Spatiotemporal parameters of the operated and non-operated knees before and after unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition in various orthopedic clinics and hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) application on short and long-term spatiotemporal gait parameters, maximum plantar pressure (MPP), and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the change process in spatiotemporal parameters without any intervention before and after TKA surgery? METHODS: This study is a prospective and cross-sectional study. Participants were assessed preoperatively at the 1st week (Pre1W), postoperative 1st month (Post1M) and 6th month (Post6M). Spatiotemporal parameters and MMP were assessed using the Win Track platform (Medicapteurs Technology, France) and functional states were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Lequesne Index. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in the WOMAC and Lequesne Index values in the Post1M and Post6M periods compared to the preoperative period. However, the improvement in WOMAC and Lequesne Index scores in the Post6M period was significant compared to the scores in the Post1M period (p < 0.01). Spatiotemporal parameters deteriorated in the Post1M period, while improvements were observed in the Post6M period. We observed that patients had worse gait parameters in the near postoperative period than before surgery. It was the period with the greatest improvements in long-term outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: In the light of our study results, we think that early gait disturbances in patients who underwent direct TKA may be caused by physiological processes. Therefore, we believe that there is no need for any intervention for gait disorders that occur in the early postoperative period.

The thickness of heel fat-pad in patients with plantar fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of heel fat pad (THP) and to detect the relationship between the plantar fasciitis (PF) and age, occupation, BMI, longitudinal arch, the thickness of heel fat-pad in the patients with PF. METHODS: A total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men; mean age: 46.5 years (range: 22-70)) that were diagnosed with PF were included to this study. Patients' affected side were compared with the healthy opposite side with the angle of medial arch (AMA) and first metatarsophalangeal angle (FMTPA) on the foot radiograms, and THP and thickness of first metatarsal fat pad (TFMFP) using ultrasonography (USG) of both feet. RESULTS: The mean AMAs of feet with pain and without pain were 122.56° and 120.60°, respectively. The mean FMTPAs of feet with pain and without pain were 14.72° and 14.40°, respectively. The mean THPs of feet with pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet with pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.45 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. The mean THPs of feet without pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet without pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.94 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. It was observed that the mean AMA in the heels with pain was significantly higher than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05) and the mean THP in the heels with pain was significantly thinner than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that USG is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for the measurement of THP in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the heel pad was thinner in the painful heels of patients with plantar fasciitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Diagnostic Study.

The emerging role of leptin, Adiponectin and Visfatin in Ischemic/Hemorrhagic stroke.

Introduction: Adipose tissue acts as an active endocrine organ and may be involved in the biological mechanism of stroke. Adipokines can serve as key messenger of central energy and metabolic homeostasis and can contribute to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and brain. Recent research has offered vague data on the relationships between adipose tissue, adipokines, and vascular disorders. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum leptin, adiponectin and visfatin levels and functional outcomes in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Thirty-five patients with acurte intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), 35 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. A sandwich ELISA was developed to measure the presence of serum adiponectin, leptin and visfatin levels. Results: Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, leptin, visfatin levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher and serum adiponectin levels were lower in patients at admission compared with healthy volunteers. Conclusion: According to the novel study, it was suggested that elevated serum leptin as well as visfatin and decreased adiponectin levels may be a sign of cerebrovascular disease and as part of the response occurring in stroke patients.

Compartment Syndrome Resulting from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Every year, especially in the cooler Fall and Winter months, hundreds of people die because of carbon monoxide poisoning. This occurs usually as an accident. It is a significant cause of poisoning worldwide. We present a case of compartment syndrome in both lower extremities with accompanying acute renal failure and systemic capillary leakage syndrome because of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Comparison of soft-tissue and bone surgeries in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in 18-24-month-old patients.

