Dilemma of Supra- or Infrapatellar Tibial Nailing: Anterior Knee Pain vs. Intra-Articular Damage.

Aim: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is widely accepted as the treatment of choice for tibial fractures, and a suprapatellar method has been described to prevent common problems associated with the typical infrapatellar IMN technique, such as anterior knee pain. However, in the suprapatellar technique, injury to intra-articular structures is a concern. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of suprapatellar and infrapatellar IMN in terms of union, complications, and function. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 61 patients who had undergone suprapatellar (n = 29, Group A) or infrapatellar (n = 31, Group B) tibial IMN was conducted. For the suprapatellar group, magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired on the sixth month follow-up. Complications, radiological findings, functional outcomes, surgery duration, and differences in a range of motion (ROM) were compared. Results: Surgery duration was significantly shorter in Group A (81 mins vs. 107 mins, p < 0.001), and visual analog scale (VAS) values were significantly higher in Group B (0.17 vs. 1.62, p < 0.001). In Group A, the patients' Lysholm scores were significantly higher (95.6 vs. 92, p=0.006). In terms of anterior knee pain, none was experienced in Group A (0%), while 11 patients (26.1%) reported about it in Group B. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in SF-36 score (p=0.925), the radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures score (p=0.454), union time (p=0.110), or ROM (p=0.691). In Group A, two cases of patellofemoral cartilage degeneration were observed. Conclusion: If performed with sufficient expertise, the suprapatellar IMN technique is a safe, reliable technique with a low frequency of anterior knee pain for treating tibial fractures. There is no clear evidence that it causes damage to intra-articular structures. The possibility of patellofemoral cartilage degeneration due to this technique should be further evaluated by prospective studies including pre- and postoperative radiologic assessments.

Quality Analysis of Hallux Valgus Videos on YouTube.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the information quality of YouTube videos on hallux valgus. METHODS: A YouTube search was performed using the phrase "hallux valgus" to determine the first 300 videos related to hallux valgus. A total of 54 videos met our inclusion criteria and were evaluated for information quality by using DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and hallux valgus information assessment (HAVIA) scores. Number of views, time since the upload date, view rate, number of comments, number of likes, number of dislikes, and video power index values were calculated to determine video popularity. Information regarding video length (in seconds), video source, and video content was also noted. The relation between information quality and these factors were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The mean DISCERN score was 30.35 ± 11.56 (poor quality) (range, 14-64), the mean JAMA score was 2.28 ± 0.96 (range, 1-4), and the mean HAVIA score was 3.63 ± 2.42 (moderate quality) (range, 0.5-8.5). Although videos uploaded by physicians had higher mean DISCERN, JAMA, and HAVIA scores than videos uploaded by nonphysicians, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, view rates and video power index values were higher for videos uploaded by health channels, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between video length and DISCERN (r = 0.294; P = .028), and HAVIA scores (r = 0.326; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the quality of information available on YouTube videos about hallux valgus was low and insufficient. Videos containing accurate information from reliable sources are needed to educate patients on hallux valgus, especially with regard to less frequently mentioned topics such as postoperative complications and healing period.

Delayed osteochondral fracture fixation of the knee in a pediatric patient.

The frequency of osteochondral fractures in the knee joint in the pediatric population is not clearly known. Although fragment fixation is generally considered to be the ideal treatment method in acute injuries, the data of the results of late fixation in neglected and/or late-diagnosed cases are very limited. In this paper, we report our findings regarding the fixation of a delayed large osteochondral fracture in lateral femoral condyle in a pediatric patient.

