Clinical and Radiological Results of Oxford Phase-3 Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) by showing the results of the radiological and clinical outcomes of the patients. Materials and methods Seventy-two knees of 54 patients who underwent UKA between September 2005 and March 2011 for medial knee arthritis with a minimum follow-up of six months were evaluated. Range of motion (ROM), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were investigated both preoperatively and postoperatively. On the other hand, Oxford radiographic evaluation criteria were used to evaluate prostheses radiologically at the final follow-up. Results The average age was 53.4 years (47 to 79 years). The average follow-up time was 39.8 months (8 to 72 months). There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ROM, HSS, and OKS (p<0.05). Radiologically, there was no sign of arthritis on the unoperated side of the knee or failure of prosthesis detected. Before the operation, the average clinical KSS was 63.2 and improved to 91.4 after the operation. In addition, the average functional KSS was 54.9 before the operation and improved to 86.5 after the operation. The average knee flexion degree was 109.1 before the operation and there was an improvement to 123.6 degrees after the operation. Before the operation, the average HSS score was 67.5 (range, 52 to 75) and improved to 89.9 (range, 85 to 100) at the final control examination. Conclusion This study supports the use of Oxford Phase 3 UKA, which has excellent clinical and radiological results in patients with medial knee arthritis.

The effect of erythropoietin on rat rotator cuff repair model: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether erythropoietin (EPO) can enhance rotator cuff healing in rats as measured by histological analysis and biomechanical testing. METHODS: A total of 72 rats were included in this study. In the control group (n = 24), repair was performed without EPO injection. In the local group (n = 24) EPO was injected in the repair site. In the systemic group (n = 24) EPO was administered as an intraperitoneal injection every day for 10 days after repair. Rats were euthanized on day 10 (n = 12 from each group) and day 28 (n = 12 from each group). Histopathological (n = 6) and biomechanical examinations (n = 6) were done. RESULTS: Biomechanical results reveal that the maximum load to failure values of the early control group were statistically lower than those of the early systemic group (p = 0.006). Comparing the the total Bonar values histopathologically reveal that the early systemic group was statistically higher than those of the early local group (p = 0.043). The late control group was statistically higher than those of the late local group (p = 0.003) and the late systemic group (p = 0.034). The late systemic group was statistically higher than those of the late local group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: EPO application had a positive effect biomechanically in the early euthanized group and histopathologically in the late euthanized group.

Intraoperative Halo-Femoral Traction in Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves between 70° and 90°: Is It Effective?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical outcomes of intraoperative halo-femoral traction (HFT) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with Cobb angles between 70° and 90° and flexibility <35%. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Numerous methods have been described to achieve adequate correction and successful results in the surgical treatment of AIS patients with a Cobb angle >70°. However, few studies have evaluated the results of HFT in AIS patients with Cobb angles between 70° and 90° and flexibility <35%. METHODS: The study comprised 24 AIS patients (18 females, six males; mean age, 17.4 years; mean preoperative Cobb angle, 80.1°; range, 70°-90°) who underwent surgery using intraoperative HFT. Neurological status was constantly assessed during the surgery using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 33.5 months. Radiographic outcomes demonstrated 85.7% correction of the major Cobb angle. Coronal and sagittal balance was achieved in all the patients, and shoulder levels were equalized. The traction was discontinued when a decrease in spinal cord potentials was observed during the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative HFT is an effective and reliable method for the management of scoliosis curves between 70° and 90°. The most significant advantages of the method are avoidance of the morbidities related to anterior surgery, osteotomy, or vertebral column resection; its contribution in helping achieve adequate reduction and optimum balance by the gradually increased corrective force, lack of any need for extreme correction force during instrumentation; and the high correction rates achieved.

Criteria for Ending the Distal Fusion at the L3 Vertebra vs. L4 in Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Lenke Type 3C, 5C, and 6C Curves: Results After Ten Years of Follow-up.

