6 February 2023, orthopedic experience in Kahramanmaras earthquake and surgical decision in patients with crush syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The decision of fasciotomy or amputation in crush syndrome is controversial and challenging for surgeons. We aimed to share our experiences after the Kahramanmaras earthquake, to predict the severity of crush syndrome and mortality, and to guide the surgical decision. METHODS: The clinical data of patients during their first week of hospitalization were analyzed retrospectively. Totally, 233 crush syndrome patients were included. Demographic data, physical and laboratory findings, surgical treatments, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The mean time under the rubble was 41.89 ± 29.75 h. Fasciotomy and amputation were performed in 41 (17.6%) and 72 (30.9%) patients. One hundred and two patients (56.7%) underwent hemodialysis. Fifteen patients (6.4%) died. Lower extremity injury, abdominal trauma, and thoracic trauma were associated with mortality. Mortality was significantly increased in patients with thigh injuries (p = 0.028). The mean peak CK concentration was 69.817.69 ± 134.812.04 U/L. Peak CK concentration increased substantially with amputation (p = 0.002), lower limb injury (p < 0.001), abdominal trauma (p = 0.011), and thoracic trauma (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Thigh injury is associated with the severity of crush syndrome and mortality. Late fasciotomy should not be preferred in crush syndrome. Amputation is life-saving, especially in desperate lower extremity injuries.

Clinical, electrophysiological, and histomorphological effects of local coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E use in a rat model of peripheral nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical, electrophysiological, and histomorphological effects of local use of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E combination in a rat model of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: Forty adult female Wistar-Albino rats weighing 250-350 g were kept in a room with a temperature of 20-22°C and a light/dark cycle of 12 hours. They had free access to food and water. The right sciatic nerves of 40 rats were transected and repaired. Subjects were divided into 4 groups: controls (control-4 weeks and control-8 weeks) and treatments (treatment-4 weeks and treatment-8 weeks). A combination of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E was applied to the repair site by a catheter placed subcutaneously in the treatment group. Only transection-repair was done in the control group. All groups were divided into 2 subgroups for histomorphological, clinical, and electrophysiological experiments because of concerns about possible interference with histomorphological preparation (5 rats in each group). The experiment results were examined by the thermal plantar test, action potential and latency time measurements, and electron microscopy at the end of 4 and 8 weeks. The intact group was studied as the uninterrupted 10 left sciatic nerves of control for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean thermal plantar test results of the intact group were better than those of the control groups (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference between the intact and treatment groups. In the histomorphological examination, the number of myelinated axons increased significantly, and the myelin structure was closer to that of the intact group, especially when the treatment-8 group was compared with the control groups (control-4: P < .0001, control-8: P < .01). CONCLUSION: Local use of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E seems useful in the experimental rat sciatic nerve transection-repair model.

Reconstruction of critical size segmental femoral diaphyseal defects of New Zealand rabbits by using combined titanium mesh cage and induced membrane technique.

