A device that facilitates screwing at an appropriate angle in quadrilateral surface fractures: 105-degree drill attachment.

BACKGROUND: Within this study, we aimed to investigate the radiological and functional outcomes of acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface using 105° drill attachment in the anterior intrapelvic approach. METHODS: The 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2016 and January 2020 for acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface with anterior intrapelvic approach using 105° drill attachment and a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were included. Perioperative complications, operation duration, and the quality of reduction were evaluated. Reduction quality was classified as poor, imperfect, and anatomic. Functional evaluation was performed according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Merle d'Aubigne Score. RESULTS: Among 35 patients (median age 36 (21-80)), radiological results of the acetabular fixations were anatomic, imperfect, and poor in 28 (80%), 5 (14.3%), and 2 (5.7%) patients, respectively. Postoperative 1-year functional outcomes with Merle d'Aubigne scores and HHS were median 18 (10-18) and 90 (60-96), respectively. The clinical outcomes of the patients showed concordance with reduction quality. The median operation duration was 180 minutes (range 125-270). Iatrogenic neurovascular damage was not noted in any patients. DISCUSSION: Reduction and fixation of deep intrapelvic fractures are risky and difficult due to the narrow anatomy and adjacent crucial neurovascular structures. As the 105-degree drill application is safe and easy to intervene in, short surgery duration and satisfactory results with minimum complications can be obtained with a 105 angulated drill in the deep pelvic region.

An Evaluation of the Fear of Falling, Balance Levels, and Prognostic Blood Parameters Among the Geriatric Population With Hip Fractures.

Background In this study, we determined that among patients who had been operated upon for hip fractures at our hospital, prognostic factors for mortality and functional recovery in the preoperative period were indicated via laboratory parameters using the International Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores. Methodology Between January 2020 and January 2021, the results of 64 patients who had been surgically treated for a hip fracture and 57 patients who had scheduled elective surgery were compared retrospectively. The groups' demographic data and blood parameters were compared. We used the FES-I and BBS scores to determine patients' physical functional status and fear of falling. Results The case group's statistically significant FES-I score was high, and its BBS score was low (p = 0.001/0.001). As expected, the case group's D-dimer measurement was higher than the control group's (p = 0.001). In addition, hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, albumin, total protein, and calcium levels were lower in the case group (p = 0.001 for all levels). No significant difference was found for other parameters. Conclusions The scales are used by physical therapy, neurology, and orthopedics professionals to evaluate the geriatric population's physical functional status and fear of falling. We believe prevention and cost-effective treatments for hip fractures can be achieved by determining geriatric patients' hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, albumin, total protein, and calcium levels upon hospital admission and by directing these patients to relevant clinics using the fear-of-falling and balance scales.

Comparison of the Radiological and Functional Results of Tight Rope and Clavicular Hook Plate Technique in the Treatment of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation.

Purpose/Aim: Options for surgery for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation vary considerably. This study aimed to examine the functional and radiological results of patients who were operated on using the tightrope (TR) or clavicular hook plate (CHP) technique in the treatment for AC joint dislocation. Materials and methods: The data gathered from 35 consecutive patients who were operated on for AC joint dislocation were analyzed retrospectively in terms of their radiological and functional outcomes. Results: Thirty-two (91.4%) of the 35 patients were male and 3 (8.6%) were female. Thirty (85.7%) patients were classified as Rockwood type 3 and 5 (14.3%) as type 5. Twenty-one patients operated on using the TR technique were categorized as group 1, and 14 patients treated with the CHP technique formed group 2. Functional results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley shoulder scoring system; no statistically significant difference was observed between type 3 and 5 AC separation (p = 0.337). The mean Constant scores of type 3 and 5 injuries were 82.96 and 88.6, respectively. A significant relationship was noted between reduction quality and functional scores (p = 0.006). Postoperative osteoarthritis was seen in 12 (57.14%) patients in group 1 and 7 (50.00%) patients in group 2. In terms of surgery duration, 50.57 minutes in group 1 and 35.71 minutes in group 2 were noted. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of surgery duration (p < 0.05). Conclusions: TR and CHP techniques, which do not differ significantly in terms of their clinical results, can be used safely in the treatment of AC separation.

