Functional Outcomes and Complication Analysis of Plate Osteosynthesis versus Hemiarthroplasty in Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results and complications of open reduction-internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty performed in Neer three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, and comprised data of patients who were diagnosed with three-part or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus and underwent surgical procedure between January 2008 and April 2013. Those who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation using anatomical locking plates were placed in group A, and those who had undergone hemiarthroplasty were in group B. Constant-Murley shoulder outcome, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder and visual analogue scale scores were compared between the two groups. The degrees of forward flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint were recorded. Complications in both the groups were recorded. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.\. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 30(62.5%) were in group A; 16(53.3%) males and 14(46.7%) females, with an overall mean age of 60.0±9.4 years. The remaining 18(37.5%) were in group B; 7(39%) males and 11(61%) females, with an overall mean age of 67.3±10.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±16.4 months. The mean Constant-Murley and University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). The mean visual analogue scale score was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (p=0.021). In group A, heterotropic ossification was observed in 1(3.4%) patient, avascular necrosis in 3(10%), screw penetration without avascular necrosis in 4(13.2%), and non-union in 1(3.4%), while in group B, shoulder subluxation was noted in 2(11.1%) patients and malunion of the greater tubercle in 6(33.3%). CONCLUSION: Although statistically non-significant, higher functional scores, forward flexion and abduction degrees were observed in patients who had undergone open reduction-internal fixation, while significantly lower visual analogue scale scores were recorded in the hemiarthroplasty group.

Long-Term results of total Hip Arthroplasty performed using a cementless expansive Acetabular Cup and Spotorno Femoral Stem.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the long-term clinical and radiological results, revision rates and causes, and the rate of implant survival in total hip arthroplasty performed using CLS® expansion cup and Spotorno® cementless femoral stem. METHODS: Clinical results of total hip arthroplasty performed on 131 hips of 114 patients in Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between 1993 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated according to the Harris Hip Score. Revision rates were determined and implant survival rates were identified using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. RESULTS: Of the patients, 39 were males and 75 were females. The average age of the patients at surgery was 48.7±11.3 years. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 13.9±2.4 years. The mean Harris Hip Score was 34.35±6.09 preoperatively and 88.20±7.11 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimate for the cup at 13.9 years, taking revision for any reason as the end point was 95.6% (95% CI), while the 15th and 17th year survival rates were 90% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In total hip arthroplasty using a cementless expansive acetabular cup, a 95.6% survival rate is achieved after an average of 14 years, whereas the rate decreases to 85% after 17 years. Even if the incidence of cup breakage is reduced with proper implantation, particle disease and periacetabular osteolysis remains a problem for the long-term survival.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF OXFORD PHASE 3 UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors that affect the functional outcome of Oxford Phase 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). METHODS: We assessed a total of 52 UKA knees of 49 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (24-72 months). We recorded the results for Range of motion (ROM) and body mass index (BMI) and the presence o patello-femoral arthrosis (PFA). In the radiological evaluation, we measured the posterior tibial slope (PTS), the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and the femorotibial angle, in addition to an assement using the Oxford radiological criteria. Patients were grouped by age, follow-up time, BMI, radiological criteria, PFA presence, occurance of complications and revision surgery. The clinical and functional results of these groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: A total of 40 women and 9 men participated in the study, with an average age of 60 years, and a mean BMI of 34.6. No significant differences were found among the age and PFA groups. Postop VAS scores were high and knee evaluation scores were significantly lower in the morbidly obese group and in the groups with postop TPA <85º and >90º. The revision ratio was 11.5%. CONCLUSION: Postop TPA, PTS and morbid obesity are the most significant factors that can lead to revision surgery. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores que afetam o resultado funcional da artroplastia unicompartimental do joelho Oxford Phase 3 (AUJ). MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 52 joelhos AUJ de 49 pacientes com um período mínimo de 2 anos (24-72 meses) de acompanhamento. Foram registrados: amplitude de movimento (ADM), índice de massa corporal (IMC) e presença de artrose femoropatelar (AFP). Na avaliação radiológica, medimos o declive tibial posterior (DTP), o ângulo do planalto tibial (APT) e o ângulo femorotibial, além de usarmos os critérios radiológicos de Oxford. Os pacientes foram agrupados de por idade, tempo de acompanhamento, IMC, critérios radiológicos, presença de AFP e ocorrência de complicações e cirurgias de revisão. Os resultados clínicos e funcionais desses grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes do gênero feminino e 9 do gênero masculino, com idade média de 60 anos, IMC de 34,6. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos formados por idade e presença de AFP. As marcações da EVA pós-operatória foram altas e as marcações do joelho foram significativamente baixas no grupo com obesidade mórbida e nos grupos com APT pós-operatória <85º e >90º. A taxa de revisão foi de 11,5%. CONCLUSÃO: APT e DTP pós-operatório e obesidade mórbida são os fatores mais significativos que podem levar à cirurgia de revisão. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Factors affecting the functional outcome of oxford phase 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty / Fatores que afetam o resultado funcional da artroplastia unicompartimental do joelho oxford phase 3

