Histopathological Evaluation of Mechanoreceptors in the Metatarsophalangeal Joint Capsule in Hallux Valgus.

To date, we could find no study concerning the relationship between mechanoreceptors in the joint capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux valgus deformity. We aimed to investigate the presence of mechanoreceptors in samples obtained from the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsules of patients with hallux valgus deformity to improve our understanding of the clinical and histopathological features of the disease. Samples were taken from the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsules of 13 fresh-frozen cadavers with normal anatomy (controls) and 29 patients undergoing surgery for hallux valgus (cases). For light microscopy, excised specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for routine histopathological investigation. All samples were dehydrated in a series of ethanol, cleared in xylene, and embedded in paraffin. Orientation of collagen fibers was determined on Masson's trichrome-stained sections, and mechanoreceptors were evaluated on S-100-immunostained sections. In the sections stained with Masson's trichrome, the orientation of collagen fibers was regular in the control group. However, coarse and disoriented collagen bundles were observed in the hallux valgus cases (P ≤ .05). S-100 immunostaining was positive in the sections of both the cases and controls. Finally, free nerve endings were more abundant in the samples obtained from the capsules of hallux valgus cases than from the control group (P ≤ .05). An increase in the number of free nerve endings within the capsules of the first metatarsophalangeal joints in feet with hallux valgus deformity might have a role in the development of clinically relevant joint pain and instability.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale Into Turkish.

BACKGROUND: The Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (OAKS) is a validated tool for assessing knowledge about hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, to date, there has been no translation and adaptation of the OAKS for the Turkish population. OBJECTIVES: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the OAKS into Turkish and to assess its psychometric properties in the Turkish population with and without hip or knee OA. METHODS: The OAKS was translated following accepted guidelines. A validation study assessed internal consistency, test-retest reliability and measurement error. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the factor structure. RESULTS: A total of 278 participants (n = 70 with hip OA, n = 105 with knee OA, and n = 103 without OA) were included. Internal consistency was 0.72, 0.79 and 0.79 for participants with hip OA, knee OA, and no OA, respectively. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.72 (95% CI; 0.45-0.85), 0.89 (95% CI; 0.82-0.93) and 0.88 (95% CI; 0.79-0.93) for participants with hip OA, knee OA and no OA, respectively. It had three principal components accounting for 57.2% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the OAKS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring OA knowledge in the Turkish population, including those with and without hip and knee OA. Test-retest reliability was below acceptable levels in the population with hip OA only. Therefore, we recommend that the ICC be interpreted with caution when used in this population.

The evaluation of hip muscles in patients treated with one-stage combined procedure for unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip: part II: isokinetic muscle strength evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To assess the isokinetic muscle strength (IMS) of hip flexor and extensor muscles in patients treated with one-stage combined procedure for developmental dysplasia of the hip and analyze the effect of the status of hip muscles on IMS. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were included in the study. The mean age was 154.4+/-34.6 (110-216) months and the mean follow-up was 112.6+/-32.0 (68-159) months. All patients underwent complete tenotomy of the iliopsoas muscle to ease open reduction and had excellent results according to the modified McKay criteria of Barrett and type I hips according to the radiologic criteria of Severin. All patients had earlier magnetic resonance imaging examination that revealed reattachment of the iliopsoas in 7 (32%) patients. IMS measurements were performed at 120 degrees/s and 240 degrees/s. The peak torque (PT), PT angle, total work (TW), and average power (AP) values of operated and nonoperated hips were recorded separately for flexors and extensors. RESULTS: For flexors, TW and AP values were lower at the operated hip when compared with the nonoperated hip at both angular velocities. PT was only lower at the operated hip at 120 degrees/s. For extensor muscles, PT, TW, AP, and PT angle showed no statistically significant difference at either angular velocity. For flexors, the PT deficit between the operated and nonoperated hips at 120 degrees/s and 240 degrees/s was measured as 15.3% and 8.0%, respectively. There was no difference between the flexor muscles of operated and nonoperated hips considering PT, TW, and AP at both angular velocities in patients with reattachment. The IMS deficit of flexor muscles at 120 degrees/s was significantly higher in patients without reattachment of iliopsoas when compared with those with reattachment, and correlated to the widths of the iliopsoas muscle at levels II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the results of surgical treatment of DDH with conventional radiologic and functional criteria might be misleading in some patients with excellent results because some of these patients, particularly those without reattachment of the iliopsoas muscle, experience significant weakness in hip flexion.

