Are external fixators as effective as volar plates in multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures (AO type C)?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical results of VP and EF applications in multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures (AO type C) in our clinic. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 80 patients who underwent surgery for radius distal fracture (AO type C) between 2014 and 2020. Group 1 comprised patients who were treated with VP, and Group 2 comprised patients who were treated with EF. Radiological evaluation was performed by measuring radial inclination, radial length, volar tilt, intra-articular step-off and ulnar variance by two-way radiography. The clinical findings were evaluated using the Gartland and Werley scoring system, and complications were noted. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, side, fracture subtypes and follow-up time (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in radiological parameters (based on cut-off values) (p > 0.05). The clinical evaluation did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.613). CONCLUSION: EF is as successful as VP in providing radiological cut-off values. EF treatment can be used as an effective and safe alternative method for multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures.

Acute kidney injury after hip fracture surgery in patients over 80 years of age.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to determine the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) after hip fracture surgery over the age of 80 and to investigate the factors associated with AKI. METHODS: From January 2015 to January 2020, 589 patients who underwent surgery of hip fractures at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Serum creatinine (sCr) was analysed daily pre- and postoperatively during the hospital stay. Patients were divided into groups; AKI and non-AKI based on KDIGO (Kidney Disease Global Outcomes) criteria. The incidence, risk factors, and mortality of postoperative AKI were investigated. RESULTS: Out of 589 patients, 58 developed an AKI (9.8%). Smoking (p: 0.004), pre and postoperative low albumin level (p < 0.05), pre- and postoperative high potassium level (p < 0.05), pre- and postoperative high urea levels (p < 0.05), high amount of intra-operative bleeding (p: 0.003) and prolonged surgery time (p: 0.003) were found to be risk factors associated with AKI. Although the mortality rate was higher in the AKI group, it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AKI is a temporary but common complication following hip fracture surgery, which can also be predicted if risk factors are adequately observed. It typically increases the length of hospital stays, mortality and morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence, Retrospective comparative study.

Does low body mass index constitute a risk of damage to the soft tissues during reaming for proximal femoral nailing? a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to evaluate the damage to the gluteus medius muscle, tendon and superior gluteal nerve in low BMI patients during the reaming of the greater trochanter tip for proximal femoral nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 19 femurs of 10 fresh femur intact cadavers [mean BMI: 22.79 (17.60-28.70)]. A guidewire was placed in the tip of greater trochanter under C-arm fluoroscopy, and a 17-mm reamer was advanced over the wire. After the reaming was completed, the hips were dissected and the gluteus medius muscle, tendon and superior gluteal nerve were inspected to evaluate the amount of injury. RESULTS: BMI was < 18.50 in 3 cadavers. The gluteus medius muscle was injured in all hips. The superior gluteal nerve was intact in all hips, but the thickness of gluteus medius muscle mass that remained intact was thicker in the cadavers with a higher BMI (3.86 mm for low BMI, 9.08 mm for high BMI group). The percentage of the tendon insertion disrupted by the reamer was an average of 36.20% in the low BMI group and an average of 26.93% in the high BMI group. The percentage of the tendon insertion disrupted by the reamer showed a statistically significant difference between low and high BMI cadavers. CONCLUSION: The injury to the gluteus medius muscle and tendon after proximal femoral nailing through the greater trochanter tip may be higher in patients with low BMI. It must be kept in mind that gluteal muscle could be damaged during proximal femoral nailing and this could result in limping.

Will a single periarticular lidocaine-corticosteroid injection improve the clinical efficacy of intraarticular hyaluronic acid treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis?