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the factors that affect the functional outcome of Oxford Phase 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: We assessed a total of 52 UKA knees of 49 patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (24-72 months). We recorded the results for Range of motion (ROM) and body mass index (BMI) and the presence o patello-femoral arthrosis (PFA). In the radiological evaluation, we measured the posterior tibial slope (PTS), the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and the femorotibial angle, in addition to an assement using the Oxford radiological criteria. Patients were grouped by age, follow-up time, BMI, radiological criteria, PFA presence, occurance of complications and revision surgery. The clinical and functional results of these groups were compared statistically. Results: A total of 40 women and 9 men participated in the study, with an average age of 60 years, and a mean BMI of 34.6. No significant differences were found among the age and PFA groups. Postop VAS scores were high and knee evaluation scores were significantly lower in the morbidly obese group and in the groups with postop TPA <85º and >90º. The revision ratio was 11.5%. Conclusion: Postop TPA, PTS and morbid obesity are the most significant factors that can lead to revision surgery. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar os fatores que afetam o resultado funcional da artroplastia unicompartimental do joelho Oxford Phase 3 (AUJ). Métodos: Foram incluídos 52 joelhos AUJ de 49 pacientes com um período mínimo de 2 anos (24-72 meses) de acompanhamento. Foram registrados: amplitude de movimento (ADM), índice de massa corporal (IMC) e presença de artrose femoropatelar (AFP). Na avaliação radiológica, medimos o declive tibial posterior (DTP), o ângulo do planalto tibial (APT) e o ângulo femorotibial, além de usarmos os critérios radiológicos de Oxford. Os pacientes foram agrupados de por idade, tempo de acompanhamento, IMC, critérios radiológicos, presença de AFP e ocorrência de complicações e cirurgias de revisão. Os resultados clínicos e funcionais desses grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 40 pacientes do gênero feminino e 9 do gênero masculino, com idade média de 60 anos, IMC de 34,6. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos formados por idade e presença de AFP. As marcações da EVA pós-operatória foram altas e as marcações do joelho foram significativamente baixas no grupo com obesidade mórbida e nos grupos com APT pós-operatória <85º e >90º. A taxa de revisão foi de 11,5%. Conclusão: APT e DTP pós-operatório e obesidade mórbida são os fatores mais significativos que podem levar à cirurgia de revisão. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Radiological and functional outcomes of ultrasound-guided PRP injections in intrasubstance meniscal degenerations.

AIM: This retrospective study is aimed to analyze the effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on grade 2 intrasubstance meniscal degenerations (IMDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent PRP injections for symptomatic grade 2 meniscal lesions were included in the study. All injections were performed with ultrasound in the degenerated menisci. Patients were evaluated with Lysholm score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the injection and after a mean of 32-month follow-up. T2-weighted MRI images were evaluated on sagittal by two authors as double-blind. RESULTS: Lysholm score was found to be statistically significantly increased, and in 67% of the patients, grade 2 degenerations were improved to grade 1. CONCLUSION: Intra-meniscal PRP injection under ultrasonography guidance provides good functional scores and radiological improvement in the patients with IMD.

