Vascularized Bone Grafting in the Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion: A Clinical and Functional Outcome Study.

Background A malreduction or missed scaphoid fracture may lead to nonunion or avascular necrosis (AVN). The aim of this study was to analyze the radiological and clinical outcome of patients with scaphoid nonunion (SN), who were treated with 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularized bone graft (1,2-ICSRA-VBG) fixed with K-wires or screws between 2014 and 2018. Methods Radiological assessment included posteroanterior, lateral, oblique, and angled posteroanterior projection. The wrist active joint range of motion was assessed with a universal goniometer, and grip and pinch strength with a dynamometer. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to evaluate functionality. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (v16.0). Results A total of 68 patients (65 male) with a mean age 29.7 ± 8.5 years were evaluated in the study, and union was achieved in 55 (81%). A total of 45 (66%) patients had scaphoid waist fracture and 48 (71%) had AVN. Fixation was achieved with K-wires in 48 of the patients, and with screw in 20. The mean length of follow-up was 31.6 ± 14.6 (12-72) months. The mean radioulnar range of motion and DASH scores improved significantly after treatment ( p < 0.001, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions The findings of this study showed that scaphoid unions can be treated successfully with high rates of union using the 1,2-ICSRA-VBG. This surgical technique requires special surgical experience. The functional outcome of patients improved after treatment, although smoking was found to be an important factor affecting functional results.

Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of perilunate injuries treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with perilunate injuries treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Patients who underwent ORIF due to perilunate injuries from 2004 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery was mostly performed using a standard dorsal approach. Each injury was graded as per Mayfield staging. At the final follow-up, pain intensity was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Wrist and elbow range of motion, handgrip and pinch strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Scores, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores were measured. On plain radiographic examination, the scapholunate (SL) angle, SL interval, carpal height, and continuity of Gilula arcs were evaluated. The presence of arthritis was also assessed using the Herzberg classification. RESULTS: In total, 26 male patients (27 wrists) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The mean age was 40 years (range: 20-58); the mean follow-up was 45 months (range: 16-96). Most of the injuries were fracture-dislocations (n=20; 71.4%). According to Mayfield staging, 7 wrists were grade 3, and 20 wrists were grade 4. According to Herzberg staging, 11 (40.7%) patients were stage 2a. The mean VAS was 2.3 (range: 0-5) at rest and 3.3 (range: 0-7) during activity. The mean wrist flexion and extension were 50° (range: 21-80°; 73.5% of the unaffected side) and 45.1° (range: 20-74°; 70.9% of the unaffected side), respectively. The mean radial and ulnar deviation were 14.6° (range: 6-25°; 63.6% of the unaffected side) and 22.3° (range: 5-40°; 64.7% of the unaffected side), respectively. Grip and pinch strength were 57.6 kg (range: 15-106; 65.5% of the unaffected side) and 18.6 kg (range: 8-28; 78.2% of the unaffected side), respectively. The mean Mayo score was 63.3 (range: 20-90), and the DASH score was 24.1±25.2. The mean SL angle was 61.6° (range: 40-83). There was 1 wrist with a pathological SL interval, 11 wrists with dorsal intercalated segmental instability, and 3 wrists with fractures of the Gilula arcs. The mean carpal height was within the normal range. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of perilunate injuries, satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes can be expected from ORIF at mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Pedobarographic, Clinic, and Radiologic Evaluation after Surgically Treated Lisfranc Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Lisfranc injuries are rare, often missed, and may cause permanent structural deterioration of tarsometatarsal joint, despite optimal management. Consequently, a Lisfranc injury may lead to disruption of the biomechanics of the normal foot during walking and may alter the plantar pressure distribution, which is essential for proper gait mechanics. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to specify the dynamic plantar pressure, radiographic and clinical features, after surgically managed Lisfranc injuries. METHODS: This study was carried out over a period of 10 years and included 62 patients who were surgically treated for Lisfranc injury, with mean 57-month follow-up. Radiological (intermetatarsal, Kite's, first metatarsophalangeal, Meary's, Hibbs' and calcaneal pitch angles, and medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal distance), pedobarographical, and clinical results with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score assessments for both feet were assessed. RESULTS: In the radiological assessment, the mean first intermetatarsal (p = 0.006) and Meary's angle (p = 0.000) were decreased on the injured feet compared to the uninjured feet on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. In the pedobarographic assessment, the injured feet midfoot contact time increased (p = 0.03), and maximum force (p = 0.001), total peak pressure (p = 0.008), and contact area (p = 0.017) decreased, compared to the uninjured feet. The mean AOFAS score was 75/100 at the final follow-up visit. There was seen to be reduced both contact surface area and time of the midfoot. CONCLUSION: Despite surgical management of Lisfranc injuries, the injured foot does not regain functional, radiological, or pedobarographical levels as compared to the uninjured foot for ≥ 57 months.

