Prospective Associations Between Fear of Falling, Anxiety, Depression, and Pain and Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture.

Objective: Fear of falling, anxiety, depression, and pain levels are important risk factors for poor functional outcomes that may potentially be modifiable. We aimed to examine prospective associations between those factors following surgery for intertrochanteric hip fracture. Methods: This study is a prospective observational cohort study of patients aged over 65 diagnosed with isolated intertrochanteric hip fracture. Three hundred and seventy patients who underwent intramedullary fixation surgery were screened; 188 cases were included in our final evaluation. Patients with any concomitant fracture, major psychiatric/neurocognitive and neurological disorders and those with any other major disease were excluded from the study. Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores on the day of surgery (baseline) were evaluated as predictors of poor/good outcome at 90 days after surgery, by Harris Hip Score (HHS) with a cut-off score of 70. Results: HHS score was significantly predicted at baseline by the full model [χ2 (7) = 18.18, P = .01]. However, only STAI-state scores were significantly added to the model [Exp (B) 95% CI: .92 (.86-.99)]. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study, we found that higher levels of anxiety state on the day of surgery predicts a poor outcome at 90 days following surgery. We did not find significant associations between other variables, including age, GDS, STAI-trait, FES-I, VAS, and CCI. This potentially modifiable psychological factor may inform surgeons and could be a potential mediator. Future prospective studies are needed to replicate these findings. Level of evidence: Prognostic level I.

Comparison of Unilateral Knee Arthroplasty with High Tibial Osteotomy in Surgical Treatment of Medial Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) are two procedures of choice in moderate medial-sided knee osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing either unilateral knee arthroplasty or open-wedge HTO both clinically and radiologically. METHODS: Clinical records of 105 patients treated surgically with either medial unilateral knee arthroplasty or high tibial osteotomies were reviewed. Fifty-one cases of HTO (group 1) and 54 cases of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (group 2) were reviewed. Radiographic follow-up data included Kellgren Lawrence index and mechanical alignment measurements using the PACS system. Clinical and functional follow-up data included range of motion degrees and functional assessment scores (Tegner, Lysholm, Knee Society Score and VAS). RESULTS: Mean time of follow-up was 66.10±8.14 months and 65.27±6.95 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. The HTO group had better radiographic improvement and greater range of motion than the unicompartmental knee arthroplasty group. Despite a significant difference in Lysholm Knee Score and a slight difference in VAS score in favor of HTO, both groups were similar with regard to functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both techniques are satisfactory in terms of functional outcomes about five years after the operation and may be considered in cases of middle-aged medial-sided gonarthrosis (<65 years of age) who do not have additional ligament or compartmental pathology.

The Relationship Between Arthroplasty Surgeons' Experience Level and Optimal Cable Tensioning in the Fixation of Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, our aim was to examine the relationship between the arthroplasty surgeons' experience level and their aptitude to adjust the cable tension to the value recommended by the manufacturer when asked to provide fixation with cables in artificial bones that underwent extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A custom-made cable tensioning device with a microvoltmeter was used to measure the tension values in Newtons (N). An ETO was performed on 4 artificial femur bones. Surgeons at various levels of experience attending the IXth National Arthroplasty Congress were asked to fix the osteotomized fragment using 1.7-mm cables and the tensioning device. The participants' demographic and experience data were investigated and recorded. The surgeons with different level of experience repeated the tensioning test 3 times and the average of these measurements were recorded. RESULTS: In 19 (35.2%) of the 54 participants, the force applied to the cable was found to be greater than the 490.33 N (50 kg) value recommended by the manufacturer. No statistically significant difference was determined between the surgeon's years of experience, the number of cases, and the number of cables used and the tension applied over the recommended maximum value (P = .475, P = .312, and P = .691, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: No significant relationship was found between the arthroplasty surgeon's level of experience and the adjustment of the cable with the correct tension level. For this reason, we believe that the use of tensioning devices with calibrated tension gauges by orthopedic surgeons would help in reducing the number of complications that may occur due to the cable.

