Outcome after the surgical treatment of the Dubberley type B distal humeral capitellar and trochlear fractures with a buttress plate.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of the surgical treatment performed with a buttress plate for the trochlear and distal capitellum fractures with posterior extension in the humerus. METHODS: The data belonging to 6 female and 4 male patients with a mean age of 43.8±11.1 (34-72) years were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 59.6±38.79 (22-127) months. The trochlear extension and posterior comminution of the fractures were assessed through the initial X-rays and computerized tomography images. Ten patients were classified as Dubberley type B. All fractures were treated surgically, with open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral buttress plate, headless cannulated screws, and Kirschner (K)-wires. The passive flexion and extension exercises were initiated at the first postoperative day. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at the final follow-up. The outcomes were quantified using the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and the patient's opinion. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the mean elbow flexion was 137.5°±3° (132°-140°), extension was -17.9°±9.2° (10°-35°), pronation was 72.2°±2.6° (68°-75°), and supination was 78.9°±4.09 (72°-85°). The mean MEPI score was calculated as 95.5±5.98 (85-100). According to the MEPI score, 8 patients were evaluated as excellent and 2 as good. The mean VAS pain score was 0.8±1.03 (0-2). The subjective patient evaluation was recorded as excellent in 5 patients, good in 3 patients, and moderate in 2 patients. One patient developed avascular necrosis and 2 patients had elbow joint arthrosis. K-wire migration was observed in one patient. Loss of reduction, nonunion, malunion, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or heterotopic ossification were not encountered. CONCLUSION: The management of distal humeral fractures is challenging, and favorable outcomes are closely associated with early joint motion. A solid fixation grants early mobilization. An internal fixation using lateral buttress plate, headless cannulated screws, and interfragmentary K-wires provides a solid and secure construction that allows early postoperative joint motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Functional outcome of reverse shoulder tumor prosthesis in the treatment of proximal humerus tumors.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of proximal humerus tumors with reverse shoulder arthroplasty with allograft augmentation is still controversial. A tumor prosthesis represents a proven solution for such osseous defects. We investigated the functional results of patients who underwent reverse shoulder tumor prosthesis (RSTP) without the use of allograft after resection of a proximal humerus tumor. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 10 patients with malignant proximal humerus tumors who had undergone RSTP, with a mean follow-up period of 18.2 months (range, 6-27 months). The average age of the patients was 49.4 years. The mean resection length was 10.2 cm (range, 6-16 cm). The tumor prosthesis was preferred for the humeral component. Released rotator cuff muscles were reattached to the prosthesis with nonabsorbable sutures. RESULTS: The mean active forward flexion was 96° (range, 30°-160°), the mean active abduction was 88° (range, 30°-160°), and the mean active external rotation was 13° (range, 0°-20°). The mean Constant-Murley score was 53.7%. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 26.2. The mean visual analog scale score was 1.3. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 78.1%. None of our patients have shown local recurrence or infection signs in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Functionally satisfying results and a stable shoulder can be achieved by reverse shoulder arthroplasty without the need for an allograft. An intact abductor mechanism with a shorter resection humerus length produced good results. The treatment of malignant proximal humerus tumors with RSTP is an alternative that minimizes surgery time and complexity.

