to be higher in this study, the practitioner can choose the desired method by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Introduction : Trois méthodes différentes sont décrites dans les publications pour l'évaluation de l'effondrement carpien. Des mesures effectuées par des personnes différentes peuvent avoir une répercussion sur les résultats. Nous avons cherché à établir la fiabilité interobservateurs et intraobservateur de trois différentes méthodes utilisées pour mesurer la hauteur du carpe et pour revoir les plages de référence pour chaque méthode chez des sujets en bonne santé. Méthodes : Un total de 179 poignets et radiographies postéro-antérieures de poignet ont été évaluées par un orthopédiste et un radiologiste. Deux observateurs ont fait leurs évaluations indépendamment l'un de l'autre et en ignorant les résultats des mesures de l'autre évaluateur. Ils ont mesuré le ratio de hauteur du carpe (CH), le ratio révisé de hauteur du carpe (CHR) et la distance entre le grand os (os capitatum) et le radius (indice CR) sur chaque radiographie. Un mois plus tard, toutes les radiographies ont été réévaluées par deux observateurs. Résultats : Les résultats ont été analysés en calculant le coefficient de corrélation intracatégorie. Toutes les méthodes ont affiché une reproductibilité très élevée. La concordance interobservateurs pour les ratios CH et CHR a été similaire et les deux avaient des scores de fiabilité interobservateurs plus élevés que l'indice CR. Dans la concordance intraobservateur, le score du ratio CH a été plus élevé dans toutes les mesures et le score de l'indice CR a été le plus faible. Cependant, il n'y a pas eu de différence statistique entre les trois méthodes en termes de concordance inter et intraobservateur. Conclusion : Les trois méthodes peuvent être utilisées dans les cas où le clinicien souhaite utiliser le membre sain comme élément de référence pour l'évaluation de la hauteur du carpe. Bien que les scores de fiabilité du score CH aient été plus élevés dans cette étude, le praticien peut utiliser la méthode de son choix en tenant compte des avantages et inconvénients de chacune.

High-Grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast With Regressive Changes: Radiological and Clinicopathological Findings.

Objective: Tumour regression is defined as continuity of changes leading to the elimination of a neoplastic population and is reflected as periductal fibrosis and intraductal tumour attenuation. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological and clinicopathological characteristics of high-grade breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with regressive changes (RC). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two cases of high-grade DCIS with RC on biopsy specimens followed by excision were included. The mammographic, ultrasonographic (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of cases were retrospectively reviewed according to the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) lexicon. Clinical and histopathological findings [comedonecrosis, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and Ki-67 proliferation index] were recorded. The rate of upgrade to invasive cancer after surgical excision and lymph node involvement were evaluated. Results: The most common mammographic finding was microcalcifications alone (68.8%). The most frequently seen findings on US were microcalcifications only (21.9%), followed by microcalcifications and hypoechoic area (18.7%). On MRI, most lesions presented as clumped non-mass enhancement with segmental distribution. ER/PR negativity (53.1%, 65.6%), HER2 positivity (56.3%) and high Ki-67 (62.5%), which are known to be associated with more aggressive behavior, were found to be proportionally higher. The rate of upgrade to invasive cancer was 21.8%. Conclusion: DCIS with RC lesions present most often as microcalcifications alone on both mammography and US. MRI features are not distinguishable from those of other DCIS lesions. DCIS with RC lesions show biomarker status reflecting more aggressive behavior and high upgrade rate to invasive cancer.