PURPOSE: A local injection of corticosteroid-lidocaine into the periarticular soft tissue structures is used commonly for rapid pain relief. It is hypothesized that knee pain associated with knee osteoarthritis would be relieved quickly and effectively in patients receiving intraarticular hyaluronic acid combined with a periarticular lidocaine-corticosteroid injection. To test this hypothesis, the clinical effect of the combined treatment with hyaluronic acid injection alone in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis as compared in this prospective single-blinded randomized trial. METHODS: This study included 70 patients. Group 1 (n = 35) received intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections only, whereas group 2 (n = 35) received intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections combined with a single local injection of corticosteroid-lidocaine. Injections were administered to the most painful areas of the anterior or posterior medial condyle of the femur or tibia. The outcome was measured by independent assessors (blinded to treatment) using a linear VAS pain scale and WOMAC and HSS knee scores. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. RESULTS: During the first 3 weeks, group 2 patients showed significantly better all scores than did group 1 patients (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were detected at 6, 12, 26 or 52 weeks (n.s.). CONCLUSION: The combined treatment may lead to earlier pain relief compared with intraarticular hyaluronic acid alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis and can be considered a useful adjunctive treatment modality. This combined method may provide early return to patient's daily activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level I.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with Anthony-K plate: prospective minimum five year follow-up data.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complication rates, after a minimum of five years of follow-up after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using an Anthony-K plate. METHODS: MOWHTO was performed on 35 knees of 34 consecutive patients. A visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and Lysholm scores, were used in clinical evaluation. Upon radiographic assessment, alignment was expressed as the femorotibial angle (FTA). The posterior tibial slope (PTS) and the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI) were also measured. RESULTS: VAS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores improved significantly upon follow-up (p < 0.001 for all). The overall mean FTA was 4.68 ± 4.39° varus pre-operatively; at the last post-operative follow-up, the value was 8.43 ± 2.02° valgus. The mean correction angle was 13.1 ± 2.7°. A significant increase in PTS was evident (p < 0.01), as was a significant decrease in the ISI (p < 0.01). The overall complication rate was 8.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: The Anthony-K plate affords accurate correction, initially stabilises the osteotomy after surgery, and maintains such stability until the osteotomy gap is completely healed, without correction loss. The plate survival rate was 97.2 % after a minimum of five years of follow-up. The plate increased the PTS, as do other medial osteotomy fixation plates.

Evaluation of prolidase activity and oxidative status in patients with knee osteoarthritis: relationships with radiographic severity and clinical parameters.

We investigated serum prolidase activity and oxidative/antioxidative status in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and evaluated its relationships with radiographic severity and clinical parameters. The study population consisted of 137 patients with knee OA and 134 healthy volunteers. The severity of knee OA was classified according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Each patient was also evaluated clinically according to the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Serum prolidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative status was assessed by measuring serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total oxidative status (TOS). Antioxidative status was assessed by measuring serum-free sulfhydryl groups (-SH = total thiol) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Serum prolidase activity was significantly lower in the knee OA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum prolidase activities decreased with the severity of knee OA. Furthermore, serum LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels of the knee OA group were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.001 for all), whereas TAC and -SH levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, WOMAC score was independently associated with serum prolidase activity (ß = -0.340, p < 0.001). Decreased serum prolidase activity and elevated LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels may be associated with knee OA, and serum prolidase activity may be a useful adjunctive indicator of the progression of knee OA in follow-up.

The body composition of patients with knee osteoarthritis: relationship with clinical parameters and radiographic severity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated body composition in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and evaluated its relationship with clinical parameters and radiographic severity. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with knee OA (52 females and 12 males with a mean age of 57.7 ± 8.6 years) and thirty healthy volunteers (20 females and 10 males with a mean age of 56.3 ± 9.5 years) were evaluated. Controls were selected among similar to demographic and hematologic characteristics of patients. Body compositions were assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Each patient was clinically evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, radiographic severity was classified according to Kellgren-Lawrence's criteria. RESULTS: Phase angle, body capacitance, resistance, reactance, lean body mass, and intracellular water values of the patients with knee OA were found to be significantly lower than those of the controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fat mass and extracellular water levels were significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Lean body mass was inversely correlated with WOMAC score (r = -0.716, p < 0.001), whereas fat mass was moderately correlated with WOMAC score (r = 0.281, p < 0.05) in bivariate analysis. However, with respect to the body composition, there was no significant difference between early grades and late grades in the knee OA with patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Body composition assessed using BIA might be associated with knee OA, and be a noninvasive tool for diagnosis of knee OA. However, body composition may not be predictive of the progression of knee OA.

Preliminary results of clinical, biochemical, and radiological investigation into the oxidative status in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

We investigated oxidative status in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) and evaluated their relationship with radiological and clinical parameters. In this cross-section study, 88 patients with RCT (59 males and 29 females) and 86 healthy controls (66 males, 20 females) were enrolled. The sample consisted of nontraumatic patients who are suffering from shoulder pain because of rotator cuff disease, which was established by clinical tests and MRI scanning. Oxidative stress in patients with RCT was analyzed via the dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH). Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was measured by a new colorimetric method. Furthermore, oxidative stress was indirectly measured by serum total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Serum disulfide levels and the other oxidative stress parameters of the RCT group were significantly greater than those of the control group (P < .001 for all), whereas the anti-oxidative stress parameters remained unchanged (P > .05 for all). The lowest and highest serum disulfide levels were detected in patients with grades 1 and 3, respectively (P < .001). Furthermore, in a multiple regression analysis, the disulfide/natural thiol ratio (ß=-4.886, P = .004) and the MRI grading (ß=0.314, P=.001) were independently associated with the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index WORC score. We found an association between the levels of various serum markers of oxidative injury, especially serum disulfide levels, and the increasing severity of RCT. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis seems to play a critical role in RCT, both in the beginning and during the progression of disease.

