Does early or late discharge after total knee replacement affect the burden and stress of caregivers?

BACKGROUND: Since patients may experience difficulties in their daily activities after total knee replacement surgery, the role of the caregiver is important in supporting the daily needs of the patients. Caregivers are involved in the day-to-day care activities of the patient during the recovery process, managing their symptoms and providing support. All these factors can affect the burden and stress of caregivers. METHODS: It was aimed to compare the caregiver burden and stress of caregivers of total knee replacement patients who were discharged on the same day of surgery and at a later point. Data were collected from 140 caregivers by using the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale, Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale, and Stress Coping Styles Scale. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between on the same day of surgery discharge and later discharge in terms of care burden and stress of caregivers (p > 0.05). While the burden of care was mild to moderate (22.15 ± 13.76) on the same day of surgery discharge group, the burden of care in the later discharge group was very low (19.03 ± 13.65). CONCLUSION: In order to reduce the care burden and stress levels of caregivers, it is important that nurses determine the problems related to caregiving and provide the necessary support.

Comparison of the effectiveness of late-phase clinic-based and home-based progressive resistance training in female patients with total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial in functional outcomes. However, considering improvements in the first six months, there may be benefits to continuing rehabilitation beyond three months postoperatively to achieve maximum functionality and strength. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare: (a) effectiveness of late-phase clinic-based and home-based progressive resistance training (PRT) in female patients with TKA; and (b) crude cost of both interventions and explore feasibility. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were assigned to clinic-based PRT (n = 16) and home-based PRT (n = 16) groups. A training program was performed at the clinic or at home for eight weeks. Pain, quadriceps and hip abductor strength, patient-reported and performance-based outcomes, knee range of motion (ROM), joint awareness, quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline (three months postoperatively) and after 8-week intervention (five months postoperatively). Feasibility and crude cost were examined. RESULTS: Exercise adherence was 100% in clinic-based PRT and 90.6% in the home-based PRT group. Both interventions improved quadriceps and hip abductor muscle strength, performance-based and patient-reported outcomes, knee ROM, and joint awareness without side effects (p < .05). Clinic-based PRT showed better results in: activity pain (p = .004, ES = -0.888); knee flexion (p = .002, ES = 0.875) and extension ROM (p = .004, ES = -1.081); chair sit-to-stand test (p = .013, ES = 0.935); joint awareness (p = .008, ES = 0.927); and QoL than home-based PRT (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Late-phase clinical-based and home-based PRT interventions may be beneficial in improving muscle strength and functionality in patients with TKA. Late-phase PRT is feasible, cost-effective, and recommended for rehabilitation after TKA.

Early Unprotected Weight Bearing and Pre-Scheduled Supervised Rehabilitation Program after Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures.

Background: Ankle fractures represent one of the most common orthopedic injuries in the lower extremity. Weight-bearing and rehabilitation protocols after surgical treatment of ankle fracture have recently evolved from traditional methods to full weight-bearing protocols. However, more evidence is needed on unprotected immediate weight-bearing along with a standardized rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of unprotected immediate weight-bearing as tolerated and an eight-week prescheduled supervised rehabilitation program on the mid-term clinical and functional outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures, and to compare functional results with the unaffected side. Methods: Eighty patients (24F and 56M) who underwent rigid fixation of bimalleolar ankle fractures were included (mean age 41.57±13.22 years). Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate and classify the fractures. The fractures were classified using Lauge-Hansen classification system. Ankle ROMs, Pain Disability Index (PDI), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, and Short Form-36 scores were evaluated. Patients were allowed unprotected weight-bearing on the immediate postoperative period and a standardized supervised prescheduled rehabilitation program was undertaken following surgery. Results: The mean follow-up period was 30.32±6.91 months. Based on Lauge-Hansen classification, supination-external rotation injuries were found in 32(40%) patients, supination adduction injuries in 14(17.4%) patients, pronation-external rotation injuries in 28(35%) patients, and pronation-abduction fractures in 6(7.6%) patients. The solid union was achieved in all patients at the final follow-up. The mean PDI score was 12.78±14.78, and the AOFAS score was 80.93±17.24. Although patients' health-related quality of life was at a good level, the injured-side ankle ROM was lower than the healthy side (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and functional outcome can be achieved at mid-term with unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated and pre-scheduled supervised eight-week rehabilitation program following rigid internal fixation of ankle fractures. However, this protocol is not studied in patients with associated comorbidities.

