Treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformities. a novel technique: comparison of uc berkeley laboratory foot orthosis with and without kinesio taping in juvenil athletes.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic flexible pes planus (SFPP) can cause pain and discomfort when walking or engaging in sportive activities in children and adolescents. SFPP can be treated conservatively with foot orthoses, such as the University of California Berkeley Laboratory (UCBL) foot orthosis, which can improve foot function and reduce pain. Kinesio Tape (KT) has also been used as an adjunct to foot orthoses in the treatment of pes planus. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the UCBL foot orthosis with and without KT in the treatment of SFPP among amateur juvenile and adolescent athletes. METHODS: Fifty patients with SFPP were included in the study. In 27 patients UCBL foot orthosis with KT (group 1) was used whereas in 23 UCBL (group 2) was preferred only. The patients were evaluated with AOFAS and radiological measurements. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28.6 ± 4.3(26) months. At the final follow-up AOFAS of group 1 was significantly higher than group 2. In group 2, 12 patients (%52,17) had pressure sores that caused superficial dermabrasion. Lateral TFMAs and talocalcaneal angle in group 1 was significantly better than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study attempted to determine if using KT with the UCBL foot orthosis was beneficial to the treatment of SFPP compared to simply wearing the orthosis. Our results suggest that KT is effective in reducing pronation and improving the AOFAS score. The use of UCBL with KT seems to be preferable in children and adolescents with SFPP since it is associated with a lower rate of complication, a higher degree of patient compliance and faster improvement in the radiological and clinical findings, compared to the use of the UCBL orthosis alone.

Greater presence of receptors for relaxin in the ligamentum teres of female infants who undergo open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

BACKGROUND: While many factors involved in the etiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), one of which is the hormone relaxin. Relaxin concentrations in patients with DDH may lead to pathodynamic changes during hip development by altering the physiological nature of the ligament, as well as by long-term exposure to relaxin during pregnancy. Our objective in this study was to determine the number of relaxin receptors in the ligamentum teres and their role in causing DDH. METHODS: We identified 26 infants between birth and 3 years of age who had undergone open reduction for DDH between 2010 and 2012. 12 hips of 12 miss abortus fetus between 20 to 35 weeks of gestation were used as control group. Specimens obtained from two groups were stained with Relaxin-2 antibody, and the amount of staining for relaxin receptors was determined using an ordinal H score. RESULTS: The mean (SD) H scores of infants with DDH were significantly higher than those of controls: 215 (59) versus 52 (48); P = 0.00; 95% CI. Statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender was not found. CONCLUSION: As a result, increased number of relaxin receptors in the ligamentum teres could be a risk factor for DDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2, Prospective comparative study.

A Formula to Predict the Magnitude of Achilles Tendon Lengthening Required to Correct Equinus Deformity.

OBJECTIVES: Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. An appropriate adjustment of the amount of ATL is crucial to avoid insufficient or excessive lengthening. However, there is currently no effective method to preoperatively calculate the tendon length needed for equinus deformity correction. Thus, in this study we evaluated the accuracy of a calculation using a mathematical model based on the law of cosines. METHODS: A total of 16 feet of 14 patients who were scheduled for ATL surgery due to equinus deformity were included in the study. ATL surgery was performed using a standard Z-plasty technique. Calculation of the amount of ATL using the law of cosines, and assessments of intraoperative lengthening of the tendon, were performed in a double-blind manner. The extent of lengthening resulting from the two methods was then compared. RESULTS: The mean ATL determined intraoperatively was 23.67 ± 8.7 mm, and that obtained using the cosine-based method was 22.49 ± 8.6 mm. Thus, the new method showed excellent statistical agreement with the actual lengthening performed during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The required dimension of ATL can be calculated preoperatively using the mathematical formula presented here. The advantages of this approach are that it allows accurate tendon lengthening and reduces the size of the surgical incision.

Greater Trochanter Apophysiodesis in Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Which Implant to Choose?

