Examination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in joint synovial fluid of patients with COVID-19 and acute knee arthritis.

BACKGROUND: It has not yet been fully established that there is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involvement in the synovial fluid and it remains a topic of debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in knee joint synovial fluid of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with an initial screening of patients who were admitted to a tertiary pandemic hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms, and underwent treatment for COVID-19 between March and June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 2476 patients were hospitalized or received treatment for a possible diagnosis of COVID-19. While the RT-PCR test was positive in 318 patients (12.8%), 2158 (87.2%) were computed tomography positive but reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative. Twelve patients were consulted due to acute joint effusion. Of five patients with knee joint effusion and a positive RT-PCR test, the synovial tissue RT-PCR test was positive in only one patient. CONCLUSION: This paper is the first to show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in synovial fluid. This can be considered of importance for the determination and elimination of the route of transmission, thereby preventing further development and spread of the disease.

Aftermath Türkiye's double earthquake: detailed analysis of fracture characteristics and acute management from a level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: This research investigated surgical interventions for the treatment of extremity and pelvic fractures and aimed to provide an analysis of management challenges under crisis conditions in a Level I Trauma Center after Türkiye's February 6, 2023, earthquakes. METHODS: The study was a retrospective examination of the medical records of 243 fracture cases associated with the earthquakes. The age, gender, time of admission, types of extremity and pelvic fractures, anatomical localizations, and surgical treatment methods for fractures were recorded. The results of these parameters were evaluated in detail, together with the results of other surgical treatments performed in the hospital in the first week after the disaster, such as fasciotomy, amputation, and wound debridement. RESULTS: Most of the 243 (119 males and 124 females) patients with extremity fractures and pelvic fractures receiving surgical treatment were adults (n = 182, 74.9%). The most common lower extremity fractures among all fracture cases were tibial shaft (30.8%) and femoral shaft (20.6%) fractures. A total of 33 patients had surgical procedures for the treatment of two or more significant bone fractures involving either the extremity or the pelvic ring. The analysis showed that the median age of patients who underwent surgery due to extremity and pelvic fractures was 36 years, with a range of 1 to 91 years, which was statistically increased compared to patients who received surgery for other musculoskeletal injuries such as fasciotomy, amputation and debridement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fractures were one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the first days after earthquakes, and the management of fractures differs significantly from soft tissue injuries and amputation surgeries as they require implants, special instruments, and imaging devices. The delivery of healthcare is often critically impaired after a severe earthquake. Shortages of consumables such as orthopedic implants, power drills, fluoroscopy equipment, and the need for additional staff should be addressed immediately after the earthquake, ideally by the end of the first day.

Distally-fixed non-modular monoblock fluted long-stem hemiarthroplasty versus proximal femoral nailing for elderly patients with an osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of Intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly osteoporotic patient is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of proximal femoral nailing (PFN) and a distally-fixed non-modular monoblock fluted long-stem hemiarthroplasty (HA) in elderly patients with an osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgery for an unstable intertrochanteric fracture. The patients were separated into PFN and HA groups. The demographic features of the 2 groups were compared. All patients were evaluated using the Singh index, ASA score, AO/OTA classification, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Parker and Palmer mobility score. RESULTS: The most common complications were nonunion (12.0%) and cut-out of the screw (10.7%) in the PFN group, and dislocation of the prosthesis (6.7%) and wound infection (5.7%) in the HA group. Overall, the 2-year mortality rate was 29.3%. Mortality, particularly within the first 3 months, was 2.4 times higher in the PFN Group than in the HA group (40% vs. 19.75%). Although the HHS was significantly higher in the first year for the HA group, no significant difference was seen between the 2 groups at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although PFN and HA have similar good outcomes at 2 years, HA allows earlier mobilisation and has fewer complications and a lower mortality rate.

The Relationship Between Primary Knee Osteoarthritis and Aortic Stiffness, Distensibility, and Valve Calcifications: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate aortic stiffness and distensibility changes and the presence of aortic and mitral valve calcifications in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA), using 2-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography. METHODS: This case-control study included 115 participants with OA and a control group between May 2019 and November 2019. The Kellgren-Lawrence classification was used for the diagnosis and classification of knee OA, based on radiological images. We compared the demographic data, 2-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography results, and laboratory findings between the OA patient group and the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between aortic strain, aortic distensibility, aortic stiffness, and C-reactive protein values between the OA patient group and the control group (p < 0.001 for all). Post hoc analyses revealed that aortic strain and aortic distensibility values were significantly lower, and aortic stiffness values were significantly higher in the grade 4 OA group than those of other groups (p < 0.05 for all). In addition, the C-reactive protein values of the grades 3 and 4 patients were significantly higher than those of other groups (p < 0.05 for all). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of aortic and mitral valve calcifications (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Aortic strain and distensibility values were lower in the advanced grades of primary knee OA, whereas aortic stiffness values and the frequency of valve calcifications were higher.