Is anterolateral ligament rupture a reason for persistent rotational instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical role of anterolateral ligament (ALL) rupture and its impact on rotational stability by comparing the clinical results and rotational stability between reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with intact ALL knees and reconstructed ACL with ALL injured knees. METHODS: A total of 69 patients who had undergone surgery for ACL reconstruction and had received a minimum of two years of follow-up were included. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to the presence of ALL rupture on knee magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up with physical examination findings and functional outcomes. Rotational stability was measured by a non-invasive rotameter-like device at the final follow-up at different torque values of 5 Nm (newton metres), 10 Nm and 15 Nm, and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The ALL was considered to be ruptured in 45 cases, named Group I (65.2%). The ALL was considered to be intact in 24 cases, named Group II (34.8%). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding the improvement of the clinical scores and physical examination findings (P > 0.05). Group I showed significantly higher internal rotation difference compared with Group II in all torque values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The difference found on rotational measurement is possibly under the value of minimal clinical important difference and does not have a clinical effect, therefore ALL reconstruction is not recommended as a standard treatment in all patients.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave treatment in subacromial impingement syndrome and its relation with acromion morphology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the subacromial impingement syndrome and its relationship with the acromion morphology. METHODS: Thirty patients (24 women, 6 men) with subacromial impingement were evaluated. The average age of patients was 53.6 ± 9.8 years (range 39-80). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the acromion morphology. ESWT 1500 at 0.12 am mL/mm2 violence was applied once a week for 3 weeks. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to assess function and pain scores of the patients. The evaluations were made prior to and 12 weeks after the ESWT. RESULTS: Thirteen shoulders had type 1 acromion, 11 shoulders type 2 acromion and 6 shoulders type 3 acromion. After ESWT, the SPADI pain score decreased from 16.1 ± 5.1 (7-25) to 10.4 ± 4.9 (1-20); SPADI functional score decreased from 37.3 ± 19.8 (5-70) to 26.7 ± 17.5 (1-60); SPADI total score decreased from 53.4 ± 24.5 (14-95) to 37.1 ± 21.6 (2-74) (p < 0.05; paired t test). In each group better functional outcomes were achieved after ESWT (p < 0.05; paired t test). There were no differences between the groups according to functional outcome both before and after the ESWT treatment (p > 0.05, one way ANOVA test). CONCLUSION: ESWT was found to be effective in the treatment of impingement syndrome both for pain and functional outcome in the early period regardless of acromion morphology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

The Surgical Overcorrection of Lenke Type 1 Deformities with Selective Fusion Segments: What Happens to the Coronal Balance?

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to determine the alterations on coronal balance after overcorrection of Lenke type 1 curve, retrospectively. METHODS: Datas of 34 patients (29 female, 5 male patients; mean age, 16.3±3.3 years; range, 13-24 years) surgically treated for scoliosis between 2004 and 2010 were reviewed, retrospectively. The adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Lenke type 1 curve treated with only posterior pedicle screw and postoperative thoracic curves less than 10° by Cobb method on frontal plane were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 52.5±29.7 months. RESULTS: The mean amount of the preoperative thoracic curves was measured as 41.2°±6.1° (range, 30°-56°). The mean amount of the early postoperative thoracic curves was measured as 6.5°±1.8° (range, 3°-9°). The mean amount of the thoracic curves was measured as 8.5°±4.6° (range, 3°-22°) during the last follow-up (p=0.01). The mean preoperative coronal balance was measured as 8.5mm(range, 1-30mm). The mean early postoperative coronal balance was measured as 3.5mm(range, 0-36 mm). The mean coronal balance was measured as 5.5mm(range, 0-38mm) during the last follow-up (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that Lenke type 1B and 1C should be carefully evaluated and the fusion levels should be accurately selected in order to maintain the correction of coronal balance. We suggest that selective fusion with overcorrection in Lenke type 1A are applied to curves that can be corrected lumbar curve at the preoperative bending radiograph and curves that not have coronal decompensation and >10° distal junctional kyphosis, preoperatively.