The effect of video-assisted discharge education after total hip replacement surgery: a randomized controlled study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a video-assisted discharge education program on activities of daily living, functionality, and patient satisfaction following total hip replacement (THR) surgery. This study included 31 patients who were randomly divided into the physiotherapy group (n = 18), and the video-assisted discharge education (VADE) group (n = 13). Both groups received a physiotherapy program. The VADE group was also received the VADE program. Face-to-face instruction was used in all of the educational programs. There was a significant difference in favor of the VADE group in Harris Hip Score, Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale's movement score, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups on resting pain levels in the first week and on resting and activity pain levels in the third month in favor of the VADE group (p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that VADE can be effective in improving patient satisfaction and functionality, reducing pain and kinesiophobia following THR.

A comparison of balance and fall risk in patients with unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Static or dynamic postural control cannot be fully restored in patients with knee osteoarthritis, even after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which may contribute to an increased risk of falls in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate balance and the fall risk before and after TKA in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported and performance-based activity limitations. METHODS: A total of 45 patients were separated into two groups as unilateral TKA (UTKA, n= 24) and bilateral TKA (BTKA, n= 21) groups. All the patients received standard postoperative physical therapy for 3 months. Balance and fall risk (Biodex Balance System SD), patient-reported and performance-based functionality (WOMAC, 30-second chair-stand test, 9-step stair climbing test and 40-meter fast-paced walk test) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) were evaluated at preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in postoperative fall risk and balance (p> 0.05). The BTKA group obtained better results in the sit-to-stand test and SF-12 physical dimension (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UTKA and BTKA interventions and the standard postoperative rehabilitation were seen to improve balance and quality of life, and reduce the fall risk, patient-reported and performance-based activity limitations. However, despite improvements in balance, the risk of falling persists.

Distance learning in the COVID-19 pandemic: acceptance and attitudes of physical therapy and rehabilitation students in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: To reduce the rate of spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, distance education was initiated in all universities on 23 March 2020. Distance learning had not been experienced in physical therapy and rehabilitation education before the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to (a) determine the acceptance and attitudes of Pamukkale University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate students towards distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak and (b) compare the results among years. METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2020 to June 2020 at the Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey. A total of 381 students (271 female, 110 male) participated. The Distance Learning Systems Acceptance Scale (ease of use, benefit), the Community Feeling Scale (affective and actional dimension), and the Distance Learning Attitude Scale (general acceptance, individual awareness, perceived usefulness, effective participation) were used to measure students' acceptance and attitudes towards distance education. RESULTS: Students had partly positive attitudes towards distance learning but were undecided about individual awareness, usefulness, and effective participation. The sense of community among students was moderate in the distance learning environment. Distance learning acceptance and attitude, and the sense of community levels, were highest in fourth-year students (last year of the school), followed by first-, third-, and then second-year students. The distance learning and sense of community scores of first- and fourth-year students were significantly higher than those of second- and third-year students (p≤0.01). CONCLUSION: Physical therapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students' attitudes towards distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak were positive. However, when comparing between years, students in the second and third academic years had less positive attitudes. This may be because most of their curricula consisted of practical courses and summer field internships, and there were no opportunities to practise on mannequins, peers, and patients in distance education. In this study, the sense of community among students in the distance learning environment was also moderate. This may be because students were not enthusiastic about attending course lectures online, and because they did not have to view the lectures at a set time.

