The effect of self-administered superficial local hot and cold application methods on pain, functional status and quality of life in primary knee osteoarthritis patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of the self-administered superficial local hot and cold applications on pain, and the functional status and the quality of life in primary knee osteoarthritis patients. BACKGROUND: Superficial local hot and cold application is used as a nonpharmacological method for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, various guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis have conflicting recommendation for hot and cold therapy. DESIGN: A randomised clinical trial design. METHODS: The sample consisted of patients (n = 96) who were diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis. During the application stage, patients were designated to the hot and cold application groups and administered hot and cold application twice a day for 3 weeks together with standard osteoarthritis treatment. The control group only used standard osteoarthritis treatment. The data were collected with a Descriptive Information Form, a Pain Scale, the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and a Patient Satisfaction Evaluation Form. Outcome measures included pain intensity, functional status and quality of life. RESULTS: We found decreased primary measurement pain scores and improved functional status scores and quality of life scores after the application programme compared to the pre-application stage in both the hot and cold application groups. Once the application was completed, the pain scores, functional status scores and quality-of-life scores on the second measurements were found to be still statistically lower than the pre-application scores but higher than the first measurement ([p < .001, χ2  = 48.000; p < .001, χ2  = 34.000], [p < .001, χ2  = 22.000; p = .001 χ2 =14.000] and [p = .005, χ2  = 16.000; p = .001, χ2  = 12.500]). There was no difference in the perceived pain, functional status and quality of life between the pre-application, postapplication and 2 weeks postapplication periods of the individuals in three groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: It was found that both hot and cold application resulted in a mild improvement in pain, functional status and quality of life, but this improvement was not sufficient to create a significant difference between the groups. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study contributes to the literature on hot and cold application methods as self-management strategies for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of Vapocoolant Spray Prior to SC LMWH Injection: An Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vapocoolant spray administration prior to subcutaneous (SC) low molecular weight heparin injection on local ecchymosis, hematoma, and pain. This randomized controlled study was carried out on 64 patients (n = 128 injections) in an orthopedics and traumatology clinic. After randomization, vapocoolant spray and then heparin injection was applied on one arm. The second necessary dose of heparin was applied to his or her other arm as a placebo by a water spray. Then, the pain of the patients was assessed. After 2 days, ecchymosis and hematoma were evaluated. Significant lower pain scores were determined in applications in which the vapocoolant spray was used. There was no statically significant difference between the mean diameter values of ecchymosis in both arm groups. There was no hematoma on the injection site after injections. However, this method did not create any significant reductive effect on ecchymosis. Nurses are advised to take advantage of vapocoolant spray effects prior to SC heparin injection.

Effect of preconditioned hyperbaric oxygen and ozone on ischemia-reperfusion induced tourniquet in skeletal bone of rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate effect of I/R injury on bone tissue and protective role of hyperbaric oxygen precondition (HBO-PC) and ozone precondition (O(3)-PC) on I/R injury by using biochemical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were included in study. The animals were divided into four equal groups: sham operation, I/R, I/R+HBO and I/R+O(3). One session of 60 min, 3 ATA, 3-4 L/min, 100% oxygenation was defined as one dose of HBO. First dose of HBO was administrated 72 h before ischemia. Subsequent, one-dose of HBO administrated per 12 hours until ischemia time (total seven doses); 0.7 mg/kg ozone/oxygen mixture intraperitoneally was defined as one dose of ozone. First dose of O(3) was administered 72 h before ischemia (total four doses). I/R model was induced in anesthetized rats by unilateral (right) femoral artery clipping for 2 h followed by 22 h of reperfusion. The right tibia and were harvested. Tissue was assayed for levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). RESULTS: MDA and PCO levels were increased in I/R group. SOD activity was increased; GSH-Px activity was decreased in I/R group. MDA and PCO levels were decreased, SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased in both HBO+I/R and O(3)+I/R groups. CONCLUSION: It has been shown that levels of MDA and PCO in bone were increased followed by 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion period. Ozone-PC and HBO-PC has protective effect against skeletal bone I/R injury by decreasing levels of MDA and PCO, increasing activities of SOD and GSH-Px in rats.

