The impact of early weight-bearing on results following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common injuries that typically affect young, physically active individuals and may require surgical reconstruction. Studies have shown that the long time success of ACL reconstruction depends on the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation strategy. However, there is still no consensus on the content of rehabilitation programs. Hence, additional research is required to elucidate the significance of early weight-bearing in the rehabilitation process following ACL reconstruction. The aim of this article is to examine the impact of weight-bearing on the clinical results of ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient records who had undergone arthroscopic reconstruction using a semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament rupture between January 2018 and December 2020. The study included the data of 110 patients. The patients were split into two groups: Group 1 underwent early weight-bearing, while Group 2 followed a non-weight-bearing regimen for three weeks. We assessed the patients using the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, range of motion, Lysholm knee scale, Cincinnati scale, Tegner scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form and clinical records. Analytical tests were conducted to compare the results. RESULTS: The complication rates did not show a significant difference between the groups. Group 1 had higher frequencies of positive anterior drawer and Lachman tests. The Lysholm and Cincinnati knee scores of patients in Group 1 were notably lower than those of patients in Group 2. Additionally, the Tegner activity scores and IKDC scores of patients in Group 1 were also meaningfully lower than those of patients in Group 2. In Group 1 patients, there was no notable relationship observed between body mass index (BMI) and the results of the anterior drawer test (ADT) or Lachman test. However, patients with a BMI of 25 or higher in Group 1 showed a decrease in postoperative IKDC scores. In Group 2 patients, no significant relationship was identified between BMI and either the ADT or the Lachman test outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on current literature and current rehabilitation guidelines following ACL reconstruction, the decision to initiate early weight-bearing is based on a limited number of studies with low levels of evidence. In our study, we found that patients who followed a non-weight-bearing regimen for 3 weeks after surgery had better mid-term results than those who were allowed to bear weight early. It appears that further prospective studies on this topic are needed to update rehabilitation guidelines in the next.

Comparison of the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block and the genicular nerve block in primary total knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of genicular block and interspace between the popliteal artery and the posterior capsule (IPACK) block in the reduction of postoperative pain, the need for rescue analgesics, and the effects on a range of motion (ROM) in patients with TKA. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out between February and May 2023. Based on the block method, 60 participants were divided into three equal groups. These groups included the IPACK block group (n=20), the genicular block group (n=20), and control group (n=20). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society score (KSS) and Oxford Knee score (OKS) were used for clinical evaluation in the postoperative period. RESULTS: The KSS and OKS scores of the IPACK and GNB were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). The timed up and go (TUG) values of the IPACK and GNB groups at 12th and 24th hour were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). The Tramadol rescue values of the IPACK block and control groups were significantly higher than the GNB group (p=0.028, p=0.001, respectively). The ROM values of the IPACK and GNB groups were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both GNB and IPACK blocks had a significant positive impact on postoperative pain scores within the initial 24 hours following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In comparison with IPACK, GNB had lower opioid consumption in the early postoperative period while also promoting better mobilization.

TIBIOCALCANEAL ARTHRODESIS: A COMPARISON OF ANTERIOR APPROACH AND TRANSFIBULAR APPROACH.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results and complications of patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis performed by the transfibular approach and anterior approach in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: Between 2016 and 2022, 41 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria for this retrospective comparative analysis were included. Of them, 19 patients are included in the anterior approach group and 22 patients are included in the transfibular approach group. The mean age of the participants is 58.9 years. Collected data included the BMI, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, diabetes, smoking, time to fusion, nonunion, union rate, preoperative and postoperative coronal tibiotalar angle and complications. Result: The mean time to bone union was 14.3 weeks (range 11-17 weeks) in the anterior approach group, and 11.3 weeks in the transfibular approach group. Statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Nonunion occurred in one case in the transfibular approach group and three cases in the anterior approach group. There was no significant difference in the nonunion rate between the both groups (p = 0.321). VAS score, and AOFAS score of the two groups were similar and no significant differences were found (p = 0.491, p = 0.448, p = 0.146, p = 0.073, p = 0.173, p = 0.506, respectively). Conclusions: A stable and firm ankle arthrodesis and plantigrade foot can be achieved with both transfibular approach and anterior approach technique. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos e as complicações de pacientes submetidos à artrodese de tornozelo realizada por abordagem transfibular e abordagem anterior em fase terminal de osteoartrite de tornozelo. Métodos: Foram incluídos 41 pacientes atendidos entre 2016 e 2022 que satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão para esta análise comparativa retrospectiva. Destes, 19 incluídos no grupo de abordagem anterior e 22 no grupo de abordagem transfibular. A média de idade foi de 58,9 anos. Os dados coletados incluíram o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a escala de retropé da American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), o escore da escala visual analógica (EVA), assim como a presença de diabetes, tabagismo, tempo de fusão, não união, taxa de união, ângulo tibiotalar coronal pré e pós-operatório e complicações. Resultado: O tempo médio de consolidação óssea foi de 14,3 semanas (variação de 11 a 17 semanas) no grupo de abordagem anterior e 11,3 semanas no grupo de abordagem transfibular. Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos. A consolidação não ocorreu em um caso no grupo de abordagem transfibular e em três casos no grupo de abordagem anterior. Não houve diferença significativa na taxa de não consolidação entre os dois grupos (p = 0,321). Os escores nas escalas EVA e AOFAS dos dois grupos foram semelhantes, não sendo encontradas diferenças significativas (p = 0,491, p = 0,448, p = 0,146, p = 0,073, p = 0,173, p = 0,506, respectivamente). Conclusões: Uma artrodese estável e firme do tornozelo e um pé plantígrado podem ser obtidos tanto com a abordagem transfibular quanto com a técnica de abordagem anterior. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Comparativo Retrospectivo.