Medium-term natural history of subacromial impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the factors that affect the natural course of subacromial impingement syndrome in patients without rotator cuff tears. METHODS: In total, 63 patients were included. During the first evaluation, we recorded each patient's age, gender, profession, body mass index (BMI), hand dominance, alcohol and tobacco consumption, comorbidities, causative event of pain, presence of a functional limitation, duration of symptoms, shoulder scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant-Murley, and visual analog scale), history of subacromial steroid injections, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classification. A subacromial lidocaine injection test was performed to confirm the diagnosis, and patients were initially treated conservatively. Of the 63 patients, 7 underwent a subsequent surgical procedure. We recalled the patients and questioned them about recurrences. According to their answers, the patients were grouped as follows: group 1, no recurrence; group 2, relapsing course; and group 3, chronic course. We compared the groups regarding the factors proposed to affect the course of the disease. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 8.45 ± 0.9 years. There were no significant differences regarding gender, profession, hand dominance, alcohol consumption, smoking, comorbidities, causative event of pain, visual analog scale score, or history of subacromial steroid injections between groups. The patients in group 1 were significantly younger than those in group 2 (P = .038). The mean BMI value of the group 1 patients was significantly lower than that of the group 3 patients (P = .034). Patients with a functional limitation besides pain tended to have a relapsing course. The Constant-Murley and ASES scores were significantly higher for patients in group 1 than for patients in group 2 (P = .024 and P = .041, respectively). The duration of symptoms was significantly shorter (<3 months) in group 1 (P = .001). Most of the patients in group 1 had reversible changes on MRI (P = .038). CONCLUSION: In our study, younger age, lower BMI, more functional capacity, a shorter symptomatic period, reversible changes on MRI, and higher Constant and ASES scores at the first evaluation were good prognostic factors.

Results of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation after a mean 22.4 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional and cosmetic results as well as the sagittal and coronal plane remodeling of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: In total, 49 patients (11 boys and 38 girls) with Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures treated with open reduction and cross-pin fixation were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 22.4 years (range, 10.6-37.5 years). The Flynn criteria were used to assess the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Baumann's angle, the lateral rotational percentage, the humerus-elbow-wrist angle, and the humeral condylar angle were obtained from follow-up radiographs. The flexion and extension deficits compared with the uninjured side were measured at the last follow-up. RESULTS: According to the Flynn criteria, the cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in 93.9% of the patients, and the functional outcomes were satisfactory in 83.7% of the patients. The average flexion deficit was 5° ± 8°, and the average extension deficit was 4° ± 5°. At the final follow-up, the mean difference in the humerus-elbow-wrist angle and the humeral condylar angle between the injured and uninjured sides was -4° ± 7° and 0° ± 3°. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the remodeling in the sagittal plane in supracondylar humerus fractures that had been united in flexion. Satisfactory functional and cosmetic results were obtained with the open reduction and internal fixation of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus, and no degenerative changes were observed at the long-term follow-up.

Intraarticular injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma) for the knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex "whole joint" disease pursued by inflammatory mediators, rather than purely a process of "wear and tear". Besides cartilage degradation, synovitis, subchondral bone remodeling, degeneration of ligaments and menisci, and hypertrophy of the joint capsule take parts in the pathogenesis. Pain is the hallmark symptom of OA, but the extent to which structural pathology in OA contributes to the pain experience is still not well known. For the knee OA, intraarticular (IA) injection (corticosteroids, viscosupplements, blood-derived products) is preferred as the last nonoperative modality, if the other conservative treatment modalities are ineffective. IA corticosteroid injections provide short term reduction in OA pain and can be considered as an adjunct to core treatment for the relief of moderate to severe pain in people with OA. IA hyaluronic acid (HA) injections might have efficacy and might provide pain reduction in mild OA of knee up to 24 wk. But for HA injections, the cost-effectiveness is an important concern that patients must be informed about the efficacy of these preparations. Although more high-quality evidence is needed, recent studies indicate that IA platelet rich plasma injections are promising for relieving pain, improving knee function and quality of life, especially in younger patients, and in mild OA cases. The current literature and our experience indicate that IA injections are safe and have positive effects for patient satisfaction. But, there is no data that any of the IA injections will cause osteophytes to regress or cartilage and meniscus to regenerate in patients with substantial and irreversible bone and cartilage damage.

Rotational malalignment after closed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures and its influence on daily life.

