Procedural Outcomes of Double Vs. Single Fluoroscopy for Fixing Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fractures (SHFs) are frequently seen in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to compare single- and double-fluoroscopy methods for the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of Gartland type 2 and type 3 SHFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients who underwent surgery between March 2016 and April 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-one patients (group 1) who received double fluoroscopy and 19 patients (group 2) who had single fluoroscopy were evaluated. The preparation period, surgical duration, radiation exposure time, fracture types, sex distributions, distribution of sides, radiologic results at the third month, cosmetic and functional results, and the incidence of complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in group 1 and group 2 was 4.76 and 4.68 years, respectively. The mean preparation time of group 1 was 11.3 min; whereas in group 2, it was 8.7 min (p < 0.01). The mean surgical duration was 31.76 min in group 1, and 40.47 min in group 2 (p < 0.01). The mean radiation exposure time in group 1 and group 2 was 41.19 and 47.36 s, respectively (p = 0.04). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the preparation period, surgical duration, and radiation exposure time. Radiation exposure time and surgical duration were significantly shorter in group 1; the preparation period was shorter in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The double-fluoroscopy technique can significantly reduce surgical duration and radiation exposure time during surgery while treating SHFs of children.

Mir-129-2-3p Has Tumor Suppressor Role in Ewing Sarcoma Cell Lines and Cancer Tissue Samples

Abstract Deregulation of miRNA expressions was identified as a novel feature of tumor biology in Ewing sarcoma (EWS). The aim was to evaluate the regulatory role of miR-129-2-3p in EWS cell lines and human EWS tissue samples. EWS cell lines TC-71, TC-106, and CHLA-99 were used in the study and real-time PCR was utilized to investigate the functional role of tumor suppressor mir-129-2-3p and miR-129-2-3p levels in the cells. Proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis assays were carried out within the scope of functional in vitro studies. Expression levels of CDK6 and SOX4, which are miR-129-2-3p target genes, were examined. Moreover, the change in expression levels of miR-129-2-3p in EWS tumor tissues was also examined. It was determined that miR-129-2-3p expression markedly diminished in all the studied cell lines. In addition, miR-129-3p was found to decrease in proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis assays in all EWS cell lines. CDK6 and SOX4 levels were also decreased in miR-129-2-3p transfected cell lines. It was found that miR-129-2-3p levels were significantly decreased in EWS tumor tissue samples compared to the corresponding adjacent normal tissue samples. In line with the results of our current study, where the possible function of miR‐129-2-3p in EWS cell lines was examined, for the first time in the literature miR-129-2-3p was shown to have low expression level in EWS lines and EWS tumor tissue samples, and to provide a tumor suppressor effect.

Is Cyclic Exercise Performed before Tibial Fixation Effective on Grafts during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

OBJECTIVES: The necessity of cyclic exercise to pre-stretch the autograft before tibial fixation during ACL reconstruction is unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether there was a statistically significant difference between the results of patients who underwent cyclic exercise by way of physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional evaluation tests, compared with the patients who underwent ACL reconstructions with or without cyclic exercise. METHODS: Between March 2016 and May 2018, 59 patients with at least eight months' follow-up of an ACL reconstruction were identified. Thirty patients (Group 1) who underwent cyclic exercise before tibial fixation and 29 patients (Group 2) who did not undergo cyclic exercise were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group 1 and Group 2 was 25.9 (range, 18-36) years and 25.2 (range, 18-35) years, respectively. The mean follow-up period in Group 1 was 14.6 (range, 8-22) months and 13.5 months in Group 2 (range, 8-21 months).The mean Lysholm scores of Group 1 and 2 were 95.1 (range, 83-100) and 87.1 (range, 78-100), respectively. The modified Cincinnati scores of Groups 1 and 2 were 28.7 (range, 24-30) and 26.2 (range, 21-30). The mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation scores in Groups 1 and 2 were 91.9 (range, 83-100) and 86.7 (range, 75-100). The mean thigh atrophy was 1.5 cm in Group 1 and 2.5 cm in Group 2. In Group 1, 23 patients jumped 85% of the distance compared with the intact side in the single-legged hop test, and 12 patients in Group 2 were able to hop this distance successfully.Group 1 had statistically significantly better results in Lysholm activity scores, modified Cincinnati scores, IKDC subjective knee assessment scores, two-time IKDC activity scale results, comparison of thigh diameters, and single-legged hop tests (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in other examinations and tests. CONCLUSION: Cyclic exercise during the operation had a positive effect on functional scores. We believe that cyclic exercise should be added to the operative procedure.

