Sensory-motor training versus resistance training in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of sensory-motor training and resistance training in patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Istanbul University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: Forty-eight participants with knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTIONS: Following baseline assessment, participants were randomly allocated to sensory-motor training (n = 24) and resistance training (n = 24). Both groups received training three times a week for 8 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The secondary outcome measures were pain level, muscle strength, proprioception, range of motion, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with treatment. Patients were assessed before and after four- and eight-week interventions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups' total WOMAC scores after four- and eight-week interventions (respectively, p = 0.415, p = 0.828). There was a significant improvement in pain level during movement and in the energy subscale SF-36 for resistance training after the four-week intervention (respectively, p = 0.012, p = 0.007). After the eight-week intervention, a significant difference was noted in favor of resistance training in the secondary outcome measure quality of life (QoL). No significant difference was found in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of the treatment, it was observed that sensory-motor training had a similar effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms to resistance training. These findings may suggest that sensory-motor training is an effective new method to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Computer-assisted surgery and patient-specific instrumentation improve the accuracy of tibial baseplate rotation in total knee arthroplasty compared to conventional instrumentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), computer-assisted surgery (CAS) or robot-assisted surgery (RAS) enable more accurate rotational alignment of the tibial baseplate in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to conventional instrumentation, in terms of deviation from the planned target and the proportion of outliers from the target zone. METHODS: The authors independently conducted three structured electronic literature searches using the PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from 2007 to 2020. Studies were included if they compared rotational alignment of the tibial baseplate during TKA using conventional instrumentation versus PSI, CAS, and/or RAS, and reported deviation from preoperatively planned rotational alignment of the tibial baseplate in terms of absolute angles and/or number of outliers. Methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed by two researchers according to the Downs and Black Quality Checklist for Health Care Intervention Studies. RESULTS: Fifteen studies, that reported on 2925 knees, were eligible for this systematic review, of which 6 studies used PSI, and 9 used CAS. No studies were found for RAS. Of the studies that reported on angular deviation from preoperatively planned rotational alignment, most found smaller deviations using PSI (0.5° to 1.4°) compared to conventional instrumentation (1.0° to 1.6°). All studies that reported on proportions of outliers from a target zone (± 3°), found lower rates of outliers using PSI (0 to 22%) compared to conventional instrumentation (5 to 96%). Most studies reported smaller angular deviation from preoperatively planned rotational alignment using CAS (0.1° to 6.9°) compared to conventional instrumentation (1.1° to 7.8°). Of the studies that reported on proportions of outliers from a target zone (± 3°), most found fewer outliers using CAS (10 to 61%) compared to conventional instrumentation (17 to 78%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that both CAS and PSI can improve the accuracy of rotational alignment of the tibial baseplate by decreasing angular deviation from the preoperatively planned target and reducing the proportion of outliers from the target zone. The clinical relevance is that PSI and CAS can improve alignment, though the thresholds necessary to grant better outcomes and survival remain unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The effect of COVID-19 positivity on inflammatory parameters and thirty day mortality rates in patients over sixty five years of age with surgically treated intertrochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 positivity on inflammatory parameters and 30-day mortality rates in patients over 65 years of age who were operated on for intertrochanteric femur fractures (IFF). METHODS: Eighty-seven patients (31 males, 56 females) who had a dynamic hip screw (DHS) or proximal femur nail (PFN) for the IFF between March 2020 and November 2020 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as COVID-19 confirmed and probable positive (Group 1) and COVID-19 negative (Group 2). Time to surgery, operation duration, length of hospital stay, 30-day mortality, rates of the intensive care unit (ICU) referral, and inflammatory parameters such as haemoglobin, CRP, sedimentation, PCT, D-Dimer, and ferritin were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in terms of demographic data such as age, gender, comorbidity, and fracture type between the groups. Thirty-day mortality, ICU referral rate, blood transfusion rate, and hospitalization period were higher in Group 1 (p = 0.016, p = 0.012, p = 0.031, and p = 0.011, respectively). The inflammatory parameters were higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 in the preoperative and postoperative periods (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 positivity increases inflammatory parameters (as expected) and increases the 30-day mortality and ICU requirement in patients with surgically treated IFF.

Proximal tibiofibular dislocation accompanied by bucket-handle meniscal tear: Case report.

