The John Hopkins classification system used in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures requires more experience than the Gartland system.

The Gartland classification is used to decide on surgery. In contrast, the John Hopkins classification system predicts clinical outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and determines the risk of reduction loss. This study aims to investigate the usability of the Gartland and the John Hopkins classification systems by pediatric and general orthopedic surgeons. The preoperative images of 200 patients who presented at a tertiary-level trauma center with a supracondylar humerus fracture were examined by 4 observers, twice at an interval of 6 weeks. The observers comprised 2 pediatric orthopedic surgeons and 2 orthopedics and traumatology surgeons. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were excellent for the first and second measurements of the Gartland classification. The inter-observer agreement of the pediatric orthopedic surgeons and the general orthopedic surgeons was found to be similar (ICC >90). Inter-observer reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.808) and good (ICC: 0.732) for the measurements of the John Hopkins classification, respectively. The inter-observer agreement of the pediatric orthopedic surgeons and the general orthopedic surgeons was not similar. The inter-observer agreement between the two pediatric orthopedic surgeons was excellent for the measurements (ICC: 0.868; ICC: 0.756, respectively). The inter-observer agreement between the two general orthopedic surgeons was good for the measurements (ICC: 0.605; ICC: 0.663, respectively). The John Hopkins classification system has good intra- and inter-observer reliability, and a high experience level increases the agreement. The Gartland classification system was not affected by experience. This should be considered when taking measurements in studies and patient management.

Reliability of Gordon Lateral Rotation Percentage and Prabhakar Percentage of Metaphyseal Overhang for Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture; Is it Clinically Reliable for John Hopkins Classification Coronal Fracture Subtypes?

BACKGROUND: Rotational malalignment is a common problem in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF). Several techniques have been described to evaluate the true rotation value. Although the Prabhakar and Gordon techniques are used frequently, their superiority to each other in terms of measurement quality is unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical compatibility of the 2 techniques and to evaluate whether they are suitable for all subtypes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with SCHF (including subtypes; Typical, Medial Oblique, Lateral Oblique, and High fracture pattern). The Gordon lateral rotation percentage and Prabhakar percentage of metaphyseal overhang were measured twice by 4 experienced Orthopedics and Traumatology surgeons at 8-week intervals. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability for Gordon and Prabhakar technique was 0.816 and 0.762 for the first measurement and 0.811 and 0.811 for the second measurement, respectively.The medial oblique fracture pattern was determined to have the best interobserver agreement among the subtypes. The result was excellent for the medial and lateral oblique subtypes, good for the typical fracture pattern, and fair for the high fracture pattern. The intraobserver reliability for Gordon and Prabhakar technique was excellent, 0.924 and 0.922, respectively. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study was that the Gordon and Prabhakar techniques have similar interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Although the Gordon technique tends to have higher interobserver reliability, the difference was clinically insignificant. These measurements should not be relied upon in cases of SCHF with a high fracture pattern because of the different anatomic features of that region. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Musculoskeletal Pathology Services.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on healthcare in musculoskeletal pathology. There is no standard protocol for pathology services during a pandemic. The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the workload of the musculoskeletal pathology service and the hurdles faced in collaboration with the orthopedic oncology unit in a tertiary reference center in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  The pathology reports from mid-March to mid-June 2019, 2020, and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS:  Significant differences were found between the pandemic period (2020) and the non-pandemic periods (2019-2021) in benign bone and soft tissue lesions, resection surgeries, and soft tissue tumors, which were more prevalent in the non-pandemic periods. However, there was no significant decrease in biopsy procedures. Conclusion: During the pandemic period, the biopsy procedure appears to be feasible for bone and soft tissue lesions without the need for anesthesia.

Long-term Functional Consequences of Surgically Treated Pediatric and Adolescent Olecranon Fractures: Does the Presence of Associated Fractures and Surgical Procedure Affect the Results?