Bicolumnar 90-90 Locking Plate Fixation Through a Posterior Approach for the Treatment of Low Distal Humeral Fracture in Elderly Patients.

Background and objective Treating transcondylar humeral fractures in elderly individuals remains a challenge in trauma surgery, with plate fixation being one potential treatment method. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of plate fixing through a posterior approach in elderly individuals suffering from distal humeral fractures. Methods This retrospective study involved 28 older participants aged ≥65 years with low transcondylar fractures of the humerus (AO/OTA 13A2-3 fractures). We used the 90-90 orthogonal method for treatment. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) low transcondylar type of distal humeral fractures (13A2-3 according to the AO/OTA classification system), (2) patients aged ≥65 years, and (3) a follow-up period of at least 12 months. The exclusion criteria were as follows: polytrauma, pathological injuries, chronic elbow osteoarthritis or degenerative arthropathy, and fractures impacting the articular surface of the distal humeral. Clinical outcomes were assessed in terms of the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint. Results The mean age of the patients was 72.25 years (range: 65-81 years), of which 14 (50%) were female and 14 (50%) were male. The mean VAS score for pain was 2.7 (range: 0-6). The mean angle of flexion was 130.6o (range: 115-140o), and the mean angle of the extension was -27.7 (range: -21 to -34). Regarding MEPS, 23 patients had an excellent score, four patients had a good score, and one patient had a poor score. There were four complications (two major and two minor) in the patients involved in the study. Conclusion Based on our findings, 90-90 plate fixation for low distal humeral fractures is associated with a high union rate and satisfactory clinical outcomes. Although we found complications in four patients, their healing was not affected. Therefore, we concluded that through improved monitoring and care, we could overcome such complications, and they did not affect the healing of the bone.

Acetabular fractures from Judet and Letournel to the present: Research trends and global outcomes with bibliometric analysis during 1980 to 2022.

Fractures of the acetabulum are one of the most challenging injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. However, a bibliometric analysis has not been performed in the literature on acetabular fractures, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to summarize the bibliometric and intellectual structure, and determine and map the most recent trends on the topic of acetabular fractures by analyzing the social and structural relationships between the different research components of articles published on the acetabular fractures. 1599 articles on acetabular fractures published between 1980 and 2022 were extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database and analyzed. Bibliometric visualization maps were used to reveal trending topics, citation analyses, and international collaborations. Spearman correlation analysis was performed for correlation investigations. The trend in the expected number of articles to be published over the next few years was displayed using the exponential smoothing estimator. The top 3 contributing countries to the literature were United States of America (USA) (551, 34.4%), China (170, 10.6%), and Germany (160, 10%). The most active author was Berton R. Moed (n = 29) and the most active institution was the University of California System (n = 41). A high-level statistically significant correlation was found between the number of articles on the topic of acetabular fractures published by nations and the gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita values of those countries (R = 0.719, P < .001; R = 0.701, P < .001, respectively). The trending topics researched in recent years were 3D printing, 3-dimensional printing, outcomes, Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), mortality, Kocher-Langenbeck, Pararectus approach, tranexamic acid, transfusion, epidemiology, fracture mapping, modified Stoppa approach, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, pelvis fracture, pelvic trauma, fracture reduction, and pelvic ring injury. The leading countries in research on the subject of acetabular fractures were seen to be western countries with large economies (especially the USA, European countries, and Canada) and China, India and Turkey.