A new method for diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tear: MRI with maximum flexion of knee in the prone position: A case control study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tear can be made by physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the supine position. In cases where the tear is partially evaluated on MRI, the choice of treatment may vary. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficiency of MRI at maximum knee flexion in the prone position and to compare the images with findings of the ACL detected during surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients with partial ACL tears with meniscal and cartilage lesions requiring arthroscopic knee surgery were included in the study between 2017 and 2019. MRI of these patients was prescribed at maximum knee flexion in the prone position. Then, an arthroscopic operation was performed on 61 patients and the findings (intact, partial or total tear of ACL) were recorded. The ACL was evaluated as being intact and partial or total tear. The statistical significance of the efficacy of MRI in the supine position with the knee at maximum flexion in the prone position was compared. RESULTS: It was found that, of 61 patients with suspected partial ACL tears, 25 patients had intact ACLs, 22 patients had partial tears and 14 patients had total ACL tears, through the interpretation of MRIs of the prone position by the radiologist. In the arthroscopic surgery of 61 patients, 20 patients had intact ACLs, 27 patients had a partial tear and 14 patients had a total tear. The MRI results with maximum knee flexion in the prone position were more compatible with the findings of the arthroscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: It could be considered that MRI with maximum knee flexion in the prone position may also be guiding in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with partial anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Does anterolateral ligament rupture affect functional outcomes in patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the anterolateral ligament contributes to knee stability. This study aims to compare the results of postoperative physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional assessment tests of patients with intact anterolateral (AL) ligaments and patients with ruptured anterolateral (AL) ligaments. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study consisted of 101 patients, with at least a 12-month follow-up period, who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 2010 and 2016, and whose AL ligaments were evaluated by the radiologist with the preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI). Of these patients, 41 had intact AL ligament (Group 1) in MRI and other 60 had ruptured AL ligament (Group 2). Groups were compared according to postoperative physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional assessment tests. RESULTS: The average Lysholm score of Group 1 was 94.9 (range: 81-100), and the score of Group 2 was 87.2 (range: 74-100). The modified Cincinnati score of Group 1 was 28.7 (24-30), while the score of Group 2 was 25.6 (21-30). The average IKDC subjective knee evaluation score of Group 1 was 91.9 (range: 83-100), and the score of Group 2 was 86.6 (range: 75-100). The average thigh atrophy value was 1.5 centimeters (cm) in Group 1 and 2.4 cm in Group 2. Thirty-three patients in Group 1 were able to jump over 85% of the distance in single-legged hop test compared to the intact side, while 16 patients in Group 2 were able to jump over this distance successfully. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the Lysholm activity scoring results, the Modified Cincinnati scoring results, IKDC subjective knee evaluation results, two-cycle IKDC activity scale results, comparison of thigh diameters and the single-legged hop tests of two groups showed a statistically significant difference, and the results of the patients with intact AL ligaments who underwent an ACL reconstruction were found to be better (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other examinations and tests. CONCLUSION: Since the rupture of the AL ligament has negative effects on functional outcomes, we think that the reconstruction of the AL ligament in the same session with the ACL reconstruction or later will have a positive effect on functional outcomes.

Primary bone tumors and tumor like lesions of the ulna.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to discuss the diagnosis and surgical management and their results according to stage of primary bone tumors at ulna and to share our experience on this exceptional location for bone tumors. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed our clinics database and identified 23 cases (14 males and 9 females, mean age was 28.9 (range 4-77)) with primary bone tumors and tumor like lesion involvement of ulna. The patients were evaluated according to complaints, type and grade of tumor, treatment, recurrence and functional status. RESULTS: The most common first referral complaint was constrictive pain in 52.1% of the cases, benign tumors and tumor like lesions of the bone constituted 73.9% whereas malignant bone tumors were 26.1%, 39.1% of the lesions were located in distal end of ulna and the mean follow up was 33.8 months (range 8-172 months). Local recurrence has unexpectedly occurred in 3 benign lesions (13.1%). CONCLUSION: Benign bone lesions tend to involve distal and proximal ends, malign bone lesions involve diaphysis mostly. Both benign and malignant diaphyseal lesions of the ulna have better postoperative results regarding the lesions at both ends of ulna. One should also take care of recurrences even after a decade from the primary surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Primary Tumor and Tumor-Like Lesions of Bones of the Foot: Single-Center Experience of 166 Cases.