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanter apophysiodesis (GTA) is relatively minimal invasive technique for the treatment of trochanteric overgrowth. Various types of implants can be used in each procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of three different types of implants that were used in treatment of trochanteric overgrowth in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied radiological results of three implants (screw, screw washer, and EP) on inhibiting trochanteric growth in 32 patients. Articulo-trochanteric and trochanter-trochanter distances (TTDs) were measured on radiographs. Embedding of implant evaluated on final radiographs. RESULTS: The mean of age at the surgery was 10 ± 2.3 years, and the mean of follow up period was 50.0 ± 16.7 months. In all groups, articulo-trochanteric distance was decreased on final radiographs. In screw and screw washer group, increase of TTD was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Twelve, one, and two implants were embedded, respectively, in screw, screw washer, and EP groups. Two patients in EP group had revision surgery due to loosening. CONCLUSIONS: In this study group, GTA using screw and screw washer methods could slow down but did not restore trochanteric overgrowth. We suggest using washer to reduce embedding of the screw.

A Modification of Internal Bone Transport Method for Reconstruction of Nonunion of Forearm.

BACKGROUND: Defects of bone and soft tissue occur frequently after high-energy trauma, infections, and tumor resection. Treatment options are limited and outcomes are controversial in nonunion. Classical reconstruction methods are challenging. We describe a method of internal bone transport for treatment of complicated nonunion of the forearm. This method permits axial and internal bone transport without harming the distorted and complex neurovascular anatomy or soft-tissue envelope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients (mean age, 27 years) with defect nonunion (3 ulna, 2 radius) were treated. Mean preoperative defect size was 36 mm, mean shortening was 14 (0-30) mm, and the extent of surgical resection was 24 (20-40) mm. Total bone loss due to defect, resection, or shortening was 74 mm. According to Paley classification, two of the patients had B1, and three had B3 defect nonunion. This study treats defect nonunion of the forearm using an internal bone-transport method. Our method involved cannulated screws, a cerclage wire, and a circular fixator being used in combination. When transportation was completed, internal fixation of the docking site with a plate and screws was done, with bone grafting after fixator removal. Bone healing and functional outcomes were assessed with radiographs and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores, respectively. RESULTS: Mean followup was 67.6 months. Solid osseous union and functional improvement were achieved in all cases. Mean bone loss was 66 mm, mean fixator time was 131.8 days, the lengthening index was 1.3 days/mm, and the fixator index was 2.1 days/mm. DASH score was 82.2 before treatment and 15.36 after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Using our method, internal bone transport and progressive axial docking of defects can be done with minimal effects on surrounding neurovascular arrangements and soft tissues. Size of fixators can be decreased and formation of painful scar tissue can be avoided.

Effectiveness of Multilevel Botulinum Toxin A Injection with Integrated Treatment Program on Spasticity Reduction in Non-Ambulatory Young Children with Cerebral Palsy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multilevel Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) injection, as part of an integrated approach, for the treatment of spasticity in non-ambulatory young children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventeen non-ambulatory patients aged 4-8 years with diplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level IV) were evaluated before and at 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after BTX-A injection. The effect of BTX-A on spasticity of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). The velocity-dependent properties of spastic muscle as both slow (R2) and fast (R1) stretches were evaluated in MTS. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed in R1 angles of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles at 1st and 3rd months after BTX-A injection in non-ambulatory young children with CP. Statistically significant improvement was found in MAS of gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles and R2 angles of knee and ankle joint after 1st month of BTX-A injection. CONCLUSION: Multilevel BTX-A injection, as part of an integrated approach, can be used for focal treatment of spasticity, especially of hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, in non-ambulatory young children with CP GMFCS level IV.

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Two Patients with Dysspondyloenchondromatosis due to Novel Heterozygous Mutations in COL2A1.