Proximal tibiofibular dislocation (PTFD) is a rare injury. In this article, we report a case of a PTFD, complicated with an intraarticular injury, a bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus. A 37-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with pain and swelling on the lateral side of his right knee due to lateral trauma to the fibula during external rotation of the leg while his foot was on the ground. Closed reduction was performed under sedation. The lateral meniscus was repaired, and the fibular head was fixed with a cannulated screw. The patient had no pain in the tibiofibular joint after eight weeks postoperatively. Results of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of PTFD should be kept in mind during the presentation of sports trauma patients that experience difficulty in bearing weight on the affected extremity.

The surgical outcomes of trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocations

1. Background/aim: Trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocation (TSPFD) is a rare injury. TSPFD is a fracture-dislocation that severely disrupts the anatomical structure of the carpal bones and may occur as a result of a high energy trauma of the wrist or a fall on an open hand. In this study, the aim is to provide midterm clinical and radiological evaluations of cases diagnosed and treated as TSPFD. Materials and methods: Eleven patients diagnosed with TSPFD as a result of wrist trauma were treated surgically and were analysed retrospectively. Clinical and radiological follow-up of the cases was evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 34 years. All patients were males with a dorsal dislocation according to Herzberg's perilunate fracture-dislocation classification. The mean follow-up time was 33 months. All of the cases were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative standard wrist anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. A dorsal approach was used in all cases. However, in 1 case a volar approach was also required. The Green and O'Brien evaluation scale modified by Cooney was used for the clinical assessment of pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength, and functional status as excellent, good, moderate, or poor. The wrist range of motion was evaluated goniometrically at the final check-up, and a mid-grade disability was observed compared with the uninjured side. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the pain. Results: Sufficient union was obtained in all cases with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures. Grip strength was up to 77.5% of the other side. According to the modified Green and O'Brien clinical evaluation scale, 6 cases were evaluated as good, 3 cases were fair, and 2 cases were poor. No median nerve damage was determined preoperatively or postoperatively and there was no postoperative pin tract infection in any of the patients. Conclusion: This kind of injury represents complex biomechanical damage of the wrist anatomy. If it is diagnosed early and treated with open reduction and stable fixation, a functionally adequate and anatomically integrated wrist can be achieved.

Treatment options for the symptomatic post-meniscectomy knee.

PURPOSE: To provide a current review on the evidence for management of the symptomatic meniscus-deficient knee. METHODS: A literature review was performed detailing the natural history and origin of symptoms in a meniscus-deficient knee, in addition to strategies for non-surgical management, meniscus scaffolds, meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT), isolated cartilage repair, unloading osteotomies, meniscus prosthesis, and joint replacements which were revealed as treatment possibilities. RESULTS: Meniscus deficiency was recognized to lead to an early onset knee osteoarthritis (OA). A subset of patients develop post-meniscectomy syndrome: dull and nagging pain after a short pain-free interval subsequently to meniscectomy, which can be accompanied by transient effusions. Evidence for non-surgical management of post-meniscectomy knee pain is lacking. Two available meniscus scaffolds, indicated for symptomatic segmental meniscus deficiency, show pain relief at mid-term follow-up, and effect on joint preservation is unclear. MAT represents a durable solution for sub/total meniscus deficiency (80% survival at 10 years), but it is still considered a temporary solution for post-meniscectomy pain. MAT may also reduce the progression of OA. Isolated cartilage repair without a meniscus reconstruction is commonly performed, but better results were reported with preserved or reconstructed menisci. Osteotomies are used in the combination of misaligned knee and meniscus reconstruction or as pain solution for irreversible unilateral knee structural changes following a meniscectomy. Polycarbonate-urethane medial meniscus prosthesis is currently undergoing clinical trial. Joint replacements should be limited to later stages of post-meniscectomy OA. CONCLUSIONS: Post-meniscectomy pain syndrome and post-meniscectomy knee OA are common findings after meniscus resection. Short-term pain relief is provided by non-surgical management, mid-term pain relief by meniscus scaffolds, and long-term relief by MAT, though each has differing indications. In later stages, osteotomies and joint replacements are indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A comparison of two manual physical therapy approaches and electrotherapy modalities for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized three arm clinical trial.

