Effect of cilostazol on healing of achilles tendon ruptures: an experimental study on rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether cilostazol (phosphodiesterase III inhibitor) could enhance the healing of Achilles tendon ruptures in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Achilles tendons of 24 healthy male adult rats were incised and repaired. The rats were randomly allocated to cilostazol and control groups. The cilostazol group received daily intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg cilostazol for 28 days, while the control group did not receive any medication. The rats were sacrificed on the 30th day, and the Achilles tendon was evaluated for biomechanical properties, histopathological characteristics, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: All rats completed the experiment. The Movin sum score of the control group was significantly higher (p = 0.008) than that of the cilostazol group, with means of 11 ± 0.63 and 7.50 ± 1.15, respectively. Similarly, the mean Bonar score was significantly higher (p = 0.026) in the control group compared to the cilostazol group (8.33 ± 1.50 vs. 5.5 ± 0.54, respectively). Moreover, the Type I/Type III Collagen ratio was notably higher (p = 0.016) in the cilostazol group (52.2 ± 8.4) than in the control group (34.6 ± 10.2). The load to failure was substantially higher in the cilostazol group than in the control group (p = 0.034), suggesting that the tendons in the cilostazol group were stronger and exhibited greater resistance to failure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that cilostazol treatment significantly improves the biomechanical and histopathological parameters of the healing Achilles tendon in rats. Cilostazol might be a valuable supplementary therapy in treating Achilles tendon ruptures in humans. Additional clinical studies are, however, required to verify these outcomes.

Is bipolar hemiarthroplasty an appropriate type of hip articulation following proximal femoral or total femoral resections for musculoskeletal malignancies?

BACKGROUND: Different approaches are applied for reconstruction in patients with a musculoskeletal malignancy which require a proximal femoral or total femoral resection. We aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients who underwent a proximal femoral or total femoral resection due to bone and soft tissue tumors and had an endoprosthetic reconstruction by a bipolar hemiarthroplasty type of hip articulation. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 133 patients who underwent a proximal femoral or total femoral endoprosthetic replacement after resection of a bone or soft tissue malignancy. There were 74 male and 59 female patients, with a mean age of 55.02 ± 16.92 years (range 11-84 years) and a median follow-up of 24.47 ± 24.45 months (range 6-164 months). Patient demographics, surgical, and oncological data were recorded. Acetabular wear was measured using the classification proposed by Baker. Functional assessment was performed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among primary diagnostic groups in terms of gender, prosthesis type, trochanter major resection, local recurrence, complication/revision rate, and MSTS Score (p > 0.05, for each parameter). On the other hand, a statistically significant difference was detected in terms of degree of acetabular erosion among diagnostic groups (p < 0.001); the acetabular erosion rate (AER) was found to be lower in patients with metastatic carcinoma than in patients with a diagnosis of primary bone or soft tissue sarcoma. The univariable analysis revealed that the effect of age, primary diagnosis, localization, follow-up time, and presence and number of distant organ metastasis variables on AER were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.018, p = 0.035, p = 0.002, p = 0.007, p = 0.031, p = 0.040, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients who undergo a proximal femoral or a total femoral resection due to a musculoskeletal tumor, bipolar hemiarthroplasty is an adequate type of hip articulation method, since it does not affect the revision requirements and functional outcomes of patients with acetabular erosion.

Reconstruction after periacetabular tumor resection with Lumic® endoprosthesis: What are the midterm results?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the midterm outcomes of LUMiC® endoprosthetic reconstruction following periacetabular resection of primary bone sarcomas and carcinoma metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 21 patients (11 male [52.3%], 10 female [47.6%]; mean age 47 ± 16 years) for whom a LUMiC® endoprosthesis (Implantcast) was used to reconstruct a periacetabular defect after internal hemipelvectomy. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as Ewing's sarcoma in six (28.5%), chondrosarcoma in 10 (47.6%), and bone metastasis from carcinoma in five (23.8%) patients. RESULTS: The median follow-up of patients was 57.8 months (95% confidence interval: 51.9-63.7). The implant survival rate at 1, 2, and 5 years were 95.2%, 85.7%, and 80.9%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 33.3% (n = 7). Four (19%) complications resulted in reconstruction failure. Total reoperation rate was 28.5% (n = 6). The complications were soft tissue failure/dislocation in two patients, aseptic loosening in one, infection in two, and local recurrence in two. At the time of study, seven patients were alive with no evidence of disease, seven were alive with disease, and seven died of disease. The 5-year overall survival rate and local recurrence-free survival rates were 67% and 76%, respectively. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at final follow-up was 70% (range: 50%-86.6%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that LUMiC® endoprosthesis provides good functional outcomes and a durable reconstruct. Even though this reconstruction method presents some complications, it provides a stable pelvis in the management of periacetabular malignant tumors.

