The mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: Eleven patients (15 knees) undergoing TKA with stiff knees were retrospectively evaluated. TKA was performed in all patients without additional surgical interventions such as posterior capsular release, hamstring release, synovectomy, VY quadricepsplasty, or tibial tubercle osteotomy. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiological results at follow-ups. Functional evaluation and pain status were assessed using the Knee Society Score and Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of operation was 40.8 ± 11.8 years (range=30-64 years). The mean follow-up was 51.2 ± 20.6 months (range=24-95). The mean flexion contracture significantly decreased from 17.6 ± 11.3 to 1.7 ± 2.8 degrees, and the mean maximum flexion increased dramatically from 55.6 ± 20.5 to 109.2 ± 16.2 degrees (P < 0.001). Statistical significant improvement in flexion and flexion contracture degrees continued up to the postoperatively 18 months. The mean Knee Society Score increased from 22.7 ± 2.4 points preoperatively to 87.8 ± 3.8 points at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean cost of coagulation factor consumption and blood transfusion accounted for 78% of the total cost. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TKA is an effective treatment for relieving pain and improving both ranges of motion and quality of life in managing end-stage hemophilic arthropathy of the knee joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Effectiveness and reliability of traditional open surgery in atypical localizations of osteoid osteoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate traditional open surgery results of osteoid osteomas (OOs) in atypical localizations and explore whether open surgery can be a safe alternative in localizations where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may not be suitable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients (20 males, 6 females; mean age 23.3±14.2 years; range, 4 to 65 years) having OO in atypical localizations between January 2008 and January 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent traditional open surgery under anesthesia. All patients were followed-up, and their clinical success and complications were evaluated. The pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The postoperative first year VAS score was 0.2±0.5 (range, 0-2) (p<0.005). None of the patients showed any complications. No recurrences were reported at the end of the first year. All patients were relieved from pain due to OO in atypical localizations. CONCLUSION: Although RFA has been accepted as the preferred treatment for OO, traditional open surgery may still be used for OO in atypical localizations yielding perfect clinical results with fewer complications. It is a safe alternative for localizations such as carpal bones, distal ulna, hand and foot where RFA complications can be seen more frequently. In these localizations, traditional open surgery can be recommended as the first treatment choice.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of ultrasonography-guided and blind local injections in facet syndrome: A 6-week randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Facet syndrome is defined as pain that arises from any structure of the facet joints, including the fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, hyaline cartilage, and bone. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of US-guided and blind injections on clinical outcome in facet syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of facet syndrome were included. Patients were consecutively randomized into one of the two groups. The patient's history, physical examination and routine laboratory parameters were obtained and diagnose was established based on physical findings. Two injections (mixture of 2 ml of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and 20 mg of triamcinolone, to a single or maximum two sites depending on the clinical characteristics of the facet joint) were performed with 15 days apart, as blinded or US-guided manner. Clinical outcome assessments were carried out at 0, 2nd and 6th weeks, using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The patients' initial VAS and ODI were not significantly different. When the two groups were compared in the 6th week in terms of VAS scores, improvement was more pronounced in the US-guided injection group (US-guided group (n= 23) before 7.6 (2.2) cm, after 3.0 (1.7) cm, P= 0.0001 vs blind group (n= 24) before 7.2 (1.3) cm, after 5.2 (2.0) cm, P= 0.0001). The improvement in initial and 6th week ODI was statistically significant in the US-guided injection group (P= 0.006). Except STAI I for US-group, trait anxiety scale scores were significant in both groups. CONCLUSION: The US-guided local injections offer better clinical outcome in the treatment of facet syndrome.