The increase in paediatric orthopaedic trauma injuries following the end of the curfew during the COVID-19 period.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the injury patterns of orthopaedic trauma patients in the paediatric age group who presented to our hospital during and after lifting the curfew due to the pandemic, with the patients of the same age group who presented to our institution during the same time period last year. METHODS: Patients, aged 0 years to 18 years, who presented to our clinic between 21 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 (during curfew) (Group A1, n = 111), between 01 June 2020 and 31 August 2020 (Group A2, n = 214) and during the same periods in 2019 Group B1 (n = 220) and Group B2 (n = 211) were included. Patients with pathological fractures, traumas occurring earlier than the aforementioned date range and those consulted while being hospitalized in another department were excluded from study. Patients' demographics, the department they presented to, the anatomical region affected by trauma, trauma mechanism, the location of trauma, the treatment applied and the length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of outdoor traumas (72.9% versus 61.1%), high-energy traumas (40.1% versus 26.5%), the rate of the patients treated with surgery (28% versus 17.1%) and the rate of admission to the emergency department (90.2% versus 58.3%) were significantly higher in Group A2 when compared with Group B2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The significant increase was observed in the number of outdoor injuries, high-energy traumas and fracture patterns that require surgical treatment during the first three months following the lift of the curfew, in comparison with the corresponding dates from last year. We think that children's lower extremity muscle strength and neuromuscular control was decreased due to staying home for a prolonged period of time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Case-control study.

Comparison of operating time, fluoroscopy exposure time, and functional and radiological results of two surgical methods for distal forearm fractures of both-bones in pediatric patients: Is it necessary to fix both bones?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of internal fixation of both forearm bones versus fixation of the radius alone in the treatment of distal both-bone forearm fractures in children. METHODS: This study included a total of 34 children who were treated for distal forearm both-bone fracture. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used, which depended on the date of their surgery. Group 1 consisted of 18 children (14 males and four females; mean age: 10.3 years; age range: 7-16 years) who underwent both-bone fracture fixation using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; Group 2 consisted of 16 children (12 males and four females; mean age: 10.1 years; age range: 6-15 years) who underwent only radius fracture fixation. The average follow-up was 65.6 months in Group 1 and 38.9 months in Group 2. Operating time, fluoroscopy exposure time, functional results (Mayo Wrist Score, visual analogue scale score, and range of motion), radiological results (time to union and malunion), and complications were recorded as outcome parameters. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 35 min (range: 30-45 min) in Group 1 and 19 min (range: 10-25 min) in Group 2 (p<0.001). The mean fluoroscopy exposure time was 54 sec (range: 40-70 sec) in Group 1 and 18 sec (range: 10-26 sec) in Group 2 (p<0.001). Only three patients in Group 1 and four patients in Group 2 exhibited <10° of limitation in pronation and supination. No significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to functional scores (p=1.000). Final follow-up radiographs showed no malalignment in either group. In terms of time to union, there was no significant difference between groups (p=1.000). Additionally, only three minor complications associated with the pin track (two patients in Group 1 and one patient in Group 2) were noted. CONCLUSION: In children with distal both-bone fractures, fixation of the radius fracture alone may be considered as an alternative method of treatment to fixation of both forearm bones as it results in satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Comparison of three posterior malleolar fixation methods in trimalleolar ankle fractures.

This study aimed to compare the results of AP screws, PA screws and posterior buttress plate used in posterior malleolar fixation of trimalleolar fractures. In this study, the data of 104 trimalleolar fracture cases treated surgically between October 2011 and January 2014 were extracted from hospital records. Patient demographics (age, gender, body mass index), the presence of syndesmotic injury, fracture type (according to the Lauge-Hansen classification), the size of posterior malleolar fragment (measured on lateral radiographs) were recorded. The patients requiring postoperative care for at least a year were invited to attend an evaluation of functional and radiological outcomes. At the final follow-up examination the functional evaluation was made by using AOFAS scores, VAS scores during walking, and dorsiflexion restrictions as compared with the unaffected side. As for the radiological evaluation, the patients were assessed according to the presence of a gap or step by the direct use of graphies following the fixation and with regard to the osteoarthritic development in alignment with the Bargon criteria. A total of 67 patients met the study inclusion criteria; 20 cases in the AP screw, 13 cases in the PA screw and 34 cases in the plate group. The mean follow-up period was 14.4 ± 2.23 months in AP, 16.3 ± 2.56 months in PA and 17.1 ± 3.01 months in the plate group. Better AOFAS scores were obtained in the PA group and the plate group compared to the AP screw group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in respect of VAS scores during walking and dorsiflexion restriction. Better radiological reduction was observed in the PA screw group and the plate group (p < 0.001).

