Postarthroscopy osteonecrosis of the knee.

PURPOSE: Spontaneous subchondral osteonecrosis of the knee joint confined to a localized area of one condyle can occur after arthroscopic procedures. Meniscal tears, arthroscopic meniscectomy, and radiofrequency chondroplasty are aetiological factors in the development of osteonecrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the incidence of osteonecrosis increased when mechanical or radiofrequency chondroplasty was used in conjunction with arthroscopic meniscectomy. METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, arthroscopic meniscectomy was the primary treatment in 75 patients (mean age 40 ± 13) with stage II and III degenerative changes on the articular cartilage. Patients had to meet the following criteria: 1) have preoperative MRI and plain film radiographs showing no evidence of osteonecrosis; 2) be symptomatic for at least 6 weeks before the preoperative MRI; and 3) have arthroscopically confirmed stage II or III chondral lesion. A preoperative MRI was performed for all patients. For treatment of chondral lesions, debridement with a shaver or chondroplasty with a monopolar RF energy system was used. Patients were divided into three treatment groups. Partial meniscectomy of the medial or lateral (or both) menisci was performed on all patients, but patients in group 2 additionally received mechanical debridement of the chondral lesion, and those in group 3 were additionally treated with RF chondroplasty. Patients in group 1 were treated with partial meniscectomy alone. Patients were re-examined after 6 months, at which time a repeat MRI was performed. RESULTS: Development of osteonecrosis was detected during the postoperative MRIs of five patients: two in group 1, two in group 2, and one in group 3. CONCLUSION: The addition of mechanical or RF chondroplasty to meniscectomy did not increase the number of patients with osteonecrosis. Also, RF chondroplasty, which is commonly proposed to be an aetiological factor, resulted in a decrease in the number of patients that developed osteonecrosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Effect of partial, distal epicondylectomy on reduction of ulnar nerve strain: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: To compare the decrease in ulnar nerve strains using a modification of medial epicondylectomy by removing the distal half of the medial epicondyle with in situ decompression and partial medial epicondylectomy. METHODS: Using 20 elbows of 10 fresh human cadavers, we measured the strain on the ulnar nerve using a microstrain gauge before and after in situ decompression. Then, we repeated the measurements after partial medial epicondylectomy on left elbows, and after distal medial epicondylectomy on right elbows. We compared the mean strain values with 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The decrease in mean ulnar nerve strain with in situ decompression from 5.4% to 5.2% on the right side and 5.4% to 5.0% on the left was not statistically significant. The decrease to 2.9% on the left elbows after partial and to 1.9% on the right elbows after distal medial epicondylectomy was statistically significant. In addition, the remaining ulnar nerve strain after distal medial epicondylectomy was significantly less compared with that after partial medial epicondylectomy. We observed nerve subluxation only with partial medial epicondylectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In situ decompression alone does not change ulnar nerve strains. The significant change in ulnar nerve strain with partial or distal medial epicondylectomy underlines the role of medial epicondyle on stretching of the ulnar nerve. Excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle sets the contact point of the nerve with the bone proximally and decreases the strain on ulnar nerve more effectively than partial epicondylectomy. However, its efficacy and complications need to be studied clinically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the present cadaveric study suggest that excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle in cubital tunnel syndrome may decrease ulnar nerve strain effectively. The clinical effect of decrease in nerve strain and the indications for the procedure need to be investigated.

Clamp fixation to prevent unfolding of a suture knot decreases tensile strength of polypropylene sutures.

