Rotational malalignment after closed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures and its influence on daily life.

BACKGROUND: Any intraoperative rotational malalignment during intramedullary nailing (IMN) of femoral shaft fractures will become permanent. We hypothesized that rotational malalignment of the femur and its compensatory biomechanics may induce problems in the hip, knee, patellofemoral and ankle joints. We purposed to clarify the influence of a femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° on daily activities. METHODS: Twenty-four femoral shaft fracture patients treated with closed antegrade IMN were included. At last follow-up, to reveal any rotational malalignment, computerized tomography (CT) scans of both femurs (injured and uninjured sides) were examined. The patient groups with or without CT-detected true rotational malalignment ≥10° were compared with respect to the activity scores. RESULTS: Ten of the 24 patients (41.7%) had a CT-detected true rotational malalignment of ≥10° compared with the unaffected side. The AOFAS scores were 100.00 for all of the patients. LKS, WOMAC knee, and WOMAC hip scores were significantly decreased in the patients with rotational malalignment compared to those without. Patients without rotational malalignment tolerated climbing stairs significantly better than those with rotational malalignment. Patients who could not tolerate climbing stairs were consistently complaining of anterior knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: A femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° is symptomatic for the patients, and the hip, knee, and patellofemoral joints were affected. Because of the possibly altered joint loadings and biomechanics, these could render patients prone to degenerative joint disease. In addition, due to the high rates of rotational malalignment after femoral shaft fracture and consequent malpractice claims, it is important for surgeons to be more aware of rotational alignment during surgery.

Shear wave elastography properties of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus muscles in normal subjects and female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to define and compare the mechanical properties of the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis obliquus muscles (VMO) by the way of quantitative shear-wave elastography in male and female healthy control (HC) subjects, and in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy volunteers (11 male and 11 female) and 11 female patients with anterior knee pain were included in the study. The SWE examinations for VL and VMO were performed while the subjects were performing open kinetic chain exercises in neutral and 30° hip abduction. The contraction capacity (CC) and contraction ratio (CR) values were determined in resting and contraction phases in both hip positions. RESULTS: The mean elasticity values in the CC for VL and VMO muscles were significantly higher in male HC subjects when compared to female HC subjects (p < 0.05). The CR of the VL muscle in female patients with PFPS was not significantly different than the female HC group. The CR for the VMO muscle was significantly lower in female patients with PFPS when compared to female HC subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant VMO weakness, and this method may provide quantitative data that might influence the diagnosis of muscle weakness, in female patients with PFPS.

The relationship between the ratio of interpedicular distance increase and the ratio of spinal canal compromise in thoracolumbar burst fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the interpedicular distance increase ratio and the ratio of canal compromise in thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (18 male and 13 female) with an average age of 30.8 (14-57) who had been treated for thoraco-lumbar burst fractures in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology were included in the study. The initial anteroposterior radiographs of the patients were used to calculate the increase ratio of interpedicular distance (both from medial-to-medial and from center-to-center). The area measurements from the computerized tomography or magnetic resonans images were used to calculate the canal compromise. The relationship between the increase ratio of interpedicular distance and the ratio of canal compromise was investigated by correlation and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: There was a 'very good' correlation between the from medial-to-medial and from center-to-center measurements of interpedicular distance (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.89, p<0.001). The correlation between the ratio of canal compromise and from medial-to-medial and from center-to-center measurements of interpedicular distance was 'good' with Pearson correlation coef-ficients of 0.60 and 0.63, respectively (p<0.001). No statistically significant relationships were found between the fracture levels, types, neurologic status of the patients, and the increase ratio of interpedicular distance or the ratio of canal compromise. CONCLUSION: Depending on the correlation coefficients which were obtained in this study: To predict the canal compromise from the ratio of interpedicular distance increase is not a reliable method for all of the patients.

Abnormal proximal musculotendinous junction of the peroneus brevis muscle as a cause of peroneus brevis tendon tears: a cadaveric study.

