Traditional Dual Growing Rod Technique in the Management of Early Onset Scoliosis and Its Effects on Spinal Growth and Lung Development: The Mid-Term Prospective Results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the traditional dual growing rod (TDGR) technique, using only pedicle screws for fixation with more frequent lengthening while evaluating scoliosis correction in the growing spine, spinal growth rates, and the differences in lung volumes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-centre prospective study, 27 patients with a follow-up of over three years were included in the study. Only pedicle screws were used as foundations for fixation. Routine lengthening procedures were performed every six months. Data were recorded including the age of initial surgery, gender, number of lengthenings, follow-up, and complications. The Cobb angle of the major curve, kyphosis angle, T1- S1 length, space available for lung (SAL) ratio, coronal and sagittal balance, and the height of all patients were measured and recorded preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and finally before and after every lengthening. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 46.3 months (36-64 months). The correction rate was 69.5% for Cobb angle and 43.2% for kyphosis between preoperative and final follow-up period. The time between two lengthenings was 6.9 months, and the mean T1-S1 length increase was 1.78 cm per year. The SAL ratio increased from 0.885 preinitially to 0.985 at the last follow-up. The complication rate was determined as 9.6% in 187 procedures. Acceptable improvements were determined in the specified parameters with low complication rates with the use of this technique. CONCLUSION: The TDGR technique with proximal and distal pedicle screws as anchors is a safe and effective treatment for deformity control in selected patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS). Repetitive surgical interventions are the negative side of this technique.

The efficacy of in situ local autograft in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a comparison of three different grafting methods

Background/aim: This study was performed to show the efficacy of in situ local autograft with a comparison of in situ local autograft, local autograft with allograft, and local autograft with posterior iliac crest autograft.Materials and methods: In this prospective randomized study, a total of 65 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients were separated into 3 groups: Group 1 using local autograft and allograft, Group 2 using local autograft only, and Group 3 using local autograft and posterior iliac crest autograft. Posterior segmental instrumentation was also applied to all patients. The mean follow-up period was 28.5 months (range, 15-40 months). Pseudarthrosis was investigated with the multiplanar and three-dimensional images obtained using multislice computed tomography, thoracolumbar bone single-photon emission computed tomography, and three-phase regional and whole body bone scintigraphy. Results: Pseudarthrosis was not observed in any patient. Fusion was obtained in all patients at the end of the follow-up periods.Conclusion: Similar results were obtained in respect of fusion in all 3 groups. Without the use of additional grafts, sufficient fusion can be achieved with the use of local autograft alone for posterior spinal fusion in patients with AIS.

Anconeus interposition arthroplasty in acute multiligamentous elbow injuries with irreparable radial head fractures: a novel approach.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a new reconstruction with anconeus interposition arthroplasty in acute multiligamentous elbow injuries with irreparable radial head fractures. METHODS: Five patients (3 males, 2 females) with a mean age of 42.6 years who underwent reconstruction with anconeus arhtroplasty were evaluated. With lateral approach, lateral capsuloligamentous structures were repaired, the radial head was excised, and anconeus interposition arthroplasty was performed. With medial intervention, the medial collateral ligament was repaired, and the ulnar nerve was transposed anteriorly. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed the end of a mean follow-up period of 63 months. RESULTS: Mean Mayo Elbow Performance, Oxford Elbow, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were 91, 41.4, and 13.76, respectively. Average elbow extension loss was 10.2° and average forearm supination loss was 5.2°. Dynamic elbow instability tests were within normal limits. On elbow radiographs, the average increase in cubitus valgus angle was 5.4°. No patient reported limitation in daily activities. There was no heterotopic ossification in any patient. Mean radial shortening was 1.39 mm, and no patient suffered from wrist pain at final follow-up. Average Mayo wrist score was 91 points. CONCLUSION: The combination of repair of the medial and lateral structures, radial head resection, and anconeus interposition arthroplasty may be a good alternative in the treatment of acute multiligamentous elbow injuries with irreparable radial head fracture.

Modified tension band wiring technique for olecranon fractures: where and how should the K-wires be inserted to avoid articular penetration?