BACKGROUND: Olecranon fractures are rare conditions in childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the results in surgically treated pediatric and adolescent olecranon fractures. METHODS: The orthopaedic trauma database of a large academic tertiary center was retrospectively searched for patients who had sustained an olecranon fracture and were treated surgically between 2005 and 2021. Data related to demographic features, additional fractures, and the presence of any disease were obtained from the patient files. Mayo elbow performance score and the Turkish-language version of the shortened version of the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand scale were the main functional outcome measurements. RESULTS: The study included 37 elbows of 34 patients with an average age at the time of surgery of 10.9±3.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 78.2±48.0 months (range, 12 to 196 mo). The 1-year fracture rate of contralateral olecranon was 75% in osteogenesis imperfecta patients. Concomitant fractures were 7 proximal radius, 1 medial epicondyle, and 2 capitellum fractures. The surgical treatment methods were tension band wiring (TBW), open reduction and isolated K-wire fixation, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CR-PP), and open reduction-plate fixation. The mean implant removal time in patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was 2.2 months, open reduction and isolated K-wire fixation 4.7 months, and TBW 12.7 months ( P =0.004). The mean disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand scale was 1.9. The mean Mayo elbow performance score was 100. Grade 1 elbow arthritis was determined in 3 patients. No patient underwent revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: All treatment modalities provided excellent long-term functional results and low complication rates without the need for revision. Closed reduction-percutaneous fixation and open reduction-isolated K-wire fixation were associated with shorter implant removal times compared with TBW. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Early and mid-term results of Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present the clinical and radiological results of a large patient group operated by Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty (TLA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted with 66 hips of 41 patients (5 males, 36 females; mean age: 32.3±18 months; range, 11 to 132 months) operated for DDH using the TLA technique in a single center between February 2012 and December 2016. Adductor tenotomy was performed on 52 (79%) hips. There was a need for additional femoral shortening and derotation-varization osteotomy in 14 (21%) hips. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with modified McKay criteria. The acetabular index and lateral migration index for the subluxated hip were calculated, and the femoral head position was evaluated according to Perkin's line and Shenton's line. The Severin classification was used to assess the outcome of the hips. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 27±11 months. According to the modified McKay criteria for DDH, 77.3% of hips were classified as excellent, 16.6% as good, and 6.1% as fair. The mean acetabular index decreased from 36.1° preoperatively to 18.6° postoperatively. The mean postoperative improvement for the acetabular index was 17.5±5. The lateral migration index improved from 89.7 to 10.6%. A statistically significant difference was determined between the preoperative and postoperative measurements of the acetabular index and lateral migration index (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty was found to be safe and effective with a low learning curve, and successful treatment decreases the duration of follow-up required in patients with DDH.

The efficiency and safety of intravenous tranexamic acid administration in open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic and acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the efficiency and safety of tranexamic acid use in open reduction and internal fixation of pelvis and acetabulum fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 73 consecutive patients were included. 1000 mg TXA was administered intravenously to all patients before surgery. The patients were evaluated on the basis of preoperative, postoperative first and third day hemoglobin-hematocrit values, amount of drainage collected, total blood loss, transfusion rates and complications. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 120.1 min. Average decrease in hematocrit levels between preoperative and postoperative first day was 2.1 g/dL. Average collected blood from the drain was 177 mL. Mean total blood loss was 1137 mL. Transfusion rate of the patients was 21%. Mean transfused units was 0.9 units. Three patients died within 3 weeks after the operation due to myocardial infarction, acute kidney failure and pneumonia. There were no cases of symptomatic venous or pulmonary thromboembolism during the 90 days of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Use of TXA in pelvic and acetabular fractures was found to be effective in reducing total blood loss, hemoglobin drop and transfusion rates without increasing venous and pulmonary thromboembolism in our series.

Dorsal or Lateral Approach for Intramedullary Nailing Using Kirschner Wire in Pediatric Radius Diaphyseal Fractures: Does it really matter?

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing is the most preferred fixation method for diaphyseal radius and ulna fractures in the young age group. The aim of this study was to compare the dorsal and lateral entry points in the context of entry site-related complications, fracture union and functional results. METHODS: This retrospective comparative study included pediatric patients who underwent surgery for isolated diaphyseal radius or both bone forearm fractures with intramedullary nailing using Kirschner wire between January 2013 and January 2019. K-wire was introduced from the distal radius through dorsal entry (Group A) in 19 patients and lateral entry (Group B) in 18 patients. The mean follow-up was 37 months. Complications were noted and functional outcomes were evaluated according to the CHOP criteria. RESULTS: All fractures were healed. The functional results were determined to be excellent for 30, fair for 4, and poor for 3 patients. The overall complication rate was 18.9%, including distal radius fracture, mild pain in the wrist, and minor loss in ROM. No statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in respect of functional results and complication rates. CONCLUSION: Good functional results and similar complication rates can be obtained with both dorsal and lateral entry approaches. Stainless steel K-wire is an inexpensive intramedullary fixation implant option, which provides strong stabilization. Distal radius fracture is a newly reported complication for forearm intramedullary nailing. Leaving the implant out of the skin seems safe with the benefit of avoiding a further surgical intervention to extract the implant.

