Participation style and social anxiety as predictors of active participation in asynchronous discussion forums and academic achievement.

Learners in asynchronous discussion forums are inundated with diverse options when it comes to interaction. This enables the embodiment of various styles of participation. On the other hand, the affective domain tends to be overlooked in the online discussion context. The modeling of discussion activities based on both cognitive and affective indicators constitutes this study's unique aspect. In the study, the impact of social anxiety and participation styles on active participation in discussions were investigated using three-factor social anxiety and four-factor participation style models. In addition, the impact of active participation on academic achievement was also examined. Path analysis was used to explain the predictive correlation among these indicators. Students' participation behaviors in discussions during a three-week implementation were analyzed within the scope of a course taught during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The findings showed that social anxiety and participation styles had a significant impact on active participation, which, in turn, significantly affected academic achievement. The study provides crucial inputs in portraying the characteristics of learners in such a way as to tailor online discussions to their needs.

A quantitative content analysis of Turkish state universities' official websites in terms of their preparedness and actions during emergency distance education in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Most universities worldwide had to temporarily interrupt face-to-face education and start Emergency Distance Education (EDE) due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is useful to identify the difficulties and problems that universities faced in this process in order that they can carry out a similar process more efficiently in the future. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct an in vivo examination of EDE from the institutional perspective within the scope of universities during the pandemic period in Turkey. To this end, all state university websites were searched according to 27 criteria which were determined to set out the EDE readiness status of universities. The results revealed that higher education institutions had difficulty in providing sufficient pedagogical and technical guidance to academic staff due to the rapid transition. With respect to students, distance course contents, activities and announcements were not equitably accessible for students from foreign countries and those with disabilities owing to the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) tools, internet connection, translation, etc. A remarkable number of higher education institutions preferred the features of distance education tools such as cost, familiarity, stability, availability of technical support, and short preparation time rather than their pedagogical affordances.

Effect of aerobic exercise on neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in burn patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercises in addition to standard treatment on parameters such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with burns. METHODS: A total of 31 hospitalized patients included in the study were divided into two groups using covariate adaptive randomization method according to burn percentage and burn type (1st:standard treatment, 2nd: standard treatment + aerobic training). NLR, PLR, and LMR were evaluated for 5 weeks in all groups. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to examine differences between the two groups. For comparing more than two groups, Friedman's test was used for non-normally distributed variables and Bonferroni test was used as the post hoc pairwise comparison method. RESULTS: Intragroup comparison of individuals in group 1 showed that the NLR values on days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those on days 28 and 35 (p < 0.05). Intragroup comparison of individuals in group 2 showed that the NLR values on days 1, 7, and 14 were significantly higher than those on days 21 and 35. Additionally, the NLR values on day 14 were higher than those on day 28. Individuals in group 1 showed a significant increase in PLR values each week (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of aerobic training to standard treatment in patients with burns may be more effective in improving inflammation markers such as NLR, PLR, and LMR.

Effect of three different exercise trainings on functional capacity in early stage severe burn patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of three different exercise protocols on functional capacity in early-stage burn patients. METHODS: A total of 25 patients hospitalized in the Burn Center (wards and intensive care unit) were included in the study. The individuals were divided into three groups by covariate adaptive randomization according to burn percentage and type: 1 - standard treatment, 2 - standard treatment + aerobic exercise training, 3 - standard treatment + combined exercise (aerobic and resistance) determined by metabolic status. Individuals were evaluated weekly for six weeks from the first day of hospitalization using the 6-minute walk test, physiological cost index, and Medical Research Council muscle-strength measurements to assess functional capacity. A portable metabolism tracker device measured the metabolic status of all patients. RESULTS: Aerobic exercises and combined exercise (aerobic and resistance), when added to standard treatment and determined by metabolic status, were more effective in enhancing functional capacity than standard treatment alone (p<0.05). Patients performing the combined exercise (aerobic and resistance) showed faster improvement in functional capacity determined according to metabolic status than those in the other two groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercises, when added to standard treatment and combined with aerobic and resistance exercises based on metabolic status, are more effective at improving functional capacity than standard treatment alone. Further controlled studies are required to explore the potential long-term benefits of this approach.