Introduction The selection of the most distal caudal vertebra in spinal fusion surgeries in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with structural lumbar curvatures is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative radiological criteria on the traction X-rays under general anesthesia (TrUGA) for selection between the L3 and L4 vertebrae and to assess the efficacy of these criteria via the long-term results of patients with Lenke Type 3C, 5C, and 6C curves. Methods Radiological data of 93 patients (84 females, 9 males) who met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively evaluated. The relationship between the L3 vertebra and the central sacral vertebral line, the portion of the L3 vertebra in the stable zone of Harrington, the parallelism of the L3 with the sacrum, and the tilt and rotation of the L3 on TrUGA radiographs were evaluated for the selection of the lowest instrumented vertebrae (LIV). Clinical results were analyzed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire. Results The mean follow-up period of the study group was 149.3 months. According to the Lenke classification, 29 patients had Type 3C, 33 had Type 5C, and 31 had Type 6C curves. The preoperative analysis was based on standing anteroposterior (AP), supine traction, and bending X-rays, and the L3 vertebra was selected as the LIV in 37 patients (40%). These X-rays suggested L4 as the LIV in 56 patients (60%); however, based on our study criteria, the L3 vertebra was selected. No significant loss of correction was observed nor additional surgery due to decompensation was required in the follow-up period. Conclusion  The use of TrUGA radiographs with the identified criteria is an efficient alternative method in the selection of the LIV in patients with Lenke Type 3C, 5C, and 6C curves.

Application of cement on strategic vertebrae in the treatment of the osteoporotic spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The application of pedicle screws with cement to strengthen the fixation of the osteoporotic spine has increasingly gained popularity. However, the technique has also led to an increase in cement-related complications. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of the patients with degenerative spinal pathologies who were treated with pedicle screws and cement injections on all segments versus those who were treated with cement injections only on the strategic vertebrae selected. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample consists of 31 patients who underwent spinal surgery due to degenerative spinal pathologies. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were assessed for the adequate spinal fusion and cement-related complication parameters. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years were divided into two groups and evaluated. Group A consisted of 17 patients (14 females, 3 males; mean age: 68.1 years) with cemented pedicle screws and Group B consisted of 14 patients (12 females, 2 males; mean age: 67.2 years) with cemented screws on selected vertebrae alone. Selection of the strategic vertebrae was made by taking the most stressed regions in the fusion site into account. Prophylactic vertebroplasty was performed in all patients in Group A and on strategic segments in Group B to avoid an adjacent segment fracture. Early- and late-term complications during the follow-up period were recorded. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 51.8 (range: 31 to 80) months in Group A and 41.2 (range: 26 to 61) months in Group B. Cemented pedicle screws were bilaterally placed on 94 vertebrae in Group A. In Group B, cement was applied on 28 of 80 vertebrae. Including the prophylactic vertebroplasties, a total of 111 cement applications were performed in Group A and 38 in Group B. Cement embolism, symptomatic chest discomfort, and duration of surgery were significantly higher in Group A (p<.05). No adjacent segment fracture in the proximal or distal vertebra, implant failure, or loss of correction was seen throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The application of cemented pedicle screws on all segments of the osteoporotic spine increases the cement volume and rate of cement-related complications. Cementing the strategic vertebrae alone will enhance the fixation strength and endurance and decrease the complications caused by cement application.

Discrepancy between cervical disc prostheses and anatomical cervical dimensions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess appropriateness of the sizes of available cervical disc prostheses based on tomographic measurement of human cervical vertebrae. METHODS: The anatomic dimensions of the C3-C7 segments were measured on 50 patients (age range 26-47 years) with computerized tomography scan and compared with the sizes of the popular cervical total disc prostheses (CTDP) at the market [Bryan (Medtronic), Prodisc-C (Synthes), Prestige LP (Medtronic), Discover (DePuy)]. The mediolateral and anteriorposterior diameters of the upper and lower endplates were measured with a digital measuring system. RESULTS: Overall, 43.7% of the largest implant footprints were smaller in the anterior-posterior diameter and 42.6% in the mediolateral diameter were smaller than cervical endplate measurements. Discrepancy of the level C5/C6 and C6/C7 was calculated as 56.2% at the anteroposterior diameter and 43.8% at the center of mediolateral diameter. CONCLUSION: Large disparity has been found between the sizes of devices and cervical anatomic data. Companies that produce CTDP should take care of the anatomical dimensions and generate different sizes of CTDP. Spine surgeon should be familiar with the size mismatch in CTDP that may affect the clinical and radiological outcome of the surgery.