[Evaluation of patient quality of life after total hip arthroplasty]. / Primer kalça protezi uygulanan hastalarda yasam kalitesinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of total hip arthroplasty on patient quality of life. METHODS: The study included 30 patients (6 men, 24 women; mean age 62 years; range 36 to 82 years) undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) was administered to the patients before and after 1.5 and 3 months of surgery. Special attention was given to provide the patients with sufficient information on surgery and postoperative rehabilitation program. RESULTS: All the patients returned to their daily activities within six weeks postoperatively. SF-36 scores obtained after three months of surgery showed significant improvement in all SF-36 subscales compared to those obtained preoperatively and 1.5 months after surgery (p<0.05). Postoperative patient satisfaction was not correlated with sex, age, socioeconomic status, and education level of the patients. The presence of accompanying diseases or previous operations did not affect postoperative quality of life scores. CONCLUSION: Quality of life of patients increases substantially following total hip arthroplasty, with a corresponding increase in patient satisfaction.

[Removal of a bent inflatable femoral nail: a case report]. / Egilmis sisirilebilir femur çivisinin çikarilmasi: olgu sunumu.

Intramedullary nailing is the gold standard for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures. Bending of the nail secondary to trauma is a rare complication encountered in unhealed and comminuted fractures. A 23-year-old man was admitted with refracture of the right femoral shaft and a 32-degree bending of an inflatable intramedullary nail due to a fall, two months after the initial surgical treatment. The nail was first straightened by exerting an external force, which decreased the angulation to 10 degrees. Then, the fracture site was opened, the lateral wall of the nail was drilled, and one of the four metal bars of the nail was cut. This allowed complete straightening of the nail by the same maneuver and its removal. A new inflatable intramedullary nail was placed and union was achieved after four months. Tools that may be necessary to cut the nail partially or totally should be made available for removal of bent nails.

Preoperative position splint versus skin traction in patients with hip fracture: An experimental study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a preoperative position splint and skin traction on pain, comfort, complications, and satisfaction with the treatment and care for patients with hip fracture. METHOD: This randomized trial was conducted with a total of 68 patients with hip fracture in a tertiary care hospital in Turkey. Preoperatively, a position splint was applied to the patients in the intervention group (n = 34) and skin traction was applied to patients (n = 34) in the control group. Outcomes studied were pain, comfort, satisfaction and complications. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U Test showed a significant difference between the position splint group and skin traction group regarding pain severity after the application (p < .05). A significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups concerning comfort levels after the application (p < .05). The position splint group was significantly more satisfied with the treatment and care than the control group in the later period after the application (p < .05). The number of preoperative complications in the position splint group was significantly fewer than that of the skin traction group in the preoperative period (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative position splint application in patients with hip fracture relieved pain and complications and increased comfort and satisfaction with treatment and care.

Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil on pain and daily living activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Participants (N = 68) were asked about their sociodemographic characteristics, pain level in the last week using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functionality in activities of daily living with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Standard treatment prescribed by a physician was given to the patients with osteoarthritis. In addition to the standard treatment, self-knee massage with ginger oil twice a week was recommended to the intervention group (n = 34). At the end of the first and fifth week, participants in both groups were assessed regarding pain and functional state. RESULTS: The mean VAS Pain scores of the intervention group were significantly lower at the end of the first and fifth weeks (p< .05). The mean total scores and mean Function subscale scores of the WOMAC were significantly lower in massage group in the first- and fifth-week assessments (p < .05). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Self-massage of the knee with ginger oil may be used as a complementary method to standard medical treatment. Nurses can easily train patients and their caregivers on knee massage, and the intervention can be implemented by patients at home without any restrictions on location.

[Psychological evaluation of patients with benign musculoskeletal system tumors]. / Benign kas-iskelet sistemi tümörü olan hastalarda psikolojik durum degerlendirmesi.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine to what extent psychological status was affected by sociodemographic characteristics and by being informed about the diagnosis in patients with benign musculoskeletal tumors. METHODS: The study included 112 male patients (mean age 23.8 years; range 20 to 35 years) who were hospitalized for benign tumors of the musculoskeletal system. A questionnaire was administered to all the patients concerning their sociodemographic characteristics and the status of their knowledge about the diagnosis. Psychological status was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Evaluation Scale. RESULTS: The depression level was not correlated with the localization (upper or lower extremity) of the musculoskeletal system tumor, the marital status of the patient, and the presence or absence of knowledge of the patient about the diagnosis (p>0.05). Educational status was the only factor that was found to be in correlation with the depression level (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Lack of correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and the psychological status suggests that informing the patients with special attention to their physical and psychological integrity may contribute positively to the patients' psychiatric status.

