Clinical properties and rehabilitation needs of earthquake survivors in a subacute rehabilitation setting.

BACKGROUND: This descriptive analysis examines the victims of the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Kahramanmaras and Elbistan, Türkiye. It aims to detail the injury profiles related to neuro-musculoskeletal trauma, assess the rehabilitation needs of patients, and propose a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. METHODS: The study included patients injured in the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, who were transported to our hospital based on their rehabilitation needs. Data from patients treated at our hospital were recorded retrospectively. This included demographic information, accompanying pathologies, laboratory findings, rehabilitation programs, and treatments received during their hospital stay. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the data. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients with musculoskeletal injuries were admitted due to injuries sustained from the earthquake. The mean age of the participants was 39.76 years, with a slight female predominance (56.7%). The majority of patients sustained injuries while trapped under debris (90.1%), with an average duration of 10 hours under rubble. Fractures were the most common form of injury (53.2%), predominantly affecting the lower extremities. Peripheral nerve injuries were present in 41.1% of patients, and amputations were observed in 30.5%. Complications included compartment syndrome (46.1%), crush syndrome (36.2%), and various infections. Pain was prevalent among patients, with somatic pain being the most reported type. Individualized rehabilitation programs were implemented, incorporating physical therapy, wound care, pain management, and psychosocial support. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical rehabilitation needs of earthquake survivors and emphasizes the importance of early and comprehensive rehabilitation interventions. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs were crucial in addressing medical issues, functional limitations, and psychological challenges faced by the survivors. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of earthquake-related injuries and underscore the significance of well-coordinated rehabilitation strategies in disaster responses.

The effect of time from injury to fasciotomy in patients with acute upper extremity compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity is a surgical emergency, and timely diagnosis with immediate fasciotomies is essential for the preservation of function. This retrospective study aimed to compare the complication rates of patients who underwent fasciotomy before and after 6 hours following the initial trauma. METHODS: The medical records of the patients who underwent fasciotomy for surgical treatment of ACS of the upper extremity between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed for age, gender, dominant hand, mechanism of injury, injury level, affected compartments, associated injuries, time elapsed till fasciotomy, and complications. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of fasciotomy. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients underwent fasciotomies for upper extremity ACS. The mean age of patients who underwent fasciotomy ≤ 6 hours (group 1; 10 males, 7 females) and patients who underwent fasciotomy > 6 hours (group 2; 13 males, 2 females) was 31.1 and 34.8, respectively. The most common etiology was crushing injury. There was a significant difference in complication rates between group 1 (1/17) and group 2 (10/15) (p<0.001). The length of hospitalization stay in group 2 was statistically higher than in group 1 (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Fasciotomies for ACS of the upper extremity should be performed in less than 6 hours following the initial trauma to prevent complications.

Assessment of Reliability and Quality of Videos on Medial Epicondylitis Shared on YouTube.

Introduction Video-sharing websites, especially YouTube search engine, have become popular sources for obtaining health information over the years. The reliability and quality of contents on YouTube are unpredictable and questionable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and quality of videos on medial epicondylitis shared on the YouTube platform. Methods A YouTube search with the keywords "medial epicondylitis" and "golfer's elbow" was conducted. After typing each keyword, the first 50 videos that appeared in the first three pages were evaluated. The titles and duration of the videos, the uploading sources, the time passed since the upload, number of total views, likes, dislikes and comments were recorded. All videos were analyzed and scored using the DISCERN scoring system, modified DISCERN (mod-DISCERN) scale, and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Results Eighty-eight videos met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The mean DISCERN score, mod-DISCERN score and GQS were 40.68±10.5, 1.81±0.76, and 2.72±0.9, respectively. Most of the videos had poor and very poor quality content according to the DISCERN instrument, the mod-DISCERN scale and GQS tool. The main upload sources were doctors (36.4%), physiotherapists (25%), patients (2.2%), and other (36.4%). The videos uploaded by doctors had higher quality scores than other uploading sources. Of the 88 videos, 10 were about diagnosis alone, 39 were on treatment alone, and 39 contained information about both of diagnosis and treatment. The mean DISCERN score, mod-DISCERN score and GQS of the videos on "both" were significantly higher than those "diagnosis alone" and "treatment alone" groups. Conclusion Nearly 80% of YouTube videos on medial epicondylitis according to the DISCERN and GQS tool, and also 97.7% of videos according to the mod-DISCERN scale had medium or poor quality. YouTube videos on medial epicondylitis could not be considered as accurate and reliable sources. Because the videos uploaded by doctors had higher quality scores, the physicians should prepare and upload more reliable and quality contents with detailed information on YouTube.

Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma therapy has the potential to promote peripheral nerve regeneration through the autologous supply of growth factors. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of platelet-rich plasma injections with the effects of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: In total, 40 patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome were equally divided into two groups. Nerve conduction studies were carried out, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was administered to both groups before treatment. One group of patients received platelet-rich plasma injections, and the patients in the other group received corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel. The patients were followed for 6 months. After 3 and 6 months, the nerve conduction studies and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire were repeated. RESULTS: Although distal motor latencies did not change in either of the groups during the follow-up period, improvements in sensory nerve conduction were recorded after 3 months in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the nerve conduction studies. In the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, both the symptom severity score and the functional capacity score of the platelet-rich plasma group were significantly better than those of the corticosteroid group after 3 months, although there were no significant differences after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injections may be considered for the temporary symptomatic relief of mild carpal tunnel syndrome.