Comparison of the cast and volar locking plate in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures in elderly patients over 75 years of age.

Background: We aimed to compare radiologically and clinically closed reduction circular casting (CRCC) and volar locking plate (VLP) treatment options in elderly patients over 75 years with intraarticular distal radius fracture (DRF). Material and method: Elderly patients aged ≥75 years with at least one year of follow-up from the clinic archive who underwent conservative (CRCC) and surgical (VLP) treatment for AO type C DRF were retrospectively included in the study. Thirty-seven patients treated conservatively with CRCC and 31 treated surgically with VLP were compared as two groups. Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH) and Visual Analog scores (VAS) were evaluated functionally. In addition, a rapid assessment of physical activity (RAPA) score evaluation was performed since these patients were elderly. In addition, radiologic findings, wrist range of motion, and complications were evaluated. Results: There was no difference between the CRCC and VLP groups regarding QDASH, VAS, and RAPA scores at the last follow up. Radiologically, there were significant differences between the groups regarding radial height, volar tilt, radial inclination and joint stepping. (respectively p= <0.001, p= <0.001, p= <0.001, p= <0.001). Conclusion: In elderly patients over 75 years of age with intra-articular DRF, surgical treatment with VLP results in better radiologic results compared to conservative treatment with CRCC, although both treatment options lead to similar results in terms of functional outcomes.

Patella scores are similar both with gap balancing and measured resection after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized single-centre study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to compare femoral component rotation (FCR) values when adjusted with 'gap balancing' (GB) and 'measured resection' (MR) techniques following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study hypothesis was that the GB technique would be better on FCR than MR in TKA. METHODS: From a total of 93 unilateral TKAs performed between August 2019 and November 2020, the FCR values were adjusted by GB in 46 cases and MR in 47. Post-TKA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied for FCR assessment. Orthoroentgenograms and lateral knee radiographs were taken to determine the mechanical axis and posterior condylar offset (PCO) ratio, respectively. Both groups were compared radiologically. The Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) patella scores were calculated and compared between the groups preoperatively and at the end of 6 months, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in respect of the demographic data. The mean HSS patella score was 86.4 ± 4.1 in the GB group and 84.6 ± 3.8 in the MR group in the 2nd year (p = 0.047). A higher degree of external rotation in the FC was determined in the GB group [2.2° (1.7°-4.3°)] compared to the MR group [1.7° (0.8°-3.0°)] (p = 0.009). The postoperative increase in PCO ratio was higher in the GB group (p = 0.005). All other variables were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that at the end of the 2nd year, the HSS patella scores were better, FCs were more externally rotated and PCO ratios were higher in TKAs using the GB technique. However, taking into account that the difference between the 2nd year HSS patella scores was too small to be considered clinically significant, it was shown that both the GB and MR techniques can be used for FCR in clinical practice without any hesitation.

Comparison of intramedullary nail and plate osteosynthesis in humerus surgical neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare clinically and radiologically the plate osteosynthesis method and the in-tramedullary nail (IMN) method, which is currently used in the surgical treatment of surgical neck proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in which there is no consensus METHODS: A total of 248 patients who underwent PHF between January 2013 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-two patients were included in the study. The results were clinically compared in terms of the amount of blood loss, operative time, and union time. Radiologically, it was compared in terms of intraoperative neck-shaft angle (NSA), final NSA, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: Two groups were formed: plate and IMN. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, operation side, and follow-up time. There was no difference between the groups in terms of NSA, final NSA, ASES, Constant, and VAS scores. The amount of intraoper-ative blood loss, operative time, and union time was shorter in the IMN group. CONCLUSION: In surgical neck PHF surgery, plate and IMN are methods that show good clinical outcomes. According to this study, the advantages of the IMN method compared with plate osteosynthesis in Neer type II PHF treatment can be listed as less intraoper-ative blood loss, shorter operative time, and union time.

The Effect of Systemic Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss and Blood Transfusion Requirement in Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful surgical procedures of the last century, high rates of bleeding and allogeneic blood transfusion may be required. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that has been increasingly used in THA in recent years to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusion. In this study, the effect of two doses of TXA, which was administered intravenously (iv) before and after surgery in unilateral THA patients, on total blood loss and blood transfusion need was compared retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 327 patients who underwent elective THA at our department between January 2011 and January 2020 were identified. Demographic data, blood parameters before and after surgery and complications seen during a 90-day follow-up period were recorded from patient files. Total blood loss amounts were calculated according to Nadler's formula. The amount of transfused blood was recorded. 127 patients treated with IV TXA and 119 patients not given TXA were assigned to separate groups and compared. RESULTS: Total mean blood loss, decrease in hemoglobin levels and amount of blood transfusion were lower in the TXA group compared to the control group (p=0.001; p=0.001; p=0.001, respectively). The length of stay hospital was shorter in the TXA group than the control group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We think that it is an effective and reliable method in THA since giving IV TXA twice, as 15 mg / kg preoperatively and 10 mg / kg after the operation significantly reduces blood loss and the need for blood transfusion without causing an increase in thromboembolic complications.

Is There a Chance to Treat Modified Gartland Type IIB Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures With Closed Reduction and Casting?

BACKGROUND: Wilkins modification of the Gartland classification (WMGC) type IIB supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are unstable, and their primary treatment is surgery. This study sought to evaluate the chance of closed reduction and long arm cast (CR&LAC) treatment of type IIB fractures. METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, pediatric patients with WMGC type II fractures whose initial treatment was CR&LAC were examined. Cases were subdivided according to WMGC. Type IIA and IIB cases were compared in terms of the reduction loss rate and clinical and radiologic results. Then, patients with type IIB fractures who were treated conservatively or surgically were compared in terms of clinical and radiologic results. RESULTS: A total of 817 pediatric SCHFs were examined, of which 233 had type II fractures. This study finally enrolled 87 cases who met the inclusion criteria, including 52 with type IIA fractures and 35 with type IIB fractures. Among those with type IIB fractures, the first-time reduction success rate was 44.3%. Although the probability of a loss of reduction among type IIB fractures in conservative follow-up was ~5 times higher than that among type IIA fractures, all the cases with reduction loss were detected among the first-week controls, and 9 of them were type IIB and 3 were type IIA ( P =0.011). The treatment of 26 (32.9%) cases with type IIB fractures was completed conservatively. There was no difference in the clinical or radiologic comparison results of type IIA and type IIB fractures whose treatment was completed conservatively. There was no clinical or radiologic difference in the comparison of type IIB fractures whose treatment began with CR&LAC but was completed conservatively or surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Although the initial reduction success is not high among WMGC type IIB fractures, the results are like those of conservatively managed type IIA fractures if successful reduction is achieved. This study showed that the treatment results of all type II SCHFs with no loss of reduction in the first week after CR&LAC are satisfactory. No reduction loss was observed in any of the cases after the first week. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Risk factors for cut-out in intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail of double proximal screw design.

Background: Intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFF) are often seen in the elderly after a simple fall because of osteoporosis, and treatment is generally provided with proximal femoral nail (PFN). The complication of cut-out, which can develop as a result of PFN treatment of IFF, is a significant cause of morbidity. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for cut-out in cases treated with double proximal screw design nail (DPSDN). Methods: A retrospective examination was made of patients aged> 70 years, who were operated on for IFF using DPSDN between January 2018 and December 2020. A record was made of the potential risk factors of age, gender, osteoporosis level (Singh Osteoporosis Index), fracture classification (AO/OTA classification), reduction quality, tip-apex distance(calTAD), and proximal screw placement values. Using logistic regression analysis, it was attempted to determine predictive factors for cut-out complication in cases operated on with DPSDN. Results: With 219 cases included in the study, two groups were formed as cut-out and non-cut-out. Reduction quality, calTAD, and proximal screw placement were seen to be risk factors for cut-out. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, the cut-out risk was 57.917-fold greater in those with "poor" reduction quality compared to those with "good" reduction quality, the risk was 17-fold greater in those with "superior"screw placement compared to "central" placement (p < 0.001), and 9.24-fold greater in those with "anterior" placement compared to "central" placement (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for calTAD for the diagnosis of cut-out was found to be > 25.5 mm (p = 0.026). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the most important risk factors in the use of DPSDN are reduction quality, calTAD and proximal screw placement,. It was also concluded that just as in implants designed with a single screw, there is an increased risk when calTAD is > 25 mm.