The aim of this study was to compare soft-tissue and bone surgeries in 18-24-month-old patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A total of 77 hips of 53 patients were analyzed. Soft-tissue surgery was performed in 31 hips of 25 patients. In the final examination, 23 hips, excluding hips of eight patients who underwent secondary bone surgery, were evaluated (group I). Bone surgery was performed on 46 hips of 28 patients (group II). In group I, the acetabular index was 41° preoperatively and was 20.4° in the final examinations. In group II, the acetabular index was 42° preoperatively and was 15° in the final examinations. To avoid unnecessary surgeries and complications, soft-tissue surgery should be preferred for DDH in 18-24-month-old patients.

Lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in congenital shortening of metacarpals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the results of seven cases of metacarpal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis and to discuss the ideal daily rate of distraction. METHODS: Metacarpal lengthening was performed by distraction osteogenesis in the seven metacarpals of four patients (3 females, 1 male; mean age: 14.9 years). A unilateral external fixator was used for lengthening. Lengthening was initiated with a distraction rate of 2x0.5 mm/day in the patient with bilateral involvement of the middle and ring metacarpals. On the tenth day of lengthening, distraction was discontinued due to pain and contracture. Then, distraction was continued with a rate of 2x0.25 mm/day. In all other cases, the distraction rate was 0.5 mm/day. Pre- and postoperative range of motion was measured with a goniometer. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative metacarpal lengths were 34.6 mm (range: 33 to 37) and 49.7 mm (range: 47 to 52), respectively. The mean lengthening achieved was 15.1 mm (range: 14 to 17), while the mean distraction rate was 0.55 mm/day (range: 0.48 to 0.63). No functional loss was observed in the fingers at the final check-up. The patients were happy with the functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: Distraction osteogenesis is a safe method providing acceptable cosmetic and functional results in patients with congenital metacarpal shortness. The length of metacarpals and muscles that will be affected from lengthening should be considered when determining the daily rate of distraction.

Management of developmental dysplasia of the hip in less than 24 months old children.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children less than 24 months of age. The aim of this study was to present the results of open reduction and concomitant primary soft-tissue intervention in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip in children less than 24 months of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty hips of 50 patients (4 male, 46 female) with mean age of 14.62 ± 5.88 (range 5-24 months) months with a mean followup of 40.00 ± 6.22 (range 24-58 months) months were included. Twenty five right and 35 left hips (10 bilaterally involved) were operated. Open reduction was performed using the medial approach in patients aged < 20 months (with Tönnis type II-III and IV hip dysplasias) and for those aged 20-24 months with Tönnis type II and III hip dysplasias (n = 47). However for 13 patients aged 20-24 months with Tönnis type IV hip dysplasias, anterior bikini incision was used. RESULTS: Mean acetabular index was 41.03 ± 3.78° (range 34°-50°) in the preoperative period and 22.98 ± 3.01° (range 15°-32°) at the final visits. Mean center-edge angle at the final visits was 22.85 ± 3.35° (18°-32°). Based on Severin radiological classification, 29 (48.3%) were type I (very good), 25 (41.7%) were type II (good) and 6 (10%) were type III (fair) hips. According to the McKay clinical classification, postoperatively the hips were evaluated as excellent (n = 42; 70%), good (n = 14; 23.3%) and fair (n = 4; 6.7%). Reduction of all hip dislocations was achieved. Additional pelvic osteotomies were performed in 14 (23.3%) hips for continued acetabular dysplasia and recurrent subluxation. (Salter [n = 12]/Pemberton [n = 2] osteotomy was performed). Avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in 7 (11.7%) hips. CONCLUSION: In DDH only soft-tissue procedures are not enough, because of the high rate of the secondary surgery and AVN for all cases aged less than 24 months. Bone procedures may be necessary in the walking age group with high acetabular index.

Ultrasonographic examination of the radial and ulnar nerves after percutaneous cross-wiring of supracondylar humerus fractures in children: a prospective, randomized controlled study.

