Preoperative cardiology consultations for geriatric patients with hip fractures rarely provide additional recommendations and are associated with prolonged hospital stays and delayed surgery: a retrospective case control study.

OBJECTIVES: Hip fractures are increasingly common among the elderly population, who often present with a high burden of comorbidities necessitating preoperative stabilization. As a result, preoperative cardiology consultations are frequently conducted in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the additional recommendations provided by preoperative cardiology consultations and the impact of consultations on the management and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This matched cohort study was performed to retrospectively assess the clinical data of patients who were treated for hip fractures at our institution between January 2016 and December 2017. Individuals who were 60 years old or older with available clinical and radiological data were included. A total of 262 patients who met these criteria were included, with 192 undergoing cardiology consultation and 70 not. Through matching for age, sex, ASA grade, fracture type, and surgery type, two groups (Group A, preoperative cardiology consultation requested; Group B, preoperative cardiology consultation not requested) of 50 patients each were formed. The duration between hospital admission and surgery, recommendations provided by cardiology consultation, type of anaesthesia and surgery, length of hospital stay, incidence of medical and orthopaedic complications, and one-year mortality status were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean age of Group A was 78.5 (± 7.4) years, whereas that of Group B was 78.4 (± 7.4) years (p = 0.99). Both groups included 30 female patients and 20 male patients each. There were no significant differences in anaesthesia type or the incidence of medical or orthopaedic complications between the groups. However, Group A experienced a significantly longer duration between admission and surgery (5 [1/9] days vs. 3 [0/7] days; p = 0.00) and a longer hospital stay (7 [3/15] days vs. 5 [1/19] days; p = 0.01) than did Group B. The one-year mortality rate did not significantly differ between the groups (30% vs. 20%; p = 0.36). Notably, only 3 out of 50 patients received additional treatments following cardiology consultation beyond routine recommendations. CONCLUSION: Preoperative cardiology consultations before hip fracture surgery rarely leads to a change in treatment. Additionally, these evaluations delay surgery and extend the hospital stay.

Scabies infestation might predispose surgical site infection: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Human scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, leading to skin damage and subsequent mechanical irritation from scratching. This impaired skin integrity predisposes individuals to skin infections. While the association between scabies and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes is well-documented, there is limited literature on the risk of surgical site infections in such cases. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report aims to explore this risk by presenting a case of surgical site infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes following surgery for a complex elbow injury in a patient with scabies infestation. DISCUSSION: Scabies infestation leads to direct spread of bacteria and contributes to bacterial infection. Furthermore, complement inhibition and dysbiosis induced by the scabies may facilitate the occurrence of these bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: Skin infections are frequently encountered in scabies infestations. Preferred incision should be evaluated meticulously before surgery. Further studies are needed to reach a definitive conclusion on this subject.

Self-inflicted tourniquet application resulted with two fasciotomies: Case report of an initially omitted Munchausen case.

INTRODUCTION: Compartment syndrome is an emergency which requires prompt intervention. While main challenge typically revolves around determining necessity for fasciotomy in suspected cases, etiology is often pronounced, leaving little room for differential diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We report a case with unconventional presentation and clinical course, ultimately diagnosed as Munchausen Syndrome. DISCUSSION: It has been reported that individuals with Munchausen syndrome are successful at manipulating healthcare professionals. They often study the symptoms of their sickness, examination findings, and findings that may alert doctors, mastering their techniques over time. CONCLUSION: It is of importance to consider Munchausen Syndrome as a potential cause, particularly in cases where clinical history and course of symptoms do not align with our experiences and cannot be reconciled with other possible diagnostic patterns.