Ginkgo Biloba improves bone formation during fracture healing: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) is a plant extract obtained from the leaves of the G. biloba tree. The aim of this study was to assess the histological and radiological effects of G. biloba extract on fracture healing in an experimental fracture model using rat femurs. METHODS: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight: 195-252 g; age: 20 weeks) were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=8). A transverse fracture was made in the middle of the right femur of each rat and fixed with a Kirschner wire. The G. biloba groups received 60 mg/kg oral G. biloba extract once daily. No medication was given to the control groups. On days 7, 21 and 35, both sets of femurs were evaluated radiologically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed that the G. biloba groups had significant differences at 21 and 35 days (p<0.05). The G. biloba group showed a significant difference in terms of bone formation on day 21 when compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the use of G. biloba extract accelerated fracture healing. Both radiological and histological differences were detected, but the histological differences were more remarkable. Level of Evidence I, High Quality Randomized Trial.

OBJETIVOS: O extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) é um extrato vegetal obtido das folhas da árvore Ginkgo biloba. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos histológicos e radiológicos do extrato de Ginkgo biloba sobre a consolidação de fraturas em um modelo experimental de fratura em fêmures de rato. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 48 ratos Sprague-Dawley fêmeas (peso: 195-252 g, idade: 20 semanas). Os ratos foram divididos randomicamente em seis grupos (n = 8). Uma fratura transversal foi feita no meio do fêmur direito de cada rato e fixada com fio de Kirschner. Os grupos G. biloba receberam 60 mg/kg de G. biloba por via oral uma vez por dia. Não foi administrada nenhuma medicação aos grupos de controle. Nos dias 7, 21 e 35, ambos os fêmures foram avaliados radiológica e histopatologicamente. RESULTADOS: A avaliação histológica revelou que os grupos G. biloba apresentaram diferenças significativas aos 21 e 35 dias (p < 0,05). O grupo G. biloba mostrou uma diferença significativa em termos de formação óssea no dia 21 quando comparado com o grupo controle (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo indicou que o uso de extrato de G. biloba acelerou a consolidação de fraturas. As diferenças radiológicas e histológicas foram detectadas, mas as diferenças histológicas foram mais notáveis. Nível de Evidência I, Estudo Clínico Randomizado de Alta Qualidade.

Ginkgo Biloba improves bone formation during fracture healing: an experimental study in rats / Ginkgo Biloba melhora a formação dos ossos durante a consolidação da fratura: estudo em ratos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) is a plant extract obtained from the leaves of the G. biloba tree. The aim of this study was to assess the histological and radiological effects of G. biloba extract on fracture healing in an experimental fracture model using rat femurs. METHODS: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight: 195-252 g; age: 20 weeks) were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=8). A transverse fracture was made in the middle of the right femur of each rat and fixed with a Kirschner wire. The G. biloba groups received 60 mg/kg oral G. biloba extract once daily. No medication was given to the control groups. On days 7, 21 and 35, both sets of femurs were evaluated radiologically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed that the G. biloba groups had significant differences at 21 and 35 days (p<0.05). The G. biloba group showed a significant difference in terms of bone formation on day 21 when compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the use of G. biloba extract accelerated fracture healing. Both radiological and histological differences were detected, but the histological differences were more remarkable. Level of Evidence I, High Quality Randomized Trial.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: O extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) é um extrato vegetal obtido das folhas da árvore Ginkgo biloba. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos histológicos e radiológicos do extrato de Ginkgo biloba sobre a consolidação de fraturas em um modelo experimental de fratura em fêmures de rato. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 48 ratos Sprague-Dawley fêmeas (peso: 195-252 g, idade: 20 semanas). Os ratos foram divididos randomicamente em seis grupos (n = 8). Uma fratura transversal foi feita no meio do fêmur direito de cada rato e fixada com fio de Kirschner. Os grupos G. biloba receberam 60 mg/kg de G. biloba por via oral uma vez por dia. Não foi administrada nenhuma medicação aos grupos de controle. Nos dias 7, 21 e 35, ambos os fêmures foram avaliados radiológica e histopatologicamente. RESULTADOS: A avaliação histológica revelou que os grupos G. biloba apresentaram diferenças significativas aos 21 e 35 dias (p < 0,05). O grupo G. biloba mostrou uma diferença significativa em termos de formação óssea no dia 21 quando comparado com o grupo controle (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo indicou que o uso de extrato de G. biloba acelerou a consolidação de fraturas. As diferenças radiológicas e histológicas foram detectadas, mas as diferenças histológicas foram mais notáveis. Nível de Evidência I, Estudo Clínico Randomizado de Alta Qualidade.