Primary bone tumors of the foot are rare lesions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and recurrences of various primary bone tumors of the foot from a specialized center for orthopedic oncology. Among 3681 musculoskeletal tumor cases, which were diagnosed and surgically treated in our hospital from 1983 to 2013, 166 primary tumor and tumor-like bone lesions of the foot (4.5%) were retrospectively reviewed regarding age, gender, localization, biopsy-revealed diagnosis, applied treatment modalities, follow-up period, and recurrence, if any. Of the 166 primary bone tumors of the foot, 155 (93.4%) were benign and 11 (6.6%) were malignant. The most common primary benign bone tumor was a unicameral bone cyst (57 of 155; 36.8%), and the most common malignant tumor was chondrosarcoma (7 of 11; 63.6%). The hindfoot was the most common location for both primary benign (104 of 155; 67.1%) and malignant (6 of 11; 54.5%) bone tumors of the foot. The results of our study have confirmed that the radiologic findings can be confusing owing to the structural and histopathologic features of the bones of the foot; thus, histopathologic diagnosis should be considered for foot involvement. Because the characteristics of the compartments in the foot allow for the rapid spread of malignant lesions, aggressive surgical management and wider resection are recommended to prevent recurrence and further spread.

Surgical Treatment of Confirmed Intraosseous Lipoma of the Calcaneus: A Case Series.

Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus is a benign lesion formed by mature adipose tissue. When the lesion is symptomatic, the most frequent presentation is localized pain and soft tissue swelling. Because these lesions can regress spontaneously, conservative treatment methods are recommended. Operative excision is mostly required for painful lesions and pathologic fractures. The data from 14 patients with calcaneal intraosseous lipoma, who had undergone surgery in our clinic, were evaluated retrospectively. Using Milgram's classification system, 9 lesions were classified as stage 1, 4 as stage 2, and 1 as stage 3. All lesions were occupying 100% of intracalcaneal cross-section in the coronal plane and >30% in the sagittal plane of magnetic resonance imaging sections. The mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 5.29 ± 1.14 (range 4 to 7), and the mean postoperative visual analog scale score at the last follow-up visit was 1.14 ± 0.36 (range 1 to 2), which was significantly better (p < .01). The mean Maryland foot score at the last follow-up visit was 97.71 ± 2.02 (range 95 to 100). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale score was 97.86 ± 2.11 (range 94 to 100) at the last follow-up visit. The differences between the pre- and postoperative values were statistically significant (p < .01). No recurrence had been detected within a median follow-up period of 84 months. Operative management of symptomatic lesions related to intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus provides better results compared with the preoperative state.

Use of a magnetic bone nail for lengthening of the femur and tibia.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with the PRECICE nail for limb lengthening in 23 patients. METHODS: Records of 15 female and 8 male patients aged 14 to 38 (mean, 23.6) years who underwent lengthening of the tibia (n=6) or femur (n=21) using the PRECICE nail were reviewed. The reasons for lengthening included trauma (n=7), hemihypertrophy (n=2), focal femoral deficiency (n=2), Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (n=1), hip septic arthritis sequelae (n=1), hereditary multiple exostosis (n=1), club foot sequela (n=1), congenital tibial pseudoarthrosis (n=1), fibrous dysplasia (n=1), idiopathic limb length discrepancy (n=7), and cosmetic (n=1). RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 20.72 months. The mean lengthening was 48.20 mm, and the mean acute angular correction was 15.5º. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 5.15 months, and the mean consolidation index was 1.12 months/cm. The mean maturation index was 0.78 months/cm. One patient had nail breakage during the consolidation phase. The nail was replaced by an intramedullary nail until consolidation, after which another PRECICE nail was used to treat the residual shortening. Eight patients had over-lengthening and the nails were driven back to the desired length. No patient had infection. CONCLUSION: The PRECICE nail is a viable option for lengthening of the femur and tibia.

