Placement of Standard Sized Acetabular Cup Between True and False Acetabulum in Patients with Crowe III/IV Dysplasia: A Safe Option in THA Without Femoral Osteotomy.

Introduction: There is no consensus in literature on the surgical treatment of patients with Crowe type III/IV patients. Each arthroplasty procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this study by placing the acetabular cup between the true and false acetabulum, we aimed to share our experience about criteria of patient selection, surgical technique, and mid-term results of THA (total hip arthroplasty) in which the risk of dislocation was minimized using a standard-sized acetabular cup. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the clinical and radiographic data of the patients with Crowe type III/IV treated by cementless THA without femoral shortening osteotomy from January 2015 to January 2020. The clinical (Harris hip score, Trendelenburg sign, limb lengths) and radiographic (AP/L hip X-ray, 3D CT) examinations before surgery; 1, 3 months and 1 year after the surgery were evaluated. All postsurgical complications were noted. Results: Among all, 268 patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two patients (11.9%) were male and 236 (88.1%) were female. Mean age was 46.8 years. Mean follow-up duration was 42.4 (26-57) months. Mean Harris Hip score (HHS) was 49.7 and Trendelenburg sign was positive in all patients preoperatively. In the final evaluation, mean HHS significantly improved to 80.2 (p < 0.005) and none of the patients had Trendelenburg sign. Mean lengthening of the operated leg was 4.3 cm. Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty with placement of acetabular cup between true and false acetabulum can be successfully preferred in selected patients with Crowe III/IV dysplasia.

Low local curvature index and history of previous surgery are risk factors for revision in focal metallic inlay implants.

BACKGROUND: Focal chondral defects are debilitating lesions with poor healing potential. Focal metallic inlay implants were developed as a salvage procedure, whose reoperation causes and risk factors for revision are still debatable. The aim of this study is to analyze the local subchondral curvature matching of focal metallic inlay implants and its effects on survival and clinical results. METHODS: Patients operated with a knee focal metallic inlay resurfacing implant between 2014 and 2017 were eligible. Surgery was indicated for painful, focal, full-thickness cartilage lesions that had failed alternative treatments. Inclusion criteria were patients treated for a lesion ≤ 5 cm2 in the femoral condyle, aged 40-65 years, with complete surgical records and a knee CT scan. The curvature index (Kindex) was calculated as the ratio of the mean curvature of the implant (K1) to the mean curvature of the subchondral bone (K2). RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included, of which 60.9% were female. Mean age was 54.8 ± 6.0. Seven patients (10.1%) underwent revision surgery. When adjusted for age and sex, lesion size was not significantly correlated to revision in a multivariate regression model, while previous surgery and smaller K index were. A positive history for previous surgery was significantly correlated with worse clinical outcomes in surviving patients. CONCLUSION: A positive history of previous knee surgery and a low local curvature index are risk factors for revision after focal metallic inlay implant resurfacing. Patients with a history of knee surgery should be counseled on the advantages and disadvantages before undergoing a focal resurfacing procedure.

Can Lateral Offset Be Used as a Predictive Marker for Proximal Femur Disorders?

Purpose: When the lateral offset (LO) changes, the forces acting on the head and neck of the femur change. Increase or decrease in LO can cause instability and possible dislocation of the implant. In addition, when the offset is reduced, more force is needed to balance the pelvis by the abductor muscles, and the force that occurs along the hip joint increases and causes wear and tear. In this study we aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between LO and proximal femur morphology, and according to the results we aimed to investigate whether the LO can be used as a predictive marker for the risk of femoral neck fractures, osteoarthritis or femoroacetabular impingement. Methods: Femur length, femur neck length, femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA), anteroposterior (a-p) and superoinferior (s-i) diameters of femoral head and neck, and LO were measured on 82 dry adult femora of unknown age and gender from Turkish population. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between the LO and a-p and s-i diameters of femoral head or neck. However, there was found statistically significant correlation between LO and femoral NSA (p < 0.01), femoral neck length (p < 0.05) and femur length (p < 0.01). Conclusion: High LO values can be used as an indicator for neck fractures, a negative marker for OA, but LO does not appear to be used as an indicator for FAI.