Comparison of radiological, clinical, and functional results of Jakob type 2 lateral condyle fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning versus open reduction and K-wire fixation.

Pediatric humerus lateral condyle fractures (PHLCF) are one of the most common fractures among children. PHLCF is approximately 20% of all pediatric elbow fractures. Among the treatment modalities are: nonoperative treatment with splinting, closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire fixation (CRPP), and open reduction with K-wire fixation (ORIF). We aimed to evaluate radiological, functional, and clinical outcomes of Jakob type 2 PHLCF treated either with CRPP or ORIF. We hypothesized that CRPP may be as safe and effective as ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF. In this retrospective study, we included patients with Jakob type 2 PHLCF operatively treated in a single center. Patients with multiple fractures or open fractures were excluded from the study. 69 patients between ages 2 and 12 were included and they were divided into two groups. Group 1 included the patients treated with CRPP, whereas Group 2 included the patients treated with ORIF. Demographical, radiological, clinical, and functional parameters were evaluated. Average duration of surgery ( P < 0.001), initial displacement ( P = 0.014), and duration of admission ( P < 0.001) were significantly less in group 1. Group 2 had significantly higher percentage of left-sided injury than group 1 ( P = 0.038). Average varus deformity score was significantly higher in group 1 ( P = 0.014). CRPP was associated with shorter duration of surgery and hospital stay. Functional, clinical, and radiological outcomes were identified similar between CRPP and ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF. CRPP may be as safe and effective as ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF.

In cases of humeral diaphyseal fractures, is lateral approach surgery without radial nerve exploration as effective and safe as conventional surgery?

BACKGROUND: This study compares the efficacy and safety of lateral approach surgery with and without radial nerve dissection in treating humeral diaphyseal fractures. It assesses clinical, radiological, and complication outcomes, providing a description of the surgical methods and perioperative benefits. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 71 patients admitted between May 2015 and December 2022 who underwent lateral approach surgery for humeral diaphyseal fractures. Group 1, consisting of 34 patients without radial nerve dissection, and Group 2, comprising 37 patients with radial nerve dissection, were compared. Parameters such as age, gender, fracture side (right/left), fracture type, follow-up time, surgical duration, blood loss, radiological and clinical evaluations (including Shoulder-Elbow range of motion [ROM] and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score [Q-DASH]), and complications were examined. Surgical techniques and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited comparable distributions in age, gender, fracture types, and follow-up times (p>0.05). Group 1 demonstrated significantly lower surgical duration and blood loss compared to Group 2 (p<0.05 for both). Clinical assessment revealed satisfactory shoulder and elbow ROM within functional limits for all patients, with no instances of infection. Q-DASH scores were similar between groups. Postoperative radial nerve palsy occurred in one patient in Group 1 and three patients in Group 2, with all cases resolving uneventfully during outpatient follow-ups. Radiological assessment confirmed uneventful union in all patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral approach surgery without radial nerve dissection for humeral diaphyseal fractures offers comparable effectiveness and safety to conventional surgery, with potential perioperative advantages such as reduced operation time and blood loss.

