Effect of pronator teres muscle botulinum neurotoxin type-A injection on proximal median nerve entrapment.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (Btx-A) injection into the pronator teres muscle in proximal median nerve entrapment (PMNE). METHODS: Intramuscular injection of 30 IU Btx-A into the pronator teres muscle was performed in 12 patients (14 extremities) diagnosed with PMNE. The injection was made under nerve stimulator control. One patient with thoracic outlet syndrome was excluded from the study and not included in the clinical evaluation. Grip and pinch strength, 2-point discrimination, Q-DASH score, and pain on VAS were evaluated and compared before and 6-8 months after injection. The patients were contacted again by phone after the first and fifth years and asked about PMNE symptomatology. RESULTS: None of the patients had complications. No significant difference in pinch strength was observed following Btx-A injection, but there was significant improvement in grip strength, 2-point discrimination, and Q-DASH and VAS pain scores. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of our study were promising: Btx-A injection improved symptoms in patients with PMNE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Volar buttress plate fixation: An effective and reliable option for Bennett's fractures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to demonstrate the volar plate fixation technique for fixing Bennett's fractures due to its buttress effect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 10 patients (8 males, 2 females; mean age: 35.9±11.56 years; range, 17 to 51 years) who were treated using the volar plate fixation technique between January 2018 and August 2022. The postoperative functional scores of the patients were evaluated using the Q-DASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) score, and their pain status was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). We also assessed fracture union and development of complications. We assessed opposition according to Kapandji grade and abduction of the thumb. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 16.6±2.91 (range, 12 to 21) months. The technique was performed on the right extremity in eight patients and on the left extremity in two patients. All patients were right-hand dominant. The VAS score was 1 in two cases and 0 in the other cases. The mean Q-DASH score was 1.36±2.44. The mean pinch strength was 6.4±0.89 kg, and the mean grasp strength was 18.8±3.52 kg on the injured side. The mean Kapandji grade of opposition was 9.3±0.82, while the mean abduction degree was 37.4±2.01. CONCLUSION: Based on the early results of this technique, we conclude that volar plate fixation for Bennett's fractures is reliable and allows for early motion, providing anatomical and stable joint reduction, and it does not have implant complications such as hardware irritation. However, fixation of small fragments may be particularly challenging.

Treatment of recalcitrant femur nonunion with pedicled corticoperiosteal medial femoral condyle flap.

Periosteal or osteoperiosteal medial femoral condyle (MFC) flaps may be good options for atrophic nonunion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pedicled MFC flap in the treatment of recalcitrant femur nonunion without bone defect. Thirteen patients (11 male and 2 female), who suffered recalcitrant femur nonunion and were treated with pedicled osteoperiosteal MFC flap between January 2014 and April 2018, were included in this study. Patient files were reviewed retrospectively. Atrophic or recalcitrant 2/3 distal femoral nonunion were the indications for this clinical procedure. Demographics and operative data, flap size, visual analog scale (VAS) score, time to union, and complications were evaluated. A total of 13 patients underwent femur nonunion treatment with MFC flap after an average of 3.4 previous surgical procedures. The median age was 34 (Q1: 32.5, Q3:43) years old. The mean flap size was 4.3 × 6.4 cm, all nonunions healed in a median 5 months (Q1: 4.5, Q3: 6). There were an intraoperative knee medial collateral ligament injury in a patient, hematoma in a patient, and seroma in two patients. The median length of the follow-up was 40 months (Q1: 30, Q3: 47). There wasn't any additional complication in long-term follow-up. Functional outcomes were satisfactory. The median preoperative VAS score was 7 (Q1: 6, Q3: 9.5), decreasing to 1 (Q1: 0, Q3: 1) at the 6-month follow-up, and further reducing to 0 (Q1: 0, Q3: 1) at the 24-month follow-up. The nonunion period ranged from 6 to 18 months. The pedicled MFC flap is a good option for recalcitrant femur nonunion where larger vascularized flaps are not warranted. It is easy to harvest, does not require microvascular anastomosis, is effective, and offers minimal donor site morbidity.

