Use of Tibial Cortical Autograft for the Osteotomy Site in Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Background: Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a useful treatment option in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Typically, the osteotomy site is filled with material such as autologous bone graft, allograft, or synthetic bone substitute. However, all these options have disadvantages. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to describe tibial cortical autograft as an alternative to conventional graft options. It was hypothesized that the tibial rectangular cortical bone that is removed from the proximal medial cortical surface of the distal tibial fragment longitudinally could be a reliable option for recovery of the gap in the osteotomy area. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 520 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent OWHTO between June 2009 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the graft material used to fill the osteotomy site: allograft in group A, iliac crest autograft in group B, and tibial autograft in group C. Bone union, evaluated by radiographs performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, was defined as occurring when at least 50% of the gap site was bridged with callus. Clinical assessment was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores. Results: Included were 122 patients: 40 patients in group A, 42 patients in group B, and 40 patients in group C. The mean correction was 13.87°± 3.58° in group A, 12.33°± 3.92° in group B, and 14.10°± 2.99° in group C. The mean time for radiological bone union was 6.95 ± 1.40 months in group A, 4.48 ± 1.02 months in group B, and 5.07 ± 1.70 months in group C. Patients in all groups had similar IKDC and Lysholm scores at the final follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first report of this specific procedure in the literature. All clinical and radiological findings showed that use of tibial cortical autograft was an efficient method in patients undergoing OWHTO.

Low-Energy Trauma-Induced Bilateral Isolated Posteromedial Tibial Plateau Fracture in a Healthy Young Adult: A Case Report.

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures account for average 1% of all fractures in adults. They mostly related to high-energy trauma in young adult and milder traumatic injuries in elderly due to osteoporosis. Case Report: In this case, we reported a 28-year-old male patient who admitted to the emergency room with painful and swollen bilateral knees who had fallen on his knees while playing leapfrog. When his friend jumped on his back, he fell on his knees with the forced flexion and valgus of the knee. Plain radiographs of the knees revealed bilateral posterior tibial plateau fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation were the choice of treatment. Full range of motion was allowed but not weight-bearing for 2 months. At 6 months of follow-up, the patient had full range of motion and weight-bearing with no complaint. Conclusion: We present bilateral posteromedial tibial plateau fracture in a healthy young adult which is not mentioned in the literature before and we want to emphasize that posteromedial approach in the supine position, even for both knees in the same operation session, is appropriate to reach the fracture and reduce it easily.

Evaluation of patients with pathological fractures treated by standard trauma principles but neglecting the underlying malign bone disease.

INTRODUCTION: There are several studies in the literature about pathological fractures but almost no information about patients whose pathological fracture caused by a malignant lesion misdiagnosed and treated as a simple fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate patient and fracture characteristics, and outcomes in cases where fractures occurred in the presence of a malign pathology but were treated as simple fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases of malign bone lesions between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a final diagnosis of malign bone lesion but whose pathological fractures were treated ignoring the underlying malign bone disease were included. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected from patient's medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients met the inclusion criteria. Three of the patients were female and the cohort mean age was 56.8 ± 21.8 years at the time of admission. Patient diagnoses were: renal cell carcinoma metastasis (n = 1); colon cancer metastasis (n = 1); chondrosarcoma (n = 2); osteosarcoma (n = 1); and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of bone (n = 1). In all cases surgical management differed from those that should have been applied if the pathological fracture had been identified. Furthermore, surgical management after definitive histological diagnosis were more aggressive compared to if the malignancy had been identified at first admission. All patients died after a mean follow-up of 16.67 ± 11.7 months and the complication rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: When a pathological fracture is misdiagnosed and managed as a simple bone fracture, outcomes are extremely poor. In these situations, remedial surgery is more extensive, with increased complication rates and there is poor life expectancy.