Meniscal extrusion, cartilage, bone, and ligament lesions associated with medial meniscus posterior root tear gap.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between the severity of the tear gap resulting from medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) tear and medial meniscal extrusion, cartilage, bone, and ligament lesions on MRI. METHODS: A total of 133 patients with MMPR tear were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the tear gap width as minor (≤ 4 mm) and widely (4 mm<) displaced. Medial meniscal extrusion and medial compartmental chondromalacia, bone and ligament lesions were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 61 patients (56 women and 5 men) in the minor displaced group (mean age: 56.3 years, range: 29-82 years) and 72 patients (59 women, 13 men) in the widely displaced group (mean age: 53.2 years, range: 20-86 years). There was no significant difference in terms of age and sex (p = 0.31 and p = 0.09, respectively). The mean absolute extrusion was 3.51 mm (range: 1.5-5 mm) in the minor displaced group and 4.52 mm (range: 2.4-7.2 mm) in the widely displaced group (p < 0.001). High-grade medial femoral condylar chondromalacia was more common in the widely displaced group (p = 0.002). Osteophyte, bone marrow edema, and subchondral cyst in the medial compartment, and ligament injury were higher in the widely displaced group, but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The amount of medial meniscal extrusion and the prevalence of high-grade medial femoral condylar chondromalacia were found to be significantly more in patients with wider tear gap. Determining the amount of tear gap in the evaluation of root ligament tears on MRI is important to predict knee joint internal derangement.

Radiological and clinicopathological findings of breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative study with the pre-pandemic era.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis and surgical treatment delays that occurred during the coronavirus disease-2019- (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected breast cancer presentation. This study aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancers during the pandemic by comparing them with similar cases from the previous year. The study also aimed to determine the radiological findings of breast cancers during the pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer between March 11, 2020, and December 11, 2020 (the pandemic group). These patients were compared with similar patients from the previous year (the pre-pandemic group). The postoperative histopathology results of both groups were compared, and the preoperative radiological findings of the pandemic group were defined. RESULTS: There were 71 patients in the pandemic group and 219 patients in the pre-pandemic group. The tumor size was significantly greater, lymph node involvement was more frequent, and waiting time for surgery was longer in the pandemic group (P < 0.001, P = 0.044, P = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in respect of in situ/invasive tumor distribution, histological type and histological grade of tumor, the presence of lymphovascular/perineural invasion, multifocal/multicentric focus, and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Classification (P > 0.15). The radiologic findings of breast cancer during the pandemic typically showed characteristics of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic had larger tumor sizes, more frequent lymph node involvement and longer waiting time for surgical treatment. Screening programs should be continued as soon as possible by taking necessary precautions.

Investigation of the Cepstral Spectral Acoustic Analysis for Classifying the Severity of Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVES: The advantages of cepstral measurements in the evaluation of dysphonia have been noted in previous studies. However, there is an unclarity regarding the results of cepstral analyzes effect in determining the severity of dysphonia. The aims of this study were to determine the cut-off values of cepstral peak prominence, cepstral peak prominence standard deviation, low frequency/ high frequency ratio, low frequency/high frequency ratio standard deviation, and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia for predicting the voice severity within a Turkish speaking population, as well as to confirm the discriminative power of these cut-off values. MATERIALS METHODS: One hundred ninety-five individuals with voice disorders and an equal number of age and gender-matched individuals without voice disorders were included. Included subjects had visited the Hacettepe University Hospitals Speech and Language Therapy Department for voice evaluation between January 2017 and September 2021. The voice recordings from all participants included the six CAPE-V/Turkish sentences and sustained vowel /a/. Three raters provided auditory perceptual ratings of the voice samples using the GRBAS scale (grade) and overall severity for the CAPE-V/Turkish. Participants were categorized into normal and mild, moderate, and severely dysphonic groups based on the auditory perceptual evaluation. Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice (ADSV) software was used for cepstral spectral acoustic analysis. RESULTS: In the sustained vowel context, the area under the curve (ROC) for the CSID value was >0.8, except for mild vs. moderate dysphonia groups. In connected speech contexts, the ROC of the CPP value was also >0.8, except for normal vs. mild dysphonia groups. The cut-off values of CPP and CSID demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for predicting voice severities. CONCLUSION: The cut-off values for the parameters that predicted voice severities showed a significant degree of discriminative power for categorizing voice severities among Turkish-speaking people.

The coexistence of os trigonum, accessory navicular bone and os peroneum and associated tendon and bone pathologies.