A cross-sectional study analyzing the quality of YouTube videos as a source of information for COVID-19 intubation.

INTRODUCTION: There are many possible sources of medical information; however, the quality of the information varies. Poor quality or inaccurate resources may be harmful if they are trusted by providers. This study aimed to analyze the quality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related intubation videos on YouTube. METHODS: The term "COVID-19 intubation" was searched on YouTube. The top 100 videos retrieved were sorted by relevance and 37 videos were included. The video demographics were recorded. The quality of the videos was analyzed using an 18-point checklist, which was designed for evaluating COVID-19 intubation. Videos were also evaluated using general video quality scores and the modified Journal of the American Medical Association score. RESULTS: The educational quality was graded as good for eight (21.6%) videos, moderate for 13 (35.1%) videos, and poor for 16 (43.2%) videos. The median safe COVID-19 intubation score (SCIS) was 11 (IQR = 5-13). The SCISs indicated that videos prepared in an intensive care unit were higher in quality than videos from other sources (p < 0.05). The length of the video was predictive of quality (area under the curve = 0.802, 95% CI = 0.658-0.945, p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of YouTube videos for COVID-19 intubation is substandard. Poor quality videos may provide inaccurate knowledge to viewers and potentially cause harm.

Evaluation of the relationship between stiffness and thickness of the sciatic nerve and clinical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty: A prospective casecontrolled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a sonographic assessment of sciatic nerve thickness and stiffness following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to determine the relationship between sonographic characteristics of the sciatic nerve and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This prospective study included patients undergoing primary cementless THA due to hip osteoarthritis between January 2018 and January 2019 in a tertiary-level hospital. The thickness, strain elastography, strain ratio (SR), and shear wave elastography (SWE) of the sciatic nerve were measured. The clinical outcome measures included leg lengthening (LL), leg length discrepancy (LLD), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at rest, VAS during activity, and the Leeds Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Evaluation (LANSS) scale. The data of the patient group were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The sciatic thickness and SR values of the operated side were significantly lower than those of the non-operated side (P < 0.05 for all). The sciatic SWE was significantly greater on the operated side compared with the non-operated side (P < 0.001 for all). Sciatic nerve thickness and SR were negatively correlated, and sciatic nerve SWE was positively correlated with OHS, VAS at rest, VAS during activity, and LANSS values. Sciatic nerve thickness and SR values were significantly lower, and SWE was significantly higher in the group with a change in LL > 20 mm. Clinical scores decreased during the following period in mild and moderate lengthening group (< 20 mm). In the severe lengthening group (≥ 20 mm), the clinical score increased over time. The VAS activity score was higher in the mild and moderate LL group (< 20 mm) than the VAS rest score (P < 0.001). However, the VAS rest score was significantly higher in the severe LL group (≥ 20 mm) than the VAS activity score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown a significant relationship between thickness and stiffness of the sciatic nerve and LL after THA. The ultrasound parameters were significantly associated with functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Treatment of open wounds secondary to trauma using polyurethane foams with boric acid particles.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy of new foams with boric acid particles combined with a negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) system in open fractures with tissue defects secondary to trauma. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with open fractures secondary to trauma with soft tissue defects who were admitted between 2016 and 2018 were included in the study. Patients were examined in two groups. In Group 1, boric acid-impregnated foams combined with the NPWT system were used in 27 patients, and in Group 2, silver nitrate-impregnated foams combined with NPWT systems were used in 22 patients. In addition to evaluating the broad-spectrum antibacterial feature of silver nitrate, the antimicrobial, angiogenetic, and epithelializing effects of boric acid were investigated macroscopically and histopathologically. RESULTS: A reduction in wound size and granulation was observed in each group. Macroscopically, the reduction in wound size, epithelialization and granulation were pronounced in Group 1 and in Group 2. Microscopically, the number of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis were significantly increased in Group 1 compared with Group 2. CONCLUSION: In this clinical trial, both the broad spectrum antimicrobial feature of boric acid and its positive effect on the cells responsible for wound healing were found to be an alternative compared with silver nitrate. The use of new foams with boric acid particles combined with the NPWT system may be a good alternative method in the treatment of open wounds due to trauma.