Tibial cancellous bone auto-grafting for medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: bone void filling with tissue harvested from osteotomized medullary canal.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in a series of patients undergoing open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) using tibial cancellous autograft harvested from the osteotomized medullary canal which is not reported in the literature before. Patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis were treated with OWHTO and tibial cancellous auto- grafting performed from the osteotomized medullary canal and used for bone void filling. Seventy patients (seventy-two knees) treated with OWHTO were analyzed. All patients started partial weight-bearing with crutches the day after surgery and full-weight bearing eight weeks after surgery, according to radiological evaluation. Fifty-seven women and 13 men with a mean age of 54.2±8.1 years were evaluated in this study. The mean correction angle was 8.4±2.5° (range: 5.3°-14.3°). The osteotomy sites of all patients were grafted with tibial cancellous autografts. In all patients bony union was detected after surgery. No implant failures or major complications were en- countered. Clinical and radiological findings revealed that bone void filling with the harvested autograft from the osteotomized medullary canal may be a satisfactory and reliable option in OWHTO.

Humeral fractures sustained during arm wrestling.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present our experience of treating humerus fracture sustained during arm wrestling. METHODS: Data of patients treated in our clinic with the diagnosis of humeral shaft fracture due to arm wrestling between 2000 and 2020 was retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, dominant arm, history of professional or experienced participation, type and laterality of fracture, presence of radial nerve palsy, other surgical complications, management (surgical or conservative), duration of union defined as the time from injury until callus was evident on the radiograph, and the range of motion of the elbow joint at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with humeral shaft fracture as a result of the arm wrestling were included. All had right arm fracture and all had right as the dominant side. All of the fractures were spiral at the distal third of the humerus and medial butterfly fragment was present in eleven (57.9%). Seven (36.8%) were treated surgically. Five (26.3%) had radial nerve palsy on admission. At last follow-up, no patient had neural deficit and none had significant loss of range of movement. CONCLUSION: Arm wrestling is an important cause of humerus shaft fracture. The dominant side is invariably affected. In this series all fractures were spiral type and occurred in the distal third of the humerus. One quarter of patients experienced radial nerve palsy, which can resolve spontaneously. Satisfactory results can be obtained with both conservative and surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Radiologic Outcomes and Complication Analysis of the Posterior Vertebral Column Resection in the Treatment of Previously Operated Severe Kyphoscoliosis: A Retrospective Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiologic outcomes and complication analysis of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) performed on previously operated patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (SK). METHODS: Twelve patients (6 men and 6 women) with SK underwent PVCR. The mean age of the patients preoperatively was 16 years (range, 10-26 years). The mean follow-up period was 5.3 years (range, 2-7 years). Previous surgeries included posterior growth arrest in 3 patients, hemivertebrectomy in 4 patients, and posterior fusion in 5 patients. The sagittal plane parameters and coronal parameters were measured in the preoperative, in the early postoperative, and during the last follow-up stages. Complications were also noted. RESULTS: The mean thoracic scoliosis Cobb angle was 76.8° (range, 35°-142°) preoperatively, 37.8° (range, 5°-80°) early postoperatively, and 41.5° (range, 11°-80°) during the last follow-up (P < 0.0001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 84.7° (range, 23°-132°) preoperatively, 50.3° (range, 25°-78°) early postoperatively, and 48.5° (range, 25°-80°) during the last follow-up (P = 0.0032). Complications occurred in 5 patients (41.7%); a hemothorax in 1 patient, rod fracture in 3 patients, and permanent neurologic deficit in 1 patient. Temporary loss of neuromonitoring motor evoked potentials developed in 2 patients during deformity correction. CONCLUSIONS: PVCR provides effective correction in patients with SK. However, expected surgical correction of a deformity may not always be achieved because of intraoperative neuromonitoring changes. Furthermore, PVCR can lead to a large number of major complications in patients with SK who have undergone previous spinal surgery.