PURPOSE: Long bone defects due to fractures resulting from high-energy trauma, infections and tumor resections are problems that orthopedic surgeons commonly face. We investigated the effects of a titanium mesh cage on bone healing with an induced membrane technique. METHODS: Three groups, each composed of eight rabbits, were formed. Extraarticular diaphyseal bone defects were created. Femora of the first group were fixed with an empty titanium mesh cage and two K-wires. After formation of the defect, polymethylmethacrylate was inserted and fixed with a K-wire in the second group. At the third week, the cement was removed, a sterilized cancellous graft-filled titanium mesh cage was placed into the defect, and the membrane that was previously formed over the cement was placed on the cage and repaired. In the third group, sterilized cancellous grafts were filled into the titanium mesh cage, and the titanium mesh cage was fitted into the bone defect area. RESULTS: At the end of the third month, all subjects were killed. Radiological data revealed that the healing of the bone in the second and third groups was significantly better than that in the first group. There was no difference between the second and third groups. A histological evaluation of the healing status, such as fibrous tissue, cartilage tissue and mature or immature bone formation, was performed. Histological healing in the second and third groups was also significantly better than that in the first group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the combination of membrane-induced bone healing and graft-filled titanium mesh cages expedites osteogenesis in extraarticular bone defects.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of Salter versus Pemberton osteotomies in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip: A retrospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between Salter and Pemberton pelvic osteotomies and avascular necrosis of femoral head in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). METHODS: This retrospective study included 69 hips of 52 patients aged between 12-36 months, diagnosed as DDH who had undergone either Salter or Pemberton pelvic osteotomy with Smith Petersen approach. There were 35 patients in Salter Pelvic Osteotomy and 34 patients in Pemberton Pelvic Osteotomy groups. Before the treatment of DDH, Tönnis classification was used, preoperative and 24th month postoperative Acetabular Index (AI) angles were measured. Kalamchi-MacEwen grades of avascular necrosis were determined in terms of presence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between two osteotomy groups at the end of mid-term follow up in terms of the radiological parameters and avascular necrosis of femoral head. However it was found that the increased avascular necrosis incidence was significantly associated with Tönnis grade 4 hips. CONCLUSION: Salter and Pemberton osteotomies can be both used safely in the treatment of DDH regarding their effect on the femoral head. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

The histological effect of tranexamic acid on tendon-to-bone healing histologically in rats.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on osteotendinous junction healing in a rat model, both biomechanically and histologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 450 to 600 g were used in this study. The rats were divided into two groups as the experimental (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. Achillotomy and subsequent repair site was exposed to 1 mL of TXA in the experimental group, while 1 mL of saline was given to the control group. For biomechanical and histopathological investigation, each group was further divided into two subgroups. At the end of four weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Biomechanical tests were performed using the M500-50CT device. The Bonar, Movin, and Nourissat bone-tendon junction scoring systems were used for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the elongation at a maximum point, maximum loading, and maximum stress variables in the biomechanical study (p=0.558 p=0.775, and p=0.558, respectively). In the histopathological evaluation, the collagen content and layout were close to the native tissue in the experimental group (p=0.047 and p=0.008, respectively). Vascularity, hyalinization, and glycosaminoglycan content were significantly lower in the experimental group (p=0.004, p=0.014, and p=0.026, respectively). The total Bonar and Movin scores were more favorable in the experimental group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This experimental study showed that local administration of TXA accelerated bone-tendon junction healing in rats.

Incidentally Detected Gastrointestinal Wall Thickness on Abdominal Computed Tomography; What Does it Mean for Endoscopy?

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of gastrointestinal wall thickening (GWT) on abdominal computed tomography (CT) is not certain, yet. Despite the need for clinical guidelines describing the importance and evaluation of GWT on a CT scan, there have been few studies evaluating these incidental imaging abnormalities. The aim of this study is to endoscopically evaluate certain etiologies that cause incidental GWT found on CT. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out with patients who had incidentally detected GWT on a CT scan at the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital between February 2016 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (62 males and 67 females; mean age 57.5 years, range: 26-87 years) were included in the study. Abnormalities observed during endoscopy at the exact site of the GWT noted on a CT image were found in 114 patients (99%): upper endoscopy revealed malignancy in 33 (29%), gastritis in 63 (52%), hiatal hernia in 19 (16%), a gastric ulcer in 7 (6%), and alkaline gastritis in 3 (2%). Colonoscopy revealed malignancy in 4 (33%), benign polyps in 5 (35%), colonic ulcer in 2 (16%), and 2 patients (16%) had normal findings. Malignancy was detected more frequently in the cardioesophageal region compared with the antrum (P=0.020). CONCLUSION: In this study, detection of GWT on CT often indicated pathologies which were subsequently confirmed endoscopically. Pathological findings were detected in 83% of these patients, with approximately 30% determined to be malignant. Endoscopic evaluation is recommended when GWT is reported on a CT scan.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of laparoscopy to treat acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic period: single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the accepted standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) in patients eligible for surgery. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) can provide a permanent treatment for high-risk patients for surgery or act as a bridge for later surgical treatment. This study is an evaluation of the use of PC during the current coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at a single hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients with AC were admitted as of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey through June 2020. Patients with pancreatitis, cholangitis, and/or incomplete data were excluded from the study. Data of the remaining 36 patients included in the study were recorded and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The patients were divided into three groups: PC (n=14), only conservative treatment with antibiotherapy (OC) (n=14), and LC (n=8). The findings were compared with a group of 70 similar patients from the pre-pandemic period. RESULTS: The mean age of the pandemic period patients was 53 years (range: 26-78 years). The female/male ratio was 1.11. PC was preferred in eight (11%) patients in the same period of the previous year, whereas 14 (39%) patients underwent PC in the pandemic period. Four of the 36 pandemic patients were positive for COVID-19, including one member of the PC group. There was one (7.1%) mortality in the pandemic-period PC group due to cardiac arrest. The length of hospital stay between the groups based on the type of treatment was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: LC is not recommended during the pandemic period; PC can be an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of AC.