The Effect of C-Arm Mobility and Field of Vision on Radiation Exposure in the Treatment of Proximal Femoral Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of fluoroscopy devices with different sizes of image intensifier and C-arm maneuverability on operating time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose and reduction, and fixation quality at intertrochanteric femoral fractures. DESIGN: Single-center, randomized, prospective study. SETTING: Academic Level I trauma hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: 34 patients treated with cephalomedullary nailing for a stable, intertrochanteric proximal femur fracture (OTA A1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The total working time of the fluoroscopy device, the dose-area product (DAP), operating time, reduction quality (cortical continuity, symmetrical collodiaphyseal angle, and shortness), and fixation quality (Bosworth quadrants, the tip-apex distance, TAD). RESULTS: There were no cases of poor reduction; also the placement of the blade was optimal for 14 patients and suboptimal in 3 patients in each group. Superior-posterior placement of the blade or TAD > 25 mm was not seen in any patient. Total operating time was significantly shorter when using device A compared to the use of device B (20.1 ± 3.4 mins versus 25.3 ± 5.4 mins, p < 0.001). Total radiation time was significantly shorter with device A compared to the use of device B (58.1 ± 19.4 secs versus 98.9  ±â€Šâ€Š55.4 secs, p = 0.008). The measured radiation dose was lower with the use of device A compared to device B (3.5  ±â€Šâ€Š1.2 Gy·cm2 versus 7.3  ±â€Šâ€Š4.5 Gy·cm2, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Physical properties of fluoroscopy devices used during the fixation of intertrochanteric fractures could yield significant differences in operating times and the radiation dose while having comparable clinical results.

Comparison of two closed surgical techniques at isolated pediatric radial neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This paper aims to compare the clinical and radiological results of children operated using elastic stable intramedullary nailing as described by Métaizeau to those with the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). METHODS: Results of 21 pediatric patients with radial neck fracture who were treated by two pediatric surgeons between January 2011 and December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. 10 were treated with the Métaizeau method versus 11 with the CRPP. Operation time, fluoroscopic exposure time, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and radiological assessment at final follow-up 1 year or greater and complications were main outcome measures. RESULTS: The MEPS were excellent in all the patients of both groups. Reduction quality was excellent in 8 patients and good in 2 of the Métaizeau, and excellent in 9 and good in 2 of the CRPP. The fluoroscopy and operating times were statistically significantly greater, 3-fold and 2-fold respectively, in the Métaizeau method compared to the CRPP with comparable functional and radiological results. CONCLUSION: Surgeon should adhere to a closed surgical method of his/her experience for excellent result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Utility of Third-Week Postoperative Radiographs in the Management of Ankle Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the costs and efficacy of radiographs taken in the third week after fixation of bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective evaluation was made of patients who underwent surgical fixation because of bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures between January 1, 2008, and October 1, 2013. Patient demographics (age, gender, body mass index), fracture type, follow-up periods, and fixation methods were recorded, and the radiographs taken on postoperative day 1, at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and the final follow-up were examined by 2 orthopedists. Measurements were taken of the medial clear space (MCS ≤ 4 mm), the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS < 5 mm), and the talocrural angle (TCA = 83° ± 4°) on the mortise radiograph and of the overlap between the tibial tubercle and fibula (TFO > 10 mm) on the anteroposterior radiograph; residual step (mm) was measured on the lateral radiograph. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients were examined, and of these, 112 were included for evaluation. In the measurements of postoperative day 1, third week, and sixth week and the final radiographs, no statistically significant difference was determined in the MCS, TFCS, TCA, TFO, and residual step values. Because the cost of a series of 3-way ankle radiographs in Turkey is US$3.81 per patient, the cost of the control series for the 112 patients in this study was US$ 427.3. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated surgically for bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures, the radiographs taken in the third week rarely resulted in a change of patient management. Therefore, it simply constitutes an additional cost for the patient or the hospital. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective Cohort study.