Do the risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip differ according to gender? A look from another perspective.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine if there were gender differences in risk factors in 4415 infants who were evaluated through a physical examination and hip ultrasonography (USG). METHODS: Physical examination of the hip and hip USG were performed on 4415 infants by the same paediatric orthopaedics specialist. Barlow and Ortolani tests were performed together with the evaluation for the limitation of abduction. Ultrasonographic hip examination was performed according to the Graf technique. The birth records of all the infants were examined, and anamneses (genetic disease, maternal age, delivery type, swaddling, multiple pregnancies, duration of gestation period, gravida, birthweight, breech presentation, oligohydramnios and family history) were obtained from the families. Any accompanying musculoskeletal (torticollis, pes equinovarus, congenital knee dislocation) abnormality was recorded. RESULTS: Pathological hip was determined in 149 (3.37%) of 4415 infants. In males, gestational week, family history, breech presentation, swaddling, congenital knee dislocation and limited abduction were observed to be significant for the presence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In females, significant factors for the presence of DDH were determined to include birthweight, gestational week, breech presentation, multiple pregnancy, accompanying oligohydramnios, torticollis, pes equinovarus and limited abduction. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for DDH can differ according to gender.

Mid-term and Long-term Functional and Radiographic Results of 13 Surgically Treated Adolescent Capitellum Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Capitellum fractures are rare in adolescents, and information in literature is still limited. The purpose of this study was to report the mid-term and long-term functional and radiographic results of 13 surgically treated adolescent capitellum fractures in a level I trauma center. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients aged 10 to 16 years, who underwent surgery for a capitellum fracture and were followed up for at least 12 months. Fractures were classified according to the McKee modification of the Bryan and Morrey classification, and elbow arthritis was classified using the Broberg and Morrey system. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and the Turkish-language version of the shortened version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scale. RESULTS: The mean time to surgical intervention was 4.5 days (range, 1 to 18 d). The mean flexion-extension range of motion arc was measured as 115 (range, 45 to 150) degrees. The mean restriction for extension and flexion compared with the uninjured side was measured as 10.7 (range, 0 to 45) and 11.5 (range, 0 to 45) degrees, respectively. The mean MEPI was 87.7 points (range, 50 to 100 points) with 9 patients as excellent, 1 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. The mean QuickDASH score was 11 (range, 0 to 57). The mean MEPI score was 95.6 and 75 and the mean QuickDASH score was 2.62 and 25.0 for early surgery group (≤3 d) and late surgery group (>3 d), respectively (P=0.073, 0.024). Elbow joint contracture developed in 4 patients. Implant removal and open release of joint contracture was applied to 2 patients. Elbow arthritis of grade 3 was observed in 2 patients and grade 2 in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Capitellum fractures may be easily missed on conventional radiographs, if not suspected. Delayed diagnosis may lead to a worsening of the functional outcomes. Computerized tomography is helpful in the determination of these fractures. Early diagnosis and a well-performed surgery is essential for successful outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

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.

A comparative study for the treatment of simple bone cysts of the humerus: open curettage and bone grafting either without instrumentation or with intramedullary nailing.

Functional and radiographic outcomes, in addition to complication and reoperation rates of open curettage and grafting without instrumentation or with intramedullary nailing, in the treatment of simple bone cysts (SBCs) of the humerus were compared. Thirty-seven children [25 males, 12 females; median age=9.5 years (range, 3-17 years)] with humeral SBC were treated with curettage and grafting without instrumentation (group 1, 21 patients) or with intramedullary nailing (group 2, 16 patients). The pathological fracture rate was 85.7% in group 1 and 87.5 in group 2. The follow-up duration ranged from 26 to 85 months. The average last follow-up Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores for groups 1 and 2 were 28.9 and 29.5 (P>0.05). Higher, but statistically insignificant (P>0.05), complete or significant partial radiographic healing rates were achieved in group 2 (100%) compared with group 1 (76.2%). The overall complication rate of the entire study population was 21.6% (19%; 4/21 in group 1; 25%; 4/16 in group 2). The reoperation rates for groups 1 and 2 were 9.5% (2/21; one for partial cyst healing, one for recurrence) and 56.25% (9/16; one for surgical complication, eight for implant removal). Surgical intervention is indicated for selected patients with SBCs. Even though perfect functional results were possible with open curettage and grafting, continuous intramedullary decompression with elastic nails led to a higher radiographic healing rate in the treatment of humeral SBCs. Open curettage and grafting with or without intramedullary nailing was associated with a high number of complications, but the rate of reoperation for complications was very low.

Systematic Evaluation of Drug-Loaded Hydrogels for Application in Osteosarcoma Treatment.

