Short-Term Efficacy of Integrating the Easy-Flex Device With Inpatient Rehabilitation in Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty: Insights From a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Easy-Flex as an adjunct to standard inpatient rehabilitation on clinical and functional outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic and research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 44 patients were randomized to the Easy-Flex Group (EFG) or Control Group (CG). INTERVENTIONS: A rehabilitation program averaging 50-60 minutes per day was implemented for the patients with CG. In the EFG, in addition to 30-40 minutes of exercise with the Easy-Flex, the rehabilitation program applied to the CG was integrated with reduced sets and repetitions, with an average duration of 20 minutes. All interventions were performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist during hospitalization. After discharge, both groups received the same home exercise program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is the flexion and extension range of motion (ROM). The secondary outcomes include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5-TSST), 10-Meter Walking Test (10-MWT), Short Form (SF)-12v2, and Global Rating of Change scale. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the overall group-by-time interaction for the 2 × 3 mixed-model analysis of variance was found to be significant for flexion ROM (P=.005), NPRS-rest (P=.04), NPRS-activity (P=.01), 10-MWT (P=.003), WOMAC (P=.021), and SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) (P=.032) in favor of EFG exercising with Easy-Flex in addition to standard rehabilitation. The between-group differences in favor of the EFG were -8.0° knee ROM, 1.35-1.5 points for pain intensity, and 0.12 m/s for gait speed. Furthermore, differences favoring EFG in NPRS-rest, 10-MWT speed, and SF-12 PCS were greater than the reported minimum clinically important difference. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating Easy-Flex into standard physical therapy can be a beneficial, safe, and effective approach in clinical practice, as patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty typically prioritize improving their quality of life by reducing pain and increasing ROM.

Does the Combination of Platelet-rich Plasma and Supervised Exercise Yield Better Pain Relief and Enhanced Function in Knee Osteoarthritis? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability with substantial healthcare costs, and efficient nonsurgical treatment methods are still needed. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and exercise therapy are used frequently in clinical practice. Whether PRP or PRP combined with exercise is more effective than exercise alone is unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Which treatment relieves knee osteoarthritis pain better: PRP alone, exercise, or PRP combined with exercise? (2) Does PRP alone, exercise, or PRP combined with exercise yield better results in terms of the WOMAC score, performance on the 40-m fast-paced walk test and stair climbing test, and the SF-12 health-related quality of life score? METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, three-arm clinical trial, we recruited patients with mild-to-moderate (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade II or III) knee osteoarthritis with a minimum of 3 points on the 11-point numeric rating scale for pain. During the study period, 157 patients with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis were screened and 84 eligible volunteers were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1:1) into either the exercise group (28), PRP group (28), or PRP + exercise group (28). Follow-up proportions were similar between the groups (exercise: 89% [25], PRP: 86% [24], PRP + exercise: 89% [25]; p = 0.79). All patients were analyzed in an intention-to-treat manner. There were no between-group differences in age, gender, arthritis severity, and baseline clinical scores (pain, WOMAC, functional performance tests, and health-related quality of life). The exercise group underwent a 6-week structured program consisting of 12 supervised individual sessions focused on strengthening and functional exercises. Meanwhile, the PRP group received three weekly injections of fresh, leukocyte-poor PRP. The PRP + exercise group received a combined treatment with both interventions. The primary outcome was knee pain over 24 weeks, measured on an 11-point numeric rating scale for pain (ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst pain, with a minimum clinically important difference [MCID] of 2). The secondary outcome measures included the WOMAC index (ranging from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a lower level of disability and an MCID of 12), the durations of the 40-meter fast-paced walk test and stair climbing test, and the SF-12 health-related quality of life score. For the a priori sample size calculation, we used the numeric rating scale score for pain at 24 weeks as the primary outcome variable. The MCID for the numeric rating scale was deemed to be 2 points, with an estimated standard deviation of 2.4. Based on sample size calculations, a sample of 24 patients per group would provide 80% power to detect an effect of this size between the groups at the significance level of p = 0.05. RESULTS: We found no clinically important differences in improvements in pain-defined as ≥ 2 points of 10-at 24 weeks when comparing exercise alone to PRP alone to PRP + exercise (1.9 ± 0.7 versus 3.8 ± 1.8 versus 1.4 ± 0.6; mean difference between PRP + exercise group and exercise group -0.5 [95% confidence interval -1.2 to 0.4]; p = 0.69). Likewise, we found no differences in WOMAC scores at 24 weeks of follow-up when comparing exercise alone to PRP alone to PRP + exercise (10 ± 9 versus 26 ± 20 versus 7 ± 6; mean difference between PRP + exercise group and exercise group -3 [95% CI -12 to -5]; p = 0.97). There were no differences in any of the other secondary outcome metrics among the PRP + exercise and exercise groups. CONCLUSION: PRP did not improve pain at 24 weeks of follow-up in patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis compared with exercise alone. Moreover, exercise alone was clinically superior to PRP alone, considering function and the physical component of health-related quality of life. Despite the additional costs and endeavors related to PRP products, the combination of PRP and exercise did not differ from exercise alone. The results of this randomized controlled trial do not support the use of PRP injections in the treatment of patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Consequently, exercise alone is the recommended treatment for reducing pain and enhancing function throughout this timeframe. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Mid-term results of hindfoot arthrodesis with a retrograde intra-medullary nail in 24 patients with diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Background and purpose - Hindfoot arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary nailing assumes a critical role in limb salvage for patients with diabetic Charcot neuro-arthropathy (CN). However, this procedure is compelling and fraught with complications in diabetic patients. We report the mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of retrograde intramedullary nailing for severe foot and ankle deformity in patients with diabetic CN.Patients and methods - Hindfoot arthrodesis was performed using a retrograde intramedullary nail in 24 patients (15 females) with diabetic Charcot foot. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (33-82); the mean follow-up was 45 months (24-70). The primary outcomes were rates of fusion, limb salvage, and complications.Results - The overall fusion rate was 23/24, and none of the patients needed amputation. The rate of superficial wound infection was 4/24, and no deep infection or osteomyelitis was observed postoperatively.Interpretation - For selected cases of diabetic CN with severe foot and ankle deformity, hindfoot arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail seems to be a good technique in achieving fusion, limb salvage, and avoidance of complications.