Impact of echocardiography on one-month and one-year mortality of intertrochanteric fracture patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of preoperative echocardiography on patient survival, timing of surgery in length of hospital stay in patients who will undergo hip nailing for an intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: The clinical records of the patients who were admitted to a tertiary university hospital with an intertrochanteric femur fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, days to surgery, total hospital stay, cardiac drug prescription/modification, cardiac intervention and presence of an echocardiography assessment including detailed findings were reviewed. Mortality data were accessed from the national civil registration system. RESULTS: 181 (110 women and 71 men; mean age 81 (44-98)) cases were studied whom 65 underwent pre-operative echocardiography. Time to surgery and total hospital stay was 2 days longer at transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) group (p < 0.001). At one month control group survival rate was 93.1% on contrary it was 75.4% at TTE group. One-year survival rates were 77.3% and 55.1% respectively. Likewise mean expected survival time was 21.6 ± 1.03 months for control group and 15.12 ± 1.64 months for TTE group (p < 0.001). Only increased left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was showed to be associated with increasing one-year mortality with a hazard ratio of 10.78 (2.572-45.19) at multivariate model. CONCLUSION: Cardiac findings and requisite for preoperative TTE and increased LVEDD is a strong predictor for mortality. TTE significantly lengthens the time to surgery. Also LVEDD measurement can be easily performed in the bedside which we believe would save time and reduce mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Diagnostic study.

Parosteal lipoma as a rare cause of peripheral neuropathy and local irritation: A report of 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and functional results of patients with parosteal lipomas. METHODS: A total of 12 patients (8 females and 4 males; mean age: 45 (10-62) years) with parosteal lipomas who were treated between April 1986 and April 2014, were included into the study. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to analyze the clinical features and functional results of the patients. RESULTS: Of the 12 lipomas, 5 were localized in the proximal arm, 4 in the forearm, 1 in the distal arm, 1 in the distal thigh and 1 in the distal tibia. All patients presented with a progressive, slow-growing mass that was associated with thumb extension weakness in 1 case, and brachialgia-like symptoms in 1 case. Plain radiographs showed a juxtacortical mass in all cases and irregular ossification in 3 cases. In all cases, marginal excision was performed and no clinical recurrence was observed after a mean follow-up of 16 months. CONCLUSION: Parosteal lipomas are uncommon tumors that can be diagnosed with their characteristic radiological features. Parosteal lipomas occurring in the proximal radius may easily cause paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve or muscle weakness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

[The effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine on shoulder cartilage at different doses-experimental study]. / O efeito de levobupivacaína intra­articular na cartilagem do ombro em doses diferentes­estudo experimental.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study it was aimed to examine the histological and morphometric effects on cartilage structure of intra-articular application of levobupivacaine to the shoulder joint. METHODS: In twenty New Zealand adult male rabbits, 35 shoulders were used for the study and prepared in 5 groups of 7. These groups were defined as Groups L1, L2, L3 and L4 which were right shoulders administered with 0.25% and 0.5% levobupivacaine, Group C which were left shoulders as the control group and Groups S1 and S2 which were left shoulders administered with 0.9% saline. On the 2nd and 15th days the animals were killed, the glenohumeral joints were evaluated macroscopically then cartilage samples were taken. These samples were evaluated with Mankin score, and histomorphometrically by measuring the thickness of the cartilage between the superficial cartilage layer and the tidemark and the thickness of calcified cartilage between the tidemark and the subchondral bone. RESULTS: Macroscopically, on the 15th day the joint fluid was seen to have reduced in all the groups. After microscopic evaluation, the highest Mankin score (mean: 3.14±2.1/14) was in the L4 group (15th day 0.5% levobupivacaine) and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, as the highest Mankin score was in the L4 group, this indicates that in a single intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine a low concentration should be selected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5, animal study.

Effect of Topical and Intravenously Applied Tranexamic Acid Compared to Control Group on Bleeding in Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.