[The effect of neostigmine and atropine combination on postoperative nausea and vomiting after arthroscopic surgery]. / Artroskopik cerrahi uygulamalarinda neostigmin-atropin kombinasyonunun ameliyat sonrasi bulanti ve kusmaya etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative nausea and vomiting prolong the time spent in postanesthesia recovery units. In this study, we investigated the effect of neostigmine and atropine combination, used to avoid residual curarization, on nausea and vomiting. METHODS: The study included 40 ASA I-II patients who were planned to have a short-term arthroscopic operation. The patients were administered a single dose of 0.4 mg/kg atracurium besylate for muscle relaxation, and then, were randomly divided into two groups. In group I, neuromuscular blockade was eliminated with 1.5 mg neostigmine and 0.5 mg atropine, whereas group II patients underwent spontaneous resolution. The patients were evaluated for nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs in the recovery unit, patient room, and on the postoperative second day. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation. The mean operation time did not differ significantly (p>0.05), but the mean extubation time was significantly shorter in group I (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for the occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs in the recovery unit, patient room, and on the postoperative second day (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery, it is safe to use neostigmine and atropine combination before extubation to avoid residual neuromuscular blockade associated with the use of non-depolarizing myorelaxants.

[Severe cartilage loss caused by metallic anchors in surgical treatment of a Bankart lesion: report of three cases]. / Bankart lezyonunun cerrahi tedavisinde metalik kancalara bagli gelisen ciddi kikirdak kaybi: Üç olgu sunumu.

Currently, arthroscopic modalities in the surgical treatment of shoulder instability using suture anchors are more popular than open surgery. However, there are some complications related to the metallic suture anchors used. One of the most common complications is cartilage loss due to shallow placement of the suture anchor. Herein, we report three cases with severe cartilage loss of the humeral head due to metallic proud anchors, including one of whom requiring total shoulder arthroplasty. In conclusion, it is essential to place the suture anchors in an appropriate position and deepness. In case of any doubt, they should be removed or in non-threaded anchors, they should be inserted fully inside the glenoid with an impactor and a hammer to avoid serious cartilage loss.

Turkish Version of Kolcaba's Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire: A Validity and Reliability Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Immobilization Comfort Questionnaire (ICQ). METHODS: The sample used in this methodological study consisted of 121 patients undergoing lower extremity arthroscopy in a training and research hospital. The validity study of the questionnaire assessed language validity, structural validity and criterion validity. Structural validity was evaluated via exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between the visual analog scale (VAS) scores (i.e., the comfort and pain VAS scores) and the ICQ scores using Spearman's correlation test. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient and Bartlett's test of sphericity were used to determine the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated to determine reliability. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 15.00 for Windows. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. A p value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A moderate positive correlation was found between the ICQ scores and the VAS comfort scores; a moderate negative correlation was found between the ICQ and the VAS pain measures in the criterion validity analysis. Cronbach α values of .75 and .82 were found for the first and second measurements, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal that the ICQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the comfort of patients in Turkey who are immobilized because of lower extremity orthopedic problems.

Dropping of an EndoButton into the knee joint 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament repair using proximal fixation methods.

One of the most discussed subjects regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair methods is femoral fixation. One of the materials often used for fixation in recent years is the EndoButton (Acufex Microsurgical, Mansfield, MA), which provides rapid and secure fixation. Although many reports about femoral fixation with EndoButton have been published, insufficient information is available on possible complications. We have used 240 EndoButtons in our clinic for ACL repairs since 1997. The goal of this study was to report a case of ACL repair with an EndoButton, in which we experienced a complication. In this case, the EndoButton dropped into the knee joint after 2 years.

[Our clinical experience with non-cemented total hip revision arthroplasty]. / Cimentosuz total kalça revizyon artroplastisinde klinik deneyimlerimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of non-cemented revision arthroplasty in patients who had undergone cemented total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Twenty patients (12 women, 8 men; mean age 72 years; range 61 to 84 years) underwent non-cemented revision arthroplasty after a mean of 9.4 years (range 3 to 16 years) following primary surgery. The mean follow-up period was 4.5 years (range 3 months to 6.3 years). RESULTS: During revision arthroplasty, femur fractures were observed in three patients (15%). Three patients (15%) had femoral cortex perforations. Trochanteric osteotomy was performed in five patients (25%). The mean Harris hip score after the operation was 76.7 (range 50 to 90). The results were excellent in three patients (15%), good in seven (35%), fair in seven (35%), and poor in three patients (15%). CONCLUSION: Despite a high intraoperative complication rate during non-cemented revision total hip arthroplasty, we believe that non-cemented revision should be the preferred method because of low infection and low aseptic loosening rates.

