Evaluation of Extensor Mechanism in Revision Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The success of revision total knee arthroplasty depends on adequate exposure that does not produce complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of revision total knee arthroplasty between V-Y quadricepsplasty (QP) and quadriceps snip (QS) approaches. METHODS: In the study, 92 knees with follow-up of 12-108 months which were operated by using QP (55) and QS (37) were evaluated retrospectively. Measurements were taken by using universal transparent goniometer, also varus valgus deformities, knee flexion angles, instability, Hospital for Special Surgery and Lower Extremity Functional Scale scores, functional condition of the knee and activity levels of the patients were evaluated cross-sectionally. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not found regarding extensor restriction, varus or valgus deformities, knee flexion angles, flexor and extensor muscular strength, Hospital for Special Surgery and Lower Extremity Functional Scale score (P > .05). CONCLUSION: QP is a preferable method which allows a wider arthrotomy for stiff knees and revision knee surgery, and provides larger access to the joint. Choosing this incision does not bring disadvantage in terms of extensor mechanism.

Test-retest reliability of the 50-foot timed walk and 30-second chair stand test in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

The purpose was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the 50-Foot Timed Walk (50FWT), and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST) in the patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study was a test-retest study. Thirty-seven patients with THA performed two trials for both the 30CTS and 50FWT on the same day with one hour interval. To assess reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)], standard error of measurement (SEM), the smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level (SRD95) were calculated. The ICCs for the 50FWT and 30CTS were 0.98 and 0.94, respectively. The SEM and SRD95 for the 50FWT and 30CTS were 0.3 and 0.8 seconds and 0.4 and 1.2 repeats, respectively. The test-retest reliability of the tests was very high. The 50FWT and 30CST are very reliable to measure the functional performance in patients with THA in the clinical settings.

Dorsal percutaneous screw fixation of delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures: decision making with MRI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate scaphoid delayed fractures or nonunions treated by percutaneous fixation with MRI correlations. METHODS: We evaluated 33 consecutive scaphoid delayed unions or nonunions treated by dorsal percutaneous fixation at a mean 16 months (range, seven to 48 months) after the operation. There were 31 male and two female patients with an average age of 29 years (range, 25-33 years). RESULTS: Pre-operative MRI revealed no signs of avascular necrosis. At the latest follow-up, all patients had good or excellent results. CONCLUSION: We suggest dorsal percutaneous screw fixation for scaphoid delayed fractures or nonunions after eliminating the presence of AVN by pre-operative MRI examination.

Scapholunate dissociation associated with distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The exact prevalence of scapholunate dissociation (SLD) associated with distal radius fracture (DRF) and the effect of persistent SLD on the function of the wrist are not known. So, we examined the association between SLD and DRF and the effects of treatment on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients with 839 DRF were included in the study. The radiographs of the patients were examined with special reference to SLD both in pre- and post-reduction period. Persistent SLD cases were evaluated by the scoring system of Green and O'Brien at least 2 years after the fracture. RESULTS: Of the 839 fractures, 215 had SLD after the injury. When post-reduction radiographs were examined, SLD persisted in 98, but in 14 SLD was detected in the post-reduction period while not apparent in initial radiographs. So, a total of 112 patients (13.4%) had persistent SLD. Nineteen patients were lost to follow-up and remaining 93 wrists examined clinically. Seventy-nine had pain on the scapholunate joint and 14 had not. When these patients were evaluated by Green and O'Brien system, symptomatic patients had fair or poor results but asymptomatic had good. The association between DRF and SLD is 13.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of the distal radius fractures is not associated with SLD. Intra-articular fractures were associated with significant increase in the prevalence of SLD. In some cases, SLD may appear after reduction in distal radius. Most cases with SLD are symptomatic, and this may be the reason of poor cases following distal radius fracture.

NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT OF 3D MODELLING ON SURGICAL PLANNING IN SPINAL DEFORMITIES.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 3d printed models on surgical pre-operative planning of complex spinal deformities. Methods: In our study, five orthopedic surgeons made surgical planning of 5 patients with severe spinal deformity in three conditions: X-ray with computer tomography (X-ray-CT), 3D-computed tomography (3dCT), and 3d printed spine models. Operation plans were examined according to the level and number of instrumentations, osteotomy level, and time required for decision-making. Results: X-ray-CT, 3dCT, and 3d modeling methods were compared, and no statistically significant difference was observed in the number of screws and osteotomy score to be used in operation. The time required for decision ranking is 3d Model, 3d CT, and Xray-CT. Conclusions: 3d printed models do not influence the operative plan significantly; however, it reduces surgical planning time at pre-op duration, and those models gave some opportunities to practice with implants on a patient's 3d spine model. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test .