Histopathological Evaluation of Mechanoreceptors in the Metatarsophalangeal Joint Capsule in Hallux Valgus.

To date, we could find no study concerning the relationship between mechanoreceptors in the joint capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux valgus deformity. We aimed to investigate the presence of mechanoreceptors in samples obtained from the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsules of patients with hallux valgus deformity to improve our understanding of the clinical and histopathological features of the disease. Samples were taken from the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsules of 13 fresh-frozen cadavers with normal anatomy (controls) and 29 patients undergoing surgery for hallux valgus (cases). For light microscopy, excised specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for routine histopathological investigation. All samples were dehydrated in a series of ethanol, cleared in xylene, and embedded in paraffin. Orientation of collagen fibers was determined on Masson's trichrome-stained sections, and mechanoreceptors were evaluated on S-100-immunostained sections. In the sections stained with Masson's trichrome, the orientation of collagen fibers was regular in the control group. However, coarse and disoriented collagen bundles were observed in the hallux valgus cases (P ≤ .05). S-100 immunostaining was positive in the sections of both the cases and controls. Finally, free nerve endings were more abundant in the samples obtained from the capsules of hallux valgus cases than from the control group (P ≤ .05). An increase in the number of free nerve endings within the capsules of the first metatarsophalangeal joints in feet with hallux valgus deformity might have a role in the development of clinically relevant joint pain and instability.

Factors affecting postmusculoskeletal tumour surgery wound problem treatment with negative pressure wound therapy.

The aim of the study is to investigate the risk factors identified in literature that have been associated with prolonged Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). Our study included patients who developed local wound problems after bone or soft tissue sarcoma surgery with negative margin at our clinic between 2012 and 2018 and treated with NPWT. All patients were followed up of at least 6 months. Sex, albumin level, skin infiltration, type of wound problem, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, and intraoperative blood loss were found to be influential factors on NPWT > 10 sessions. We conclude that treatment may be prolonged and the necessary precautions need to be taken in patients with an impaired preoperative nutritional condition, with intraoperative high amount of blood loss, and with long postoperative stays in the ICU as well as if the underlying cause for wound problem is an infection.

Midterm Donor Site Morbidity After Vascularized Free Fibula Flap Harvesting.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized fibula grafts (VFGs) have become one of the most preferred grafts for the reconstruction of bone defects. However, despite the many advantages over other graft options, recipient and donor site morbidities are also common. Donor site morbidity has been reported at rates ranging from 5% to 67%. The aim of this study was to present a single-center series examining the clinical, functional, and radiologic aspects of donor site morbidity following VFG harvesting. METHODS: The study included 69 patients who underwent biological reconstruction with VFG for bone tumors, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or bone defects after trauma. Patients were evaluated functionally, clinically, and radiologically for donor site morbidity. RESULTS: Donor site morbidity was observed in 33 of 69 patients (48%). The most complications were sensation deficits around the feet and ankles (20 of 69; 29%). Knee laxity was more common in patients who underwent osteoarticular fibular resection (P = .006). CONCLUSION: We found VFG to be an effective method for the reconstruction of large bone defects, but associated with a relatively high rate of complications. Complications requiring surgical intervention were rare and the majority of patients did not have long-term functional limitations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Staged Management of Infection with Adjustable Spacers After Megaprosthesis Implantation in Primary Sarcoma Patients.