The Impact of Different Application Techniques on Fiberglass Casts: A Mechanical Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Cast immobilization is a part of treatment in most of the orthopaedic injuries. The fiberglass material has several advantages over plaster of Paris which makes it more preferable. Some techniques are frequently used in daily fiberglass cast application to ease molding, shorten curing time and increase stiffness. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of two techniques on fiberglass cast strength and curing time. METHODS: A cruris model was prepared to mimic a patella tendon bearing (PTB) cast. Three groups were created for the study (n = 30 each). The casts in the first group were treated with foam soap during molding. The casts in the second group were wrapped with a wet bandage after application. The third group was the control group. The samples were mechanically tested in the 5th, 15th and 30th min. Maximum load, elastic strength, and Young's modulus were assessed via 3-point bending. All data were compared using linear regression analysis and p < 0.05 was determined as statistical significance. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant improvement in cast mechanics in the wet bandage group at full curing time by means of maximum load, elastic strength and Young's modulus (p < 0.0001). Although the foam soap group had higher values in the 5th and 15th min, there was no statistically significant difference from the control group at full curing time (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that wet bandage wrapping over circular fiberglass casts improved the cast strength. The use of foam soap during fiberglass cast molding did not alter cast mechanics at full curing time.

Computerised Tomography Analysis of Pelvic Inlet and Outlet Fluoroscopic View Angles.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic inlet and outlet fluoroscopy views are routinely used in operative treatment of posterior pelvic ring injuries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the angles of pelvic inlet and outlet fluoroscopic view, their differences with hip flexion and the correlation of these differences with sacral slope changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sagittal reconstructions of 100 lumbopelvic CT were used to measure sacral slope, pelvic inlet and outlet view angles. The range of pelvic inlet-outlet view angles and their relation with age, sex and sacral slope were analyzed. In ten of these 100 patients, who were undergone a second CT imaging, hips were passively flexed to 60° to change pelvic tilt. The difference in sacral slope and pelvic inlet-outlet view angles in different positions were compared. RESULTS: Mean angles for inlet view, outlet view and sacral slope were 28.9, 41.4 and 37.0, respectively. There was no difference between males and females (p > 0.05). Pelvic outlet angles had a negative correlation with age (p < 0.05). Sacral slope changes with hip flexion showed a negative correlation with inlet angles and positive correlation with outlet angles (p < 0.05). The differences in sacral slope, pelvic inlet and outlet view angles between two measurements were equal. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic inlet and outlet view angles shows a wide range without a standard so we suggest preoperative CT scan to plan the optimal angles before pelvic ring surgery. The difference in these angles due to pelvic tilt during the surgery may be corrected by measuring the sacral slope difference.

Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is a reliable measurement of increased rotational laxity in the knee with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were: 1. To evaluate the use of the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance as a measurement showing rotational instability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. 2. To determine the effect of concomitant anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury on TT-TG distance. METHODS: Knee magnetic resonance (MR) images of 251 patients were retrospectively evaluated to compare the study group (131 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction due to acute complete ACL injury and the control group (120 patients) without any trauma and/or patellofemoral instability. The rate of secondary signs of ACL injury (Anterolateral ligament injury, Kissing lesion, Anterior tibial translocation, Buckling of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)) in the study group was noted. The relationship between the TT-TG distance and other secondary signs was examined. RESULTS: TT-TG distance was measured as 10.83 ± 1.2 mm, 12.88 ± 1.1 mm, 14.17 ± 1.5 mm in control, isolated ACL and ACL + ALL groups, respectively (p < 0.05). TT-TG distance was significantly higher in the patients with ALL injury and kissing lesions than the patients without these lesions (p Ë‚ 0.05). TT-TG distance did not differ significantly between the patients with and without anterior tibial translocation or buckling of the PCL (p Ëƒ 0.05). TT-TG distance measurements showed significant interobserver 0.994 (0.992-0.996) and intraobserver 0.997 (0.996-0.998) correlation. CONCLUSIONS: TT-TG distance measurement can be used as a reliable quantitative measure of the increased rotational instability after ACL injury. TT-TG distance increases significantly if there is an ALL injury accompanying the ACL injury.

Objective Measurement of Medial Joint Space Widening with Percutaneous "Pie Crust" Release of Medial Collateral Ligament during Knee Arthroscopy.