Clinical differences between nasogastric tube and Hunter's rod for staged Zone II flexor tendon reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction in Zone II of the hand and to evaluate the results of a nasogastric tube as a potential alternative to Hunter's rod. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2012 and January 2022, a total of 45 patients (26 males, 19 females; median age: 31 years; range, 12 to 61 years) who underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Of the patients 24 underwent nasogastric tube reconstruction (NT group) and 21 underwent Hunter's rod reconstruction (HR group). Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, the number of surgeries, the occurrence of complications, the presence of infection during the procedure, and the range of motion of the finger joints at the final follow-up examination were recorded. The assessment of the cases was conducted using the total active motion system. RESULTS: Twenty-four digits underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction with the nasogastric tube. Among these, three index fingers, nine middle fingers, seven ring fingers, and five little fingers were operated. Twenty-one digits underwent two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction using Hunter's rod. Among these, two index fingers, eight middle fingers, six ring fingers, and five little fingers were operated. In the NT group, excellent results were observed in 58.3% (14 digits), good results in 25% (six digits), fair results in 8.3% (two digits), and poor results in 8.3% (two digits). In the HR group, excellent results were seen in 57.1% (12 digits), good results in 33.3% (seven digits), fair results in 4.7% (one digit), and poor results in 4.7% (one digit). CONCLUSION: The utilization of a nasogastric tube offers a convenient and cost-effective option to Hunter's rod in the two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction, leading to favorable outcomes characterized by high rates of excellence and improvement, while effectively minimizing the occurrence of complications.

An overview of the orthopedic patient profile in the first five days following February 6th, 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake: A single-center experience in the earthquake zone.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the patient profile at a medium-volume hospital located in the earthquake zone among patients who received orthopedic treatment within the first five days after the natural disaster that was considered a major earthquake. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 6th, 2023 and February 10th, 2023, a total of 338 patients (156 males, 182 females; mean age: 42.2±9.7 years; range, 0 to 87 years) who received orthopedic treatment in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups according to age as follows: infants (younger than one year of age), children (one to 13 years), adults (14 to 59 years), and elderly (60 years or older). RESULTS: Considering the age distribution, 291 (86%) patients were young adults. A total of 173 orthopedic surgeries were performed, including internal fixation in 63 patients, external fixation in 11 patients, upper/lower extremity fasciotomy in 47 patients, amputation in 39 patients, and soft tissue debridement in 13 patients. CONCLUSION: It is of utmost importance to recognize the principles of emergency fracture fixation and fasciotomy to successfully perform orthopedic surgeries after a natural disaster such as a major earthquake, particularly when the number of earthquake victims is considerably high.

Comparison of lateral arm flap and posterior interosseous artery flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the two different flap techniques used for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the elbow region: the lateral arm flap (LAA) and posterior interosseous artery (PIA) flap. METHODS: The retrospective study included 12 patients who underwent surgical treatment for soft tissue defects between 2012-2018 at the clinic. The study evaluated demographic data, flap size, operating time, donor site, flap complications, number of perfora-tors, and functional and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: Results showed that patients who underwent PIA flap had significantly smaller defect size than those who underwent LAA flap (p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p>0.05). Patients who received PIA flaps had significantly lower QuickDASH scores, indicating better functional results (p<0.05). The operating time was significantly shorter in the PIA group than in the LAA flap group (p<0.05). Additionally, the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint was significantly higher among the patients who received the PIA flap (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that both flap techniques are easy to apply depending on the surgeon's experience, have low complication risk, and provide similar functional and cosmetic results in similar defect sizes.

The Possibilities of Personalized 3D Printed Implants-A Case Series Study.

Background and Objectives: Following the most recent software and 3D printing developments, the use of personalized 3D printed orthopedic implants for treatment of complicated surgical cases has gained more popularity. Today, orthopedic problems that cannot be solved with standard implants may be effectively addressed using personalized prostheses. The aim of this study is to present the designing, modeling and production stages of four different personalized 3D printed prostheses and their application in clinical cases of patients who underwent treatment in various anatomical locations with a precisely specified indication for implantation. Materials and Methods: Based on computed tomography scanning, personalized 3D printed prostheses were designed, produced and used in four patients within a period of three to five days after injury or admission. Results: Early term follow-ups demonstrated good to excellent results. Conclusions: Personalized 3D printed prostheses offer an opportunity for a treatment of choice and provide good anatomical and functional results, shortened surgical time, less complications, and high satisfaction in patients with appropriate indications. The method should be considered primarily for patients with large bone defects, or such indicated for resection. Personalized 3D printed prostheses have the potential to become more common and beneficial in the future.