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de modelos 3D impressos no planejamento pré-operatório cirúrgico de deformidades complexas da coluna vertebral. Métodos: Em nosso estudo, 5 cirurgiões ortopédicos fizeram o planejamento cirúrgico de 5 pacientes com deformidade espinhal grave em três condições: raio-X com tomografia computadorizada (raio X-CT), tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3D (3dCT) e modelo de coluna vertebral impressa (modelo 3d). Os planos de operação foram examinados de acordo com o nível e número de instrumentos, nível de osteotomia e tempo necessário para a tomada de decisão. Resultados: Foram comparados os métodos de modelagem de raio X-CT, 3dCT e modelo 3d e nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi observada no número de parafusos e escore de osteotomia a serem utilizados na operação. O ranking do tempo necessário para a tomada de decisão foi de modelo 3d, 3d CT e raio X-CT. Conclusões: Os modelos impressos em 3d não influenciam significativamente o plano operatório, porém reduzem o tempo de planejamento cirúrgico no pré-operatório e esses modelos deram algumas oportunidades de praticar com implantes no modelo de coluna 3d do paciente. Nível de evidência III; Estudos de Diagnóstico - Investigando um Teste de Diagnóstico .

Comparison of various surgical methods in the treatment of implant-related infection.

The treatment of implant-related infections is troublesome. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of three different surgical modalities in the treatment of implant-related infection. A total of 32 Wistar albino rats were randomised into four groups after the establishment of implant-related infection: no treatment, surgical débridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement and antibiotic-loaded autogenous bone. Microbiological colony counts were made at the sixth week in order to evaluate the effectiveness of of the treatments. The antibiotic-loaded bone cement group revealed superior results compared with the other groups in terms of reduction of microbiological colonies. Three animals in the bone cement group revealed extensive infection. Although antibiotic-loaded bone cement showed superiority over other treatment modalities, it should be employed after an unsuccessful trial of débridement because of the risk of extensive infection.

Biomechanical comparison of tigecycline loaded bone cement with vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were "1" to analyze the compressive and tensile mechanical strength characteristics of tigecycline loaded bone cement and "2" to compare them with those of vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements which are used in prosthetic joint infections complicated with resistant microorganisms. METHODS: In this study, three experimental groups, which consisted of vancomycin (subgroups containing 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g vancomycin), daptomycin (subgroups containing 0.5 g, 1 g, and 1.5 g daptomycin), and tigecycline (subgroups containing 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tigecycline) and one control group without antibiotics were used. Using a standardized protocol, all antibiotic loaded bone cements were prepared. For each antibiotic group, including the control group, 10 samples were tested. All samples were biomechanically tested in terms of compressive strength and tensile strength. RESULTS: Compression tests showed that all determined antibiotic concentrations resulted in a significant decrease when compared with the control group (p<0.0011). Vancomycin and daptomycin study groups demonstrated lower tensile strength than the control group (p<0.0011). However, comparison of tensile values of tigecycline study groups with the control group revealed no significant difference (p>0.0011). In addition, all statistically significant results from between groups comparisons revealed higher tensile and compressive mechanical strength values for the tigecycline groups (p<0.0011). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has demonstrated that tigecycline loaded bone cement may have no mechanical disadvantage compared with vancomycin and daptomycin loaded bone cements in terms of mechanical strength when used at defined concentrations.

Reference accuracy in four rehabilitation journals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of reference errors in major peer-reviewed general physical therapy and rehabilitation journals (American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AJPMR), Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (APMR), Clinical Rehabilitation (CR) and Physical Therapy (PT)). DESIGN: Descriptive, comparative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All issues of the AJPMR, APMR, CR and PT between 2003 and 2007 were studied. For each journal, references from articles were consecutively numbered, and using a random number generator, 100 references were selected from each journal. For each reference, ease of retrieval on MEDLINE and the presence of citation errors were noted. If discrepancies were identified, the reference was compared with the original publication. Two observers independently evaluated each reference for citation errors. RESULTS: The total number of citations with errors among all published journals was 123 (30.7%). The reference error rates by journal ranged from 23% to 44%. Most errors (48.0%) occurred in the author element, followed by the title (31.7%), journal (8.9%), page (5.7%), year (4.1%), and volume (1.6%). Only 8 (2%) were likely to make retrieval of the reference difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Errors in references still appear in current physical therapy and rehabilitation literature, but most are not severe.