Comparison of the forearm rotation restriction capacities of four upper-extremity immobilization methods: there is no difference between single and double sugar tong splinting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of four different immobilization methods [single sugar tong splint (SSTS), double sugar tong splint (DSTS), short arm cast (SAC), and long arm cast (LAC)] commonly used for restricting forearm rotation in the upper extremity. METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers were included in the study. Dominant extremities were used for measurements. Basal pronation and supination of the forearm were measured with a custom-made goniometer, and the total rotation arc was calculated without any immobilization. Next, the measurements were repeated with the SAC, LAC, SSTS and DSTS. Each measurement was compared to the baseline value, and the percentage of rotation restriction was calculated. RESULTS: The most superior restriction rates were observed for the LAC (p = 0.00). No statistically significant difference was detected between the SSTS and DSTS in terms of the restriction of supination, pronation or the rotation arc (p values, 1.00, 0.18, and 0.50, respectively). Statistically significant differences were not detected between the SAC and the SSTS in any of the three parameters (p values, 0.25; 1.00; 1.00, respectively). When the SAC and DSTS were compared, while there was no significant difference between the two methods in pronation (p = 0.50), a statistically significant difference was detected in supination (p = 0.01) and in the total rotation arc (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The LAC provides superior results in restricting forearm rotation. The SAC and SSTS had similar effects on forearm rotation. The DSTS, which contains, in addition to the SSTS, a sugar tong portion above the elbow, does not provide additional rotational stability.

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in pre- and postoperative monitoring of prostate cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate Cancer (PC) is a global health concern affecting men worldwide. Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to the initiation of early-stage PC lesions. Additionally, inflammation has long been acknowledged as a factor in the development of PC. We aimed to examine the biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in PC patients before and after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Urology Outpatient Clinic of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital. A total of 150 individuals were included in the study, divided into five groups: 50 Healthy controls, 25 patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), 25 patients with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (LRPC), 25 patients with Medium-Risk Prostate Cancer (MRPC), and 25 patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer (HRPC). Measurements of Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Thiol (TT), and Native Thiol (NT) were performed using photometric methods. Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) and Disulfide (DIS) levels were calculated mathematically. Levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Presepsin were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy control group, the results indicated a statistically significant increase in both oxidative stress and inflammation levels. In the groups receiving both pharmaceutical therapy and surgical treatment (PC), a significant decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation levels was observed. CONCLUSION: Consequently, it is suggested that the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers should be incorporated in the pre- and postoperative monitoring of patients with PC.

Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels are found to be statistically lower in all PC groups, indicating a correlation between oxidative stress and the progression of PC.Levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were found to be higher before and after surgery in PC groups, and their variation correlated with tumor grade and size.Post-surgery, a decrease in presepsin levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of sepsis in PC patients.Reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation levels postoperatively suggest the effectiveness of surgical intervention in mitigating these factors.The potential for personalized medicine to decrease PC mortality is highlighted by better understanding the functional relationship coordinating inflammatory signatures in the tumor microenvironment.

Isolated popliteus tendon injury in a young patient: A case report.

Isolated popliteus injury is a rare clinical condition which can be treated either surgically or conservatively. Factors such as the patient's age, activity level, and cooperation with the medical team are determinants to choose the most optimal treatment option. A 29-year-old female patient presented with a knee injury caused by a low-speed motorcycle accident. Further examination suggested an isolated popliteus injury without any concomitant knee injury. We opted for surgical treatment, as it allowed us to act more confidently in the postoperative follow-up and the patient did not inspire confidence in the medical team in terms of close follow-up and compliance with the physical therapy protocols that would be required, if conservative treatment was chosen. In conclusion, isolated popliteus injury is a rare condition with no consensus on the treatment algorithm. Both surgical and conservative treatments can yield good to excellent results. Surgical treatment may be considered in selected cases where an optimal close follow-up regimen seems to be unlikely.

A comparison of two immobilization methods in the conservative treatment of pediatric distal forearm fractures: Long arm cast versus single sugar-tong splint.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the results of single sugar-tong splint (SSTS) and long arm cast (LAC) as an immobilization method in pediatric distal forearm fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2019, a total of 186 pediatric patients (143 males, 43 females; mean age: 10.3±3 years; range, 4 to 15 years) with distal forearm fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the immobilization method: SSTS group (n=74) and LAC group (n=112). All patients were evaluated at the time of admission, immediately after the reduction, and at one, two, and four weeks. Sagittal and coronal plane angulations and translation percentages of the radius at each visit were calculated. Alterations in coronal angle, sagittal angle, sagittal translation and coronal translation were calculated by subtracting the measurements after reduction from the measurements at four weeks. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics, fracture localization, and side of injured extremity. There was a statistically significant difference only in the sagittal angulations in the first (LAC: 4.7; SSTS: 6.5; p=0.009) and second week (LAC: 5.3; SSTS: 6.8; p=0.024). The rest of radiological measurements were comparable. In the LAC group, seven patients had re-intervention (three manipulations, four surgeries) and in the SSTS group, three patients had re-intervention (two manipulations, one surgery) (p=0.657). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that SSTS and LAC are comparable in terms of radiological results and need for re-intervention as an immobilization method of pediatric distal forearm fractures.