Is intramedullary nailing of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the lateral decubitus position as safe and effective as on a traction table?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical results of femoral diaphyseal fractures operated in the lateral decubitus position with those operated in the supine position on a traction table and to detail the perioperative surgical technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2018 and January 2022, in this prospective, randomized, and single-blind comparative study, 75 patients diagnosed with adult femoral diaphyseal fractures to whom intramedullary nails were applied were operated in the lateral decubitus position without a traction table (Group 1, 37 patients) and in the supine position with a traction table (Group 2, 38 patients). Preoperative age, gender, fracture mechanism, fracture type, and surgical waiting times were determined. Perioperative anesthesia type, surgery preparation time, surgical time, number of fluoroscopy doses, amount of bleeding, and type of reduction were evaluated, and detailed observational descriptions of the surgical techniques were made. In the postoperative period, radiological evaluations were made with x-ray radiography and orthoroentgenogram, while in the clinical evaluation, hip-knee joint range of motion and rotational evaluation were made with the Craigs test. Follow-up periods were determined and complications noted. RESULTS: The average age was 32 in Group 1 and 28 in Group 2, the female/male ratio was 1:36 in Group 1 and 5:33 in Group 2, and the follow-up period was 18.2 months Group 1 and 21.7 months in Group 2. No significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of age, gender, fracture mechanism, fracture type, anesthesia type, surgical waiting time, and follow-up period (p > 0.05). Compared to Group 2, the shorter preparation time, surgical time, and number of fluoroscopy doses in Group 1 were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences in the amount of bleeding and need for open reduction were not statistically significant between the groups (p > 0.05), and no statistical difference was found in joint range of motion and rotational evaluation in clinical evaluation in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of complications between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found the lateral decubitus method without a traction table to be a safe and effective alternative to the supine method with a traction table in terms of the radiological and clinical results and that it also has the advantages of shortening the surgical time, reducing radiation exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1 prospective, randomized, single-blind controlled study.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on sciatic nerve healing: A histopathological, functional, and biochemical study of the rat sciatic nerve.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the histopathological, biochemical, and functional effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activity, on nerve regeneration in rats with sciatic nerve crush (axonotmesis) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used 16 male Wistar rats, which were divided into treatment and control groups. A standard axonotmesis-type surgical injury was induced in the left sciatic nerves of all rats. The treatment group was given 300 mg/kg of intraperitoneal NAC once a day, whereas the control group received an equal volume of saline solution. After conducting gait analyses, the sciatic functional index (SFI) was used for functional assessment. After gait analysis, all animals were euthanized. Blood samples were examined biochemically. The left sciatic nerves and left triceps surae muscles were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Histopathologically, the thickness of the perineurium, axonal degeneration, axonolysis, edema, inflammation, muscle atrophy, and muscle degeneration were all significantly lower in the treatment group (p<0.05). Functionally, SFI-1, SFI-2, and SFI-3 were significantly higher in the treatment group (p<0.05). Biochemically, while the native thiol level and native thiol/total thiol ratio were significantly higher in the treatment group (p<0.003), the disulfide/total thiol ratio was significantly higher in the control group (p<0.005). Significant correlations were found between six of the seven gait parameters and the histopathological findings (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that NAC may contribute positively to the histopathological and functional recovery of sciatic nerve injury in rats. Furthermore, NAC may have an antioxidant effect on thiol-disulfide homeostasis at a biochemical level. We believe that NAC has a stimulatory effect on healing following nerve injuries.

Predictive value of prognostic nutritional index on postoperative intensive care requirement and mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality in hip fracture patients is high and is associated with nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the predictive value of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) requirement and mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients. METHODS: Geriatric (≥65 years old) hip fracture patients who underwent surgery between January 2021 and September 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were classified according to the unit followed in the postoperative period (service group and ICU group) and 28-day mortality (mortality group and survivor group). The predictive value of PNI for ICU requirement and mortality and the factors affecting ICU requirement and mortality were investigated. RESULTS: The study included two hundred twenty-two patients, and 66.2% (n=147) were women. In the postoperative period, 47.7% (n=106) of the patients were followed in the ICU and 52.3% (n=116) in the inpatient service. The 28-day mortality of the patients was 6.8% (n=15). PNI was found to be significantly lower in patients followed in the ICU (group ICU) than in those followed in the service (group S) and in patients who died (group mortality) compared to those who lived (group survivor) (p<0.001 and p=0.029, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status and low PNI were determined to be independent risk factors for ICU requirement. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment II score was an independent predictor of mortality. In ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of PNI in predicting mortality was 32.5, and the area under the curve was 0.660 (95% CI, 0.516-0.803). CONCLUSION: In geriatric hip fracture patients, preoperative PNI value can be used, like ASA status, in determining postoperative ICU requirements. Nutritional deficiencies are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in this patient group, and low PNI values (<32.5) help predict in-hospital mortality.

