Comparision of lateral, medial, and posterior approaches in the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological results of lateral, medial, and posterior surgical approaches in pediatric patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The clinical and radiographic results of the treatment in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with lateral, medial, and posterior approaches were evaluated. Flynn's criteria were used in the evaluation of cosmetic and clinical results. Comparisons were made between the groups in terms of Baumann angle, lateral capitellohumeral angle, and post-operative complications. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of complications. No statistically significant relationship was observed between Flynn's criteria and surgical approaches. When the relationship among post-operative range of motion (ROM) and surgical approach was evaluated, no extension defect was found in any of the patients, but a significant relationship was found between post-operative flexion ROM and surgical approach (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning are preferred in cases of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. However, when this method cannot be applied, lateral, medial, and posterior approaches are the possible open reduction methods, that can be safely preferred.

New interlocking intramedullary nail for treating acute midshaft clavicular fractures in adults: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine the radiological and functional results of midshaft clavicle fractures that were treated with a new, interlocking intramedullary nail, and employing a different locking option. METHODS: Between January 2018 and January 2020, 24 displaced midshaft clavicle fractures were operated with new, interlocking intramedullary nail. Fractures were classified according to the AO/orthopedic trauma association classification, according to which there were 22 15.2.B (wedge) and 2 15.2.C (comminuted) fractures. The mean patient age was 35.5±14.2 (range: 18-63) years. Eighteen (75%) of the patients were male and six (25%) were female. RESULTS: Follow-up data were recorded at a minimum of 1 year (range 12-36 months), with an average of 21.5 months (SD±8). The mean interval between the injury and surgery was 4.1 (SD±2.3; range: 1-9) days. Full shoulder movements had been achieved by all patients, relative to the contralateral side. The mean constant score was 95.6 (SD±4.2; range 90-100), and the mean visual analog scale score was 0.8 (SD±0.8; range: 0-3). Union was achieved in all patients. The mean union time was 9.5 (SD±1.8; range 6-12) weeks as assessed by radiograph. Average shortening of the clavicle relative to the contralateral side was 3.4% (SD±1.1; range 1.1-6.3). One patient experienced implant irritation, implant removal was performed after 14 months. No implant migration, hardware loosening, implant breakage, or neurovascular damage occurred. One hypertrophic scarring developed. One wound detachment developed at the 3rd post-operative week. CONCLUSION: We think that this new intramedullary nail is a good alternative for wedge type fractures in adult, acute, displaced, and midshaft clavicle fractures.

Treatment of proximal scaphoid waist nonunions with vascularized bone graft from the distal radius or medial femoral condyle.

Fractures of the proximal scaphoid waist are more prone to nonunion than distal scaphoid fractures. Thirty-nine patients (five females, 34 males; mean age 31 years) who had operation for proximal scaphoid waist nonunion between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Patients received a free vascularized medial femoral condyle graft (Group 1: 18 patients) or distal radial bone graft based on a 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle (Group 2: 21 patients). In Group 1, union was achieved in 17 of 18 cases, with mean time to union of 13 weeks and mean operation time was 221 minutes. In Group 2, union was achieved in 19 of 21 cases, with mean time to union of 15 weeks and mean operation time was 100 minutes. The radiological and functional results of both groups were similar. We recommend a distal radial bone graft based on the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle for proximal scaphoid waist nonunions since the operation is shorter, technically more manageable and requires less microsurgical experience.Level of evidence: III.

A comparison of intramedullary cannulated screws versus miniplates for fixation of unstable metacarpal diaphyseal fractures.

We carried out a prospective randomized study to compare the clinical and radiological results of metacarpal diaphyseal fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary headless cannulated screws (IHCS) and plates. Fractures were fixed with IHCS in 34 patients (37 metacarpals) and locked miniplates in 35 patients (40 metacarpals). The mean age was 33 years (range 18-61) in the IHCS group and 32 years (range 17-68) in plate group. All patients were followed up for 1 year. All fractures in the IHCS group united but there was one nonunion in the plate group. At final follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups in total active movement, visual analogue pain score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and grip strength, although the study was not sufficiently powered to exclude differences with certainty. IHCS is a safe and fast technique that is a good alternative to plate fixation in metacarpal diaphyseal fractures.Level of evidence: I.