Focal metallic inlay resurfacing prosthesis in articular cartilage defects: short-term results of 118 patients and 2 different implants.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to share our experience with two different inlay metallic implants in the treatment of knee cartilage defects and to analyze their effects on functional scores. METHODS: This retrospective study included 118 patients operated on for focal full-thickness knee cartilage lesions, who were treated with a focal metallic inlay resurfacing prosthesis. A cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) resurfacing implant was applied to 73 patients with a knee chondral lesion, and a biosynthetic implant was applied to 45. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the KOOS, VAS, and Tegner activity scores. RESULTS: The group with the Co-Cr-resurfacing implant showed a significantly greater improvement (p < 0.001) in the Tegner and VAS scores at the 2-year follow-up examination. The KOOS scores were similar in both groups. Median patient age was similar in both groups. All patients had a follow-up of at least 2 years. The preoperative and postoperative scores were compared and significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed. The biosynthetic implant had a higher revision rate. In the univariate analysis, age and type of implant were significantly associated with revision surgery. In the multivariate Cox-regression analysis model, the type of implant was significantly associated with revision surgery. CONCLUSION: All the patients operated with the above-mentioned implants showed significant improvements in pain and activity scores. Despite the overall good clinical results, 17% of patients with a biosynthetic implant and > 6% of patients with Co-Cr-resurfacing implant required revision surgery. Age and implant type were the main risk factors associated with revision.

Total hip arthroplasty without subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy is possible in patients with Crowe III/IV developmental dysplasia: total hip arthroplasty without femoral osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to present our THA technique without femoral shortening osteotomy that we perform for the treatment of coxarthrosis on Crowe type III/IV developmental dysplasia of the hip and to present the early clinical outcomes of our patients. METHODS: 77 patients with Crowe type III/IV developmental dysplasia of the hip, who had admitted to our clinic between 2013 and 2017, and had undergone cementless THA without femoral shortening by a single surgeon, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were called for a final evaluation and assessed by Harris Hip Score. Trendelenburg sign was observed. For radiological evaluation, routine anteroposterior and lateral hip radiography and orthoroentgenogram was used. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 38.2 (22-52) months. Pre-operative mean Harris Hip Score was 53.9 (49-62) and post-operative mean value was 82.7 (76-95). Mean duration of operation was 44.9 (39-57) min. In post-operative final evaluation only three patients (3.8%) had positive Trendelenburg sign. 3 patients (3.8%) had early dislocation. No sciatic palsy was observed in any of the patients. Revision with acetabular cage was performed for one (1.2%) patient due to protrusion development in the acetabular cup. The mean prosthesis survival rate was 98.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip arthroplasty without femoral osteotomy can be considered as a successful method in selected patients with Crowe III/IV coxarthrosis. It provides good clinical outcomes in the early period, reduces surgery duration, has acceptable complication rates, has high prosthesis survival rates.