Abnormal musculotendinous distal extension of the peroneus brevis has been implicated as a possible cause of peroneus brevis tendon tears. We investigated this relationship in 58 (46 male) fresh human cadavers. Torn lesions were classified according to Sobel et al. Musculotendinous distal extension of the peroneus brevis was measured in each ankle as the vertical distance from the musculotendinous junction of the peroneus brevis to the tip of the fibula. Tendons with and without tears were compared by sex, age at death, height, musculotendinous distal extension of the peroneus brevis, the common sheath bifurcation-fibular tip distance, the peroneus brevis and longus width at the musculotendinous junction, fibular groove depth, peroneal tubercle height, superior-inferior peroneal retinaculum wideness, and the presence of the peroneus quartus or an accessory peroneal muscle. Of 115 evaluable tendons, 15 (13%) had tears. All came from men. The average distance from the musculotendinous junction to the tip of the fibula was 27.0 mm in tendons with tears and 16.4 mm in tendons without (P = .04) Male sex (P = .03), age at death (P = .03), height (P = .04), and fibular groove depth (P = .003) were also related to the presence of tears. Our results do not support a relationship between abnormal musculotendinous distal extension of the peroneus brevis and peroneus brevis tendon tears; rather, proximal extension of the peroneus brevis musculotendinous junction may be related to peroneus brevis tendon tears.

Evaluation of the functional effects of anterior cruciate ligament bundles: a cadaveric experiment.

The influence of isolated deficiency of the anteromedial or posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on knee kinematics has not been fully investigated. Thirty-two cadaveric knees were studied. The fibers of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles were resected arthroscopically in alternating order in right and left knees. Before and after each arthroscopic cut, laxity tests were performed. Positive results on anterior drawer tests were specific only to the anteromedial bundle-cut knees. Pivot shift tests were positive only in the posterolateral bundle-cut knees. In addition, anterior tibial translation was measured with KT-1000 in response to different external loading conditions. Anterior translation measured with KT-1000 at 67 N and 89 N draw forces at 20 degrees and 40 degrees of flexion may be used in evaluating the integration of each bundle of ACL, both separately and as a whole.

[A case of brown tumor mimicking fibrous dysplasia in a patient with chronic renal failure]. / Kronik böbrek yetersizligi olan bir hastada fibröz displaziye benzeyen kahverengi (brown) tümör.

Renal osteodystrophy is one of the major causes of morbidity in patients receiving long-term dialysis treatment for renal failure and after transplantation. Its clinical implications include high-turnover bone disease, low-turnover bone disease, osteomalacia, osteosclerosis, and osteoporosis. A 13-year-old boy who had been on dialysis treatment for renal failure was admitted with a pathologic supracondylar femur fracture after a minor trauma. Radiological studies showed cystic lesions in the femoral supracondyle, left acetabular roof, and right proximal and distal tibia. Based on radiologic appearances of the lesions and on histopathologic findings of the lesion excised from the right distal tibia, brown tumor and fibrous dysplasia were considered in the differential diagnosis. Initially, serum parathyroid hormone level was slightly increased and calcium level was normal, but during follow-up, serum parathyroid hormone level increased significantly, enabling the diagnosis of brown tumor.

Intramedullary nail with integrated cephalocervical screws in the intertrochanteric fractures treatment: Position of screws in fracture stability.

BACKGROUND: Stable fracture fixation is important in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur (ITF) fractures in the elderly population to prevent the loss of reduction, achieve early mobility, and restore independence. The aim of this study was to present the results of surgical treatment of stable and unstable ITF fractures using a trochanteric antegrade intramedullary nail with two cephalocervical screws in an integrated mechanism (Intertan®; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) and evaluate the relationship between the loss of reduction and screw position in the femoral neck in two planes. METHODS: The authors investigated all varus misalignments and losses of reduction in 57 patients (22 males, 35 females) treated for ITF fractures with the Intertan® between 2010 and 2011. Two indices (screw alignment index in the frontal projection [SAIcoronal] and screw alignment index in the lateral projection [SAIsagittal]) were defined to evaluate the loss of reduction. Patients were also evaluated according to the Harris hip score and Barthel independence index. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 77.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 21.7 months. All patients achieved complete union. We did not detect any varus collapse or loss of reduction. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean Barthel independence index was 90.7, and the mean Harris hip score was 83.7. CONCLUSION: The use of a trochanteric antegrade intramedullary nail with two cephalocervical screws allows for linear intraoperative compression and rotational stability of the head/neck fragment, prevents reduction loss, and has a wide application area in the femoral head. Its inherent continuous stability permits early weight-bearing and mobilization. It is a safe and an efficient option for the treatment of ITF fractures.