Knee arthroscopy may be called the most commonly and increasingly performed orthopaedic procedure. Posterior medial compartment visualization may be quite challenging. The aim of the present study is to detect objective measurement of medial joint space widening with percutaneous "pie crust" release of medial collateral ligament (MCL) during knee arthroscopy. We used this technique for all knees that require any intervention in the posteromedial compartment and for tight knees in which adequate visualization of the posteromedial compartment cannot be obtained. Eighteen patients (18 knees) were included in this study. Patients were evaluated clinically with the Lysholm and Tegner scores at the final office visit. Joint balance, valgus instability, pain or tenderness on MCL region, and numbness over the medial side of the joint were also noted. Measurements of medial joint space (mm) were obtained at three different times with perioperative C-arm images: normal, controlled valgus force, and after pie crusting. The median follow-up time was 9 (6-12) months. Final follow-up Lysholm (p < 0.05) and Tegner scores (p < 0.05) increased significantly compared with preoperative scores. At the final follow-up, there was no pain or tenderness over MCL and there were no signs of saphenous nerve or vein injury. Medial joint space values in after pie crusting increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with neutral position measurements and controlled valgus force application (p < 0.05). Controlled release of the MCL in knees provided ∼2.45 times wider visualization place. Furthermore, pie crusting of MCL is a safe and effective technique that provides enough space for visualization and instrumentation in knees. This is a Level IV study.

The effects of cryopreserved human amniotic membrane on fracture healing: Animal study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of human amniotic membrane (HAM) on fracture healing in an animal model. METHODS: Standard tibial diaphysial fractures were created in twenty-eight Wistar-Albino rats and treated with intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) and HAM (HAM (+) group) or K-wire only (HAM (-) group). Fracture healing was evaluated by histological analysis, radiologic X-ray views and callus diameter measurements at 3rd and 6th weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Fracture healing was histologically better in the HAM (+) group and the difference was statistically significant at both 3rd and 6th weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05). The highest histologic scores and entire woven bone formation (Huo Stage 8-9) were obtained at 6th weeks postoperatively in the HAM (+) group. Histological examination also revealed predominant fibrous tissue and partial cartilage formation (Huo Stage 2) at the postoperative 3rd week in the HAM (-) group. Equal amounts of woven bone and cartilage formation (Huo Stage 6-7) were observed at 3rd weeks postoperatively in the HAM (+) group and at 6th weeks postoperatively in the HAM (-) group. The callus diameters were greater in the HAM (+) group and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 3rd and 6th weeks postoperatively. Although there was only a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) at the postoperative 3rd week, radiological scores tended to be higher in the HAM (+) group at both the 3rd and 6th weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: HAM is a cheap and easily accessible alternative biological material. HAM may be used to support surgical treatment of fractures, particularly where bone healing is expected to last longer.

Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome: Evaluation and treatment of the possible causes.

AIM: To investigate the causes of the recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and implemented surgical interventions. METHODS: Four hundred and eighty-seven patients, who were diagnosed with CTS and underwent surgical intervention between October 2016 and September 2007, were evaluated in this retrospective study. The age, gender, physical evaluation findings, electrophysiological examination reports and implemented surgical treatment methods were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of the cases were operated due to recurrent CTS. Further examination of the patients with recurrent CTS revealed that ten cases had diabetic polyneuropathy, three cases had hypothyroidism, two cases had rheumatoid arthritis and one case had systemic amyloidosis. Postoperative electromyography confirmed the neuropathy was due to systemic diseases. The remaining 23 patients with recurrent CTS did not have any systemic disease and all of them had applied previously to another health center. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the recurrence rates in CTS might be decreased with exploration and incision of the entire transverse ligament. Damage to the motor and sensory branches of the median nerve could be avoided with an incision on the ulnar side.

Missed Capitellar Fracture Caused by Avoidance of Radiological Evaluation in Pregnancy.