Translation, reliability, agreement and validity of the Turkish version of Cumulated Ambulation Score in patients with hip fracture.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to translate and investigate the inter- rater reliability, agreement and validity of the Turkish version of the Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS-TR) in patients with hip fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients with a hip fracture of the femoral neck between July 2019 and March 2020 at the Dr. Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Education Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul. The CAS manual and score-sheet were translated into Turkish. An orthopedician and a physiotherapist independently administered the CAS-TR to 36 patients (12 males, 24 females; mean age 78.7 years; range, 65 to 90 years) at postoperative days one, two, three and 30. Weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to measure inter-rater reliability. Turkish version of modified Barthel Index was used for analysis of validity. RESULTS: The majority of the patients had type III fracture (72.2%) according to Garden's classification. The kappa value was ≥0.90 for days one-three, the total and 30th day score of CAS-TR. The observed agreement ranged between 91.6% and 100% for all assessments. Validity analysis showed a significantly positive correlation between day two and day 30 CAS-TR and Barthel scores. CONCLUSION: We found almost perfect reliability, high percentage agreement and acceptable convergent validity of the CAS-TR. We recommend the CAS to be used as an easily applicable instrument to assess basic mobility status in Turkish patients with hip fracture. Orthopedic and geriatric patients and patients undergoing any type of surgery can be assessed with CAS for early evaluation of mobility status.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism After Achilles Tendon Surgery in Patients Receiving Thromboprophlaxis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical or nonsurgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture includes a period of immobilization that is a well-documented risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The DVT is a source of morbidity in orthopedic surgery because it can progress to pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of DVT and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of patients who underwent surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture between January 1, 2006, and November 30, 2014. Patient data were collected from the hospital medical record system. RESULTS: Of 238 patients with a mean age of 39 years (range, 18-66 years), 18 (7.6%) were diagnosed as having symptomatic DVT. The average body mass index of the patients with DVT was 31.8 (range, 24-33). Of the patients with DVT, 11 were older than 40 years and two-thirds had a body mass index of 30 or greater. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in four patients (1.7%), none of whom had DVT symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Venous thrombosis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in postoperative patients. Limited data are available for the use of thromboprophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery. In light of the literature review and results of this study, we suggest that routine thromboembolism prophylaxis should be considered for patients with Achilles tendon rupture.

The Results of Physical, Radiologic, Pedabarographic, and Quality-of-Life Assessments in Patients with Surgically Treated Intraarticular Calcaneus Fractures.

Calcaneal fractures are complex injuries and have historically had a poor prognosis that results in substantial disability. However, no studies have been performed that analyze both the radiographic and plantar pressure changes after treatment of intraarticular calcaneus fracture. Patients with an intrarticular calcaneus fracture treated at our institution during the study period were identified from computerized hospital records. A total of 36 patients (34 males) completed physical examination and radiographic and dynamic pedobarographic assessments. The follow-up period was from 13 to 82 months (median 38 months). The mean pain score at rest was 3.7 and during activity was 4.0 on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. The mean range of motion of the subtalar joint was restricted. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society function scale score was 68.1; the mean Short Form-36 physical score was 41.8; and the mental score was 44.9. Pedabarographic results showed that the mean maximum force in the midfoot, forefoot, and toes (p = .001; p = .04; p = .002) and peak pressure in the midfoot, forefoot (p = .001; p = .007), and contact area of the midfoot and toes (p = .038; p = .004) were significantly increased in the injured foot. Radiologic findings showed hindfoot varus, forefoot adductus, and an increase in the medial arch. Even after appropriate anatomic realignment with open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneus fractures, residual differences in plantar pressures and radiographic measures are noted compared to uninjured foot.

Surgically treated Hoffa Fractures with poor long-term functional results.