A broad spectrum of physical therapy exercise programs provides symptom relief and functional benefit for patients with knee OA. Manual physical therapy, including tailored exercise programs provide relatively higher level benefit that persists to one year. It is currently unknown if there are important differences in the effects of different manual physical therapy techniques for patients with knee OA and there are virtually no studies comparing manual physical therapy and electrotherapy modalities. The aim of the study was to compare long-term results between three treatment groups (mobilization with movements [MWMs], passive joint mobilization [PJM], and electrotherapy) to determine which treatment is most effective in patients with knee OA. A single-blind randomized clinical trial with parallel design was conducted in patients with knee OA. Seventy-two consecutive patients (mean age 56.11 ± 6.80 years) with bilateral knee OA were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: MWMs, PJM, and electrotherapy. All groups performed an exercise program and received 12 sessions. The primary outcome measures of the functional assessment were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Aggregated Locomotor Function (ALF) test scores. The secondary outcome measures were pain level, measured using a pressure algometer and a visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), measured using a digital goniometer, and muscle strength, evaluated with a handheld dynamometer. Patients were assessed before treatment, after treatment and after 1 year of follow-up. Patients receiving the manual physical therapy interventions consisting of either MWM or PJM demonstrated a greater decrease in VAS scores at rest, during functional activities, and during the night compared to those in the electrotherapy group from baseline to after the treatment (p < 0.05). This improvement continued at the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). The MWMs and PJM groups also showed significantly improved WOMAC and ALF scores, knee ROM and quadriceps muscle strength compared to those in the electrotherapy group from baseline to 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). In the treatment of patients with knee OA, manual physical therapy consisting of either MWM or PJM provided superior benefit over electrotherapy in terms of pain level, knee ROM, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional level.

The timing and importance of motor skills course in knee arthroscopy training.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the impact of the simulation training program in learning duration of arthroscopic motor skills. Furthermore, we investigated the difference between junior and experienced residents in the improvement of arthroscopic motor skills duration. METHODS: We established 2 study groups according to participants' year of experience in orthopedic residency with junior group residents with three years or less than three years experience as group 1 and experienced group with over 3 years of experience as group 2. We calculated duration change of motor skill test results for each participant before and after the course. The tools used were; auto scoring mirror tracer(ASMT), 0'Conner the tweezer dexterity test(OCTDT), etch-a-sketch with overlay(ESOT), purdue the pegboard test(PPT), two-arm coordination test(TACT) and grooved pegboard test(GPT) which were all produced by Lafayette firm. These instruments were used to practice and measure the basic motor skills. RESULTS: All post-course test durations for participants decreased significantly when compared to pre-course. We calculated percentage change of motor skill test results for each participant before and after the course. All motor skill test percentage changes were similar between two groups. In comparison of participants according to their experiences, results revealed that there was no difference in test results of experienced and junior surgeons. Both groups had provided equal improvement in terms of motor skills. CONLUSION: As our results revealed, residents will be able to act with a strong motivation to learn applications through basic arthroscopic information gained in early period of orthopedic training and will make more successful applications of real patients.

Arthroscopic Technique for Treatment of Schatzker Type III Tibia Plateau Fractures Without Fluoroscopy.

Accurate reduction and maintenance of the stability with correct implant positioning is critical for surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Our technique includes an arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type III tibial plateau fractures with a bulls-eye screw placement without fluoroscopy control. With the arthroscopic guidance, an anterior cruciate ligament drill guide is placed and a K-wire sent to the midpoint of the depressed fragment through the guide at a 40° angle to the coronal axis of the tibia. A tunnel is created with the drill over the K-wire. The depressed fragment is further augmented with gentle impacts over the K-wire. After arthroscopic reduction control, an appropriate-sized iliac graft is pushed until it is below the depressed fragment. The targeting device is adjusted at 130° so that it is parallel to the joint line and a K-wire sent through the device so that it would pass just below the graft. The graft is then supported with cannulated screws sent over the K-wire. This technique provides an arthroscopic reduction of the chondral surface and precise placement of the rafting screws without fluoroscopy.