Axial plane coverage and torsion measurements in primary osteoarthritis of the hip with good frontal plane coverage and spherical femoral head.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical factors play a role in pathogenesis of primary osteoarthritis of the hip. Torsion measures were made to detect whether there is a causal relationship between increase or decrease of femoral anteversion, acetabular anteversion, and osteoarthritis. There are no studies in the literature indicating a relationship between axial plane coverage and osteoarthritis of the hip. Deficient axial plane coverage of femoral head may also play a role in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip and 29 control cases were included in the study. We used the method of Anda et al. (Acta Radiol Diagn 27:443-447, 1986; Comput Assist Tomogr 15:115-120, 1991) to measure axial plane anterior, posterior coverages in patients with primary osteoarthritis of the hip. The computerized tomography sections and pelvic radiographs indicated good frontal plane coverage and spherical femoral head. In addition to anterior acetabular sector angle, posterior acetabular sector angle, horizontal acetabular sector angles for axial plane coverage detection, femoral anteversion, acetabular anteversion, and McKibbin instability index were also measured. RESULTS: Posterior coverage was lower at osteoarthritic hips than the control group's hips (96.0 ± 16.7, 104.2 ± 10.6) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results may indicate that in addition to other mechanical factors, axial plane coverage, especially the posterior coverage deficiency, may play a role in the pathogenesis of hip osteoarthritis.

Single or double distal locking in intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The number of distal locking screws may have an effect on union, complication rates and operation time. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of one or two distal locking screws in unreamed intramedullary nailing of closed or grade 1 open, simple or wedge tibial shaft fractures on the incidence of malunion, delayed union, non-union, and screw failure. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (39 male, 18 female; mean age 38.5+/-10.7 years) were randomized to two groups as either one or two distal locking screws and were evaluated prospectively for the incidences of malunion, delayed union, non-union, and screw failure. Twenty-nine patients were included in the two distal screws group and 28 patients in the single distal screw group. Groups were then subdivided to end fractures (proximal+distal end fractures) or mid-shaft fractures and reevaluated for the incidences of complications. Mann-Whitney U, chi-square and T tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 1.5-4.7 years). There was no case of malunion in either group. The incidences of delayed union, non-union or screw failure were not different (p>0.05). However, complication rate for end fractures in the two screw group was higher than that in the one screw group (p:0.04). CONCLUSION: For non-complex, closed or grade 1 open tibial shaft fractures, locking of an intramedullary nail with a single distal screw is safe, and may help to decrease operation time and radiation exposure.

The evaluation of hip muscles in patients treated with one-stage combined procedure for unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip: part I: MRI evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To assess the status of hip flexor and extensor muscles with MRI in patients with unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after walking age who were treated with one-stage combined procedure. METHODS: Twenty-two patients operated upon with one-stage combined procedure for unilateral DDH were included in this study. All patients underwent complete tenotomy of the iliopsoas muscle hindering open reduction. All patients showed excellent results according to the modified McKay criteria of Barrett and type 1 hips according to radiologic criteria of Severin at the latest follow-up. MRI assessment of iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasia lata, sartorius, and gluteus maximus muscles was performed and muscles of the hip that was operated upon were compared with the hip that was not. In addition, the iliopsoas muscle was examined for reattachment and the effect of reattachment was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 154.4+/-34.6 (110 to 216) months. Mean follow-up was 112.6+/-32.0 (68 to 159) months. Reattachment of the iliopsoas was observed in 7 (32%) patients, with no significance in terms of age, postoperative follow-up period, or the duration of the postoperative period. Atrophy in the hip that was operated upon was significant in iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasia lata, and gluteus maximus muscles when compared with the hip that was not. No significance was detected in the sartorius muscle between hips that were operated upon and those that were not. Cross-sectional areas of tensor fascia lata, rectus femoris, sartorius, and gluteus maximus muscles were not significantly different between patients with and without reattachment of iliopsoas. The width of the iliopsoas muscle was significantly lowered in patients without reattachment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DDH treated with combined procedures including complete iliopsoas tenotomy do not have hip muscles similar to hip muscles that have not been operated upon, despite excellent radiologic and clinical results. These patients can be affected by muscular changes in the long term. Follow-up by conventional radiologic and clinical criteria alone may not be enough, and patients may have problems, as in our series, that cannot be detected by conventional radiologic and clinical assessments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic case series.

Immediate incorporated hip spica casting in pediatric femoral fractures: comparison of efficacy between normal and high-risk groups.