High Rates of Psychiatric Disorders and Below Normal Mental Capacity Associated With Spastic Peroneal Flatfoot: A New Relationship.

Spastic peroneal flatfoot (SPFF) is a rare hindfoot pathology usually seen in the adolescent age group that is characterized by painful spasms in the peroneal muscles. We have clinically observed that patients with SPFF also have some behavioral and emotional difficulties and problems in their academic achievements. Because of these observations, we investigated the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric disorders and intellectual disability among young subjects with SPFF. Our cohort consisted of 16 patients with SPFF. Their mean age at presentation was 21 (range 13 to 31) years. Only 6 patients had a tarsal coalition as an underlying condition. The psychometric evaluation was conducted using validated instruments (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-revised form, Stanford Binet intelligence quotient [IQ] test, and Cattell IQ test). Psychiatric disorders were assessed using a semistructured diagnostic instrument (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version). The testers and psychiatrists were unaware of the orthopedic condition and the preliminary psychiatric diagnoses. The ethical committee approved the study protocol. The mean follow-up period was 41 (range 12 to 97) months. The mean IQ score of the patients was 75.1 ± 17.9 (range 52 to 107). Compared with the general population, the rate of intellectual disability was significantly greater (p = .0001) and the rate of normal intelligence significantly lower (p = .0015) in our patient group. Furthermore, according to the community schooling ratio, our cohort also had lower junior high and secondary education rates compared with the general population. The rate of most psychiatric disorders diagnosed in the SPFF patients was greater than that in the normal population. The most commonly identified psychiatric disorders were social phobia and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (75%). Timely interventions of the psychosocial and academic problems of patients with SPFF might increase their compliance with orthopedic treatment and help with their psychological well-being and academic achievement. In addition, this relationship might be a clue for uncovering the etiology of this disease, which has not yet been clarified.

Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment for Ankle Fracture-Dislocations: Do poor radiographic outcomes always matter?