[The assessment of anxiety levels in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder]. / Travma sonrasi stres bozuklugu olan hastalarda anksiyete düzeylerinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure state and trait anxiety levels of veterans who developed posttraumatic stress disorder following combat or landmine injuries, or vehicle accidents. METHODS: The anxiety levels of 98 veterans (mean age 20 years; range 18 to 25 years) were measured with the use of the State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI I-II). Diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder was made on the basis of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM III-R. RESULTS: The number of patients with high levels of anxiety was not in significant relationship with education level and trauma type (p>0.05). Regardless of education levels and trauma types, the number of patients with high trait anxiety significantly outweighed the number of patients with high state anxiety (p<0.05). Trait anxiety levels differed significantly between primary school and high school graduates (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Veterans should be under close supervision to determine and treat increased anxiety which worsens the quality of life. Special attention should be paid to appropriate psychological rehabilitation throughout the treatment plan.

[Evaluation of unilateral total hip arthroplasty by a quantitative analysis of gait]. / Tek tarafli total kalça artroplastisinin kantitatif yürüme analizi ile degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess changes in gait parameters after unilateral total hip arthroplasty and to correlate these objective changes with the results of subjective analyses. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (21 women, 17 men; mean age 61 years) with unilateral degenerative hip disease were evaluated in order to investigate preoperative and postoperative gait characteristics with the use of a gait evaluation mat (Gait Rite, USA). Each patient underwent at least two postoperative gait evaluations in the sixth and twelfth months, respectively. Gait evaluations were also made in a control group of 50 individuals without any neuromuscular and skeletal disease. Clinical evaluations were made using the Harris hip scoring system. RESULTS: All patients exhibited poor subjective evaluations preoperatively (Harris hip score <70). Compared to controls, patients had decreased step length and velocity, but increased stance, step, double support and swing times. Postoperatively, gait characteristics did not differ from those elicited prior to surgery in the first six months; however, patients attained near-normal velocity in the twelfth month. The recorded values for step length, step time, and double support time were similar to those of controls in both extremities. CONCLUSION: This study showed that total hip arthroplasty considerably improved the gait characteristics of patients with degenerative arthritis, and that this improvement could be measured and recorded quantitatively with the use of a walking band.

The accuracy of two different extra-medullary tibial cutting guides for posterior tibial slope in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different external tibial cutting guides with and without a spike anchoring to the intercondylar eminentia to achieve a desired posterior tibial slope. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 120 posterior cruciate ligament protecting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries of 83 patients in which two different external tibial cutting guides used were included. Fifty-nine knees were included into the spiked and 61 knees were included into the spikeless cutting guide group. Posterior tibial slope angles were measured using the postoperative X-rays. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of age, sex, and body mass indexes (p<0.05). While the mean postoperative slope angle was 2.66°±2.001°(range 0°-7°) in spiked group, it was 2.46°±2.277° (range 0°-7°) in spikeless group. Both systems had identical accuracy, indicating a low rate. The comparison of variances of two groups showed that both cutting guides had similar precision (p=0.234). There was no effect of body mass index on the results in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although different extra-medullary tibial cutting guides with and without a spike can reproducibly impart a desired posterior tibial slope in TKA, we concluded that a spiked guide was considered user-friendly.

Late tourniquet release and drain clamping reduces postoperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the effect of tourniquet release time and closed suction drainage in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, controversy remains as to the advisability of preclosure tourniquet release and the advisability of closed suction drain use following total knee arthroplasty. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of the study was to investigate if there is a benefit of performing tourniquet release after skin closure, along with drain clamping, for the first 6h following TKA. METHODS: Ninety-six patients underwent TKA between May 2009 and April 2010. Fourteen of these were excluded because of systemic diseases and simultaneous bilateral TKA. Twenty-nine of these were excluded due to use of a patellar component and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-sacrificing systems. Thus, 53 patients that underwent PCL-retaining cemented TKA were reviewed retrospectively. In the control group (group C), the tourniquet was released before skin closure, an attempt at hemostasis was made, and a compressive bandage was applied. The drain was not clamped in these patients. The test group of 23 patients (group T) had tourniquet release after skin closure and after the compressive bandage was applied. The drain was clamped for the first 6h after surgery. The two groups were compared as to the amount of drained blood, postoperative change in hemoglobin, postoperative complications, and knee function. RESULTS: We found that drained blood and hemoglobin drop were significantly lower in group T compared with group C. There was no difference regarding postoperative complications and knee function. CONCLUSION: We conclude that tourniquet release after skin closure and compressive dressing followed by 6h of drain clamping reduces postoperative blood loss in TKR surgery.