PURPOSE: Although sutures evolved in last decade and the product spectrum broadened largely, they can be still classified into two: monofilament and multifilament. Sutures are the mainstay of orthopedic procedures like fascial closures, tendon repairs or tenodesis. In every repair, a suture loop is created. This suture loop is prone to failure due to suture elongation, knot slip and suture breakage. As the knot is the stress riser in a suture loop, the majority of acute loop failure occurs just adjacent to the knot. Monofilament sutures have higher bending stiffness and tendency to untie than multifilament sutures. The first throw of monofilament sutures have tendency to untie, which decrease loop tension and result in loss of achieved tissue approximation. METHODS: Although a common practice is to fix the first throw via a clamp before the locking one is tied, it can be hypothesized that a potential deforming effect can lead to a decrease in ultimate failure load of a monofilament suture loop. RESULTS: Fixing the first throw significantly reduced the ultimate failure load of monofilament nonabsorbable polypropylene sutures (Prolene) (62.2 ± 8 N vs. 72.7 ± 9 N, p = 0.019). The ultimate failure load achieved by monofilament sutures Polyglyconate (Maxon) and Nylon (Ethilon) and braided absorbable Polyglactin (Vicryl) were not affected by fixing the first throw. CONCLUSION: Under microscopic examination, polypropylene sutures were found to be deformed by clamp fixation, while the others were not. Polypropylene sutures can be easily damaged when it is fixed by a clamp during knot tying. Presented data demonstrated that in real surgical situations clamp fixation of polypropylene knots can damage the suture loop and carry the risk of acute failure of repair site during early rehabilitation.

Distal medial epicondylectomy. A modification of partial medial epicondylectomy for cubital tunnel syndrome: preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: The medial epicondyle behaves as a fulcrum and a pulley that tethers the ulnar nerve during flexion. Excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle sets the point of contact of the bone with the nerve proximally and decreases the traction effect of the medial epicondyle on the ulnar nerve. In this study, we aim to investigate the surgical and clinical results of excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle in cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cubital tunnel release with excision of the distal half of the medial epicondyle was performed in 19 patients. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with clinical examinations, McGowan and Wilson-Krout scores, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and two-point discrimination tests, and grip and pinch strength measurements. RESULTS: A one-grade improvement in McGowan classification was observed in 79 % of patients and a two-grade improvement in 21 % of patients at the time of the first postoperative examination. At 24 months after surgery, 18 patients reported the Wilson-Krout scores as excellent (95 %). Statistically significant improvements in sensory and motor strength measurements were achieved at all postoperative examinations. CONCLUSION: The objective and subjective outcome measures achieved with distal medial epicondylectomy are comparable with other epicondylectomy techniques. The complication rates seem to be lower than those of total or partial medial epicondylectomy. This procedure is an acceptable and safe alternative for the surgical treatment of CuTS.

A novel reduction support frame for management of unstable tibial fractures with intramedullary nail: Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Management of unstable tibial fractures (UTF) can be challenging due to widening of the proximal and distal metaphyseal zone, soft tissue problems, and poor vascularity. We aimed to compare the effect of novel tibial orthopedic reduction support (TORS) frame constructed by re-used tubular external fixator systems and manual traction with regard to the quality of re-duction, and fracture healing. METHODS: A total of 65 patients who were admitted with UTF and underwent intramedullary nailing were assessed; 43 patients un-derwent manual traction technique, and 22 patients underwent TORS technique. The sagittal and coronal plane angulations were eval-uated in initial postoperative radiographs, and radiologic union scores for tibial fractures (RUST) were compared at follow-up X-rays. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43.49±19.09 years in the manual-traction group and 43.41±16.8 years in the TORS group. The mean coronal plane angulation was 1.84±3.16 in the manual traction group and 1.86±4.21 in the TORS group. The mean sagittal plane angulation was 1.19±1.93 in manual traction group and 0.32±0.65 in the TORS group. The number of coronal and sagittal plane angulations >5° was higher in manual traction group than TORS group. The mean RUST was significantly higher in the TORS group than in the manual traction group at 6th, 9th, and 12th-month controls. The union rates were also higher in the TORS group at 9th and 12th-month controls. CONCLUSION: TORS frame is a simple and cheap technique and should be considered as reduction support in the management of UTF by intramedullary nailing.