The effects of preoperative neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength and functional status in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pre- operative neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on postoperative quadriceps muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This prospective study was carried out at Orthopedics department from September 2017 to October 2018. A total of 40 patients were randomly divided into NMES (n=20) and control group (n=20). Patients in NMES group were asked to use home NMES device daily for 20 minutes, 5 times a day, for 6 weeks before surgery. The control group was placed on the 6-week waiting list for surgery without any preoperative intervention. Standard home exercise program was applied to both groups after discharge. The patients were evaluated baseline, preoperatively (6-weeks after baseline) and at the 4th and 12th weeks after surgery. Knee range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength, patient-reported (WOMAC and KOOS) and performance-based activity limitation (30-second chair-stand test, 40-meter fast-paced walk test, and stair-climb test) were evaluated at each visit. Preoperative NMES resulted in significant improvement in KOOS-function in daily living and WOMAC total score (p≤0.05) but had a non-significant trend toward to improve quadriceps muscle strength, KOOS-pain and -other symptoms, performance- based activity limitation, and quality of life scores (p>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the postoperative period (p>0.05). NMES has beneficial effects in terms of patient- reported and performance-based physical functions and quality of life in preoperative period ; however, it does not provide any additional benefit for post- operative outcomes in patients with fast-track TKA.

The Liverpool Elbow Score, patient-answered section: Cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of Turkish version.

BACKGROUND: The use of self-assessment questionnaires in addition to clinical evaluations is gradually increasing. Liverpool Elbow Scale (LES) is an elbow-specific outcome score that provides a comprehensive assessment of by both the clinicians and patients. However, it has not been adapted and validated to Turkish language. OBJECTIVE: To conduct the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Liverpool Elbow Score-patient answered outcome (LES-PAQ) into Turkish for patients with elbow fracture. DESIGN: Study of diagnostic accuracy/assessment scale. METHODS: This study was carried out in three consecutive phases: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation. In the third phase, we used the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) physical health score. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included for the analysis. Neither a ceiling nor a floor effect was observed. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.89. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.96; p < 0.001). SEM was 0.28 and MDC95 was 0.79. The LES-PAQ showed a high negative correlation with the Quick-DASH (r = -0.72, p < 0.001) and high positive correlation with MEPS (r = 0.77, p < 0.001), and with SF-12 physical health subscale (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the LES-PAQ is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of the patients with elbow fracture.

Does mini-midvastus approach have an advantageous effect on rapid recovery protocols over medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effects of mini-midvastus (MMV) versus medial parapatellar (MPP) approach on rapid recovery protocols during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, single-blinded study was performed in 54 patients (4 males, 50 females; mean age 64.1±6.4 years) diagnosed as primary knee osteoarthritis and planned for unilateral TKA between May 2018 and March 2019. Patients were randomly assigned as MMV (1 male, 26 females; mean age 65±6.4 years) and MPP (3 males, 24 females; mean age 63.2±6.3 years) groups. Rapid recovery TKA protocol and discharge criteria were assembled and all patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at postoperative first and third months. Length of hospital stay (LOS) was recorded for all patients. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values, radiologic assessment of alignment, knee range of motion (ROM), quadriceps muscle strength, visual analog scale (VAS), 30-sec chair-stand test, stair-climb test, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used for evaluations by blinded observers. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic variables between two groups. Operative time in MMV Group (78.1±2.7 min) was significantly longer than the MPP Group (65.9±2.6 min) (p<0.0005). LOSs in the MMV and MPP Groups were 27.6±3.1 hours and 29.1±6.7 hours with no significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative measurements between groups in hemoglobin and hematocrit values, radiologic alignment of components, knee ROM, VAS, 30-sec chair-stand test, stair-climb test, WOMAC, KOOS, and SF-36 evaluations (p>0.05). In terms of quadriceps muscle strength gain, we could not find any difference between groups in pre- and postoperative difference of changes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: With the use of contemporary rapid recovery protocols during TKA, MMV approach had no superiority over MPP approach when quadriceps muscle strength, LOS, pain, function, and quality of life were assessed. Longer operative time in the MMV approach compared to MPP approach may be considered as a disadvantage.