OBJECTIVE: Articular penetration of K-wires is a possible complication of the modified tension band wiring technique. However, there is no clear information or evidence regarding the entry point or introduction angle for K-wires to avoid this complication. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of varying K-wire insertion points and angles on the risk for articular penetration during modified tension band wiring for olecranon fractures. METHODS: All anatomical measurements were made on 50 cadaveric ulnas, and all other measurements were performed on exact foam replications of the 50 cadaveric ulnas. Morphometric measurements, including olecranon height and heights of the central, radial and ulnar facets of the semilunar notch, were taken. In the sagittal plane, articular angle and tubercle angle were measured. Two 1.6-mm parallel K-wires were inserted from 0, 5 and 8 mm anterior to the dorsal cortex of the olecranon process at angles of 20° and 30°. K-wire articular penetration was evaluated both visually and radiographically. RESULTS: The mean central, radial and ulnar heights of the semilunar notch were 17.3 mm (14.7-20.0), 16.2 mm (12.0-21.0) and 15.8 mm (13.30-20.5), respectively. We observed no articular penetration at the 0-mm level at 20° and 30° (0 mm 20° and 0 mm 30°, respectively) or at 5 mm 20°. At 8 mm 30° wire introduction, more than 64% articular penetration was observed on either facet. The sequence from least to most likely to cause articular penetration was: 0 mm = 5 mm 20° > 5 mm 30° = 8 mm 20° > 8 mm 30°. The radial height of the semilunar notch was negatively correlated to the risk of articular penetration, when the wire was introduced at 8 mm 30°, 8 mm 20° and 5 mm 30° (all p<0.047). There were poor correlations between radiological and direct observational assessments, particularly for 8 mm 20° and 5 mm 30°. The frequency of intra-articular positioning for those observed to be radiologically extra-articular was 4/28 (14.3%) for 8 mm 30°, 4/7 (57.1%) for 8 mm 20° and 5/6 (83.3%) for 5 mm 30°. CONCLUSION: When applying the modified tension band wiring technique to prevent articular penetration, K-wires should be inserted in the first 5 mm from dorsal cortex of the olecranon process at a maximum angle of 20°. Moreover, if the wires are required to be inserted more anteriorly because of the anatomical configuration of the fracture, they should be inserted at a shallow angle in the sagittal plane in relation to the proximal cortex of the ulna.

Pin site care during circular external fixation using two different protocols.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of tibial fractures with Ilizarov external fixation is a valuable treatment alternative; however, development of problems at the pin site is one of the major drawbacks of this technique. Moreover, there is no general agreement regarding pin site care. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different pin site care techniques after treatment of tibial fractures with an Ilizarov external fixator. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of education and research hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, we followed up 610 pin sites in 39 cases using two different pin site care protocols. INTERVENTION: For the first 15 days, patients in both groups cleaned each pin site using sterile gauze impregnated with 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (Polyod) every 3 days. After 15 days, patients in group 1 (20 cases, 310 pin sites) were advised to perform pin care by daily showering and brushing the pin sites with soap and an ordinary soft toothbrush, whereas patients in group 2 (19 cases, 300 pin sites) were advised to perform pin care by daily showering and cleaning the crusts using sterile gauze impregnated with 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (Polyod). Each pin site was denominated according to location. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pin sites were inspected and graded on a scale of 0 to 5 according to slight modification of the system of Dahl described by Gordon et al during outpatient visits on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th, 120th, and 150th days of follow up after the operation until fixator removal. Grade 1 and grade 2 infections were categorized as minor infection not requiring any extra pin site care and grade 3 and above infections as major infection. RESULTS: Minor infection rate of all pin sites was determined as 50.7% in group 1 and 43.6% in group 2. Major infection rate was determined as 3.5% in group 1 and 3.7% in group 2. No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pin site care can be performed without impairing patient comfort and without prohibition of showering. Pin site care can be self-managed by the patients without complex sterilization techniques.

Comparison of two different anesthesia techniques for tourniquet pain with the use of forearm tourniquet.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the effectiveness of two different anesthesia techniques for tourniquet pain in minor surgeries of the hand with the use of the forearm tourniquet. METHODS: In group 1, the area under the tourniquet was anesthetized circumferentially using a cream composed of 5% lidocaine and 5% prilocaine (Emla Astra). In group 2, the area under the tourniquet was anesthetized with a ring-type infiltration of the skin and subcutaneus tissues using 50% diluted Citanest solution using 22 G x 3 1/2'' size spinal needle (Sujia) with three injections. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the means of the two groups with respect to both tests (p value = 0.18 [t-test], p = 0.951 [Mann-Whitney test]). Tourniquet related anesthesia technique discomfort was higher in group 2 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The tourniquet placed at the distal forearm is an effective, safe, and useful technique for hand surgery. Anesthesia using Emla cream is equally effective and less disturbing than using the injection technique (subcutaneus ring anesthesia).