PURPOSE: To determine how often os trigonum is accompanied by accessory navicular and os peroneum. A secondary aim of the study was to investigate the bone and related tendon pathologies that may develop in these three accessory bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 patients who were evaluated by ankle MRI and were determined with os trigonum between 2009-2015 were included in the study. The frequency was determined of os trigonum together with accessory navicular bone and os peroneum. MR images were also evaluated in respect of bone pathologies and related tendon pathologies of these 3 accessory bones. RESULTS: Of 110 patients determined with os trigonum on MRI, 21 (19%) were also determined with accessory navicular bone and 5 (4.5%) with os peroneum.When bone pathologies were examined, the most frequently seen pathology was bone marrow edema.The most common pathology in the tendons related to the accessory bones was increased amount of synovial fluid within the tendon sheath. In cases with os trigonum, bone changes were observed more frequently than pathologies of the adjacent tendons, in the accessory navicular bone cases, tendon pathologies were observed more than bone changes and in the cases with os peroneum, bone and tendon pathologies were determined at equal rates.There was no significant difference in terms of FHL tendon pathology between patients with and without edema in os trigonum. However, TP tendon was significantly more pathological in patients with edema in accessory navicular bone. CONCLUSION: More than one accessory bone was determined in approximately one in four cases.The most common pathologies determined in these accessory bones was bone marrow edema and increased amount of synovial fluid within the tendon sheath.It is necessary to investigate and report all these findings on MRI as they play an important role in the explanation of clinical findings and treatment planning.

Telepractice with Preschool Children: Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives in Turkey.

The purpose of this research was to investigate speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perspectives, attitudes, and experiences of using telepractice for preschoolers in Turkey. A mixed-method online survey was used with SLPs who implemented telepractice with preschool children. Frequency distribution and theme analysis were used to examine the data. Therapy was the most offered online service (98%). Further, 67% of SLPs worked with speech sound disorders. More than half of SLPs felt confident offering telepractice to preschoolers. Most respondents thought that telepractice was an appropriate and easily accessible approach for preschool children, with the applicability of telepractice connected to a child's type of problem. The SLPs were motivated by the numerous advantages of telepractice. However, their opinions were divided when telepractice was compared to in-person treatment. The SLPs in Turkey must be better educated about telepractice, and clinical standards established. The findings point to areas of telepractice that might be improved for preschoolers, especially in Turkey.

Variations ignored in routine wrist MRI reports: prevalence of the median nerve anatomical variations and persistent median artery.

BACKGROUND: It is vital to know the anatomical variations of the wrist to avoid iatrogenic injuries during carpal tunnel (CT) surgery. PURPOSE: To determine the anatomical variations of the median nerve (MN) and the prevalence of persistent median artery (PMA) on wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 300 wrists evaluated by MRI during 2013-2015 were retrospectively identified. While branching of the MN distal to the CT is accepted as the normal anatomy, proximal to the tunnel and within the tunnel were considered as variations. The prevalence of PMA was also evaluated. The patients were assigned to groups according to age, gender, and wrist side and compared to determine whether there was any significant difference in terms of these variations. All evaluations were assessed with the shared decision of a musculoskeletal radiologist and a radiology resident. RESULTS: Of the 300 wrists, 38 (12.7%) and 34 (11.3%) had a bifid MN proximal to the CT and within the CT, respectively. Only one nerve trifurcation was seen within the CT. The MN exhibited branching distal to the CT in 227 (76%) patients. PMA was observed in 44 (14.7%) patients. Of the 44 PMA cases, 28 (63.6%) also had a coexisting MN variation. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of MN variations and PMA in the subgroups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly one in four patients (24.4%) have MN variations and 14.8% had PMA. Preoperative evaluation of these common anatomical variations with MRI will be protective against postoperative complications of CT surgery.