Comparison of conservative treatment with and without neural mobilization for patients with low back pain: A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem that causes pain, disability, and gait and balance problems. Neurodynamic techniques are used in the treatment of LBP. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of electrotherapy and neural mobilization on pain, functionality, gait, and balance in patients with LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients were randomly assigned to either the neural mobilization group (NMG, n= 20) or electrotherapy group (ETG, n= 21). Assessment tools used were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functionality, straight leg raise test (SLRT) for neural involvement, and baropedographic platform (Zebris FDM-2TM) for gait and static balance measurements. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant decrease in pain and functional disability, while only the NMG group showed a significant increase in SLRT scores (p< 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant pre- to post-treatment changes in gait or static balance parameters in either group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neural mobilization was effective in reducing pain and improving functionality and SLRT performance in patients with LBP, but induced no change in gait and static balance parameters. Neural mobilization may be used as self-practice to supplement standard treatment programs.

Comparison of Supervised Exercise and Home Exercise After Ankle Fracture.

Ankle fractures are common fractures of the lower extremities that have an incidence rate of 101 fractures per 100.000 person-years. It is not clear which rehabilitation intervention should be performed after an ankle fracture. The aims of this study are to compare the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program with that of a home exercise program and to determine and compare the costs of these programs. A supervised exercise program and a home exercise program were performed for 8 weeks. The supervised exercise group consisted of 35 patients (mean age 39.23 years), and the home exercise group consisted of 73 patients (mean age 41.78 years). The average follow-up was 27.86 ± 9.88 months. Demographic information, injury details, type and classification of fracture, pain severity, and ankle range of motion were recorded. The clinical outcomes were determined by using the Pain Disability Index, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score, and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Surgical and rehabilitation satisfaction was evaluated with the use of a numeric scale. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scores were statistically significantly higher in the home exercise group (p = .036), and rehabilitation satisfaction of the supervised exercise group was statistically significantly better (p = .047). The total rehabilitation crude cost of a patient in the supervised exercise group is 1113.63 Turkish lira (310.25 U.S. dollars) versus 182.31 Turkish lira (50.79 U.S. dollars) in the home exercise group. Considering that the crude cost of the home exercise program is very low and clinical outcomes are satisfactory, we recommend that patients with surgically treated isolated ankle fractures be followed up with a postoperative home exercise program.

Is quality of life related to risk of falling, fear of falling, and functional status in patients with hip arthroplasty?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between health-related quality of life and risk of falling, fear of falling, and functional status in patients with hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 48 hips of 45 patients who aged between 33 and 79 (53.56 ± 12.50) years and had cementless total hip arthroplasty between 2010 and 2014 were evaluated. Twenty-seven of the patients participated in the study were female (60.0%) and 18 were male (40.0%). Health-related quality of life with Nottingham Health Profile, function of the hip joint with Harris Hip Score, risk of falling with Performance-Oriented Motion Assessment I, and fear of falling with Falls Efficacy Scale were assessed. In addition, chair stand test, 40-m walk test, stair-climb test, and single leg stance test were carried out. In analysing the relationships between these parameters, Pearson correlation analysis was employed. The level of significance was considered as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among the cases, who were evaluated 87.10 ± 45.22 (22.43-214.71) weeks after the operation, a significant correlation was found between health-related quality of life and risk of falling, function of hip joint, and functional tests (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the factors related to health-related quality of life in hip arthroplasty patients may help identify patient needs and guide the rehabilitation process.

Is there a relation between rotator cuff injury and core stability?

BACKGROUND: Strong core stabilization not only minimizes the load on the vertebral column, but also improves strength and endurance of peripheral joints, and enables the energy transfer to distal segments. Despite the current interest surrounding core stability, none of the studies investigated the effect of core stability on the formation of rotator cuff tear or healing after repair. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between core stability and upper extremity functional performance in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery and to compare those with healthy subjects of similar age. METHODS: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair (RC repair group, n= 58 patient) and healthy subjects of the similar age group (control group, n= 114) were included in the study. The mean age was 55.03 ± 9.84 years in the RC repair group and 52.71 ± 6.31 years in the control group. The RC repair group took standardized rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program did not include core strength and stability exercise. Core endurance was assessed with Flexor Endurance, Prone Bridge and Supine bridge test. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Close Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability (CKCUES) test were used to evaluate the upper extremity functional performance. RESULTS: The core endurance (prone and supine bridge test) of the control group was statistically significantly better than the RC repair group (p⩽ 0.005). The DASH-T, SF-36 and CKCUES scores of the control group were also statistically significantly better. CONCLUSION: The neuromuscular system should be considered as a whole, and addition of the core stabilization exercises to an effective rehabilitation program after RC repair surgery may be beneficial.