Machine learning models for early prediction of mortality risk in patients with burns: A single center experience.

Mortality rate is considered as the most important outcome measure for assessing the severity of burn injury. A scale or model that accurately predicts burn mortality can be useful to determine the clinical course of burn injuries, discuss treatment options and rehabilitation with patients and their families, and evaluate novel, innovative interventions for the injuries. This study aimed to use machine learning models to predict the mortality risk of patients with burns after their first admission to the center and to compare the performances of these models. Overall, 1064 patients hospitalized in burn intensive care and burn service units between 2016 and 2022 were included in the study. In total, 40 parameters, including demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters of all patients, were analyzed in the study. Furthermore, the dataset was randomly divided into two clusters with 70% of the data used for artificial neural networks (ANNs) training and 30% for model success testing. The ANN model proposed in this study showed high success across all machine learning methods tried in different variants, with an accuracy of 95.92% in the test set. Machine learning models can be used to predict the mortality risk of patients with burns. This study may help validate the use of machine learning models for applications in clinical practice. Conducting multicenter studies will further contribute to the literature.

Investigation of glucose, serum insulin levels, and insulin resistance in patients with major burn: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported that insulin resistance (IR) is present and persistent in patients with major burns; however, the evidence remains insufficient. This study was planned to investigate insulin levels and IR in the early post-traumatic period in patients with major burns and to determine the prevalence of IR after burn injury. METHODS: This study included 68 patients. These patients were followed up once a week for 4 weeks after hospitalization. In the follow-up examinations, demographic and burn injury characteristics; HbA1c, procalcitonin serum glucose, and insulin levels; and IR were evaluated. RESULTS: IR was seen in some weeks only in 25 of the 68 patients included in the study. Among all patients, IR was determined in only 11 (16.17%) patients from the 1st day of hospitalization until discharge. Patients with and without IR were evaluated as 2 groups, and their biochemical parameters were compared, and no significant difference was found between glucose and procalcitonin levels (P>0.05). Glucose levels were >100 mg/dL in the first few weeks in all patients who were followed up; however, they returned to the normal range in the following weeks. CONCLUSION: In patients with IR, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the condition persists. We believe that the HOMA-IR value is not directly related to burn injuries and that other additional pathologies may cause it during treatment.

A content comparison of 4 commonly used adult upper limb amputee outcome measurements with application of the refinements of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health linking rules.

INTRODUCTION: The application of the refinements of linking rules to the outcome measurement methods provides an opportunity to obtain information concerning what the available instruments actually measure and how the instrument measures certain outcomes. The purpose of the study was to analyze the content of 4 commonly used upper limb amputee scales using the refined International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) linking rules. METHODS: The Upper Extremity Functional Status module of the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey (OPUS-UEFS), Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales, Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were analyzed by 2 health professionals for a content comparison based on ICF categories. The Kappa statistic was used to calculate the degree of agreement between 2 professionals. RESULTS: The scale questions were linked with 43 different ICF codes in this study. Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale addresses all ICF domains. All items of SHAP and most items of OPUS-UEFS were linked to the activity-participation domain. Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand items were linked with activity-participation and body function domains. The perspectives of OPUS-UEFS and SHAP are descriptive. The perspectives of Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were descriptive and appraisal. The perspectives of Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale subscales were descriptive, appraisal, and needs or dependency. Estimated kappa values ranged from 0.44 to 0.91 for ICF codes. CONCLUSIONS: Most concepts in the scales were frequently linked to the activity-participation domain. We think that the results of this study will be a useful guide to clinicians and researchers in selecting relevant and appropriate outcome measurements for upper limb amputee rehabilitation.

Establishment of a core outcome set for burn care research: development and international consensus.