Treatment of comminuted radial head fractures with personalized radial head prosthesis produced with 3-dimensional printing technology.

BACKGROUND: The radial head is the forearm's pivot point for supination-pronation. Although radial head resection can be performed in comminuted radial head fractures, radial head prosthesis has gained popularity in order to prevent possible complications such as progressive valgus instability in the elbow and secondary ulnocarpal impaction that may develop due to proximal displacement of the radius. As for radial head prostheses, standard prosthetic designs do not provide the same results in everyone, and the alignment of the radial head and radial neck angle cannot be fully achieved. We believe that the radial head must be reconstructed with a complete anatomical implant. We designed and applied personalized prostheses to our patients, and in this study, we wished to share the 2-year results of these patients. METHODS: In this study, 23 patients who had comminuted radial head fractures had personalized radial head prostheses inserted. Preoperative variables such as type of injury, age, side, additional ligament injury, operation time, number of radial head parts, neck angle of individual prosthesis, stem length, and stem diameter were noted. The mean operating time was 26 ± 9 minutes. One month postoperatively, after physical therapy, elbow range of motion, loss of strength compared to the opposite joint, Mayo elbow scores, QuickDASH scores, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Patients were evaluated 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: QuickDASH and Mayo elbow scores were satisfactorily good (mean QuickDASH score: 9.091, mean Mayo score: 91.08). According to the results of the patient satisfaction questionnaire, 16 of the 23 patients reported excellent satisfaction, 5 patients good satisfaction, and 2 patients moderate satisfaction. None of the patients reported poor results. DISCUSSION: Since personalized radial head prosthesis consists of a single monoblock, its surgical application consists of a single step and has a short operating time. As the applications in the literature increase and more studies are conducted, this subject will be better understood. Our study demonstrated that these patients, whose anatomies were individually replicated, achieved good range of motion and patient satisfaction. In fact, none of the patients reported negative results. In comminuted radial head fractures, surgical implantation of personalized radial head prosthesis is a treatment modality with easy application, short operating time, and good functional results.

Treatment Outcomes of All Arthroscopic 4-Corner Arthrodesis Techniques With 2 Headless Screws.

PURPOSE: Scaphoid excision with 4-corner arthrodesis is a safe procedure that relieves pain while also preserving the functional movements of the wrist. Different techniques have been described with successful results. In this study, we present the midterm clinical outcomes of 17 patients who underwent treatment with our arthroscopic 4-corner arthrodesis technique. METHODS: Patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included in our study. Preoperative and postoperative radiologic, functional, and clinical results were compared. Radiologic and clinical union were achieved in all patients. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Mayo Wrist Score, visual analog scale, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores. Although wrist range of motion increased in the radioulnar plane, no clinically important change was observed in the flexion-extension arc. The patients were able to return to work in an average of 10 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic 4-corner arthrodesis technique is a method with satisfactory outcomes. The main disadvantage of this procedure is that it requires a lengthy operative time, and both specific expertise and equipment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

The free medial femoral condyle periosteal flaps for the treatment of recalcitrant upper limb long bones nonunion.

BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant fracture non-union is a condition that is difficult to treat and may require multiple surgeries, sometimes requiring treatment with periosteal flaps. The use of periosteal flaps can be preferred for the treatment of non-unions that do not yet have extensive bone defects. This study aims to share our experience with medial femoral condyle periosteal flap for the treatment of recalcitrant non-union in long bones of the upper limb. METHODS: Seven patients who underwent treatment for upper limb non-union with a free medial femoral condyle periosteal flap between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had previously underwent implant revision and non-vascular grafting procedures and with failed atrophic non-union were included in the study. Non-union was in the humerus in two patients, ulna in three, radius in one, and clavicula in one patient. Demographic data, non-union features, complications, and radiographic findings of the patients were evaluated. Functional results were evaluated according to Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) scores. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 41 (23-60) years and the mean follow-up time was 33 months (16-56). Non-union time ranged from 9 to 24 months. Additional surgical procedures were not required. One patient developed a hematoma in the donor site and required surgical drainage. Medial collateral ligament injury of the knee occurred in one patient. Union was observed in all patients in an average of 3 (2-7) months. Mean pre-operative Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) score was 56 (33-95), while mean post-operative control Q-DASH score was 5 (0-33); the improvement was statistically significant (p=0.017). The functional outcomes of all patients improved, as confirmed by Q-DASH score. CONCLUSION: The medial femoral condyle periosteal flap offers a viable treatment option for recalcitrant non-unions. This flap has low comorbidity compared to other flaps and is a feasible option for revascularization and bone formation in atrophic non-unions.