Traditional Dual Growing Rod Technique in the Management of Early Onset Scoliosis and Its Effects on Spinal Growth and Lung Development: The Mid-Term Prospective Results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the traditional dual growing rod (TDGR) technique, using only pedicle screws for fixation with more frequent lengthening while evaluating scoliosis correction in the growing spine, spinal growth rates, and the differences in lung volumes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-centre prospective study, 27 patients with a follow-up of over three years were included in the study. Only pedicle screws were used as foundations for fixation. Routine lengthening procedures were performed every six months. Data were recorded including the age of initial surgery, gender, number of lengthenings, follow-up, and complications. The Cobb angle of the major curve, kyphosis angle, T1- S1 length, space available for lung (SAL) ratio, coronal and sagittal balance, and the height of all patients were measured and recorded preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and finally before and after every lengthening. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 46.3 months (36-64 months). The correction rate was 69.5% for Cobb angle and 43.2% for kyphosis between preoperative and final follow-up period. The time between two lengthenings was 6.9 months, and the mean T1-S1 length increase was 1.78 cm per year. The SAL ratio increased from 0.885 preinitially to 0.985 at the last follow-up. The complication rate was determined as 9.6% in 187 procedures. Acceptable improvements were determined in the specified parameters with low complication rates with the use of this technique. CONCLUSION: The TDGR technique with proximal and distal pedicle screws as anchors is a safe and effective treatment for deformity control in selected patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS). Repetitive surgical interventions are the negative side of this technique.

Comparison of tunnel ligament release instrument assisted minimally open surgery and conventional open surgery in the treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

AIM: This study compared the results of tarsal tunnel syndrome release surgeries using mini-open incisions and standard incisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2012 until April 2018, 31 feet of 29 patients diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome were treated surgically. 15 feet of 15 patients underwent surgeries utilizing minimally open technique and 16 feet of 14 patients underwent surgeries utilizing standard incisions. The following preoperative and postoperative data was obtained: foot and ankle muscle testing results, posture analyses, anthropometric measurements, joint movement ranges, pain complaints, endurance evaluation results, and functional test results. The mean follow-up period was 38 months (13-88 months). RESULTS: The mean operation times were 26.8 min (23-30 min) using the standard incision and 13.3 min (9-17 min) using the mini-open incision (p < 0.05). In the preoperative and postoperative comparisons of the total muscle strength and total joint limit values of the healthy and affected feet, statistically significant improvements were observed in both the mini-open incision and standard incision groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups in the postoperative repeated toe raises for 1 minute assessments of the affected foot (p < 0.05). In the foot function index and functional foot score values, statistically significant improvements were seen between the preoperative and postoperative values in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, using a tunnel ligament release instrument assisted minimally open surgery to loosen the laciniate ligament may present an alternative to the standard incision, with its significantly decreased morbidity rate and cosmetic success.

Factors associated with prolonged wound drainage after hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures in elderly.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of prolonged wound drainage (PWD) and the amount of drainage fluid after hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) and to investigate the risk factors for the development of PWD associated with the patient, fracture and surgical treatment. METHODS: Data from 313 patients who underwent HA were prospectively analysed. The mean drainage time and drainage amount of patients with PWD were calculated. Patient demographic data, pre-operative ASA scores and anticoagulation status, presence of diabetes, fracture type, surgical approach, femoral stem type, cable usage, amount of drain output, blood transfusion quantity, time from injury to surgery, time from surgery to discharge and patient blood tests were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of PWD after HA was 8.9% (28 patients). The mean drainage time in patients with PWD was 4.9 ± 1.85 (3-9) days, and the mean collected total fluid volume was 51.1 ± 26.9 (21-132) mL. PWD was more commonly observed in the lateral approach group (p < 0.001) and morbidly obese patients (p < 0.001). In the PWD group, the mean post-operative first-day haemoglobin value was lower (p < 0.001), more blood transfusions were required (p < 0.001) and the amount of drainage output from the closed suction drain (CSD) was higher (p < 0.001). The duration of hospitalization was longer in patients with PWD (p < 0.001). Lateral approach, morbid obesity and increased drainage output were found to be associated with PWD in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Lateral approach, morbid obesity and increased drainage output were found to be risk factors for the occurrence of PWD.