Evaluation of an artificial intelligence system for diagnosing scaphoid fracture on direct radiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence with the use of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for detecting scaphoid fractures on anteroposterior wrist radiographs. The performance of the deep learning algorithm was also compared with that of the emergency department (ED) physician and two orthopaedic specialists (less experienced and experienced in the hand surgery). METHODS: A total 390 patients with AP wrist radiographs were included in the study. The presence/absence of the fracture on radiographs was confirmed via CT. The diagnostic performance of the CNN, ED physician and two orthopaedic specialists (less experienced and experienced) as measured by AUC, sensitivity, specificity, F-Score and Youden index, to detect scaphoid fractures was evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The CNN had 76% sensitivity and 92% specificity, 0.840 AUC, 0.680 Youden index and 0.826 F score values in identifying scaphoid fractures. The experienced orthopaedic specialist had the best diagnostic performance according to AUC. While CNN's performance was similar to a less experienced orthopaedic specialist, it was better than the ED physician. CONCLUSION: The deep learning algorithm has the potential to be used for diagnosing scaphoid fractures on radiographs. Artificial intelligence can be useful for scaphoid fracture diagnosis particularly in the absence of an experienced orthopedist or hand surgeon.

The Incidence of Accessory Ossicles of the Wrist: A Radiographic Study.

Objective Accessory ossicles of the wrist are generally asymptomatic and detected incidentally as radiological findings. These bones are rarely symptomatic but can produce pain in cases of impingement or direct trauma. More frequently, these bones are misinterpreted as avulsion fractures in trauma patients, which may lead to unnecessary immobilization and overtreatment. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of accessory ossicles of the wrist and also determine if the incidence is related to age, gender, or ongoing wrist pain. Materials and Methods A total of 1146 wrist radiographs were included in the study. All radiographs were analyzed for the presence of 20 different accessory ossicles of the wrist. Patients were also divided into two groups, as with and without accessory ossicle. Two groups were compared in terms of age, gender, and side. Results About 113 accessory ossicles were detected in 111 (9.7%) radiographs. The most common accessory ossicles were os triangulare and os ulnostyloideum, and the least common accessory ossicles were os gruberi and os praetrapezium. Patients who had accessory ossicle had a significantly higher age than those who did not have accessory ossicle. There was no significant difference between the patients with and without accessory ossicle in terms of gender and side. Conclusions The results of this study showed that the most common accessory ossicles in the wrist were os triangulare and os ulnostyloideum, and the incidence of accessory bones increased with age. Clinical Relevance Since accessory ossicles of the wrist can be confused with fractures in trauma patients and are frequently ignored in patients presenting with pain, it is very important to know the incidence and distribution of these ossicles. Therefore, this study is important, in that it provides potentially guiding anatomical data for clinicians in terms of diagnosis and management.

Prevalence, coincidence and distribution patterns of sesamoid bones of the hand / Patrones de prevalencia, coincidencia y distribución de los huesos sesamoideos de la mano