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis: a comparison of anterior approach and transfibular approach / Artrodese tibiocalcaneana: comparação entre abordagem anterior e a abordagem transfibular

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results and complications of patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis performed by the transfibular approach and anterior approach in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: Between 2016 and 2022, 41 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria for this retrospective comparative analysis were included. Of them, 19 patients are included in the anterior approach group and 22 patients are included in the transfibular approach group. The mean age of the participants is 58.9 years. Collected data included the BMI, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, diabetes, smoking, time to fusion, nonunion, union rate, preoperative and postoperative coronal tibiotalar angle and complications. Result: The mean time to bone union was 14.3 weeks (range 11-17 weeks) in the anterior approach group, and 11.3 weeks in the transfibular approach group. Statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Nonunion occurred in one case in the transfibular approach group and three cases in the anterior approach group. There was no significant difference in the nonunion rate between the both groups (p = 0.321). VAS score, and AOFAS score of the two groups were similar and no significant differences were found (p = 0.491, p = 0.448, p = 0.146, p = 0.073, p = 0.173, p = 0.506, respectively). Conclusions: A stable and firm ankle arthrodesis and plantigrade foot can be achieved with both transfibular approach and anterior approach technique. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos e as complicações de pacientes submetidos à artrodese de tornozelo realizada por abordagem transfibular e abordagem anterior em fase terminal de osteoartrite de tornozelo. Métodos: Foram incluídos 41 pacientes atendidos entre 2016 e 2022 que satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão para esta análise comparativa retrospectiva. Destes, 19 incluídos no grupo de abordagem anterior e 22 no grupo de abordagem transfibular. A média de idade foi de 58,9 anos. Os dados coletados incluíram o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a escala de retropé da American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), o escore da escala visual analógica (EVA), assim como a presença de diabetes, tabagismo, tempo de fusão, não união, taxa de união, ângulo tibiotalar coronal pré e pós-operatório e complicações. Resultado: O tempo médio de consolidação óssea foi de 14,3 semanas (variação de 11 a 17 semanas) no grupo de abordagem anterior e 11,3 semanas no grupo de abordagem transfibular. Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos. A consolidação não ocorreu em um caso no grupo de abordagem transfibular e em três casos no grupo de abordagem anterior. Não houve diferença significativa na taxa de não consolidação entre os dois grupos (p = 0,321). Os escores nas escalas EVA e AOFAS dos dois grupos foram semelhantes, não sendo encontradas diferenças significativas (p = 0,491, p = 0,448, p = 0,146, p = 0,073, p = 0,173, p = 0,506, respectivamente). Conclusões: Uma artrodese estável e firme do tornozelo e um pé plantígrado podem ser obtidos tanto com a abordagem transfibular quanto com a técnica de abordagem anterior. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Comparativo Retrospectivo.

Comparison of the Hook Plate versus TightRope System in the Treatment of Acute Type III Acromioclavicular Dislocation.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the clavicular hook plate (HP) technique and the minimally invasive coracoclavicular (CC) fixation with a TightRope (MITR) procedure in treating acute unstable distal clavicle dislocation. Method: MITR (minimally invasive TightRope) group had 21 patients, and the open reduction and internal fixation (HP) group included 23 patients. Researchers compared MITR and HP (hook plate) outcomes for the treatment of acute type III AC joint dislocation in a retrospective analysis. The patients were followed up at 1 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Complications were analyzed such as redislocation, fractures, implant-related complications, or subacromial erosion. For the clinical outcomes, the visual analog scale (VAS) (0: no pain, 10: worst possible pain), Constant-Murley score (CMS) (100: no pain, 0: maximum pain), the average satisfaction score with their current shoulder function (range: 0-10), and the University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder score (UCLA) (>27 good/excellent <27 fair/poor) were recorded at the last follow-up. Result: There were 21 sufferers in the MITR group, which comprises 19 males and 2 females and 23 individuals in the HP group (20 men and 3 women), with average ages of 43.9 and 39.2, respectively. Age, sex, laterality, and the interval between injury and surgery did not significantly differ between the two groups (0.357, 0.792, 0.432, and 0.55, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the VAS score and CMS score at one year postoperatively. The mean CCD at the initial trauma and last follow-up was not significantly different between the MITR and HP groups (p=0.365, p=0.412 respectively). Conclusion: For treating acute type III AC dislocations, the minimally invasive TightRope (MITR) system and the hook plate technique were great options. However, the minimally invasive TightRope system showed further benefits such as reduced reoperation for implant removal and reduced risk of subacromial distal clavicle osteolysis.