Epiphysis Salvage Reconstruction and Associated Complications Following Tumor Resections in Skeletally Immature Patients.

The purpose of this study was to discuss the epiphysis salvage reconstruction procedure outcomes and complications in skeletally immature patients. The study included 12 patients with pediatric malignant tumors (osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma) located close to the epiphysis, who underwent epiphyseal-preservation surgery with vascularized fibula in the plastic surgery and orthopedics and traumatology clinic between January 2008 and November 2018. The study was designed retrospectively. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to all patients. None of the patients received radiotherapy. Functional evaluation was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 51 (21­115) months. The mean age of patients was 10.4 (range, 5 to 15) years. Union times in the target region (epiphyseal region) and diaphyseal region were reported separately. Accordingly, the mean total union time in the target region of all patients was 7.9 months (5­11), and the mean total union time in the diaphyseal region was 6.5 months (5­9). According to the MSTS grading system, the mean score of the patients was 27.50 (range, 21­30). The mean operative time was 480 (390­540) min, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 790 (580­1100) cc, and the mean length of hospital stay was 6 (4­17) days. Six patients had shortness, 5 patients had delayed union, 3 patients had angular deformity, and 2 patients had infection. Epiphyseal-preservation surgery may be an alternative to other techniques used for malignant tumors located close to the growth line in skeletally immature patients. Despite the fact that this technique has plenty of complications, many of them can be successfully treated with secondary operations without leaving sequelae.

Ultrasonographic measurement of diaphragm thickness in patients with severe thoracic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure diaphragm thickness using ultrasound in adult patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included patients with severe idiopathic scoliosis and a healthy control group. The control and patient groups' demographic features, pulmonary function tests, diaphragm thickness, and thickening fraction measured using ultrasonography were compared. RESULTS: End-expirium values were similar between the two groups (p = 0.902). However, end of inspirium, change level, and diaphragm thickening fraction were significantly lower in the scoliosis group (p < 0.001 for all). Cobb degree values were inversely correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%) (r = - 0.909, p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (%) (r = - 0.887, p < 0.001), and end-inspirium thickness (r = - 0.673 and p < 0.001) values. Furthermore, diaphragm thickness at the end of inspirium was positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%) (r = 0.636, p = 0.001) and forced vital capacity (%) (r = 0.646, p = 0.001) values. No significant correlation was found between diaphragm thickening fraction and forced expiratory volume in 1 s or forced vital capacity. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can provide valuable information about diaphragm morphology and quantify diaphragm contraction.

Metaphyseal vs. diaphyseal fixed-stem hemiarthroplasty in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical techniques have been defined for hip hemiarthroplasty (HA), including metaphyseal vs. diaphyseal and short stem vs. long stem. The present study aims to compare outcomes of metaphyseal fixed short-stem vs. diaphyseal fixed long-stem HA in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively and included 129 patients ≥65 years of age, having unstable intertrochanteric fractures and undergoing HA. Outcome measures were the 2-year Harris hip score and the mobility score of Parker and Palmer; comorbidities as well as mortality rates of the groups were compared. RESULTS: Mean operation time and median full weight-bearing time were significantly shorter in group B (p<0.05 for both). As for the Harris hip scores, group B showed better outcomes for the third-month evaluation (p=0.006). However, 2-year assessments were similar (p=0.067). In addition, higher Parker and Palmer mobility scores were obtained in group B at the 2-year assessment (p<0.001). The frequencies of prosthetic dislocation, cortical porosis and subsidence were higher in group A (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in this study suggest that diaphyseal fixed long-stem HA seems to be superior to the metaphyseal fixed short-stem HA because the former is related to better functional scores, earlier mobilization, and lower complication rates.