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and distribution patterns of sesamoid bones at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints and to determine if there is an association between the distribution patterns and age, gender, and hand side. Patients who had a direct radiograph of the hand obtained between 2019-2020 were retrospectively evaluated. All radiographs were evaluated in terms of the prevalence, coincidence, and distribution patterns of sesamoid bones. Presence of an association between distribution patterns and age, sex and side was also assessed. A total of 1501 hand radiographs were included into the study. There were 12 different patterns of sesamoid bone distribution. The most common distribution pattern was the presence of sesamoid bone at the first MCP joint only (25.8 %). There was a positive correlation between the second and third MCP, second and fifth MCP, second and first IP, third and fourth MCP and fifth MCP and first IP joints. The pattern with a sesamoid bone at the first MCP joint only was more prevalent among males, whereas the pattern involving coincidence of sesamoid bones at the first, second, fifth MCP and first IP joints was more prevalent among females (p<0.001, p=0.031). A positive correlation was observed between age and the number of MCP joints with sesamoid bones (p<0.001). The number of MCP joints with sesamoid bones was found to be higher in females (p<0.001). This study is important in that it provided anatomical data that can be guiding for clinicians in terms of diagnosis and management of hand disorders.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia y los patrones de distribución de los huesos sesamoideos en las articulaciones metacarpofalángicas (MCF) e interfalángicas (IF) y determinar si existe una asociación entre los patrones de distribución y la edad, el sexo y el lado de la mano; fueron evaluadas retrospectivamente radiografías de la mano obtenidas en 2019- 2020. Todas las radiografías se evaluaron en términos de prevalencia, coincidencia y patrones de distribución de los huesos sesamoideos. También se evaluó la presencia de una asociación entre los patrones de distribución y la edad, el sexo y el lado. Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 1501 radiografías de mano. Se observaron 12 patrones diferentes de distribución de los huesos sesamoideos. El patrón de distribución más común fue la presencia de hueso sesamoideo solo en la primera articulación MCF (25,8 %). Hubo una correlación positiva entre la segunda y la tercera MCF, la segunda y la quinta MCP, la segunda y la primera IF, la tercera y cuarta MCF y la quinta MCF y las primeras articulaciones IF. El patrón con un hueso sesamoideo en la primera articulación MCF fue más prevalente entre los hombres, mientras que el patrón de coincidencia de los huesos sesamoideos en la primera, segunda, quinta articulación MCF y la primera articulación IF fue más prevalente entre las mujeres (p <0.001, p = 0,031). Se observó una correlación positiva entre la edad y el número de articulaciones MCF con huesos sesamoideos (p <0,001). El número de articulaciones MCF con huesos sesamoideos era mayor en las mujeres (p <0,001). Este estudio es importante debido a que proporcionó datos anatómicos que pueden ser una guía para los médicos en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los trastornos de la mano.

Edema-mass Ratio Based On Magnetic Resonance Imaging As A Preoperative Diagnostic Factor For Posterior Fossa Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Peritumoral edema of primary brain tumors is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The number of studies currently available on the prognostic role of peritumoral brain edema in the posterior fossa is extremely limited. OBJECTIVE: Based on the known importance of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing supratentorial metastases, this study aimed to investigate the effects of peritumoral edema on survival of patients with posterior fossa metastases and the preoperative diagnostic value of MRI. METHODS: Edema and mass volumes of 49 patients with posterior fossa metastasis, who underwent surgery during 2012-2016, were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The edema/mass indices were retrospectively calculated and interpreted by evaluating the demographic, clinical, and survival data. RESULTS: The study consisted of 32 (65.3%) male and 17 (34.7%) female participants, with the mean age ± standard deviation of 47.25±29.25 (17-81) years. Among the 49 patients with posterior fossa metastases, 34 (69.4%) had carcinoma, while 15 (30.6%) had non-carcinoma metastases. The edema/mass indices of patients with carcinoma and non-carcinoma metastases were found to be 14.55±9.64 and 1.34±1.08, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean survival of patients with carcinoma and non-carcinoma metastases was found to be 642±11.52 days and 726±9.32 days, respectively; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.787). CONCLUSION: The edema/mass ratio was found to be a significant diagnostic factor for the prediction of posterior fossa metastases. Further detailed studies are warranted to investigate the effect of edema/mass ratio on survival rate.

Fully threaded headless compression screw versus partially threaded cancellous lag screw in medial malleolus fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of medial malleolar fractures, which were treated with fully threaded headless compression screws and to compare the clinical and radiological results of this screws and partially threaded cancellous lag screws. METHODS: Sixty-one patients who attended the final follow-up examination were included in the study. Group 1 comprised 29 patients applied with fully threaded headless compression screws and Group 2 comprised 32 patients with partially threaded cancellous lag screws. Radiological evaluation was made with standard radiographs. The clinical evaluations were applied using the AOFAS ankle hindfoot scale. Pain or sensitivity by touching over the medial malleolus was recorded and scored according to Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: No significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to age, gender, fracture type, follow-up time, bone union time and AOFAS scores. The medial sensitivity associated with implant irritation was significantly lower in Group 1. There was no need for removal of the fixation material in any patient of Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed satisfactory results in the two fixation techniques in medial malleolar fractures. However, the rates of medial sensitivity associated with implant irritation were lower in the group where fully threaded headless compression screws were used. Therefore, to prevent postoperative patient dissatisfaction caused by persistent medial sensitivity associated with implant irritation, despite successful surgical treatment, the primary choice may be fully threaded headless compression screws.