Bicolumnar 90-90 plating of AO 13C type fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate functional results and complication rate of patients who underwent medial-dorsolateral plating for intra-articular distal humeral fracture (Müller AO type 13C). METHODS: Twenty-four patients (14 men, 10 women; mean age: 47 years) with AO type 13C distal humerus fracture were included in the study. Mean follow-up time was 28 months. Nine patients were in 13C1 subgroup, according to AO classification system, 11 patients were categorized as 13C2, and 4 patients were 13C3. Final follow-up assessment of outcomes included Broberg and Morrey radiological criteria; Mayo Elbow Performance Score, disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure, score based on Jupiter criteria; and range of motion (ROM) values. RESULTS: The mean carrying angle of operated elbows was 11.37° (range: 0-20°). According to Broberg and Morrey radiological criteria, 14 patients, had radiologically normal elbow, 4 patients had mild change, 3 patients had moderate change, and 3 patients had severe radiological change. Mean DASH score was 21.91 (range: 0-50), and mean Mayo rating was 83.37 (range: 55-100). Jupiter criteria evaluation revealed excellent results in 10 cases, good in 12, and fair results in 2. One patient with fair result had open fracture, and the other had previous hemiparesis in the same extremity. There was no instance of nonunion observed at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Osteosynthesis with medial-dorsolateral plating is a safe and effective method for the treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Isolated Hoffa Fractures.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of a novel method, arthroscopic fixation of isolated Hoffa fractures.This is a prospective, case series and set at Level 1 trauma center. A total of eight patients with isolated Hoffa fractures who were operated by arthroscopic screw fixation method in the anterior posterior direction with 6.5 mm cannulated screws were followed up prospectively. Same surgical method used for all patients. All patients underwent the same rehabilitation program and active range of motion (ROM) exercises were started immediately. The International Knee Society (IKS) knee and functional scores, postoperative knee ROMs, and time of bone union were used as outcome measurements. Postoperative knee ROMs was compared with the contralateral healthy knee. The mean follow-up time was 29 months (26 - 41 months). At the final review, no significant difference (p = 0.159) was found between the ROM of healthy side and operated side of patients (153.1 ± 4.6 and 150 ± 3.8). The mean IKS knee and functional scores at 12 months were 87.2 ± 5.8 and 96.8 ± 3.7, respectively. Union was achieved in all patients at a mean duration of 3.8 months. Fracture side had no influence on the IKS knee scores, functional scores, and ROM (p = 0.846, p = 0.913, and p = 0.374, respectively). Concomitant intra-articular lesions identified in two patients (%25) during arthroscopy were one anterior cruciate ligament rupture and one medial meniscus tear. Patients undergoing arthroscopic Hoffa fracture fixation have excellent outcomes at average 29 months postoperatively with no apparent complications and no significant loss of ROM. Also 25% of patients had intra-articular injuries that were identified with arthroscopic technique that may have been missed with the open technique. The level of evidence was Level 4 (case series).

Risk factors for mortality in geriatric hip fractures: a compressional study of different surgical procedures in 785 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Only a little is known about whether type of surgical intervention has an effect on mortality of these patients. Our primary objective was to assess whether different type of surgical procedures has an effect on mortality among elderly patients with hip fracture. A secondary objective was to examine factors that are related to mortality in our patient population. Our hypothesis is that type of surgical procedure, especially external fixation, should have an influence on mortality outcomes. METHODS: We included 785 patients age 65 years or older, with hip fractures. Operative treatment consisted of external fixation, internal fixation, total hip arthroplasty and hip hemiarthroplasty. Age, gender, type of fracture, type of surgery performed, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, clinical comorbidities, anesthesia type, blood transfusion requirement, time to surgery, intensive care unit requirement, operation length and length of hospital stay and number of comorbidities were documented. RESULTS: During the study period, 785 patients (262 male, 523 female) were included to study, Overall mortality rate was 37.2 % (292/785). Their age ranged between 65 and 100 years (mean 81). Surgery type Kaplan-Meier cumulative mortality curves suggested no significant difference between four different types of surgery groups (p = 0.064). Transfusion requirement was significantly lower in external fixation group comparing to other groups (p = 0.014). Cox regression analysis showed the number of comorbidities 2 and ≥ 3 (p = 0.0027, p = 0.015), transfusion requirement (p = 0.0001), ASA 4 (p = 0.016) to be significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion requirement, ASA grade 4 and having more than two comorbidities are risk factors for mortality in geriatric hip fractures. Type of surgical intervention and fracture type had similar mortality rates in our patient population.