Education and Visual Information Improves Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Local Injections on Shoulder Pain and Associated Anxiety Level: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: Local injections are widely used in patients with a painful shoulder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of patients' visual information on the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided local injections on anxiety levels and shoulder pain. DESIGN: A total of 151 patients, scheduled for local injection owing to shoulder pain, were randomly assigned into two groups in a consecutive order. Patients in group I (n = 72) were provided information related to US findings and allowed to watch the procedures from the monitor, whereas patients in group II (n = 79) received the injection only without any collaboration. Data were collected from both groups immediately before and after injections through visual analog scale and questionnaire (the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] forms 1 and 2). RESULTS: US-guided local injections provided significant improvement of anxiety and pain in both groups, irrespective of providing visual information. Group I and group II comparisons with respect to the visual analog scale, STAI 1, and STAI 2 yielded significant difference only for postinjection STAI 2 in group I (P = 0.006). Intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences between preinjection and postinjection values (group I: visual analog scale, P = 0.001; STAI form 1, P = 0.001; STAI form 2, P = 0.002; group II: visual analog scale, P = 0.001; STAI form 1, P = 0.002; STAI form 2, P = 0.042). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postinjection satisfaction levels from the procedures (P = 0.824). CONCLUSIONS: Performing US-guided shoulder injections with patient visual information provides positive contributions to coping with pain and anxiety. In particular, the patient collaboration-based US-guided injections have positive consequences on patients' long-standing "trait-anxiety" levels.

The effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing in rats: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis leading to pulmonary embolism is one of the major complication after fracture. After a fracture occurs, the coagulation cascade activates thrombin, a protease that finally generates clotting. Dabigatran etexilate reduce clot formation by inhibiting thrombin. Dabigatran etexilate is a widely used drug for thromboprophylaxis. There is no study of the effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing in the literature, so we aimed to evaluate the effects of dabigatran etexilate on fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 6 rats. In all rats, right tibias were used for the fracture model. An oral regimen of dabigatran etexilate suspension in 0.5% hydroxyethylcellulose was administered to the rats. Although the first and second groups received 10 mg/kg daily doses, the third and fourth groups received 50 mg/kg daily doses. The fifth and sixth groups were assigned as sham groups and only hydroxyethylcellulose solution was administered. The first, third and fifth groups were sacrificed on 14(th) days; whereas the second, fourth and sixth groups were sacrificed on 28(th) days. Results were evaluated radiologically and histologically. RESULTS: Radiologically and histologically no statistically significant differences were observed on the 14(th) day between the first, third and fifth groups; and on the 28(th) days between the second, fourth and sixth groups. CONCLUSION: Radiological and histological evaluations revealed that fracture healing was not affected by dabigatran etexilate. We think that dabigatran etexilate can be used for the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients with fractures, but further clinical studies are mandatory.

[Neglected ipsilateral simultaneous ruptures of patellar and quadriceps tendon]. / Ihmal edilmis ayni tarafli ayni anda olan patellar ve kuadriseps tendon yirtiklari.

Neglected patellar and quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare injury, but ipsilateral simultaneous patellar and quadriceps tendon rupture was not described in the literature to our knowledge. In this article, we report a 40-year-old healthy male patient with neglected ipsilateral patellar and quadriceps tendon ruptures treated by peroneus longus tendon autograft. Patient had received some conservative and surgical treatments for patellar fracture before applying to our clinic. After our treatment using peroneus longus autograft and interference nails, patient was immobilized for six weeks in cylindrical cast. Flexion exercises and full weight bearing were started after cast removal. Patient had no complaint at postoperative second year. Patient was a neglected case. Surgical repair and early rehabilitation enabled us to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pneumonia, and acute renal failure due to varicella in a previously healthy child.