Increased deep vein thrombosis cases during the COVID-19 quarantine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the number of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) cases during the quarantine period for COVID-19 to that of the last year. METHODS: This study was conducted as a single-center and retrospective study. All hospital admissions during April 2020 and May 2020 were screened from the hospital records, and DVT cases were recorded. Likewise, all hospital admissions during April 2019 and May 2019 were screened, and DVT cases were noted. DVT cases of both years were compared. RESULTS: Among 480931 patients admitted to our hospital in April 2019 and May 2019, DVT was detected in 82 patients (0.017%) (47 males, 35 females) with a mean age of 56.99 ± 9.1 years (ranges 39 to 79 years). Besides, among 145101 patients admitted to our hospital in April 2020 and May 2020, DVT was detected in 123 patients (0.084%) (51 males, 72 females) with a mean age of 58.64 ± 8.9 years (ranges 40 to 83 years). Despite the decrease in the total number of patients admitted to the hospital, there was a significant increase in the number of DVT patients. Interestingly, there were only two symptomatic pulmonary-embolism cases in the 2019 period, whereas there were seven symptomatic pulmonary embolisms secondary to DVT in the 2020 period. Unfortunately, one patient died due to pulmonary embolism secondary to DVT in 2020. The previous history of DVT was remarkable in patients admitted during the COVID-19 confinement. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, COVID-19 confinement seems to be associated with increased rates of DVT. Strict preventive measures such as exercise training or prophylactic drug use should be considered to prevent immobility-related DVT during the COVID-19 quarantine.

The Role of Stem Modularity in the Failure of Internal Fixation in Geriatric Patients With Distally Fixed Hemiarthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of the same make of modular and monoblock tapered fluted stems in patients with failure of internal fixation following osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. This retrospective, comparative study included patients older than 65 years who underwent hemiarthroplasty with a modular or monoblock distally fixed fluted stem and had failed treatment with proximal femoral nailing between 2012 and 2017, with at least a 2-year follow-up period. Radiographic and clinical evaluations of the groups were compared. The modular group comprised 22 males and 18 females with a mean age of 85.05±7.1 years, and the monoblock group comprised 27 males and 17 females with a mean age of 83.27±7.0 years. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the preoperative and final-visit Harris Hip Score and Parker and Palmer Mobility Score values (P>.05 for both). More patients showed osseous restoration in the monoblock group, but not to a significant level. The groups were similar regarding mortality rates. Stem length was greater in the modular group, but the proximal femoral part and stem size were similar in the groups (P<.05 for all). Canal filling at levels A, B, and C was negatively correlated (weak) with the proximal femoral bone restoration (P<.001 for all). Canal filling at level B was negatively correlated (weak) with the stress shielding of the femur (P<.05 for all). When comparing the modularity of the stem by minimizing the variations of both prostheses, such as brand and geometric design, there was no significant difference in either clinical or radiological evaluations. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(1):e119-e124.].

Factors affecting activities of daily living, physical balance, and prosthesis adjustment in non-traumatic lower limb amputees.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the factors affecting the activities of daily living, balance, and prosthesis satisfaction in patients with non-traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 195 patients (120 males, 75 females; mean age 65.9±11.6 years; range, 40 to 90 years) who underwent LLA between January 2009 and April 2017. All patients were evaluated in terms of age, sex, amputation etiology, side, level, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, prosthesis adjustment, ambulation level, functional outcome, and complications. Prosthesis adjustment, physical balance ability, and daily living activities were assessed using the Turkish versions of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS), respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between male and female patients in terms of prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and activities of daily living. The BBS, TAPES, and NEADLS scores were lower in the patients aged over 65 years (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). Prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and daily living activities were also worse in this age group. Transfemoral amputees had lower BBS, TAPES, and NEADLS scores than the transtibial amputees (p=0.009, p=0.020, and p=0.004, respectively). Prosthesis and amputation adaptation, physical balance, and daily living activities were worse in the transfemoral amputees. CONCLUSION: Age and amputation level affect physical balance, prosthesis satisfaction, and daily living activities after non-traumatic LLA. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists should conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation, particularly in patients aged over 65 years and in transfemoral amputees to improve outcomes.

Diaphragm thickness and stiffness in patients with hyperkyphosis due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture: an ultrasonographic and elastographic study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the thickness and stiffness of the diaphragm, using ultrasound (US) and strain elastography (SE) in patients with hyperkyphosis due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective and case-control study was conducted between October 2019 and December 2019. Diaphragm thickness, SE, and strain ratio values of patients with hyperkyphosis due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture were compared with those of the control group. RESULTS: There were 42 patients (14 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 81.10 ± 6.3 years in the kyphosis group and 36 subjects (11 males, 25 females) with a mean age of 81.00 ± 5.5 years in the control group. End-inspirium thickness, change level, and thickening ratio of the diaphragm were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001 for all). Strain ratio values were significantly higher in the kyphosis group, and the rate of hardest colour code was significantly higher in the control group. The diaphragm thickness at end-inspirium and thickening ratio values correlated positively with the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, %) and forced vital capacity (FVC, %) values. The strain ratio values correlated inversely with the FEV1 (%) and FVC (%) values. The diaphragm thickness at end-inspirium and thickening ratio values correlated inversely with the Cobb values and number of vertebra fractures. A positive correlation was determined between the strain ratio values and the Cobb values and number of vertebra fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is a promising imaging tool to evaluate and quantify the diaphragm function and stiffness in relevant patients.