Dysspondyloenchondromatosis (DSC) is a rare form of generalized enchondromatosis and characterized by short stature with unequal limb length, multiple enchondromas in metaphyseal and diaphyseal parts of the long tubular bones, and progressive kyphoscoliosis. Although the COL2A1 gene mutation was found to be responsible for DSC, a case of DSC with no pathogenic mutation in the COL2A1 gene has also been reported, suggesting that the condition is genetically heterogeneous. Here, we report 2 novel heterozygous mutations in COL2A1 in 2 patients with DSC. They had prenatal onset short stature with unequal limb length and generalized enchondroma-like lesions in metaphyseal and diaphyseal parts of the long tubular bones, and osteopenia. The first patient was diagnosed at 3 months of age and followed for 10.5 years. Severe lumbosacral scoliosis and recurrent fractures were observed. The second patient was diagnosed at the age of 4 years. Mild deterioration in scoliosis was observed during the 3-year-long follow-up period. However, skeletal radiography of both patients showed the improvement of enchondromatous lesions. In conclusion, we verified that the COL2A1 gene mutations are responsible for the DSC phenotype. We observed severe osteopenia and fractures which were not reported previously.

Bosworth and modified Phemister techniques revisited. A comparison of intraarticular vs extraarticular fixation methods in the treatment of acute Rockwood type III acromioclavicular dislocations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term clinical and radiological results of Acromioclavicular (AC) fixation with K-wires (the modified Phemister procedure) and Coracoclavicular (CC) fixation with the Bosworth screw in the surgical treatment of Type 3 AC joint dislocations. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with complete set of medical records and who received surgical treatment between September 2005 and January 2009 due to acute Rockwood Type 3 AC joint dislocation and properly attended their follow-ups were retrospectively evaluated. Sixteen patients (13 males, 3 females; mean age: 38, range: 24-52 years) were treated with CC fixation with Bosworth screw (Group 1), and the other 16 (12 males, 4 females; mean age: 53.3, range: 38-64 years) with AC fixation using K-wires (Group 2). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 96 months for Group 1 and 93 months for Group 2 patients (p > 0.05). The mean Constant-Murley score at the final follow-up was 84.7 in Group 1 and 87.3 in Group 2 (p = 0.069). Radiological evaluation of the patients revealed AC arthrosis in 2 and 3 patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively. In Group 2, one patient had a recurrent dislocation, three patients had AC arthrosis and two patients had ossification in the CC ligament (Fig. 2). There was no superficial or deep wound infection in Group 1, while two patients from Group 2 had a superficial wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both techniques are reliable and provide adequate reduction and similar outcomes in terms of functionality and pain levels, following the reduction of Type 3 AC joint dislocations. With lower rates of wound site infection in the early and AC arthrosis in the late postoperative period, CC fixation method with the Bosworth screw may be a better surgical option than AC fixation method with K-wires. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Is intact fibula a disadvantage in treatment of tibial diaphysis fracture with intramedullary nailing?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare solitary tibial diaphysis fractures and tibial diaphysis fractures associated with fibula fracture treated with the intramedullary nailing method. METHODS: Records of 254 patients diagnosed with tibial diaphysis fracture and treated with intramedullary nailing between 2010 and 2013 were examined and 30 patients were included in the study. Group 1 comprised patients with solitary tibial diaphysis fracture, and Group 2 was made up of patients with tibial diaphysis fractures associated with fibula fracture. Patients in both groups were compared in terms of time to surgery, duration of surgical tourniquet, time to union, and varus, valgus, recurvatum, and antecurvatum deformities of the tibia at final follow-up. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in time to surgery, duration of surgical tourniquet, time to union, or varus, valgus, recurvatum, and antecurvatum deformities. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that intact fibula in tibial diaphysis fracture treated with intramedullary nailing was not a disadvantage; it did not affect rate of union or lead to loss of reduction, non-union, or malunion.

Comparison of Salter osteotomy and Tonnis lateral acetabuloplasty with simultaneous open reduction for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: midterm results.