Perioperative outcomes following a hip fracture surgery in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and heart failure with a mid-range ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: To examine the influence of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) on perioperative cardiac and noncardiac outcomes following hip fracture surgery. METHODS: Data of elderly patients (≥ 65 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were not included in this study. The definition of preoperative HFPEF (LVEF ≥50%) and HFmrEF (LVEF 40%-49%) was based on clinical documentation of HF in patients' medical records before surgery. The primary outcomes of this study were perioperative adverse events and mortality. The secondary outcome of interest was the length of stay in the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (mean age 79.2±8.7 years, and 57.3% female) were enrolled. Of the study population, 250 (76.2%) patients had no HF, 50 (15.2%) patients had HFPEF, and 28 (8.6%) patients had HFmrEF before surgery. The frequency of perioperative cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications was similar to a rate of 7.0%. The mean length of hospital stay was 8.1±5.8 days, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 4.6%. Patients with HFPEF and HFmrEF had a longer length of stay and were more likely to experience perioperative complications and death than the patients without HF. Multivariate analyses showed that the presence of HFPEF and HFmrEF were both associated with increased rates of perioperative complications and mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the presence of HFPEF and HFmrEF may predict perioperative adverse events and mortality in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Effects of different anesthesia techniques on intraoperative blood loss in acetabular fractures undergoing the Modified Stoppa approach.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effects of the anesthesia technique on the intraoperative blood loss in acetabular fracture patients undergoing the Modified Stoppa approach. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 63 patients who underwent a Modified Stoppa approach for acetabular fracture from January 2014 to July 2018. A total of 20 patients were excluded from this study for the following reasons: bilateral acetabular fractures (n=6), undergoing antiaggregant treatment (n=3), incomplete anesthesia records (n=3), emergency pelvic surgery due to hemodynamic instability (n=5), splenic rupture (n=2), and liver laceration (n=1). The patients were divided into two groups as follows: patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) (n=22) and patients undergoing combined epidural-general anesthesia (CEGA) (n=21). The main outcome measurements studied were the intraoperative blood loss and the need for intraoperative and/or postoperative blood transfusions. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups concerning the age, gender, type of fracture, mechanism of injury, time from injury to surgery, Injury Severity Score, associated injuries, and comorbidities (p>0.05). The mean intraoperative blood losses were 717.27 ml (300-1.600 ml) in the GA group and 473.81 ml (150-1.020 ml) in the CEGA group (p<0.001). In the cases with only an isolated acetabular fracture, the intraoperative blood transfusion means were 2.43 units (1-5 units) in 14 patients in the GA group and 1.27 units (1-4 units) in 15 patients in the CEGA group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Less intraoperative bleeding was seen in those patients undergoing CEGA when compared to those undergoing GA. This is a significant advantage for acetabular surgery, which has a long learning curve and a high risk of bleeding.

Risk factors for mortality and survival rates in elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between mortality and possible risk factors in elderly patients surgically treated with hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture and to determine mortality rates and yearly survival outcome in a selected cohort. METHODS: A total of 92 patients (51 men (55.4%) and 41 women (44.6%); mean age: 76.47 years) who underwent hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture were included into the study. The following data associated with risk factors were recorded for 92 patients: age, gender, pre-fracture activities of daily living (ADL), type of fracture, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, therapeutic procedure, type of anesthesia, length of time after fracture until operation, postoperative mobility, and duration of hospitalization. A multivariate logistic regression test was used to evaluate the correlation between the risk factors and first- and second-year mortality rates. Third-year mortality rate after surgery was analyzed and compared with the general mortality rate in a similar population of the same age group living in the same city. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 18.5% (17 patients) after the first-year follow-up and 25% (23 patients) after the second year. The mortality risk after hip fracture was found to be 11.7 times greater than the similar age group population in the third year. In addition, there was a significant relationship between a low (dependent) preoperative ADL score, advanced age (>80 years), male gender, high ASA score and poor ability to walk (unable to walk), and first- and second-year mortalities (p<0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between fracture type, fracture side, anesthesia type, time from fracture to surgery, or duration of hospitalization and mortality (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, male gender, a high ASA score, a dependent preoperative ADL score, and a postoperative inability to walk were determined to be the most important risk factors affecting mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture. The mortality risk was 11.7 times greater than that of a population with similar characteristics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Crescent Technique with Dual C-Shaped Reconstruction Plates for Posterior Acetabular Wall Fractures.