Can Breast Asymmetry Following the Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis with Growing Rod Be Prevented? : A Preliminary Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: It can be assumed that the progression of scoliosis in the juvenile period will increase the asymmetry in the rib cage, and thus will contribute to an increase in the breast asymmetry (BA) in the future. We are looking for answers to the questions; "How will the breasts look with respect to each other and what is the possibility of developing BA in the early follow-up period following the early surgical treatment and final fusion surgery of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS)?" For this reason, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the breast asymmetries of patients in the period after the final fusion. METHODS: Following growing rod treatment, final fusion was achieved in 12 females with JIS. We used the anthropomorphic measurement of the modified BREAST-V formula to assess whether there was an asymmetry between the breasts after an average of 4.8 years (2-11) following final fusion. RESULTS: In comparison, the mean volume of the left breast (222.4 mL [range, 104.1-330.2]) was larger than the mean volume of the right breast volume (214.5 mL [range, 95.2-326.7]) (p=0.034). The left breast was larger in 75% of the patients. BA was observed in 50% of the patients. No correlation was detected between the Cobb angle of the patient after final fusion and BA (p=0.688). CONCLUSION: In the late follow-up period, BA was detected in 50% of the patients with JIS who achieved final fusion after treatment with growing rod. In majority of the patients, left breast was larger. The patients with JIS and their families can be informed prior to the operation about the probability of BA seen in the follow-up period after fusion.

Neuroprotective Effects of Lacosamide in Experimental Peripheral Nerve Injury in Rats : A Prospective Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of lacosamide after experimental peripheral nerve injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 28 male wistar albino rats weighing 300-350 g were divided into four groups. In group I, the sciatic nerve exposed and the surgical wound was closed without injury; in group II, peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) was performed after dissection of the nerve; in group III, PNI was performed after dissection and lacosamide was administered, and in group IV, PNI was performed after dissection and physiological saline solution was administered. At 7 days after the injury all animals were sacrificed after walking track analysis. A 5 mL blood sample was drawn for biochemical analysis, and sciatic nerve tissues were removed for histopathological examination. RESULTS: There is low tissue damage in lacosamide treated group and antioxidant anzymes and malondialdehyde levels were higher than non-treated and placebo treated group. However there was no improvement on clinical assessment. CONCLUSION: The biochemical and histological analyses revealed that lacosamide has neuroprotective effect in PNI in rats. This neuroprotective capacity depends on its scavenger role for free oxygen radicals by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity.

Computed Tomography-Based Morphometric Analysis of Thoracic Pedicles: An Analysis of 1512 Pedicles and Their Correlation with Sex, Age, Weight and Height.

AIM: To examine the morphological features of thoracic pedicles in a Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed with the patients who were underwent thoracic CT for any reason such as trauma or pulmonary disorder. Patient's age, height, weight, and sex were recorded and pedicle length (PL), transverse pedicle diameter (TPD), sagittal pedicle diameter (SPD) and, transverse pedicle angle (TPA) were measured. The right and left pedicles were separately measured. The data obtained was analyzed and compared with other studies in the literature. RESULTS: The highest mean TPA value was 33° at T1, whereas the lowest mean TPA value was 3° at T12. The highest mean PL value was 39.6 mm at T11, whereas the lowest mean PL value was 33.7 mm at T1. The lowest mean SPD value was 7.2 mm, which was measured on T1, and the maximum mean SPD was 11.7 mm on T12. The minimum mean TPD value was 3.8 mm at T5 and the maximum value was 6.2 mm at T1. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pedicle length and height in all vertebrae. Age had no effect on the morphological features of the thoracic pedicle. In males, PL, TPD, and SPD were higher than females. CONCLUSION: Compared with other populations, the Turkish population has a smaller pedicle width on sagittal and transverse planes, and their PL and medial angling is similar to those of other populations. Male patients who are taller and overweight have higher pedicle width and length.

Neuroprotective Effects of Lacosamide in Experimental Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of lacosamide on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 28 male Wistar albino rats, each weighing 300-350 g, were included. They were randomly assigned to four groups. In Group 1, only a laminectomy was performed; in Group 2, SCI was performed after laminectomy; in Group 3, SCI was performed after laminectomy followed by lacosamide administration, and in Group 4, SCI was performed after laminectomy followed by physiological saline administration. After 48 hours, all animals were sacrificed, blood samples were drawn, and their spinal cords were removed. The serum levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured, and the spinal cord specimens were examined for neuronal degeneration (PND). RESULTS: The MDA level was the lowest and the antioxidant enzyme levels were the highest in Group 3. There were statistically significant differences between Group 3 and the others in their PND score, serum MDA, SOD, GPX and catalase levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lacosamide has a neuroprotective effect in SCI in rats that is related to its ability to decrease the production of reactive oxygen species by increasing antioxidant enzyme expression, inhibit lipid peroxidation and attenuate glial cell activation.