Background Ankle fractures constitute 10% of all traumatic fractures in clinical practice. Concurrent tibiotalar dislocations form 21-36% of all ankle fractures. Although mechanism of injury is similar to non-dislocated ankle fractures, fracture-dislocations cause more extensive bone and soft tissue damage. Treatment is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons due to concomitant pathologies. It is associated with malreduction, chronic pain and most importantly, posttraumatic osteoarthritis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ankle osteoarthritis radiographic stage and clinical outcomes. Methods 27 patients (17 female, 10 male) were included in the study. Records and data were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical status at the final follow-up was evaluated by a single orthopedic surgeon. Range of motion (ROM), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, visual analogue scale (VAS) were the clinical parameters that were assessed. Radiological assessment was made by standard anteroposterior [AP], lateral, and mortise views. Pre-operative osseo-ligamentous injury pattern, presence of posterior malleolar fracture, syndesmosis injury and post-operative ankle osteoarthritis were investigated. Results For 27 patients that were evaluated, at the final follow-up, mean AOFAS was 85 ± 8.12, and mean VAS during daily activities was 1.52 ± 0.70. Mean ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were significantly lower on the affected sides (14.07 ± 7.97° and 36.30 ± 6.59°) than on the unaffected sides (28.15 ± 2.82° and 46.30 ± 2.97°), respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference for inversion and eversion was observed. Twenty-four patients demonstrated radiographic signs of ankle osteoarthritis, and three remained without evidence of osteoarthritis. No significant difference was found among Takakura's stages in any of the variables. Conclusion The results illustrated that although post-traumatic osteoarthritis rate was high for ankle fracture-dislocation patients, surgical treatment achieved excellent functional results. Even if advanced stages of ankle arthritis according to Takakura's classification developed, patients had satisfactory clinical and functional results.

Factors affecting the features of platelet-rich plasma in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present an analysis of platelet-rich plasma obtained from patients with knee osteoarthritis and reveal the factors affecting its features. METHODS: A total of 62 patients (mean age: 56.68 ± 7.13 years) with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. Age (years), gender, height (m), weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), duration of symptoms, smoking status, smoking index, general health status, and physical activity scores were recorded. Whole blood and platelet-rich plasma cell counts were performed with a hematology analyzer. White blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts were recorded. According to the dose of injected platelets, efficiency of the procedure, purity of platelet-rich plasma, and activation classification, dose of platelets, efficiency of the procedure (platelet recovery rate, %), and purity of the obtained platelet-rich plasma product (relative composition in platelets, %) were calculated. Correlation analysis between the features of platelet-rich plasma and the patient-related variables, including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, smoking index, presence of other health conditions, physical activity scores, duration of symptoms, and pain levels, was performed. RESULTS: Dose of injected platelets, efficiency of the procedure, purity of platelet-rich plasma, and activation analysis showed that the dose of injected platelets was 3.25 billion, the efficiency of the process was 77%, and the purity rate of the platelet-rich plasma was 98.4%. Platelet-rich plasma platelet count was correlated with whole blood platelet count (r = 0.81, P < .001), whole blood white blood cell count (r = 0.39, P = .002), smoking status (r = 0.56, P = .03), smoking index (r = -0.63, P = .002), and the presence of hypertension (r = -0.31, P=.04). Platelet-rich plasma white blood cell and purity of platelet-rich plasma were correlated with the smoking status of the patients (r = 0.52, P = .01; r = 0.64, P = .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that high dose and very pure platelet-rich plasma with medium efficiency was yielded with this platelet-rich plasma preparation procedure; whole blood platelet count, the presence of hypertension, and the smoking status of patients affect the features of the obtained platelet-rich plasma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Study.