Distal medial tibial locking plate for fixation of extraarticular distal humeral fractures; an alternative choice for fixation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative fixation method for distal humeral extra-articular fractures through posterior approach using distal tibia anatomic locking plate; and to evaluate the patient's functional outcome and union condition. METHODS: Eighteen patients (11 men and 7 women; average age of 37.0 ± 17.3 years (range: 18-73 years)) with a distal humeral extra-articular fracture who were treated with distal tibial medial locking plate were included into the study. The mean follow up time was 36.2 ± 16.7 (12-57) months. Functional results were evaluated with perception of pain, range of joint motion, grasp and pinch strengths. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 17 of 18 patients. Only one patient had non-union due to infection and underwent debridement. The mean time for union was 7.8 ± 5.9 months (2-20). Patient perception of pain was X = 1.88 ± 2.50 and X = 4.55 ± 2.68, respectively, at rest and activity. The active ranges of joint motion were adequate for functional use. General functional state of affected extremity (DASH-T) was perfect (X = 27.14 ± 25.66), the performance of elbow joint was good (X = 84.44 ± 11.57). There were no differences in the comparison of grasp and pinch grip of patients with uninvolved extremity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In distal humeral extra-articular fractures, use of distal medial tibia plate has advantages such as providing high rates for union, low rates for complication, and early return to work with early rehabilitation, therefore it may be considered a fixation choice that can be used for distal humeral extra-articular fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of Olerud-Molander Ankle Score in Patients With Malleolar Fracture.

The present study was planned to translate and culturally adapt the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the OMAS in patients with surgically treated malleolar fracture. The OMAS was adapted for use in Turkish by first translating it and then back-translating it in accordance with published guidelines. The final Turkish version of the OMAS was administered to 91 patients participating in the present study. The OMAS questionnaire was repeated 7 days later to assess test-retest reliability. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used for each question's score and the total score, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for test-retest reliability. The internal consistency of the OMAS-TR was assessed using Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing the OMAS with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and global self-rating function (GSRF). The GSRF has 5 options: very good, good, fair, poor, and very poor. These are assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Before validity analysis, the GSRF score was reduced to 3 groups. In the test-retest reliability assessment, the OMAS showed high correlation (r = 0.882). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.942. Cronbach's α was 0.762 and 0.731 at days 1 and 7 (adequate internal consistency). The correlation coefficients versus the 5 subscales of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score ranged from r = 0.753 to r = 0.809 (p = .000) and versus the GSRF was r = -0.794 (p = .000). According to results of the present study, the Turkish version of the OMAS demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability, excellent internal consistency, and evidence of validity for Turkish-speaking patients treated surgically for ankle fracture.

Effects of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life and depression in students preparing for university entrance exam.

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal problems, depression, and quality of life in students preparing for university entrance exams. METHODS: A total of 180 students were included in the study, 104 were female (57.77%), and 76 were male (42.22%). Students were reached through the cram schools ("dershane") in Denizli. Musculoskeletal system problems, depression status, and quality of life were determined with the Musculoskeletal-Postural Discomfort Scale (MDS), Boratav Depression Screen Scale (Bordepta), and Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Demographic data, daily study, and sleep duration were also recorded. RESULTS: Students have moderate musculoskeletal discomfort. Musculoskeletal disorders and depressive symptoms are more observed in female students than male students (P = 0.000). The SF-36 results were significantly negatively correlated with the MDS and Bordepta scores. A significant positive correlation was found between musculoskeletal disorders and depression status (r = 0.351, P = 0.000). Sleep duration was negatively correlated with the MDS and Bordepta (r = -0.209, P = 0.005; r = -0.148, P = 0.047, respectively) and positively correlated with the SF-36 role limitation/emotional and social functioning subscales (r = 0.225, P = 0.002 and r = 0.191, P = 0.010 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal problems and depression status negatively affects general health status especially in female students who are preparing for university entrance examinations. Students should be informed about musculoskeletal problems by healthcare professionals and the study room, tables, and chairs should be arranged ergonomically. Further studies might be determined that why musculoskeletal disorders and depression status are more widely among female students.