The effect of single plate and double plate application on union and functional results in humeral diaphyseal nonunions.

In this study, we assessed and compared the outcomes of two different fixation techniques for humeral diaphyseal fracture nonunions. A retrospective evaluation of 22 patients who underwent single-plate and double-plate fixation due to humeral diaphyseal nonunions was conducted. Union rates, union times, and functional outcomes of the patients were assessed. There was no significant difference between single- plate and double-plate fixation in terms of union rates or union times. The double-plate fixation group achieved significantly better functional outcomes. Nerve damage or surgical site infection were not encountered in either group.Due to its considerable effect on stability, double-plate fixation, offers both patients and surgeons confidence in terms of early adaptation to daily life in the postoperative period.

Comparison of the Modified Moberg Flap Versus First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap for Thumb Pulp Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: We assessed and compared outcomes of 2 different flap techniques for thumb pulp defect reconstruction. Twenty-three patients who underwent modified Moberg and first dorsal metacarpal artery flap because of thumb pulp defect were retrospectively evaluated. Flap survival; venous congestion; cold intolerance; static 2-point discrimination (s2-PD); Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test scores; paresthesia; defect size; time to return to work; interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion of the thumb; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores; and follow-up time were evaluated. Flap survival, venous congestion, time to return to work, paresthesia, defect size, SWM test scores, range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores were similar in both groups. Cold intolerance and s2-PD were found to be statistically better in the modified Moberg flap group. Although these techniques provided similar results, the modified Moberg was found to be superior in terms of cold intolerance and s2-PD.

The role of arthroscopy in the diagnosis of concomitant soft tissue injuries in scaphoid fractures and the effect of concomitant soft tissue injuries and fracture comminution on outcomes: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the role of arthroscopy in the diagnosis of concomitant injuries, to investigate the relationship between comminution and concomitant injuries, and to analyze the effect of concomitant injuries on functional outcomes in acute and subacute scaphoid fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and September 2018. A total of 32 acute scaphoid fracture patients (29 males, 3 females; mean age: 30±12 years; range, 18 to 65 years) were retrospectively analyzed. None of them had an obvious ligament injury in the radiological assessment. Functional outcomes were compared between concomitant and non-concomitant injuries and between comminuted and non-comminuted injuries. The percentage of range of motion (ROM), grip, and pinch strength were recorded according to the contralateral extremity to detect the restriction rate. The Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), the Turkish version of the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires were used to evaluate the functional results. Subjective pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The relationship between concomitant injuries and comminution was investigated. RESULTS: There were 13 patients with comminuted fractures. Concomitant injuries were diagnosed in 17 patients. The presence of concomitant injuries was higher in comminuted fractures than in non-comminuted fractures. There was no significant difference between the groups in ROMs. The final follow-up Q-DASH, PRWE, MWS, and VAS scores and the pinch strength of non-comminuted fractures were found to be statistically better than those of comminuted fractures. There were statistically worse Q-DASH, PRWE, MWS, and VAS scores in patients with concomitant injuries. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic scaphoid fracture surgery allows the diagnosis and treatment of concomitant lesions. The functional outcomes of concomitant lesions and comminuted fractures seem to be worse than those of others, while the ROM is comparable.