Reasons for resident resignations from Orthopedic Residency Programs in Turkey: A cross-sectional survey from residents' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the factors that led to resignations from Orthopaedics and Traumatology Residency pro- grammes in Turkey, and to determine the overall rate of resignation among residents from Orthopaedics and Traumatology programmes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey,120 residents who either resigned or transferred to other OT clinics between autumn of 2013 and spring of 2020 were included. They were asked to complete a questionnare which was sent via Whatssapp application or e-mail. The ques- tionnare was comprised of 2 sections; Section A, which adressed resignation, consisted of 15 questions and Section B, which adressed transfer to another OT programme, consisted of 12 questions. Both sections had open ended and multiple choice questions. RESULTS: Of 120 residents, 96 (6.6%) resigned and then transferred to another specialty, and 24 (1.6%) transferred to another orthopedics and traumatology clinic based on our review. The overall resignation rate as per the total quotas for orthopedics and traumatology residency from 2013 to 2020 was 8.2%. Of the 120 orthopedics and traumatology residents who were eligible for the survey, 83 (70%) completed the questionnaire. Sixty-one (60 males, 1 female; median age = 26 years; age range = 25-35) of 96 residents who resigned from the orthopedics and traumatology residency completed section A (the response rate was 63.5%); 22 (22 males; median age=27.6 years; age range=25-34) out of 24 residents who transferred to another orthopedics and traumatology clinic completed section B (the response rate was 91.6%). In section A, 40 out of 61 individuals (65.5%) preferred orthopedics and traumatology specialty as the first choice in TUS, and 34 residents (55.7%) reported not to have had enough information regarding the residency program before starting their clinics. In section B, out of the 22 residents, 13 (59%) stated that orthopedics and traumatology residency was not their first choice in TUS, and 18 (81.8%) reported not to have had sufficient knowledge about the preferred clinic. The most common reason for resignation or transfer to another specialty was heavy workload (n=46, 74.19%), followed by excessive hours of work (n=45, 72.58%). The most common reason for transfer to another orthopedics and traumatology clinic was drudgery (n=10, 45.5%), followed by problems with the hierarchy in orthopedics and traumatology residency (n = 9, 40.9%). CONCLUSION: The results of this survey have shown us, with an overall resignation rate of 8.2% as per the total quotas for OT residency from 2013 to 2020, that resignation from OT residency represents an important problem in Turkey. Workload and excessive hours of work were the most common reasons for resignation from orthopaedic residency programmes. Furthermore, extra work that diverted residents from their actual job responsibilities, as well as academic and educational concerns, were the main factors leading to transfer to another OT residency programme.

Comparison of analgesic consumption of hemophilic and non-hemophilic patients in knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder that develops as a result of factor VIII or IX deficiency. Long-term complications of hemophilia such as arthropathy, synovitis, and arthritis can lead to the development of recurrent chronic pain. Pain is therefore a critical aspect of hemophilia. The gold standard treatment for end-stage hemophilic knee arthropathy is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis of this study was that after knee replacement surgeries that cause severe post-operative pain, hemophilia patients with chronic analgesic consumption may experience higher levels of pain than non-hemophilic patients, and use more opioid and non-opioid drugs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 82 patients who were hemophilic and non-hemophilic TKA patients operated under general anesthesia. Seventy-three patients were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of hemophilia: 36 patients were investigated in the hemophilic group and 37 patients in the non-hemophilic group. RESULTS: Post-operative tramadol consumption (p=0.002) and pethidine consumption (p=0.003) were significantly higher in the group hemophilia. The length of stay in the hospital was also significantly longer in the hemophilic group (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the light of these informations, we think that acute post-operative pain management of hemophilia patients should be planned as personalized, multimodal preventive, and pre-emptive analgesia.

Internal fixation for osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee in patients with physeal closure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present mid-term functional and radiological outcomes of patients with physeal closure who underwent arthroscopic or open internal fixation with headless cannulated compressive screws due to unstable Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee. METHODS: With a diagnosis of unstable OCD of the knee, ten consecutive patients (seven male, three female) with physeal closure (mean age: 23 years; range: 17-40), underwent arthroscopic or open internal fixation with headless cannulated compressive screws. The patients were retrospectively reviewed based on functional and radiological data, with a mean follow-up of 42 months (range: 27-61). The average size of the defects was 4.2 cm2 with a range from 1.7 to 8 cm2 . The study protocol consisted of the Range of Motion (ROM), Tegner-Lysholm Score, Modified Cincinnati Rating System Questionnaire, Short Form-12 (SF-12) in addition to the plain radiograph and Computed Tomography (CT). Any development of arthrosis was assessed at the final follow-up according to the Internation Knee Documention Committee score (IKDC). RESULTS: At the final follow-up, control plain radiographs and CT showed complete union of the fragments in nine patients; however, CT imaging illustrated nonunion of the fragment in one patient. The main Tegner-Lysholm Score increased from 59 (range: 11-63) preoperatively to 97 (range: 88-100) at the final follow-up. Modified Cincinnati Rating System Questionnaire and IKDC score were 97 (range: 93-100) and 96 (range: 92-100), respectively, at the final follow-up. In addition, in terms of SF-12, the mean physical component score was 47.5 (range: 42-49), and the mean mental component score was 57.25 (range: 48-63). CONCLUSION: In patients with physeal closure, internal fixation using cannulated compressive screws may be an influential procedure for the OCD lesions of the knee ranging in size from medium to large. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

The effectiveness of superimposed neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with strengthening exercises on patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common disorders of the knee. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is often assumed by clinicians to be an effective adjunctive therapy to quadriceps strengthening. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of superimposed NMES combined with strengthening exercises to improve the recovery of quadriceps strength and function in patients with PFP. METHODS: This study was planned as a single blind randomized controlled pilot study. A total of twenty-seven patients diagnosed with PFP were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Patients received superimposed NMES in addition to the standardized program (Group I) or only the standardized program (Group II). The patients in both groups were treated 3 times a week for 6 weeks and followed at 12 weeks. Primary outcome measure was quadriceps isokinetic muscle strength. The changes in dependent variables before treatment, 6th, and 12th weeks were analyzed using a 2 × 3 mixed-model analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the within groups statistics of all parameters for both groups (p< 0.05). No differences in quadriceps strength, Kujala and Lysholm scores between groups were found at the different time points [F (2, 21) = 0.86; p= 0.12, F (2, 21) = 0.001; p= 0.97, F (2, 21) = 0.12; p= 0.73, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that superimposed NMES combined with the standardized rehabilitation program has no clinically significant superiority to standardized rehabilitation program alone.

Relationship of Postoperative Achilles Tendon Elongation With Plantarflexion Strength Following Surgical Repair.

BACKGROUND: Little data exist regarding the adverse effects of Achilles tendon (AT) elongation after rupture repair on plantarflexion strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AT elongation measured using AT resting angle (ATRA) on the plantarflexion strength in patients with surgically treated acute AT rupture. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 40 patients (15 female and 25 female) who underwent open operative repair due to an acute AT rupture. At the final follow-up, AT elongation was assessed using ATRA. Plantarflexion strength (peak torques and angle-specific torques) was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. All variables were obtained from the operated and unoperated contralateral ankles of the patients. RESULTS: The mean ATRA was greater in the operated ankles (mean, 57 degrees; range, 39-71 degrees) compared with the unoperated ones (mean, 52 degrees; range, 36-66 degrees; P = .009). Except the plantarflexion torque at 20 degrees of plantarflexion (P = .246), all the other angle-specific torques were lower in the operated ankles (P < .05). Peak flexion torque at 30 degrees/s was lower in the operated ankle (P = .002). A negative correlation was found between operated/unoperated (O/N) ATRA and O/N plantarflexion torque ratios at 0 degrees (r = -0.404; P = .01), 10 degrees (r = -0.399; P= .011), and 20 degrees (r = -0.387; P = .014). CONCLUSION: Postoperative AT elongation measured using ATRA may have a deleterious effect on the plantarflexion strength in patients with surgically treated acute AT rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Critical Limit of Lower-Extremity Lengthening in Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Intraoperative Neuromonitorization Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of limb lengthening on neural structures was assessed with use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The relationship between the critical limit of lengthening and anthropometric measurements was evaluated. METHODS: Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the deep peroneal nerve (tibialis anterior muscle), tibial nerve (gastrocnemius muscle), and femoral nerve (quadriceps muscle), as well as somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) from the posterior tibial nerve, were recorded in 16 patients undergoing THA. Height, weight, the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine and the medial malleolus (ASIS-MM distance), and the total femoral length were measured preoperatively. Lower-extremity traction was performed after resection of the femoral head, and the amount of extremity lengthening was measured with use of an image intensifier. A maximum of 50% reduction in any one of the SEP or MEP amplitudes or a 10% increase in the SEP latency were considered to be indicative of the critical limit of lengthening. RESULTS: Initial IONM changes (indicating the safe limit of lengthening) and maximum allowed IONM changes (indicating the critical limit of lengthening) were reached in the deep peroneal nerve in all cases. The mean safe limit of lengthening (and standard deviation) was 14.9 ± 6.2 mm (3% relative to femoral length and 1.7% relative to ASIS-MM distance), whereas the critical limit of lengthening was exceeded at a mean of 22.4 ± 5.6 mm (5% relative to femoral length and 2.6% relative to ASIS-MM distance). When the critical limit was reached in the deep peroneal nerve, the mean decrease in MEP amplitudes was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.1% to 32.7%) for the tibial nerve and 12% (95% CI, 6.9% to 18.1%) for the femoral nerve. There was a positive correlation between critical lengthening and femoral length (r = 0.782; p < 0.001), ASIS-MM distance (r = 0.811; p < 0.001), and height (r = 0.835; p = 0.001). No correlation existed between the critical lengthening amount and the decrease in amplitude in the tibial and femoral nerves. CONCLUSIONS: The critical limit of nerve lengthening was directly correlated with anthropometric measurements. Nerve lengthening of 5% relative to femoral length and of 2.6% relative to ASIS-MM distance was found to be critical; however, these limits depended on the predetermined threshold values for IONM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes of salvage total hip arthroplasty after failed osteosynthesis for collum femoris fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study is an investigation of the outcomes of salvage total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat collum femoris fractures that resulted in complications or failure after osteosynthesis. METHODS: Twenty patients (6 male, 14 female; mean age: 56.7 years) who underwent salvage total hip arthroplasty (THA) between 1988 and 2012 due to failure developing after closed reposition and osteosynthesis in the treatment of collum femoris fractures were included in the study. The type of osteosynthesis, and the length of time until failure and before THA application after collum femoris fracture were recorded. Cementless acetabular and femoral components were used in all of the patients. Complications were defined as those occurring during and after surgery. The clinical results were assessed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence of loosening was assessed with radiological evaluation in follow-up. RESULTS: The mean length of the follow-up period was 59.4 months (range: 15-178 months). The collum femoris fractures of the 20 patients were classified as: 5 Garden type II, 13 type III, 2 type IV, and 3 Pauwels type I, 8 type II, and 9 type III. Cannulated screws were used in 13 patients (65%) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation was used in 7 patients (35%). Complications observed after osteosynthesis were nonunion in 4 cases (20%), malunion in 2 (10%), avascular necrosis in 10 (50%), and implant failure in 4 (20%). A mean of 9.66 months (range: 3-54 months) elapsed before osteosynthesis failure and the mean length of time until THA was 31.6+-51.7 months. There was no statistically significant difference between cannulated screw and DHS fixation in the development of complications (p=0.084). Early dislocation (5%), periprosthetic fracture (5%) and acetabular protrusion (5%) were recorded as complications. A revision was made upon determination of loosening in the 10th year in the patient who developed early dislocation. While the mean HHS was 54.05+-8.22 before THA, it was evaluated to be 86.45+-8.73 at the last follow-up, which was a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrated that THA applied with suitable surgical technique is a safe and successful method that may be used after failed osteosynthesis in cases of collum femoris fracture.