Medial mini-open versus percutaneous pin fixation for type III supracondylar fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: The present objective was to compare medial mini-open and percutaneous treatment of pediatric supracondylar fractures according to fluoroscopy time, duration of surgery, and iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. METHODS: A total of 104 Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures were prospectively evaluated between 2011 and 2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to type of fixation. In Group A (41 patients), medial pin was inserted with mini-open incision with 2 lateral pins inserted percutaneously. In Group B (63 patients), all pins were inserted percutaneously. Mean follow-up time was 14.1±1.2 months in Group A, and 14.6±2.1 months in Group B. All patients were postoperatively evaluated for nerve injury with both motor and sensory function assessment. Length of surgery, total fluoroscopy time, fluoroscopy time for medial pin insertion, Baumann's angle, humeral capitellum angle, final carrying angle, and range of motion were recorded. RESULTS: Sensorial evaluation showed that Group A had 3 poor, and 1 fair results, and Group B had 2 poor, and 1 fair results. No statistically significant differences were observed, including no differences in either surgery or total fluoroscopy times between groups. However, fluoroscopy time during medial pin placement was significantly lower in the mini-open group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, similar results of both techniques were observed, and both carry risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Medial pin placement is easier and less demanding when used with mini-open technique.

Talar Osteochondroma Fracture Presenting as Posterior Ankle Impingement.

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors. They are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. When symptomatic, the symptoms are usually due to its location and size. Fracture of an osteochondroma presenting as posterior ankle impingement is a rare condition. We describe a 22-year-old man with solitary exostosis who presented with a posterior ankle mass and posterior ankle impingement with 2 years of follow-up. Surgical intervention was the treatment of choice in this patient, and histologic examination revealed a benign osteochondroma. Osteochondromas found in the posterior aspect of the talus can be complicated by fracture due to persistent motion of the ankle. Talar osteochondroma should be included in the differential diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement causes. Posterior talar osteochondromas, especially when a stalk is present, should be treated surgically before it is more complicated by a fracture and posterior ankle impingement.

The outcome and parents-based cosmetic satisfaction following fixation of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed method with or without small medial incision.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children. Displaced fractures are usually treated with closed reduction and cross pin fixation. But, medial pinning may cause the ulnar nerve injury. The aim of this study was to compare the parents-based cosmetic satisfaction of the incision scars in children with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed reduction and cross pin fixation with or without small medial incision. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 72 children with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated two different closed reduction and percutaneous pinning methods at our institution from January 2010 through December 2013. A group has 36 patients treated with small medial incision and crossed K-wires fixation after closed reduction. The other group has 36 patients treated with closed reduction and K-wires fixation. At the final follow-up, the patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically with Flynn's criteria. Furthermore, a visual analogue scale was used to determine of the parents-based cosmetic satisfaction score. All fractures healed without major complications at the final clinical and radiological assessment. Although, between the two groups did not differ in terms of Flynn cosmetic and functional outcomes, there were statistically significant differences between both groups according to the parents-based cosmetic satisfaction scores. The closed reduction and crossed pin fixation without small medial incision should be preferred first because of better the parents-based cosmetic satisfaction.

Correlation between body mass index and quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to assess the relationship of patient weight, height and body mass index (BMI) with the size of the quadrupled hamstring tendon used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: from patient records, we retrospectively assessed the weight, height, BMI and graft sizes of 126 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using a quadrupled hamstring tendon autograft between January 2010 and January 2013 at our institution. The data obtained from perioperative measurements were studied using correlation analysis. RESULTS: statistically significant relationships were found between patient height and graft diameter (p = 0.033, r = 0.19) and between patient weight and graft diameter (p < 0.0001, r = 0.33). No statistically significant relationships were found between graft diameter and BMI or between graft length and patient height, weight and BMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: patient height and weight were found to be related to quadrupled hamstring graft diameter in our patient population. BMI was not related to the quadrupled hamstring graft size. The exact size of the graft cannot be predicted preoperatively on the basis of these variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

The measurement of tibial torsion by magnetic resonance imaging in children: the comparison of three different methods.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about the measurement techniques to determine the tibial torsion by using MRI. The primary research question of this study was to find out which MRI-based tibial torsion measurement method is more reliable and reproducible. Secondly, we compared tibial torsion values measured by three measurement methods in T1- and T2-weighted images. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed voluntary children performed MRI for determination of the lower limb torsional alignment after the surgical treatment between January 2013 and December 2013. Thirty-four extremities of 17 patients were included in the present study. The mean age of patients was 7.3 years (range 3-12 years). The transmalleolar, posterior intermalleolar and anterior talus angles were used for the measurement of tibial torsion. All tibial torsion measurements were calculated by three blinded observers in T1- and T2-weighted images, and these measurements were repeated blindly after 2 months. RESULTS: All measured intra- and interobserver intra-class correlations were greater than 0.60. The best scores were achieved with the anterior talus angle. It was followed by the posterior malleolar angle and the intermalleolar angle, respectively. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between tibial torsion values measured by each observer in T1- and T2-weighted images of each method. CONCLUSION: MRI-based tibial torsion measurements were reliable and reproducible for all three methods. But we think that the anterior talus angle and the posterior malleolar angle are easier and more successful in determination of the tibial torsion. Also, both T1- and T2-weighted images can be used successfully for this purpose.