BACKGROUND: Any intraoperative rotational malalignment during intramedullary nailing (IMN) of femoral shaft fractures will become permanent. We hypothesized that rotational malalignment of the femur and its compensatory biomechanics may induce problems in the hip, knee, patellofemoral and ankle joints. We purposed to clarify the influence of a femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° on daily activities. METHODS: Twenty-four femoral shaft fracture patients treated with closed antegrade IMN were included. At last follow-up, to reveal any rotational malalignment, computerized tomography (CT) scans of both femurs (injured and uninjured sides) were examined. The patient groups with or without CT-detected true rotational malalignment ≥10° were compared with respect to the activity scores. RESULTS: Ten of the 24 patients (41.7%) had a CT-detected true rotational malalignment of ≥10° compared with the unaffected side. The AOFAS scores were 100.00 for all of the patients. LKS, WOMAC knee, and WOMAC hip scores were significantly decreased in the patients with rotational malalignment compared to those without. Patients without rotational malalignment tolerated climbing stairs significantly better than those with rotational malalignment. Patients who could not tolerate climbing stairs were consistently complaining of anterior knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: A femoral rotational malalignment of ≥10° is symptomatic for the patients, and the hip, knee, and patellofemoral joints were affected. Because of the possibly altered joint loadings and biomechanics, these could render patients prone to degenerative joint disease. In addition, due to the high rates of rotational malalignment after femoral shaft fracture and consequent malpractice claims, it is important for surgeons to be more aware of rotational alignment during surgery.

Bipolar or unipolar hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fracture in the geriatric population.

BACKGROUND: The choice of prosthesis in hemiarthroplasty is controversial for geriatric patients after femoral neck fracture. We hypothesised that selection criteria for unipolar or bipolar prostheses could be constructed based on factors affecting mortality. AIMS: THE AIMS OF THIS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY WERE: (1) to determine the factors affecting mortality of femoral neck fracture patients ≥65 years of age; (2) to compare patient mortality rates, radiological findings, and functional outcomes according to prosthesis type (unipolar or bipolar); and (3) to evaluate the persistence of inner bearing mobility of bipolar prostheses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. METHODS: In total, 144 patients operated for hemiarthroplasty and aged ≥65 were included. We classified the patients into either unipolar or bipolar prosthesis groups. To reveal factors that affected mortality, age, sex, delay in surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were obtained from folders. Barthel Daily Living, Harris hip, and acetabular erosion scores were calculated and bipolar head movement was analysed for live patients. RESULTS: One-year mortality was 31.94%. Age ≥75 (p=0.029), male sex (p=0.048), and delay in surgery ≥6 (p=0.004) were the patient characteristics that were related to increased mortality. There were no significant differences in sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, delay in surgery, mortality, or Barthel, Harris, acetabulum scores between the two groups. Twenty patients from each group were admitted for last follow-up. Bipolar head movement was preserved for 33.3% of patients. They were inactive patients with low Barthel and Harris scores. CONCLUSION: Although bipolar head movement was preserved in inactive patients, we suppose that this conferred no advantage to these patients, who could hardly walk. In this study, male patients, those aged ≥75 years, and those operated at ≥6 days had an increased risk of mortality. Also, although not significant in multivariate analysis, high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (≥3) was related to increased mortality. Considering that one of three patients died during the first postoperative year, we think that these patients should be operated as soon as possible, and expensive bipolar prostheses must be used selectively in regard to patient characteristics.

Hip fracture mortality: is it affected by anesthesia techniques?

We hypothesized that combined peripheral nerve block (CPNB) technique might reduce mortality in hip fracture patients with the advantage of preserved cardiovascular stability. We retrospectively analyzed 257 hip fracture patients for mortality rates and affecting factors according to general anesthesia (GA), neuraxial block (NB), and CPNB techniques. Patients' gender, age at admission, trauma date, ASA status, delay in surgery, followup period, and Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index were determined. There were no differences between three anesthesia groups regarding to sex, followup, delay in surgery, and Barthel score. NB patients was significantly younger and CPNB patients' ASA status were significantly worse than other groups. Mortality was lower for regional group (NB + CPNB) than GA group. Mortality was increased with age, delay in surgery, and ASA and decreased with CPNB choice; however, it was not correlated with NB choice. Since the patients' age and ASA status cannot be changed, they must be operated immediately. We recommend CPNB technique in high-risk patients to operate them earlier.