Prevalence of anterior knee pain after patellar retention total knee arthroplasty: Comparison of patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus primary osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an increased risk of anterior knee pain (AKP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus primary osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 388 patients (577 knees) who underwent TKA without patellar resurfacing between 2003 and 2011, with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups: Group OA (273 knees of 206 patients; 83 males, 123 females; mean age: 64.4 (47-87) years) and Group RA (304 knees of 182 patients; 92 males, 90 females; mean age: 50.7 (21-72) years). In the clinical evaluation, the knee range of motion (ROM) and several outcome measures such as The Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were used preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The quality of life was measured using Short Form (SF)-36 MCS and PCS scores. The primary outcome was the frequency and severity of patient-reported AKP. The AKP Scale was used to determine the severity of AKP. RESULTS: The IKDC raised from 21.62 (range, 13-29.9) preoperatively to 85.1 (range, 80-88) for group OA and from 21.8 (range, 13-29.9) to 85.2 (range, 81-88) for group RA (p < 0.001). The mean KSS improved from 28.35 (range, 22-38) preoperatively to 90.04 (range, 88-95) for group OA and from 21.9 (range, 18-35) preoperatively to 89.7 (range, 86-95) for group RA. The mean WOMAC increased from 20.61 (range, 17.4-24.2) preoperatively to 95.7 (range, 90.9-97.7) for group OA (p < 0.001) and from 20.2 (range, 16.7-24.2) preoperatively to 95.8 (range, 90.9-98.5) for group RA (p < 0.001). The mean ROM improved from 80.14° (range, 55°-130°) preoperatively to 113.17° (range, 95°-140°) in group OA (P = 0.003) and from 73.4° (range, 10°-130°) to 112.8° (range 90°-140°) in group RA (P = 0.003) postoperatively. The frequency of AKP was 8% in Group OA and 7% in Group RA (p = 0.27). For patients with AKP, the mean AKP Scale was 92.74 (range, 84-98) in Group OA and 93.39 (range, 82-98) in Group RA (p = 0.3). CONCLUSION: After TKA without resurfacing the patella, patients with RA were determined to have a similar risk for AKP as those with OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Effects of NSAIDs and hydroxyapatite coating on osseointegration.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to investigate the bone ongrowth of two different alternative surfaces and the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on osseointegration. METHODS: Hips of 40 New Zealand white rabbits were operated bilaterally. Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium rods were implanted into the right femur, and grit-blasted titanium rods were implanted into the left femur. They were divided into three groups. At the end of 8 weeks, both femora of the rabbits were removed and investigated biomechanically and histologically. RESULTS: HA-coated implants had a significantly better failure load and "percentage of bone-implant contact" than grit-blasted implants. There was no significant difference between the medication groups as a result of the biomechanical and histologic investigations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that NSAIDs did not have any negative effect on the osseointegration. HA-coated implants may provide more tensile strength and greater bone-implant contact rate in comparison with grit-blasted implants.

