Syndesmotic injury with ankle fracture: A systematic review of screw vs dynamic fixation.

Cortical screw fixation across the tibiofibular joint is the mainstay of treatment for syndesmotic injury. Dynamic fixation devices have been developed offering similar advantages to screw fixation in terms of reduction and stability of the syndesmosis. Dynamic fixation may also facilitate a more physiological movement between the tibiofibular joint and thus incur less morbidity. Patient's rehabilitation potential is enhanced and reduces the need for hardware removal. Our systematic review aims to analyse the relevant current literature and compare screw fixation to dynamic fixation in the treatment of syndesmotic injury associated with acute ankle fractures. A literature search was performed on Pubmed and Ovid Medline to find scientific papers relating to syndesmotic fixation in acute ankle fractures. Papers were screened and included dependent on predetermined criteria. Risk of bias was assessed after screening full papers by two independent reviewers. Tables and analysis were made using Microsoft excel. A total of 8 papers with 673 patients were included. We found no functional difference between screw fixation or dynamic fixation groups at final follow-up. Three papers showed statistically significant lower rates of reoperation in the dynamic fixation group. Dynamic fixation may offer lower post operative complications and reoperation rates. Therefore, dynamic fixation may be a beneficial alternative treatment compared to traditionally used syndesmotic screws.

Clinical and Radiological Mid- to Long-term Results Following Triple Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Triple arthrodesis (TA) is a common procedure for stabilization of painful and unstable hind foot deformities. The aim of the study was to analyze postoperative changes in function and pain following isolated TA based on clinical outcomes, radiological findings, and pain scores. The study also considered economic aspects, such as the inability to work, before and after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study, with a mean follow-up of 7.8 (range=2.9-12.6) years, of isolated triple fusions was performed. Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Foot Function Index (FFI), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) were analyzed. Clinical examination and standardized radiographs pre- and post-surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: All 16 patients were very satisfied with the outcome after TA. In patients with secondary arthrosis of the ankle joint, AOFAS scores were significantly lower (p=0.012), whereas arthrosis in tarsal and tarsometatarsal joints did not affect the score. Body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower AOFAS, FFI-pain, FFI-function and increased hindfoot valgus. The non-union rate was approximately 11%. CONCLUSION: TA leads to good clinical and radiological outcomes. None of the study participants reported a deterioration in their quality of life after TA. Two thirds of the patients reported significant limitations when walking on uneven ground. More than half of the feet developed secondary arthrosis of the tarsal joints and 44% of the ankle joint.

Does Proximal Femoral Morphology Impact Morbidity and Mortality? A Cohort Study of Uncemented Hemiarthroplasties in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: To assess outcomes after uncemented hemiarthroplasty stems in the treatment of intracapsular femoral neck fractures over an 11-year period. Mortality rates were assessed, and whether proximal femoral geometry and stem alignment were factors in intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fracture (PPF) needs to be identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted of all patients who underwent intracapsular femoral neck fracture treatment using an uncemented prosthesis between January 2008 and December 2018. Primary endpoints included mortality rate, Dorr classification, prosthesis alignment, intraoperative fracture, and reoperation rate for any reason. Subanalysis on collared and uncollared implants was also conducted. Multivariate logistic regression was performed based on Dorr classification for stem alignment, fracture incidence, reoperation rate, implant sizing, and patient mortality. RESULTS: A total of 536 patients received an uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the study period. The mean patients age was 80.4 years, of which 71% were female. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.2%, with no deaths on day zero or day one. Twenty patients (3.7%) sustained an intraoperative calcar fracture, and 14 patients a PPF (2.6%) at a mean of 1.3 years from surgery. Dorr C type femurs were more likely to develop a PPF (P = .001), while valgus stem alignment was associated with PPF (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: This implant has low reoperation rates, low early postoperative mortality, and low 30-day mortality. This large single-center study provides up-to-date information using a contemporary stem in patients with multiple comorbidities. Dorr C femoral morphology and valgus stem malalignment were risk factors for postoperative fractures.

The decline of hip fracture incidence rates over a 10-year period: A single centre experience.