Preoperative and postoperative serial assessments of postural balance and fall risk in patients with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Impaired postural balance due to somatosensory data loss with mechanical instability has been shown in patients with ACL deficiency. OBJECTIVE: To assess postural balance in patients with ACL insufficiency prior to surgery and following reconstruction with serial evaluations. METHODS: Thirty patients (mean age of 27.7 ± 6.7 years) who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft were examined for clinical and functional variables at preoperative day and postoperative 12th week. Posturographic analysis were performed by using Tetrax Interactive Balance System (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Israel) at preoperative day, at 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks following reconstruction. Data computed by posturographic software by the considerations of the oscillation velocities of body sways is fall risk as a numeric value (0-100, lower values indicate better condition). RESULTS: All of the patients (mean age of 27.7 ± 6.7 years) had significant improvements for clinical, functional evaluations and fall risk (p< 0.05). Mean fall risk was within high-risk category (59.9 ± 22.8) preoperatively. The highest fall risk was detected at postoperative 4th week. Patients had high fall risk at 8th week similar to preoperative value. Mean fall risk decreased to low level risk at 12th week. Preoperative symptom duration had relationships with preoperative fall risk and postoperative improvement of fall risk (p= 0.001, r= -0.632, p= 0.001, r= -0.870, respectively). The improvement of fall risk was higher in patients with symptoms shorter than 6 months (p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, mean fall risk of patients with ACL insufficiency was within high risk category preoperatively, and fall risk improves after surgical reconstruction, but as the duration of complaints lengthens especially longer than 6 months, the improvement of fall risk decreases following reconstruction.

Humeral shaft fractures and radial nerve palsy: early exploration findings.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present the results of early nerve explorations in cases with radial nerve palsy associated with humeral shaft fracture and to investigate in which cases early nerve explorations may be beneficial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (17 males, 7 females; mean age 36 years; range 18 to 72 years) with complete sensory and motor radial nerve damage associated with humeral shaft fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with high-energy trauma and the ones who had spiral and segmental fractures with low energy traumas were included in the study. Early nerve exploration was performed in all patients within an average of 4.8 days (range 1 to 20 days) after fracture development. Electrophysiological assessments were performed in cases with no neurological recovery until 12th week. RESULTS: Spiral fractures of the humerus shaft observed in 14 (58.3%) of the 24 operated patients were the most common fracture type, followed by transverse fracture in four patients (16.6%) and comminuted fracture in two patients (8.3%). As a result of the exploration, we observed nerve compression between the fracture fragments in seven patients (29.1%); a majority of these patients (n=6) had spiral fractures of humerus and one patient had comminuted fracture. One patient with a spiral type fracture had nerve transection. Radial nerve function recovered in most of the patients (95.8%). Average duration for fracture union was 6.7±3.8 months (range 3 to 18 months). CONCLUSION: Spiral fractures of humerus, particularly with wedge fragment, may be a candidate for early surgical exploration. Early exploration may be beneficial in terms of early identification of neural injury in patients with radial nerve dysfunction associated with spiral and comminuted humerus fracture.

Musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate musculoskeletal system problems and quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy with different levels of disability. METHODS: 100 children (37 girls and 63 boys) with cerebral palsy (CP) and their mothers were included in this study. Functional levels of children with CP were assessed by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Quality of life of mothers regarding health was assessed by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Musculoskeletal system problems of mothers were assessed by using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: No statistical significance was found when GMFCS levels of children with CP and the NHP, DASH-T, RMDQ, NDI and the BAE values of mothers were compared in an inter-group way (p> 0.05). When the NHP parameters and the existence of lower and arm pains of mothers were compared with their BAI, NDI, RMDQ and DASH-T scores, a statistically significant relationship was found among them (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: As functional levels of children with CP get worse, upper extremity, lower back and neck problems and anxiety levels of mothers increase and this situation negatively affects mothers' quality of life.