Role of Critical Shoulder Angle in Degenerative Type Rotator Cuff Tears: A Turkish Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study investigated the association between the critical shoulder angle (CSA) and the development of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) in the Turkish population. The CSA is an imaging parameter that quantifies the relationship between the inclination of the glenoid and the lateral extension of the acromion in the coronal plane. The CSA is an anatomical measurement, and higher CSA values have been associated with an increased incidence of FTRCTs. However, there is a lack of data on CSA regarding the Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, CSA measurements were recorded in 2 groups: 50 patients with FTRCT who had arthroscopic repair (group 1) and 50 age- and sex-matched individuals with no FTRCT detected by magnetic resonance imaging (group 2). Sex, age, affected side, dominant side, and smoking status were recorded for each patient. The CSA measurements of the affected sides were performed on true anterior-posterior view radiographs. RESULTS The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean CSA values of group 1 (37.48°) and group 2 (33.53°), P<0.001. CSA values of 36 and above had a sensitivity of 73.58%, specificity of 74.47%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 74.47% for detecting FTRCT. CONCLUSIONS CSA measurement on radiographs is a useful diagnostic tool in the Turkish population, and an above-average CSA value is associated with a significantly increased incidence of degenerative-type FTRCT.

Midterm treatment results of congenital dislocation of the knee in 14 knees of nine cases.

Patients with congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK) should be promptly treated surgically if conservative measures fail. This study aimed to achieve a better understanding of the diagnosis and management of CDK through sharing our experience and contributing to the existing literature. Nine patients with a total of 14 knees were included in the study. All patients except one were initially treated with gentle manipulation and serial casting. Surgery was performed on patients in whom sufficient joint mobility could not be achieved. Active and passive range of motion of the knees and functional outcome were measured. Of the 14 knees, five were classified as first grade, four as second grade and five as third grade. The mean age of the patients was 4.09 months and the follow-up period was 70 months. The initial mean flexion angle (MFA) was 18.2° (0-90) and the mean extension angle (MEA) was 8.2° (0-15). At the final follow-up, the mean MFA was 109.2° (80-140) and MEA was -2.85° (0 to -10). No patient had instability by the final follow-up. The results were classified as excellent (5 knees), good (5 knees) and moderate (4 knees) according to outcome assessment criteria. The functional outcomes were classified as excellent (7 knees), good (3 knees) and fair (4 knees) according to the functional outcome scoring. Treatment of CDK should be started in the first days of life, and if the desired functional outcome cannot be achieved through conservative treatment, surgical treatment should be planned without delay.

Using e-scooters: An easy way to get home or a nightmare? An orthopedic perspective on e-scooter accidents.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of e-scooter use quickly escalated in our community due to its convenience, low cost, and eases of use. The number of accidents causing high-energy traumas has also increased. This study aims to describe the demographic char-acteristics and fracture patterns of patients admitted to the emergency department following an e-scooter accident and to identify common, correctable factors that increased the likelihood of accidents. METHODS: Between January 2022 and August 2022, 43 patients (20 females and 23 males) who were admitted to the emergency department after an e-scooter accident and developed extremity fractures were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups those treated surgically and conservatively. Parameters such as the time of the accident, education level of the user, alcohol use, e-scooter malfunction, and compliance with traffic rules were evaluated. RESULTS: Accidents that led to treatment by surgery mostly occurred between 11 pm and 7 am. Surgically treated patients were mostly high school graduates. Alcohol use and recreational scooter use rates were statistically higher in the operated patients when compared to patients who were treated conservatively. The number of patients who reported a malfunction in the e-scooter was significantly lower in the operated group than in the conservative group. The rates of accidents due to non-compliance with traffic laws, driving at full speed of the e-scooter, use on the driveway, and presence of wet ground at the time of the accident were higher in the surgically treated patient group. Surgically treated patients also had a higher rate of being 1st time e-scooter users. CONCLUSION: Although governments have introduced many regulations regarding e-scooter use, the current situation seems insufficient in solving the problem. E-scooter users should be further educated about the associated risks. Authorities should tighten their supervision of scooter rental companies and drivers. Nighttime usage conditions should be reviewed, and the use of alcohol should be controlled. The use of helmets should be mandatory. If such regulations are tightened, accident rates can be reduced or high-energy impacts from existing accidents can be avoided. The results suggest that experienced, slow, non-alcoholic, and rule-abiding drivers require less operative treatment. This article will hopefully raise awareness and improve e-scooter regulations.

Characteristics and Research Trends of the 100 Most-Cited Flatfoot Articles.

BACKGROUND: Bibliometric studies in the field of orthopedics have increased because of the large volume of the available literature that prevents understanding the general status of the related field. This study aimed to identify and analyze the 100 most-cited articles related to flatfoot to reveal their characteristics and research trends. METHODS: Available literature on the Web of Science database until the end of 2020 were analyzed, and the 100 most-cited articles were determined. The characteristics of articles including publication year, authors, institutions, country, journal, number of pages, number of references, study design, level of evidence, main topic, age group, the specialty of the first author, and availability of funding were extracted and statistically analyzed for any association with the number of citations or citation density. RESULTS: The average citation number was 63.1 ± 43.8 (range, 30-278). The average citation density was 3.4 ± 1.8 (range, 0.8-12.6). The United States was the leading country with 65 articles, followed by Taiwan and the United Kingdom with five articles from each. Twenty-six papers had Level III evidence and 36 papers had Level IV evidence. Only three studies had Level I evidence and three had Level II evidence. The majority of articles (43 papers) were published in Foot & Ankle International. Citation density was positively correlated with publication year (P < .001) and the number of references (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The available data provide general characteristics of the 100 most influential papers about flatfoot. The vast majority of papers had a low level of evidence, indicating the need for higher quality research.