AIMS: Accurate epidemiological hip fracture data is essential for healthcare planning and targeted prevention strategies. Limited reports of hip fracture incidence rates in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) exist. The aim is to calculate the current age- and gender-specific incidence of hip fractures in a level 1 Trauma Centre in the ROI, and the difference in these rates over a 10 year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, population-based, observational study. The local Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) database was used to generate data for analysis; capturing all patients admitted for hip fracture in three time periods over 10 years. Patients < 55 years old, pathological fractures, and periprosthetic fractures were excluded. Age- and gender-specific incidence rate was calculated using HIPE and national census data. RESULTS: Absolute number of hip fractures rose by 8.5% between 2008/09 (n = 800) and 2018/19 (n = 868) time periods. Cervical hip fractures dominated in all 3 time periods. The average age of patients remained at 80 years but length of stay for patients was reduced by 16% 5 years later and by 21% 10 years later from the initial study point. Both the entire and susceptible (> 55 years) population numbers increased by 13% and 30%, respectively, yet overall hip fracture incidence rate declined 10 years on. Hip fracture incidence rate in the entire population fell by 3.23 per 100,000 population, and by 65.11 per 100,000 population in the susceptible population. The majority of both male and female age groups exhibited declining annual incidence rates over the 10 year study period. CONCLUSION: Results are consistent with the global experience of declining overall incidence rate of hip fractures, despite rising susceptible population numbers. This report adds to the sparse hip fracture incidence data available in the ROI which can be applied in future healthcare planning strategies.

Polyethylene liner dissociation in a DePuy pinnacle cup with a manufacturer analysis of the failed component.

A 74-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with acute atraumatic hip pain 9 years after her primary left total hip arthroplasty (THA). Plain radiographic imaging demonstrated lateralisation of the femoral head within the acetabular shell-indicating an issue with the polyethylene liner. The patient required revision of the acetabular component and the femoral head, as well as a new polyethylene liner. A detailed analysis of the components removed was performed by DePuy Synthes Engineering. Between 2009 and 2020, 8 publications have documented 52 cases of liner dissociation with the Pinnacle acetabular component and Marathon polyethylene liner. Various theories have been proposed in the literature as all of these components appear to fail in the same way, with shearing of the locking tabs in the polyethylene liner. In spite of a manufacturer analysis of the components, no root cause was identified as to why the polyethylene liner failed.

Pediatric Trauma and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 12-Year Comparison in a Level-1 Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: The effect of COVID-19 on pediatric trauma rates is still largely under investigation. With the potential need to reallocate human and financial resources at this challenging time, it will be useful to have detailed descriptions of the rates of pediatric trauma and understanding of how the pandemic affects these rates. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to describe the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of acute pediatric trauma admissions and procedures performed in a level-I trauma center in Cork University Hospital, Ireland. METHODS: We compared the number of acute traumatic pediatric admissions and procedures that occurred during the first 4 weeks of a nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 with that of the same 4-week period in each of the preceding 11 years. Seasonal variables were measured and controlled for using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 545 pediatric patients (under 16 years of age) were included. Over 12 years, the lowest number of acute traumatic pediatric admissions and procedures was recorded during the 2020 pandemic. There was a significant correlation between the number of school days and the number of acute traumatic admissions, as well as the procedures performed. The relationship between the number of school days and the number of trauma procedures was evident even when controlling for confounder variables of seasonal variation. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of acute traumatic pediatric admissions and procedures performed in our level-I trauma center, likely because of a reduction in school days. With the reopening of schools, playgrounds, and sporting events, an increase in pediatric trauma admissions is anticipated. The results of this study can help prepare institutions and regulatory bodies to plan appropriately for this new phase.

Correction to: Pre-operative templating in THA. Part II: a CT-based strategy to correct architectural hip deformities.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The spelling of the Geert Pagenstert name was incorrect.

Two cases of deliberate implant mismatch in knee arthroplasty.

CASES: Knee arthroplasty is increasingly common with good clinical results. However, there is a cohort of patients whose native knee anatomy may not marry well with standard implants. The current authors describe two cases (one unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), one total knee arthroplasty (TKA)), during which deliberately implanting an implant designed for the contra-lateral distal femur (TKA) or contralateral femoral condyle (UKA) respectively, led to a better fit than correct-sided implants. CONCLUSION: The authors share their experience to raise awareness of a potential solution to such an intra-operative challenge and suggest that implant customisation may ultimately address challenges with grossly abnormal native anatomy.

Patellar facet ratio affects knee pain, stair climbing and stair descent after TKA without patellar resurfacing.

PURPOSE: To determine whether knee pain or functional impairment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing are correlated with preoperative patellar morphology or postoperative patellar orientation. The hypotheses were that patellar shape, increased tilt and lateral displacement would be associated with pain and functional impairment. METHODS: From a consecutive series of 152 knees that received a cemented postero-stabilized TKA, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were collected at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Uni- and multi-variable linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations between the collected clinical scores and patient demographics and patellar morphology, measured from pre- and post-operative frontal, lateral and skyline view radiographs. RESULTS: The OKS was 75 ± 23, whereas the KOOS pain, stair climbing, and descent were respectively 77 ± 24, 3.9 ± 1.1 and 3.8 ± 1.2. OKS was not associated with any radiographic outcomes, whereas KOOS pain was better for knees with larger medial patellar facets. The KOOS stair climbing and descent were also better for knees with larger medial patellar facets. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study partly confirm the hypotheses that pain and functional impairments after TKA without patellar resurfacing are associated with patellar shape. No association was revealed between postoperative patellar orientation and function nor pain. Quantitative consideration of patellar congruency could therefore prevent pain and improve function after TKA without patellar resurfacing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study, Level III.

Clinical outcome and failure analysis of medial meniscus bucket-handle tear repair: a series of 96 patients with a minimum 2 year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The failure rate of meniscal repair remains significant, especially for bucket-handle tears. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, failure rate and risk factors for failure of bucket-handle medial meniscal tear repairs performed during ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on a consecutive series of 96 ACL reconstructions with meniscal arthroscopic suture of a bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus with a minimum 2 year follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation at last follow-up included objective IKDC rating, instrumented differential laxity and Tegner activity level. Functional outcome was evaluated with Lysholm score at last follow-up. Failure rate, survival curves and risk factor analysis using Cox proportional hazard ratio models were performed to analyze suture repair failure. RESULTS: At IKDC rating, all patients were C or D preoperatively, whereas they where all A or B at last follow-up. Instrumented differential laxity improved from 6.77 mm (1.57) to 1.02 mm (1.15) mm at last follow-up (p = 1.9 E-18). The mean Tegner score before injury was 6.79 (± 1.47) and 6.11 (± 1.75) at last follow-up (p = 0.0011). Mean Lyholm score at last follow-up was 91.53 (± 11.6). The average entire cohort failure rate was 19% at final follow-up of 35.2 ± 9.8 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the probability of the absence of failure decreased constantly over time. No significant difference in the objective IKDC, Lysholm or Tegner scores was observed between the failure group and the success group. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger patients and a procedure of ACL revision are more at risk for suture repair failure. In the majority of cases, the meniscal lesion observed at revision was equivalent or less extensive than the initial lesion. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that failure rate remains high for medial meniscus bucket-handle tears, suture repair of bucket-handle tears should be encouraged taking into account the long-term consequences of menisectomy.

Pre-operative planning in THA. Part III: do implant size prediction and offset restoration influence functional outcomes after THA?

INTRODUCTION: Few studies evaluated clinical benefits of pre-operative templating in total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated whether mismatch between planned and real implant sizes and medio-lateral offsets compromises THA outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed records of 184 primary THAs with pre-operative CT scans used for templating. Acetabular offset (AO), femoral offset (FO) and global offset (GO) were measured on pre-operative CT scans, during acetate templating, and post-operative antero-posterior radiographs. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine if Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at > 2 years were associated with differences between post-operative and planned parameters. RESULTS: The FJS and OHS were not influenced by mismatch of component sizes nor of FO and GO. The FJS was better when the post-operative AO was greater than planned (p = 0.050). The FJS differed among arthritic types (p = 0.015). Multivariable analyses confirmed that older patients had better OHS (beta - 0.16; p = 0.033) and FJS (beta 0.74; p = 0.002), medialized hips had worse FJS (beta - 20.1; p = 0.041) and hips with greater AO than planned had better FJS (beta 1.71; p = 0.024) CONCLUSIONS: Implanting a component of different size than planned did not compromise THA outcomes, but medialized hips had worse scores, and conservative acetabular reaming improved scores.

Pre-operative templating in THA. Part II: a CT-based strategy to correct architectural hip deformities.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-operative templating for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains inaccurate due to improper magnification and alignment. We aimed to describe an improved templating strategy using computed tomography (CT) to predict component sizes and offsets with greater accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 184 CT images acquired for pre-operative templating of primary THA. We aimed to restore native (pre-arthritic) femoral offset and limb length, by raising the head center to the level of the templated cup center cranio-caudally, but maintaining the pathologic (pre-operative) head center medio-laterally (except in medialized hips). Acetabular offset (AO) and femoral offset (FO) were measured on pre-operative CT scans, during acetate templating, and on post-operative true antero-posterior radiographs. RESULTS: The post-operative offsets were within ± 5 mm from templated estimates in 174 hips (91%) for AO, in 116 hips (61%) for FO, in 111 hips (58%) for GO, and in 134 hips (70%) for neck cut level. The post-operative hip architecture reproduced the templated hip architecture within ±5 mm in 77 hips (40%). The agreement between planned and post-operative parameters was moderate for stem size (0.57), cup size (0.62), AO (0.50), but fair for FO (0.45). The AO decreased in most arthritic types, notably in lateralized hips (6.6 mm), but remained unchanged in medialized hips. The FO increased in most arthritic types (1.8-3.1 mm) but remained unchanged in medialized and lateralized hips. CONCLUSIONS: We described a strategy for pre-operative templating in THA. Despite the accuracy of CT, the authors found significant variations between planned and post-operative reconstructions, which suggest that pre-operative templating should only be used as an approximate guide.

No difference in patellar position between mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty for medial osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the treatment of choice for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Many studies have been performed comparing mobile- and fixed-bearing designs; however, there are insufficient data regarding the patellar position in either system. This study aimed to compare the resultant patellar position with a mobile- versus a fixed-bearing TKA and the influence of both designs on clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, between 2007 and 2009, 160 TKA patients were assessed; 79 received a mobile-bearing and 81 received a fixed-bearing implant, for medial compartment osteoarthritis. A posteriorly stabilized, HLS Noetos knee prosthesis (Tornier, Saint-Ismier, France) was used in all cases. The only difference between the groups was whether the tibial component incorporated a fixed or mobile bearing. The patella was resurfaced in all cases. The International Knee Society Score (KSS) and the patellar tilt and translation were compared post-operatively. Patellar translation and patellar tilt analyses were subdivided into two subgroups (< 5 mm vs > 5 mm and < 5° vs > 5°). RESULTS: The KSS was not statistically different between the groups at a mean follow-up of 7.4 years (range 5-11 years). Patellar translation and patellar tilt were not statistically different between the groups. When considering the patellar translation subgroup analysis, a significantly increased risk of patellar translation, greater than 5 mm, was found in the mobile-bearing group compared to fixed-bearing group (OR = 2.3; p = 0.048) without generating any meaningful difference in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The theoretical advantages of mobile-bearing implants compared to fixed-bearing implants were not demonstrated in this randomized study, at mid-term follow-up. In daily practice, the choice between mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing designs should be based on the experience and clinical judgment of the surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective randomized study, level I.

Pre-operative templating in THA. Part I: a classification of architectural hip deformities.