BACKGROUND: Immediate hip spica casting is the most commonly used method for the treatment of pediatric femoral fractures. The main disadvantage of the method is the unacceptable shortening (>25 mm), which may occur during the treatment. Buehler et al described the so-called telescope test to identify the cases with a relatively high risk of unacceptable shortening. On the basis of this test, patients with an overriding of the fracture ends of more than 30 mm have a 20.4 times higher risk of unacceptable shortening compared with those with an overriding of less than 30 mm. This relatively higher risk of unacceptable shortening may be avoided by a hip spica cast, which is incorporated to a distal femoral traction pin. METHODS: The study consists of 47 (26 boys and 21 girls) patients. Mean age was 40.3 months (range, 18 months to 6 years). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the telescope test. Group 1 included patients with telescope test results of more than 30 mm. Group 2 included patients with telescope test results of 30 mm or less. All patients were treated with a hip spica cast, which is incorporated to a distal femoral traction pin within 8 hours of the initial trauma. During cast treatment, patients were followed up by weekly x-ray controls for the first month. Patients were assessed for unacceptable shortening and misalignment. RESULTS: Mean (SD) shortening during cast treatment was 2.9 (5.1) mm on the treated site. Shortening was detected in 16 patients (88.9%) in group 1 and in 7 patients (24.1%) in group 2. A significantly higher number (P < 0.001) of patients developed shortening in group 1. However, unacceptable shortening (>25 mm) did not develop in any patient in both groups. There was no significant frontal plane malalignment in both groups (P > 0.05). Sagittal plane malalignment was significantly higher in group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hip spica cast, which is incorporated to a distal femoral traction pin, avoids unacceptable shortening and frontal plane malalignment in pediatric femoral fractures, which even have a relatively high risk of unacceptable shortening based on the so-called telescope test. However, the technique cannot avoid sagittal malalignment.

Does Salter innominate osteotomy with transiliac lengthening effect triradiate cartilage or cause posterior coverage insufficiency?

INTRODUCTION: To treat neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), we performed Salter innominate osteotomy with a modification of transiliac lengthening. We asked whether this modified technique caused posterior coverage problems and triradiate cartilage injury. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients with unilateral DDH treated by open reduction and femoral shortening and modified Salter innominate osteotomy. The age at operation was 38.44 +/- 19.79 months (mean +/- standard deviation). Minimum follow-up was 24 months (mean +/- standard deviation 49.84 +/- 27.73 months; range 24-112 months). We measured the tilt of the iliac bone (difference of preoperative and postoperative acetabular index values). We divided the hips into two groups. There were 29 hips in Group 1 (deviation amount <20 degrees ) and 16 hips in Group 2 (deviation amount > or =20 degrees ). At the latest follow-up, frontal and axial plane computed tomographic analyses were performed. We measured medial wall thickness, teardrop width, and hemipelvis heights to evaluate triradiate cartilage intactness indirectly. Posterior center edge angle, which reflects posterior coverage of the hip, was also measured. RESULTS: We found no differences between groups regarding all measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Salter osteotomy with transiliac lengthening can be performed safely in the treatment of neglected DDH.

Is it difficult to obtain inter-observer agreement in the measurement of the beta angle in ultrasound evaluation of the paediatric hip?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the differences and consistencies in the morphological and angular interpretations of standard USG images. Therefore, it was aimed to show the correlations of orthopaedic doctors with different periods of experience in hip ultrasound measurements taken with the Graf method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 210 infants randomly selected from those who presented at our hospital for DDH screening. A total of 6 ultrasound images were taken for each hip. These images were evaluated by  two paediatric orthopaedic professors, two orthopaedic specialists and two orthopaedic residents. The correlations of these measurements between all the doctors were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: In beta angle evaluation, agreement between all the evaluators was at the level of 0.054. No agreement was seen between the two residents or between the two specialists (p = 0.003, p = 0.998, p = 0.998, respectively). Agreement between the two professors was determined at the level of 0.508 (p < 0.001). Agreement was determined at the level of 0.066 between the specialists and the residents. No agreement was observed between the specialists and the professors or between the professors and the residents (p = 0.014, p = 0.098, p = 0.737, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that greater emphasis on the beta angle, the cartilage labrum, and more detailed explanations of this subject in the resident training program will achieve standardisation on this subject, and this is in direct proportion to clinical experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Residual axial plane deformities after hip reconstruction for developmental dysplasia of the hip after walking age.