We aimed to answer the following three questions in this study: (1) Does tranexamic acid (TA) reduce the amount of bleeding in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)? (2) Does TA reduce requirement for blood transfusion? (3) Is there any difference on reliability and efficacy between topical and intravenous (IV) applications of TA? Patients were allocated into three groups randomly by a software program as topical, IV, and control group. TA was applied as 20 mg/kg to the IV group and as 3 g/100 mL saline to the topical group. The hemoglobin values were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively on the same day and on day 1 and day 2. Removal of the drain postoperatively and length of hospital stay, as well as any complications such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis, were also noted. The study comprised 40 patients in the IV group, 42 in the topical group, and 41 in the control group. The drain output values were similar in the IV and topical groups (p = 0.161), while those of the control group were significantly higher than both the IV and topical groups (p < 0.001 and < 0.001). Transfusion was applied to 19.5% of cases in the control group, 4.8% in the topical group, and 5.1% of the IV group (χ2 = 6.522; p = 0.038). The results of the study showed that 20 mg/kg single-dose IV bolus or 3 g topical TA application reduced blood loss and transfusion requirement without increasing the rate of thromboembolic complications in unilateral primary TKA.

The effect of intra-articular levobupivacaine on shoulder cartilage at different doses-experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study it was aimed to examine the histological and morphometric effects on cartilage structure of intra-articular application of levobupivacaine to the shoulder joint. METHODS: In twenty New Zealand adult male rabbits, 35 shoulders were used for the study and prepared in 5 groups of 7. These groups were defined as Groups L1, L2, L3 and L4 which were right shoulders administered with 0.25% and 0.5% levobupivacaine, Group C which were left shoulders as the control group and Groups S1 and S2 which were left shoulders administered with 0.9% saline. On the 2nd and 15th days the animals were killed, the glenohumeral joints were evaluated macroscopically then cartilage samples were taken. These samples were evaluated with Mankin score, and histomorphometrically by measuring the thickness of the cartilage between the superficial cartilage layer and the tidemark and the thickness of calcified cartilage between the tidemark and the subchondral bone. RESULTS: Macroscopically, on the 15th day the joint fluid was seen to have reduced in all the groups. After microscopic evaluation, the highest Mankin score (mean: 3.14±2.1/14) was in the L4 group (15th day 0.5% levobupivacaine) and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined between the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, as the highest Mankin score was in the L4 group, this indicates that in a single intra-articular injection of levobupivacaine a low concentration should be selected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5, animal study.

Comparison between locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating in the treatment of displaced clavicular midshaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating in clavicular midshaft fractures. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (21 male, 12 female) who had displaced fractures and at least 2-cm shortening fixed with expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing and 38 patients (24 male, 14 female) who underwent anatomical locking plating were recruited. Duration of surgery, incision size, duration of hospital stay, union time, and early and late complications were compared between the groups. Functional results were compared with Constant scoring system. RESULTS: Mean duration of surgery was 32.4±9.1 minutes (range: 20-42 minutes) in the nailing group and 54.1±11.9 minutes (range: 42-70 minutes) in the plating group. The incision was 4.1±0.9 cm (range: 3-5 cm) in the nailing group and 9.5±1.7 cm (range: 7-12 cm) in the plating group. Mean union time was 14.8 weeks (range: 10-24 weeks) in the nailing group and 21.3 weeks (range: 12-33 weeks) in the plating group. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.6±1.1 days (range: 2-4 days) in the plating group, whereas it was 2.3±0.8 days (range: 1-3 days) in the nailing group. In the plating group, an average of 2.7-mm (range: 0-7 mm) shortening was determined in the clavicles that underwent surgery as compared to the intact clavicles, whereas shortening was 2.3 mm (range: 0-6 mm) in the nailing group. CONCLUSION: Expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing can provide more successful outcomes than plating in displaced clavicular midshaft fractures, due to advantages such as shorter union time, lower complication rate, and better cosmetic outcomes.

Gluteal compartment syndrome secondary to superior gluteal artery injury following pelvis fracture: A case report and review of literature.