Predatory journal preference in the field of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of predatory journals in Orthopedics and Traumatology and to investigate the relationship of these publications with the regulations of scientific fields made in recent years in Turkey. METHODS: The journals and publishers between the years 2000-2018 were screened and websites visited one by one on the basis of the orthopedic journals and publishers list determined as predators or possible predators. Orthopedic publications originated from Turkey was detected in these predatory journals. Article admissions, article processing charges, editorial and referee average response times were reviewed from the websites of journals. In addition, the effect of changing associate professorship application requirements and academic incentive regulation on the preference of predatory journals was examined. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2018 years 1626 issues which can be reached in 282 journals were examined. 4795 articles were screened in 29 journals which have articles originated from Turkey. One hundred and six (2.21%) articles which originated from Turkey was reached in these publications. Average article processing charge was $865 ($ 0-1819). Fifty-nine of 106 (55%) articles originated from Turkey were found in only 4 journal. Journals which have articles originated from Turkey were not on the Web of Science list. The response time to the articles was between 2 and 6 weeks in these journals. After the change criteria in associate professorship in 2016, 3.32 fold increase in annual average number of publications originated from Turkey have been identified in predatory journals. After the change criteria in academic incentive regulation in 2015, 4.76 fold increase in annual average number of publications originated from Turkey have been identified in predatory journals. CONCLUSION: The number of articles in predatory journals is increasing all over the world. This situation also valid in the field of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Turkey. Authors should pay attention regarding predatory journals not only article processing charges but also very short evaluation period.

No Benefits of Combining Proximal Row Carpectomy With PIN Neurectomy for Wrist Disorders-A Comparative Study With Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) resection in combination with proximal row carpectomy (PRC), is a preferred method in order to obtain rapid recovery. However, the contribution of such combination to results isn't known well. OBJECTIVES: We performed a comparative study to evaluate the effects of PIN neurectomy for PRC and a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify whether such combination has an advantage. METHODS: Patients with wrist diseases who underwent PRC were evaluated retrospectively. Patients without PIN neurectomy (group 1, n = 7) and with PIN neurectomy (group 2, n = 8) were compared in respect of mean age, follow-up, gender, Q-DASH, VAS, MAYO wrist scores, flexion-extension/radial-ulnar deviation range of motion at final follow-up. The MEDLINE database was searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015, as the second part of the study. The following keywords were used: "proximal," "row," "carpectomy." Studies, which met the inclusion criteria, were evaluated in terms of such combination. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the groups in regard with age (P = .463), follow-up period (P = .728), the ranges of flexion-extension (P = .431) and radio-ulnar deviation (P = .689), Q-DASH (P = .452), and MAYO scores (P = .728). In the second part of the study, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and none of them was specifically evaluating such combination. Only one study had specific comments on PRC with PIN neurectomy. CONCLUSION: According to our study (which, to our knowledge, was the first comparative study in the literature), we advocate not to combine PRC with PIN neurectomy for such an approach has no advantage.

HISTORIQUE: La résection interosseuse postérieure (IOP) combinée à la carpectomie proximale (CTP) est favorisée pour stimuler une convalescence rapide. Cependant, on en connaît mal l'apport sur les résultats. OBJECTIFS: Les auteurs ont procédé à une étude comparative pour évaluer les effets de la neurectomie IOP pour la CTP et à une analyse bibliographique systématique pour déterminer si cette combinaison comportait des avantages. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont soumis les patients ayant une maladie du poignet qui avaient subi une CTP à une évaluation rétrospective. Ils ont comparé les patients sans neurectomie IOP (groupe 1, n = 7) à ceux en ayant subi une (groupe 2, n = 8) pour ce qui est de l'âge moyen, du suivi, du sexe, des scores du poignet Q-DASH, VAS et MAYO, ainsi que de l'amplitude de flexion­extension et de déviation radio-ulnaire au suivi final. Dans la deuxième partie de l'étude, ils ont effectué des recherches dans la base de données MEDLINE pour en extraire les études publiées entre 2005 et 2015. Ils ont utilisé les mots-clés suivants: proximal, row, carpectomy. Ils ont évalué les études qui respectaient les critères d'inclusion en fonction de cette combinaison. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs n'ont constaté aucune différence significative entre les groupes pour ce qui est de l'âge (p = 0,463), de la période de suivi (p = 0,728), de l'amplitude de flexion­extension (p = 0,431) et de déviation radio-ulnaire (p = 0,689), ainsi que des scores Q-DASH (p = 0,452) et MAYO (p = 0,728). Dans la deuxième partie de l'étude, 12 études respectaient les critères d'inclusion et aucune n'évaluait expressément cette combinaison. Une seule étude incluait des commentaires sur la CTP combinée à la neurectomie IOP. CONCLUSION: D'après la présente étude, qu'ils croient être la première étude comparative sur le sujet, les chercheurs préconisent de ne pas combiner la CTP à la neurectomie IOP, car elle ne comporte aucun avantage.