Children with developmental dysplasia of the hip after walking age can be treated with one-stage combined operations. In these procedures, complex deformity corrections at both frontal and axial planes are performed in the guidance of intraoperative stability tests. The reports about the results of these procedures focus on frontal plane assessments but neglect to assess axial plane corrections. We aimed to find out whether hips with unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip, treated by one-stage combined procedures after walking age and which had good frontal plane containment at the last follow-up, had any axial plane deformities. Twenty-one patients were included in this study according to our described criteria. Mean age at the operation time was 38.04 months (range: 20-86 months), mean follow-up time was 55.54 months (range: 24-117 months) and mean age at latest follow-up was 93.46 months (range: 52-150 months). Femoral anteversions, acetabular anteversions and acetabular sector angles were measured bilaterally in the computed tomography examination. Operated hip measurements were compared with the contralateral hips. One-way variance analysis was used for statistical analysis. Femoral anteversion, acetabular anteversion and posterior acetabular sector angle values of the operated hips were found to be statistically lower than those of the contralateral hips. Our findings suggest that using the intraoperative stability test alone for planning osteotomies may lead to unsuitable femoral head coverage in axial plane although successful frontal plane containment can be obtained. We believe that strict preoperative planning that can be accomplished by a preoperative computed tomography examination should be performed in order to decide innominate osteotomy type and correction amounts.

[The effectiveness of short-segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures]. / Torakolomber vertebranin patlama kiriklarinda kisa segment posterior enstrümantasyonun etkinligi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of short-segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures and investigated correlations between radiographic and functional results as well as factors that affected correction losses. METHODS: We reviewed 48 patients (30 males, 18 females; mean age 40+/-14 years; range 18 to 67 years) who underwent short-segment posterior instrumentation with pedicle screws and fusion. The most common involvement was at L1 in 18 patients (37.5%), followed by T12 in 11 patients (22.9%). According to the Frankel grading system, six patients had complete, 14 patients had incomplete neurologic deficits. The Cobb angles were measured, and canal remodeling was assessed by computed tomography. Modified functional results were derived using the Denis pain and work scales. The mean follow-up was 21.7+/-9.1 months (range 12 to 48 months). RESULTS: The mean correction in the Cobb angle was 18.2+/-8.6 degrees (p<0.01), the mean correction loss was 7.4+/-5.7 degrees (p<0.01), and the mean canal remodeling was 51.3+/-9.3% (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between Cobb angle correction and correction loss (r=0.38, p<0.01). An intraoperative correction of greater than 15 degrees was significantly associated with a greater correction loss (p<0.05). Patients with a correction loss of more than 10 degrees had a significantly poorer Denis pain score and modified functional result (p<0.05). Modified functional results were excellent in 16 patients (33.3%), good in 23 patients (47.9%), fair in seven patients (14.6%), and poor in two patients (4.2%). At final follow-ups, the Cobb angle was not correlated with functional results (p>0.05). All the patients having incomplete neurologic deficits improved by at least 1 Frankel grade. CONCLUSION: An intraoperative correction exceeding 15 degrees is significantly associated with a greater correction loss, which in turn has a significantly adverse effect on functional results.

[The results of intramedullary nailing in children who developed redisplacement during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures]. / Alçi tedavisi sirasinda tekrar deplase olmus çocuk önkol kiriklarinda intramedüller çivileme sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the results of intramedullary nailing in children who developed redisplacement during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures. METHODS: Twenty-eight children (19 boys, 9 girls; mean age 10.6 years; range 8 to 15 years) were treated with intramedullary fixation upon failure of initial reduction of both-bone forearm fractures after a mean of four weeks (range 3 to 6 weeks) of cast treatment. Intramedullary fixation was performed following closed (n=20) or open (n=8) reduction using K-wires in the first 10 cases, and titanium elastic nails in 18 cases. Single bone fixation was possible in four (14.3%) cases. For malunion assessment, the amount and location of the maximum radial bow were measured and compared with the normal side and with corresponding extremities of age-matched controls. Functional results were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 12 to 18 months). RESULTS: Except for a nonunion of the ulna in one patient who underwent single bone fixation, all correction losses could be restored to normal alignment and united within a mean of seven weeks (range 6 to 8 weeks). The amount and location of the maximum radial bow did not differ significantly from those of the normal side and control extremities (p>0.05). Functional results were excellent in 25 patients (89.3%), good in two patients (7.1%), and unacceptable in one patient (3.6%). None of the patients developed infection, neurapraxia, or after removal of the nail, angulation, refracture, or extremity length discrepancy. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary fixation for correction losses during cast treatment of both-bone forearm fractures is a safe and inexpensive treatment, allowing early mobilization and providing excellent anatomic and functional results.