Objective: To develop a core outcome set for international burn research. Design: Development and international consensus, from April 2017 to November 2019. Methods: Candidate outcomes were identified from systematic reviews and stakeholder interviews. Through a Delphi survey, international clinicians, researchers, and UK patients prioritised outcomes. Anonymised feedback aimed to achieve consensus. Pre-defined criteria for retaining outcomes were agreed. A consensus meeting with voting was held to finalise the core outcome set. Results: Data source examination identified 1021 unique outcomes grouped into 88 candidate outcomes. Stakeholders in round 1 of the survey, included 668 health professionals from 77 countries (18% from low or low middle income countries) and 126 UK patients or carers. After round 1, one outcome was discarded, and 13 new outcomes added. After round 2, 69 items were discarded, leaving 31 outcomes for the consensus meeting. Outcome merging and voting, in two rounds, with prespecified thresholds agreed seven core outcomes: death, specified complications, ability to do daily tasks, wound healing, neuropathic pain and itch, psychological wellbeing, and return to school or work. Conclusions: This core outcome set caters for global burn research, and future trials are recommended to include measures of these outcomes.

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with posterior blade plate in diabetic neuroarthropthy.

BACKGROUND: To prevent amputation, achieving successfull ankle artrodesis in diabetic Charcot arthropaty patients is very important. As a salvage procedure, we have used a 95-degree-angled blade plate via a posterior approach to achieve tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, four diabetic patients with hindfoot Charcot arthropathy underwent talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with an AO 95-degree-angled blade plate via a posterior approach. Two of the patients were male and two were female. The average age was 63 (range, 53 to 70) years. The mean duration of diabetes was 9 (range, 5 to 20) years. All the patients were on hemodialysis. Three of four patients had undergone previous surgeries. The average followup period was 24 (range, 12 to 35) months. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic fusion was present by 5 (range, 3 to 6) months in three of four patients. In the other patient, a stable fibrous ankylosis was achieved. Clinical outcomes were excellent in three patients, and good in one patient. CONCLUSION: The performance of tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with the use of blade plate with a posterior approach was a safe and successful surgical method for the treatment of Charcot ankle.

Comparison of arthroscopic capsular release in diabetic and idiopathic frozen shoulder patients.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical results of arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder in diabetic (group 1) and idiopathic (group 2) patients were compared. Surgery was performed on 28 shoulders of 26 patients (24 women, 2 men) with frozen shoulder unresponsive to conservative treatment. The mean age was 50 (range 40-65). A total of 14 patients were included in group 1, and 12 were in group 2. The average duration of complaints was 10 and 7 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The evaluation of shoulder functions was made according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant Scoring Systems. Duration of complete pain relief and for regaining range of motion (ROM) after surgery were also noted in their final follow-up examination. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.5 and 60.2 months in group 1 and group 2, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the postoperative duration of complete pain relief and that for regaining ROM (P > 0.05). The duration of complete pain relief was 2.6 and 2.5 months, and regaining of ROM was 1.6 and 1.5 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. The postoperative UCLA and Constant scores had significant increases in both groups compared to the preoperative ones (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of Constant scores (P < 0.05) while there was no difference in terms of UCLA scores (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in shoulder abduction and internal rotation degrees between the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder in diabetic patients had less good results in terms of range of motion and Constant-Score. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the duration of pain relief and that of regaining the ROM.

Remodeling potentials of biphasic calcium phosphate granules in open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) has proved to be an effective bone substitute, but it's effectiveness and remodeling potential in open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has not been analyzed yet. This study sought to evaluate the bone healing and remodeling potentials of BCP granules using a radiographic rating system in biplanar OWHTO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (15 knees) underwent biplanar OWHTO. Bone gaps were filled with BCP granules. For radiographic evaluation, remodeling was divided into four phases. Phase 1 was accepted as rounded osteotomy sites, with clear distinction between BCP and bone, phase 2 was accepted as whitened osteotomy sites, with distinction between BCP and bone still visible, phase 3 was accepted as distinction between BCP and bone not visible and cloudy bone formation and phase 4 was accepted as full reformation of BCP granules (4A-BCP visible, 4B-disappearence of BCP) with no sign of osteotomy. Bone union was confirmed with clinical (full weight bearing without pain) and radiographic evaluation (cortical bridging callus on radiographs and phase 3 or greater remodeling). The time to full remodeling and the starting point of the consolidation on anteroposterior radiographs were noted. Complications were also noted at each clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 27.2 months. The mean age was 55.8 years. At clinical follow-up, there were no wound healing problems, no loss of corrections, no infections, and no complications. All osteotomies successfully healed. According to the radiologic classification system, at the 6th week, 73.3% (11/15) of patients were in phase 1 and the remaining 26.7% (4/15) were in phase 2. At 12-month follow-up, 46.7 (7/15) of the patients were still in phase 3. After 2 years, all radiographs showed to be in phase 4A. Radiographic union was noted to progress from lateral to medial and finally central. CONCLUSIONS: BCP can be successfully used as a bone substitute. The radiographic remodeling and consolidation process of BCP was found to be different from that of beta-tricalcium phosphate. In our patients with more than 2 years of follow-up, BCP granules did not completely remodel. As a result, this clinical study demonstrated that calcium phosphate granules containing hydroxyapatite had a long period of "creeping substitution" that lasts longer than 2 years.