Mitchell's osteotomy with mini-plate and screw fixation for hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of mini-plate and screw fixation to stabilize the first metatarsal osteotomy in patients undergoing Mitchell bunionectomy, with the outcomes of interest being radiological alignment and the time to bony union. METHODS: We used mini-plates and screws in 43 feet of 25 patients to avoid cast immobilization and prevent osteotomy displacement. The mean age at operation was 45.4 ± 13.4 years (range, 17.0-65.0 years). The mean follow-up was 16.9 ± 3.6 months (range, 12.0-30.0 months). The hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative month 12. RESULTS: The mean preoperative value for the hallux valgus angle was 35.9 ± 4.4 degrees (range, 26.0-45.0 degrees) and for the intermetatarsal angle was 12.1 ± 1.4 degrees (range, 10.0-15.0 degrees). The mean postoperative value for the hallux valgus angle was 16.0 ± 2.12 degrees (range, 12.0-20.0 degrees) and for the intermetatarsal angle was 7.7 ± 1.2 degrees (range, 5.0-10.0 degrees). The mean AOFAS score was 50.5 ± 12.8 points (range, 30.1-76.0 points) preoperatively and 75.9 ± 11.3 points (range, 43.3-92.3 points) at postoperative month 12. Improvement of range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint, pain relief, and satisfactory alignment of the first ray were achieved in 41 feet (95.3%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend this fixation for Mitchell's bunionectomy because it provided stable fixation without the need for casting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Review of Van earthquakes form an orthopaedic perspective: a multicentre retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This is a descriptive analysis, of victims of Turkey's October 23, 2011 and November 21, 2011 Van earthquakes. The goal of this study is investigated the injury profile of the both earthquakes in relation to musculoskeletal trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 3,965 patients admitted to in seven hospitals. A large share of these injuries were soft tissue injuries, followed by fractures, crush injuries, crush syndromes, nerve injuries, vascular injuries, compartment syndrome and joint dislocations. A total of 73 crush injuries were diagnosed and 31 of them were developed compartment syndrome. RESULTS: The patients with closed undisplaced fractures were treated with casting braces. For closed unstable fractures with good skin and soft-tissue conditions, open reduction and internal fixation was performed. All patients with open fracture had an external fixator applied after adequate debridement. Thirty one of 40 patients with compartment syndrome were treated by fasciotomy. For twelve of them, amputation was necessary. The most common procedure performed was debridement, followed by open reduction and internal fixation and closed reduction-casting, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may provide the basis for future development of strategy to optimise attempts at rescue and plan treatment of survivors with musculoskeletal injuries after earthquakes.

Does intramedullary elastic nail augmentation increase resistance to bending stress in plate fixation of long bones? A biomechanical study on lamb cadaveric femurs.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bending strength of plate-screw fixation augmented with titanium elastic nails (TENs) in a simple long bone fracture model using lamb cadaver femurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 lamb cadaveric femurs that were osteotomized transversely from the mid-diaphysis with a bone saw were used to obtain a simple fracture model. The femurs were divided randomly into three groups. In Group 1, only plate-screw was used for fixation. In Group 2, plate-screw fixation was augmented with a 2.5-mm TEN. In Group 3, plate-screw fixation was augmented with two 2.5-mm TENs. Each bone model was positioned on a mechanical testing machine. Subsequently, three-point bending loads were applied to each bone to measure the force required for failure at the osteotomy site. The data were recorded on a computer connected to the test device and the bending strengths of all samples were calculated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the bending strength (megapascals) between Groups 1 and 2 or between Groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05). However, the bending strength in Group 3 was significantly higher than in Group 1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of intramedullary TEN during surgery in long bone fractures, combined with a bridge plate, may be helpful to strengthen the fixation stability.

Paraoxonase-1 activity and oxidative status in patients with knee osteoarthritis and their relationship with radiological and clinical parameters.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and oxidative/anti-oxidative status in knee osteoarthritis (OA), and evaluate their relationship using radiological and clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 127 patients with knee OA and 107 healthy volunteers. Patients with knee OA were divided into four subgroups according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K&L) grading scale. In addition, each patient was clinically evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Serum PON1 activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative status was assessed by measuring serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total oxidant status (TOS). Anti-oxidative status was assessed by measuring serum free sulfydryl groups (-SH = total thiol) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Lipid parameters were determined by routine laboratory methods. RESULTS: Serum PON1 activity was significantly lower in the knee OA group compared to the control group (p < 0.001), whereas serum LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels of the knee OA group were significantly higher than those of the controls (p < 0.001 for all). However, TAC and -SH levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). The lowest and highest mean serum PON1 activities were detected in patients with grades 4 and 1, respectively (ANOVA p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, WOMAC score was independently associated with serum PON1 activity (ß = -0.248, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum PON1 activity and elevated LOOH, TOS, and OSI levels may be associated with knee OA, and serum PON1 activity may be a useful adjunctive indicator of the severity of knee OA for follow-up.