Comparison of the chondroprotective effect of a novel hydrogel compound and traditional hyaluronate on rat cartilage in a papain-induced osteoarthritis model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel intraarticular drug in a papain induced osteoarthritis (OA) rat model and compare with the traditional hyaluronat (HA) visco supplementation. METHODS: An early stage OA model was induced by the intra-articular injection of papain enzyme in the right knee joints of 44 Sprague-Dawley rats. Eleven rats (eleven right knees: papain group, 11 left knees: control group) were chosen randomly 28 days after the last injection and sacrificed for verifying OA. The remaining rats (n = 33) were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was injected 0,2 mL of sterile saline solution (0,9%), group 2 was injected 0,2 mL HA and the group 3 was injected 0,2 mL of HA-CSNAG (hyaluronat, chondritin sulfate, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) combination in the right knees. Injections were performed on the 35th, the 42nd and the 49th days consecutively. Two weeks after the last injection, all groups were sacrificed to evaluate the severity of OA according to Mankin system. RESULTS: Early stage of OA was verified regarding total Mankin scores (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p < 0.05), between Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.05) on the 63th day regarding total Mankin scores. Group 3 showed statistically significant improvement in terms of proteoglycan content of matrix when compared to Group 2 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: HA-CS-NAG compound in hydrogel form is more chondroprotective to rats' cartilage when compared to HA during the early stages of OA.

Impact of platelet-rich plasma injection timing on healing of Achilles tendon injury in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the timing of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application on the healing of Achilles tendon injury in a rat model. METHODS: Fifty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: PRP preparation group (n=6); Achilles tendon tear and 150 µL of PRP received on the day following the injury (PRP day 0, group 1, n=16); Achilles tendon tear and 150 µL of PRP received on the third day following injury (day 3 , group 2, n=16); Achilles tendon tear and 150 µL of saline received on the day following injury (PRP day 0, group 3, n=16). Rats were sacrificed at 3 weeks. Consequently, biomechanical and histologic analyses were performed. RESULTS: According to histological evaluation, inflammation, fibroblast density, epitenon thickness, and collagen fiber were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p<0.05). Biomechanical testing results of group 1 and group 2 were inferior to the control group, while the differences were not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on histological criteria, results of the present study suggest that immediate injection of PRP for tendon injury improves tendon healing in rats. Although the use of PRP is well recognized in orthopedic surgery, we aimed to highlight the importance of immediate application of PRP for acute tendon injury.

A comparison of continuous femoral nerve block and periarticular local infiltration analgesia in the management of early period pain developing after total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of 24-h continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) on postoperative pain and functional results in the first 6 weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent unilateral TKA were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A received CFNB and Group B received PIA. Each patient received 0.25% levobupivacaine and 1:100,000 epinephrine as infiltration to the posterior capsule. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device was used for all patients, and 24-h tramadol usage by patients was recorded. We measured maximum range of motion (ROM), pain using a visual analog scale (VAS), 2-min walk test (2MWT), and the scores of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS). RESULTS: Compared with Group B, Group A had lower postoperative opioid usage (p<0.05), less pain at rest (p<0.05), less pain with passive motion (p<0.05), less pain with movement and after active movement (p<0.05), and superior passive and active ROM (p<0.05). Group A also had better 2MWT results at 24 and 48 h after surgery (p<0.05), and superior WOMAC and KSS results at 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: As long as it is applied with infiltration analgesia to the posterior capsule, CFNB is an effective and safe analgesia method resulting in better postoperative patient comfort and greater ROM. Furthermore, it produces better results in the early postoperative period with a favorable side effect profile.

Multiple simultaneous metatarsal stress fractures in the same foot.