The effects of early physiotherapy on biochemical parameters in major burn patients: A burn center's experience.

BACKGROUND: This study sets out to investigate the effects of early physiotherapy on biochemical parameters in major burn patients. METHODS: Ten women (50%) and 10 men (50%) aged 21-47 years old were included in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: the first group was the treatment group and the second group was the control group. In the treatment group, patients were admitted to the physiotherapy programme from the first day they have been hospitalised, in addition to their routine treatment (e.g. medical, surgery), for four days per week. The physiotherapy programme consisted of parameters, such as early mobilisation and ambulatory training, chest physiotherapy, and both active and passive normal joint movement exercises. The days of treatment were determined as of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Patients could not be treated on a Monday because that was surgery day. The control group consisted of patients who could not receive physiotherapy due to various reasons. All patients included in this study were evaluated weekly for six weeks after admission to the hospital. Parameters, such as demographic information, characteristics of burn injury, C-reactive protein, fibronectin, transferrin and prealbumin, were evaluated. RESULTS: When the results obtained in this study were considered, there was a significant difference in favour of the treatment group for all biochemical parameters (p<0.05). From the second week, a significant increase was observed in prealbumin values in the treatment group (p<0.05). A significant increase was observed in fibronectin after the fourth week (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We believe that early physiotherapy should be included in the treatment in major burns. Early physiotherapy may reduce the effects of hypermetabolic response after major burns. There is a need for multi-centered and broader studies.

Bifocal compression-distraction in the acute treatment of grade III open tibia fractures with bone and soft-tissue loss: a report of 24 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of bifocal compression-distraction method for the acute treatment of open tibia fractures with bone and soft-tissue loss. DESIGN: Patients were selected for bifocal compression-distraction (shortening and lengthening) who had open tibia fractures with bone and soft-tissue loss and a Mangled Extremity Severe Score of 6 and below indicating good leg viability. PATIENTS: Bifocal compression-distraction osteogenesis using the Ilizarov type circular external fixator was applied to 24 patients with 14 grade IIIA and 10 grade IIIB open tibia fractures with bone and soft-tissue loss. Mean age of the patients was 30.6 years (range 18-53). The mean bone defect was 5 cm (range 3-8.5). The mean soft tissue defect was 2.5 x 3.5 (1 x 2-10 x 5) cm. INTERVENTIONS: Acute shortening at the fracture site was done for patients with bone defects up to 3 cm to achieve apposition of bone ends. Gradual shortening at a rate of 2 mm/d was done for patients who had bone defects more than 3 cm. Leg length discrepancy was overcome by lengthening at the same time through a corticotomy at a proximal or distal level depending on fracture localization, until there was equalization of leg lengths. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 30 months (range 18-60). Mean bone healing time was 7.5 months (range 4-11). The mean time in external fixation was 7.1 months (range 3-10), and the average external fixator index was 1.4 months/cm. Results were evaluated using the Paley bone and functional assessment scores. The bone assessment results were excellent in 21 and good in 3 patients. Functional assessment scores were excellent in 19, good in 4, and fair in 1 patient. Pin site infections were present in 10.7% of the pin sites. There were 52 complications in 24 patients, for a complication rate per patient of 2.08. Of the complications, 48.1% were problems (minor complications), 38.5% obstacles (major complications requiring a surgical solution), and 13.4% sequelae (true complications). Minor complications included soft tissue inflammation and infection, translation/angulation, and delayed maturation during distraction and transient knee contracture and loss of motion. All grade 1 and 2 soft tissue inflammations and infections healed with nonoperative therapy. Major complications included pin tract infection and reinfection, equinus deformity, frame failure, and premature consolidation, all of which required additional surgery to correct the problem. Sequelae included leg length discrepancy, loss of knee/ankle range of motion, knee flexion contracture, malalignment, and chronic osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: Bifocal compression-distraction osteogenesis is a safe, reliable, and largely successful method for the acute treatment of open tibia fractures with bone and soft-tissue loss. Further nonoperative or operative treatment can correct most complications.