The Combination of Inlay Patellofemoral Arthroplasty and Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Versus Total Knee Arthroplasty for Mediopatellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Comparison of Mid-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies in the literature related to the use of second-generation inlay patellofemoral arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty combination (inlay PFA/UKA) in the treatment of mediopatellofemoral osteoarthritis (MPFOA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of inlay PFA/UKA in MPFOA. METHODS: The study included 49 patients applied with inlay PFA/UKA because of MPFOA and 49 patients applied with TKA, matched one-to-one according to age, gender, body mass index, follow-up period, preoperative Knee Society Score, and range of motion. All the patients were evaluated clinically using the Knee Society Score, Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and range of motion, and were also evaluated radiologically. Complication rates and length of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 54 ± 4 and 54.4 ± 3.9 months in inlay PFA/UKA and TKA groups, respectively. (P = .841). No statistically significant difference was determined between the 2 groups in respect of the mean clinical scores at the final follow-up examination (P ≥ .129). Total complications were fewer and length of hospital stay was shorter in the inlay PFA/UKA group than in the TKA group (P = .037 and P = .002). There was no radiographic evidence of progression of lateral compartment osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence in any patient in the inlay PFA/UKA group. CONCLUSION: In selected patient groups, inlay PFA/UKA is an alternative to TKA, with lower complication rates, shorter length of hospital stay, and clinical and functional results similar to those of TKA without osteoarthritis progression in the unresurfaced lateral compartment in the mid-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Three-dimensional analysis of acetabular cup orientation and an evaluation of the relationship with pelvic sagittal parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on sagittal pelvic parameters and to evaluate the effect of sagittal pelvic parameters on acetabular cup orientation. METHODS: The study included 86 patients who underwent THA for a diagnosis of unilateral coxarthrosis between 2011 and 2015. Measurements were taken of the preoperative and postoperative acetabular cup inclination (ACI), anteversion, and sagittal pelvic parameters. The effect of THA on sagittal pelvic parameters and the effects of the sagittal pelvic parameters on acetabular cup orientation were investigated. RESULTS: The sagittal pelvic tilt values calculated were mean 9.7° ± 6.3° (2°; 23°) preoperatively and 11.0° ± 6.1° (2°; 25°) postoperatively. The increase in postoperative pelvic incidence (PI) values was determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The preoperative PI values had no significant effect on ACI, but in cases with high preoperative PI values, a tendency to high anteversion values was determined. The mean inclination values were found to be 40.2° ± 11.0° in the low PI group, 41.7° ± 7.4° in the normal PI group, and 44.1° ± 8.3° in the high PI group. As no increase in inclination values was observed with an increase in PI values, no statistical correlation was determined (p = 0.343). Average of anteversion values in the low PI group was 9.2° ± 13.7°, in the normal PI group 19.3° ± 10.5°, and in the high PI group 21.1° ± 12.5°. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Evaluating the results of this study, it can be concluded that varying PI values do affect the acetabular cup anterversion in THA. So, preoperative assessment of PI values is important in preventing postoperative acetabular cup malposition.

Does inflammatory joint diseases affect the accuracy of infection biomarkers in patients with periprosthetic joint infections? A prospective comparative reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) could be challenging. Several tests used for diagnosing PJI may be inaccurate due to baseline inflammatory characteristics of such diseases. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of several infection biomarkers, in a specific subgroup of patients with PJI and IJD. METHODS: From January 2014 to August 2017, patients with resisting pain at the relevant site, following total knee arthroplasty were evaluated prospectively. A total of 38 patients were undergone revision arthroplasty. Patients were categorized in terms of MSIS criteria: Patients with PJI (Group 1, n = 17) and patients without PJI (Group 2, n = 21). Serum ESR, CRP, Procalcitonin, synovial cell count, percentage of neutrophils in synovial fluid, synovial CRP, Lactoferrin, ELA-2, Thiol - Disulphide levels, BPI and the Alpha defensin test results were obtained. The results of two groups were compared and the diagnostic accuracy of each variable was evaluated. RESULTS: There were 22 women, 16 men with a mean age of 67.8 ± 6.9 years. The differences were significant in all evaluated biomarkers in terms of PJI (p values of all biomarker were <0.001). Alpha defensin, Lactoferrin, ELA-2, BPI, Procalcitonin and synovial CRP were the most accurate tests with area under curve >0.90. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that IJD may not affect the accuracy of infection biomarkers in patients with PJI. Alpha defensin test, Lactoferrin, ELA-2, BPI, Procalcitonin and synovial CRP can be used in the diagnosis of PJI in patients with IJD.

Bilayer Matrix Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation without Bone Graft for Knee Osteochondral Lesion Less than 8 mm Deep.