In this prospective study, we aimed to find out whether there is a change in the ultrasonographic features of the radial and ulnar nerves as well as clinical outcomes after traditional and lateral percutaneous cross-wiring of the supracondylar humerus fractures in children. Twenty-nine consecutive children with completely displaced Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures were treated with the traditional (group T) or lateral (group L) cross-wiring technique. Our findings showed that ultrasonographic features of the radial nerve were not changed in both groups but the ulnar nerve movement was reduced, and the diameter of major axis of the ulnar nerve during elbow flexion was larger (P=0.040) than in elbow extension in the traditional cross-wiring technique but not in the lateral cross-wiring technique. Lateral cross-wiring technique does not change the ultrasonographic features of the radial and ulnar nerves, and provides satisfactory results.

Ray amputation for the treatment of macrodactyly in the foot: report of three cases.

Foot macrodactyly is a rare congenital anomaly which is characterized by an overgrowth of the soft tissue and bone of the toes. The aim of treatment is to obtain a cosmetic and functional foot. We present three cases of lesser toe macrodactyly on which we performed ray amputation. Postoperative cosmetic and functional results were good in three cases. Ray amputation is a possible surgical treatment that provides good cosmetic and functional results in severe lesser toe macrodactyly.

[Comparison of the mid-term results of complete subtalar release by the Cincinnati and the posteromedial incisions in clubfoot]. / Dogustan carpik ayakli olgularda Cincinnati ve posteromedial insizyonlar ile gerçeklestirilen tam subtalar gevsetmenin orta dönem sonuçlarinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical and radiological results of complete subtalar release operations on idiopathic congenital clubfoot patients were compared for the Cincinati and the posteomedial incisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients (40 feet) that underwent complete subtalar release using the Cincinnati incision (group 1; 18 patients, 27 feet [12 boys, 6 girls; mean age 7.4 +/-3.8 month; range 5-24 months]) and posteromedial incision (group 2; 8 patients, 13 feet [6 boys, 2 girls; mean age 10.1 +/- 4.3 month; range 4-16 months]) for idiopathic congenital clubfoot with at least one year followup were assessed. Tarsal bone problems, intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed separately. RESULTS: According to the Simon's criteria, the clinical results were successful in 27 feet (100%) in group 1 and in 11 feet (85%) in group 2 (p > 0.05). Radiological results were successful in 16 feet (59%) in group 1 and in two feet (15%) in group 2 (p< 0.05). Superficial skin necrosis occurred in five feet (18.5%) in group 1 at the early postoperative period and all resolved with conservative treatment. Skin necrosis did not occur in group 2 (p > 0.05). The cast was bivalved and opened due to soft tissue swelling at the early postoperative period in 21 feet (77.8%) in group 1 and only in one foot (7.6%) in group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Posteromedial incision is a suitable and safety incision for complete subtalar release.

Dynamics of the ulnar nerve after percutaneous pinning of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

This prospective study was performed to evaluate and compare the morphological changes and dynamics of the ulnar nerve after percutaneous cross-pinning with Kirshner wire (group 1; 13, mean age 8.3 years, 10 male and three female children) and only lateral pinning (group 2; eight, mean age 7.6 years, six male and two female children) of displaced unilateral supracondylar fractures in children's elbows using ultrasonography in comparison with the contralateral healthy elbows. Postoperative evaluation revealed that ulnar nerve movement was reduced and the major axis diameter of elbow flexion and ulnar nerve was larger (P<0.05) than the major axis diameter in the elbow extension in group 1 than group 2. We think that the treatment of the displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children with only a lateral Kirshner wire would be safer and more convenient.