Background: Here we have defined a novel technique for repairing posterior acetabular wall fractures called the "crescent technique," in which dual C-shaped reconstruction plates overlap at the distal ends and, if necessary, at the proximal ends. We also analyzed the efficacy and reliability of this method. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 27 patients undergoing the crescent technique. All of the fractures were treated by the senior author for a mean of 7.9 days (0-15 days) after the trauma. The mean follow-up period was 19 months (13-29 months). The clinical results were evaluated using the modified clinical grading system developed by Merle d'Aubigne and Postel, and then modified by Matta. The radiographs were graded according to the criteria described by Matta. Results: In the clinical grading, 16 (59%) of the patients were excellent and very good, 5 (19%) were good, 3 (11%) were moderate, and 3 (11%) were poor. According to the Matta radiological evaluation criteria, 19 (70%) were excellent, 4 (15%) were good, 4 (15%) were fair, and none were poor. Statistically significant consistency was seen between the clinical and radiological results (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The crescent technique is a dual plate technique modification that can provide a stable fixation. It appears to be an effective and reliable method for treating posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum.

Efficacy of bone-end intervention on fracture healing in bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Delayed unions are quite common in the treatment of atypical femur fractures, which are thought to result from the long-term use of bisphosphonates. The effects of interventions for sclerotic tissue on the fracture line in atypical femoral fractures are not fully known. For this reason, we compared the results of patients with atypical femoral fractures treated by closed intramedullary nailing to patients treated by open surgery accompanied with interventions for their sclerotic bone ends, aiming to answer: (1) In the treatment of atypical femoral fractures, do bone-end interventions have a positive effect on the radiological union rate and radiological union time? (2) Do bone-end interventions influence complication rates in the treatment of atypical femoral fractures? HYPOTHESIS: Bone-end interventions provide a faster and higher rate of union compared to closed intramedullary nailing and result in fewer complications in atypical femoral fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients who met the inclusion criteria and had atypical femoral fractures treated by intramedullary nailing between 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2016 were reviewed. Of these, 15 fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing (Group 1), and 17 were treated with open surgery and drilling of the bone ends followed by intramedullary nailing (Group 2). Demographic data, laboratory values, radiological union times, and complications were compared between the groups. Nonunion was defined as fractures with a persistent fracture line 12 months after surgery without any sign of union. RESULTS: A similar rate of primary union was obtained in both groups (Group 1, 13/15 [87%]; Group 2, 16/17 [94%]; p=0.471). The mean radiological consolidation period was shorter in Group 2 (Group 1, 6.8±1.8 months; Group 2, 5.1±1.3 months; p=0.004). Nonunion rates were similar between the groups (Group 1, 1/15 [7%]; Group 2, 1/17 [6%]; p=0.927). For 1 patient in Group 1, a femoral neck fracture occurred 10 months after surgery, and a revision was performed with a long femoral stem. DISCUSSION: In the treatment of atypical femoral fractures with intramedullary nailing, we found that the patients who were treated with open intervention of the bone ends had similar union and complication rates to those treated with closed methods, but radiological union time was found to be shorter in the open-intervention group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective case-control study.

Surgical treatment of acetabulum posterior wall fractures: Comparison between undercountering and marginal impaction reconstruction method with odd methods.

BACKGROUND: Modern treatment principles for posterior wall fractures have become widespread in the last decade in many countries by means of international or local courses. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of acetabulum posterior wall fractures using unconventional methods of fixation, including plates placed in unusual directions, or, in the case of reoperation, only interfragmentary screws. In addition, we examined acetabulum posterior wall fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with standard undercountered plates from ischion to iliac bone in latter cases. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who had open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable unilateral fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum between 2009 and 2013 were included. Group 1 was composed of 10 former patients who were treated with unconventional methods that included a compression technique with a direct plate or solely screw fixation. Group 2 was composed of latter 11 patients who were treated with standard surgery that included undercountered plates oriented from the ischial tuberosity to the iliac bone proximally and reconstruction of marginal impaction if necessary. The functional outcome was evaluated with the use of the clinical grading system adopted by Merle d'Aubigné and Postel. The Kellgren-Lawrence radiologic criteria were used for the radiologic assessments. The reduction of the fracture, posterior dislocation, marginal impaction, mean fracture particle amount, trochanteric osteotomy and avascular necrosis were compared between the two groups and examined with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: In Groups 1 and 2, the median score of the modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel clinical scoring system was 16 (8-18) and 18 (14-18), respectively. The clinical scores between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01). When two groups were compared using the Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic criteria for the development of osteoarthritis, the median value in Groups 1 and 2 was 3 (0-4) and 1 (0-3), respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study displays the evolution of the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures of the posterior wall in our clinic. The older methods failed in terms of exposure, diagnosis of fracture anatomy and fixation techniques. Patients treated after the surgeons took courses in this field showed evidence of superior clinical and radiological scores. We attribute these benefits to exposure, definition and treatment of marginal impaction and fixation principles.