The presence of MEFV gene mutations in patients with primary osteoarthritis who require surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic arthritis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) involves weight-bearing joints and can occur in patients without a history of acute attack. Our aim was to investigate a possible causal relationship between FMF and osteoarthritis in a population in which FMF is quite common. METHODS: Patients with late stage primary osteoarthritis were enrolled, and five MEFV gene mutations were investigated. The frequency of MEFV gene mutations was compared among patients with osteoarthritis and a previous healthy group from our center. RESULTS: One hundred patients with primary osteoarthritis and 100 healthy controls were studied. The frequency of MEFV gene mutations was significantly lower in the osteoarthritis group (9% vs. 19%). M694V was the most frequent mutation (5%) in the osteoarthritis group, whereas in the control group, E148Q was the most common (16%). In subgroup analyses, the mutation frequency of patients with hip osteoarthritis was not different from that of patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls (7.1%, 9.7%, and 19%, respectively). There were no differences among the three groups with respect to MEFV gene mutations other than E148Q (8.1% vs. 3.6%). E148Q was significantly lower in the osteoarthritis group than in the controls (16% vs. 1%), although the mutations did not differ between patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls. CONCLUSIONS: In a population with a high prevalence of MEFV gene mutations, we did not find an increased mutation rate in patients with primary osteoarthritis. Furthermore, we found that some mutations were significantly less frequent in patients with osteoarthritis. Although the number of patients studied was insufficient to claim that E148Q gene mutation protects against osteoarthritis, the potential of this gene merits further investigation.

The relation between the arthroscopic findings and functional outcomes in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint, treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between arthroscopic findings and functional outcomes in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint, treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation. METHODS: Twenty patients (17 male, 3 female; mean age: 31 years [5-63 years]) with knee septic arthritis treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation in our clinic between 2004-2007 were included in the study. The decision for arthroscopic debridement was made based on the clinical findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level and the aspiration of the affected knee. During the arthroscopic debridement, the joint was staged according to Gachter criteria. Continuous irrigation system was set up for all cases following surgery. After the surgery, the Bussiere functional scale was used for clinical evaluation. The mean follow-up periodwas 29±11months (range 13-54 months). The McNemar test was used in comparing the results. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used in the correlation analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The culture was positive in 3 cases, and negative in 8 cases who exhibited gram (+) cocci in gram stains. In nine cases, cultures were negative and no microorganisms were detected in gram stains. According to the arthroscopic Gachter classification, 4 cases (20%) were Stage 1, 10 cases (50%) were Stage 2, 5 cases (25%) Stage 3 and 1 case (5%) was Stage 4. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean functional score of the knees with differing Gachter stages (McNemar test, p=0.003). There was a statistically significant and strong correlation between Gachter score and functional results (correlation coefficient: 0.780; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Advanced arthroscopic findings are associated with poor functional results in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint. In addition, the time between the initial symptoms and the surgery directly affects the functional results.

Immobilization of the shoulder in external rotation for prevention of recurrence in acute anterior dislocation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the functional and stability outcomes of the patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation, who were stabilized at external versus internal rotation. METHODS: A total of 33 patients (31 males and 2 females) with the diagnosis of acute primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation were immobilized at internal (n=17) or external rotation (n=16). The mean follow-up period was 20.85 months (range 6-41 months). Patients received rehabilitation program immediately after splinting. We assessed functionality by Constant-Murlay score and stability by Rowe scoring system in 6th month. Control examinations were performed in 12th and 24th months. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between internal rotation and external rotation groups in terms of Constant-Murlay and Rowe scores. Recurrent dislocation rate was 6.3% (1/16) in external rotation group and 29.4% (5/17) in internal rotation group (p>0.05). In the subgroup of patients aged between 21-30 years, while no recurrent dislocation was seen in external rotation group, 5 patients developed recurrent dislocation in internal rotation group(p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Immobilization of the shoulder in external rotation is an effective technique for prevention of recurrent dislocations in acute anterior shoulder dislocation and should be preferred to traditional splinting in internal rotation in clinical practice.