Background: While periprosthetic joint infection has always been a significant concern for orthopaedic surgeons, the rate of infection is five to ten times higher after tumor prosthesis implantation. With the growing use of mega-implants, the number of these infections has also increased. We aimed to investigate the results of our patients with a primary malignant musculoskeletal tumor, who underwent two-stage revision surgery for an infected mega-prosthesis. We also presented the emerging complicatons and required soft tissue reconstruction procedures. Methods: The study included 32 primary bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients who underwent a two-stage revision procedure for infection. After a rigorous bone and soft tissue debridement procedure at the first stage, antibiotic-loaded bone cement was wrapped around a cloverleaf type intramedullary nail and inserted into the forming gap. After a minimum of 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy, depending on patients' clinical signs and serum infection markers, the reimplantation stage was undertaken. Results: The mean oncologic follow-up period was 28 months (range 5-96 months). During this period, 11 patients died because of non-infection related causes, 12 patients were alive with their disease, whereas 9 patients were totally free of their oncologic condition. The infection was eradicated in all survivors except one patient, where a high-level transfemoral amputation became necessary. Conclusion: Periprosthetic infection after tumor proshesis implantation in cancer patients can be managed with same principles as conventional arthroplaty procedures, taking care that they are immunocompromised and vulnerable patients and their bone stock loss is significant which makes surgical options more challenging.

Floating phalanx; simultaneous double dislocation of the interphalangeal joint in a finger: A case report and literature review.

Isolated proximal and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) dislocations are widely seen as a result of sporting injuries and major trauma. The combination of dorsal dislocation of the DIPJ in the same finger concomitant to traumatic dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is a rarely seen injury. The case is, here, presented of a 65-year-old female patient with proximal and DIPJ dislocation of the right-hand ring finger accompanied by volar and dorsal plate injuries in the proximal and distal joints. With this case, it was aimed to introduce a new term of 'floating phalanx' into medical literature. The treatment was applied to the patient of closed reduction under peripheral block and the application of an aluminium finger splint in semiflexion. In a 24-month follow-up period, the 4th finger of the patient was observed to be stable and has pain-free range of movement. This case is an uncommon case of volar and dorsal plate avulsion fractures with PIPJ and DIPJ dorsal dislocation treated successfully with closed reduction and conservative treat-ment with excellent functional results.

Implant survival and functional results of endoprosthetic reconstruction for proximal femoral metastases with pathological fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the patient and implant survival, clinical and functional outcomes, and the rate of complications resulting in reconstruction failure following endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR) of extensive proximal femoral metastases associated with actual or impending pathological fractures. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with actual or impending pathological fractures due to metastatic disease of the proximal femur were treated with EPR between 2003 and 2018. Staged surgery, bilateral EPR, was performed in 3 cases. The patients comprised 51 females and 60 males with a mean age of 52.1 ± 12.3 years. The patient and implant survival were recorded. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed by using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional scoring, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). The different types of abductor mechanism repair were evaluated by functional tests and existence of Trendelenburg gait at postoperative follow-ups. The complications resulting in reconstruction failure were investigated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.1 ± 17.9 months. The overall survival of patients after EPR was 89% at 6 months, 72% at 1 year and 10% at 5 years. The estimated 1- and 5-year overall implant survival was 100% and 97.3% (95% CI, 0.95-0.98), respectively, as the endpoint was defined as complete removal of the prosthesis. Median VAS score before endoprosthetic replacement was 8 and after 3 months 4. Before surgery, the median MSTS score was 40 (30-56.6%) and the median KPS score was 40 (30-50). Postoperative third month, the median MSTS score was 56.6 (53.3-86.6%) and the median KPS score was 60 (40-70). Functional scores were superior in trochanter major split osteotomized group compared to trochanter major removed group. Trendelenburg gait was seen in 20 (17.5%) patients postoperatively. There were 10 (8.7%) complications resulting in reconstruction failure. CONCLUSION: Endoprosthetic replacement can provide a durable fixation with high implant survival rate and good clinical and functional results in extensive proximal femoral metastases associated with a pathological fracture.