Comparison of the functional and radiological outcomes of vascularized and non-vascularized bone graft options in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of the patients with scaphoid waist nonunion treated with non-vascularized bone graft and vascularized bone graft options. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and February 2020, a total of 24 patients (22 males, 2 females; mean age: 30.6±9.4 years; range, 18 to 66 years) with scaphoid waist nonunion who were treated with vascularized or non-vascularized bone graft were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, eight were treated with iliac crest non-vascularized bone graft (IC-NBG), seven with vascularized free medial femoral condyle (MFC) graft, and nine with 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularized bone graft (1,2-ICSRA-VBG). The grip strength, flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation angles were measured and compared to the contralateral hand for functional outcomes. Union rates, the scaphoid height-to-length ratio, the lateral intrascaphoid angle (LISA) were evaluated for radiological outcomes. The Mayo Wrist Score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) Questionnaire score were calculated. RESULTS: Union was observed in seven (87.5%) patients after IC-NBG, in six (85.7%) patients after MFC bone graft and nine (100%) patients in the treatment group with 1,2-ICSRA-VBG. There were no statistically significant differences among the IC-NBG, MFC and 1,2-ICSRA-VBG groups in terms of the union rates, the scaphoid height-to-length ratio, VAS score, Q-DASH score, grip strength and flexion, ulnar deviation, radial deviation angles after surgery (p>0.05). However, extension was statistically lower in the MFC group than IC-NBG and 1,2-ICSRA-VBG groups after surgery. The Mayo score was better in the IC-NBG group than MFC and 1,2-ICSRA-VBG, indicating a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, we suggest to use IC-NBG for scaphoid waist nonunion as the primary procedure, as the union rates are comparable with the MFC and 1,2-ICSRA-VBG techniques and it has advantages such as shorter operation time, easier technique, no special experience requirement, and better functional outcomes.

Surgical outcomes of scaphoid fracture osteosynthesis with magnesium screws.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the mid-term functional and radiological outcomes of magnesium-based screws in the treatment of scaphoid fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2015 and February 2018, a total of 21 patients (18 males, 3 females; mean age: 28.5±5.8 years; range, 19 to 39 years) with acute scaphoid waist fractures who underwent fracture fixation with biologically degradable magnesium-based compression screws were retrospectively analyzed. Fractures were classified according to the Herbert and Fisher classification. The absence of pain on palpation and painless active range of motion were accepted as the signs of union. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 43.3±5.3 (range, 36 to 52) months. According to the Herbert and Fisher classification, nine patients had type B1 and 12 patients had type B2 scaphoid fractures. Union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 11.2±1.5 (range, 9 to 14) weeks. The mean grip strength, flexion, and extension were 43.57°, 73.57°, and 76.43°, respectively. The grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion of the operated side were evaluated at the final follow-up visit and compared with the contralateral side (control group). No complication occurred. Any screw was not removed. CONCLUSION: Magnesium-based compression screws can be safely used for acute scaphoid fractures considering their favorable functional and radiological results.

InSafeLOCK® humeral nailing for humeral nonunions: Clinical and radiological results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients treated with InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac crest autograft for humeral nonunion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients (11 males, 4 females; mean age: 52.1±15.3 years; range, 31 to 78 years) who were followed conservatively for humeral fractures and operated with the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac bone graft in our center between June 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, operative data, and pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Constant-Murley Scores (CMS) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean time from injury to nonunion treatment was 10.9±1.6 months. Five patients had atrophic, eight patients had oligotrophic, and two patients had hypertrophic nonunion. Preoperatively, the mean DASH was 37.7±9.1, the mean CMS was 69.7±6.3, and the mean VAS was 3.8±0.7. In all patients, union was achieved. The mean operation time was 59.0±16.2 min. The mean postoperative DASH score was 16.1±8.7, CMS 87.4±3.4, and VAS score 0.8±0.7. Regarding the shoulder joint, the mean abduction was 164.7±11.3 degrees, the mean internal rotation was 82.0±6.8 degrees, the mean external rotation was 81.3±8.3 degrees, and the mean flexion was 162.0±12.1 degrees. During follow-up, complications such as vascular-nerve injury, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, screw migration or loosening, implant failure, and loss of reduction did not occur in any of our patients. CONCLUSION: Considering the satisfactory functional and radiological results, the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail can be used safely in humeral nonunions.