The aim of this study was to compare the midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of the Salter osteotomy (SO) and Tonnis lateral acetabuloplasty (TLA) with concomitant open reduction for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Twenty-five hips of 20 patients who underwent SO with open reduction and 26 hips of 23 patients who underwent TLA with open reduction were evaluated retrospectively. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was 35.6 months in the SO and 36.6 months in the TLA group, without a statistically significant difference (P=0.836). The average follow-up times in the SO and TLA groups were 59.9 and 54.8 months, respectively (P=0.397). Preoperative (40.6° in the SO vs. 42.2° in the TLA, P=0.451) and last follow-up acetabular index (12° in the SO vs. 14° in the TLA, P=0.227) and center-edge angle measurements (30° in the SO vs. 26° in the TLA, P=0.069) did not show a statistically significant difference between the SO and TLA groups; however, early postoperative acetabular index improvement was better in the TLA group than in the SO group (21.2° in the SO vs. 17.2° in the TLA, P=0.014). According to the Severin grading system, both groups showed a similar number of good outcomes without a statistically significant difference (P=0.936). Clinical assessment on the basis of McKay's criteria showed similar good and excellent outcomes (P=0.936). Both osteotomy techniques showed similar satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of DDH in patients older than 18 months of age.

Prospective comparative study of two methods for fixation after distal femur corrective osteotomy for valgus deformity; retrograde intramedullary nailing versus less invasive stabilization system plating.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the radiological and functional results of two different methods of fixation for the correction of femoral valgus deformities. METHODS: Patients who had undergone osteotomy and correction of a valgus deformity from 2007 to 2013 were prospectively followed. Thirty three patients (20 females, 13 males) with 39 lower limbs were included in the study. Seventeen lower limbs were treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) and 22 with less invasive stabilization system plating. Standing orthoroentgenograms of the lower limbs were taken pre-operatively and at the final follow-up. mLDFA, aLDFA, mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were measured in this orthoroentgenograms. Knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and knee range of motion were used pre-operatively and at the final follow-up as part of the evaluation of the clinical results. All patients duration of surgery, length of hospital stay were assessed. Operations were performed by two orthopedic surgeons. The choice of correction method for each patient was determined by the surgeon. Pre-operative and post-operative values were simultaneously measured by two additional orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 26.2 years (18.0-51.0) in the plating group and 29.3 years (18.0-55.0) in the nailing group. Patients in the plating and nailing groups were followed up for 24.0 (12.0-60.0) and 27.8 (12.0-60.0) months. All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, sex, or duration of follow-up (p > 0.05) Comparison of the pre- and post-operative mLDFA, aLDFA, MAD, length of hospital stay, and duration of surgery between the plating group and nailing group, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). However, patients treated with retrograde IMN had significantly better post-operative results in terms of the KOOS and range of motion of the knee according to plating group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retrograde IMN does not provide a radiological advantage over the LISS plating technique for valgus deformity but retrograde IMN and correction offered better functional results in cases of femoral valgus deformity than did the LISS plating method.

A combined procedure for irreducible dislocation of patella in children with ligamentous laxity: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: Irreducible patellar dislocation accompanying ligamentous laxity is rarely seen in pediatric patients. The most common complaints due to this condition are inability to walk, delayed walking, and difficulties with orthotics. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe a novel surgical technique to treat dislocated patella in patients with symptomatic ligamentous laxity. METHODS: Fourteen knees of 9 patients operated on by a single surgeon between 2009-2012 were included in the study. The tensor fascia was divided into 2 strips, and these strips were passed via the joint and sutured to themselves. The combined procedure additionally includes lateral capsular release, vastus lateralis (VL) resection, medial capsular plication, and Z-plasty of the rectus femoris (RF) tendon. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of surgery was 6.9±3.3 years (range: 4-13 years). The mean follow-up was 37.6±0.9 months (range: 26-49 months). Patellofemoral instability was restored for all patients by using combined surgical technique. Patellar lateralization developed in 2 patients, in whom stability was obtained via secondary medial plication. CONCLUSION: Our results show that this combined surgical procedure stabilizes the knee and treats patellar dislocation accompanying ligamentous laxity in pediatric patients.

Recurrent anterior hip dislocation in a patient with myasthenia gravis: a case report.

Traumatic anterior hip dislocation is a rare condition compared to posterior dislocation and recurrent anterior hip dislocation is encountered even less. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by various degrees of muscle weakness. Closed reduction is the first choice of treatment for traumatic, non-recurring hip dislocation. We report a 59-year-old female with myasthenia gravis who underwent surgical intervention for recurrent anterior hip dislocation after failure of closed reduction. To our knowledge, this is the first case with recurrent anterior hip dislocation and myasthenia gravis in the literature.