Lowest Instrumented Vertebrae Selection for Posterior Fusion of Lenke 5C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Can We Stop the Fusion One Level Proximal to Lower-end Vertebra?

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate fusion levels remains challenging, especially in Lenke type 5 curves. In Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) generally fusion includes the lower end vertebra (LEV). This study determines whether it is appropriate to fuse mild to moderate Lenke 5 curves to LEV-1, if possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with mild to moderate Lenke 5 AIS that underwent posterior fusion were retrospectively evaluated. The preoperative goal was to stop the instrumentation at LEV-1 in all patients if possible. However, the final decision was made intraoperatively according to the alignment of the disc below lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV). In 19 patients, this goal was achieved and LIV was LEV-1, whereas 23 patients were fused to LEV. Hence, two groups occurred and they were compared in terms of coronal, sagittal, and LIV related parameters at 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. Surgical times were also noted. Clinical outcomes were assessed using scoliosis research society (SRS-22) and Short Form-36 questionnaires. RESULTS: Two groups were well matched according to preoperative values. Postoperative radiographic results were also similar, except LIV disc angle and LIV translation, which were significantly higher in LEV-1 group at 1 and 3 years followup (P < 0.05). Surgical times were significantly longer in LEV group (P = 0.036). No significant correction loss was observed between 1 and 3 years followup. There were no significant differences regarding postoperative clinical outcomes except the activity domain of SRS-22, which was significantly higher in LEV-1 group, but the significance was weak (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Fusion to LEV-1was associated with the higher amount of LIV disc angle and LIV translation, which did not cause coronal and sagittal imbalance and decreased the quality of life scores. Hence, if intraoperatively a level disc below LIV can be achieved, fusion to LEV-1 may be an option in mild to moderate Lenke 5 curves, to save one more mobile segment.

Intraspinal Anomalies in Individuals with Scheuermann's Kyphosis: Is the Routine Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Necessary for Preoperative Evaluation?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the incidence of intraspinal pathologies (ISPs) in individuals with Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK) and to validate whether the routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary for preoperative evaluation. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There are several studies on the necessity of routine MRI screening and prevalence of ISPs related to different types of scoliosis have been conducted. However, despite the well-established association between ISPs and a higher risk for neurological complications there is no any study on the scientific literature concerning the prevalence of ISPs in patients with SK has been conducted. METHODS: The database of the institution was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients diagnosed with SK who underwent surgery between 2012 and 2015. Patients were excluded from the study if their hospital database records did not include spinal images, which are routinely collected before surgery. The presence or absence of ISPs, as indicated on magnetic resonance images, was evaluated by a radiologist. RESULTS: Of the 138 potential participants, 120 were included in the study. Of these, seven patients (5.8%) had ISPs, and all the cases involved syringomyelia. None of the seven patients with ISPs required additional neurosurgical procedures before corrective surgery. No complications were reported during the perioperative period, and none of the patients developed postoperative neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the incidence rate of ISPs in patients with SK was 5.8%, and we recommend that all patients with SK should be evaluated using MRI of the spine before corrective surgery.

Spontaneous Reduction of Elbow Dislocation with Entrapment of Medial Epicondyle in Children: A Case Report.