Comparison of single and double dorsal wires in the extension block technique for mallet fractures: Retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACT: Mallet fractures are avulsion fractures of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx base and often occur due to sudden flexion or axial loading. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients treated with single and double dorsal wires from the dorsal in the extension block method.Patients to whom a single wire from dorsal was applied were assigned to Group 1 (n: 22), and those to whom double wires were applied were assigned to Group 2 (n: 23). Surgical treatment was decided for patients with more than 1/3 of the fracture fragment containing the joint surface and volar subluxation. The range of motion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was measured with a goniometer. The displacement of the fragment was measured before and after surgery on lateral radiographs. The presence of bridging callus formation on anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs was evaluated for a union.There were 30 male (66.7%) and 15 (33.3%) female patients. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. Radiographic union was obtained in all patients. Pseudoarthrosis was not observed in any patient. The Crawford score was excellent in 13 (28.9%) cases, the score was good in 18 (40%) cases, the scores were moderate in 13 (28.9%) cases, and the score was poor in 1 case (2.2%). There were no complications in 35 (77.8%) cases, dorsal bump complications occurred in 9 cases (20%), and osteoarthritis and dorsal bump complications occurred in 1 (2.2%) case. We did not observe nail deformity, skin necrosis, infection, or fingertip sensitivity. We found similar functional and clinical results between the groups.We recommend using single dorsal wire, as using double dorsal wires requires extra operation time, effort, and fluoroscopy.

Combined palmar and dorsal plating of four-part distal radius fractures: Our clinical and radiological results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes of four-part intraarticular distal radius fractures treated with a volar anatomically locked plate and 2 mm low-profile plates using both the volar and dorsal approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 20 patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age 47±12.1; range, 25 to 67 years) who received open reduction and internal fixation with combined volar and dorsal plating to treat complex four-part distal radius fractures (shaft, radial styloid area, dorsal medial facet, volar medial facet) between May 2016 and January 2019. According to Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification, all fractures were 2R3-C3. According to Melone classification, one fracture was type 1, seven fractures were type 2a, three were type 2b, three were type 3 and six were type 4. The mean follow-up time was 21±7.5 (range, 12 to 36) months. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all fractures. The mean tourniquet time was 103±12 (range, 90 to 130) minutes. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 10±9, and the mean Visual Analog Scale score was 2.1±0.9. According to Mayo wrist score, five patients had excellent, six had good, six had satisfactory and three had poor results. The mean grip strength was 25.2±9.2 (range, 15 to 40) kg and 78% of opposite side. Mean wrist flexion was 48.7°±15.3° (range, 30° to 80°), extension was 52.2°±17.2° (range, 25° to 80°), radio-ulnar deviation arc was 40.7°±6.9° (range, 30° to 55°), and mean forearm rotation arc was 152.3°±11° (range, 130° to 170°). CONCLUSION: Plating method with a dual approach may be an alternative for four-part intraarticular distal radius fractures given its early mobility advantage and satisfactory functional and radiological results.

Hemi-hamate osteochondral autograft for acute dorsal proximal interphalangeal fracture-dislocations.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate the clinical and radiological results of a hemi-hamate autograft arthroplasty method in patients with acute trauma who had a fragmented fracture of the proximal palmar joint surface of the middle phalanx and dorsal PIP subluxation. METHODS: A total of 13 fingers from 13 patients who met the criteria were included in the study (11 men and 2 women) and prospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 39.5 years. The mean interval between the injury and surgery was 6.3 days. The active movement of the DIP, PIP, MP and wrist joints was started on postoperative day. Follow-ups were performed at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Range of motion for the DIP, PIP and MP joints, DASH and VAS scores, grip strength, two-point discrimination, finger pulp and palmar curve distance were evaluated. RESULTS: All PIP joints were stable against coronal and sagittal stress at the 1st postoperative year and there was no limitation in wrist movements. Two-point discrimination was < 5 mm in all fingers. Union was achieved in all grafts except one. The mean active total PIP range of motion was 82.3°, DIP range of motion was 61.1°, MP joint motion was 87°. The mean DASH score was 7.6, and the mean VAS score was 1.5. The mean grip strength was 33.7 kg, which was 93% of the healthy side. The mean finger pulp and palmar curve distance was 8.6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that HHA is an appropriate alternative in cases of acute dorsal PIP fracture-dislocations with an intact middle phalanx dorsal cortex that is not suitable for primary fixation, with the advantages of obtaining stable joint and satisfactory functional results.