The effect of the platelet-rich plasma on osteogenic potential of the periosteum in an animal bone defect model.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether plasma-rich plasma (PRP) enhances the osteogenic potential of periosteal grafts used to repair bone defects and maintains both histologically and biomechanically more durable bone tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard bone defect was formed to the left femurs of 54 Sprague-Dawley rats and three groups were formed. In the first group (n=18), no periosteal repair was done for bone defect. In the second group (n=18), periosteal graft tissue was sutured to cover the defect entirely. In the third group (n=18), before periosteal repair, a 1 mL of PRP fibrin was applied into the bone defect. All femoral specimens were compared histologically at four and six weeks and biomechanically by three-point bending test at six weeks after treatment. RESULTS: In the PRP applied group, healing of the bone defect at four weeks was significantly better than the other groups in terms of histological new bone formation (p<0.05). At six weeks, new bone formation in both of the periosteum preserved groups was superior to the first group (p<0.05, for both). There was no statistically significant difference between the second and third groups at the end of the sixth week in the biomechanical analysis, although both groups were significantly stronger than the first group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stimulation of the periosteum with PRP application causes early osteogenic differentiation of precursor cells. Although, at biomechanical basis, PRP application does not create any significant difference, in the recovery of the bone defects at very early period, application of PRP may play a role to accelerate fracture healing and to decrease nonunions.

Analysis of factors among 30-day and 1-year mortality rates in patients with borderline stable-unstable intertrochanteric hip fracture.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of surgical procedures on mortality and to identify the possible risk factors for mortality in the management of geriatric hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 191 patients (105 women and 86 men; mean age 82.26±9.681 [60-108] years) with AO/OTA 31A2.2 intertrochanteric fractures and treated with sliding hip screw, proximal femoral nail, or hemiarthroplasty were included in this retrospective cohort study. The treatment type was decided by the responsible surgeon according to the patients' pre-injury activity level, bone quality, and features of the fracture. Age, sex, type of fracture, type of surgery performed, American society of anesthesiology (ASA) grade, type of anesthesia, time to surgery, type of physical therapy, length of hospital stay, and number of comorbidities were documented. We evaluated the 30-day and 1-year mortality of patients treated with sliding hip screw (SHS), proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFN-A), or hemiarthroplasty and identified the possible risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients underwent SHS, 58 underwent PFN-A, and 84 underwent hemiarthroplasty. Of these, 2 patients with SHS, 2 with PFN-A, and 11 with hemiarthroplasty died within 30 days after surgery, whereas 7 patients with SHS, 15 with PFN-A, and 23 with hemiarthroplasty died 1 year after surgery. The 30-day and 1-year overall mortality rates were 7.9% and 23.6%, respectively. Both the 30-day and 1-year mortality risks were higher in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty than in patients undergoing SHS (p=0.068 versus 0.058). The 30-day mortality was higher in patients receiving general anesthesia than in those receiving combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (p=0.009). The 1-year mortality risk was higher in patients with ASA grade 4 than in those with grade 1 and 2 (p=0.045). Advanced age (p=0.022) and male sex (p=0.007) were also found to be the risk factors for 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that higher ASA grade, male sex, general anesthesia, and hemiarthroplasty procedures are associated with higher mortality rates in elderly patients with hip fractures. Thus, we highly recommend orthopedic surgeons to consider all these factors in the management of intertrochanteric hip fractures in the geriatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Prognostic Study.

Over-the-top knot placement technique enhances tensile stability of tendon repairs.