Volar-locking plate versus external fixator in the management of distal radius fractures: An isokinetic study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and isokinetic evaluation of distal radius fractures treated by volar locking plate (VLP) and external fixator. METHODS: The study included fifty patients with distal radius fracture type C1/C2/C3. Twenty-seven patients (12 men, 15 women; mean age 49.5±4.42) underwent open reduction and VLP fixation, and 23 patients (10 men, 13 women; 52.1±4.6) underwent closed reduction and external fixation. The follow-up period was at least 12 months and the mean following time was 13.5±1.02 (12-15) months. The functional parameters measured were range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Radiographic parameters (radial incli-nation, palmar tilt, and radial height) and isokinetic evaluation were measured at the 6 months and at the final follow-up after surgery. The isokinetic test was done at the speed of 60º/s. The non-fractured arm was tested first and all results were also expressed as a percentage of that on the normal side. Wrist scores according to the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire were used. RESULTS: The DASH scores, grip strength, and palmar flexion were better in VLP group at the 6 months (p<0.05). However, there were no differences between two groups at the one year (p=0.79). Isokinetic evaluation of the VLP showed that peak pronation torque and total pronation work were better than external fixation at the 6 month (p<0.05). At the final of follow-up was seen no significant differences between two groups (p=0.11). CONCLUSION: We looked at external fixation and locked volar plates in a prospective study and we found an improved range of movement and isokinetic evaluation outcome at 6 months after locked plating, but there were no differences between two groups at the final of follow-up. Our study showed no evidence for the superiority of one treatment over the other at the final follow-up.

Is Lever Test Superior to Lachman, Pivot Shift, Drawer Tests in Diagnosing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries?

INTRODUCTION: The physical examination in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is extremely important, and the Lever test is commonly utilized on ACL evaluation. However, the number and scope of studies on the Lever test is limited. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the diagnostic values of Lachman, Pivot Shift, Lever, and Anterior Drawer tests in terms of quadriceps atrophy and case phase in ACL injuries. METHODS: In this prospective study, diagnostic values of Lachman, Pivot Shift, Lever, and Anterior Drawer tests were examined on 189 patients with positive MRI results as the gold standard. RESULTS: Lever test positivity was significantly more frequent in the group with quadriceps atrophy preoperative and after sedation (p<0.05). Anterior Drawer test positivity was significantly more frequent in the group with positive quadriceps atrophy preoperatively, after sedation and after spinal anesthesia (p<0.05). Lever and Anterior Drawer tests were positively correlated with quadriceps atrophy preop and after sedation (p<0.05). Lever test before surgery, after sedation and after spinal anesthesia in the chronic patient group was more positive than in the acute and subacute groups (p<0.05). Lever test was positively correlated with phase preoperatively, after sedation and after spinal anesthesia (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The presence or absence of quadriceps atrophy in patients with acute, sub-acute, or chronic ACL injury has a significant effect on the predictive value of the Lever test. We think that univariate analyzes may give incorrect results when demonstrating predictive value, and it would be more correct to perform multivariate analyzes.

Treatment of Basicervical Femoral Fracture With Retractable Talon Hip Compression Screw.

Background Basicervical femoral fractures (BFFs) are rare and biomechanically unstable. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Talon™ DistalFix™ (Orthopedic Designs North America, Inc., Tampa, FL, USA) nail for the treatment of BFFs with a novel design. Methodology In this retrospective study, 25 patients with BFFs were analyzed between January 2016 and March 2020 at our institute. All patients were treated with the Talon™ DistalFix™ nail. Patients over the age of 60 years with basicervical fractures caused by low-energy trauma were included in this study. For inclusion into the study, the minimum follow-up time had to be longer than six months. The postoperative radiographic bone union, operative time, tip-apex distance (TAD), sliding distance of the lag screw, quality of fracture reduction, and major complications such as cut-out, non-union of the fracture, femoral head collapse, and cut-through were recorded. The Harris Hip Score was used to evaluate hip function at the end of the follow-up period. Results The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 16-28 months), and the mean age was 77.8 years (range, 61-91 years). The average sliding distance of the lag screw was 5.7 mm (range, 0.2-13.1 mm). The mean TAD of immediate postoperative view was 20.8 mm (range, 18.7-23.7 mm), and the TAD was <25 mm in all cases. Radiographic union was confirmed in most cases, and the average time for radiographic union was 18.8 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). Most fractures (90.5%) had healed with no postoperative mechanical complications (cut-out, cut-thorough, or lateral wall fracture) at the final follow-up, except for two patients. One of the two patients had no evidence of union at six months, and mild varus reduction was observed in the other patient who had shortening of >10 mm. Conclusions According to the clinical and radiological findings of this study, treatment with the Talon™ DistalFix™ nail showed satisfactory results. Hence, it can be a suitable option in the treatment of BFFs.