Reconstruction of chronic thumb metacarpophalangeal radial collateral ligament injuries with free tendon grafts.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review our reconstruction method to treat chronic grade 3 thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint radial collateral ligament (RCL) tears using free tendon grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen male patients (mean age 41 years; range, 20 to 67 years) who received a free tendon graft to treat chronic grade 3 thumb MP joint RCL injury between May 2016 and July 2018 were evaluated prospectively. Patients with incomplete bone maturation (n=1), those who had additional injuries in the same extremity (n=1), and those who had previously undergone surgery on the same extremity (n=1) were excluded. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used for functional evaluation and the visual analog scale (VAS) was also used for pain evaluation. RESULTS: The decrease in DASH (p=0.008) and VAS (p=0.03) scores and the increase in grip (p=0.031) and pinch strength (p=0.006) between the preoperative and final follow-up values were statistically significant. No ulnar deviation was observed in X-rays at the final examination, nor was MP joint radial instability observed under ulnar stress during clinical examinations. In two patients, 1 and 1.5 mm palmar subluxation was observed at final examination. The other 11 patients had no palmar subluxation at final examination. CONCLUSION: Although ours is a more complicated method compared to other reconstruction approaches, we think that it is a suitable alternative for achieving joint stability and good functional results.

Comparison of new design locked intramedullary nails and plate osteosynthesis in adult isolated diaphyseal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: In this study, we retrospectively evaluated patients with isolated diaphyseal radius fractures treated with plates or IMNs and compared their radiological and functional results. METHODS: 49 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Of these, 22 were treated with plate osteosynthesis and 27 with IMNs. The mean age of plate group was 36.8 (range 17-68), IMN group was 34.3 (range 18-74). 39 (79.6%) of the patients were males and 10 (20.4%) were females. The mean follow-up period was 26 (range 12-48) months. RESULTS: The mean union time was 12.1 ± 0.9 weeks in the IMN group and 12.2 ± 1.2 weeks in the plate group. Union was achieved in all patients in the IMN group (100%) and in 21 of 22 patients in the plate group (95.4%). The mean operation time was 21 (range 15-35) min in the IMN group and 46 (range 40-110) min in the plate group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to DASH scores, Grace-Eversmann evaluations, grip strength, forearm pronation and supination degrees, type of fracture, length of hospital stay, and time between injury and surgery (p > 0.05). Complete elbow and wrist range of motion was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: With similar union rates, functional results, and shorter operating times, locked IMNs are a suitable alternative to plate osteosynthesis in adult isolated diaphyseal radius fractures.

Treatment of adult isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures: A comparison of new-generation locked intramedullary nail and plate fixation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the radiological and functional results of adult patients with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures treated with plate and new-generation locked intramedullary nail (IMN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 57 patients (38 males, 19 females; mean age 39.1 years; range, 18 to 77 years) with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures treated with IMN or plate fixation between January 2008 and December 2017. Thirty patients (Plate group) were treated with plate fixation and 27 patients (IMN group) with IMN. Functional results were evaluated according to the Grace-Eversmann evaluation system and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean union time was 12.8±1.2 weeks in the IMN group and 13.7±1.4 weeks in the plate group (p=0.092). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the IMN group (30 minutes) than in the plate group (46 minutes; p<0.001). The mean DASH score was 7.0±4.5 in the IMN group and 7.7±8.6 in the plate group (p=0.766). CONCLUSION: With similar union rates, functional results, and shorter operation times, locked IMNs are a suitable alternative to plate osteosynthesis in adult isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures.