Morphology of Fibular Incisura is a Deciding Factor Between Posterior Malleolus Avulsion Fracture or Syndesmotic Ligament Injury in Ankle Fractures.

The bone anatomy of tibiofibular syndesmosis has been a topic of interest. Fibular incisura morphology has been analyzed on cadaver specimens, plain radiographs, or CT images. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of fibula incisura features and fibula morphology in ankle injuries, especially involving posterior malleolus and posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament injuries. From 2017 through 2022, A total of 59 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fracture, Mason-Malloy type 1 posterior malleolar fracture, syndesmosis injury in those without posterior malleolar fracture, supination external rotation type 3 injuries according to Lauge-Hansen classification, and preoperative bilateral ankle computed tomography images were included in the study. Fibula morphologies and syndesmosis measurements were made from preoperative computed tomography images using axial CT images from 1 cm proximal to the tibial plafond. The diagnosis of posterior malleolar fractures was made using the CT classification system of Mason and Malloy, and the diagnosis of syndesmosis injury was made with a cotton test during surgery. Age, gender, fractured side, incisura type, incisor depth, width, anterior and posterior facet lengths, incisor version (antevert-retrovert), the angle between the anterior and posterior facets, and fibula type were recorded. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in posterior facet length and incisura width. Morphological features of fibular incisura may be the determinant of PITFL injury or PMA injury in fibular fractures caused by an external rotation mechanism.

Intramedullary Fibular Fixation in One-Stage Ankle Fracture Surgery With Soft Tissue Damage: A Study of 19 Cases.

This study investigates the efficacy of one-stage surgical intramedullary fibular fixation in managing ankle fractures with associated soft tissue damage. Ankle fractures, often encountered, can lead to complications when coupled with soft tissue injury. Traditional plate and screw fixation can exacerbate infection risks and reduce wound healing. To address this, a minimally invasive approach employing intramedullary fixation of the fibula has been proposed. This retrospective analysis, conducted between 2019 and 2021, explores cases of intramedullary fibular fixation for ankle fractures with stage 2-3 soft tissue injuries. A total of 19 patients were included in the study. The procedure involved either ulna intramedullary nails or locking screws. Results indicate that the approach led to successful union (100%), one superficial infection (5.26%), and no complication was observed. While limitations include the retrospective nature and small sample size, this study contributes valuable insights into the use of intramedullary fibular fixation in one-stage surgery for ankle fractures with concurrent soft tissue damage.

Evaluation and Management of Idiopathic Unilateral Foot Drop.

BACKGROUND: In this study, our purpose is to evaluate patients who were followed by acute developing single-sided foot drop and improving with conservative management or spontaneously. METHODS: Between 2019 and 2020, 10 patients were evaluated for a unilateral weakness of the lower extremity in the form of absent dorsiflexion at the ankle joint and were given a diagnosis of foot drop without any etiological cause. Patients were followed for a period of 18 months. All patients were evaluated for acute foot drop of the affected extremity by utilizing the following diagnostic modalities, EMG, MRI lumbar spine, MRI knee, peripheral MRI neurography and non-contrast brain MRI. Each patient was evaluated for a history of Covid-19 infection over the past year. Patients with any identified cause were excluded. RESULTS: Initial evaluation of muscle strength in all patients revealed 0/5 by the MRC muscle testing grading scale. (1) In 2 patients, the muscle strength was 3/5 at the 6th month, and in the other 8 patients 4/5 at the 6th month. The muscle strength of all patients improved as 5/5 in 1 year. Six of the patients were dispensed an AFO device and nine patient's performed physical therapy. Evaluation of EMG results identified significant neuropathy at the level of the common peroneal at the fibular head in all patients. In comparison with peroneal nerve stimulation below and above the fibular head in the lateral popliteal fossa; 50% reduction in sensory amplitude, and motor conduction slowing of >10 m/s was present. Evaluation of knee MRI revealed, no masses, edema, or anatomical variations at the level of the fibular head. CONCLUSIONS: In patients diagnosed with unilateral acute foot drop without an etiological cause, one should keep in mind that spontaneous resolution of this condition can occur within one year period.

Normal values of scapholunate distance in Turkish children aged 5-14 years.

