Outcomes of Lumbosacral Fixation in Patients with Suicidal Jumper's Fractures: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND Suicide attempts that involve jumping from a great height may not be fatal but can result in lumbosacral facture-dislocations. This retrospective study aimed to present the experience from a single center in Turkey of 21 patients with lumbosacral facture-dislocations, or suicidal jumper fractures, treated with lumbosacral fixation between 2015 and 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 21 patients. The diagnosis was established through X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examinations. Neurological damage was assessed using the Gibbons score. Among the patients, 2 were classified as Roy-Camille type 1, 12 as Roy-Camille type 2, and 7 as Roy-Camille type 3. Morphologically, 8 patients had H-type fractures, 7 had T-type fractures, and 6 had U-type fractures. Bilateral spinopelvic fixation was performed. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed score. RESULTS The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 31.6±12.2. The mean duration of surgery was 123.6±44.9 minutes. According to the Majeed score, excellent results were observed in 8 individuals (40%), good results in 5 individuals (25%), fair results in 5 individuals (25%), and poor results in 2 individuals (10%). Out of 18 patients with neurological deficits, 14 showed improvement after surgery, while 4 continued to experience deficits. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study highlight the importance of obtaining a clear history of the cause of lumbosacral facture-dislocation, as attempted suicide by jumping from a height can cause specific types of injury to the lumbar spine and sacrum that require rapid diagnosis and management to reduce the incidence of permanent paraplegia.

Volar buttress plate fixation: An effective and reliable option for Bennett's fractures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to demonstrate the volar plate fixation technique for fixing Bennett's fractures due to its buttress effect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 10 patients (8 males, 2 females; mean age: 35.9±11.56 years; range, 17 to 51 years) who were treated using the volar plate fixation technique between January 2018 and August 2022. The postoperative functional scores of the patients were evaluated using the Q-DASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) score, and their pain status was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). We also assessed fracture union and development of complications. We assessed opposition according to Kapandji grade and abduction of the thumb. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 16.6±2.91 (range, 12 to 21) months. The technique was performed on the right extremity in eight patients and on the left extremity in two patients. All patients were right-hand dominant. The VAS score was 1 in two cases and 0 in the other cases. The mean Q-DASH score was 1.36±2.44. The mean pinch strength was 6.4±0.89 kg, and the mean grasp strength was 18.8±3.52 kg on the injured side. The mean Kapandji grade of opposition was 9.3±0.82, while the mean abduction degree was 37.4±2.01. CONCLUSION: Based on the early results of this technique, we conclude that volar plate fixation for Bennett's fractures is reliable and allows for early motion, providing anatomical and stable joint reduction, and it does not have implant complications such as hardware irritation. However, fixation of small fragments may be particularly challenging.

Clinical differences between nasogastric tube and Hunter's rod for staged Zone II flexor tendon reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction in Zone II of the hand and to evaluate the results of a nasogastric tube as a potential alternative to Hunter's rod. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2012 and January 2022, a total of 45 patients (26 males, 19 females; median age: 31 years; range, 12 to 61 years) who underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Of the patients 24 underwent nasogastric tube reconstruction (NT group) and 21 underwent Hunter's rod reconstruction (HR group). Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, the number of surgeries, the occurrence of complications, the presence of infection during the procedure, and the range of motion of the finger joints at the final follow-up examination were recorded. The assessment of the cases was conducted using the total active motion system. RESULTS: Twenty-four digits underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction with the nasogastric tube. Among these, three index fingers, nine middle fingers, seven ring fingers, and five little fingers were operated. Twenty-one digits underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction using Hunter's rod. Among these, two index fingers, eight middle fingers, six ring fingers, and five little fingers were operated. In the NT group, excellent results were observed in 58.3% (14 digits), good results in 25% (six digits), fair results in 8.3% (two digits), and poor results in 8.3% (two digits). In the HR group, excellent results were seen in 57.1% (12 digits), good results in 33.3% (seven digits), fair results in 4.7% (one digit), and poor results in 4.7% (one digit). CONCLUSION: The utilization of a nasogastric tube offers a convenient and cost-effective option to Hunter's rod in the two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction, leading to favorable outcomes characterized by high rates of excellence and improvement, while effectively minimizing the occurrence of complications.