This is a literature review of studies focusing on the preparation of hydrogels for use as oncological drug delivery systems in the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). The databases of the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Embase, OVID, and Cochrane Library, and the references of retrieved studies, were traced from 1843 to December 21, 2015, without language restrictions. The obtained data were evaluated by complementary statistical methods. Potentially relevant studies were found and included in the analysis. OS-specific chemotherapeutic agents can be successfully embedded within the hydrogels and these drug-loaded hydrogels can be applied locally, rather than systemically, without organ tissue toxicity. Further, OS-specific drug-loaded hydrogels significantly increased tumor inhibition and decreased osteolysis and lung metastases. Drug-loaded hydrogels could be useful in the treatment of OS, although their development remains at the experimental phase. Following evaluation of their application in surgery and the completion of drug release kinetics studies, drug-loaded hydrogels could be tested on living mammals in large samples with the aim of applying these in clinical settings. In the future, development of such drug delivery systems and application of targeted approaches against osteosarcoma and other malignancies may render surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy unnecessary.

Comparison of postoperative pain after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Results of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery were compared with many studies done previously. To the best of our knowledge, difference in pain after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has not been objectively documented in literature. The aim of the study was to compare the pain intensity in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing OCTR versus those undergoing ECTR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into two groups using "random number generator" software (Research Randomizer, version 3.0); endoscopic surgery group [(21 female, 1 male; mean age 49 years (range 31-64 years)] and open surgery group [(25 female, 3 male; mean age 45.1 years (range 29-68 years)] and received carpal tunnel release. Surgery was performed under regional intravenous anesthesia. The patients' pain level was assessed at the 1(st), 2(nd), 4(th), and 24(th) postoperative hours using a visual analog scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: Mean age, gender and duration of symptoms were found similar for both groups. Boston functional scores were improved for both groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Pain assessment at the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 4(th) and 24(th) hours revealed significantly low VAS scores in the endoscopic surgery group (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Need for analgesic medication was significantly lower in the endoscopic surgery group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective treatment method in carpal tunnel release vis-a-vis postoperative pain relief.

Reconstruction of advanced periacetabular metastatic lesions with modified Harrington procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients who had been treated by a modified Harrington procedure for advanced periacetabular metastases. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2013, 16 patients with a mean age of 57 years (range: 28-73 years) were treated using a modified Harrington technique. Extensive (class II/III) periacetabular defects were due to metastatic carcinoma or multiple myeloma. Surgical procedure included total hip replacement and acetabular reconstruction using threaded pins, cemented acetabular reinforcement ring, and/or polyethylene cup. RESULTS: All patients improved in regard to pain and walking ability. Mean preoperative and postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional scores were 52.8% (range: 33.3-73.3%) and 72% (range: 56.6-90%), respectively (p<0.05). There were 5 (31%) early or late complications requiring additional surgery. Implant survival was 75% and 37.5% at 12 and 18 months, respectively. Mean survival of the patients was 21 months (range: <1-6 years). Six remained alive, with a mean survival of 27 months (range: 18 months to 5 years). CONCLUSION: This modified Harrington procedure can be used for reconstruction of advanced periacetabular metastatic lesions.

Oncological approach with antihelminthic chemotherapy and wide resection in the treatment of musculoskeletal hydatidosis. A review of 10 cases with mean follow-up of 64 months.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, local recurrence and complication rates of antihelminthic chemotherapy and wide resection in patients with muscle or bone hydatidosis. The authors treated 10 patients (6 females, 4 males) between 2004 and 2012: 8 with muscle and 2 with bone hydatidosis. The mean age at surgery was 42.5 years (range, 11-66 years). All patients were treated with wide resection and pre- and postoperative chemotherapy with albendazole. The mean follow-up was 64 months (range, 28-120 months). All patients achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. There were no local recurrences. Surgical complications were seen in 3 patients (30%) : one superficial infection, one deep infection, and one hematoma. Two (20%) required additional surgery. An aggressive oncological approach, consisting of antihelminthic chemotherapy and wide resection, can provide favorable clinical outcomes and prevent local recurrence in patients with musculoskeletal hydatidosis. Potential complications of aggressive surgery should be preferred to potential morbidity of local and systemic dissemination.

Treatment of pathological fractures due to simple bone cysts by extended curettage grafting and intramedullary decompression.