The diagnostic role of hemogram parameters in pregnant appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most frequently encountered non-obstetric disease requiring surgical intervention during pregnancy. Early diagnosis reduces maternal and fetal morbidity / mortality rates. AIM: This study aims to investigate hemogram parameters in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted in three groups. Thirty-nine pregnant patients with acute appendicitis (Group A), 39 fertile nonpregnant patients with acute appendicitis (Group B), and 39 healthy pregnant women (Group C) were included in the study. WBC, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, NLR, PLR, MPV and RDW values were compared. RESULTS: The mean NLR values in group A, group B and group C were 7.39 (1.58-46.6), 5.66 (1-20) and 4.23 (1.54-10.77) respectively, and there was a significant difference in NLR values between the groups (P= 0.002). The mean PLR values in group A, group B and group C were 159.09 (69.1-574), 134.28 (21.5-360) and 120 (68.7-334) and difference was statistically significant (P= 0.019). Cutoff points for WBC count was 14155 106/µL (51,3% sensitivity, 82,1% specificity), for neutrophil count is 10955 106/µL (53,8% sensitivity, 84,6% specificity), for NLR is 9.23 (46,2% sensitivity, 92,3% specificity) and PLR is 157,6 (51,3% sensitivity and 82,1% specificity) NLR had largest area under the curve with 0.667 NLR. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil count, WBC and PLR were found to be the most valuable inflammatory parameters however, RDW, Lymphocyte count, and MPV levels are not found valuable markers in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant patients by this study.

Different approaches in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis: Results of attitude survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute biliary pancreatitis is one of the most frequently encountered diseases among general surgeons in emergency surgical diseases. Differences in diagnosis and treatment management of these patients, varying from physician to physician, are common in clinical practice. We aimed to present these differences and discuss the results in the light of current guidelines in the literature. METHODS: In this study, 21 questions were prepared regarding the physicians' approach in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis (Appendix).The questionnaires were completed by face to face interviews with 94 general surgery specialists at the 20th National Surgery Congress. RESULTS: In this study, 38 (40%) of the physicians who answered the questionnaire were working in the Training and Research Hospital, 27 (29%) in the State Hospital, 19 (20%) in the University Hospital and nine in private health care was working in the establishment. 85% of the physicians were general surgery specialists with 10 years of experience. 53% (50) of the surgeons reported that they had less than five cases of acute biliary pancreatitis each month, and 35% (34) stated that they wanted amylase value daily for follow-up. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were the most commonly used imaging modalities and 15% of the respondents indicated that each patient underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. 45% of surgeons stated that antibiotics were started at the time of diagnosis of pancreatitis. The percentage of surgeons who did not undergo cholecystectomy early in patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis was 60%. The reason for not preferring surgery in the early period was the most frequent operation difficulty with 40% and not supporting the operation in the early period. CONCLUSION: According to the attitude survey results, there are differences between general surgery specialists in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis.

Treatment of post-traumatic elbow deformities in children with the Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis technique.

OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed functional and radiographic outcomes of distraction osteogenesis treatment of post-traumatic elbow deformities in children. METHODS: Eight children were treated between 2008 and 2013 for post-traumatic elbow deformities using distraction osteogenesis. Mean age at time of operation was 10.9 years. Six patients had varus and 2 had valgus deformity. Magnitude of correction, fixator index, complications, carrying angle, and elbow range of motion were assessed. Functional results were graded according to protocol of Bellemore et al. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 43 months. Mean preoperative varus deformity in 6 patients was 29.2° and valgus deformity in 2 patients was 28.5°. Preoperative flexion and extension of elbow were 123.8° and -10.6°, respectively. Mean carrying angle was 9° valgus at last follow-up. Mean flexion and extension were 134.4° and -6.0°, respectively. Change in carrying angle was statistically significant (p = 0.002). There were 2 grade 1 pin tract infections and 1 diaphyseal fracture of humerus. Functional outcome was rated excellent in 7 patients and good in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis is a valuable alternative in treatment of elbow deformities in children. The surgical technique is simple and correction is adjustable. Gradual correction prevents possible neurovascular complications and minimally invasive surgery produces less scarring. Compliance of patient and family is key factor in the success of the outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Elastofibroma dorsi: Clinical evaluation of 61 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare, benign, soft tissue tumor typically located between inferior corner of scapula and posterior chest wall causing mass, scapular snapping, and pain. When classic symptoms and localization are present, it is diagnosed without biopsy and treated with marginal resection. This study retrospectively analyzed patients operated on for ED to evaluate presenting symptoms, tumor size, complications, and clinical results, and to suggest optimal treatments. METHODS: This study included 51 patients who underwent surgery for ED in 2 different clinics between 2005 and 2015. Patient age, gender, profession, side affected, symptoms, average duration of symptoms, and tumor size were researched. Radiological examinations of patients were evaluated. Patients with lesions larger than 5 cm in size were operated on. Postoperative complications, recurrence, and functional results were evaluated using Constant score and compared to preoperative values. RESULTS: A total of 61 operated lesions of 51 patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with ED were retrospectively evaluated. Average length of time patient experienced symptoms was 11.21 months. Lesions in 19 (37.2%) patients were bilateral, 10 of which were symptomatic and larger than 5 cm in size, meeting indication for surgery. Average lesion diameter was 8.7 cm. Average follow-up was 26.89 months. Average of preoperative Constant score of 67.28 subsequently increased to 92.88 (p < 0.05). Seroma and hematoma were observed in 11.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: Generally, good clinical results can be obtained with marginal resection without requiring a biopsy, considering classic complaints and radiological appearance of ED. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Clinical and pathological results of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumors of bone: Prospective study of 14 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a primary, osteolytic, benign tumor of the bone. Surgery is the commonly used treatment; however, recurrence remains a problem. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANKL) is responsible for the formation of osteoclastic cells. Discovery of RANKL and its human monoclonal antibody, denosumab, led to use of denosumab for treatment of GCT. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and pathological results of treatment of GCT with denosumab and to assess adverse effect profile and recurrence rate. METHODS: Thirteen patients with 14 lesions were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 38.3 years. Patients were given subcutaneous injections of denosumab (120 mg) every 4 weeks (with additional doses on days 0, 8 and 15 in cycle 1 only) and were radiologically evaluated for tumor response. Pain and functional status were measured using Visual Analog Score (VAS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS). Adverse effects were analyzed after each cycle. RESULTS: Participants were 5 men and 8 women. Mean follow-up was 17 months. One lesion was Campanacci grade I, 8 were grade II, and 5 were grade III. Eight lesions were recurrent, and remaining were primary lesions. After average of 9 cycles (range: 4-17 cycles), all tumors underwent radiological regression. Ten lesions were removed surgically. More than 90% of giant cells were found to have regressed in all pathological specimens. On last follow-up, average VAS was 1 and MSTS was 87%. Fatigue and joint and muscle pain after injections was reported by 46% of patients, and mild hypocalcaemia was seen in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Denosumab has been shown to be a successful drug in treatment of GCT. Denosumab can be used as neoadjuvant for all recurrent lesions, grade II lesions with high surgical risk, grade III lesions, and metastatic cases of GCT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