INTRODUCTION: While numerous classifications of hip arthritis have been proposed, none considered the magnitude and direction of femoral head translation relative to the native acetabulum. A more precise classification of architectural hip deformities is necessary to improve preoperative templating and anticipate surgical challenges of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of the present study was to introduce a classification system to distinguish different types of architectural hip deformities, based on femoral head translation patterns, and to evaluate its repeatability using plain radiographs (qualitative) and Computed Tomography (CT) measurements (quantitative). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied pre-operative frontal and lateral hip radiographs and CT scans of 191 hips (184 patients) that received primary THA. The distance between the femoral head center (FC) and the acetabular center (AC) was measured, as well as femoral offset, acetabular offset, head center height, acetabular floor distance and femoral neck angle. The hips were classified qualitatively using frontal plain radiographs, and then quantitatively using CT scans (with an arbitrary threshold of 3 mm as Centered, Medialized, Lateralized, Proximalized or Proximo-lateralized. The agreement between qualitative and quantitative classification methods was compared for applying the same classification. RESULTS: Qualitative classification identified 120 centered (63%), 8 medialized (4%), 49 lateralized (26%), 3 proximalized (2%), and 11 proximo-lateralized (6%) hips, while quantitative classification identified 116 centered (61%), 8 medialized (4%), 51 lateralized (27%), 5 proximalized (3%), and 11 proximo-lateralized (6%) hips. The agreement between the two methods was excellent (0.94; CI 0.90-0.98). Medialization reached 9.7 mm, while lateralization reached 10.9 mm, and proximalization reached 8.5 mm. Proximalized and proximo-lateralized hips had more valgus necks, while medialized hips had more varus necks (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The classification system enabled repeatable distinction of 5 types of architectural hip deformities. The excellent agreement between quantitative and qualitative methods suggests that plain radiographs are sufficient to classify architectural hip deformities.

Incidence and Risk Factors for a Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Progressing to a Complete Tear After Nonoperative Treatment in Patients Younger Than 30 Years.

BACKGROUND: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are observed in 10% to 27% of isolated ACL tears. There is currently no consensus on diagnosis and treatment protocols, and the outcomes of nonoperative treatment remain undefined. PURPOSE: To assess the incidence and risk factors for the progression of partial ACL tears to complete ruptures after nonoperative treatment in active patients younger than 30 years. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 41 patients, all younger than 30 years and active in sports, were diagnosed with a partial ACL tear, with no associated meniscal or chondral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All were assigned to a nonoperative treatment program. The Lachman test, ≤4-mm side-to-side difference in laxity by Rolimeter, and MRI were utilized for the diagnosis. Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were assessed before and after the first lesion, and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) score was assessed at last follow-up. Postinjury Tegner and IKDC scores were assessed before the second injury for patients progressing to a complete ACL tear and at last follow-up for patients without progression. RESULTS: At a mean of 43 months (range, 24-96 months), the partial ACL injury progressed to a complete ACL tear in 16 (39%) patients. In the remaining 25 patients without progression, the mean Tegner and IKDC scores were 7.0 and 96.0 before the injury and 5.9 and 85.7, respectively, at last follow-up. The mean ACL-RSI score was 69.3. The Tegner and IKDC scores were significantly lower at final follow-up (P = .0002 and P < .0001, respectively). Only 18 (44%) patients returned to their preinjury level of sports activities. A significantly increased risk of progression to a complete ACL tear was seen in patients ≤20 years (odds ratio, 5.19; P = .037) or patients practicing pivoting contact sports (odds ratio, 6.29; P = .026). Meniscal lesions were found in 50% of patients with a partial tear that progressed to a complete ACL tear. CONCLUSION: A partial ACL injury progressed to a complete ACL tear in 39% of young active patients treated conservatively, with half of the complete tears presenting with a concomitant meniscal lesion at the time of reconstruction. Age ≤20 years and participation in pivoting contact sports were identified as significant risk factors for progression to a complete tear.

Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Factors for Failure With Isolated MPFL Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability: A Series of 211 Reconstructions With a Minimum Follow-up of 3 Years.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is widely acknowledged as an integral part of the current therapeutic armamentarium for recurrent patellar instability. The procedure is often performed with concomitant bony procedures, such as distalization of the tibial tuberosity or trochleoplasty in the case of patella alta or high-grade trochlear dysplasia, respectively. At the present time, few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of MPFL reconstruction as an isolated intervention. PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of isolated MPFL reconstruction in cases of patellar instability and to identify predictive factors for failure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed, including all patients who had undergone isolated MPFL reconstruction between January 2008 and January 2014. Preoperative assessment included the Kujala score, assessment of patellar tracking ("J-sign"), and radiographic features, such as trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patellar height with the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt. The Kujala score was assessed postoperatively. Failure was defined by a postoperative patellar dislocation or surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability. RESULTS: A total of 239 MPFL reconstructions were included; 28 patients (11.7%) were uncontactable and considered lost to follow-up. Thus, 211 reconstructions were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 5.8 years (range, 3-9.3 years). The mean age at surgery was 20.6 years (range, 12-48 years), and 55% of patients were male. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a preoperative positive J-sign, and 93% of patients had trochlear dysplasia (A, 47%; B, 25%; C, 15%; D, 6%). The mean CDI was 1.2 (range, 1.0-1.7); mean tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, 15 mm (range, 5-30 mm); and mean patellar tilt, 23° (range, 9°-47°). The mean Kujala score improved from 56.1 preoperatively to 88.8 ( P < .001). Ten failures were reported that required surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability (4.7%). Uni- and multivariate analyses highlighted 2 preoperative risk factors for failure: patella alta (CDI ≥1.3; odds ratio, 4.9; P = .02) and preoperative positive J-sign (odds ratio, 3.9; P = .04). CONCLUSION: In cases of recurrent patellar instability, isolated MPFL reconstruction would appear to be a safe and efficient surgical procedure with a low failure rate. Preoperative failure risk factors identified in this study were patella alta with a CDI ≥1.3 and a preoperative positive J-sign.

Mid- to Long-term Outcomes After Split-thickness Skin Graft vs. Skin Extension by Multiple Incisions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Skin extension by multiple incisions (SEMI) may be superior to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for closure of large soft tissue defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had undergone STSG were compared to 29 patients who had undergone SEMI on the extremities. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Dermatology Life Quality Index, Wound QoL (Quality of Life) and Short Form Health Survey 36 were used. Elasticity, thickness and skin sensation were compared between the treated and contralateral extremity. Range of motion in adjacent joints was measured. Complication rates were compared. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (range=2-9 years) were examined. Patients with STSG had significantly worse scores in POSAS. The scar was thinner, less elastic and did not provide intact sensibility. Other scores, ROM and complication rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: SEMI was superior to STSG regarding patient satisfaction and scar quality.

Cadaveric Study on Retrograde Calcaneotibial Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In extensive soft tissue injury, primary internal fracture fixation is not always possible and external fixation for primary immobilization plays an important role. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of freehand technique and of a target device for retrograde calcaneotibial fixation in an uninjured bone and an unstable ankle fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The calcaneotibial fixation was performed randomly by an experienced surgeon utilizing either a freehand drilling technique or a novel targeting device in four human cadavers before and after producing a bimalleolar ankle fracture. The duration of foot positioning, drilling, number of intensifier shots, and drilling attempts were recorded. The final position of the wire was established using IsoC-3D scan. RESULTS: The mean for definitive wire placement with the target device was 247 sec with a mean of 3.4 attempts, and 92 sec and 2.1 attempts in the freehand technique. Mean intraosseous distance of the K-wire was 45.3 mm and 63.6 mm in the tibia and 39.7 mm and 41.5 mm in the calcaneus respectively. CONCLUSION: The novel target device for calcaneotibial fixation achieves similar results to a trained surgeon using the freehand technique.

Clinical and Radiological Mid-to-Long-term Outcomes Following Ankle Arthrolysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of arthrolysis surgery and the risk of progression of osteoarthrosis at the ankle joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective clinical and radiological study, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months, the pain level and quality of living were evaluated. RESULTS: Following arthrolysis of the ankle joint, 16% of patients required ankle fusion within 2 years. Women had a higher quality-of-life in terms of Foot Function Index. Younger patients scored higher in both quality-of-life and function scores. Radiographic osteoarthrotic changes and the specific follow-up interval did not correlate with clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Fewer than 20% of patients required ankle fusion. Female gender and young age had a positive impact. Preoperative radiography and the postsurgical interval are poorly predictive for the progression of osteoarthrosis.