Varicella infections are usually considered to be benign. Although very rare, infection of an immunocompetent patient by this virus may result in a severe illness. We describe a case of varicella infection in a previously healthy, immunocompetent 5-y-old boy, complicated with compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pneumonia, and acute renal failure. He was treated successfully with aciclovir and intravenous immunoglobulins for the varicella infection, a fasciotomy for compartment syndrome, and fresh frozen plasma for DIC.

The effects of spinal, inhalation, and total intravenous anesthetic techniques on ischemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopic knee surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of different anesthesia techniques on tourniquet-related ischemia-reperfusion by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and neuromuscular side effects. METHODS: Sixty ASAI-II patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery were randomised to three groups. In Group S, intrathecal anesthesia was administered using levobupivacaine. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in Group I and TIVA with propofol in Group T. Blood samples were obtained before the induction of anesthesia (t1), 30 min after tourniquet inflation (t2), immediately before (t3), and 5 min (t4), 15 min (t5), 30 min (t 6), 1 h (t7), 2 h (t8), and 6 h (t9) after tourniquet release. RESULTS: MDA and IMA levels increased significantly compared with baseline values in Group S at t2-t 9 and t2-t7. MDA levels in Group T and Group I were significantly lower than those in Group S at t2-t8 and t2-t9. IMA levels in Group T were significantly lower than those in Group S at t2-t7. Postoperatively, a temporary 1/5 loss of strength in dorsiflexion of the ankle was observed in 3 patients in Group S and 1 in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: TIVA with propofol can make a positive contribution in tourniquet-related ischemia-reperfusion.

[Biomechanical examination of patellar tendon ruptures repaired with a tendon graft: an experimental study]. / Patellar tendonun yirtiklarinin tendon greftiyle tamirinin biyomekaniginin incelenmesi: Deneysel çalisma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to perform an experimental examination of the patellar tendon grafts repaired using an interference screw and free tendon graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve knees of the lower limbs which were amputated due to circulatory disease were included in this study. The knees were removed from all soft tissues including patellar tendons. A tendon graft was fixed onto tuberositas tibia through the distal portion of the knee using an interference screw. The patellar tendon graft and tuberositas tibia complex were fixed at the lower and upper part of the testing machine. The distraction force of the bone-tendon-bone complex was recorded using the testing machine. RESULTS: Both patellar and tibial ruptures were detected. The pullout force of the tendons was found to be 810 at maximum and 420 N at minimum. The mean pullout force was 600 N in men and 525 N in women with an overall mean of 575 N. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that patellar tendon repair with grafting had a similar pullout force compared to other repair techniques. In case of a neglected rupture of the patellar tendon, in particular, grafting is recommended.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the distal tibial epiphysis: a case report.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign lesion that commonly involves the metaphysis or metadiaphyseal region of long bones in children. The WHO defined ABC as an expansile osteolytic lesion consisting of blood-filled spaces and channels that are divided by connective tissue septa that may contain osteoid tissue and osteoclast-like giant cells. ABCs are usually treated with intralesional procedures, and variables including surgeon technique, young patient, juxtaphyseal tumors, and tumor location have been associated with recurrence. Juxtaphyseal lesions breaching the physis have been described. There is only one case of primary ABC of the epiphysis in the literature. We present a second case in a 13-year-old boy who presented with a primary ABC of the distal tibial epiphysis, including diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Effects of leptin on fracture healing in rat tibia.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible effects of leptin on fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2009 and May 2010, 54 male Sprague Dawley rats with a mean age of 16 weeks and a mean body weight of 323 g (range; 295-352 g) were included and randomly divided into three equal groups. Standardized tibial fractures were created to all rats. Group 1 was treated with 0.5 mL physiological saline, group 2 was treated with 0.1 µg/kg leptin within 0.5 mL physiological saline, and group 3 was treated 0.3 µg/kg leptin within 0.5 mL physiological saline for 14 days intraperitoneally. Each group was divided into three subgroups including six rats for the evaluation at second, third and fifth weeks. RESULTS: Radiological evaluation showed that fracture healing of group 3 was better than group 1 (p=0.014) only at fifth week. Histological evaluation revealed fracture healing of group 3 was better than group 1 at third week (p=0.011). At fifth week, both group 2 and group 3 had better fracture healing than group 1 (p=0.006, p=0.002, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in fracture healing between group 2 and 3 at fifth week (p=0.176). CONCLUSION: Leptin has a positive dose-dependent effect on rat tibial fracture healing.