The effect of posterior distraction on vertebral growth in immature pigs: an experimental simulation of growing rod technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the vertebral body growth under distraction forces in immature pigs treated with growing rod (GR) technique. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Distraction forces applied on growth plate of appendicular skeleton stimulate longitudinal growth. However, the effect of distraction forces on axial skeletal growth has not been fully investigated yet. METHODS: Twelve 10-week-old domestic pigs were used in this experimental model to simulate GR technique. Four of them were lost during postoperative period because of deep wound infection. Cranially T12-L1 and caudally L4-L5 vertebrae were instrumented by pedicle screws bilaterally, while L2 and L3 were skipped. Distraction between pedicle screws was applied at index surgery. The rods were then lengthened twice in a month interval. All subjects were evaluated with anteroposterior and lateral spinal radiograph before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up. The vertebral body heights of distracted segments (HD = L2 and L3) and control segments (HC = T9, T10 and T11) were measured. Average vertebral body heights and the increase percentage in the vertebral body heights were compared among control segments and distracted segments. RESULTS: The preoperative vertebral body height was similar in 2 groups (preHC: 10.81 mm, n = 19, preHD: 11.27 mm, n = 16, P > 0.05). At the final follow-up, the average vertebral body height in distraction group was significantly higher than the control group (postHC: 17.03 mm, postHD: 18.58 mm, P < 0.05). The increase percentage in vertebral body height was higher in distracted segments, but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The vertebral growth continues during GR instrumentation. Distraction forces might stimulate also apophyseal growth of axial skeleton.

Results of using Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis technique for the treatment of cubitus varus deformities in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Five adult patients, with posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity underwent corrective surgery by the Ilizarov method of distraction osteogenesis. METHOD: A standard technique was applied in all patients. The average follow-up was 28 (range, 24-38) months. Preoperative carrying angle ranged from 12 degrees to 22 degrees of varus (average 16.6 degrees ) and postoperative carrying angle ranged from 10 degrees to 14 degrees of valgus (average, 11.6 degrees ) equalized to the contralateral side. RESULT: The outcome was rated as excellent in all patients. No complication was observed, except a grade-2 pin-tract infection in two patients. CONCLUSION: Rigid fixation, early rehabilitation, precise correction, satisfactory cosmetic scars and functionally excellent results can be obtained with this method.

A new technique of subtrochanteric shortening in total hip replacement for Crowe type 3 to 4 dysplasia of the hip.

A new technique of femoral fixation that uses a transverse osteotomy for subtrochanteric shortening and derotation in total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type 3 to 4 dysplasia of the hip is described. This series included 21 cases in 12 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 42.3 years. Follow-up averaged 41.2 months. Bone pegs prepared from the resected femoral segment were seated in the medullary canal around the stem for femoral fixation. Merle d'Aubigné scores for pain, motion, and walking improved from 2.9, 4.4, and 3.7 to 5.2, 5.4, and 5.5, respectively. Radiographic union was detected within 12 +/- 3.4 (range, 6-24) weeks in all cases. Complications were early dislocation in 2 cases. This technique allows correction of anteversion, provides excellent rotational stability, and eliminates the need for additional osteosynthesis regardless of the stem design.

Morphometry of the thoracolumbar vertebrae in sickle cell disease.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who have deformities and vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis may require surgery. Spinal surgeons must become familiar with the vertebral morphometry of patients with SCD and to that aim we have examined the morphometry of the thoracolumbar spine in these patients. A cohort of 100 patients with SCD was examined using plain thoraco lumbar anteroposterior/lateral radiographs and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Vertebral morphometry (vertebral body diameters, pedicle, spinal canal and deformity) was assessed for different age groups. Results were compared to published studies of healthy subjects. The vertebral dimensions for the 16-20-year and the 21+-year-old groups were significantly smaller for females than males at most spinal levels, while measurements in the 6-10 years and 11-15 years age groups were similar across both sexes at most levels. No significant statistical difference was found between the diameters of the right and left pedicles. With the exception of the sagittal diameter, most of the dimensions of the vertebral bodies measured in SCD patients were less than those of healthy individuals; multiple deformities were also observed. Low bone density was noted in 32 patients. Our data highlight the differences in vertebral bone mineral density, anatomy and deformities in patients with SCD compared to healthy individuals. When considering surgical intervention for patients with SCD, it is important that pre-operative radiography and planning is undertaken, and that the surgeon is familiar with the geometry of the pedicles of the thoracolumbar vertebrae necessary for the safe insertion of pedicle screws. Osteoporosis must be considered when planning surgical interventions in these patients.