Comparison of Cases with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Accompanied by Simultaneous Medial Meniscus Bucket Handle Tear Repair and Isolated Medial Meniscus Bucket Handle Tear Repair.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of the all-inside repair technique for medial bucket-handle meniscus tear (BHMT) and the factors affecting healing. A total of 36 patients with BHMT who were operated between 2012 and 2018 and completed final follow-up examinations were included in the study. Functional evaluation was made with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner score. Healing was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slices. The patients were evaluated with respect to the effect on healing of factors such as demographic data, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, anterior cruciate ligament tear reconstruction (ACLTR) applied at the same time as BHMT repair, and the tear being chronic or acute. The mean age of the patients was 28.6 ± 8.6 years (range,18-46 years), the mean follow-up period was 25.8 ± 13.9 months (range, 13-59 months), and BMI was mean 25.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2 (range, 20.1-30.5 kg/m2). The meniscus tears were acute in 16 (44.4%) patients and chronic in 20 (55.6%). ACLTR was applied together with BHMT repair in 25 patients. The hybrid technique, as the outside-in technique in addition to the all-inside technique, was applied to 12 (33.3%) patients, where there was seen to be extension to the anterior horn. The failure rate was determined as 27.8% according to the postoperative MRI evaluation and the Barrett criteria. No positive or negative statistically significant effect on healing was determined of chronic BHMT or of simultaneous application of ACLTR (p = 1.00 and 0.457, respectively). Cigarette smoking and high BMI were determined to have a statistically significant negative effect on healing (p = 0.026 and 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, it can be seen that the success of the all-inside technique for BHMT remains controversial. Due to the features of the application, it can be used in meniscus tears of the posterior horn only. In the current study, with the success rate of 72.2% of the all-inside technique in meniscus body tears, it was seen that a high success rate could not be achieved.

Tranexamic acid use in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty : a comparison of intravenous and intra-articular applications, which is more effective?

Patients applied with simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA) with the administration of intravenous or intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) were compared in respect of blood loss and the need for allogenic blood transfusion. Of a total 53 patients applied with SBTKA, 32(60%) were administered intravenous TXA and 21(40%) intra-articular TXA. The patients were evaluated in respect of age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body blood volume, preoperative and 1,2,3 and 4 days postoperative levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Htc) and the change in Hb levels, estimated blood loss, mean actual blood loss, the need for allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) and the use or not of a drain. No difference was determined between the intravenous and intra-articular groups in respect of mean age, gender, height, weight, and body blood volume. No difference was determined between the groups in preoperative and postoperative mean Hb and Hct values, the reduction in mean Hb postoperatively, estimated blood loss, or the need for ABT. No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was determined in any patient. In the application of SBTKA, TXA can be safely administered by the intravenous or intra-articular route to reduce the need for ABT. The results of this study determined no difference in efficacy between the routes of application. For patients with a risk of intravenous use, intra-articular application can be preferred.

Two-stage Reimplantation in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty by Using Resterilized Femoral and Tibial Components with a New Polyethylene Insert: Report of 4 Cases with at Least 15 Years' Follow-up.

BACKGROUND:  This study evaluates 15 years' results of the implantation of autoclaved femoral and tibial prosthesis components together with a new same brand polyethylene insert which were used as a temporary articulating spacer in patients with periprosthetic infection of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a two-stage reimplantation procedure in 6 patients.  Material and methods. The femoral and tibial prostheses of 6 patients with deep chronic periprosthetic infection of TKA who underwent elective two-stage exchange arthroplasty were autoclaved and reinserted with a new polyethylene insert of the same brand and bone cement mixed with tecoplanin in 2004. RESULTS: Four patients were followed for 15 years. They were all female and between 47-70 years old. The infectious agent was meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 3 and coagulase negative Staphy-lococcus in one patient. Patients were invited for second stage reimplantation, but they refused to undergo the second stage. Three of them had their second stage reimplantation after 15, 13 and 10 years while one patient was reinfected after 5 years, in 2009, and arthrodesis was performed. They were all happy with the result and infection free at last follow-up.  Conclusions. 1. Regarding the results of our patients, reinsertion of autoclaved femoral and tibial prostheses together with a new same brand polyethylene insert with teicoplanin loaded bone cement can be used cautiously in the management of periprosthetic deep infection of TKA. 2. That is because patients might not want the second stage reimplantation. 3. We believe that the refusal of patients to undergo the surgery shows that the single-stage treatment is effective.