Stress radiography findings in medial meniscus posterior root tears.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate stress radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs). METHODS: The study included 27 patients (26 females, mean age, 53.52 years) who underwent high tibial osteotomy and in whom medial menisci were concurrently examined arthroscopically. Preoperative stress radiographs and MRI series in 14 cases with root tears (MMPRT group, detected arthroscopically) and in 13 cases without tears (control group) were evaluated. Joint spaces measured on the stress radiographs were compared between the operated and opposite knees in each group. RESULTS: On the varus stress radiographs, the mean lateral joint space of the operated knees was significantly wider than that of the opposite knees in the MMPRT group (P = 0.007). Upon MRI studies, meniscal extrusion was significantly more common in the MMPRT group than in the control group. Moreover, the amount of meniscal extrusion was correlated with the tear size. CONCLUSIONS: Widening of the lateral joint space on the varus stress radiography was higher in the cases with root tears. Therefore, we propose that stress radiographs can be helpful in the diagnosis of MMPRT.

Posteromedial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy to Avoid Posterior Tibial Slope Increase.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to evaluate the influence of the surgical modification on posterior tibial slope (PTS) and patellar height in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). The secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of preoperative mechanical axis deviations (MA) on PTS METHODS: Between January 2014 and February 2016, patients with a diagnosis of medial-compartment osteoarthritis who had undergone OWHTO with posteromedial osteotomy technique with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were included in this retrospective study. Preoperative and postoperative PTS angles with 3 different methods and patellar heights with respect to the Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps indices were measured on lateral radiographs by 2 observers. Patients were grouped according to preoperative MA (either <10° or ≥10°). PTS changes were compared between groups RESULTS: Thirty consecutive knees of 28 patients were evaluated. Preoperative mean PTS angles were 9.50° ± 4.47° (posterior tibial cortex referenced), 11.51° ± 4.50° (tibial anatomical axis referenced), and 10.80° ± 4.58° (posterior fibular cortex referenced); postoperative angles were 6.10° ± 4.23°, 8.78° ± 4.57°, and 8.11° ± 4.55°, respectively. PTS was significantly decreased postoperatively with respect to all 3 methods (P < .0001). Mean preoperative and postoperative Insall-Salvati indices were 1.04 ± 0.16 and 1.07 ± 0.17, respectively (P = .088). Mean preoperative and postoperative Caton-Deschamps indices were 0.87 ± 0.18 and 0.78 ± 0.18, respectively (P = .017). PTS changes were not statistically significant between groups with respect to MA (P values .861, .723, and .727, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to preserve and even decrease PTS with an OWHTO performed posterior to MCL in a posteromedial to anterolateral direction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

[Cystic echinococcosis in Turkey from 2001-2005]. / Türkiye'de 2001-2005 Yillari Arasinda Kistik Ekinokokkozis.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the metacestode form of Echinococcus granulosus is a major public health problem especially in animal-raising regions of the world. In the present study, CE cases were determined during 2001-2005 by investigating different hospital and health directorship documents and Health Ministry documents, retrospectively. Our results show that there were 2534 (13.13%) cases in the Marmara region; 2114 (16.94%), in the Aegean region; 2578 (16.09%), Mediterranean region; 5404 (38.57%), in the Middle Anatolian region; 428 (5.70%), in the Black Sea region; 844 (6.80%), in the eastern Anatolian region; and 887 (2.75%), in the southeastern Anatolian region making a total of 14,789 CE cases. Finally, it has been determined that the patients were hospitalized for a total of 149,464 days.