Incomplete atypical femoral fractures after bisphosphonate use in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of incomplete atypical femoral fractures (iAFFs) in postmenopausal women using bisphosphonates and to investigate the potential risk factors for the development of iAFF. METHODS: The national health-care records system indicated that 2746 postmenopausal women in our region aged ≥50 years were taking bisphosphonates. Using an assumed iAFF prevalence of 10% and levels of 5% α significance and ±5% precision, we calculated that a sample size of 132 participants was needed for this study. The patients were randomly selected and invited to the hospital. Radiographs and bone scans were used to evaluate each patient for iAFF. Bone mineral density, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase measurements were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 72.79 ± 7.35 years, and the mean duration of bisphosphonate use was 7.7 ± 3.4 years. We found iAFF in 14 (10.6%) patients, and 3 patients had bilateral involvement. Of the 17 femurs with iAFF, a proximal third location was seen in 2 patients (11.8%), a mid-third location in 14 (82.4%), and a distal third location in 1 (5.9%). The duration of bisphosphonate use was longer, and parathyroid hormone levels were higher in patients with iAFF compared to those without an incomplete fracture. CONCLUSION: We found a relatively higher prevalence of iAFF in postmenopausal women using bisphosphonate. Early identification and treatment of iAFF is crucial for reducing potential patient morbidity and hospital costs.

Continuous adductor canal block following total knee arthroplasty provides a better analgesia compared to single shot: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare single-shot adductor canal block and continuous infusion adductor canal block techniques in total knee arthroplasty patients. METHODS: We prospectively randomized 123 patients who were scheduled for unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty surgery into single shot (n = 60; mean age: 67.1 ± 6.9 years) and continuous (n = 63; mean age: 66.9 ± 6.8 years) adductor canal block groups. Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores, need for additional opioids and functional results as; timed up and go test, the 30-s chair stand test, 5 times sit-to-stand test, the 6-min walking test, the time to active straight leg raise, time to walking upstairs, maximal flexion at the time of discharge, duration of stay in hospital were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Pain scores were lower in the continuous adductor canal block group as compared to the single-shot adductor canal block group throughout the postoperative period (p = 0.001). Rescue analgesia was required for 6 (10%) patients in the single shot group and for 1 (1.59%) patient in the continuous group (p = 0.044). Patients in the continuous adductor canal block group displayed better functional results than the single-shot adductor canal block group with respect to active straight-leg rise time (25.52 ± 4.56 h vs 30.47 ± 8.07 h, p = 0.001), 6-min walking test (74.52 ± 29.38 m vs 62.18 ± 33.32 m, p = 0.035) and maximal knee flexion degree at discharge (104.92 ± 5.35° vs 98.5 ± 7.55°, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups for other functional and ambulation scores. CONCLUSION: Pain control following total knee arthroplasty was found to be better in those patients treated with continuous adductor canal block as compared to those treated with single-shot adductor canal block. Patients treated with continuous adductor canal block also displayed better ambulation and functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Therapeutic Study.

Efficacy of Pie-Crusting Technique on Soft Tissues in Distal Tibia and Fibula Fractures.

Distal tibia and fibula fractures are challenging injuries to treat as evidenced by the high rates of wound complications because of vulnerable soft tissue coverage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on soft tissue complications of the pie-crusting technique when applied between 2 incisions in distal tibia and fibula fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. We reviewed 34 patients with distal tibia and fibula fractures treated between September 2014 and March 2017. The pie-crusting technique was performed during wound closure in 16 (47.06%) fractures (group 1) and classic wound closure was done in 18 (52.94%) fractures (group 2). The primary outcome was evaluated as the presence or absence of soft tissue complications such as superficial skin necrosis, deep skin necrosis, and deep infection. The mean age was 50.44 ± 13.51 (range 23 to 65) years in group 1 and 51.67 ± 14.49 (range 18 to 68) years in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 27.35 ± 9.02 (range 16 to 46) months. The mean surgery time after injury was 5.88 ± 3.5 (range 1 to 14) days in group 1 and 7.32 ± 4.25 (range 1 to 16) days in group 2. No soft tissue complications were seen in any patient in group 1. Five (27.77%) occurrences of superficial skin necrosis were observed in group 2. In 2 (11.11%) patients in group 2, deep necrosis and wound dehiscence occurred, and subsequent deep infection developed in 1 (5.55%) of these patients. The overall complication rate was higher in group 2 (p = .005). We believe that the pie-crusting technique is beneficial for wound closure in distal tibia and fibula fractures, because it reduces the tension of the skin and allows leakage of subcutaneous fluids.