OBJECTIVE: Effectiveness and morbidity of curettage grafting and intramedullary decompression in the treatment of pathological fractures due to simple bone cysts (SBCs) were evaluated. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2012, 34 children with SBCs were treated with extended curettage grafting and intramedullary decompression. Average age of the patients (23 male, 11 female) at surgery was 11.7 years (range: 6-21 years). The lesions were localized in the humerus (19), femur (12), tibia (2), and ulna (1). Pathological micro- or displaced fractures occurred in 31 patients. Surgical procedure included extended curettage by using cauterization and high-speed burring, bone grafting, and intramedullary decompression with elastic nails. Six patients had been treated conservatively or surgically in other institutions previously. Radiographic and functional results were evaluated by Capanna criteria and MSTS scores respectively. Early and late complications and additional surgical procedures were recorded. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 37 months (range: 18-89 months). The average time to heal for pathological fractures was 8 weeks (range: 6-12 weeks). Radiographic evaluation revealed Grade 1 healing in 28 patients (82%) and Grade 2 healing in 6 patients (18%). The average MSTS score based on final follow-up was 28.5 (range: 17-30); excellent (32 patients; 94%) and good (2 patients; 6%) functional results were obtained. There was no early or late infection, refracture or implant failure. Malunion developed following treatment of 2 humeral and 2 femoral lesions. With the exception of 2 implant removals, no patients required additional surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Complete cyst healing and satisfactory functional results can be obtained by curettage grafting and intramedullary decompression. This technique restores bone integrity by allowing early motion and prevents refracture and subsequent deformity in the majority of patients.

The reliability of ultrasonography in developmental dysplasia of the hip: How reliable is it in different hands?

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common skeletal dysplasia. Two principal methods used in early diagnosis of DDH are clinical examination and ultrasonographic investigation. Dogruel et al. found a low specificity of clinical examination in patients with DDH. Additionally, Kamath et al. stated that ultrasonography performed by a radiologist in routine clinical practice is more reliable than physical examination performed by the average clinician. In clinical practice, the application and assessment of hip ultrasonography are completed by a single person. This assessment determines the followup of the patient. Thus, hip ultrasonography performed on the same person by different individuals under the same conditions will yield a more accurate assessment of the reliability of ultrasonographic assessment of DDH. Although inter-observer reliability was high in many previous studies of ultrasound image evaluation, reliability rates vary among studies of the application of ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inter-examiner reliability of hip ultrasonography was analyzed among four investigators who separately evaluated 100 hips (50 infants). The obtained bone structure angles α, cartilage structure angles ß, and distribution of hip types were compared among the investigators. All infants were brought to the hospital for a healthy child followup examination, according to the country's health policy. Babies between 0 and 6 months were included in the study. Babies with any neuromuscular disorders, neural tube defects or any type of genetic anomalies were excluded from the study. The study was explained to the families of all infants and written informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the hip type determined by the investigators with respect to α and ß angles (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P = 0.002). The average alpha measurements of the first orthopedist, second orthopedist, first radiologist, and second radiologist were 67.38 ± 6.24, 65.60 ± 5.84, 65.44 ± 4.59, and 62.59 ± 4.50, respectively. The average beta measurements of the first orthopedist, second orthopedist, first radiologist, and second radiologist were 53.85 ± 8.86, 50.74 ± 7.80, 44.77 ± 6.30, and 44.39 ± 5.81, respectively. Agreement among the results obtained by the clinicians was investigated in dual comparisons. The relative agreement according to the alpha angle ranged from 3.6% to 44.5%, and the relative concordance according to the beta angle ranged from 0.9% to 45.3%. Agreement regarding hip typing was determined to range from 19.1% to 42.6%. CONCLUSION: Sonographic evaluation of the hip appears to vary depending on the investigator.

Generalized epileptic seizure in an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patient with syringomyelia after deformity correction surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and epilepsy are pathologies rarely seen together. In this study we report an AIS case we operated in which epilepsy was seen post operatively. We want to emphasize the items one should pay attention in such cases. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In a 14-year-old girl with AIS and concomitant syringomyelia and spondylolisthesis, posterior deformity correction and fusion were performed. After stabilization the patient was discharged on the 10th day of discharge epileptic seizure appeared. DISCUSSION: In scoliosis surgery, the mechanic stress and bleeding caused by the operation itself can cause neurological problems due to primary nervous system injury. The operation and bleeding during and after the operation, pulmonary and cardiac functional instability, metabolic imbalance can be the causes of epileptic seizures. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy seen after a major surgery like scoliosis surgery, can be either as a result of central nervous system origined vascular and hypoxic problems or metabolic. In our case we concluded that massive hemorrhage must have induced epilepsy. In neurologic consultations the case was considered as an incidental epileptic picture.