Limb salvage surgery of primary and metastatic bone tumors of the lower extremity: Functional outcomes and survivorship of modular endoprosthetic reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to determine the survivorship and functional outcomes of modular endoprosthetic reconstruction in the management of primary and metastatic bone tumors of the lower limbs and to investigate the rate and causes of implant failure. METHODS: A total of 84 limbs of 82 patients (49 male, 33 female; mean age=48 years, age range=13-78 years) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months in whom resection and modular endoprosthetic reconstructions were performed for primary or metastatic bone tumors of the lower extremity were retrospectively reviewed and included in the study. The mean follow-up was 43 (range=13-119) months. Functional status was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system at the final follow-up. Implant survival was defined as the time from implantation until partial or complete exchange of the prosthesis secondary to mechanical or nonmechanical causes or amputation. The effects of the anatomical site on functional scores and implant survival were statistically analyzed. Additionally, the effects of diagnosis and adjuvant treatments on functional scores, implant survival, and failure rates were investigated. RESULTS: At the time of the study, 55 patients were still alive with a mean follow-up of 48 (range=15-119) months. The mean MSTS scores resulting from the final follow-up of all patients and of those surviving were 87.9% (range=16%-100%) and 86.8% (range=16%-100%), respectively. Overall implant survival was 95.2%, 89.2%, 87%, and 87% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. Statistically, both functional scores and implant survival analysis in different anatomical sites were found similar. In 15 of the patients (17.8%), endoprosthetic reconstructions had failed. The causes of failure were soft tissue failure (dislocation) in 5 patients, infection in 5, structural/mechanical failure in 2, local recurrence in two, and aseptic loosening in one. The diagnosis and receiving preoperative and/or postoperative adjuvant treatment did not affect functional scores, implant survival or failure rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that modular endoprosthetic replacement can provide satisfactory functional results and a durable mid-term limb salvage option in the management of patients with primary and metastatic bone tumors of the lower limbs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Indications of amputation after limb-salvage surgery of patients with extremity-located bone and soft-tissue sarcomas: A retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate amputation-related factors after limb-salvage surgery (LSS) in patients with extremity-located bone and soft-tissue sarcomas and determine the relationship between these factors and patient survival. METHODS: In this retrospective study at our institution, patients in whom LSS was first performed because of an extremity-located musculoskeletal sarcoma, and subsequently amputation was carried out for various indications were included. Patient and tumor characteristics, details of surgical procedures, indications of amputation, number of operations, presence of metastasis before amputation, and post-amputation patient survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (10 men, 15 women; mean age=41.96±21.88 years), in whom amputation was performed after LSS as initial resection of an extremity sarcoma or re-resection(s) of a local recurrence, were included in the study. The leading oncological indication for amputation was local recurrence that occurred in 18 (72%) patients. Non-oncological indications included prosthetic infection in 5 (20%), mechanical failure in 1 (4%), and skin necrosis in 1 (4%) patient. The patients underwent a median of 2 (range, 1-4) limb-salvage procedures before amputation. Distant organ metastasis was detected in 22 (88%) patients during follow-up; in 13 (52%) of these patients, metastasis was present before amputation. A total of 11 (44%) patients were alive at the time of study with no evidence of the disease (n=3) or with disease (n=8), and 14 (56%) patients died of disease. The mean overall and post-amputation survival were 47±20.519 (range, 11-204) months and 22±4.303 (range, 2-78) months, respectively. The median follow-up was 27 (range, 6-125) months. CONCLUSION: The most common causes of amputation after LSS were local recurrence and prosthetic infection. Patients who underwent amputation after LSS developed a high rate of distant organ metastasis during follow-up and had reduced survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Pelvic Ring Reconstruction After Iliac or Iliosacral Resection of Pediatric Pelvic Ewing Sarcoma: Use of a Double-Barreled Free Vascularized Fibular Graft and Minimal Spinal Instrumentation.