Is proximal femoral nailing of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the lateral decubitus position without a traction table as safe and effective as on a traction table?

OBJECTIVES: Using proximal femoral nailing (PFN) in the lateral decubitus (lateral) position may be an option when no traction table is available. We hypothesized that applying PFN would be effective and reliable in the lateral position without a traction table. To test our hypothesis, we compared the two techniques in a prospective, randomized controlled study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients (> 60 years of age) with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were randomly operated on prospectively in the lateral position without a traction table (Group 1) or in the supine position with a traction table (Group 2) between April 2018 and April 2019. We compared the surgery preparation time, total anesthesia time, duration of surgery, fluoroscopy exposure time, and amount of bleeding between the two procedures. The type-apex distance (TAD), collodiaphyseal angle (CDA), reduction quality, and lag quadrant were measured radiologically. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was also calculated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 18.5 (14-27) months in Group 1 and 19.9 (14-27) months in Group 2. The mean follow-up time, mean age, sex distribution, and fracture pattern were similar between the groups. The preparation time and total anesthesia time of Group 2 were longer than those of Group 1, and the fluoroscopy time of Group 2 was shorter than that of Group 1 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in surgical time, bleeding amount, TAD, CDA, target lag quadrant, reduction quality, or the HHS were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that PFN is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures when a traction table is not available in the operating room.

Seasonal variation in paediatric orthopaedic trauma Patients - A single centre experience from Turkey.

PURPOSE: It is known that the incidence of paediatric orthopaedic trauma peaks in the summer months as a result of increased and uncontrolled physical activity. The aim of this study was to review the experience of a single centre with paediatric orthopaedic traumas and determine the relationship between the severity and the variations in the incidence of traumas in relation to the seasons and temperatures during the study period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single institutional review of the historical data of all patients aged 0-16 years who presented for orthopaedic trauma between January 2018 and December 2020 in the emergency department of Level 1 tertiary orthopaedic trauma centre was conducted. 65,182 paediatric orthopaedic trauma cases had been retrieved from the hospital data base during the 3 -year study period. We classified the traumas according to the variants of the patients' and by holidays, seasons, school days and weekends, months and in which part of the body it occurred. RESULTS: After excluding the summer vacation, 77% of paediatric orthopaedic trauma patients attended to the hospital on weekdays and 23% on weekends. While it was observed that hot weather had a statistically positive effect on trauma attendance, rainy weather had an negative effect (p < 0.05). Trauma attendances were found to be statistically higher in summer months, except for injuries that may occur with indoor activities such as metacarpal fracture, phalanx fracture and pulled elbow (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthopaedic trauma at a Level 1 tertiary health care trauma center do vary significantly with the weather and are highest in the summer season. Therefore, it should focus more attention on preventive strategies for paediatric trauma in the summer season.

Analysis of Factors Affecting the Third- and Twelfth-Month Mortality in Patients with Hip Fractures Aged 80 Years and Older.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors that are related with mortality at third and twelfth months after hip fractures in a large population of patients aged 80 years and older. Methods: 605 patients were evaluated in terms of the localization of the fracture, gender, age, side of the fracture, the type of applied procedure, anesthesia type, hospitalization time, time to operation, comorbidities, ASA score, the values of preoperative hemoglobin, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentage, white blood cell, albumin, sodium levels. The state mortality system was used to investigate whether patients are alive or died. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the important factors on third- and twelfth-month mortality. Results: Male gender, neurologic-cardiac-chronic obstructive pulmonary (COP) diseases, preoperative hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL, arthroplasty and external fixator groups, ASA grade ≥ 3, delaying the surgery more than 4 days, longer hospitalization time, lower albumin levels and advanced age were found to be statistically significant factors for 3-month mortality (p values were; 0.01, 0.02, 0.01, 0.01, 0.047, 0.01, 0.02, 0.002, < 0.001, 0.002 and 0.01, respectively). Male gender, hypertension-neurologic-cardiac diseases, preoperative hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL, delaying the surgery more than 4 days, longer hospitalization time, lower lymphocyte percentage, lower albumin levels and advanced age were found to be statistically significant factors for 12-month mortality (p values were; < 0.001, 0.01, 0.01, 0.01, 0.03, 0.01, < 0.001, 0.01, 0.004 and < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: COP, advanced age, and heart disease were the most important factors in 3-month mortality. Long hospitalization time, male gender and advanced age were the most important factors affecting the 12-month mortality.Level of Evidence Prognostic level IV.