Cortices of Fibula and Tibia Can Provide Landmarks for Accurate Syndesmosis Fixation Angle: Computed Tomography Validation of Angle Bisector Method.

Anatomic syndesmosis reduction is necessary to restore ankle biomechanics and prevent poor clinical outcomes, but malreduction can be encountered frequently since the ideal fixation angle varies between patients and fixation levels. This study aimed to validate the angle bisector method to reveal whether it provides an accurate syndesmotic fixation angle that is patient- and level-specific. Lower extremity CT angiography of 50 consecutive patients (25 male, 25 female) without evident ankle pathology were evaluated. The average age was 52.8 (±18, range: 18-75). Lines tangent to anterior and posterior cortices of tibia and fibula were drawn in the axial plane at both 2 cm and 3.5 cm above the ankle joint line. Bisection of the angle formed between these lines was drawn and its relationship with the centroidal axis, which is proposed to be the ideal syndesmotic axis, was evaluated. The angle between the bisector line & the centroidal axis and the distance between their most lateral intersections with the fibula were calculated. The measurements were made by 3 blinded observers. Intra- and interobserver reliability analyses were conducted. The average centroidal axis-bisector angle was 2.1° ± 2.1° at 2 cm and 0.6° ± 1.3° at 3.5 cm level. The average distance to the actual syndesmosis entry point was 1.0 ± 0.9 mm at 2 cm and 0.4 ± 0.4 mm at 3.5 cm level. The values didn't show any significant difference according to gender. Intra- and interobserver reliability analysis showed excellent correlation in all parameters (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.90). Angle bisector method was found strongly reliable providing accurate direction for syndesmotic axis. It can provide a patient- and level-specific angle for the application of syndesmotic implants without increasing the fluoroscopy exposure. Its use can have a broad impact on functional outcomes of ankle injuries by decreasing the malreduction rates. Further cadaveric validation and safety studies should be conducted for possible clinical usage.

Maggot Treatment of Necrotic Toe Developed After Traumatic Subtotal Amputation.

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) has been used for years in the treatment of chronic wounds and necrotic tissues. We report a case of subtotally amputated third toe that was treated with MDT after reattachment and developing complete necrosis. The necrotic toe was replaced with viable tissue and the wound healed completely after 2 weeks of MDT application. This case points out the regenerative effects of MDT besides its mechanical debridement effect on the necrotic tissue.

Characteristics and publication discrepancies of foot & ankle surgery-related clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Trial registration can provide more reliable study designs, however, the final publications are not exempt from bias. This study aimed to show the characteristics of foot & ankle surgery-related clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG) and analyze possible risk factors that can lead to discrepancies between the original trial registry and published results. METHODS: Foot & ankle surgery-related randomized controlled studies registered in CTG with an anticipated completion date until 2018 were extracted. 157 trials were found eligible for final analysis and corresponding publications were investigated through literature databases. Discrepancies between trial registries and published results were analyzed. RESULTS: 67.5% of trials were registered whether during the trial period or after completion. 46.5% were funded by industry. 54.8% of trials were reported to be completed. The results of 66 (42%) trials were published in a journal. There was a sample size discrepancy in 57.6%, follow-up time discrepancy in 28.8%, primary outcome discrepancy in 45.5%, and inclusion/exclusion criteria discrepancy in 89.4% of registries. Sample size, inclusion/exclusion criteria discrepancies were significantly more in trials funded by industry (p = 0.024, 0.001, 0.037, respectively). Industry-funded studies reported positive results more frequently (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Only 42% of all registered foot & ankle surgery-related studies had the chance to be published. The majority of studies presented discrepancies in sample size, outcome assessment method, follow-up time, or inclusion/exclusion criteria. Industry-funded studies showed a higher rate of discrepancies and were more inclined towards reporting positive results indicating a risk of bias in assessments. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Early Disassembly of Femoral Head and Neck Components After Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision.

Modular femoral and acetabular components are frequently used in hip arthroplasty. Although the use of modular components offers many advantages, the increased number of components leads to a high risk of disassembly. Disassociation of the femoral head and neck is a rarely reported complication in the literature. This case report depicts a patient with non-traumatic early disassociation of the femoral head and neck components following total hip revision arthroplasty. Femoral head-neck disassembly in early postoperative period may occur due to manufacturing error or insufficient impaction. If sufficient impaction is thought to be achieved, manufacturing errors should be kept in mind as potential underlying reasons for femoral head-neck dissociation.

Pectoralis major tendon transfer for subscapularis deficiency following multiple failed instability surgeries: A case report.

Here, we report a case of a 30-year-old man with a diagnosis of complex shoulder instability, who was treated successfully by pectoralis major transfer following a series of failed instability correction surgeries. The patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with an approximately 6-year history of chronic shoulder instability following several failed operations, including open Bankart repair, open capsular plication and Bankart repair, open capsule repair, arthroscopic Bankart repair, and Bristow-¬Latarjet procedure. Physical examination revealed persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion. Imaging studies demonstrated complete subscapularis muscle atrophy with Goutallier grade 4 fatty infiltration. The decision for revision surgery was made owing to his shoulder findings and clinical symptoms. The intra-operative assessment revealed the subscapularis muscle to be fully atrophic and irreparable. The pectoralis major muscle was transferred from the intertubercular groove of the humerus to the lesser tuberosity. Postoperatively, the patient had 4 weeks of shoulder immobilization. Physical examination demonstrated an improved shoulder range of motion without evidence of recurrent shoulder instability. The authors encountered no sign of dislocation for 2.5 years of follow-up after the surgery. In conclusion, subscapularis muscle atrophy or insufficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with failed shoulder instability surgeries. Pectoralis major tendon transfer may be successfully performed for the surgical treatment of such patients.