INTRODUCTION: Hoffa fractures are rare injuries and usually involve the lateral condyle. There are few published studies of large series of isolated coronal plane fractures of the femoral condyle. The aim of the study to determine the long-term functional outcomes and complications in surgically treated Hoffa fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 13 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for an isolated coronal plane fracture of the distal femur posterior condyle. The patients were evaluated with physical examination, PA and lateral radiographs and CT at the final follow-up examination. Functional outcome was evaluated with the OXFORD knee scoring system and Knee Society Score (KSS). Pain at rest and in activity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: The patients comprised 11 males and 2 females with an average age at surgery of 27.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 93 months (range, 62-134 months). Mean time to fracture healing was 10 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks). The mean ROM was determined as 110°, mean KSS 78,4 and mean Oxford knee score 38,2. The mean KSS was 66,5 for medial Hoffa fracture patients and it was 83,8 for lateral Hoffa fracture patients. The mean Oxford knee score was 33,2 for medial Hoffa fracture patients and it was 40,4 for lateral Hoffa fracture patients. The mean VAS at rest and in activity was 1,1 and 2,9, respectively. Osteoarthritis was seen in 7 (54%) patients and avascular necrosis in 2 (15.4%). Varus instability was determined in 1 patient and valgus instability in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Hoffa fractures may easily be overlooked if the radiological examination is not made carefully. Screw fixation was seen to provide enough biomechanical stability until the fracture healed. Arthrosis is a frequent long-term complication which worsens the functional results. Medial Hoffa fractures tend to have worse functional results than lateral Hoffa fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV retrospective case series.

USG-guided injection of corticosteroid for lateral epicondylitis does not improve clinical outcomes: a prospective randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid injection used to be the treatment of choice for lateral epicondylitis. Most injections are performed blindly. In the blinded technique, it could be difficult to determine the exact pathological localisation. The purpose of this single-blinded, randomised controlled clinical study was to compare the clinical therapeutic effects of blinded and USG-guided corticosteroid injection therapy in lateral epicondylitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were included in this clinical trial. The patients were randomly allocated to blinded group or USG-guided injection group according to a computer-generated randomisation list. All blinded injections were administered by an orthopaedic surgeon and all ultrasound-guided injections were made by a radiologist experienced in this technique. All patients were injected under aseptic conditions using 40 mg/2 mL methylprednisolone acetate. The outcomes of both treatments were assessed by an independent assessor at pre-injection, then at 6-week and 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. The assessor evaluated the q-DASH, VAS, and grip strength scores. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the Q-DASH and grip strength scores preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months post-injection. No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the VAS scores preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months. No systemic or local complications were reported during the treatment. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference compared to the blinded injection technique, and the mean score differences between the groups are of no clinical relevance.

Health related quality of life and perception of deformity in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life and cosmethic appearance have gained importance as outcomes in AIS treatment. Improving aesthetic appearance and quality of life are defined as the primary aims of scoliosis treatment by health professionals. Studies that assess and compare the different treatment results in the field of quality of life and cosmethics are some what limited. OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was designed to compare quality of life and deformity perception in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) received conservative (exercise or exercise + brace) or surgical treatment. METHODS: A total of 68 (58 females) patients aged 10-18 years with AIS received conservative (exercise or exercise+brace) or surgical treatment were invited to participate in the study. Quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-23 (SRS-23)) and perception of deformity (Walter Reed Visual Assessment (WRVAS)) were assessed. RESULTS: Conservatively treated patients had significantly superior scores in function domain of SRS-23 than surgically treated patients (exercise/surgery, exercise+brace/surgery; p= 0.009, 0.004). Otherwise, surgically treated patients had significantly superior scores in self-image (p= 0.000, 0.000), and satisfaction with management (p= 0.001, 0.006) domains of SRS-23, and WRVAS (p= 0.000, 0.000) than conservative groups. CONCLUSION: In addition to radiographic assessments, quality of life, aesthetic perception, functionality, satisfaction with management, psycho-social status should carefully be taken into consideration by health professionals in the teratment of AIS.

Pedobarographic and Radiological Analysis After Treating a Talus Neck Fracture.

Misalignment of the talar neck after surgical repair can redistribute the load among the posterior, middle, and anterior facets of the subtalar joints, which can change the joint biomechanics, cause arthritis, and impair function. However, we found no studies analyzing the plantar pressures after treatment of talus neck fracture. We determined the dynamic plantar pedobarographic and radiographic characteristics and ankle range of motion, function, and pain among patients after surgical repair of talar neck fractures. A total of 19 patients completed the assessments. The median follow-up period was 29 (range 12 to 113) months. At the last visit, the mean pain score was 3.3 on a 10-cm visual analog scale. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society function scale score was fair (73.5), and the mean range of motion was restricted in 4 planes. The mean maximum force was lower in the hindfoot (p = .002) and midfoot (p = .03) of the injured foot than in the noninjured foot. The mean peak pressure was lower in the hindfoot (p = .05) but higher in the forefoot (p = .03). Radiographic measurements revealed differences between the feet in the talo-first metatarsal angle (p = .002), Meary's angle (p = .001), and the medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal angle (p = .002). Radiographic and pedobarographic analysis showed an elevated arch in the injured foot. Thus, talar injury and immobilization can affect the stance and the gait cycle in these patients. Pain, range of motion, function, and the weight transfer pattern should be evaluated carefully during the follow-up period to provide the best postoperative results.