Partial Capitate Shortening Osteotomy and Its Impact on Lunate Revascularization: Mid-Term Results.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of Kienböck disease is still a clinical challenge. The treatment used in each instance is decided according to stage of the disease at presentation. Good clinical and radiological results could be obtained with partial capitate shortening osteotomy. However, mid-term results of this technique and its effect on lunate revascularization are not well known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report our results of partial capitate shortening osteotomy in the treatment of stage II and IIIA Kienböck disease. METHODS: Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 37.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 9.6). Patients were evaluated clinically in terms of range of motion, DASH and VAS scores, satisfaction with the outcome, and grip/tip/palmar/key pinch strength compared to the contralateral side. Radiological evaluation consisted of Lichtman staging on plain radiographs and lunate revascularization on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at both preoperative and postoperative evaluations. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 55.2 (SD = 24) months. The mean DASH and VAS scores were 14.3 (SD = 6.7) and 1.5 (SD = 1.3), respectively. For patient satisfaction, the mean score was 3.6 (SD = 0.6). The Lichtman stage of 7 patients remained unchanged. Lunate revascularization was detected with MRI in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients in the study prevents more strict conclusions, our results are promising, and the technique presented offers minimally but observable lunate revascularization and high success rates in preventing the progression of the disease.

HISTORIQUE: Le traitement de la maladie de Kienböck demeure un défi clinique. Dans chaque situation, le traitement dépend de la phase de la maladie à la consultation. On peut obtenir de bons résultats cliniques et radiologiques grâce à une ostéotomie partielle de raccourcissement du capitatum. On connaît toutefois mal les résultats à moyen terme de cette technique et ses effets sur la revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire. OBJECTIFS: La présente étude visait à rendre compte des résultats de l'ostéotomie partielle de raccourcissement du capitatum dans le traitement de la maladie de Kienböck de stade II et IIIA. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Dix patients d'un âge moyen de 37,7 ans (ÉT 9,6) ont participé à l'étude. Les chercheurs ont évalué l'amplitude de mouvement de ces patients, leurs scores DASH et VAS, leur satisfaction envers les résultats et leur force de préhension des doigts, de la paume et de la pince sub-termino-latérale par rapport au côté controlatéral. Ils ont procédé à une évaluation radiologique préopératoire et postopératoire au moyen de la classification de Lichtman par radiographie classique et de la revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire par imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM). RÉSULTATS: Le suivi avait une durée moyenne de 55,2 mois (ÉT 24). Les scores DASH et VAS moyens s'élevaient à 14,3 (ÉT 6,7) et à 1,5 (ÉT 1,3), respectivement. Le score moyen de satisfaction des patients était de 3,6 (ÉT 0,6). Le stade de Lichtman de sept patients est demeuré stable. Chez 6 patients, l'IRM a révélé une revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire. CONCLUSIONS: Même si le peu de patients à l'étude empêche les auteurs de tirer des conclusions plus rigoureuses, les résultats sont prometteurs. La technique utilisée entraîne une revascularisation de l'os semi-lunaire minime, mais observable, et empêche l'évolution de la maladie dans une grande proportion des cas.