Histopathological and Tumor Characteristics Associated with False Negative Axillary Ultrasonography Results in Breast Cancer.

AIMS: As the false-negative rates of axillary ultrasonography (AUS) (21%-48%) are not optimal, the demand for axillary surgery remains even if AUS is negative. The aim of this study is to determine the histopathological and tumor characteristics associated with false-negative AUS results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with normal AUS were divided into two groups as true-negative and false-negative according to the histopathology results of axillary lymph nodes. Two groups were compared in terms of age, histological grade of the primary tumor, histological size of the primary tumor, histological type, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and ultrasonography BI-RADS classification of the primary tumor. The number of metastatic lymph nodes, size of the largest metastatic lymph node and the number of micrometastatic lymph nodes were also noted in the false-negative group. RESULTS: There were 152 patients with normal preoperative AUS in the study group. The false-negative AUS rate was 20.4%. The incidence of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and the mean tumor size was significantly greater in the false-negative group. Micrometastasis was present in 3 patients (3/31, 9.6%), the mean of the largest metastatic lymph nodes was 12.5 mm, the mean total number of malignant lymph nodes was 1.9 in the false-negative group. In 25/31 (80.6%) of the patients, there were less than or equal to 2 metastatic lymph nodes. The presence of LVI was higher in the false-negative group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the other parameters. CONCLUSION: Before stating that the axilla is normal on ultrasonography, a careful evaluation should be made in patients with a mass >2 cm in size and/ or ILC diagnosis.

Factors Influencing the Results in Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A 2 - 5 Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) on the treatment of osteochondral lesions in the knee joint and to determine the factors affecting the functional results. METHODS: The study included 34 patients with a cartilage defect in the knee joint who were applied MACI® (GenzymeBiosurgery, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) technique between the years 2010 - 2015. The defect localizations and sizes, past surgeries were recorded. The clinical results were measured with Cincinnati and Lysholm scores. RESULTS: As a result of the repeated measures at postoperatively, it was found that the patients had increased Lysholm and Cincinnati functional scores in all follow-up periods (P = 0.0001). When the mean value of Lysholm and Cincinnati functional scores were assessed according to BMI group, no statistically significant difference was determined (P = 0.941 and P = 0.779). The measurements at 6 and 12 months of the follow-up indicated that the mean scores of the group with no concomitant pathologies were significantly higher than those of the group with concomitant pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The MACI application provides good and stable outcomes for focal cartilage damage in young patients. In order to obtain significant results after autologous chondrocyte implantation, the selection of appropriate patients without concomitant pathologies is required.

Sanders type 3-4 calcaneal fractures fixed with locking plate: does tri-cortical iliac bone autograft provide extra benefit for stabilization?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether tri-cortical iliac bone autografting provided extra benefit for the stabilization in Sanders Type 3-4 calcaneal fractures fixed with locking plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 29 calcaneal fractures (Sanders Type 3/4=15/14). All fractures were fixed with locking plate using the extended lateral approach. Bone grafts were used in 16 (Group A; Sanders Type 3/4=7/9) and not used in 13 (Group B; Sanders Type 3/4=8/5) calcaneal fractures. As a grafting material, only tri-cortical iliac crest bone autograft was used. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. The same locking plate was used in all fractures. Calcaneal height and angle of Bohler and Gissane were measured in early postoperative and final control radiographs in both groups. Clinical evaluations were performed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hind foot scale. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical results. Radiologically, the degree of change in Bohler's angle, Gissane's angle, and calcaneal height was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Bone grafting does not affect the clinical and radiologic outcomes in Sanders Type 3-4 calcaneal fractures fixed with locking plate, and they provide no extra benefit to the stabilization. We think that fixation using locking plate is adequate and there is no need for bone grafting.