An evaluation of the results of locked plate osteosynthesis applied without the use of bone graft in Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

PURPOSE: The clinical and radiological results of locked plate osteosynthesis with an extensive lateral approach without bone graft in Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneus fractures and the factors affecting these results were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: A total of 61 patients with Sanders type 3 and 4 calcaneus fractures who underwent a lateral approach with locked plate osteosynthesis were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 44.8 months. RESULTS: The mean pre- and post-operative Gissane and Bohler's angles were 113.5° ± 13.9° and 106.7° ± 13.6° (p = 0.006) and 2.8° ± 14.1° and 19.6° ± 13.1° (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean post-operative AOFAS scores, SF-36, and Maryland were 80.5 ± 13.6 in type IIIAB, 89.4 ± 6.3 in IIIAC, and 82.4 ± 12.5 in IV; 58.6 ± 14.5 in type IIIAB, 60.3 ± 11.7 in IIIAC, and 58.0 ± 15.6 in IV; and 63.8 ± 7.2 in type IIIAB, 64.3 ± 7.1 in IIIAC, and 62.8 ± 11.7 in IV (p = 0.173, p = 0.932, p = 0.824, respectively). Wound problems were observed in 15 (28.6%) patients. Deep infection was not observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: The clinical results were similar in type III and IV intra-articular calcaneus fractures applied with locked plate osteosynthesis in an extensive lateral approach and without the use of bone graft. Intra-articular calcaneus fracture fixation with a lateral locked plate is an effective treatment method.

Interpositional Arthroplasty With Extensor Digitorum Brevis Tendon in Freiberg Disease.

BACKGROUND: No consensus has been reached in the treatment of Frieberg disease. Our aim was to evaluate medium- to long-term results of patients with advanced Freiberg disease managed with extensor digitorum brevis tendon interpositional arthroplasty. METHODS: There were 24 patients (19 females, 5 males) managed with interpositional arthroplasty for advanced Freiberg disease between 2003 and 2015. The mean follow-up was 133.8 (range, 60-198) months. According to Smillie classification, there were 4 grade 3, 13 grade 4, and 7 grade 5 patients. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and postoperatively with visual analog scale (VAS) and subjective satisfaction evaluation. Joint space was evaluated on x-rays. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score increased (53.9 to 80.3, P = .001). Eight patients had excellent, 14 had good, and 2 had fair scores. A significant increase was found in dorsiflexion (38.1° [24°-52°] vs 55.3° [34°-65°]; P = .001) and plantarflexion (19.0° [10°-28°] vs 28.6° [19°-39°]; P = .001). Narrowing of the joint space was not seen in any patient, but expansion was determined in all patients (0.39 [0.35-0.47] vs 0.44 [0.41-0.47] cm; P = .002). Of the patients, 9 were very satisfied, 12 were satisfied, 2 were moderately satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. The mean postoperative VAS pain score was 1.7 ± 0.9 (0-4). CONCLUSION: After a minimum 5-year follow-up, most patients with Freiberg disease managed with interpositional arthroplasty using the extensor digitorum brevis tendon had excellent to good functional results with a widening of the joint space. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Locking compression plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures: which one is better? A single-centre prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of interlocking nail (ILN) and locking plate fixation (LCP) for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: A total of 63 patients with displaced humeral shaft fractures between October 2014 and January 2017 were evaluated prospectively. They were divided randomly into two as LCP fixation (group 1) and interlocking nail (ILN) (group 2). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, and pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: After fracture callus was radiologically observed, DASH, ASES, and UCLA scores as well as SF-36 questionnaires and VAS results were noted to have no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.109, p = 0.082, p = 0.146, p = 0.322, and p = 0.175, respectively). At the last follow-up (post-operative 24 months), the UCLA score was significantly better in group 1 (p = 0.034), whereas VAS result was significantly worse in group 2 (p = 0.017). DASH, ASES scores, and SF-36 questionnaires had no difference (p = 0.193, p = 0.088, p = 0.289). Other parameters revealed no significant differences. Fracture consolidation was observed at a mean of four months in both groups (3 to 7 months in group 1 and 3 to 8 months in group 2) (p = 0.189). Four patients in group 1 and five patients in group 2 underwent surgery for nonunion (p = 0.725). Post-operative radial nerve palsy was seen in one patient in group 2. Two patients in group 1 with superficial infection were treated with antibiotics, and they recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding our results, the LCP group had significantly better shoulder function than the ILN group, whereas the ILN group had significantly less pain, with similar complication rates. Therefore, both procedures are favourable surgical options for patients with humeral shaft fractures.