[The long-term results of brace treatment in Perthes disease]. / Perthes hastaliginda cihaz tedavisinin uzun dönem sonuçlari

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the long-term radiological outcomes of the patients with Perthes disease who were conservatively treated with brace. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three hips of 27 skeletally mature patients (21 males, 6 females; mean age 25.2±3.4 years; range 20 to 32 years) treated with modified Thomas splint were included in this study. The results were evaluated according to the Stulberg classification. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 6.3±2.2 (range 3-12) years at the onset of the disease and the mean follow-up was 18.6±3.2 (range 7.2-24.1) years. According to onset of the disease, good results were obtained for the patients who were less than six-years-old as 77.7%, between 6-9 years old as 84.2%, after nine years old as 40%. However, 100% of the Herring group A hips, 79.2% of the group B hips and 50% of the group C hips were healed with Stulberg class I or II results. CONCLUSION: We obtained satisfactory results after conservative treatment with Thomas splint in patients who were between 6-9 years old at onset of the disease with Herring group B involvement. It is hard to say whether the good results were stemmed from having good prognosis of these patients, or stemmed from positive effect of using brace on treatment.

Treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans with a tendon graft: a case report.

A 14-year-old girl who was engaged in farming was admitted with the complaints of right elbow pain and limited range of motion in the elbow joint. Plain radiograph revealed capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. After the loose fragment was removed from the capitellum and the defect was curetted, a palmaris longus tendon graft harvested from the same hand was implanted into the capitellar defect. Elbow joint was immobilized for three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that tendon graft was successfully adapted into defect. The range of motion was preserved and she had no pain in the elbow joint. In conclusion, we suggest that tendon autograft can be used in the treatment of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

Comparison between conservative and surgical treatment in Perthes disease.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of conservative and surgical treatment in a homogeneous group constituted by patients between 6 and 8 years of age at onset of the Perthes disease with Herring B involvement. METHODS: Twenty-seven hips of 25 patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of treatment type. In group I [16 hips of 14 patients], hips were treated conservatively using Thomas splints. The mean follow-up period was 21.5 (10-25) years. In group II [11 patients], hips were treated surgically using femoral osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 (8-20) years. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of Stulberg classification, but surgically treated patients had more varus angle, more shortening, and more trochanteric overgrowth compared with the braced group. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical treatment with a brace is a reliable alternative to surgical treatment in Perthes disease between 6 and 8 years of age at onset with Herring B involvement. However, we could not know whether the good results were influenced by the brace or stemmed from having good prognosis of these patients.

[Effects of human amniotic fluid on posterolateral spinal fusion: an experimental preliminary study]. / Insan amniyon sivisinin posterolateral spinal füzyon üzerindeki etkileri: Deneysel bir ön çalisma.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of human amniotic fluid on posterolateral spinal fusion were investigated in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight 20-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study. The subjects were divided into two main groups as the control group and the amniotic fluid group. Posterolateral spinal fusion was performed by using autografts in all groups whereas 0.3 ml of centrifuged human amniotic fluid was added to the fusion area in amniotic fluid groups. Groups were further divided into subgroups each including seven rats and evaluated radiologically and histologically at the third and sixth weeks. RESULTS: The radiological fusion observed in the amniotic fluid group was significant at the sixth week when compared to that in the control group. The histological fusion quality was significant in the amniotic fluid groups both at the third and sixth weeks when compared to the control groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that human amniotic fluid enhances posterolateral spinal fusion. We believe that the growth factors and hyaluronic acid present in the amniotic fluid played a role in this result.