Wrist kinematic indices and scapholunate distance play an essential role in diagnosing and treating injury and disease of the carpus. It can be challenging to measure and diagnose scapholunate ligament injury in the immature skeleton. The aim of this study was to measure the normal ranges of the carpal indices on radiographs in the Turkish population aged 5-14 years. This retrospective study examined children aged 5-14 years between 2021 and 2022. Children aged 5-14 years with a wrist anteroposterior X-ray, children admitted to the hospital for nontraumatic reasons, and children who had not had a wrist fracture before were included in the study. The distance between the scaphoid and the lunate, the distance between the lunate and the triquetrum, the carpal height, the length of the third metacarpal, and the ratio of the carpal height to the length of the third metacarpal were measured. It was found that the scapholunate distance was significantly higher in boys aged 7-8 years and 9-10 years (P = 0.001, P = 0.004). When the averages of the lunotriquetral distances were analyzed according to age groups, it was found that it was significantly higher in boys of 7-8 years old, 11-12 years old, and 13-14 years old groups compared with girls (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P = 0.004). In this study aiming to find the average values of scapholunate distance, lunotriquetral distance, and carpal indices in children, we concluded that we should examine the wrist X-ray in terms of carpal injuries by considering age and gender.

What Would be the Difference Between Operative Treatment of Patients with Tibia Fractures out of Working Hours; Intramedullary Nailing for Tibial Shaft Fractures.

Objectives: Performing orthopedic surgery in and out of working hours may affect the success of the surgery. Timing of surgery in tibial shaft fractures is controversial. In this study, the effect of the timing of surgery on the success and complications of intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures is examined. Methods: Archieves of patients with tibial shaft fractures treated with reamed intramedullary nails between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-seven patients were included in the study. Patients were categorized by the time of the surgery. Day time (Group I) is between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm and after hour (Group II) is between 5:00 pm and 07:00 am. Group I (n: 40) and Group II (n: 17) were evaluated. Technical errors, surgery time, and length of hospital stay statistical analysis was performed between the two groups in terms of technical errors, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and duration of surgery. Results: The mean duration of operation (p=0.419), number of distal screws (p=0.847), time to union (p=0.454), experience of the surgeon (p=0.192), and technical error rate (p=0.654) did not differ significantly between two groups. Length of hospital stay and time to surgery from emergency were significantly higher in day time group. Conclusion: Technical errors and surgery time of intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures are not higher at after hour before midnight than day time. Non-urgent tibial shaft fractures might be treated with intramedullary nailing at after hours before midnight for efficient use of hospitals.

The incidence and distribution of primary fibula tumors and tumor-like lesions: A 35-year experience.

PURPOSE: Primary bone tumors of the fibula are rare. There are only a few studies reporting the incidence, histologic, and anatomic distribution of primary fibula tumors. This study aimed to comprehensively report the incidence, presenting symptoms, and histologic tumor types with the anatomic and histologic distribution of primary bone tumors of the fibula. METHODS: Between January 1983 and December 2017, 6457 primary bone tumors and tumor-like lesions were diagnosed and treated in our musculoskeletal oncology surgery clinic. Of these, 264 (4.08%) were primary bone tumors and tumor-like lesions of the fibula. We retrospectively reviewed patients' records, histopathology records, and radiologic images regarding age, gender, anatomic localization, histopathologic diagnosis, and treatment methods. RESULTS: There were 209 (79.2%) benign and 55 (20.8%) malignant lesions. The most common benign and malignant tumors were osteochondroma (51 of 209; 24.4%) and chondrosarcoma (16 of 55; 29.1%). The proximal fibula was the most common location for both benign and malignant tumors (141 of 209; 67.5% and 45 of 55; 81.8%, respectively), followed by the distal fibula (52 of 209; 24.9% and 8 of 55; 14.5%, respectively) and the diaphysis (17 of 209; 8.14% and 2 of 55; 3.64%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The incidence of primary bone tumors is higher than that reported in previous studies. Benign lesions constitute the majority of cases. One-fifth of all cases are malignant. The most common anatomic site involving the primary fibula tumors is the proximal fibula. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparative Results of External Fixation, Plating, or Nonoperative Management for Diaphyseal Clavicle Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of mid-diaphyseal clavicular fractures between an external fixator and more widely selected treatment options such as plate osteosynthesis or conservative methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 64 patients who were treated for mid-diaphyseal clavicular fracture in our clinic from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. The inclusion criterion was mid-diaphyseal closed clavicular fractures with shortening of more than 2 cm. The Constant and DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) scores at the final follow-up, initial displacement, nonunion, and complication rates were compared. Statistical differences between groups were assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and pairwise comparison analysis was used to evaluate the differences within the groups. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients, 24 (37.5%) were treated with plate osteosynthesis (group 1), 11 (17.2%) with an external fixator (group 2), and 29 (45.3%) conservatively with a figure-of-eight bandage (group 3). The mean follow-up periods were as follows: group 1: 37 ± 10.4 months, group 2: 33 ± 7 months, and group 3: 35 ± 9.4 months. The initial amount of displacement and DASH score were: group 1: 89.1 ± 7.8, group 2: 89.1 ± 7.8, and group 3: 6.1 ± 6.6) (p = 0.079). The Constant score of group 2 (93 ± 6.1) was significantly higher than that of group 3 (85 ± 8.4) (p = 0.013). No statistical difference was found in the distribution of nonunions (p = 0.387). However, in group 3, the number of malunions (11/29, 37.9%) was significantly higher compared to the other 2 groups (group 1: 1/24, 4.2%; group 2: 2/11, 18.2%) (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the treatment of acute clavicular fractures with an external fixator was a good alternative to plate osteosynthesis or conservative treatment.