How understandable are the patient education materials about flat foot on the Internet for parents?

Flat foot is a common reason for parents to visit orthopedic clinics. As the Internet has become an easy-search platform, parents often seek online educational materials before seeking out a professional. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality, readability, and understandability of such online materials for parents. An Internet search was performed for "flat foot" and "pes planus" using the Google search engine. The readability was evaluated using 6 different grading systems: Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Fry Readability score, Gunning Fog Index tests, and Automated Readability Index. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool test was used to assess the understandability. For quality assessment, the Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria and Health on the Net code were applied. One hundred nine websites were included and evaluated for readability, understandability, and quality. The mean readability grade for all websites was 10.5 ±â€…2.0. The mean Gunning Fog Index tests and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level scores for all websites were 12.4 ±â€…2.2 and 9.7 ±â€…2.1 sequentially. The mean Coleman-Liau index score was 10.0 ±â€…1.5, and the average Fry Readability score was 9.9 ±â€…2.0. The automated readability index for all websites was 10.3 ±â€…2.5. The average Flesch Reading Ease score for all educational materials was 59.3 ±â€…10.1. The average Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool score for all educational materials was 81% (range, 70-87%). The mean Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criterion for all websites was 1.0, with a range from 1.0 and 2.0. Eighteen (16.5%) websites had Health on the Net certificates. Readability, understandability, and quality of patient education materials about flat feet on the Internet vary and are often worse than professional recommendations.

Can American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score prevent unnecessary MRI in isolated ankle ligament injuries?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Ankle injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Its incidence is also high among sports injuries. Direct X-ray, ultrasound and MRI can be requested after the history and physical examination in the patient who presents with ankle ligament injury. Some classifications are used for requesting direct X-ray after ankle injury. Since clear limits are not specified in the literature for MRI, the rate of unnecessary MRI examinations is high. We argue that the decision can be made according to the AOFAS score to be checked before MR is requested, and thus unnecessary MR requests can be reduced. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ankle MRI images of patients who underwent ankle MRI due to ankle trauma between January 2018 and December 2020 were scanned. 328 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Patients with AOFAS scores in their outpatient clinic records were identified. AOFAS scores of patients with at least one ligament injury and those with normal MR images were statistically compared. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for the AOFAS score using ROC analysis. RESULTS: Patients with ligament damage as a result of MRI examination were 21.3% (n=70), and patients without any ligament damage were 78.7% (n=258). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of AOFAS between the group with ligament damage and the group without ligament damage (p< 0.05). In the ROC analysis, the AOFAS threshold value for MR request was determined as 80.5 (84.3% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity). Based on the determined threshold value, 73 patients who had unnecessary MRI would have been eliminated, thus reducing the number of MRIs by 42.6%. CONCLUSION: The AOFAS scores of patients with ligament damage were statistically significantly lower than those of patients without ligament pathology. Unnecessary MRI can be significantly prevented by using the AOFAS score in ankle traumas without bone fractures.

A technical trick for extracting a stingray spine from hand: a case report.

Injuries from stingray fish are among the most common fish stings, and their frequency is increasing with the increase in global tourism. It most commonly causes injuries to the extremities and causes morbidity if not treated appropriately. Less commonly, life-threatening injuries can be observed due to injuries in the thorax and abdomen and damage to large vessels and vital organs. In addition to severe pain, tissue necrosis, and secondary infection after injury, systemic symptoms may occur. Since these injuries can occur in both fresh and salt water, it is possible to encounter such a case at any time. Flat spines are sharp, with backward barbs or serrations that make them difficult to extract once they penetrate tissue. After first aid, surgical extraction of the stingray spine with minimal damage is essential in addition to local and systemic treatments. In the literature, there are studies on envenomation and other systemic findings after stingray spine injuries, but few publications are available on the stingray spine extracted technique after injury. This case report presents a new and helpful technique for stingray spine extraction.