BACKGROUND: Currently a major concern for the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture repairs is the creation of stable enough fixation to allow early range of motion. It was documented that the weakest point in a suture loop is the knot. Thus, we hypothesized that moving the knot away from the repair junction (over-the-top Krackow technique) would increase the strength of the repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transected bovine tendons were repaired by the traditional Krackow and over-the-top Krackow techniques using four suture materials (Fiberwire Nos. 5 and 2, Ethibond Nos. 5 and 2). Tendons were cyclically tested at incremental loads beginning from 50 N until 5-mm gap formation. Then all tendons were loaded to failure. The number of cycles to 5-mm gapping, ultimate failure loads and knot slip were compared using t-test and Mann-Whitney tests (with Tukey corrections for multiple comparisons). RESULTS: Mean number of cycles to 5-mm gapping did not reveal significant differences (p = 0.113) between repair groups. Mean failure load of tendons repaired by over-the-top Krackow technique were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) for all four paired groups than tendons repaired by traditional Krackow technique. Ethibond No. 5, No. 2, and Fiberwire No. 2 suture repairs with over-the-top configuration did not reveal any knot slip. CONCLUSION: Over-the-top Krackow technique increases the ultimate failure load of repaired tendons. But 5-mm gapping resistivity was not enhanced either by the technique or the suture material. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The knot itself is a stress-riser in the suture loop so we suggest that freeing it from tension by our modificiation may achieve more durable repairs.

Effects of a novel biodegredable implant system on a rat tibia fracture model.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of a novel biodegradable implant releasing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) at the fracture site on fracture healing in a rat tibia fracture model. METHODS: In this study, 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 300 and 350 g were used. The rats were divided into four groups: Group A (control group without any treatment, n=10), Group B (spacer without PDGF Group, n=10), Group C (spacer with PDGF group, n=10), and Group D (healthy rat Group, n=5). Standardized fractures were created in the right tibias of rats, and then biodegradable implants made of poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy valerate were implanted at the fracture sites in Groups B and C. In Group C, implants were loaded with 600 ng of PDGF. Animals were sacrificed 30 days after the operation, and fracture healing in each group was assessed radiologically based on the Goldberg score. Furthermore, the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) callus diameters were measured macroscopically, and fracture sites were mechanically tested. RESULTS: In the radiological assessment, Group C showed higher fracture healing rate than Groups A and B (p=0.001), whereas no significant difference was found between group C and Group D (p>0.05). In the macroscopic assessment, while Group C exhibited the thickest AP callus diameter (p=0.02), no significant differences in ML callus diameters existed among the groups (p>0.05). Mechanical testing revealed that Group C had higher torsional strength (p=0.001) and stiffness than Groups A and B (p=0.001) while there was no significant difference between Groups C and D (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Biodegradable implant releasing PDGF may have positive effects on fracture healing.

Comparison of functional outcomes in patients fixed with dynamic hip screw and proximal femur nail-anti-rotation in A1 and A2 type intertrochanteric femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare clinical and functional outcomes between patients treated with Dynamic hip screw (DHS) and Proximal Femoral Nail-Antirotation (PFN-A) implants. METHODS: This study included 122 patients (66 men [54.1%] and 56 women [45.9%]) who underwent surgery with DHS and PFN-A for an intertrochanteric femur fracture and had at least 12 months follow-up. Reduction assessment, femoral neck-shaft angle and tip-apex distance measurements were performed in early postoperative radiographs. On control visits in months 1, 3, 6 and 12, range of motion, thigh or hip pain, and Trendelenburg positivity were assessed in clinical examination and reduction assessment, femoral neck-shaft angle and tip-apex distance measurements were performed on radiographs after the union. Patients were assessed using Hip Harris Score after the union. RESULTS: Regardless of implant type used, mean tip-apex distance measured at the immediate postoperative period was 27.6 in patients with implant failure, whereas 21.6 in patients without, indicating a significant difference. Again, mean femoral neck-shaft angle measured at the immediate postoperative period was 123 degree in patients with implant failure, whereas 130 degree in those without, indicating a significant difference. It was found that the femoral neck-shaft angle was <128 degree in all patients with implant failure whereas it was >128 degree in 94% of patients without implant failure at immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The findings regarding femur neck-shaft angle at the immediate postoperative period was <128 degree in all patients with implant failure and that it was ≥128 degree in 94% of patients without implant failure emphasize the importance of anatomic restoration in femur neck-shaft angle during surgery. The finding that mean tip-apex distance was 27.6 mm in patients with implant failure and 21.6 mm in patients without implant failure indicates that the technique is as important as implant type selected for treatment success of the implantation.

Risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle after arthroscopic chondroplasty using radiofrequency: a prospective clinical series.

Radiofrequency (RF) energy can be used for treatment of intraarticular pathologies in knee joint. RF energy was found to be superior to mechanical techniques in smoothening the articular surface (chondroplasty), shortening the operation time and reducing the blood loss. As RF produces thermal energy it has been reported to be responsible for the postoperative osteonecrosis however, there is no clinical evidence in the literature supporting that RF causes osteonecrosis. The current study searches for an answer whether surgical arthroscopic modalities using RF energy causes osteonecrosis. We hypothesize in the presented study that chondroplasty with RF has no effect on increasing the incidence of osteonecrosis in knee joint. In a prospective clinical trial, arthroscopic chondroplasty was performed in 50 patients with degenerative changes of the articular cartilage, stage II and III according to Outerbridge. To be included in the study, the patients had to meet the following criteria: (1) Preoperative MRI and plain film radiographs showing no evidence of osteonecrosis. (2) Patients had to be symptomatic for at least 6 weeks before the preoperative MRI. (3) Arthroscopically confirmed stage II or III. Preoperative MRI was taken in all patients. For chondral lesions bipolar RF energy system (VAPR-DePuy Mitek, Norwood, USA) was used. The patients were examined at the end of the sixth month and we performed MRI. Fifty patients with an average of age 45.54 (between 18 and 64) (SD, 10.63). During arthroscopy, together with chondropathy 22 patients pure medial meniscus tears, 7 patients medial and lateral meniscus tears, 7 patients pure lateral meniscus tears, 2 patients medial plica, and 3 patients synovial hypertrophy were detected. Among all 50 patients, osteonecrosis were detected at only 2 (4%) in the postoperative period. Until now it was not clear that RF energy causes osteonecrosis; however, according to this study if proper method is used, bipolar RF energy used for arthroscopic chondroplasty does not causes subchondral osteonecrosis.

The prevalence of absence of the palmaris longus: a study in Turkish population.

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that there is a wide variation in the reported prevalence of the palmaris longus (PL) absence in different ethnic groups. This prospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of absence of PL and correlate it with gender and body side in Turkish population. METHOD: In total, 1,350 randomly selected adult patients (675 men and 675 women) who admitted to our outpatient clinic were examined for the absence of PL using Schaeffer's test and Mishra's second test. The absence of PL on both sides, results of the first and second examination tests, age, gender and dexterity were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of absence of PL (unilateral or bilateral) was 26.6% in Turkish population. The absence of PL in women was statistically more common than men. Bilateral absence of PL was statistically frequent than unilateral absence. The prevalence of absence of PL was statistically similar between the body sides. CONCLUSION: Mishra's second test which involves resisted abduction of the thumb, may be better in demonstration of the PL where the muscle was feebly developed, particularly in women.

Prospective evaluation of preoperative and postoperative sleep quality in carpal tunnel release.

Sleep disturbance is a frequent symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of median nerve decompression on sleep quality of patients with this condition. The study sample consisted of 41 patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome who were admitted to our clinic and treated with open median nerve decompression. Sensation and functional recovery of the patients were followed using the Boston Function Questionnaire, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the two-point discrimination test. Symptomatic recovery of the patients was followed by the Boston Symptom Questionnaire. The tests were used before surgery and at three and six months afterwards. Sensory, functional and symptomatic recovery from the third month to the sixth month following surgery also affected sleep parameters and improved the sleep quality of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Level of evidence: IV.