Metatarsal stress fractures are common overuse injuries in athletes, military recruits, and ballet dancers, usually occurring in the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, respectively. Such fractures may also occur in a variety of other individuals, regardless of demographic characteristics, sex, or profession, and they are highly associated with excessive activity. Moreover, these types of fractures are usually diagnosed late and have poor outcomes. To our knowledge, there has been only one case report of an individual with stress fractures of all three central metatarsals in the same foot. We describe herein a racehorse training jockey who presented with multiple simultaneous metatarsal stress fractures in the same foot. We also discuss the possible mechanisms by which this entity occurred, as well as its management and outcome.

Subcoracoid dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint.

Subcoracoid acromioclavicular dislocations are rarely seen injuries of the shoulder. We present a patient with multiple injuries and a subcoracoid acromioclavicular dislocation resulting from a falling injury. Physical examination revealed painful mechanical block at 90 degrees of abduction and swelling in the acromioclavicular region. Diagnosis was made with direct radiographs and computerized tomography. Treatment consisted of distal clavicular resection and coracoclavicular reconstruction with the transfer of the coracoacromial ligament over the clavicle. The patient had a pain-free shoulder after two years and was capable of performing daily activities despite the presence of coracoclavicular ossification.

Arthroscopic repair of radial lateral meniscus [corrected] tear by double horizontal sutures with inside-outside technique.

The purpose of this prospective study is to report the outcome of arthroscopic repair of radial lateral meniscus tears at the junction of the anterior horn and body. Five patients with an average age of 27 years were treated. The repair was performed with double horizontal sutures by inside-out technique, using zone-specific, curved cannulae with no enhancement technique. A mean of 2.4 superior and 2.8 inferior stitches were performed. Reduction was obtained in all cases. Patients were evaluated using Lysholm functional knee scores. All patients were clinically and radiologically examined using MRI to assess meniscus integrity at the repair site, over an average follow-up period of 31 months. All patients were able to return to their former level of activity. In all cases, MRI showed a fully healed meniscus at the repair sites, with no further disruption of the debrided area. The mean Lysholm scores improved from 62 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative values was found to be statistically significant (p=0.029). No cases of postoperative extra or intra-articular complications were encountered. We found that repairing rather than resecting radial lateral meniscus tears that extend into capsular zone, improves activity level.

The effect of overlapping on the primary stability of osteochondral grafts in mosaicplasty.

Our goal was to determine the primary stability of overlapping osteochondral grafts used in mosaicplasty by studying the effect of overlapping in an ex vivo model. Osteochondral grafts, 10 mm in diameter, were transplanted from the trochlea of cow femurs to the weight-bearing area of the lateral femoral condyle with 0, 15, or 30% overlap. The grafts were pushed in with a probe at a rate of 2 mm/min, and load (N)-displacement (mm) curves were recorded. In Group I (control, 0% overlap), insertion 1 and 2 mm below the cartilage level could be reached at 572.3 +/- 273.6 and 999.3 +/- 427.6 N, respectively. In Group II (15% overlap), insertion 1 and 2 mm below the cartilage level could be reached at 263.6 +/- 91.7 and 746.6 +/- 88.0 N, respectively. In Group III (30% overlap), insertion 1 and 2 mm below the cartilage level could be reached at 179.4 +/- 31.2 and 657.0 +/- 106.5 N, respectively. The loads that were necessary to produce a 1-mm dent in the grafts were significantly different between Groups I and II and Groups I and III (p < 0.05). These results suggest that stability may be reduced by graft overlapping in mosaicplasty surgery. The results of this ex vivo animal study contribute to a more complete understanding of the primary stability of osteochondral grafts in an overlapping position as well as postoperative protocols.