Effect of the Presence of Subchondral Cysts on Treatment Results of Autologous Osteochondral Graft Transfer in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

The aim of the present study was to clinically evaluate whether the presence of subchondral cysts had an effect on the treatment results of autologous osteochondral graft transfer in osteochondral lesions of the talus. Patients were enrolled in the present study according to the inclusion criteria. In the evaluation, we divided the patients into 2 groups according to presence (n = 13 patients) or absence (n = 15 patients) of a subchondral cyst. The mean age, body mass index, follow-up period, and lesion size in each group were measured and compared, and no statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups (p > .05). The clinical assessment was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot scoring system, visual analog scale, and International Knee Society scoring system. No statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and postoperative scores of the 2 patient groups (p > .05). The successful results in both groups after a 2-year follow-up period have demonstrated that treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with osteochondral graft transfer is a safe method that can be performed independently of the presence of a subchondral cyst.

Surface Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: Clinical and Imaging Features in 10 New Cases.

Aneurysmal bone cyst originating from the surface of the bone, either within the cortex or subperiosteally, is an uncommon anatomic subtype. This article reports the clinical and radiologic evaluations and treatment outcomes of 10 patients with surface aneurysmal bone cysts that were surgically treated between 1982 and 2014. Mean age at the time of surgery was 22.4 years (range, 11-44 years). According to Capanna's radiographic evaluation criteria, 6 of the lesions were classified as type V and 4 were classified as type IV. Radiographically, periosteal shell formation was observed to be complete in 4 patients, partial in 3, and absent in 3, and 6 patients had Codman's angle or buttress formation. In 1 patient, computed tomography scan showed birdcage-like ossification attached to the surface of bone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-fluid levels in 5 patients. All of the patients had standard curettage and high-speed burr application as an adjuvant. No patient had local recurrence at the end of the follow-up period of 98.4 months (range, 13-288 months). These findings show the importance of careful radiologic evaluation and biopsy to better plan a treatment strategy when surface aneurysmal bone cyst is included in the differential diagnosis. The finding of fluid-fluid levels on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography is not pathognomonic for primary aneurysmal bone cyst; however, the absence of this finding does not rule out the diagnosis. The rate of local recurrence after curettage plus high-speed burr is reasonably low, and other adjuvant procedures should be used whenever needed. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(5):e897-e903.].

[Retrospective analysis of AO 42A-B type tibia fractures treated with percutaneus locked plating and intramedullary nailing]. / AO 42A ve 42B tipi tibia kiriklarinda uyguladigimiz perkütan kilitli plak ve intramedüller çivi tespit sonuçlarinin geriye dönük analizi.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the results of AO 42A and 42B type tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) and percutaneus locking plate (PLP) were evaluated. The complications were examined, and it was questioned whether the type of fixation had an effect on union time and functional results. METHODS: Forty-two patients with extraarticular distal tibial fractures were enrolled in this retrospective study. Eighteen patients were treated with closed IMN (Group I) and 24 patients were treated with PLP fixation (Group II). Mean age was 41 (range: 16-70) years; thirty-two of the patients were men. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. Union time, functional results and complications (malunion, malalignment, infection) were compared. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) scoring was used to compare functional results. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20 (12-32) months for Group I and 23 (13-36) months for Group II. The average union time was 16 (12-24) weeks in Group I and 19 (range: 16-24) weeks in Group II (p=0.002). The AOFAS scoring was 85 (range: 69-100) points in Group I and 81 (range: 60-95) points in Group II. The difference in AOFAS scoring was not significant (p=0.06). Two patients had nonunion in Group II. Two patients in Group I and three patients in Group II had malalignment. DISCUSSION: We suggest that IMN can provide early healing time. Although it is not statistically significant, complication rate was lower and functional results were better in patients treated with IMN.