Knee Pain and Functional Scores After Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures Using a Suprapatellar Approach.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of intramedullar nailing of the tibia using a suprapatellar (SP) approach with respect to pain and function of the knee. DESIGN: Prospective clinical investigation. SETTING: Academic level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with tibial shaft fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association 42A-B-C) with a minimum of 12-month follow-up. INTERVENTION: Locked intramedullary nailing using a SP approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic evaluation for nail position proximally, tibial shaft alignment and union, anterior knee pain using the visual analog scale, and knee function evaluation using the Lysholm and SF-36 scores. Examination of intra-articular damage was performed using intraoperative patellofemoral arthroscopy before and after nail insertion. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.4 ± 12.4 years (range, 18-63 years), and the mean follow-up period was 15.62 ± 3.2 months (range, 12-21 months). The visual analog scale score for anterior knee pain was a mean of 1.0 ± 1.3 (range, 0-4). The SF-36 physical score was mean 45.1 ± 9, and the SF-36 mental score was a mean of 51.7 ± 9.9. The knee joint range of movement was measured as 133.1 ± 87 degrees on the affected extremity side and 134.05 ± 8.4 degrees on the unaffected side. The mean Lysholm knee score was 95.76 ± 4. No intra-articular pathology was seen on arthroscopy after nail insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The SP approach for intramedullar nailing for tibial shaft fractures was not associated with either anterior knee pain or functional limitations of the knee in our series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Mesenchymal stem cells have significant anti-infective effect on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis vascular graft infections.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation on vascular graft infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and compare with antibiotic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult 56 Wistar rats (age, over 5 months; weighing, 300-350 g) were divided into eight groups. Group 1 was defined as the control group and group 2 was defined as the infected control group. Groups 3 and 4 were defined as Dacron grafted and MRSE infected groups, treated with tigecycline and MSCs, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were performed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft and infected with MRSE. These groups were also administered tigecycline and MSC treatment, respectively. Groups 7 and 8 were infected with MRSE without graft administration and were also performed tigecycline and MSC treatment, respectively. Grafts and soft tissue specimens were collected at 13 days postoperatively. Colony counts of peri-graft tissue were performed. All samples were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the markers that determine stem cell activity. RESULTS: The overall success of the treatments was assessed by the number of rats with MRSE recurrence, regardless of graft used. The difference between the untreated group 2, tigecycline groups (3, 5 and 7) and MSCs groups (4, 6 and 8) were statistically significant. Success of MSC and tigecycline treatments was similar in Dacron, PTFE, and non-grafted groups. There was a resistance of MRSE infection in Dacron groups to MSC and tigecycline treatments. This was considered to be indicative of the susceptibility of the Dacron grafts to infection. However, there was no significant difference between group 2 and Dacron groups in terms of bacterial colonization. ELISA results were significant in three cytokines. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cells can be considered as an alternative treatment option on its own or part of a combination therapy for control of vascular graft infections.

Comparison of bench-top simulation versus traditional training models in diagnostic arthroscopic skills training.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the efficacy of existing training models for acquisition of arthroscopic skills and to investigate the most effective training method or combination of methods for residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 fifth-year students from medical school (40 males, 60 females; mean age 23.7 years; range, 22 to 33 years) volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly divided into five education groups (E1-5): group E1 (trained on bench-top simulator), group E2 (read surgical technique), group E3 (read surgical technique and watched surgical video), group E4 (watched surgical video only), and group E5 (control group). After completion of the pre-training, each student was individually asked to perform an arthroscopy practice. A checklist containing the tasks to be performed was given to students and students were asked to complete the tasks on the checklist in five minutes. RESULTS: In group E1, the mean rate of successful achievement of tasks was significantly higher than other groups in both knee and shoulder arthroscopy models. Rate of each task was statistically similar for groups E2, E3, E4 and E5. In group E1, mean durations for completion of tasks in both arthroscopy models were significantly shorter than other groups. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender between those who successfully completed the tasks in both arthroscopy models. CONCLUSION: A basic arthroscopic bench-top simulator may be a low-cost and effective training method to increase arthroscopic skill levels in resident training compared to traditional methods.