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing iliosacral resections, pelvic ring reconstruction can maintain stability of the pelvis and spinal column, which is expected to achieve good functional outcomes. However, no optimal reconstruction method has been established. We aimed to analyze the outcome of pelvic ring reconstruction using double-barreled free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) and internal fixation after iliosacral resections in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 16 children with pelvic Ewing sarcoma who underwent pelvic ring reconstruction using double-barreled FVFG after iliosacral resection. The fibular graft was placed between the supraacetabular region distally and the remaining ilium or sacrum proximally. The stability of the remaining pelvis and spinal column was provided by minimal spinal instrumentation. RESULTS: Eleven Type-I and 5 Type-I+IV resections were performed for 10 boys and 6 girls, who had a mean age of 13.4 years (range, 10 to 18 years). The mean follow-up was 49.8 months (range, 28 to 96 months). At the time of the final follow-up, 14 patients were alive and 2 patients had died of disease. The mean time for bone union was 9 months (range, 6 to 12 months). Graft hypertrophy was evident in all patients at 12 months. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score at the time of the final follow-up was 80% (range, 60% to 96.6%). Seven patients had complications. Three complications required reoperation: 1 deep infection, 1 hematoma, and 1 wound dehiscence. Three patients had disease relapse in terms of lung metastases. CONCLUSIONS: This reconstruction method can achieve a high rate of bone union and can provide good functional outcomes following resection of pediatric pelvic Ewing sarcomas with iliosacral involvement. Complications are usually manageable without a need for revision surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Mid-term results of intralesional extended curettage, cauterization, and polymethylmethacrylate cementation in the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone: A retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the mid-term functional outcomes and recurrence rate in patients with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) treated by intralesional extended curettage, electrocauterization, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cementation. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, 79 consecutive patients (41 females, 38 males; mean age=39 years; age range=19-62 years) who were diagnosed and treated for GCTB between 2005 and 2017 were identified from hospital medical records. All patients were treated by intralesional extended curettage using high-speed burr, electrocauterization of the cavity, and filling the defect with PMMA. No additional local adjuvants were used. The mean follow-up period was 47 months (range=24-96). The tumors were graded according to the radiological classification system described by Campanacci. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) preoperatively, one year postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications and recurrence rates were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine tumors were located in the distal femur, 23 in the proximal tibia, nine in the distal radius, five in the proximal humerus, five in the pelvis, three in the proximal fibula, two in the distal ulna, two in the distal tibia, and one in the second metatarsal. According to Campanacci classification, 37 tumors were grade III, 32 grade II, and 10 grade I. The mean MSTS score was 46.1% (range 40.2 to 71.4%) preoperatively, 91.7% (range 73.3% to 100%) one year postoperatively, and 86.3 % (range 66.2% to 96,1%) at the final follow-up. The overall complication rate was 7.6%; which included local tumor recurrence in four patients, superficial wound infection in one, and deep wound infection in another. The recurrence rate was 5.1% (4 patients). Recurrent tumors were located at the distal femur in three patients and proximal tibia in one. CONCLUSION: With satisfactory functional results and low recurrence rates at the mid-term follow-up, GCTB can be treated effectively with intralesional extended curettage, electrocauterization, and PMMA cementation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries: diagnosis, classification and ligamentoplasty procedures.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury is a frequent diagnosis after an acute shoulder trauma - often found among athletes and people involved in contact sports.This injury occurs five times more frequently in men than in women, with the highest incidence in the 20- to 30-year-old age group. Patients usually complain of pain and tenderness over the shoulder, particularly over the AC joint.Depending on the degree of injury, the clavicle may become prominent on the injured site.The original classification was described by Rockwood and Green according to the injured ligament complex and degree and direction of clavicular displacement.Many surgical procedures have been described; among these are screws, plates, muscle transfer, ligamentoplasty procedures and ligament reconstruction using either autograft or allografts.With the advancement of shoulder arthroscopy, surgeons are much more capable of performing mini-open or arthroscopically-assisted procedures, allowing patients an earlier return to their daily living activities. However, the results of conventional open techniques are still comparable.The introduction of new arthroscopic equipment provides a great variety of surgical procedures, though every new technique has its own advantages and pitfalls. Currently there is no gold standard for the surgical treatment of any type of AC injury, though it should be remembered that whenever an arthroscopic technique is chosen, the surgeon's expertise is likely to be the most significant factor affecting outcome. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:426-433. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170027.

Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve as a Donor Source for Digital Nerve Grafting: A Concept Revisited.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the availability of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) autograft for acute or delayed repair of segmented digital nerve injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 13 digital nerve defects of 11 patients; treated with interposition of LACN graft that harvested from ipsilateral extremity were included in the study. Mean follow up period was 35, 7 months. The mean time from injury to grafting is 53, 3 days. The results of the mean 2PDT and SWMT values of injured /uninjured finger at the end of follow up period were evaluated with Paired T test. The correlation between the defect length and the difference of 2PDT, SWMT values between the uninjured and injured finger at the end of follow up period; were evaluated with Pearson - correlation analysis. RESULTS: The mean value of our 2PDT and SWMT results are ~5,923, ~3, 52, respectively in which can be interpreted between the normal and diminished light touch. The defect length and difference percentage of SWMT values is positively and significantly correlated statistically. Mean length of interposed nerve grafts was 18.5 mm. The age of the patient and the mean values of 2PDT and SWMT with the difference % of 2PDT and % of SWMT are not statistically correlated. CONCLUSION: Based on results regarding sensory regaining at recipient side and negligible sensory deficit at harvesting side, we suggest that lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve might be a valuable graft option for digital nerve defects.

Treatment preferences in Turkey for open fracture of the tibial diaphysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate different treatment methods employed by orthopedic surgeons for open tibial fracture in adults. METHODS: Survey of 12 questions regarding treatment of open tibial fracture was conducted with 285 orthopedics and traumatology specialists in Turkey in personal interviews and using web-based technique. RESULTS: Of all survey participants, 99.6% responded that tetanus prophylaxis is necessary emergency procedure in cases of adult open tibial diaphysis fracture. In addition, 96.5% considered antibiotics administration necessary, 85.6% also selected irrigation with saline, 55.4% included debridement, and 45.3% temporary fixation. Only 4 (1.3%) respondents did not use aminoglycoside antibiotics. While 29.8% of those surveyed preferred external fixator as a definitive treatment method, 75.8% use intramedullary nail and 13.7% preferred plate method. CONCLUSION: A wide variation was observed among orthopedics and traumatology specialists in Turkey regarding treatment of open tibial diaphysis fracture in adults. Data obtained from this study together with the available literature may be useful to further develop therapeutic approaches.

Evaluation of patella alta using MRI measurements in adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine whether or not there were any differences in the measurement techniques used by orthopedic and radiology specialists in the evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) images for the diagnosis of patella alta in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evaluations were performed by three orthopedic specialists (Group I) and three radiology specialists (Group II) regarding the presence of patella alta in 40 adolescents cases using the Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps, Blackburne-Peel, and modified Insall-Salvati indices on MR images obtained to diagnose patellar instability. RESULTS: The Fleiss Kappa conformity levels for Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps, Blackburne-Peel, and modified Insall-Salvati measurements were 0.531, 0.559, 0.246, and 0.272, respectively, in Group I, and 0.699, 0.346, 0.516, and 0.394, respectively, in Group II. CONCLUSION: The radiology specialists were found to have greater conformity in the evaluation of all patella alta indices, which was probably due to their greater familiarity with radiological measurements than that of the orthopedic specialists.

A magnetic resonance imaging study of abnormalities of the patella and patellar tendon that predispose children to acute patellofemoral dislocation.

This study compared 20 children hospitalised with acute patellofemoral dislocation with an age-matched healthy control group with no history of knee problems or patellar dislocation. The following morphological parameters were significantly different between the groups: the mean patellar width and length, mean sulcus depth, mean patellar tendon width and total patellar volume. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of this study suggested that structurally smaller than normal patella and patellar tendon volumes are predisposing factors for acute patellofemoral dislocation.

[Treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius by open reduction and volar plating in adults]. / Yetiskinlerde parçali intraartiküler distal radius kiriklarinin açik redüksiyon ve voler plaklamayla tedavisi.

BACKGROUND: We herein present the mid-term results of the adult patients with comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius who were treated by palmar plating. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2003, open reduction and palmar plating were performed in 23 of the patients who had surgical treatment for comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Nineteen patients (11 females, 8 males; mean age 34; range 22 to 54 years) with regular follow-up were included in the study. In the majority of patients only one wrist was involved (7 dominant - 12 nondominant). Preoperative evaluation included patient's history, physical examination, and radiological studies (plain radiographs, computed tomography). The patients were classified according to AO classification as 7 type B [B1 (1); B2 (3); B3 (3)] and 12 type C [C1 (7); C2 (5)]. The surgical procedure included internal fixation by using plates and screws with palmar approach. Range of motion exercises were started immediately after the operations. The patients were followed clinically and radiographically, with an average follow-up time of 28 months (range, 13-47 months). Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all patients. Radiographic parameters including the radial height, radial inclination, palmar tilt, and articular congruency have been corrected in the operation and remained unchanged until the last follow-up. According to the Gartland and Werley's classification, there were 9 (47%) excellent, 7 (37%) good, and 3 (16%) fair results. No perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded, except for three wound problems and one prolonged scar tenderness. CONCLUSION: Palmar plating is a safe and effective treatment for comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius, regardless of direction of displacement of the distal fragment.