The results of Bankart repair without capsular plication in patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation, who had been treated with repair of the Bankart lesion without capsuler plication. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 22 shoulders of 22 patients (16 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 28 years, who underwent Bankart repair between 2011 and 2014. Patients with bilateral shoulder instability, multiple instability, >25% glenoid bone loss, and those with a history of shoulder surgery were not included in the study. The average follow-up time was 21.2 months. Evaluation was made of the preoperative number of dislocations, postoperative recurrence, functional status, and daily activity performance of the patients. Shoulder range of motion was measured. The results were evaluated using the Rowe shoulder score and the Oxford shoulder instability score. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in only one patient who had a shoulder dislocation after trauma, thus giving a recurrence rate of 4.5%. Shoulder range of motion was full in all except that one patient. The mean Rowe shoulder score was 95.5 (excellent) and Oxford shoulder stability score was 44.6 (excellent). CONCLUSION: No recurrent shoulder dislocation was observed in patients who underwent Bankart repair surgery. Plication was not performed with the Bankart repair. Close to full range of motion was obtained in all patients. In conclusion, Bankart repair alone can be considered to be sufficient for the treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

Effect of the Presence of Subchondral Cysts on Treatment Results of Autologous Osteochondral Graft Transfer in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

The aim of the present study was to clinically evaluate whether the presence of subchondral cysts had an effect on the treatment results of autologous osteochondral graft transfer in osteochondral lesions of the talus. Patients were enrolled in the present study according to the inclusion criteria. In the evaluation, we divided the patients into 2 groups according to presence (n = 13 patients) or absence (n = 15 patients) of a subchondral cyst. The mean age, body mass index, follow-up period, and lesion size in each group were measured and compared, and no statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups (p > .05). The clinical assessment was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot scoring system, visual analog scale, and International Knee Society scoring system. No statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and postoperative scores of the 2 patient groups (p > .05). The successful results in both groups after a 2-year follow-up period have demonstrated that treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with osteochondral graft transfer is a safe method that can be performed independently of the presence of a subchondral cyst.

Anterograde Headless Cannulated Screw Fixation in the Treatment of Medial Malleolar Fractures: Evaluation of a New Technique and Its Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation for medial malleolar fractures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 12 patients (8 males, 4 females; age 27-55 years) with medial malleolar type B fractures according to the Herscovici fracture classification who had undergone anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation surgery between 2012 and 2014. Seven had an isolated medial malleolar fracture and 5 a bimalleolar fracture. All of the bimalleolar fractures were classified as 44-B2 based on the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. Postoperatively, bone union was evaluated on direct radiographs at the final follow-up examination. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system was used for clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 17.2 ± 5.3 months (range 12-23). Full union was achieved in all fractures. The mean time to union was 3.4 ± 1.5 months (range 2-5). No instability, loss of reduction, non-union or infection was observed in any patient. The mean AOFAS score was 95.0 ± 5.4 (range 87-99). Based on the AOFAS score, 4 patients showed good results and 8 excellent results. The mean time to return to the previous level of activity was 4.0 ± 2.5 months (range 2-5). CONCLUSION: In this study, anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation yielded good clinical outcome in the surgical treatment of Herscovici type B fractures.

The results of bone deformity correction using a spider frame with web-based software for lower extremity long bone deformities.