Proximal femoral nail antirotation versus cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly: an overall survival study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative complications and overall survival of patients who underwent proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and patients who underwent cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty (CCRH) for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in patients aged 75 years and older. METHODS: A total of 94 patients who underwent PFNA or CCRH between 2010 and 2012 because of femur fracture (A2.2 and A2.3 according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification) were analyzed retrospectively. Hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and overall survival were compared. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients in the PFNA group and 46 patients in the CCRH group were included for analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and survival rates. DISCUSSION: Both PFNA and CCRH techniques can be used for surgical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures.

The effect of single plate and double plate application on union and functional results in humeral diaphyseal nonunions.

In this study, we assessed and compared the outcomes of two different fixation techniques for humeral diaphyseal fracture nonunions. A retrospective evaluation of 22 patients who underwent single-plate and double-plate fixation due to humeral diaphyseal nonunions was conducted. Union rates, union times, and functional outcomes of the patients were assessed. There was no significant difference between single- plate and double-plate fixation in terms of union rates or union times. The double-plate fixation group achieved significantly better functional outcomes. Nerve damage or surgical site infection were not encountered in either group.Due to its considerable effect on stability, double-plate fixation, offers both patients and surgeons confidence in terms of early adaptation to daily life in the postoperative period.

Comparison of the Modified Moberg Flap Versus First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap for Thumb Pulp Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: We assessed and compared outcomes of 2 different flap techniques for thumb pulp defect reconstruction. Twenty-three patients who underwent modified Moberg and first dorsal metacarpal artery flap because of thumb pulp defect were retrospectively evaluated. Flap survival; venous congestion; cold intolerance; static 2-point discrimination (s2-PD); Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test scores; paresthesia; defect size; time to return to work; interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion of the thumb; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores; and follow-up time were evaluated. Flap survival, venous congestion, time to return to work, paresthesia, defect size, SWM test scores, range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores were similar in both groups. Cold intolerance and s2-PD were found to be statistically better in the modified Moberg flap group. Although these techniques provided similar results, the modified Moberg was found to be superior in terms of cold intolerance and s2-PD.

Pott's disease associated with bilateral psoas abscess: a case report on surgical management using anterior approach.

Pott's disease may accompany psoas abscesses, but bilateral psoas abscess is rarely encountered. Computerised Tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of psoas abscesses. Treatment of psoas abscess usually involves drainage of abscess and antibiotic therapy. CT and USG-guided catheters are often utilised for abscess drainage. In cases where neurological symptoms are observed, open surgery may be required. Pott's disease accompanied by bilateral psoas abscess was detected in a 21-year-old male patient who was admitted to the clinic with complaints of low back pain and weakness in his left leg at the Selcuk University, Turkey, in 2018. The reason for the development of neurological deficit only on the left side was the compression of the nerve roots by the abscess tissue. The patient underwent debridement and anterior instrumentation with an anterior approach. In the postoperative follow-up it was observed that the patient's complaints were relieved. Pott's disease with bilateral psoas abscesses, in which debridement and instrumentation with an anterior approach is applied, has not been previously reported in the literature, and the current case is a first in this respect.