Intraoperative estimation of femoral anteversion in cementless total hip arthroplasty using the lesser trochanter.

INTRODUCTION: The intraoperative estimation of the anteversion of the femoral component of a total hip arthroplasty is generally made by the surgeon's visual assessment of the stem position relative to the condylar plane of the femur. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the femoral component anteversion relative to lesser trochanter during cementless total hip arthroplasty. The intraoperative estimation of the anteversion of the femoral component of a total hip arthroplasty is generally made by the surgeon's visual assessment of the stem position relative to the condylar plane of the femur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the femoral component anteversion relative to lesser trochanter during cementless total hip arthroplasty. METHOD: The authors investigated the version of the lesser trochanter (LTV) relative to the posterior femoral condyles. Fifty-seven patients (59 hips) scheduled for primary cementless total hip arthroplasty underwent preoperative computed tomography and it was measured the LTV and collo-femoral version at the level of the proximal-most portion of the inferior neck, with respect to the lesser trochanter (native collo-trochanteric angle, NCTA). During surgery, the operative collo-trochanteric angle (OCTA) was measured. RESULTS: The mean LTV was 34.1 ± 3.0°, the mean NCTA was 49.1 ± 5.6°, and the mean OCTA was 48.8 ± 6.0°, which did not differ significantly from the NCTA (p = 0.495); the correlation coefficient was 0.872 (p < 0.0001). Based on the data, there was a constant relationship between the lesser trochanter and posterior femoral condyles and a good correlation between NCTA and OCTA. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend first estimating the anteversion of the femoral component relative to lesser trochanter and then adjusting the position of the acetabular component to that anteversion of the femoral component to improve stability and reduce impingement.

The results of conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations.

OBJECTIVES: Closed reduction followed by short-time immobilization is the generally accepted treatment for simple elbow dislocations. However, the number of studies concerning the results of this method is limited. In this study, the clinical and radiographic results of conservatively treated simple elbow dislocations were retrospectively evaluated. METHODS: The study included 21 patients (16 males, 5 females) who underwent closed reduction and immobilization for simple elbow dislocations. Simple dislocations were defined as non-fracture dislocations and dislocations accompanied by minor avulsion fractures that did not require additional surgery or immobilization. The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 35 years (range 16 to 59 years). All the patients had posterior dislocations. Eleven patients (52.4%) had minor avulsion fractures. Following closed reduction, a plaster splint and hinged brace were used in four (19.1%) and 17 (81%) patients, respectively. Incremental active and passive motions were started at the end of the first week in patients in whom a brace was used. The mean duration of brace use was 27 ± 16 days. Patients using a plaster splint were immobilized for three weeks. The patients were assessed clinically with respect to range of motion, instability, and neurologic findings after a mean follow-up period of 34 months (range 12 to 99 months). Functional assessments included the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Broberg-Morrey Functional Rating Index (BMFRI). Standard elbow anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were examined for concentric reduction and signs of degeneration and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: Compared to the normal side, the degrees of flexion, extension, flexion arc, and pronation were significantly decreased in dislocated elbows (p<0.05), while the degrees of supination and rotational arc were similar. There was no muscular atrophy. Four patients (19.1%) had residual instability and six patients (28.6%) had mild to moderate neurological complaints that were primarily related to the ulnar nerve. Three patients complained of mild pain, and one patient complained of moderate pain at rest. Radiographic assessment showed mild degeneration in three patients (14.3%), and mild to moderate heterotopic ossification in 14 patients (66.7%). Patients with and without heterotopic ossification did not differ significantly with respect to the values of joint range of motion. The mean MEPS and BMFRI scores were 96.9 and 97.7, respectively. The scores of both systems were excellent in 20 patients (95.2%) and moderate in one patient (4.8%). The majority of the patients (81%) reported complaints about their elbows including sensation of stiffness in the elbow, pain during strenuous work or sports activities, and limitation of movement. Only four patients (19.1%) reported a feeling of full recovery. CONCLUSION: Although closed reduction with short-term immobilization is a universally accepted method for simple elbow dislocations with excellent functional scores, it is associated with significant limitations in joint movements and a great majority of patients do not consider themselves fully recovered.