Salter innominate osteotomy in the treatment of late presentation Perthes disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients presenting older than eight years and treated with Salter osteotomy for Perthes disease. METHOD: Seventeen patients (18 hips) with late presentation of Perthes disease treated with Salter osteotomy. Sixteen males were identified. The average age of patients was 8.8 years (range 8-12). Preoperation radiographs were analysed for lateral pillar staging, centre-periphery (CP) angle, Sharp acetabular index, acetabular depth index, acetabular covering percentage and Cross-over sign. Final follow-up radiograph were classified using modified Stulberg grade. RESULTS: The average follow-up of the patients was 78 months (range 40-104). During the surgery, seven hips were found to be lateral pillar grade B, three hips grade B/C and 8 hips grade C. In the final examination, 10 hips were evaluated as good (Stulberg 1 or 2), seven as medium (Stulberg 3) and one as bad (Stulberg 4). There was shortening in four patients who were all either Stulberg stage 3 or 4. A meaningful difference was detected between the pre-operation and post-operation radiographic values, regardless of the surgical staging. However, no statistical difference was found between the patients in Stulberg stage 3 or 4 and stage 1 or 2 for radiographic variables. CONCLUSION: Salter osteotomy can be used to treat older patients with lateral pillar stage B, B/C and C at presentation.

Low back complaints worse, but not more frequent in subjects with congenital lumbosacral malformations: a study on 5000 recruits.

The authors studied the plain radiographs and medical records of 5000 military recruits, mean age 19.1 years (range: 18 to 22), screened in a Turkish Military Hospital in the period November 2008-October 2009. They focused on the incidence of congenital lumbosacral malformations, such as spina bifida occulta and transitional vertebra, trying to find a correlation with subsequent low back complaints. Only 80 out of 748 subjects (10.7%) with low back complaints had one or more malformations, versus 744 out of 4252 subjects (17.5%) without low back complaints. This pleaded against a correlation between malformations and low back disorders. Also the literature is completely divided as to this problem, which means that there is probably no correlation at all. Interestingly, the 80 subjects with low back complaints and malformation estimated their pain level at +/- 4.6 on a Visual Analog Scale for pain, while the 668 with low back complaints but without malformation estimated their pain level at only +/- 2.2 (p = 0.007). At least two other studies led to the same conclusion. This paradox might be due to the fact that congenital malformations concentrate all external stress on the adjacent levels.

[Comparison between locked intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis in the management of adult forearm fractures]. / Eriskinlerdeki önkol kiriklarinin tedavisinde kilitli intramedüller çivi ve plak-vida osteosentezi yöntemlerinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of two different surgical methods for the treatment of adult diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones. METHODS: Forty-two adult patients with forearm fractures were retrospectively evaluated. Of these, 22 patients (7 women, 15 men; mean age 32 years; range 18 to 69 years) underwent open reduction and plate-screw fixation, and 20 patients (6 women, 14 men; mean age 33 years; range 18 to 70 years) underwent closed reduction and locked intramedullary nail fixation. The fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA system. The patients were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria and the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12 to 45) with plate-screw fixation, and 23 months (range 12 to 34) with intramedullary nailing. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 65 minutes (range 40 to 97 min) with plate-screw fixation, and 61 minutes (range 35 to 90 min) with intramedullary nailing (p>0.05). The mean time to union was significantly shorter with intramedullary nailing (10 weeks vs. 14 weeks; p<0.05). According to the Grace-Eversmann criteria, the results were excellent or good in 18 patients (81.8%) and acceptable in four patients (18.2%) treated with plate-screw fixation, compared to 18 patients (90%) and two patients (10%), respectively, treated with intramedullary nailing. The mean DASH scores were 15 (range 4 to 30) and 13 (range 3 to 25), respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to functional results and DASH scores (p>0.05). Postoperative complications were seen in three patients (13.6%) and two patients (10%) with plate-screw fixation and intramedullary nailing, respectively. CONCLUSION: The two fixation methods yield similar results in terms of functional healing and patient satisfaction in the management of adult forearm fractures.