Prospective comparative study of two methods for fixation after distal femur corrective osteotomy for valgus deformity; retrograde intramedullary nailing versus less invasive stabilization system plating.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional results of two different methods of fixation for the correction of femoral valgus deformities. METHODS: Patients who had undergone osteotomy and correction of a valgus deformity from 2007 to 2013 were prospectively followed. Thirty three patients (20 females, 13 males) with 39 lower limbs were included in the study. Seventeen lower limbs were treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) and 22 with less invasive stabilization system plating. Standing orthoroentgenograms of the lower limbs were taken pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. mLDFA, aLDFA, mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured in this orthoroentgenograms. Knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and knee range of motion were used pre-operatively and at the final follow-up as part of the evaluation of the clinical results. All patients duration of surgery, length of hospital stay were assessed. Operations were performed by two orthopedic surgeons. The choice of correction method for each patient was determined by the surgeon. Pre-operative and post-operative values were simultaneously measured by two additional orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 26.2 years (18.0-51.0) in the plating group and 29.3 years (18.0-55.0) in the nailing group. Patients in the plating and nailing groups were followed up for 24.0 (12.0-60.0) and 27.8 (12.0-60.0) months. All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, sex, or duration of follow-up (p > 0.05) Comparison of the pre- and post-operative mLDFA, aLDFA, MAD, length of hospital stay, and duration of surgery between the plating group and nailing group, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). However, patients treated with retrograde IMN had significantly better post-operative results in terms of the KOOS and range of motion of the knee according to plating group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retrograde IMN does not provide a radiological advantage over the LISS plating technique for valgus deformity but retrograde IMN and correction offered better functional results in cases of femoral valgus deformity than did the LISS plating method.

Congenital bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation in unusual location and age: a case report.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP, also known as Nora's lesion) is a rare, benign, locally aggressive condition defined as osteochondromatous exostosis arising from the bony cortex. BPOP presents predominantly in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life, and commonly arises from the periosteum of metacarpals and metatarses, though rare locations have been reported, including the long bones, the maxillae, the bones of calvaria, and the sesamoids. The case of an osteochondromatous lesion in an infant with an intra-abdominal mass arising from the iliac wing, an atypical location of benign solitary lesions, is reported. Benign solitary lesions are exceptional in this age group. The parents of the patient, who was born in term at 3600 grams, discovered a mass in the left groin and observed decreased movement in the lower left extremity. No history of trauma was reported. When the patient was 5 months of age, AP pelvic X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bony mass displacing intra-abdominal organs anteromedially. Biopsy reported an osteocartilaginous lesion with calcified mature cartilaginous fragments surrounded by plasmacytoid, monotone, fibrinoid cells in myxoid background. Differential diagnosis included osteochondroma, osteochondromyxoma, BPOP, fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, periosteal chondroma, soft tissue chondroma, myositis ossificans, and juxtacortical chondroma. Biopsy of the resected specimen determined a diagnosis of BPOP. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, neither symptoms nor complaints related to the mass were present.

Chevron osteotomy in patients with scheduled osteotomy of the medial malleolus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate intermediate-term outcomes of Chevron osteotomy for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with mosaicplasty and to assess its effect on surgery and whether it reduces complications that might occur intraoperatively. METHODS: The present study included a total of 42 patients (31 men, 11 women) who underwent Chevron osteotomy of the medial malleolus and who had been followed for more than 2 years. Mean age of the patients was 34 years (range: 18-54 years). Preoperatively, size of the lesions was measured in millimeters in the coronal and sagittal planes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The angle between the osteotomy with the long axis of the tibia was measured on the coronal plane, the angle between the arms and the angle for the screws to be directed to the osteotomy line were measured on the sagittal plane on the postoperative images. Nonunion, malunion, and complications from the screws were evaluated from X-ray images taken at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Mean duration for follow-up was 31.4 years (range: 24-46). On the X-ray images taken at the final follow-up, no distraction, migration of the distal part, or rotation was observed. Only 1 patient experienced radiological non-union. Mean duration to union was 5.8 weeks (range: 4-14 weeks). Screws of 8 patients were removed at an average of 7.4 months (range: 5-11 months). The angle between the osteotomy line and long axis of the tibia was 29.0°±6.5°, the angel between the osteotomy arms on the sagittal plane was 74.7°±8.3°, and the direction angle of the screws on the coronal plane was 85.7°±5.9°. CONCLUSION: Chevron osteotomy is an assistive surgical method used for treatment of osteochondral lesions located in the medial talar joint surface (TOL) which provides fast anatomical healing because it allows efficient fixation due to its geometry.

Unusual localizations of unicameral bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts: A retrospective review of 451 cases.