Treatment of hallux valgus by modified McBride procedure: a 6-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Surgical decision-making was reevaluated by comparison with an algorithm designed to analyze treatment of hallux valgus deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified McBride procedure was performed on 52 feet of 35 patients with hallux valgus deformity. From this series, 36 feet of 21 patients were evaluated preoperatively, early postoperatively, and late postoperatively by means of subjective evaluation and clinical and radiological findings. RESULTS: The hallux valgus angle preoperatively, early postoperatively, and late postoperatively was 32.7 +/- 8.5 degrees, 10.1 +/- 6.9 degrees, and 20.6 +/- 9.5 degrees, respectively. Hallux valgus recurrence of 72.2% was observed. Subjective results were better and the patients rated their satisfaction with the procedure as excellent or high in 23 cases (63.9%) and moderate, low, or unsatisfactory in 13 cases (36.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This level of patient satisfaction demonstrates that the McBride procedure is an efficient approach for eliminating pain due to hallux valgus deformity.

Predictors of mortality in elderly patients with an intertrochanteric or a femoral neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed 112 intertrochanteric femur fracture patients and 136 femoral neck fracture patients to determine mortality rates and factors affecting mortality. Internal fixation is the standard treatment method for intertrochanteric femur fracture patients in our institute, and arthroplasty, as a treatment choice, shows an increase in mortality rates. We wanted to convey if there was any decrease in mortality rate of intertrochanteric femur fracture patients when compared with femoral neck fracture patients who were almost always treated with arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients' age at admission, trauma date, delay until surgery, comorbidities, operation durations, anesthesia, and treatment types were evaluated by patients' folders. All preoperative and postoperative radiographs checked over for treatment type. Patients' recent health and activity status were determined by telephone interview. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mortality rates between patients of two fracture types. Treatment type, anesthesia type, and sex were significant predictors in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, only age and delay in surgery identified as predictors of mortality, age was the most significant. Although intertrochanteric femur fracture patients were significantly older than femoral neck fracture patients, the estimated mean survival time was higher for intertrochanteric femur fracture patients (57.9 months) than for femoral neck fracture patients (48.8 months). CONCLUSION: We think that, in addition to the shorter delay in surgery, internal fixation choice led to decrease the mortality rate of intertrochanteric femur fracture patients. In conclusion, to decrease the mortality rate after hip fracture, since age and sex cannot be changed, needless delays in surgery should be avoided. Also, we recommend internal fixation and regional anesthesia to decrease the mortality rate.

[Long-term results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis]. / Juvenil romatoid artrit hastaliginda total kalça artroplastisinin uzun dönem sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS: The study included 37 hips of 23 patients (22 females, 1 male; mean age 22 years; range 17 to 30 years) who underwent THA for hip degeneration secondary to JRA. All arthroplasties were performed through an anterolateral approach by the same senior surgeon. The mean body surface of the patients was 1.5 m2 (range 1.1 to 1.7 m2) and the mean symptom duration to surgery was 12 years (range 7 to 16 years). Twenty-three hips received cemented, 14 hips received hybrid prostheses. In seven hips with an extremely narrow femoral medulla and shallow acetabulum, a CDH prosthesis was used. The hips were evaluated using the Harris hip score. Prosthetic loosening and displacement and heterotopic bone formation were assessed on follow-up radiographs. The mean follow-up period was 135 months (range 58 to 212 months). RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score increased from 27.2 (range 11 to 69) to 79.5 (range 37 to 87) postoperatively. At final follow-ups, all the patients were satisfied with the outcome and were able to walk without support. Three hips (8.1%; 3 patients) required revision. The overall Kaplan-Meier implant survival rate was 86.5%. There were no significant correlations between the Harris hip score and radiographic loosening and the presence of calcification around the prosthesis. Heterotopic bone formation of grade I was observed in 17 hips (46%). CONCLUSION: Even though it is performed at young ages, THA considerably improves quality of life of patients with JRA having hip joint involvement and has a comparable implant survival.