The results of monoblock stem with step-cut femoral shortening osteotomy for developmentally dislocated hips.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the midterm results of cementless THA with the use of monoblock stems combined with step-cut femoral shortening derotational osteotomy for DDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 hips of 49 patients with Crowe type IV developmental hip dislocation, with a mean follow-up of 90 (range 26-207) months, were reviewed retrospectively. Subtrochanteric step-cut shortening osteotomy and monoblock femoral stems were used. The cup was placed in the true acetabulum in all cases. 21 hips had previous femoral valgisation osteotomies. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of both hips were obtained preoperatively and at the last follow-up examination. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean HHS increased from 49 to 86 points. A total of 13 hips of 10 patients (the isolated acetabular component in 7 hips of 6 patients, the femoral component in 3 hips of 3 patients, and both components in 2 patients) were revised during the follow-up period. Dislocation occurred in 3 hips, deep periprosthetic infection in 2, superficial wound infection in 2, and femoral vein injury and sciatic nerve palsy in 1. Nonunion was observed in 3 osteotomy sites. 10-year survival probabilities of 91% for femoral components for all cases and 78% for acetabular components were found. CONCLUSIONS: THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy was proven to be an effective technique for avoiding neurological complications for Crowe IV DDH. Cementless THA with the use of monoblock stems showed overall survival rates of 95% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years.

Long-term result of mosaicplasty for femoral head osteochondral lesion: a case report with 8 years follow-up.

PURPOSE: Treatment of the chondral lesions of the hip joint is problematic due to its deep anatomy and complex biomechanical demands. The purpose of the study is to present the long-term result of a deep, large femoral head cartilage defect treated successfully with surgical safe dislocation of the hip and autologous osteochondral grafting. METHODS: A 27-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with left hip pain. On assessment, a large femoral head osteochondral defect was detected in his left hip. An open safe hip dislocation and autologous osteochondral grafting was performed due to the large size of the lesion and subchondral bone involvement. RESULTS: Using a Kocher-Langenbeck incision, the hip was dislocated after a trochanteric flip osteotomy. The defect was reconstructed with 3 x 13 mm and 1 x 11 mm osteochondral plug from the ipsilateral knee. We have not encountered any complication at the postoperative period. After 8 years follow-up his left hip range of motion was preserved and The Harris Hip Score was qualified as excellent with 96 points. CONCLUSIONS: Chondral defects of the femoral head are still a challenging problem in orthopaedic practice. Mosaicplasty of the femoral head is a demanding procedure with safe dislocation of the hip. However, if successful it can provide satisfactory functional and radiological results in the long-term.

Effects of demineralized bone matrix on tendon-bone healing: an in vivo, experimental study on rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on tendon-bone healing. METHODS: The extensor digitorum longus tendon was fixed with pegged suture technique in a tunnel at the proximal tibia in both legs of 12 New Zealand rabbits. Rabbit DBM was applied in the tunnel on the right limbs before fixation (study group), while the fixation was performed without DBM in the left legs (control group). Randomly, four rabbits were sacrificed at the 3rd, four rabbits at the 6th and the remaining four rabbits at the 9th week with an intravenous high dose (200 mg/kg) pentothal and both legs were collected for histological analysis. Each specimen was blindly and independently examined to assess fibrocartilage formation, new bone formation, tendon graft bonding to adjacent tissue and Sharpey's fiber formation. A scoring system was used for quantification of histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The DBM group showed higher number of Sharpey's fibers, slightly increased fibrocartilage formation and new bone formation scores than the control group in the 3rd week. All histological scores were similar in both groups in the 6th and 9th weeks (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: DBM increased new bone formation and the number of Sharpey's fibers in a bone tunnel animal model within the first three weeks of tendon-bone healing process.