This article investigates the clinical and radiological results of bilayer matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) membrane technique in the treatment of shallow osteochondral defects. An analysis was made of eight patients who were operated on using the bilayer MACI (Genzyme Biosurgery, Cambridge, MA) technique (mean age: 20.2 years, mean defect size: 3.8 cm2, mean defect depth: 6.2 ± 0.9 mm, and mean follow-up time: 22.1 ± 5.3 [14-26.1] months). According to the defect, the first membrane was secured to the base of the defect with the cells facing up, and the second membrane was implanted on top of the first membrane with the cells facing down using fibrin glue. Clinical assessment was performed with modified Cincinnati and Tegner Lysholm scores. Patients were evaluated using 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI) with a 15-channel transmit knee coil in the 6th, 12th, and 24th months postoperatively. Magnetic observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring was used to evaluate the cartilage tissue. The mean modified Cincinnati score was 36.4 (21-48) preoperatively and 84.2 (81-90) at 6 months postoperatively, 87.2 (82-92) at 12 months, and 89.6 (85-94) at 24 months (p < 0.05). The postoperative results were evaluated as excellent. The mean Tegner Lysholm score was 36.4 (21-48) preoperatively and 88.2 (84-92), 90.2 (84-95), and 90.4 (86-95) at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). According to the 3T MRI findings, the mean modified MOCART scores were 8 in the preimplantation period, 38 in the 6th postoperative month, 70 in the 12th postoperative month, and 79 in the 24th postoperative month (p < 0.05). The 2-year follow-up MRI showed good regeneration, healing, and integration developing in time in cartilage tissue. In the treatment of shallow osteochondral defects, the bilayer MACI technique can be an alternative to filling the defect with bone graft.

Posterolateral overhang affects patient quality of life after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To investigate the appropriate mediolateral placement of symmetrical tibial components and the amount of overhang expected from the posterolateral of tibial components implanted to give ideal coverage and the subsequent incidence of residual knee pain and reduction in functional capacity. METHOD: A retrospective evaluation was made of 146 consecutive total knee arthroplasties. The posterolateral overhang, rotational alignment and coverage of the tibial component were measured on a post-operative CT scan and the effect of posterolateral overhang on clinical outcomes was analysed 3 years after surgery. RESULTS: Complaints of local pain in the posterolateral corner were determined in 76 (52.1%) patients. At the Posterolateral corner, overhang was determined in 111 (76%) patients, in the cortical border in 11 (7.6%) patients and underhang in 24 (16.4%) patients. In 71 (48.6%) patients, pain was determined together with oversize and in the evaluation of the overhang of the tibial component in the posterolateral region and the rotation status, there was determined to be overhang in 75 (96.2%) patients where the tibial component was placed in ideal rotation, in 25 (100%) where placement was in external rotation and in 11 (25.6%) where placement was in internal rotation. The mean KSS, KSS-F and WOMAC-P scores were 83.9 ± 6.3, 83.3 ± 7.8 and 4.6 ± 2.9, respectively, in those with posterolateral overhang of the tibial component .The mean KSS, KSS-F and WOMAC-P scores were 86.6 ± 8.4, 89.5 ± 7.8 and 2.8 ± 2.1, respectively, in those with no overhang and the difference was determined to be statistically significant. The amount of overhang was determined as mean 3.6 ± 2.0 mm in those with posterolateral pain and 0.02 ± 3.4 mm in those without pain and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that overhang in the posterolateral region is surprisingly high and negatively affects the clinical results following TKA, thereby presenting a danger to the success of TKA. The risk of posterolateral oversizing can increase with placement of the tibial component in external rotation.

Good clinical results can be obtained along with reduced risk of tunnel communication with a new technique in concomitant meniscus transplantation and ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce our technical modification for concomitant meniscus transplantation and ACL reconstruction with preliminary results of our cases. METHODS: The current study comprised of two sections: first is the cadaveric study of 20 specimens. The distances between tunnel entry and exit points of tunnels for 27 meniscal transplants and ACL reconstruction in CT slices were measured. The second section was evaluation of our cases including six patients. The selected patients were scored preoperatively and post-operatively with KOOS, Lysholm and VAS Scoring systems, joint ROM and stability. RESULTS: In cadaveric study section, the minimum distance between tunnels was found 1.9 ± 0.4 cm on tibia plateau and 1.8 ± 0.9 cm on tibial crest. No overlapping or communication of the tunnels was seen on any CT slice. In case series section, the mean age of patients was 36 ± 12.7 years and mean follow-up period was 30.8 ± 11.3 months. The KOOS total, VAS and Lysholm scores of the patients were significantly increased (p = 0.012, 0.036 and 0.001, respectively). The stability of operated knees was normal or near normal. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have demonstrated that our technical modification seems to be an effective method in concomitant medial meniscus transplantation and ACL reconstruction. There is a reduced risk of tunnel communication, and the medial bone stock is protected so the risk of potential fracture in the medial tibia plateau and revision rates may be reduced. Although it seems successful in respect of the short-term results, further studies with a greater number of patients would provide clearer results.