Joint line reestablishment in revision total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the traditional "Anatomical Landmark-Distance Method (AL-DM)" in the formation of joint line (JL) was compared with "Adductor Tubercle-Ratios method" (AT-RM), and the effect of reestablishment of JL on clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 revision total knee arthroplasties (rTKAs) were performed by using "AT-RM" (group 1) and 16 rTKA by using "AL-DM" (group 2) in our clinic between 2015 and 2018. The data were prospectively collected and a total of 32 knees of 31 patients were analyzed. At the final follow-up, knee functions were evaluated by using Knee Society Score (KSS) knee and function, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires and physical examinations. RESULTS: Postoperative flexion arc was higher in Group 1. KSS knee and function scores were better in group 1. In group1, JL was reestablished successfully in all revision rTKAs in terms of ATJL and the tibial tubercle TT-JL ratios. The improvement in KSS knee and function scores and WOMAC scores were also better in group 1. Measurements showed that the improvement in KSS scores increased as AT-JL and TT-JL distances approached the calculated values. CONCLUSION: "AT-RM" was shown to be superior to the traditional distance method in terms of JL reestablishment. Functional results and patient satisfaction increased when JL was reestablished.

Depression, substance use and HIV risk in a probability sample of men who have sex with men.

The persistent HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) suggests that continued research on factors associated with risky sexual behavior is necessary. Drawing on prior literature, the role of depression and substance use in HIV risk is also inconclusive. Generalizability of past findings may also be limited to the extent that research has not employed probability samples. Here we report on one of the few probability samples of MSM to examine the role of depressive symptoms and substance use on risky sexual behavior (RSB). Multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested that depression and substance use are independently linked to our risk measure, such that those reporting high levels of depressive symptoms or substance use were more likely to report both unprotected receptive anal intercourse and unprotected insertive anal intercourse, and sex with a risky partner. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

Student drinking-related problems in an urban campus: implications for research and prevention.

OBJECTIVE: Researchers who study the etiology of college drinking typically employ measures of alcohol-use behaviors as outcomes; however, relatively little is known about the properties of alcohol-related problems (AP). This study aims to develop a single continuous measure of AP. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 531 undergraduate college students who were surveyed in March 2007. METHODS: The Rasch model was employed for dichotomous variables to analyze the measurement properties of 17 AP items. RESULTS: Although issues with respect to differentiation at low levels of problem severity were identified, based on most strategies, the Rasch-based scale was shown to be a valid and reliable measure of AP among college students. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be some need for slight modification and adjustment in the future, the AP scale developed here can potentially serve as a useful measure for etiological and prevention research.

Bilberry inhibits angiogenesis in chick chorioallontoic membrane.

Angiogenesis is the process of generating new blood vessels from preexisting vessels and is considered essential in many pathological conditions. Bilberry has been traditionally used as a folk medicine for some countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bilberry in chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis model in vivo. In this well characterized model, bilberry inhibited angiogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with the normal group, bilberry group has significant decreased vessels proliferation. These results provide evidence that bilberry inhibits angiogenesis and may be useful for treating angiogenesis-dependent human diseases.