Treatment of acute perilunate dislocation or fracture dislocation using dorsal approach and diamond-shaped Kirschner-wire fixation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of diamond-shaped Kirschner (K)-wire fixation for the treatment of acute perilunate dislocation (PLD) or trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation (PLFD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 18 patients (18 wrists; 17 males, 1 female; mean age 31.5±2.6 years; range, 18 to 47 years) treated for PLD/PLFD using a dorsal approach with the diamond-shaped K-wire fixation between November 2001 and September 2017. The mean follow-up of cohort was 27 (range, 13 to 74) months. Using a dorsal approach, open ligament repair and bone fixations were performed. Perilunate dislocation was reduced and the carpal bones and midcarpal joint were held in anatomical position using four K-wires transfixing the scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral, scaphocapitate, and triquetrohamate joints in such a shape that each bone received two K-wires. RESULTS: The mean range of motion and grip strength measured using a Jamar® dynamometer of the injured wrist compared to the uninjured extremity were 84.3% and 78.8%, respectively. The mean Mayo wrist score was 78.3 (range, 70 to 90). The mean Visual Analog Scale score was 1.2 (range, 0 to 4). The average SL gap at the final follow-up evaluation was 1.62 (range, 1 to 2.3) mm. The mean SL and capitolunate angles were 49.3° (range, 40 to 75°) and 4.2° (range, 2 to 12°), respectively. CONCLUSION: Because every bone is fixed with two K-wires using this configuration, a closed ring is created; hence no motion is possible between the scaphoid, capitate, hamate, triquetrum, lunate and the midcarpal joint. We believe that diamond-shaped fixation may provide reliable fixation and satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with PLD and PLFD.

Clinical, Radiological, and Electrodiagnostic Diagnosis of Pronator Syndrome Concurrent With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: This is a retrospective observational study that assessed the prevalence of positive diagnostic imaging and electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings in patients diagnosed with pronator syndrome (PS), who previously had a carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery. The other purpose of our study was to determine how often PS occurred and was missed in patients treated surgically for CTS. METHODS: The files of 180 patients who underwent CTS surgery were reviewed retrospectively. We assessed all patients for a diagnosis of PS. We accepted the clinical findings and patient history as the reference standard for the diagnosis of PS. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the elbow, bilateral upper limb magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and bilateral dynamic forearm ultrasound (US) were performed on patients with clinical symptoms and physical examinations that indicated PS. Bilateral upper limb EDX was also performed for these patients. One patient refused additional tests. RESULTS: A total of 174 extremities in 146 patients were included in the study. Pronator syndrome was diagnosed by 2 hand surgeons in 22 extremities (19 patients) through a clinical evaluation that included a history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing was positive for findings of PS in 24% of extremities (5 of 21) tested by EDX, in 57% of extremities (12 of 21) tested by US, and 5% of extremities (1 of 21) tested by MRI. There was no lower humeral spur that could cause median nerve compression on any plain radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: With clinical evaluation as the reference standard, EDX, US, and MRI are not helpful in making a diagnosis of PS concurrent with CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Comparison of Innervated Digital Artery Perforator Flap Versus Homodigital Reverse Flow Flap Techniques for Fingertip Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare outcomes of 2 different flap techniques for fingertip reconstruction: innervated digital artery perforator (IDAP) flap and homodigital reverse-flow flap. METHODS: Medical records of 33 patients who underwent fingertip reconstruction either with an IDAP flap (15 patients) or with a homodigital reverse-flow flap (18 patients), between 2014 and 2016, were evaluated retrospectively. In both study groups, full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the proximal/volar side of the forearm were used to cover the flap donor site. Flap survival, venous congestion, cold intolerance, static 2-point discrimination, flap size, duration of surgery, time to return to work, proximal and distal interphalangeal joint range of motion, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores, and follow-up time were evaluated. RESULTS: All the major outcomes, including flap survival, cold intolerance, static 2-point discrimination, flap size, time to return to work, range of motion values for proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores, and follow-up time, were similar between the 2 flap methods. Mean duration of surgery was shorter in the IDAP flap group. Marginal flap necrosis occurred in 1 IDAP flap, and there was complete survival of the remainder of the flap after debridement. Temporary venous congestion was seen in 3 IDAP flaps, all of which resolved with nonsurgical measures. CONCLUSIONS: Similar success rates and satisfactory outcomes were achieved with IDAP flap and reverse-flow flap techniques used for fingertip reconstruction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Methyl methacrylate in external fixation of supracondylar humerus fractures: An experimental study.