[Two different methods of supracondylar lateral wedge osteotomy in cubitus varus deformity in adults]. / Eriskin kubitus varus deformitesinde suprakondiler lateral kapali kama osteotomisinin iki farkli tespit yöntemi.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the results of a transverse osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity in adults stabilized by two different methods of fixation with either Kirschner wire (K-wire) or Y plate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen soldiers were treated by a lateral closing wedge osteotomy of the distal humerus for cubitus varus deformity in the military infirmary. Two different methods of fixation were used for the osteotomy. The osteotomies were stabilized with K-wires in the initial five cases. Because of loosening of the pins and loss of correction in these five cases, Y plates were introduced for fixation in the other patients. RESULTS: Three patients in the K-wire group, and one case in the Y plate fixation group had poor results. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy is technically easy and allows three dimensional correction. Accompanying displaced ulnar nerves and snapping triceps tendons were spontaneously corrected by the osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Y plates provide rigid fixation that permits early active motion and prevents possible complications related to implant failure or loss of fixation.

The effect of dilation of immature pedicles on pullout strength of the screws: Part 2: In vivo study.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomechanical stability of screws placed in expanded pedicles, and to compare those with the screws placed in the nonexpanded pedicles in an in vivo model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pullout strength of a pedicle screw increases as the diameter of the screw gets larger. Small pedicles of pediatric patients prevent the use of large size pedicle screws in this age group. As shown in an in vitro study one option to overcome this problem is to dilate and use larger screw in immature spine. But dilation reduces the pullout strength of pedicle screws in in vitro model. METHODS: Six-week-old 3 pigs were used. One of them was lost in the postoperative period. After posterior subperiosteal exposure of lumbar segments (L1-L5), 4.0 mm diameter and 20 mm long pedicle screws were placed on the left. The right pedicles were dilated with stainless steel dilators and instrumented with screws of same dimension. At the end of 3 months the pigs were killed and the pull out strength of each screw were measured. RESULTS: The average pull out strength of the expanded and nonexpanded screws was 378.7 +/- 73 (542-308) Newton and 397 +/- 80 (535-289) Newton, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical stability of the same size screws inserted at the expanded and nonexpanded pedicles are the same after 3 months. Even dilation of the pedicle decreases the pullout strength of the screw at the beginning, and the pull out strength of both sides became equal after 3 months. The remodeling capacity of pedicles and overgrowth of bone on screws may have an effect on this result.

Management of a case of human bite complicated by myonecrosis and compartment syndrome.

Case reports concerning rare complications of human bite injuries are uncommon in the literature. Further, rehabilitation of the resultant dysfunction is also hardly reported. A 41-year-old housewife who had had a human bite during an altercation 6 months ago was referred to the rehabilitation department with a nonfunctioning right hand. Twelve days after the injury she developed a compartment syndrome with complicating myonecrosis, which required fasciotomy and resulted in amputation of the fifth digit on the 17th day. Soft-tissue defects were reconstructed with skin grafts. Unfortunately, the patient did not attend followup visits, and 6 months after the initial injury she had to be admitted to the rehabilitation department with a nonfunctional hand. She had marked limitations of range of motion of the wrist and almost all finger joints. A rehabilitation program was initiated to improve the functional limitations of her hand. After the rehabilitation program, she was able to use her right hand in her daily routine activities. Rehabilitation can still be useful in order to avoid permanent disability even in late and complicated cases of bite injuries.