Clinical, Radiological, and Electrodiagnostic Diagnosis of Pronator Syndrome Concurrent With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective observational study that assessed the prevalence of positive diagnostic imaging and electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings in patients diagnosed with pronator syndrome (PS), who previously had a carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery. The other purpose of our study was to determine how often PS occurred and was missed in patients treated surgically for CTS. METHODS: The files of 180 patients who underwent CTS surgery were reviewed retrospectively. We assessed all patients for a diagnosis of PS. We accepted the clinical findings and patient history as the reference standard for the diagnosis of PS. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the elbow, bilateral upper limb magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and bilateral dynamic forearm ultrasound (US) were performed on patients with clinical symptoms and physical examinations that indicated PS. Bilateral upper limb EDX was also performed for these patients. One patient refused additional tests. RESULTS: A total of 174 extremities in 146 patients were included in the study. Pronator syndrome was diagnosed by 2 hand surgeons in 22 extremities (19 patients) through a clinical evaluation that included a history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing was positive for findings of PS in 24% of extremities (5 of 21) tested by EDX, in 57% of extremities (12 of 21) tested by US, and 5% of extremities (1 of 21) tested by MRI. There was no lower humeral spur that could cause median nerve compression on any plain radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: With clinical evaluation as the reference standard, EDX, US, and MRI are not helpful in making a diagnosis of PS concurrent with CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Center-edge angle values in healthy children between 5 and 14 years old in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the center-edge angle (CEA) values according to age, gender and side in healthy children between 5 and 14 years old in Turkey and to find out the angular limit values for mild and severe dysplasia. METHODS: The data pool that was gathered to investigate the frequency of hip dislocation in children between 6 months and 14 years old in Turkey was used. The data pool consists of pelvis and lower abdomen radiographs obtained for reasons other than hip dysplasia. Lower abdomen/pelvis radiographies of children between 5 and 14 years old were extracted from the data pool and were evaluated. Distribution of CEA values according to age, gender and side was examined. Measurements were performed by a single investigator on computer by using a standard method. Reliability of the measurements was tested by three different investigators on randomly selected films by using the standard method. RESULTS: CEA values of 3192 hips of 1596 children, who had no hip pathology, were measured. Mean CEA value was found as 26.2°±5.5°. The mean CEA was 26.2°±5.3° in males (%54) and 26.2°±5.7° in females (%46) (p=0.224). Mean values for the right and left hips were 25.7°±5.4° and 26.6°±5.6°, respectively. CEA value of 449 (14%) hips of 333 (20.8%) children was at the limit of mild dysplasia and CEA value of 70 (2.2%) hips of 58 (3.6%) children was at the limit of severe dysplasia. CEA values had increased by age and mild and severe dysplasia limits were determined for every age group. CONCLUSION: The mild and severe dysplasia values that are defined according to ages in Turkish population will guide the investigators in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment planning of developmental dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic Study.

A comparison of the effects on postoperative bleeding of the intra-articular application of tranexamic acid and adrenalin in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of intra-articular applications of tranexamic acid and adrenaline on postoperative bleeding after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: The single-center, retrospective, controlled study was conducted at Selcuk University , department of orthopedic surgery and comprised data of patients who underwent primary, unilateral, cemented total knee arthroplasty between July 2012 and December 2014. Group 1 had received tranexamic acid 1g after closure of articular capsule. Group 2 had received adrenalin. Group 3, the control group, received no medication intraarticularly after total knee arthroplasty. The amount of blood collected in the drain and postoperative alterations in haemoglobin and haematocrit values were compared. RESULTS: Of the total 90 subjects, there were 30(33.33%) in each of the three groups. The decrease of haemoglobin and haematocrit values in Group 1 was statistically significant compared to both Group 2 and Group 3 (p<0.05). The amount of blood collected in the drains was remarkably lower in Groups I and 2 compared to Group III (p<0.05). No deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary emboli were encountered across the sample. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid was found to be beneficial and safe for the achievement of effective haemostasis after total knee arthroplasty.

Comparison of Innervated Digital Artery Perforator Flap Versus Homodigital Reverse Flow Flap Techniques for Fingertip Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare outcomes of 2 different flap techniques for fingertip reconstruction: innervated digital artery perforator (IDAP) flap and homodigital reverse-flow flap. METHODS: Medical records of 33 patients who underwent fingertip reconstruction either with an IDAP flap (15 patients) or with a homodigital reverse-flow flap (18 patients), between 2014 and 2016, were evaluated retrospectively. In both study groups, full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the proximal/volar side of the forearm were used to cover the flap donor site. Flap survival, venous congestion, cold intolerance, static 2-point discrimination, flap size, duration of surgery, time to return to work, proximal and distal interphalangeal joint range of motion, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores, and follow-up time were evaluated. RESULTS: All the major outcomes, including flap survival, cold intolerance, static 2-point discrimination, flap size, time to return to work, range of motion values for proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores, and follow-up time, were similar between the 2 flap methods. Mean duration of surgery was shorter in the IDAP flap group. Marginal flap necrosis occurred in 1 IDAP flap, and there was complete survival of the remainder of the flap after debridement. Temporary venous congestion was seen in 3 IDAP flaps, all of which resolved with nonsurgical measures. CONCLUSIONS: Similar success rates and satisfactory outcomes were achieved with IDAP flap and reverse-flow flap techniques used for fingertip reconstruction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Treatment of the Lower Extremity Contracture/Deformities.