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common fractures around the elbow. Open fractures, comminuted metaphyseal fractures and also fractures with bone loss may need to be treated with external fixators. The aim of this study is to compare two different external fixators, tubular external fixators and polymethyl methacrylate with K wires external fixators, with regard to stiffness and stability for metaphyseal-diaphyseal osteotomies of distal humerus close to the joint. Six matched pairs (24 specimens) of second-generation sawbone humerus were prepared in a standard fashion to create a metaphyseal fracture, 5 cm proximal to the distal joint line of humerus and were randomly divided into two groups of 12 specimens each. Each sawbone humerus was osteotomized transversely at the mid-olecranon fossa with a 2-mm oscillating saw to simulate a Gartland type III fracture. The osteotomy was then reduced and stabilized using two different external fixation methods: carbon tubular external fixator with Schanz screws and methyl methacrylate with multiple K wires. Three-point bending and torsion tests were performed on the specimens. Bending and torsional stiffness of specimens were obtained for the fixation methods. According to the results of the study, the methyl methacrylate group has provided higher stiffness than classical tubular fixator with Schanz screws in three-point bending test (7.79 ± 2.33 N/mm vs 3.78 ± 1.18 N/mm, p = 0.006). The methyl methacrylate group also showed better stiffness in torsion test (0.12 ± 0.042 N m/° vs 0.067 ± 0.013 N m/°, p = 0.02). We determined for the first time in literature that external fixation with methyl methacrylate was significantly superior to the classical tubular external fixator with Schanz screws with regard to stiffness and stability under three-point bending and torsional loads. Moreover, methyl methacrylate is inexpensive and easily applied.

Other benefits of intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty apart from reducing blood transfusion rates.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of intra-articular tranexamic acid (TA) administration on the amount of blood in the drains, the amount of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and the total cost in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 118 patients (24 males, 94 females; mean age 67.0 years, range 52 to 81 years) who underwent primary unilateral TKA surgery. Patients were divided into two groups as 58 patients who were performed intra-articular injection of 2 g TA after closure of articular capsule (TA group; 10 males, 48 females, mean age 65.6 years; range 55 to 80 years) and 60 patients who were not performed any intra-articular injection (non-TA group; 14 males, 46 females; mean age 68.3 years; range 52 to 81 years). The maximum difference between pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, the amount of blood in the drains, the amount of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and cost of each patient were recorded. RESULTS: The mean difference between pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels were higher in the non-TA group (1.7 g/dL vs 2.6 g/dL, p<0.05). The mean amounts of blood in drains (327.5 mL vs 800.0 mL, p<0.05), the amounts of blood transfusions (0 units vs 10 units, p<0.05), the mean lengths of hospital stay (4.03 days vs 4.53 days, p<0.05), and the hospital costs (1,935.26 United States dollars vs 1,959.64 United States dollars, p<0.05) were lower in TA group. CONCLUSION: Administration of intra-articular TA during primary TKA may reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion while significantly shortening the postoperative length of hospital stay and reducing the total hospital costs.

Percutaneous Release of the First Dorsal Extensor Compartment: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficiency of the percutaneous 18-G needle technique in releasing the fibro-osseous sheath over the first dorsal extensor compartment of the hand. METHODS: Using anatomic landmarks, percutaneous release was performed with an 18-G needle on 48 wrists of 24 cadavers. The specimens were then dissected and examined for the completeness of the first dorsal extensor compartment release and any tendon or neurovascular injuries. The tunnel length, number of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, presence of an intertendinous septum, and the effects of these parameters on percutaneous release were evaluated. RESULTS: Percutaneous release was performed on all of the wrists, and the evaluation of the adequacy of release revealed 25 complete releases, 21 partial releases, and 2 missed releases. There were 19 cases of tendon complications. No neurovascular injuries were noted. The mean tunnel length was 2.66 ± 30 cm, and the mean number of tendons was 2.75 ± 0.86. A septum was present in 33.3% of cases. Tunnel length and tendon number had no statistically significant effect on release, whereas the presence of a septum was significantly associated with inadequate tunnel release and the development of tendon complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous release of the first dorsal extensor compartment using an 18-G needle was associated with high rates of incomplete release and tendon damage in the presence of an intertendinous septum. Further study is required under ultrasound guidance to determine the usefulness of percutaneous release in the first dorsal extensor compartment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Release with a percutaneous needle tip in De Quervain's syndrome may provide the advantages of better cosmetic results with less scar formation and an early return to work.