Management of thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score of 4 (TLICS=4) thoracolumbar vertebra fractures: Surgery versus conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of surgical treatment and conservative treatment with bracing in neurologically intact patients with score 4 of TLICS thoracolumbar vertebra fractures. METHODS: Patients with traumatic thoracolumbar junction fractures (T11-L2), the score of TLICS 4, and minimum 24-month follow-up were included in this study. Patients were divided into surgery and bracing groups. The groups were compared concerning clinical and demographical features, local kyphotic angles (LKA), vertebra height loss percentage (VHL), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and time to return to work. RESULTS: There were 74 patients (71 males, 3 females) in the surgery group and 76 patients (58 males, 18 females) in the bracing group. Although the surgery group showed better improvement in VAS scores within six months postoperatively, no significant difference was observed at the 24th-month evaluation (p<0.001 and p=0.270, respectively). ODI, LKA and VHL were significantly lower in the surgery group (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, return to work was significantly earlier in the surgery group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in this study suggest that the surgical treatment for TLICS 4 patients with thoracolumbar fractures has better clinical and radiographic outcomes than the bracing. Moreover, returning time to the work of patients is shortened with surgical treatment. The surgical treatment seems to be the first and the appropriate choice in the management of TLICS 4 thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

Two-stage treatment with sliding fibular flap technique for chronic infected nonunion of the tibia.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of two-stage treatment with the fibular sliding technique in chronic infected nonunion of the tibia. METHODS: The study included patients who were diagnosed with long-term chronic infected tibial nonunion following trauma and treated with the two-stage technique between January 2010 and November 2017. Patients with (1) intra-articular fractures of the distal third of the tibia and fibula, (2) pathological fracture resulting in bone loss or (3) neurological and vascular pathologies of the limbs were excluded. The operation consisted of two stages and the main goal in the first stage was to control the infection and in the second stage to control the healing of the bone. Functional & radiographic results and complications were evaluated according to Paley's criteria. RESULTS: The patients comprised 14 males and 5 females with a mean age of 37.4 years (range, 21-52 years). Patients were followed up for an average of 27 months (range, 15-38 months). The microorganisms produced from these patients were Staphylococcus aureus in 13 patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 4 patients and no bacteria in 2 patients. After the first stage operation, superficial skin necrosis developed in 1 patient. In another patient, there was a persistent infection, although union was achieved. For the entire patient group, union was observed at the end of 7.44 months (range, 7-11 months). Based on Paley's criteria, there were 16 (84.2%) patients with excellent scores, 2 (10.5%) good scores and 1 (5.3%) fair scores radiologically; while regarding the tibial function, 15 (78.9%) patients had excellent scores, 3 (15.8%) good scores, and 1 (5.3%) fair scores. No patients had poor radiological or functional score. CONCLUSION: Two-stage treatment can be considered as an alternative for fractures in regions that are susceptible to many and persistent complications, such as the tibia. This technique has the advantages of short operation time, minimal blood loss, no excessive tissue damage and not very technique-demanding (a short learning curve with no requirement for an experienced team).