Primary repair of Achilles tendon avulsions: Presentation of a novel technique and its comparison with suture anchor repair.

PURPOSE: We aimed to present our novel technique in the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon avulsions and compare the clinical results of such technique with the repair method using suture anchors. METHODS: A retrospective study was made of patients with Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion and patients where distal portion of the tear prohibited primary repair, surgically treated between January 2009 and January 2013. Twenty-one patients who met the criteria were examined and called for final examination: 9 patients were treated with the novel technique (group 1) and 12 patients were treated with suture anchor repair (group 2). Data were gathered from patient registry and final evaluation. The patients of both groups were compared in respect of mean age, follow-up, gender and AOFAS and VAS scores at final evaluation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of follow-up period ( p = 0.478) and mean age ( p = 0.274). Three of 9 patients in group 1 and 4 of 12 patients in group 2 were female. A significant clinical difference was determined between two groups according to the AOFAS and VAS scores ( p = 0.034 and p = 0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are beneficial in the treatment of avulsion injuries of Achilles tendon. Better clinical results can be obtained with the presented novel technique and such technique can be considered for the surgical fixation of Achilles tendon avulsions.

Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: Nanofracture versus hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold with concentration of autologous bone marrow aspirate.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the early clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic one-stage treatment with hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold (HACS) in combination with a concentration of autologous bone marrow aspirate (CBMA) technique compared to nanofracture (NF). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of all the patients with focal osteochondral lesions of the talus that were treated between January 2012 and January 2015. Ninety-eight patients met the criteria and were enrolled in the study. Forty-six patients (group 1) were treated with arthroscopic one-stage treatment with CBMA in combination with an HACS. Fifty-two patients (group 2) were treated with NF. Patient demographics and cartilage defect characteristics, the AOFAS and VAS scoring systems were compared between groups. In the evaluation of cartilage repair tissue, the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scoring system was used. RESULTS: No significant differences were determined between the two groups in terms of age ( p = 0.874), body mass index ( p = 0.621), defect size ( p = 0.485), defect depth ( p = 0.674), follow-up time ( p = 0.512). A significant clinical difference was determined between the two groups according to the AOFAS and VAS scores ( p = 0.028, p = 0.046, respectively). The mean MOCART score of group 1 was significantly higher ( p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Both NF and HACS with CBMA techniques are beneficial in treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Better clinical and radiological results, in addition to higher cartilage quality, could be obtained with HACS with CBMA technique compared to NF.