The Role of Biplanar Distal Locking in Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures.

BACKGROUND: To compare the union times of the uncomplicated tibial shaft fractures, which were distally locked by two coronal and one sagittal screws and by only two coronal screws. METHODS: 45 patients with tibial shaft treated with intramedullary nailing included in this study. 23 of 45 fractures were treated with uniplanar two distal interlocking (Group 1) and 22 fractures were treated with biplanar three distal interlocking (Group 2). Patients with closed fractures treated by closed nailing and having a full set of radiographs on PACS system was included. Fracture unions were evaluated by two authors. RESULTS: Union time was significantly shorter in biplanar distal interlocking group (Group 2) compared to uniplanar distal interlocking group (Group 1) (P=0.02). Mean union time in groups 1 and 2 were 14.63±4.5 and 10.77±3.0 weeks, respectively .When only distal third tibial shaft fractures were evaluated, Group 2 [11.2±3.1 weeks (n:17)] had significantly lower union time compared to Group 1 [15.07±4.8 weeks (n:14)] (P=0.01). Inter-observer reliability for fracture union times was high with rho= 0.89 with SE of 0.51 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Biplanar distal interlocking procedure had a significantly shorter union time. Biplanar distal interlocking procedure allows a faster fracture union probably because of a more stable fixation construct.

The effect on outcomes of the application of circumferential cerclage cable following intramedullary nailing in reverse intertrochanteric femoral fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on union results of the application of cerclage cable around the lateral femoral wall (LFW) in postoperative fracture displacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of all the cases of reverse intertrochanteric fractures over a 7-year period in a trauma center. The study included 69 fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. The age of the patients, postoperative reduction quality and complications such as mechanical failure and non-union (1.4%) were obtained from the medical records. Changes in the neck-shaft angle, the amount of LFW displacement and telescoping of proximal femoral nail antirotation blades and lag screws were measured on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The functional evaluation of the Harris Hip Score was recorded at the final follow-up examination. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56.31 years (range 18-93 years). Closed reduction was applied in 37 (53.7%) cases, open reduction in 10 (14.5%) and with cerclage cable in 22 (31.8%). Mechanical failure developed in 8 (11.5%) cases where cerclage cable was not used. In 2 of these 8 cases, open reduction was successful. In the patients where cerclage cable was applied, no mechanical failure developed and no case underwent revision surgery. In the cases where cerclage cable was not used, a significantly higher rate of telescoping was found. (p = 0.001). The application of cerclage cable was seen to significantly reduce the amount of LFW displacement (2.23 mm vs 8.86 mm) and shorten the time to partial weight bearing (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In reverse intertrochanteric fractures, the application of circumferential cerclage cable with cephalomedullary nailing contributes to primary stability and accelerates mobilization. Therefore, it can be considered a good option. It reduces the risk of failure internal fixation for intertrochanteric fracture.