Unicameral bone cysts (UBC) and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign cystic lesions of bone which are easily diagnosed. However, unusual locations may lead to a false diagnosis. Therefore the aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of unusual localizations. The authors studied 451 cases with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of UBC or ABC, seen between 1981 and 2012. In the UBC group (352 cases) humerus, femur and calcaneus were found to be the most common sites, while acetabulum, scapula, scaphoid, lunatum, metacarpals, metatarsals, toe phalanges and ulna each accounted for less than 1%. In the ABC group (99 cases) the most common sites of involvement were femur, humerus and tibia, while finger phalanges, ilium, acetabulum, pubis, calcaneus, cuboid, and toe phalanges each accounted for only 1%. The differential diagnosis of cystic bone lesions should include both UBC and ABC. Pain complaints plead for the latter, except in case of fracture.

A rare knee extensor mechanism injury: Vastus intermedius tendon rupture.

INTRODUCTION: Quadriceps tendon injuries are rare. There is a limited number of studies in the literature, reporting partial quadriceps tendon ruptures. We did not find any study reporting an isolated vastus intermedius tendon injury in the literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 22 years old professional rugby player with the complaints of pain in the right lower limb, decreased range of motion in right knee and a mass in the mid-anterior of the right thigh applied following an overloading on his hyperflexed knee during a rugby match. T2 sequence magnetic resonance images revealed discontinuity in the vastus intermedius tendon and intramuscular hematoma. The patient has been conservatively treated. DISCUSSION: Quadriceps tendon ruptures generally occur after the 4th decade in the presence of degenerative changes. Our case is a young professional rugby player. Isolated vastus intermedius tendon rupture is unusual. Conservative treatment is performed as the intermedius tendon is in the deepest layer of the quadriceps muscle. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of isolated rupture of the vastus intermedius tendon in the literature and we claim that disorder may be succesfully treated with conservative treatment and adequate physiotheraphy.

Comparison of intramedullary nail and plate fixation in distal tibia diaphyseal fractures close to the mortise.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the functional and radiological results of intramedullary nailing and plate fixation techniques in the surgical treatment of distal tibia diaphyseal fractures close to the ankle joint. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 55 patients (32 males, 23 females; mean age 42 years; range 15 to 72 years) who were treated with intramedullary nailing (21 patients) or plate fixation (34 patients) due to distal tibia diaphyseal fracture were included in the study. The average follow-up period was 27.6 months (range, 12-82 months). The patients were evaluated with regard to nonunion, malunion, infection, and implant irritation. The AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scale was used for the clinical evaluation. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the two surgical methods with respect to unification time, AOFAS score, accompanying fibula fracture, material irritation, and malunion. Nine patients had open fractures, and these patients were treated with plate fixation (p=0.100). Nonunion developed in three patients who were treated with plates. Infection occurred in one patient. Anterior knee pain was significantly higher in patients who were treated with intramedullary nails. There was no malunion in any patient. CONCLUSION: As the distal fragment is not long enough, plate fixation technique is usually preferred in the treatment of distal tibia diaphyseal fractures. In this study, we observed that if the surgical guidelines are followed carefully, intramedullary nailing is an appropriate technique in this kind of fracture. The malunion rates are not significantly increased, and it also has the advantages of being a minimally invasive surgery with fewer wound problems.

Flexion-adduction-external rotation method for shoulder dislocations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness of the flexion-adduction-external rotation method in the reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations. METHODS: The study included 128 patients (98 male, 30 female; mean age: 33, range: 19 to 81) with a history of acute anterior shoulder dislocation treated with the flexion-adduction-external rotation method. Neurovascular examination was performed before and after reduction. Reduction duration and patient responses regarding the reduction method were recorded. RESULTS: First-time dislocation occurred in 92 patients and recurrent dislocation in 36. 111 patients had subcoracoid dislocations and 17 subglenoid dislocations. Fracture of the greater tubercle was present in 13 patients. Reduction was achieved in the first attempt in 104 patients and in the second in 12 patients. Mean reduction time was under 1.5 (range: 0 to 5) minutes. Reduction was unsuccessful in 12 patients and reduction under general anesthesia was performed. No patients experienced neurovascular injury after reduction. CONCLUSION: The forward flexion-adduction-external rotation method is an effective and comfortable reduction method for the treatment of shoulder dislocation or fracture-dislocation.