Importance of fixation of posterior malleolus fracture in trimalleolar fractures: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate treatment effect and importance of posterior malleolus (PM) fixation in surgically treated trimalleolar fractures. METHODS: A total of 57 cases of ankle joint fracture involving PM and treated with open reduction and internal fixation technique between 2004 and 2011 were evaluated. PM fixation was performed with cannulated screws in 46 cases, and in 11 cases, PM plate was used. All patients were assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) foot and ankle questionnaire, and Visual Analog Score (VAS) pain scale. Ankle joint mobility was also compared with unaffected side. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 44.6 months (range: 24-108 months). There were 36 female patients and 21 male patients between 23 and 85 years of age (mean: 55.9 years). Average time to surgery was 1.1 day (range: 1-3 days). According to AOFAS assessment, result was excellent in 21 patients and good in 26 patients. AAOS score was 92.4 (range: 32-100). Mean VAS score when resting was 1.1, and mean score was 1.3 when walking (range: 0-10). When compared with uninjured side, there was no significant difference in plantar flexion of ankle (p=0.325) but there was significant difference in dorsiflexion of ankle joint (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of PM provide satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes even in elderly patients where bone quality may make adequate fixation difficult. Fixation of even small PM fragments can facilitate rehabilitation by creating more stable construction.

Dorsal nail plate versus percutaneous k-wire fixation in the treatment of displaced distal radius fractures.

Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures in the elderly, yet the treatment is controversial and still debated in the literature. Twenty four patients aged older than sixty with distal radial fractures were treated by dorsal nail plate. We compared them with twenty four similar matched patients treated by percutaneous Kirschner wiring surgical method. The patients were operated on by a surgeon experienced in carrying out hand surgery. The purpose of this retrospective review was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with displaced distal radial fractures who were treated with either the dorsal nail plate or percutaneous Kirschner wiring surgical procedures. Both groups had high union rates and low complication rates for the treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in elderly patients. However, better functional results can be expected in dorsal nail plate.

Pott's Disease in a 2-Year-Old Child Treated by Decompression and Anterior-Posterior Instrumented Fusion.

Introduction. Paraplegia and kyphotic deformity are two major disease-related problems of spinal tuberculosis, especially in the early age disease. In this study a 2-year-old boy who underwent surgical decompression, correction, and 360° instrumented fusion via simultaneous anterior-posterior technique for Pott's disease was reported. Case Report. A 2-year-and-9-month-old boy presented with severe back pain and paraparesis of one-month duration. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated destruction with a large paraspinal abscess involving T5-T6-T7 levels, compressing the spinal cord. The paraspinal abscess drained and three-level corpectomy was performed at T5-6-7 with transthoracic approach. Anterior instrumentation and fusion was performed with structural 1 autogenous fibula and rib graft using screw-rod system. In prone position pedicle screws were inserted at T4 and T8 levels and rods were placed. Six months after surgery, there was no weakness or paraparesis and no correction loss at the end of follow-up period. Discussion. In cases of vertebral osteomyelitis with severe anterior column destruction in the very early child ages the use of anterior structural grafts and instrumentation in combination with posterior instrumentation is safe and effective in maintenance of the correction achieved and allows efficient stabilization and early mobilization.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in diaphyseal humerus and proximal humerus fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using locking plates in diaphyseal humerus and proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: Nine patients who underwent open reduction and MIPO for the treatment of diaphyseal and proximal humerus fractures between June 2006 and October 2009 were included in this study. One S3(®) and 8 PHILOS(®) plates were used. Mean age was 75.2 (range: 32 to 86) years and all patients were females. Mean follow-up was 33.9 (range: 14.8 to 54.8) months. According to AO/ASIF classification, four patients had 12C1, two patients 12A1, one patient 12A2, and two patients 11A2 fractures. Axillary and radial nerves were explored and protected in all patients. Patients were evaluated radiographically for union and functionally using the Constant-Murley score. RESULTS: None of the patients had nonunion, avascular necrosis, axillary or radial nerve paralysis or implant failure. Mean Constant-Murley score was 86.8 ± 2.2 (range: 70 to 100). Mean union time was 3.2 (range: 2.5 to 5) months. CONCLUSION: MIPO of humerus diaphysis and proximal fractures allows for preservation of blood supply in fracture fragments, owing to less soft tissue and periosteal injury. When the procedure is performed with the lateral double incision, exposure and preservation of the axillary and radial nerves are necessary. Early return of function in the shoulder and elbow joints and favorable healing time are the major advantages of this method in this rare subset of humerus fractures.