Correction of ankle and hindfoot deformities by supramalleolar osteotomy.

Ankle and hindfoot deformities in 11 patients with a mean age of 15 (range, four to 35) have been gradually corrected by an llizarov external fixator. In all patients, supramalleolar osteotomy was utilized by percutaneous drilling and osteotomy technique. The patients were evaluated clinically by the AOFAS scoring system and radiologically by malorientation and malalignment tests described by Paley. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy and correction by an Ilizarov device in treating hindfoot and ankle deformities. The mean external fixation period was five (2.5 to eight) months. The mean interval between the operation and last follow-up examination was 19 (13 to 26) months. The patients improved an average of 30 points after the operation regarding to AOFAS score. A plantigrade foot was achieved in the whole group. Radiologically, no malalignment or malorientation was measured. Equal leg lengths were achieved in all nine patients with one exception. Complications were graded after Paley as minor problems in 11 patients and as obstacles requiring surgical interventions in four patients. Sequelae remained in only one patient. Ankle and hindfoot deformities caused by various etiologies are complicated by poor soft tissue condition and a short foot. A supramalleolar osteotomy and Ilizarov external fixator can safely and effectively correct these deformities.

[Bone lengthening of congenitally short metacarpus and metatarsus by the callus distraction technique]. / Dogustan metakarp ve metatars kisaliklarinin kallus distraksiyonu yöntemi ile uzatilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of lengthening of congenitally short metacarpus and metatarsus by the callus distraction technique. METHODS: We treated congenitally short metacarpus (n=7) and metatarsus (n=4) of five patients (4 females, 1 male; mean age 15 years; range 10 to 21 years) by callotasis. Callus distraction was performed with the use of mini-Orthofix or Ilizarov type semicircular external fixators. The distraction rate was 0.25x2 mm/day for both types. The mean follow-up period was 23 months (range 12 to 33 months). RESULTS: The mean metacarpal and metatarsal lengthenings were 20 mm (range 15 to 25 mm) and 25 mm (range 20 to 30 mm), respectively. The mean healing index was 1.4 months/cm for metacarpal lengthening, and 1.8 months/cm for metatarsal lengthening. No neurovascular complications were encountered. One patient required autogenous fibular grafting for union. Pin tract infections were found in three patients. The overall complication rate was 36%. CONCLUSION: Callotasis is an effective and reliable method for lengthening of short metacarpal and metatarsal bones. In addition, it preserves the periosteal bone tissues, which has a favorable effect on the duration of treatment.

Revision of the failed pedicle screw in osteoporotic lumbar spine: biomechanical comparison of kyphoplasty versus transpedicular polymethylmethacrylate augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare of kyphoplasty versus transpedicular polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation biomechanically in the revision of the failed pedicle screw in osteoporotic lumbar spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae collected from four bovines were measured. Each vertebra was decalcified with hydrochloric acid solution to obtain osteoporotic specimens. Primary polyaxial pedicle screws were inserted into the pedicles and pulled out until they failed. The pullout strength results of all specimens were recorded. Revision pedicle screws were randomly inserted into the same pedicles by either pedicle hole PMMA augmented (group 1) or kyphoplasty (Xvoid™) PMMA augmented pedicle screws (group 2). The pullout strength results of all specimens were re-recorded. RESULTS: The mean BMD significantly decreased from 1.686 ± 227.9 g/cm(2) to 1.432 ± 157.1 g/cm(2) following decalcification (p<0.001). In group 1, the mean pullout strength of primary screws significantly decreased from 3443 ± 1086 N/m(2) to 2088 ± 924 N/m(2) following pedicle screw augmentation (p=0.006). In group 2, the mean pullout strength of primary screws decreased from 3702 ± 1063 N/m(2) to 3664 ± 1057 N/m(2) following kyphoplasty augmentation (p=0.934). Pedicle screw augmentation group achieved significantly lower pullout strength values than kyphoplasty pedicle hole augmentation group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Although pedicle hole PMMA augmentation is the gold standard for the failed screws in an osteoporotic bone, kyphoplasty augmented pedicle screw seems to be more effective method increasing the pullout strength.