Lower extremity deformities of patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita present a wide spectrum of severity and deformity combinations. Treatment goals range from merely ensuring comfortable seating and shoe wear, to fully independent and active ambulation, but the overarching intention is to help realize the patient's greatest potential for independence and function. Treatment of hip and knee contractures and dislocations has become more interventional, whereas treatment of foot deformities has paradoxically become much less surgical. This article synopsizes the treatment strategies presented in September 2014 in Saint Petersburg, Russia at the second international symposium on arthrogryposis.

Other benefits of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty apart from reducing blood transfusion rates.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of intra-articular tranexamic acid (TA) administration on the amount of blood in the drains, the amount of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and the total cost in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 118 patients (24 males, 94 females; mean age 67.0 years, range 52 to 81 years) who underwent primary unilateral TKA surgery. Patients were divided into two groups as 58 patients who were performed intra-articular injection of 2 g TA after closure of articular capsule (TA group; 10 males, 48 females, mean age 65.6 years; range 55 to 80 years) and 60 patients who were not performed any intra-articular injection (non-TA group; 14 males, 46 females; mean age 68.3 years; range 52 to 81 years). The maximum difference between pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, the amount of blood in the drains, the amount of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and cost of each patient were recorded. RESULTS: The mean difference between pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels were higher in the non-TA group (1.7 g/dL vs 2.6 g/dL, p<0.05). The mean amounts of blood in drains (327.5 mL vs 800.0 mL, p<0.05), the amounts of blood transfusions (0 units vs 10 units, p<0.05), the mean lengths of hospital stay (4.03 days vs 4.53 days, p<0.05), and the hospital costs (1,935.26 United States dollars vs 1,959.64 United States dollars, p<0.05) were lower in TA group. CONCLUSION: Administration of intra-articular TA during primary TKA may reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion while significantly shortening the postoperative length of hospital stay and reducing the total hospital costs.

Short-term results of early (before 6 months) open reduction of dislocated hips in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

The aim of this study was to report the results of early open reduction of hip dislocations in infants with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Seven patients who were under 6 months of age at the time of hip reduction, with a mean follow-up period of 47.5±11.3 months after surgery, were included in this study. Four of seven patients (six of 13 hips) required additional hip surgeries during their follow-up. The short-term results of early open reduction of hips were not promising as most of the patients required additional hip surgeries.

Percutaneous double-button fixation method for treatment of acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological results of patients treated with the percutaneous double-button technique for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed of 13 patients surgically treated for acute Type III AC joint dislocation with the percutaneous double-button fixation method. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance of the affected side was compared with that of the healthy side on anterior-posterior radiographs obtained at the final follow-up. In the functional evaluation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were used. RESULTS: The 13 patients in the study included 12 males and 1 female with a mean age of 43.4 years (range: 22-60 years). The mean follow-up period was 13.61 months (range: 9-24 months). The mean CC distance on the operated side was 9.23 mm (range: 8-15 mm), and when compared with the healthy side, no statistically significant difference was observed. Preoperative Constant scores of a mean of 30.3 (range: 18-42) increased to 84.4 (range: 70-90) at the final follow-up. Preoperative DASH scores had a mean of 14.1 (range: 11-28) and decreased to 0.4 (range: 0-3) at the final follow-up (p<0.001). Mean preoperative VAS score was 6.0 (range: 5-8), which decreased to 0.6 (range: 0-3) at the final follow-up (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous double-button fixation technique is a safe, practical, and effective fixation method that can be used as an alternative to arthroscopic and open methods for acute Type III AC joint dislocations.