Isolated Medial Malleolus Fractures: Conventional Techniques Versus Headless Compression Screw Fixation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of surgically treated isolated medial malleolar fractures and compare the clinical and radiologic results of the fixation methods of headless cannulated fully threaded compression screws and cancellous lag screws and tension band wiring. We included 32 patients who attended the final follow-up examination. Group 1 consisted of 11 patients (34.4%) treated with headless cannulated fully threaded compression screws. Group 2 consisted of 10 patients (31.2%) treated with cancellous lag screws. Group 3 consisted of 11 patients (34.4%) treated with Kirschner wires and intraosseous tension wiring. Standard ankle radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and visual analog scale for pain were assessed. No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in regard to age, gender, preoperative fracture type, follow-up time, radiologic bone union time, and baseline AOFAS scale scores. The interval to fracture healing was 2.2 ± 0.42 months in group 1, 2.5 ± 0.71 months in group 2, and 2.45 ± 0.52 months in group 3. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score was 96.73 ± 5.55 in group 1, 93.1 ± 5.43 in group 2, and 93.73 ± 5.52 in group 3. Hardware removal was not required in any patient in group 1 but was required in 2 patients (20%) in group 2 and 3 patients (27.3%) in group 3. The visual analog scale score for pain on palpation at the medial malleolus was significantly lower statistically in the headless compression screw group (group 1; p = .003).

The association of patellar maltracking with infrapatellar fat pad edema and chondromalacia patella: A quantitative morphological magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the relationship of patellofemoral joint morphology with infrapatellar fat pad edema and chondromalacia patella (CP) using patellar maltracking parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2013, 50 patients with edema in the superolateral portion of the infrapatellar fat pad (the study group) and control group (n=50) with a normal infrapatellar fat pad were identified on MRI to compare with regard to five patellar maltracking parameters retrospectively. These parameters were trochlear depth, the trochlear sulcus angle (TSA), patellar translation, the lateral patellofemoral angle (PFA), and the Insall-Salvati ratio. The relationship between patellar maltracking and the CP was also evaluated using the same parameters. RESULTS: In the study group, the Insall-Salvati index and TSA were significantly higher (p=0.001), and the trochlear depth and PFA were low (p=0.001, p=0.01), while patellar translation showed no difference (p=0.957). In the CP group, the Insall-Salvati index and TSA were significantly high (p=0.001), the trochlear depth was low (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in PFA and patellar translation (p=0.292, p=0.446). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that edema in the superolateral portion of infrapatellar fat pad and CP are associated with patellar maltracking.

Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension with preserved right ventricular function leads to lower extremity venous insufficiency.

Objectives Pulmonary hypertension with heart failure is related to venous insufficiency. However, there is no clear data whether pulmonary arterial hypertension with preserved right ventricular function cause venous insufficiency. In this study, we aim to investigate the relation between pulmonary arterial pressure with venous insufficiency in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with preserved right ventricular function. Methods Between January 2012 and October 2014, 38 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and 47 control group patients were included. Venous disability score and venous segmental disease score of both groups were calculated in order to measure venous insufficiency. The relationship between venous disability score and venous segmental disease scores and mean pulmonary arterial pressure and World Heart Organization functional capacity was examined. Results Total venous segmental disease score (5 ± 3.9 vs. 2 ± 1.8 p < 0.001), right venous segmental disease score (2.6 ± 2.2 vs. 1 ± 0.9 p < 0.001), left venous segmental disease score (2.4 ± 2.2 vs. 1 ± 0.9 p < 0.001), and venous disability scores (2.2 ±1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7 p < 0.001) of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were higher than the control group. While the total venous segmental disease score was highly related to mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.829, p < 0.001), the venous disability score was only weakly related (r = 0.343, p = 0.037). Total venous segmental disease score (r = 0.606, p < 0.001) and venous disability scores (r = 0.601, p < 0.001) were moderately related with World Health Organization functional capacity intensity. Conclusions The degree of venous insufficiency increase in accordance with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure even in patients with preserved right ventricular function.