[Mosaicplasty technique in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the knee]. / Diz eklemi osteokondral lezyonlarinin tedavisinde mozaikplasti teknigi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated early results of patients undergoing mosaicplasty for full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee. METHODS: The study included 24 patients (8 females, 16 males; mean age 39 years; range 17 to 52 years) with full-thickness cartilage lesions on the weight-bearing surface of the lateral (n=6) and medial (n=8) femoral condyles. Mosaicplasty was performed with open surgery. All grafts were harvested from the ipsilateral femoral condyle at the level of the sulcus terminalis and transplanted with the mosaicplasty technique to the defect area. The mean defect diameter was 13.5 mm (range 8 to 27 mm), and the mean number of grafts used was 1.5 (range 1 to 4). Final clinical assessments were made using the Lysholm and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) scoring systems. Radiological evaluations were made according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Donor-site morbidity was evaluated according to the Bandi scoring system. The mean follow-up was 30.5 months (range 13 to 47 months). RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative Lysholm knee scores were 46 (range 28 to 64) and 86 (range 76 to 100), respectively. ICRS scores were grade I in 16 patients (66.7%), grade II in six patients (25%), and grade III in two patients (8.3%). Five patients (20.8%) had slight donor-site disturbance which regressed within six months to a level that did not restrict daily physical activities. All the patients returned to preinjury activity levels. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed no signs of graft loosening or collapse. According to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria, 20 patients (83.3%) were free from any signs of osteoarthritis, whereas four patients (16.7%) exhibited early osteoarthritic changes. CONCLUSION: Mosaicplasty is a reliable procedure in the treatment of full-thickness chondral lesions because it is minimally invasive, can be performed at a single session, and has a low complication rate and low cost.

Elution characteristics and mechanical properties of calcium sulfate-loaded bone cement containing teicoplanin.

BACKGROUND: Acrylic bone cement is the most widely used drug delivery system clinically. It has already been shown that antibiotic release is significantly increased when calcium sulfate-loaded acrylic bone cement is used. However, there is no information yet about the mechanical responses of these composite materials. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium sulfate on the elution characteristics and mechanical behavior of teicoplanin-loaded acrylic bone cement. METHODS: Four groups of acrylic bone cements (GI, GII, GIII, GIV) were prepared using the same liquid/powder ratios. After mixing, the bone cement and additive mixtures were packed into different-type molds to prepare the specimens for the elution and mechanical tests. All of the specimens were tested for two conditions (dry and human plasma solution). The mechanical tests included the setting time (hardness) and tensile, bending, and compression strengths. The fracture surfaces of the failed samples were also examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Teicoplanin release in the calcium sulfate powder added groups (GIII and GIV) was higher than that of GII. When the calcium sulfate and teicoplanin were added on acrylic bone cement, the compressive, bending and tensile strength, hardness values, and elastic modulus decreased. Also, further reductions were evident in human plasma solution. CONCLUSIONS: Although mechanical properties of tested specimens decreased, all of the results obtained were higher than those required by the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards, but further investigations are necessary before making definitive statements for clinical applications.

Technique and complications of callus distraction in the treatment of bone tumors.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of chemotherapy, defect length, and patient age on the outcome and complications of callus distraction as a limb salvage technique in 17 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mean patient age was 18.4 years (range 7-47). Of 17 patients, 8 received chemotherapy and the remaining 9 patients did not. The mean defect length after excision of the lesion was 13 cm (range 8-20). The mean follow-up period for the patients whose treatments were completed was 55 months (range 20-90), the mean distraction index was 12.55 days/cm (range 11-15.7), and the mean external fixation index was 34.73 days/cm (range 30-41). RESULTS: In two patients, local recurrence occurred before distraction was completed. Two patients died, and one of them was a patient in whom local recurrence had occurred. Complications included non-union in one patient, osteomyelitis in one patient, and premature callus, osseous bridge, and varus of the femur in one patient. The extremity functional score was 80% (range 26-100). Chemotherapy and defect length had no significant effect on the distraction or external fixation indices. In contrast, the increase in the external fixation index in those over 20 years old was significant (P=0.043). CONCLUSION: We found that chemotherapy and defect length have no significant effect on the outcome and complications with this technique, which was more successful in patients younger than 20 years.

Subungual osteochondroma: a diagnostic dilemma.

Osteochondroma is the most common skeletal neoplasm of all benign bone tumors. However, it rarely occurs subungually. In this location, the lesion may penetrate the skin, causing nail deformity, and can easily be misdiagnosed. We report two cases of subungual osteochondroma of the distal phalanges of the first toes with cutaneous penetration and discuss the clinical, histologic, and radiographic features and the treatment options.