In this paper, we report a pregnant woman with a missed capitellar fracture of the elbow, who was treated successfully with open reduction and internal fixation using two headless screws. A 29-year-old 6-month pregnant woman presented to the emergency department due to a history of falling on her outstretched hand. A long-arm splint was applied without radiological evaluation due to pregnancy. She came to the orthopaedics and traumatology outpatient clinic 6 weeks after trauma and her examination after splint removal revealed pain and restriction in the elbow joint movements. Radiography was taken by using a lead shield in order to protect the fetus. Radiographs showed a displaced osteochondral capitellar fracture. Using the posterolateral approach as described by Kocher, the fracture was fixed using headless canulated compression screws. The follow-up examination showed excellent functional and radiological results. Radiological evaluation should not be avoided in case of obvious fracture findings after trauma even in case of pregnancy. It is also highlighted that good results in terms of union and functional recovery can be achieved with open reduction and headless compression screw fixation followed by early rehabilitation even in delayed treatment of capitellum fractures.

The investigation of the role of the facet joint angle in the development of L5-S1 spondylolysis in young men.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate facet tropism in younger patients with lumbar spondylolysis and to investigate the role of facet tropism in the development of spondylolysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2013 and December 2015, a total of 102 male patients with bilateral L5 pars defect including 53 with spondylolysis and 49 control subjects were included in this case-control study. The facet joint angles were measured bilaterally and axially at the level of L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 using computed tomography (CT). The classification was made as follows: A difference between two reciprocal facet joint angles of <6° indicated no tropism, 6°-12° indicated moderate tropism, and >12° indicated severe tropism. RESULTS: A total of 612 angles including 318 facet joint angles from 53 patients with spondylolysis and 294 facet joint angles from 49 control subjects were measured. L3-4 measurements in the control group showed no tropism in 87.8% (n=43), moderate tropism in 12.2% (n=6), and severe tropism in 0% (n=0). L4-5 measurements in control group showed no tropism in 79.6% (n=39), moderate tropism in 20.4% (n=10), and severe tropism in 0% (n=0). L5-S1 measurements in the control group showed no tropism in 69.4% (n=34), moderate tropism in 28.6% (n=14), and severe tropism in 2.0% (n=1). The mean facet joint angles in the spondylosis group were 32.9±5.1°, 37.5±5.4°, and 41.2±7.8° at the levels of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1, respectively. The mean facet joint angles of the control group were 33.2±5.7°, 39.7±4.9°, and 42.2±4.9° at the levels of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1, respectively, indicating no significant difference between the right and left mean facet joint angles between the groups (p>0.05). The frequency of facet tropism and the difference between right and left facet joint angles for all three levels were significantly higher in the spondylolysis group (p<0.05). Facet tropism at the level of L5-S1 was significantly more frequent than facet tropism at L3-4 level (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results show that the rate of facet joint tropism is higher in the patients with spondylolysis, suggesting that facet tropism seems to play a role in the etiology of spondylolysis as a predisposing factor.

Bilateral low-energy sequential femoral shaft fractures in patients on long-term bisphosphonate therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics of patients with bilateral bisphosphonate-related low-energy femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: The clinical registry was reviewed for patients with bisphosphonate-related low-energy fractures localized at femoral shaft between January 2008 and January 2012. Patients with a diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis, bisphosphonate usage of at least 5 years and prodromal pain prior to fracture were included the study. RESULTS: Five women met the inclusion criteria. All patients had bilateral low-energy sequential femoral shaft fractures. Fracture patterns were similar and atypical (transverse-short oblique fractures with lateral cortical thickening). Mean period of bisphosphonate treatment was 8.6 years. Mean patient age was 76.2 years. Union time of three patients was between 20 and 28 weeks. The remaining two fractures were revised for delayed union or nonunion. CONCLUSION: Long-term (over 5 years) use of bisphosphonates may cause insufficiency fractures due to increased fragility and brittleness which have a close relationship with depressed bone remodeling. While there is still no causal relationship between bisphosphonates and atypical, low-energy femoral shaft fractures, we have some concerns about the optimal usage time and long-term safety of bisphosphonate drugs.