Importance of Restricting Sportive Activity and Time from Injury to Surgery in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: It is unclear that how long reconstruction may be delayed before additional intraarticular injuries occur. Our aim was to determine the relationship of time period from injury to surgery with the incidence of meniscal and chondral injuries recorded at the time of surgical treatment for ACL tears. The effect of sportive activity restriction, grade of chondral lesions and their locations were also evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 213 patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were evaluated retrospectively. Data were analyzed for association between time period before surgery and patients sportive activity restriction with rates of meniscal and chondral injuries. According to time from initial trauma to surgery less than 12 months grouped as group I (101 patients) and 12 months and longer defined as group II (81 patients). Patients who had surgery before 12 months were divided into groups of smaller time scales (0 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, 7 to 9 months, 10 to 12 months) to examine the relationships more closely. For sportive activity restriction a functional scale was used that described restricted activities including military training. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two patients were included to the study. 81 patients restricted sportive activity before surgery. 18 (% 22.2) of these patients had chondral injury [6 (% 33.3) operated before 12 months and 12 (% 66.7) operated after 12 months]. The difference was statistically significant (p=0,005). 81 patients (group II) were operated after 12 months. There were 44 (% 54.3) patients with chondral injury in this group [32 (% 72.7) patients were who continued their sportive activity and 12 (% 27.3) patients who restricted their sportive activity]. The difference was statistically significant (p=0,026). Correlation analysis showed that with increasing time from initial trauma to surgery chondral lesion incidence and grade of these lesions increases (p<0,001, p=0,001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the prolonged time from injury to surgery and continuing sportive activity before surgery increases the incidence of the chondral lesions. Also, time limit of 12 month is important to prevent chondral injury in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Postoperative pectoral swelling after shoulder arthroscopy.

Fluid extravasation is possibly the most common complication of shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy can lead to major increases in the compartment pressure of adjacent muscles and this phenomenon is significant when an infusion pump is used. This article describes a case of pectoral swelling due to fluid extravasation after shoulder arthroscopy. A 24-year-old male underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation. The surgery was performed in the beach chair position and lasted two hours. At the end of the procedure, the patient was found to have left pectoral swelling. A chest radiography showed no abnormality. Pectoral swelling due to fluid extravasation after shoulder arthroscopy has not previously been documented.

A new joystick technique for unsuccessful closed reduction of supracondylar humeral fractures: minimum trauma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare operation duration, radiological and functional results of the open reduction with either posterior or lateral approach and closed reduction with joystick method in unsuccessful closed reduction of displaced (Gartland type III) supracondylar humeral fractures. METHODS: Between February 2010 and August 2011, 37 patients who were not obtained satisfactory reduction with classic closed reduction attempts for three times in operating room were included in this study. Patients were treated with three different surgical methods. Group I have 13 patients who had joystick and lateral K-wire-assisted closed reduction, group II have 12 patients who had open reduction by lateral approach, and group III have 12 patients who had open reduction by posterior approach. In final follow-up, AP and lateral radiographs of both elbows were taken and bilateral Baumann angles, lateral humerocapitellar angles, carrying angles, and elbow range of motion were measured. These angles and operation times compared between the groups. The functional and cosmetic outcome of surgery was evaluated by criteria of Flynn et al. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance difference between Baumann angles, lateral humerocapitellar angles, and carrying angles of fractured and uninjured sides in between three groups (respectively, p = 0.761, p = 0.354, p = 0.750). In group I, operation duration is shorter than the other groups. Functional scoring showed that in group I and group II, all patients have satisfactory results; however, in group III, three patients (25%) had poor results. In the perspective of cosmetic results, all three groups have satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: When classical closed reduction fail, lateral joystick and K-wire-assisted reduction is a useful way to make and maintain the reduction. Functional and radiological results are as good as lateral and posterior open approaches. Short operation time is an advantage. This method reduces the risk of complications due to repeated closed reduction and open reduction in unsuccessful closed reduction in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.