AIM: To present the functional and radiological results and evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted external fixator (spider frame) in patients with lower extremity shortness and deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 17 patients (14 male, 3 female) who were treated for lower extremity long bone deformity and shortness between 2012 and 2015 using a spider frame. The procedure's level of difficulty was determined preoperatively using the Paley Scale. Postoperatively, the results for the patients who underwent tibial operations were evaluated using the Paley criteria modified by ASAMI, and the results for the patients who underwent femoral operations were evaluated according to the Paley scoring system. The evaluations were made by calculating the External Fixator and Distraction indexes. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 24.58 years (range, 5-51 years). The spider frame was applied to the femur in 10 patients and to the tibia in seven. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range, 6-31 months) from the operation day, and the mean amount of lengthening was 3.0 cm (range, 1-6 cm). The mean duration of fixator application was 202.7 days (range, 104-300 days). The mean External Fixator Index was 98 days/cm (range, 42-265 days/cm). The mean Distraction Index was 10.49 days/cm (range, 10-14 days/cm). CONCLUSION: The computer-assisted external fixator system (spider frame) achieves single-stage correction in cases of both deformity and shortness. The system can be applied easily, and because of its high-tech software, it offers the possibility of postoperative treatment of the deformity.

An evaluation of meniscus tears in lateral tibial plateau fractures and repair results.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue injuries may co-occur with tibial plateau fractures. These injuries may include medial or lateral ligament ruptures, peroneal nerve lesions, anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, and meniscus tears. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of meniscus tears in lateral tibial plateau fractures and to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of meniscus repairs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study included 19 patients who underwent surgery for a closed lateral tibial plateau fracture. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the knee, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, were undertaken for all cases. The clinical and radiological evaluation of the surgical treatment results was performed according to the Rasmussen criteria. RESULTS: Meniscus lesions were found in 10 (52.6%) patients. Nine meniscus tears were found in patients with type 2 fractures, and one meniscus tear was found in a patient with a type 3 fracture. All of the menisci were separated from the peripheral capsule adhesion point. On the MRI examination during follow-up, all of the repaired lateral menisci were determined to be in their original anatomic location. CONCLUSION: For successful outcomes in lateral plateau fractures, it is essential to determine whether there is a meniscus tear. In cases with meniscus tears, meniscus repair can be easily performed and should be considered because it has a positive impact on the treatment outcome.

Outcome of Type 3 Open Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures Managed with a Limb Reconstruction System: Analysis of a 49-Patient Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional and radiological results following treatment with the single-plane external fixator limb reconstruction system (LRS) for open tibial diaphyseal fractures resulting from high-energy trauma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From a total of 62 patients who were operated on between 2011 and 2014 for open tibial diaphyseal fractures resulting from high-energy trauma, 50 tibias from 49 patients (males: 32, females: 17) were classified as type 3 according to the Gustilo-Anderson open fracture classification, and definitive treatment was applied with the LRS. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 36 years. Time to union, time of external fixator usage, complications and functional results according to the Johner-Wruhs criteria were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 23 ± 12 months (range: 11-44). Of the 50 tibias, full union was achieved with the LRS in 48 (96%). No shortness or deformity was observed in any patient. Knee and ankle range of movement were measured as full in all patients at the final follow-up examination after removal of the LRS. The mean time to union was 20.4 ± 4 weeks (range: 16-24). The mean time of external fixator use was 20 weeks (range: 16-24 weeks). CONCLUSION: In this study, for the definitive treatment of open tibia diaphyseal fractures, the LRS was an optimal and safe choice that offered single-stage surgery.

Hyalonect in the treatment of pseudarthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate union rates and complications of Hyalonect, a knitted mesh composed of HYAFF, a benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid, and a naturally occurring constituent of the extracellular matrix, for the treatment of pseudarthrosis. METHODS: The study included 11 patients (8 male, 3 female; mean age: 44.6 years; range: 23 to 57 years) operated for pseudarthrosis using Hyalonect. Average time between initial treatment and surgical procedure was 12.9 (range: 8 to 48) months. Pseudarthrosis of the tibia, femur and humerus was present in 4, 2 and 5 patients, respectively. All patients had undergone prior surgery (1 to 6 times). Each patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Allograft was applied to the pseudarthrosis area and covered with Hyalonect. Mean follow up period was 31 (range: 12 to 48) months. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all patients after an average of 6 (range: 4 to 8) months. One patient had a discharge for two weeks. Another developed an infection which responded well to appropriate antibiotic treatment. No malunion or implant failure was observed. One patient with pre-existing radial nerve palsy maintained the condition. CONCLUSION: Use of Hyalonect appears to be a safe method with a positive impact on union in the surgical treatment of pseudarthrosis, particularly in the absence of any infection.