Range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after chevron procedure reinforced by a modified capsuloperiosteal flap.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint following the chevron procedure with increased stabilization using a modified capsuloperiosteal flap in the treatment of hallux valgus cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three feet of 40 patients were treated with modified chevron osteotomies. The patient selection criteria included failure of conservative treatment, painful deformity, age between 18 and 50, hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles less than 40 degrees and 17 degrees, respectively, and no osteoarthritic changes of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was compared to the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 30.9 +/- 9.0 (range, 18 to 46) years. The preoperative mean hallux valgus angle was 32.2 (range, 22 to 40 degrees), whereas postoperatively it was 13.1 (range, 3 to 22 degrees). The preoperative mean passive total range of motion, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were found to be 80.2 (range, 71 to 99 degrees), 66.8 (51 to 86) degrees and 13.4 (range, 7 to 23 degrees), respectively, whereas postoperatively these values were 69.2 (range, 48 to 85 degrees), 58.6 (range, 43 to 75) degrees and 10.8 (range, 1 to 20 degrees). According to Bonney and MacNab subjective scores, the feet were evaluated as follows: 12 as excellent, 26 as good, and 5 as moderate. According to objective scores, the evaluation was as follows: 27 as excellent, 14 as good, 1 as moderate, and 1 as poor. CONCLUSION: We believe that the chevron procedure reinforced by modified capsuloperiosteal flap causes minimal irritation and damage to adjacent soft tissues. Furthermore, we conclude that this method is a benefical means of managing moderate hallux vagus deformities by decreasing the stiffness after surgery.

Variation of carrying angle with age, sex, and special reference to side.

We measured the carrying angle using a universal full-circle manual goniometer on the dominant and non-dominant extremity of the elbow in 1275 healthy volunteers (631 males, 644 females) with a mean age of 22.87+/-15.99 years (range: 2-91 years). In the right arm dominant group, right carrying angle was 11.25 degrees +/- 3.73 degrees and left carrying angle was 10.57 degrees +/- 3.63 degrees (P<.001). In left arm dominant group, right carrying angle was 10.65 degrees +/- 3.99 degrees and left carrying angle was 12.93 degrees +/- 4.22 degrees (P<.001). The carrying angle of dominant arm was found to be significantly higher than the non-dominant arm in both sexes. The carrying angle of dominant and non-dominant arms were found to be significantly higher in patients aged >14 years than that of patients aged < or = 14 years; females ranked higher than males.

[Treatment of femoral shaft fractures and pseudoarthrosis with compressive and interlocking intramedullary nailing]. / Femur cisim kiriklari ve psödoartrozlarinin kompresif, kilitli intramedüller çivileme ile tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of compressive and interlocking intramedullary nailing in femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: Thirty-three femoral fractures of 30 patients (23 males, 7 females; mean age 36.9 years; range 14 to 80 years) were treated by compressive and interlocking intramedullary nailing. There were 26 closed and seven open (2 type II, 5 type IIIA) fractures. In three femurs, intramedullary nailing was performed due to pseudoarthrosis. According to the Winquist classification, there were 13, 8, 8, and 4 type I to IV fractures, respectively. Clinical, radiographic, and functional results were evaluated according to the Thoresen criteria. The mean follow-up was 29 months (range 6 to 29 months). RESULTS: The mean operation time was 105.7 minutes. Union was obtained in all the patients within a mean duration of 19.6 weeks. In six cases, dynamization was performed due to insufficient callus formation. The results were excellent in 17 patients (56.7%), good in eight patients (26.7%), fair in three patients (10%), and poor in two patients (6.7%). Complications included shortening (n=3; 2 to 4 cm), varus deformity (n=2; 8 and 11 degrees), external rotation (n=3), restriction in knee flexion (n=3), superficial infection (n=8), trochanteric bursitis (n=3), and irritation of the skin by distal screws (n=2). CONCLUSION: High rates of union with low complication rates makes interlocking intramedullary nailing an appropriate method in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in adults. Compression with top screws contributes to the stability of fixation by eliminating any looseness through the fracture line.

Morphology and dynamics of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel after percutaneous cross-pinning of supracondylar fractures in children's elbows: an ultrasonographic study.

After the 12.6-month (3-30) follow-up period, the morphology and dynamics of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel were examined with ultrasonography on operated (group 1) and opposite (group 2) elbows of 13 children who had percutaneous cross-pin fixation for displaced supracondylar humerus fractures. When we compared group 1 and group 2, nerve morphology was similar (P>0.05), but nerve dynamics were found to be decreased or absent for seven (54%) elbows in group 1 (P<0.05). The medial K-wire may damage the ulnar nerve dynamics in the cubital tunnel.