Introduction: Elbow dislocation accounts 3-6% of all pediatric elbow injuries. Medial epicondyle is the most common fracture related to the elbow dislocation in pediatric population. About 15-18% of medial epicondyle fractures related to dislocation present with the incarceration of medial epicondyle in the elbow joint after reduction. This situation is the only absolute surgical indication for epicondyle fracture in this population. Case Report: A 15-year-old male children admitted to the emergency department with swelling, pain, and limitation of elbow range of motion after falling off a horse. Plain radiographs of the elbow revealed incongruity and increase in joint space of the elbow. When looked at carefully the medial epicondyle was seen not in the anatomic position but in the joint.Urgent surgery was performed. The medial epicondyle was removed from the joint and fixed its position with a 4 mm diameter cannulated lag screw, under fluoroscopy control. Then, the tear of the origin of flexor muscle groups on medial epicondyle was repaired with a 5.5 mm suture anchor. Conclusion: Due to the well-established association between elbow dislocation and incarcerated medial epicondyle fracture, it is easy to address the entrapment of bone fragment into the joint if any suspicion exists after reduction. However, spontaneous reduction of elbow dislocation is also possible, and it leads to the challenge of diagnosis. Due to that reason, surgeon must suspect the possibility of medial epicondyle entrapment if there is gross swelling, crepitation, and limitation of elbow range of motion although there is no dislocation.

How accurate is visual estimation of perioperative blood loss in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether the visual estimation method for perioperative blood loss is accurate in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery. METHODS: Sixty-five consecutive patients, who were operated on from 2012 to 2015 and had a diagnosis of AIS, were included into the study. Gender, age, preoperative weight and height, preoperative major curve magnitude and T5‒T12 kyphosis angles, the fusion level, and the time of surgery were recorded. Perioperative blood loss was estimated by the same anesthesiologist for all patients. Then, an experienced surgeon estimated the perioperative blood loss by a gravimetric method, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Seventeen (26.2%) of the patients were male and 48 (73.8%) were female. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.9. The mean height of the patients was 162.1 ± 8.9 cm and the mean weight was 52.6 ± 8.9 kg. The mean preoperative major curve magnitude and kyphosis angles were 49.5 ± 9.2 and 47.1 ± 12.7 respectively. The mean estimate of the surgeon was 1009 ± 404.5 ml and the mean estimate of the anesthesiologist was 434 ± 217.6 ml and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, if blood loss was high during the operation, the difference between the estimates of the surgeon and anesthesiologist was also higher. CONCLUSIONS: Even in operations where most of the blood goes into a suction canister, such as for AIS, a visual estimation method is not accurate. A short training regarding optimizing the amount of blood contained in sponges that are not fully soaked may be sufficient to improve this method.

Three-Dimensional Correction in Patients With Lenke 1 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparison of Consecutive Versus Interval Pedicle Screw Instrumentation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective-matched cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correction of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) deformity in three dimensions, comparing consecutive and interval pedicle screw (PS) instrumentation techniques. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The number of the sites that should be implanted with pedicle screws in AIS surgery is controversial. Coronal and sagittal planes have been investigated thoroughly but there are very little data about transverse plane correction according to PS density. METHODS: A total of 76 AIS patients who underwent posterior fusion with PS instrumentation were recruited in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to PS density with 38 patients in each group. In group 1, consecutive PS instrumentation was used (CPS group), and in group 2 interval pedicle screw instrumentation (IPS group). Two groups were matched according to similar patient age, fusion levels, curve magnitude and flexibility, identical Lenke curve type, and identical operative methods. Patients were compared at 1-year follow-up according to radiographic changes in coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Scoliosis Research Society-22 and spinal appearance questionnaires. RESULTS: The two cohorts were well matched. At 1-year follow-up, major coronal Cobb angle changes were 45.4° in CPS group and 38.9° in IPS group (P = 0.049). T5-T12 sagittal Cobb angle changes were 5.1° and 5.9° in CPS and IPS groups, respectively (P = 0.897). Apical vertebral rotation changes were measured as 12.0° in CPS group and as 3.6° in IPS group, which demonstrated a significant difference (P = 0.001). Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores were similar in both groups, whereas spinal appearance questionnaire appearance domain was significantly better in CPS group at 1-year follow-up (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: CPS provides better deformity correction in AIS surgery in all three planes, compared with IPS. Improved deformity correction results in better appearance outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.