Relationship between self-reported and performance-based tests in assessment of patients with total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported and performance-based tests in the assessment of patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Ninety four patients (35 males, 59 females) were included in the study with mean age 57.1 ± 14.6 years. Patients performed four performance tests (Timed "Up & Go" Test, Sit to Stand Test, Self-paced Walk Test and Stair Test) and two self-reported measurements (Harris Hip Score [HHS] and SF-36 [36-Item Short Form Health Survey]) were preferred to assess patients. RESULTS: There were varying correlations between performance tests and subscales of the SF-36 including physical function, energy/fatigue, pain, general health. Strong correlation was found between HHS and Timed "Up and Go"( r = -0.59, p < 0.001), self-paced walk test ( r = -0.58, p < 0.001). Moderate correlation was found between HHS and sit to stand test ( r = -0.406, p < 0.001), stair test ( r = 0.32, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There were especially moderate-to-strong correlations between self-reported measurements and performance-based tests in the evaluation of patients with THA. Therefore, outcomes assessment after THA may include self-reported measurements or performance-based tests.

Effect of Different Insole Materials on Kinetic and Kinematic Variables of the Walking Gait in Healthy People.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data that could address the effects of off-the-shelf insoles on gait variables in healthy people. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 35 years were included to this study. Kinematic and kinetic data were obtained in barefoot, shoe-only, steel insole, silicone insole, and polyurethane insole conditions using an optoelectronic three-dimensional motion analysis system. A repeated measures analysis of variance test was used to identify statistically significant differences between insole conditions. The alpha level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Maximum knee flexion was higher in the steel insole condition (P < .0001) compared with the silicone insole (P = .001) and shoe-only conditions (P = .032). Reduced maximum knee flexion was recorded in the polyurethane insole condition compared with the shoe-only condition (P = .031). Maximum knee flexion measured in the steel insole condition was higher compared to the barefoot condition (P = .020). Higher maximum ankle dorsiflexion was observed in the barefoot condition, and there were significant differences between the polyurethane insole (P < .0001), silicone insole (P = .001), steel insole (P = .002), and shoe conditions (P = .004). Least and highest maximum ankle plantarflexion were detected in the steel insole and silicone insole conditions, respectively. Maximum ankle plantarflexion in the barefoot and steel insole conditions (P = .014) and the barefoot and polyurethane insole conditions (P = .035) were significant. There was no significant difference between conditions for ground reaction force or joint moments. CONCLUSIONS: Insoles made by different materials affect maximum knee flexion, maximum ankle dorsiflexion, and maximum ankle plantarflexion. This may be helpful during the decision-making process when selecting the insole material for any pathological conditions that require insole prescription.

Lunate excision with capitohamate fusion in the treatment of stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report our results of lunate excision combined with capitohamate fusion in the treatment of Kienböck's stage IIIB/IIIC disease. METHODS: A total of 7 patients with a mean age 35.2 (SD 11.5) years were enrolled in the study. Pain was the principal reason for surgery. All operations were carried out by the same senior surgeon. Patients were evaluated in terms of range of motion, DASH and VAS scores, satisfaction, and grip/tip/palmar/key pinch strength compared with contralateral sides. Preoperative carpal height indexes and findings of osteoarthritis were determined radiographically and compared with postoperative evaluations. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow up was 15.2 months. Mean DASH and VAS scores were 13.8 2.7 and 2 1.1 respectively. The mean patient satisfaction score was 3.2 0.4 over 4 points. The mean grip strength in the operated hands was 66.4%, palmar pinch was 75.1%, tip pinch was 71.8% and key pinch was 70.4% when compared to the contralateral unaffected sides. The mean flexion range in the operated hands was 58.8%, extension range was 60.3%, radial deviation range was 65.2% and ulnar deviation range was 65.7% when compared to the contralateral sides. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative carpal height ratios (p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: Our early term results indicate that lunate excision combined with capitohamate fusion may be an alternative treatment option in patients with stage IIIB and IIIC Kienböck's disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Effects of three- or four-cortex syndesmotic fixation in ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: There is no study comparing how Weber type C ankle fractures treated with either three- or four-cortex syndesmotic fixation affects the structure of the syndesmosis. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 46 patients were separated into two groups: 22 patients with three-cortex fixation and 24 patients with four-cortex fixation. All of the patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at least 1 year after removal of the syndesmosis screws. RESULTS: There were three types of joint space obliteration: type 1, synostosis on plain radiographs; type 2, an incomplete bony bridge on magnetic resonance imaging with normal plain radiographs; and type 3, fibrous obliteration of the joint space. Although obliteration of the joint space was significant (P < .005) after four-cortex fixation, radiologic results did not affect the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Four-cortex fixation for diastasis after an ankle fracture should not be a routine procedure. We advocate three-cortex fixation because the clinical results are no different and there is less syndesmotic space obliteration postoperatively.

The biomechanical effects of talectomy on the foot.