[Biomechanical comparison of two different wire stretching methods in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with the Ilizarov echnique and the related clinical results]. / Tibia plato kiriklarinin Ilizarov teknigi ile tedavisinde iki degisik tel germe yönteminin biyomekanik karsilastirmasi ve klinik sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the divergent wire stretching method used to fix the fractured pieces in the Ilizarov technique is biomechanically compared with the olive wire fixation method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2005, 36 tibial plateau fractures of 34 patients (27 males, 7 females; mean age 48.4; range 26 to 81 years) were treated with the Ilizarov technique. Divergent wire stretching technique was used in all cases. Patients were mobilized regardless of fracture type and with full load bearing in the shortest possible time after the operation. In the second stage of this study, in order to achieve interfragmentary compression, the reciprocal olive wire method was compared with the divergent wire stretching method developed by us on tibia models at the biomechanic laboratory. RESULTS: All cases were mobilized with full weight bearing at the early postoperative period. The fusion period was 14 weeks and fixators were removed at an average of 19 weeks. No deep infection was observed in any of the cases. No other surgical intervention was required for nonunion or reduction failure. More than 2 mm separation was detected in 12 cases during 24 weeks of observation. But this has not been considered to be clinically significant. In 29 cases, the knee range of motion was 0-135 degrees. In the biomechanical phase of the study, no distinct difference was observed between the classic olive wire stretching method and the divergent wire stretching method regarding the preservation of the interfragmentary compression under weight. The divergent wire stretching method was significantly superior in achieving an homogeneous interfragmentary compression. CONCLUSION: The divergent wire stretching technique applied parallel to the Ilizarov fixation technique is an effective method for the early and unrestricted mobilization of the patients and the preservation of the range-of-motion of the joint.

The use of a low-profile Ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of complex fractures and non-unions of the distal femur.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a modified (low-profile) Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of complex fractures of the distal femur such asseptic or aseptic non-unions following previous surgeries, osteoporotic fractures, and high-grade open fractures. Ten male patients with a mean age of 50 years (range, 22-72 years) were treated with a modified Ilizarov fixator. The system was composed of tensioned olive wires attached to four 5/8 rings (two proximal and two distal to the fracture line) connected to each other with three rods. The fixator was not extended to the proximal femur nor across the knee to the tibia, and no Schanz screws were used. The main outcomes evaluated were union, time in fixator and IOWA knee score. Time in the fixator averaged 158 days (range, 125-180). Mean follow-up was 74 months (range, 24-108 months). All fractures united without major complications. One case healed with a 3 degrees varus angulation at the fracture site. The mean IOWA score was 83.8 (range, 70-98). Although superficial pin-tract infection was observed at 10 pin sites, no patient developed deep infection requiring premature pin removal. There was breakage of one wire, which was replaced under anaesthesia, and one patient presented a patella fracture after a fall, which healed after tension-band wire fixation. Considering the high union and low complication rates, we suggest the use of a low-profile Ilizarov fixator in the management of certain distal femoral fractures and non-unions that may be difficult to manage using other means of fixation.

Minimally invasive plating of the distal tibia: do we really sacrifice saphenous vein and nerve? A cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of saphenous nerve (SN) and great saphenous vein (GSV) injury during percutaneous screw placement of the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate with tab in distal tibias of cadaver extremities. METHODS: Thirty-one unpaired (1 fresh and 30 formalin fixed) adult cadaveric lower extremity specimens were dissected. Using the principles of minimally invasive plating, a 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate was implanted in 16 extremities and a 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate with tab in the remaining 15 extremities. Injuries to or any evidences of direct contact with the SN or GSV were recorded. Additionally, the shortest distances of each hole to the main branches of these anatomic structures were measured. RESULTS: The risk of injury to the SN and GSV was higher in holes 4, 5, and 6 when using the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and in holes 3, 5, and 8 when using the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate. CONCLUSIONS: The SN and GSV are at high risk for injury during percutaneous screw placement of the 3.5/4.5 LCP Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Plate and the 3.5-mm LCP Medial Distal Tibia Plate at the distal tibia. Careful dissection in the stab incisions down the plate, atraumatic placement of the drill sleeves, and protection of the soft tissues during screw insertion might decrease the risk of injury to the SN and GSV.