Treatment of chronic wounds with polyurethane sponges impregnated with boric acid particles: A randomised controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the sponge with boric acid particles combined with the negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) system for chronic wounds with tissue defects. Our study was designed as a prospective randomised study. One hundred patients who were planned to have NPWT due to chronic wounds were included in this study from Orthopaedics and Traumatology and Plastic Surgery clinics. Patients were divided into two groups. In the first group, a new method, boric acid impregnated sponge, combined with the NPWT system, was used, and in the second group, sponge with silver nitrate was used. Besides the wide-broad spectrum antibacterial properties of silver nitrate, the antimicrobial, angiogenetic, and epithelial effects of boric acid were aimed to investigate by macroscopically and histopathologically. Thirty-six patients in the silver nitrate group and 44 patients in the boric acid group completed the study. A decrease in wound size and granulation was observed in both groups. Macroscopically, a decrease in wound size reduction, epithelialization and granulation were more prominent in the first group in which boric acid impregnated sponge was used than the second group in which silver sponge was used. Moreover, microscopically, the number of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis were significantly increased in Group 1. In this clinical study, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties of boric acid and its positive effect on the cells responsible for wound healing were found to be more pronounced compared to silver nitrate sponges. A combination of boric acid sponges with the NPWT system may be an alternative method for chronic wounds.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the patellar tendon length and elasticity after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: A comparison with radiological and clinical parameters.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the length and elasticity of the patellar tendon after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). METHODS: This case-controlled, analytical study included patients who underwent unilateral OWHTO operation and a control group. The length, thickness, strain elastography, and strain ratio of the patellar tendon were measured. The outcome measures were the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI), Blackburne-Peel Index (BPI), Caton Index (CI), the International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Ahlbäck classification, and mechanical axis. Elasticity of the patellar tendon obtained by strain elastography were graded as follows; hardest or hard tissue, intermediate tissue, and soft tissue. RESULTS: The patellar tendon length was significantly shorter and patellar tendon thickness was significantly greater on the operated side compared with the values of the non-operated side and the control group (P<0.001 for all). Intermediate tissue was the most common elasticity grade (77%) for strain elastography on the operated side. Hardest tissue was the most common elasticity grade on the non-operated side of the patients (49.1%) and of the control group (70.0%). Patellar tendon length was correlated positively with IKDC, OKS, and KOOS values and patellar tendon thickness and strain ratio were correlated negatively with IKDC, OKS, and KOOS values. CONCLUSION: The patellar tendon seems to be shortened and thickened, with reduced stiffness after OWHTO. The ultrasound parameters are also associated with functional outcomes.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Parameters with Two Different Surgical Methods for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

This study compared the clinical and radiological findings of nonanatomic transtibial (TT) technique with intraspongious fixation and anatomical anteromedial portal (AMP) technique with extracortical button implant in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 54 patients with isolated ACL rupture were included in this prospective study. The patients who had the intraspongious fixation by nonanatomical TT technique were allocated to Group 1 (n = 27). The patients with extracortical fixation by anatomical AMP technique were placed in Group 2 (n = 27). The clinical scores of the patients were evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee Evaluation Form, Tegner activity score, and Lysholm II Functional Scoring. The tibial and femoral tunnels were evaluated with three-dimensional computed tomography. The kinematic examinations were performed with a Biodex System 3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic data (p > 0.05). The postoperative clinical scores improved significantly in both the groups compared with the preoperative levels (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the postoperative clinical scores between the groups (p > 0.05). In the extension and flexion of 60 to 180 degrees/s, the peak torque and the peak torque/body weight values of the repaired knee to intact knee ratios showed significant differences in favor of Group 2 (p = 0.001). In both the groups, no significant difference was found between the mean extent of the tunnel enlargement (p > 0.05). The mean tunnel height was significantly greater in Group 1 (45% ± 9.86 vs. 34.11% ± 10.0%) (p = 0.001). When the localization of the tunnel enlargements (proximal-middle-distal) was examined, a significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.001). Although the AMP technique, which is a more anatomic reconstruction, had an advantage with regard to tunnel enlargement and the isokinetic muscle studies, there was no difference between the two techniques in terms of the clinical results.

Which Ultrasound Parameter Is More Accurate in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Cross-Sectional Area, Resistive Index, or Strain Ratio?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cross-sectional area (CSA), resistive index (RI), and strain ratio (SR) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: This prospective and case-control study included patients with a diagnosis of CTS and a healthy control group. The participants were examined with an ultrasound Doppler system equipped with a high-resolution (5-18 MHz) linear probe (Philips L18-5). CSA, RI, and SR values were compared. RESULTS: CSA, RI, and SR were found to be effective tools to detect the presence of CTS (regardless of severity). The cut-off value of 11.25 mm for CSA had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.2% and 88.0%, respectively. The cut-off value of 0.740 for RI had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.4% and 94.0%, respectively. The cut-off value of 1.95 for SR had a sensitivity and specificity of 97.2% and 84.0%, respectively. In respect of the severity of CTS, ultrasound was found to be an effective method to classify severe CTS cases only. CONCLUSION: The CSA, SR, and RI seem to have excellent accuracy in the diagnosis of CTS. When the grading of severity is considered, ultrasound seems to be sensitive and specific in differentiating severe CTS cases from mild or moderate CTS cases.