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome in football players: Case series of 26 elite athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a clinical treatment algorithm for posterior ankle impingement (PAI) syndrome in professional football players. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case series of 26 elite professional football players diagnosed and treated for posterior ankle impingement syndrome were included for the study. All of the athletes received conservative treatment with physical therapy modalities initially. If the first line medical treatment and rehabilitation was ineffective to alleviate the symptoms, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection was proposed and thereafter the patients underwent posterior ankle arthroscopy if the complaints are still unresolved. The pain scores (AOFAS, VAS), and time to return to play were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: The complaints of 18 (69.2%) players were subsided with non-surgical treatment whereas three of acute cases and five of the chronic cases did not respond to medical treatment and arthroscopic surgery was performed for eight athletes. Eighteen players returned to training for a mean time of 36.3 days (24-42 days) after conservative treatment. The patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery returned to training for a mean time of 49.8 days (42-56 days) after the surgery. All athletes returned to their previous level of competition after treatment without any complications or recurrence in a mean follow-up 36.5 months (19-77 months). CONCLUSION: Non-surgical treatment modalities were effective in 2/3 of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in elite football players. On the other hand, posterior ankle arthroscopy is safe and effective treatment option for posterior ankle impingement syndrome if the conservative treatment fails. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Posterior bone block of chronic locked posterior shoulder dislocations with glenoid augmentation: a retrospective evaluation of ten shoulders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study, which is the most extensive series to date on this subject, was to present the results of ten shoulders of seven patients treated with the posterior bone block augmentation method with autograft taken from the iliac wing for a chronic locked posterior shoulder dislocation and to evaluate the results in the light of the relevant literature. METHODS: A retrospective examination was made of patients who underwent iliac autograft with glenoid augmentation for chronic posterior shoulder dislocation in our clinic between 2004 and 2011. All of the patients had been initially treated at another centre and referred to our hospital because of continuing or relapsing posterior shoulder dislocation. Assessment was made by physical examination X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and the Constant-Murley score. RESULTS: All the patients were male with a mean age at the time of surgery of 42.4 years (range, 23-53 years), with a mean follow-up period of 40.6 months (range, 24-55 months). On presentation, all the patients had locked posterior shoulder dislocation. Radiological union was evaluated from the CT images taken 24 months postoperatively. The graft was observed to have been incorporated in all cases. The mean postoperative Constant-Murley score was 81.25/100 ± 17.8. In seven of the shoulders, arthropathy findings increased by varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS: A functional and stable shoulder can be obtained with glenoid augmentation in patients with chronic locked posterior shoulder dislocation. When other treatment alternatives are considered for a young patient group, this is a safe and applicable treatment method.

Augmented Fixation With Biodegradable Subacromial Spacer After Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tear.

Unsuccessful outcomes after repair of massive rotator cuff ruptures accompanied by muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration are frequently associated with inadequate management and secondary tears. We report the functional differences after rotator cuff rupture repair with a biodegradable spacer application. In these patients, rotator cuff rupture repair should provide coverage of the humeral head. Subsequently, acromioplasty should be performed to allow adequate space for the subacromial spacer. Thereafter measurement of the intra-articular space required for application of the biodegradable spacer is performed. Using this method can decrease the rate of tears by providing a safe subacromial space in cases of massive rotator cuff rupture.

Comparison of early postoperative period electrophysiological and clinical findings following carpal tunnel syndrome: is EMG necessary?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical findings and ENMG results of the patients who underwent surgery due to CTS, in the preoperative and early postoperative period. METHODS: 33 wrists of 29 patients who underwent open carpal tunnel surgery in our clinic due to CTS, between 2009 and 2011, were evaluated. Electrophysiological progress was evaluated with ENMG and clinical state with Boston scale. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in the postoperative BS symptomatic (SSS) and functional (FSS) scores of patients as compared to preoperative period (P=0.00), In the electrophysiological findings, statistically significant improvement was observed in all groups but very severe CTS group (P<0.05). When preoperative and postoperative EMG findings were compared, changes in DSL and DSA values were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was seen between DML (P=0.085) and DMA (P=246) values on the 3rd month. When an examination was conducted on the patients whose DML and DSL values could not be obtained in the preoperative EMG, DML values were obtained in the early postoperative period in 6 of 7 cases (85.71% P<0.001), and DSL values were obtained in 17 of 24 cases (70.8% P<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory nerve findings were more significant, showed faster recovery compared to motor nerve findings, and accompanied the clinical recovery. Performance of an EMG test, especially on sensory nerves, will be more effective in patients selected in the early period, with the exception of patients with very severe CTS.

Comparison of early postoperative period electrophysiological and clinical findings following carpal tunnel syndrome: is EMG necessary?