Treatment results for acetabulum fractures using the modified Stoppa approach.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures using modified Stoppa approach. METHODS: A total of 57 patients (mean age 37.8 years; range 15-84) who underwent surgical treatment for acetabular fracture with modified Stoppa approach from February 2013 to June 2016 were included into the study. The mean follow-up time was 28.1 months (range 24-35). The records were reviewed for fracture patterns, time to surgery, operative time, blood loss, reduction quality, and perioperative complications. Reduction quality was graded as anatomic, imperfect, or poor. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Merle d'Aubigné score were used for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Among the 63 acetabulum fractures of the 57 patients, 27 were associated with both columns, 12 were T-type fractures, 10 were transverse, 7 were anterior column/posterior hemitransverse, 5 were anterior column, and 2 were anterior wall fracture. A single surgeon performed all operations. Pfannenstiel incision was used in the first 19 cases while vertical midline incision in the remaining 38 cases. Average time to operation was 5.5 days, and supplemental lateral windows were used in 17 (29.8%) patients. Average blood loss and operation times were 660 mL and 152 min, respectively. Radiological outcomes were anatomic, imperfect, and poor in 52 (82.5%), 9 (14.2%), and 2 (3.2%) of the acetabulum fractures, respectively. Clinical outcomes at 2 years with HHS and Merle d'Aubigné scores were mean 86.6 (range 66-96) (Excellent in 27, good in 23, fair in 4, poor in 3 patient) and 16.7 (range 10-18) (Excellent in 25, very good in 18, good in 6, fair in 5, poor in 3 patient), respectively. There was a significant relation between the reduction quality and clinical outcome (p < 0.001), while there was no significant relation between the clinical outcome and the fracture type (p > 0.05). Iatrogenic external iliac vein damage was noted in 2 patients. Obturator nerve palsy was noted in 3 patients, who recovered spontaneously at mean time of 3.7 months (range 3-5). Rectus abdominus paralysis was noted in 2 of the 19 (10.5%) Pfannenstiel-incision patients but not in the vertical-incision patients. CONCLUSION: Our experience in 57 patients shows that satisfactory results can be obtained, even in bilateral fractures with vertical midline incision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Therapeutic Study.

Evaluation of inter- and intra-observer reliability of current classification systems for subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the Russell Taylor, Seinsheimer and AO classification systems, and to investigate whether or not the experience of the surgeon had any effect on the classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All the radiographs of 35 patients with subtrochanteric femur fracture were classified by 16 observers using the Russell Taylor, Seinsheimer and 31-AO classifications. Two groups of observers were formed of eight orthopedic surgeons, each with at least five-year experience and eight orthopedic assistants, from six different hospitals, who were invited to participate in the study. All the observers reviewed all the X-rays at this first evaluation. At 6 weeks after the first evaluation, the same radiographs were presented to each observer again in a random order and all the observers were requested to classify the fractures again. To evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability, the Fleiss kappa and Cohen's kappa values were used. RESULTS: In the inter-observer reliability, the mean values of the two evaluations for the Russell Taylor classification were determined to be κ:0.724 (substantial) for the specialists and κ:0.722 (substantial) for the assistants. Using the Seinsheimer classification, the mean values were κ:0.691 (substantial) for the specialists and κ:0.629 (substantial) for the assistants, and for the AO classification, the mean values were κ:0.279 (fair) for the specialists and κ:0.291 (fair) for the assistants. In the intra-observer reliability, the median values for the Russell Taylor classification were determined to be κ:0.955 (almost perfect) for the specialists and κ:0.855 (almost perfect) for the assistants. Using the Seinsheimer classification, the median values were κ:0.915 (almost perfect) for the specialists and κ:0.900 (almost perfect) for the assistants, and for the AO classification, the median values were κ:0.665 (substantial) for the specialists and κ:0.695 (substantial) for the assistants. CONCLUSIONS: As both the Russell Taylor and Seinsheimer classifications were found to be more reliable and reproducible than the AO classification for subtrochanteric femoral fractures, they can be considered to be more valuable in clinical practice and communication. The experience of the surgeons was not found to have any significance in the evaluation of these three classification systems in these types of fractures.

The efficacy of in situ local autograft in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a comparison of three different grafting methods

Background/aim: This study was performed to show the efficacy of in situ local autograft with a comparison of in situ local autograft, local autograft with allograft, and local autograft with posterior iliac crest autograft.Materials and methods: In this prospective randomized study, a total of 65 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients were separated into 3 groups: Group 1 using local autograft and allograft, Group 2 using local autograft only, and Group 3 using local autograft and posterior iliac crest autograft. Posterior segmental instrumentation was also applied to all patients. The mean follow-up period was 28.5 months (range, 15-40 months). Pseudarthrosis was investigated with the multiplanar and three-dimensional images obtained using multislice computed tomography, thoracolumbar bone single-photon emission computed tomography, and three-phase regional and whole body bone scintigraphy. Results: Pseudarthrosis was not observed in any patient. Fusion was obtained in all patients at the end of the follow-up periods.Conclusion: Similar results were obtained in respect of fusion in all 3 groups. Without the use of additional grafts, sufficient fusion can be achieved with the use of local autograft alone for posterior spinal fusion in patients with AIS.