A magnetic resonance imaging study of abnormalities of the patella and patellar tendon that predispose children to acute patellofemoral dislocation.

This study compared 20 children hospitalised with acute patellofemoral dislocation with an age-matched healthy control group with no history of knee problems or patellar dislocation. The following morphological parameters were significantly different between the groups: the mean patellar width and length, mean sulcus depth, mean patellar tendon width and total patellar volume. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of this study suggested that structurally smaller than normal patella and patellar tendon volumes are predisposing factors for acute patellofemoral dislocation.

[Cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head]. / Femur basi avasküler nekrozu olan hastalarda çimentosuz total kalça artroplastisi.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the results of cementless total hip arthroplasty in patients with late-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: Unilateral cementless total hip replacement was performed in 25 patients (19 males, 6 females; mean age 39.6 years; range 26 to 56 years) with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. A cementless acetabular cup with screws was used for the acetabulum with a cementless femoral component. Functional results were evaluated according to the Harris hip score. Radiographically, acetabular and femoral components were evaluated according to the criteria of Lins et al. and Engh et al., respectively. Heterotopic ossification was assessed according to the criteria of Brooker et al. The mean follow-up was 63.9 months (range 48 to 94 months). RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score increased from 41.5 (range 33 to 52) to 87.1 (range 74 to 96) after the treatment (p<0.001). No radiographic loosening was detected in 22 patients (88%). Radiolucent lines were observed in one acetabular and two femoral components, but no secondary interventions were performed as the patients were asymptomatic. Heterotopic ossification was observed in 13 patients, which was grade 1 in eight patients, grade 2 in two patients, and grade 3 in three patients. CONCLUSION: In general, patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis of the femoral head are younger and more active compared to those with osteoarthritis, showing a high likelihood of future revision procedures. Our results favor cementless applications as a more appropriate alternative in this patient group.

Comparison of plasma endothelin levels between osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that endothelins (ET) have significant roles in bone remodeling, metabolism and physiopathology of several bone diseases. We aimed to investigate if there was any difference between the plasma ET levels of osteoporotic patients and normals. METHODS: 86 patients (70 women and 16 men) with a mean age of 62.6 (ranges: 51-90) years were included in this study. Patients were divided into groups of osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal regarding reported T scores of DEXA evaluation according to the suggestions of World Health Organization. According to these criteria 19, 43 and 24 were normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic respectively. Then total plasma level of ET was measured in all patients with monoclonal antibody based sandwich immunoassay (EIA) method. One-way analysis of variance test was used to compare endothelin values between normals, osteopenics and osteoporotics. RESULTS: Endothelin total plasma level in patients was a mean of 98.36 +/- 63.96, 100.92 +/- 47.2 and 99.56 +/- 56.6 pg/ml in osteoporotic, osteopenic and normal groups respectively. The difference between groups was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in plasma ET levels among three groups of study participants could be detected in this study.

Gait characteristics of patients with bilateral club feet following posteromedial release procedure.

In this study we intended to evaluate the gait characteristics of children who had bilateral operated clubfeet, and to compare the results with gait parameters of children without clubfeet or lower extremity abnormalities. Fifteen children with bilateral plantigrade and asymptomatic clubfeet, operated bilaterally with posteromedial release method, were included in group P. Means+/-SD of age and follow-up time were 8.5+/-2.6 years (range, 4-14 years) and 7.7+/-2.8 years (range, 3-10 years), respectively. Age, sex, height-and weight-matched 24 children without clubfeet or lower extremity abnormalities were included in the control group (group C). Three-dimensional computerized gait analysis was performed for all subjects, and time-distance, kinematic and kinetic gait characteristics of the groups were compared. Time-distance characteristics of the groups were identical. Ankle plantar flexion angles, plantar flexor moment and generated power were significantly decreased in group P (P<0.05). Knee hyperextension during midstance was observed in 17 of 30 (57%) knees in the P group. Kinetic analysis revealed excessive knee valgus and flexion moments, as well as decreased second peak values of vertical ground reaction forces for group P. This study shows that even successfully operated, plantigrade and clinically asymptomatic children with bilateral clubfeet have significant gait deviations involving all lower limb joints. Future studies are needed to investigate the accountable factors of gait deviations and possible long-term musculoskeletal morbidity of operated children with bilateral clubfeet.