Comparison of the functional results of radial head resection and prosthesis for irreparable mason type-III fracture.

BACKGROUND: The radial head is essential for the rotational stability of the forearm and resistance to valgus stress. Radial head fractures are the most common elbow fracture in adults. Various treatment options are available, depending on the fracture severity. However, the treatment of Type-III fractures is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional results in patients with irreparable Mason Type-III radial head fractures treated with radial head resection or prosthesis. METHODS: Fourteen irreparable Mason Type-III radial head fracture patients treated with radial head resection (n=7) or radial head prosthesis (n=7) were evaluated in this multicenter, retrospective study. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo Elbow and Wrist scores were used to determine clinical outcomes. A hydraulic hand dynamometer was used to measure grip strength on the operated and unoperated sides to avoid potential bias. Measurements were made three times for each extremity, and the mean value was recorded. Grip strength was calculated as a percentage of the strength of the unoperated side. RESULTS: Functional outcomes for resection and prosthesis patients were the following: mean DASH scores, 25.8 and 17.2; mean Mayo Elbow scores, 74 and 84.1; mean Mayo Wrist scores, 84 and 92.5; and maximum grip strengths, 48.8% and 77.8%, respectively. The range of motion of the respective resection and prosthesis groups were as follows: flexion, 112.14° and 104.29°; extension, -10.00° and -25.00°; pronation, 70.00° and 47.86°; and supination, 70.00° and 52.14°. CONCLUSION: Although range of motion was restricted in the radial head resection group, functional results and grip strength were superior in patients treated with a radial head prosthesis. These results support the radial head prosthesis as a superior treatment modality for patients with irreparable Mason Type-III radial head fractures with respect to patient satisfaction and functional outcomes.

[Brachial plexus neuropathy (stinger syndrome) occurring in a patient with shoulder laxity]. / Omuz laksitesi zemininde gelisen brakiyal pleksus nöropatisi (stinger sendromu): olgu sunumu.

The stinger syndrome is a common neuropathy caused by traction or compression of the brachial plexus. In general, it is seen in young adults involved in sport activities and a major contact trauma is the rule. An 11-year-old boy with bilateral glenohumeral joint laxity had pain in the left shoulder, numbness and decreased strength in the left arm that developed after striking against a wall while running, with the left shoulder in extension and the neck in minimal lateral flexion to the contralateral side. Physical examination showed extreme anteroinferior passive translocation of the humeral head in neutral rotation and a positive sulcus sign in the left shoulder. The diagnosis was made as brachial plexus neuropathy (stinger syndrome) resulting from traction trauma and shoulder joint laxity and a shoulder-arm brace was applied. After two weeks, atrophy was detected in the right deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles, and active and passive motion exercises of the shoulder were initiated. At the end of three months, he achieved normal range of motion of the shoulder and muscle strength.

[Osteonecrosis of the knee]. / Dizde osteonekroz.

Osteonecrosis of the knee was first described by Ahlback in 1968. Today, it is classified as spontaneous and secondary osteonecrosis. Spontaneous osteonecrosis is typically seen with unilateral involvement in patients older than 60 years. Secondary osteonecrosis occurs in younger patients bilaterally and with multifocal involvement. Although its etiology is still unclear, associated factors such as steroid therapy, alcoholism, and some chronic inflammatory diseases are well-known. Many treatment modalities have been reported, including conservative treatment, arthroscopic debridement, core decompression, microfracture, autologous osteochondral transplantation, chondrocyte culture, high tibial osteotomy, and arthroplasty. Conservative treatment and observation are generally accepted at any stage. For surgical treatment, all procedures are applied to both types of osteonecrosis.