The surgical treatment for a rare case of double-level isthmic spondylolisthesis in L4 and L5 lumbar spine: decompression, reduction and fusion.

An unusual case of a double-level isthmic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine in a 38-year-old female was described. The patient had been suffering from low back pain for 8 years and did not respond to conservative treatment. Her medical examination revealed that grade II isthmic spondylolisthesis was present both at L-4 to L-5 and at L-5 to S-1. The patient was managed by surgical treatment. After the reduction of lysthesis with posterior instrumentation, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique was performed for double level. At a recent follow-up, 1 year after the surgery, the symptoms of the patient were completely resolved, reduction was preserved, and fusion was achieved. PLIF with posterior instrumentation and reduction seems to be a convenient treatment option in the treatment for double-level spondylolisthesis.

Irreducible dislocation of the knee joint: two-stage treatment.

Closed reduction attempts may be unsuccessful after traumatic knee dislocations on rare occasions. The interposition of the soft tissues on the medial aspect of the joint into the femoral condyle and tibial plateau is shown to be the cause of an unsuccessful reduction. In such cases, open reduction is the recommended method of treatment. In our study, we presented a 16-year-old male with an open knee dislocation after a motorcycle accident. As our closed reduction attempt failed, open joint reduction and repair of the medial collateral ligament and retinaculum was performed in the first stage of treatment. In the second stage, arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were carried out.

[Lumbar epidural steroid injection: Is the success rate predictable?]. / Epidural steroid enjeksiyonu: Basari tahmin edilebilir mi?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the percent of canal compromise and success rate of epidural steroid injection (ESI) in patients with symptomatic lumbar herniated intervertebral discs. METHODS: Patients with lumbar herniated intervertebral disc suffering from leg pain and treated with ESI were selected. The axial magnetic resonance (MR) image showing the largest canal compromise by the herniated disc was selected for measurements. The canal area and disc herniation area measurements were calculated from the total number of pixels per cross-sectional area, multiplied by a scan correction factor, mm2/pixel. The percent canal compromise was obtained by the disc herniation area divided by the canal cross-section area, multiplied by 100. For pain assessment, visual analog scale (VAS) was used before (pre-injection VAS) and a month after ESI (post-injection VAS). Demographic data, duration of symptoms, and location and type of herniation were also noted. RESULTS: 39 patients (14 male, 25 female) were included in this study. The mean age was 50.2±11.6 years (27-76). Twenty-one cases (51%) also had back pain. The mean percent canal compromise ratio was 36.1±2.4%. The mean duration of symptoms was 19.4±6.6 months. The post-injection VAS was significantly decreased when compared with pre-injection VAS (p<0.0001), and this significance was related with the duration of symptoms being <3 months (p=0.021). There was also a significant negative correlation between percent canal compromise and post-injection VAS (p=0.042). However, there was no correlation between post-injection VAS and age, sex, or location or type of herniation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been demonstrated that higher benefits of ESI were achieved in patients with short duration of symptoms and high percent of canal compromise.

Bone pulsating metastasis due to renal cell carcinoma.

Pulsation on the bone cortex surface is a rare condition. Pulsative palpation of the superficial-located bone tumors can be misperceived as an aneurysm. Fifty-eight-year-old man is presented with pulsating bone mass in his proximal tibia. During angiographic examination, hypervascular masses were diagnosed both at right kidney and at right proximal tibia. Renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed after abdominal CT scan. Proximal tibia biopsy was complicated with projectile bleeding.