Radiological evaluation of combined valgus extension osteotomy and tectoplasty for the treatment of Herring group C Perthes patients.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the results of combined proximal femoral valgus extension osteotomy and tectoplasty in the treatment of Herring group C Perthes disease with hinge abduction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in 11 male patients who underwent combined proximal femoral valgus extension osteotomy and tectoplasty for hinge abduction related to Perthes disease between January 2002 and February 2009. All patients were assessed as group C according to the Herring lateral pillar classification. The mean age at the time of surgery was nine years and one month with an age range of six years to 11 years and two months. All patients had pain and hinge abduction preoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 65 months (range 26 to 111 months). In the patients who received a proximal valgus extension osteotomy and tectoplasty, the postoperative femoral head containment was significantly increased radiographically. The postoperative femoral head containment was evaluated on radiographs which were taken one and three months after the surgery. After healing of the osteotomy, one-year and final control graphies were evaluated. We carried out a comprehensive evaluation of preoperative and postoperative radiographs that included measuring; subluxation ratio, femoral head coverage ratio, femoral head size ratio, Sharp's angle, CE (center-edge) angle, neck-shaft angle, caput index and acetabular depth index. Consequently there were significant radiographic healing and improvements from time of initial follow-up to final follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that, in the short-term, combined valgus extension osteotomy and tectoplasty relived pain and corrected deformity in patients with hinge abduction. As growth continues the remodelling of hip joint is influenced in a positive way.

A comparison of intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine for pain control and outpatient status after an arthroscopic knee surgery under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia.

Effective pain control is important after an outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery to permit early discharge and improve outcome. The aim of this study was to compare intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine with placebo for postoperative pain control and outpatient status after a knee arthroscopic surgery under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia. After obtaining the ethic committee's approval and written informed consents from 60 adult outpatients undergoing knee arthroscopy, patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study. All patients received spinal anaesthesia with 1.4 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. Patients were randomly divided into three groups as morphine (group M, n =20), bupivacaine (group B, n = 20), and placebo (group C, n = 20). After the surgical procedure, patients received one of the following solutions intraarticularly in a double-blinded randomized manner: 5 mg morphine in 20 ml saline, 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, or 20 ml saline. Postoperative pain was assessed using a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Patient characteristics, hemodynamic values, sensory and motor blocks, VAS values, rescue analgesics, discharge time, and patient satisfaction were recorded. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, surgery and tourniquet time, hemodynamic values, and sensory and motor blocks. The VAS values at 30, 60, and 90 min were similar among the three groups. The VAS values at rest and during move were higher in group C than in groups M and B at 120, 150, 180 min, and 24 h (P < 0.001). There was no difference in VAS values between the groups M and B. Rescue analgesics used and discharge time were significantly different in the placebo group when compared to groups M and B (P < 0.001). Side effects were similar among the groups. Patient satisfaction scores were high in the groups M and B. Administration of 5 mg morphine and 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine intraarticularly provides better pain relief and shorter discharge time without increasing the side effects than placebo for an outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery performed under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia.

The effect of Hirudoid on random skin-flap survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: One of the main fields of research in flap surgery is to increase the viability of flaps. Many materials have been tested for this purpose. This study shows that topical application of Hirudoid, an organoheparinoid, increases flap survival of dorsal flaps in rats. METHODS: Hirudoid was used topically every day in eight of 16 rats in which 10x3-cm dorsal flaps were prepared. The flaps were taken for analysis on the 10th day. Analysis of the flaps was performed using digital measurement and scintigraphy. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that the flap necrosis area was smaller in the Hirudoid group compared to the control group. In addition, the area exhibiting radioactive uptake in scintigraphy was greater in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Topical administration of Hirudoid may significantly improve flap survival.