[Treatment of humeral pseudarthroses by open reduction and internal fixation]. / Humerus psödoartrozlarinin açik redüksiyon ve internal tespit ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting was assessed in the treatment of humeral diaphysis pseudarthrosis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (16 men, 8 women; mean age 44 years; range 28 to 64 years) were operated on for humeral pseudarthrosis. Of these, 16 patients and eight patients had had previous surgical and conservative treatments, respectively. Surgery was performed after a mean of 10.8 months (range 7 to 21 months) following the initial treatments. Preoperatively, none of the patients had infected nonunion, a bone defect greater than 4 cm, and radial nerve injury. Treatment included open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting. The plate was secured with at least four screws (8 cortices) both proximally and distally. The mean follow-up was 40 months (range 28 to 60 months). The range of motion of the shoulder and elbow was evaluated according to the criteria by Rommens et al. Functional evaluations were made according to the criteria by Stewart and Hundley. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all the patients after a mean of 19 weeks (range 14 to 26 weeks). Shoulder range of motion was excellent in all the patients. Elbow range of motion was excellent in 22 patients and moderate in two patients. Functional results were excellent in 20 patients and good in four patients. Deep infection, nonunion, malunion, implant failure, or permanent nerve injury did not occur in any of the patients. Two patients had transient radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: Treatment with open reduction and plate fixation combined with autogenous bone grafting is a safe and effective option in humeral pseudarthroses, particularly in cases without infection, bony defect, and deformity requiring correction.

Recurrent anterior hip dislocation in a patient with myasthenia gravis: a case report.

Traumatic anterior hip dislocation is a rare condition compared to posterior dislocation and recurrent anterior hip dislocation is encountered even less. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by various degrees of muscle weakness. Closed reduction is the first choice of treatment for traumatic, non-recurring hip dislocation. We report a 59-year-old female with myasthenia gravis who underwent surgical intervention for recurrent anterior hip dislocation after failure of closed reduction. To our knowledge, this is the first case with recurrent anterior hip dislocation and myasthenia gravis in the literature.

[The results of intramedullary fixation with titanium elastic nails in children with femoral fractures]. / Cocuklardaki femur cisim kiriklarinda titanyum elastik çivilerle intramedüller tespit sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated clinical and radiologic results of intramedullary fixation with titanium elastic nails (TEN) in children with femoral fractures. METHODS: The study included 35 femoral fractures of 34 patients (20 boys, 14 girls; mean age 8.3 years; range 5 to 14 years) who were treated by intramedullary fixation with TEN. The results were evaluated according to the scoring system proposed by Flynn et al. Time to union and residual angulations were assessed on anteroposterior and mediolateral radiographs. Femoral anteversion angles and limb lengths were measured in comparison with the normal side by computed tomography (CT) in 14 patients and the results were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 4 to 48 months). RESULTS: According to the criteria by Flynn et al., the results were excellent in 25 fractures (71.4%), successful in nine fractures (25.7%), and poor in one fracture (2.9%). The mean time to union was 7.4 weeks (range 5 to 12 weeks). Mediolateral and anteroposterior radiographs showed an angulation of 10 degrees or less in three fractures and of 8 degrees in one fracture, respectively. Limb length discrepancy of less than 2 cm was detected in seven patients (20.6%). Femoral anteversion angles measured by CT revealed significant retroversions on the fractured sides (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Intramedullary fixation with TEN may be the preferred method for the treatment of femoral fractures in children aged 5 to 15 years. However, residual rotation detected by CT seems to be a technical challenge to be improved.

[Recurrent traumatic hip dislocation in a child]. / Cocukta tekrarlayan travmatik kalça çikigi: Olgu sunumu.

Recurrent traumatic hip dislocation is rarely seen in childhood. We presented a case of traumatic hip dislocation which was treated by conservative methods. A two-year-old girl was treated with closed reduction and a hip spica cast for posterior traumatic dislocation in the right hip. Two years later, a recurrent dislocation occurred following a minor trauma on the same side. She was again treated with closed reduction and immobilization with a hip spica cast for three weeks followed by a three-week load bearing restriction. Early follow-up examinations showed an increased internal rotation of the hip compared to the left side, suggesting increased posterior capsular laxity. It then disappeared on her final follow-up at age six and magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence for avascular necrosis or capsular laxity. She was asymptomatic and her physical examination was within normal limits. Of note, several members in her family had developmental dysplasia of the hip.