Intra-articular lipoma of the knee joint in a girl.

Intra-articular lipoma is a rare benign mass that commonly occurs in the knee joint. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl with a slowly growing mass in her right knee. There was no history of trauma. The patient had no catching, locking, or giving way of the knee. On magnetic resonance imaging, multiple fibrous septa within a hyperintense mass was determined. After the arthroscopic examination, complete resection by open surgery was performed. There was no tumor recurrence at the end of the 1-year follow-up period. True intra-articular lipoma should be distinguished from lipoma arborescens, which is a similar but more common condition.

[Pseudarthrosis of a calcaneus fracture: a case report]. / Kalkaneus kiriginda psödoartroz: olgu sunumu.

Nonunion after a calcaneus fracture is rare. A forty-two-year-old man presented with complaints of extreme left heel pain on weight-bearing, that required him to use crutches. Clinical and radiological studies yielded a diagnosis of calcaneal nonunion. He had a history of an open calcaneal fracture that occurred in a traffic accident eight months before, for which he received cast treatment. He underwent surgical treatment (curettage, bone graft, and internal fixation) for the nonunion of the calcaneus. Eight months after the operation, no problem was observed at the union site, and the patient returned to his normal activity levels. He had a slight heel pain appearing only after walking long distances, which was attributed to the subtalar joint.

Early and vigorous fluid resuscitation prevents acute renal failure in the crush victims of catastrophic earthquakes.

This study analyzes the effects of fluid resuscitation in the crush victims of the Bingol earthquake, which occurred in May 2003 in southeastern Turkey. Questionnaires asking about demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic features of 16 crush victims were filled in retrospectively. Mean duration under the rubble was 10.3 +/- 7 h, and all patients had severe rhabdomyolysis. Fourteen patients were receiving isotonic saline at admission, which was followed by mannitol-alkaline fluid resuscitation. All but two patients were polyuric. Admission serum creatinine level was lower than and higher than 1.5 mg/dl in 11 and 5 patients, respectively. Marked elevations were noted in muscle enzymes in all patients. During the clinical course, hypokalemia was observed in nine patients, all of whom needed energetic potassium chloride replacement. Four (25%) of 16 victims required hemodialysis. Duration between rescue and initiation of fluids was significantly longer in the dialyzed victims as compared with nondialyzed ones (9.3 +/- 1.7 versus 3.7 +/- 3.3 h, P < 0.03). Sixteen fasciotomies were performed in 11 patients (68%), nine of which were complicated by wound infections. All patients survived and were discharged from the hospital with good renal function. Early and vigorous fluid resuscitation followed by mannitol-alkaline diuresis prevents acute renal failure in crush victims, resulting in a more favorable outcome.

[Early results of treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between the ages of one and four years]. / Yürüme çagindaki (1-4 yas) gelisimsel kalça displazili olgularda erken dönem tedavi sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the early results of treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between the ages of one and four years. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether they were below or above two years of age at the time of the initial treatment. Group I consisted of 13 patients (20 hips; mean age 19.1 months; range 14 to 24 months); 11 patients (15 hips; mean age 32.6 months; range 26 to 50 months) comprised group II. Initially, patients in group I were treated with closed or open reduction (12 hips) and open reduction with femoral and/or pelvic osteotomies (8 hips). Group II patients underwent open reduction with femoral and/or pelvic osteotomies. Clinical results were evaluated according to the modified McKay criteria, and radiographic results to the Severin classification. The mean follow-up periods were 29.1 months (range 12 to 60 months) and 37.3 months (range 12 to 66 months), respectively. RESULTS: Subsequent operations were performed in nine hips in group I, and in two hips in group II (p<0.05). Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was noted in six hips (30%) in group I and in none of the hips in group II (p<0.05). Excellent or good radiographic results accounted for 85% and 86%, and clinical results for 90% and 100% in groups I and II, respectively. CONCLUSION: The need for pelvic and/or femoral osteotomies should be considered in conjunction with closed or open reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between the ages of one and four years.