Acute gluteal artery syndrome secondary to superior gluteal artery injury following pelvic fracture is a rare entity with potential for significant morbidity and mortality. In this report we present such a case resulting with a favorable outcome with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Traction table versus manual traction in the intramedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric fractures: A prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare traction table with manual traction for the reduction and nailing of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, two-center trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 72 elderly patients with AO/OTA 31A2 and 31A3 proximal femur fractures were randomized to undergo surgery with either manual traction (MT) or traction table (TT) facilitated intramedullary nailing. The demographics and fracture characteristics, duration of preparation and surgery, total anaesthesia time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, number of assistants, early post-operative radiological evaluations and 6th month functional and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Data of 64 patients attending 6th month follow-up examination were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups regarding demographics and fracture characteristics. In the manual traction group, there was a significant time gain in respect of the positioning and preparation period (18.0±1.6min in MT group, 29.0±2.4min in TT group) (p<0.05). In terms of total anaesthesia time (Preparation+surgery) approximately 6min of difference was observed in favor of MT group (72.8±14.0min for MT and 78.6±6.5min for TT, [p<0.05]). Median number of assistants needed was significantly lower in TT group (2 assistants [1-3]) in MT group and (1 assistant [1,2]) in TT group [p<0.05]). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding other surgical and outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Manual traction reduced the preparation time and total anaesthesia duration, despite an increase in number of surgical assistant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Role of anti-adhesive barriers following rotator cuff repair surgery: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: This experimental study investigates the effectiveness of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Dualmesh®, Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ, USA), sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethyl cellulose (Seprafilm®, Genzyme, Cambridge, MA, USA), and polysiloxane (silicone) as anti-adhesive barriers for inhibition of fibrosis in the subacromial area following rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Rabbit rotator cuff tenotomy and repair was conducted on 24 rabbits in 4 groups: control (Group A), Dualmesh® (Group B), Seprafilm® (Group C), and silicone (Group D). Anti-adhesive barrier materials were sutured over the repaired rotator cuff. Macroscopic and histological evaluations were made at the end of the sixth postoperative week. RESULTS: Macroscopic evaluation revealed that minimal adhesion occurred in the control and silicone groups, while the Seprafilm® and Dualmesh® groups showed evidence of fibrosis. Microscopic evaluation revealed diffuse fibrosis and collagen accumulation in the Dualmesh® and Seprafilm® groups, whereas minimal collagen deposition and inflammatory cell reaction was found among the silicone and control groups. Significant differences were found between the silicone and Dualmesh® (p=0.001) and silicone and Seprafilm® groups (p=0.002), as well as between the control and Dualmesh® (p=0.002) and control and Seprafilm® groups (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE/Dualmesh®) and sodium hyaluronate carboxymethyl cellulose (SH-CMC/Seprafilm®) did not prevent or attenuate postoperative subacromial fibrosis following cuff tear repair. Nor did silicone prevent or attenuate fibrosis. More detailed research is needed for development of an effective anti-adhesive barrier for use after rotator cuff tear surgery.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction via tibial inlay technique in multiligament knee injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report our institution's experience regarding the use of open tibial inlay technique in patients undergoing single-stage combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. METHODS: Records of 17 patients who underwent PCL reconstruction with tibial inlay technique were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with ipsilateral femoral or tibial osteochondral avulsion fractures or ipsilateral concomitant tibia and femur shaft fractures were excluded. Out of these 17 patients, six cases underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) + PCL reconstruction, nine cases underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner reconstruction, one case underwent ACL + PCL + MCL reconstruction and one case underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner + MCL reconstruction. Mean follow-up was 14.27±6.77 (range: 6-30) months. RESULTS: In preoperative assessments, all patients had 3+ posterior laxity in posterior drawer test; at final follow-up, 6 patients had 0 laxity, 7 patients had 1+ laxity, and 4 patients had 2+ laxity (p<0.001). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective evaluation showed severe disability in all patients preoperatively, whereas 5 knees were grade A, 8 knees were grade B, 3 knees were grade C, and 1 knee was grade D at final follow-up. Mean IKDC subjective score was 75.22±7.53 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, mean side-to-side difference in KT-1000 arthrometer measurement was 2.45±1.80 mm. At final follow-up, mean range of motion (ROM) was 0º on extension and 123.56±6.31º on flexion. CONCLUSION: Open tibial inlay approach is beneficial during PCL reconstruction. Further study is warranted to establish its effectiveness on functional outcomes and prevention of complications.