[The future of treatment for chondral and osteochondral lesions]. / Kondral ve osteokondral lezyonlarin tedavisinde gelecek.

The population of patients with symptomatic focal or generalized cartilage lesions is growing due to prolongation of life expectancy and to increasing frequency of sports injuries. Cartilage tissue lesions which were defined as untreatable in the past have now become treatable thanks to advances in basic scientific research. With the development of technologies regarding biomaterial, cell and local regulators, and with the introduction of new surgical techniques, it is estimated that, in the near future, clinical applications of cartilage tissue engineering will also receive particular attention in our country. Currently, all alternatives used in the treatment of cartilage lesions have merits and demerits, including arthroscopic debridement and lavage, mesenchymal stem cell stimulation, osteochondral replacement techniques, and autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Preliminary results of experimental cartilage tissue engineering are encouraging for the replacement of disrupted tissue with that having mechanical properties of hyaline cartilage. Clinical applications of cartilage tissue engineering include bioabsorbable scaffolds as extracellular collagen, hyaluronic acid matrices, and genetically engineered bioactive materials.

Congenital extensor tendon dislocation causing pseudotriggering of the little finger.

The main complaints in extensor tendon dislocations are pain, swelling, sense of discomfort, snapping and difficulty in writing and forceful flexion. However, congenital extensor tendon subluxations may present with triggering of the fingers due to tendon dislocations. Unnecessary A1 pulley release may be performed for pseudotriggerring with unsuccessful results. Here, we report an unusual case of congenital extensor tendon subluxation of multiple digits with triggering of the left little finger and aim to attract notice to pseudotriggering of the digits due to tendon dislocations. An extensor hood reconstruction performed by an extensor digitorum communis tendon slip which is passed beneath the deep intermetacarpal ligament is a successful choice of treatment for these patients.

Rafting technique without bone grafting in reverse Hill-Sachs lesions.

In this article, we report a case of bilateral posterior shoulder instability, having reverse Hill-Sachs lesions of 25 to 50% of the articular surface on the right side, and of 50% on the left side. The defects were anatomically reconstructed after tuberculum minus osteotomy by elevation of the articular surface and buttressing with raft screws without graft usage. Early rehabilitation with pendulum shoulder exercises was started at third postoperative day. At postoperative sixth week, patient had full range of motion without instability and pain. At postoperative 18th month, the patient had normal physical examination and the constant shoulder score was 86, which was 92.4% of the age- and gender-matched population. Rafting technique without bone grafting may be a treatment alternative with satisfactory clinical results for medium to large sized reverse Hill-Sachs lesions of posterior shoulder instability.

Comparison of two medial epicondylectomy techniques in cubital tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare partial medial epicondylectomy (PMe) and distal medial epicondylectomy (DMe) techniques in terms of sensory and motor improvements, functional results and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 59 cubital tunnel syndrome patients (37 males, 22 females; mean age 42.3 years; range 23 to 80 years). Of the patients, DMe was applied on 30 and PMe was applied on 29. Patients were evaluated with Wilson Krout scores, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) test, and grip and pinch strength measurements preoperatively and at postoperative third, sixth, and 12th months. Both groups' pre- and postoperative intragroup and intergroup results were compared. RESULTS: Wilson Krout scores in postoperative checks were better with DMe compared to PMe. The improvement in SWM test scores was statistically significant for only DMe. The improvement in grip strength, lateral pinch and terminal pinch measurements in DMe group was significant at postoperative third month. In PMe group, significant improvement for these measurements was obtained at postoperative sixth month. The only complication observed with DMe was tenderness developing over the medial epicondyle. Painful subluxation of the nerve associated with paresthesia was detected in four patients in PMe group. CONCLUSION: Compared to PMe, DMe offers more satisfactory subjective results. Motor functional recovery occurs earlier with DMe. DMe appears to have lower complication rates.