The biomechanical effects of talectomy on the foot were investigated in seven fresh below-the-knee amputation specimens using pressure-sensitive films placed on the facets of the calcaneus, footprints, and loading-pattern diagrams in the intact foot and after talectomy with anterior and posterior displacement of the foot. Both talectomy techniques distorted the loads carried by the facets of the calcaneus. In the intact foot, 65.6% of the loads were carried by the posterior facet of the calcaneus and 34.4% by the anterior and middle facets. After talectomy with anterior displacement of the foot, although the loads carried by the anterior and middle facets decreased significantly (P = .018), the increase in the loads carried by the posterior facet was not significant compared with the intact foot (P = .176). Similarly, the loads carried by the posterior facet decreased significantly after talectomy with posterior displacement of the foot (P = .028), but the increases in the loads carried by the anterior and middle facets were not significant (P = .735). Comparing the two types of talectomy, the loads carried by each facet changed significantly (P = .018). Talectomy with posterior displacement of the foot also changed the loading patterns and resulted in significant pronation of the foot. These results suggest that talectomy should be performed only as a salvage procedure and that talectomy with anterior displacement of the foot may be preferred when talectomy is indicated.

Stress views in the radiography of scapholunate instability.

AIM: On the suspected carpal instabilities stress views are recommended but not often used. The present study evaluates the reliability of the dorsal and volar stress radiographs on patients with posttraumatic wrist pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Stress radiographs of the wrists were examined in 22 patients with chronic wrist pain and the results were compared with scaphoid shift test and standard and positional views. The stress examination consists of applying to the wrist dorsal and volar stresses on the hand. RESULTS: Static scapholunate instability was diagnosed in 4 patients in whom 3 of them had positive scaphoid shift test sign as well. There were, however, 18 patients with dynamic scapholunate instability in whom the standard films were normal but dorsal stress radiography showed gap greater than 3mm between the scaphoid and lunate. CONCLUSION: Stress tests may provide considerable information in the evaluation of a patient who has a painful wrist in whom routine and special views do not demonstrate scapholunate dissociation.

Os vesalianum pedis.

Os vesalianum pedis is an accessory bone located proximal to the base of the fifth metatarsal. Its prevalence has been reported to be from 0.1% to 1.0%. This bone is found within the peroneus brevis tendon and is considered to be asymptomatic in the majority of people. We describe a patient with os vesalianum pedis with a distinct mediocuboidal articulation. The radiologic differential diagnosis of the ossicle is discussed.

Wrist ligaments: their significance in carpal instability.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the exact contribution of the supporting ligaments to the functional integrity of the wrist is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of carpal instabilities. The present study evaluates functional significance of the wrist ligaments with respect to carpal instabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen fresh cadaver wrists were dissected. Extrinsic and intrinsic ligaments of the wrists (ligamentum radioscaphocapitatum, ligamentum radiolunotriquetrum and ligamentum triquetrohamatocapitatum) were sectioned sequentially. After sectioning of each ligament, the wrist was examined for clinical signs of instability such as misalignement of carpal bones, limited range of motion and dorsal translation. When instability was suspected, radiographs were taken and if instability was confirmed, then the ligament was repaired. RESULTS: Although none of the dorsal ligaments sectioning resulted in instability, sectioning of ligamentum scaphotrapeziotrapezoideum, ligamentum radioscaphocapitatum, ligamentum radiolunotriquetrum and ligamentum triquetrohamatocapitatum displayed scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal, dorsal intercalated segment, lunotriquetral and capitohamate instability respectively. In two wrists with arthrosis, sectioning of all ligaments didn't lead to any instability. CONCLUSION: Instability of the wrist can be classified on anatomical basis after the name of these four ligaments involved i.e. l. scaphotrapeziotrapezoideum, l. radioscaphocapitatum, l. radiolunotriquetrum and l. triquetrohamatocapitatum respectively . This approach clarifies the etiology and treatment of carpal instabilities.

Medium-term results of thrust plate prostheses for osteoarthritis of the hip.

We retrospectively evaluated the results of 61 patients (67 hips) who underwent total hip arthroplasty using the thrust plate prosthesis (TPP) for osteoarthritis of the hip joint. All patients were followed-up at least two years (mean: 37.2 months). Mean preoperative Harris hip score improved from 45.8 (SD: 13.5) to 94.9 (SD: 5.4) points postoperatively. Revision was performed in five cases. Medium-term results of TPP are promising.