Peritendinous injection of platelet-rich plasma to treat tendinopathy: A retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with the likelihood of a better clinical outcome after the peritendinous injection of PRP for the treatment of chronic tendinopathy and identify whether PRP represents an effective treatment option for chronic tendinopathies. METHODS: The study included 214 patients (86 males and 128 females; mean age: 39.3 (18-75) years) who received PRP injections for tendinopathy refractory to conventional treatments. The mean duration of symptoms at the moment of the PRP treatment was 8.3 months. Primary outcome measurement was perceived improvement in symptoms for each anatomic compartment for upper and lower limbs at 6 months after treatment. Also, a visual analog scale (VAS) score (pain intensity on a 0-10 scale) was used for pain scoring questionnaire before treatment, 6 weeks and 6 months following the PRP injection(s). To identify factors associated with the likelihood of a better clinical outcome, patients were categorized on the basis of their perceived improvement in symptoms 6 months after the PRP injection(s)-that is, as lower (less than 50% global improvement) or higher (more than 50% global improvement). RESULTS: A visual analogue scale score and perceived improvement in symptoms were significantly lower after peritendinous injection in 6-week and 6-month follow-ups compared with the baseline (P < 0.001) except for peroneal and Achilles tendons. Overall, 83% of patients indicated moderate to complete improvement in symptoms. The most common injection sites were the lateral epicondyle, Achilles, and patellar tendons. Furthermore, 30% of patients received only 1 injection, 30% received 2 injections, and 40% received 3 or more injections. A total of 85% of patients were satisfied (more than 50% global improvement) with the procedure. In addition, upper limb tendons, increase in the age, and female gender were associated with a higher likelihood of perceived improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In the present retrospective study assessing PRP injections in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy, a moderate improvement (>50%) in pain symptoms was observed in most of the patients. Our research found that results were most promising with patellar and lateral epicondylar tendinopathy in the short to medium term. Female patients, patients with upper extremity tendinopathy and older patients appeared to benefit more from PRP injection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

[Open surgical treatment of posterior instability of the shoulder]. / Posterior omuz instabilitesinin açik cerrahi tedavisi.

Posterior instability of the shoulder remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, with a growing incidence especially in athletes. Evaluation of the type of the instability, whether unidirectional or multidirectional, is very important with regard to treatment. Although many patients benefit from strengthening and balancing rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilizers, surgical procedures may be required in those unresponsive to conservative treatment. Posterior capsular shift is the method of choice to eliminate redundancy of the posterior and inferior capsules; moreover, in the presence of bone defects relating to the head of the glenoid or humerus, bony procedures should be added to the treatment.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty: 5-year results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the endoscopic calcaneoplasty technique for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund's disease. METHODS: This study included 30 feet of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for Haglund's disease between 2003 and 2011. The inflamed bursa and posterosuperior surface of the calcaneus were removed with a shaver and bone resection performed until there was no friction on the Achilles tendon with the ankle in dorsiflexion. All patients were discharged on the same day and allowed full weight-bearing at the second postoperative week. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and patient satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 58.4 months. AOFAS scores significantly improved from a postoperative average of 52.6 points to 98.6 points at the final evaluation (p<0.005). All patients were satisfied with the result of the operation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic calcaneoplasty with the patient in the prone or supine position appears to be a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund's disease.

Open reduction technique for overlapping and locked pubic symphysis.

A locked pubic symphysis can occur following a lateral compression injury of the pelvic ring when one pubic bone becomes entrapped behind the contralateral pubis or obturator foramen. In selecting the treatment modality, it is important to know the mechanism of injury. We presented the use of an open reduction technique in the treatment of a locked pubic symphysis in which open reduction external fixation application failed in the emergency department.

Anatomic relationship between elbow arthroscopy portals and neurovascular structures in different elbow and forearm positions.

Twenty fresh cadaveric elbows were used to evaluate the proximity of neurovascular structures to the six arthroscopic portals of the elbow at different positions. After distention of the joint, 4-mm Steinmann pins were introduced into the elbow from the portal's entry points. After surgical dissection, the proximity of the neurovascular structures to the pins was measured in 5 different positions. The radial nerve showed significant proximity to the anterolateral portal in full elbow flexion, full elbow extension, and forearm supination with 10%, 20%, and 10% nerve-pin contacts, respectively. The distance between the median nerve and medial portals was significantly decreased with full extension. This study demonstrated that the distance between the route of the scope and neurovascular structures might diminish significantly during elbow motion. Most of these movements are unavoidable in elbow arthroscopy, but maintaining certain positions for a considerable period of time or angulating the scope forcefully in these positions can cause nerve injury.