UNLABELLED: In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical findings and ENMG results of the patients who underwent surgery due to CTS, in the preoperative and early postoperative period. METHODS: 33 wrists of 29 patients who underwent open carpal tunnel surgery in our clinic due to CTS, between 2009 and 2011, were evaluated. Electrophysiological progress was evaluated with ENMG and clinical state with Boston scale. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in the postoperative BS symptomatic (SSS) and functional (FSS) scores of patients as compared to preoperative period (P=0.00). In the electrophysiological findings, statistically significant improvement was observed in all groups but very severe CTS group (P<0.05). When preoperative and postoperative EMG findings were compared, changes in DSL and DSA values were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was seen between DML (P=0.085) and DMA (P=246) values on the 3rd month. When an examination was conducted on the patients whose DML and DSL values could not be obtained in the preoperative EMG, DML values were obtained in the early postoperative period in 6 of 7 cases (85.71%, P<0.001), and DSL values were obtained in 17 of 24 cases (70.8%, P<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Sensory nerve findings were more significant, showed faster recovery compared to motor nerve findings, and accompanied the clinical recovery. Performance of an EMG test, especially on sensory nerves, will be more effective in patients selected in the early period, with the exception of patients with very severe CTS.

The effect of the dimensions of the distal femur and proximal tibia joint surfaces on the development of knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the dimensions of the distal femur and proximal tibia joint surfaces affect the etiology of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study comprised the records of 1,324 patients who had been admitted to hospital with knee pain. Anterioposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the knee were taken. Using the Kellgren-Lawrence Scale, the patient group comprised Stages 2, 3, and 4 radiographs and the controls comprised Stages 0 and 1 radiographs. Four lengths were measured for each patient in both groups: femur mediolateral (femur ML), tibia mediolateral (tibia ML), femur anteroposterior (femur AP), and tibia anteroposterior (tibia AP). Osteophytes were not included in the measurements in the patient group. All the measurements were repeated by two researchers at two different times. The groups were compared in terms of these measurements and the correlations between them. The mean femur ML length was significantly greater in the patient group than the control group (P = 0.032) and the mean femur AP length was significantly less (P = 0.037). In addition, the difference between the femur ML and AP lengths was significantly high in the patient group (P < 0.001). The difference between the tibia and femur ML lengths was significantly high in the patient group (P < 0.001) and the difference between the tibia and femur AP lengths was higher in the control group (P = 0.001). A longer femur ML and a shorter femur AP, together with a greater difference between these two lengths and a greater difference between the tibia ML and femur ML lengths, could be a risk factor for developing knee OA. More extensive anatomical and biomechanical studies in the future will enable these results to be corroborated.

Strain ratio measurement of femoral cartilage by real-time elastosonography: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate strain ratio measurement of femoral cartilage using real-time elastosonography. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with femoral cartilage pathology on MRI (study group) were prospectively compared with 25 subjects with normal findings on MRI (control group) using real-time elastosonography. Strain ratio measurements of pathologic and normal cartilage were performed and compared, both within the study group and between the two groups. RESULTS: Elastosonography colour-scale coding showed a colour change from blue to red in pathologic cartilage and only blue colour-coding in normal cartilage. In the study group, the median strain ratio was higher in pathologic cartilage areas compared to normal areas (median, 1.49 [interquartile range, 0.80-2.53] vs. median, 0.01 [interquartile range, 0.01-0.01], p < 0.001, respectively). The median strain ratio of the control group was 0.01 (interquartile range, 0.01-0.01), and there was no significant difference compared to normal areas of the study group. There was, however, a significant difference between the control group cartilage and pathologic cartilage of the study group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elastosonography may be an effective, easily accessible, and relatively simple tool to demonstrate pathologic cartilage and to differentiate it from normal cartilage in the absence of advanced imaging facility such as MRI. KEY POINTS: • Elastosonography uses colour-maps and strain ratios for evaluating tissue deformability. • Colour change from blue to red and increased strain ratio represent softening. • Normal cartilage shows decreased compressibility, represented by blue colour and low strain ratio. • Pathologic cartilage shows increased compressibility, represented by red colour and high strain ratio. • Elastosonography may be used for differentiating pathologic cartilage from normal cartilage.