The coracoacromial ligament: the morphology and relation to rotator cuff pathology.

We dissected 80 shoulders from 44 fresh cadavers to define variants of the coracoacromial ligament and their relationship to rotator cuff degeneration. The shapes and the geometric data of the ligaments were investigated, and the rotator cuffs of the cadavers were evaluated macroscopically. Five main types of coracoacromial ligaments were found: Y-shaped, broad band, quadrangular, V-shaped, and multiple-banded. The Y-shaped ligament was the most frequent type, with a frequency of 41.3%, and the V-shaped ligament (11.2%) has not been previously reported. Of the cadavers that were dissected bilaterally, 64% showed the same type of ligament. There was no statistical significance between rotator cuff degeneration and the type or geometric measurement of the ligament. However, the coracoacromial ligaments with more than 1 bundle showed significant association with rotator cuff degeneration with a longer lateral border and larger coracoid insertion.

[Brachial plexus neuropathy (stinger syndrome) occurring in a patient with shoulder laxity]. / Omuz laksitesi zemininde gelisen brakiyal pleksus nöropatisi (stinger sendromu): olgu sunumu.

The stinger syndrome is a common neuropathy caused by traction or compression of the brachial plexus. In general, it is seen in young adults involved in sport activities and a major contact trauma is the rule. An 11-year-old boy with bilateral glenohumeral joint laxity had pain in the left shoulder, numbness and decreased strength in the left arm that developed after striking against a wall while running, with the left shoulder in extension and the neck in minimal lateral flexion to the contralateral side. Physical examination showed extreme anteroinferior passive translocation of the humeral head in neutral rotation and a positive sulcus sign in the left shoulder. The diagnosis was made as brachial plexus neuropathy (stinger syndrome) resulting from traction trauma and shoulder joint laxity and a shoulder-arm brace was applied. After two weeks, atrophy was detected in the right deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles, and active and passive motion exercises of the shoulder were initiated. At the end of three months, he achieved normal range of motion of the shoulder and muscle strength.

[Isolated tuberculous tenosynovitis of the Achilles tendon: a report of two cases]. / Asil tendonunda izole tüberküloz tenosinovit: Iki olgu sunumu.

Tuberculous tenosynovitis involving the tendons of the feet is very rare. Isolated primary tuberculous tenosynovitis of the Achilles tendon was detected in two women aged 19 and 53 years, respectively. The younger patient had a swollen and painful Achilles tendon in the left foot. Complete excision of the lesion followed by antituberculous chemotherapy for six months resulted in complete improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed normal findings at the end of six months and no recurrence after 27 months of follow-up. The older patient had diabetes and was on cytostatic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. She had difficulty in squatting and climbing stairs due to swelling and pain in the right ankle. She underwent abscess drainage and excision of the cystic mass. Despite disappearance of symptoms in the affected ankle in the course of antituberculous chemotherapy, she died due to miliary tuberculosis in the sixth month. Tuberculous tenosynovitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients suffering from persistent swelling and pain in the hind foot.

Anatomic relationship between elbow arthroscopy portals and neurovascular structures in different elbow and forearm positions.

Twenty fresh cadaveric elbows were used to evaluate the proximity of neurovascular structures to the six arthroscopic portals of the elbow at different positions. After distention of the joint, 4-mm Steinmann pins were introduced into the elbow from the portal's entry points. After surgical dissection, the proximity of the neurovascular structures to the pins was measured in 5 different positions. The radial nerve showed significant proximity to the anterolateral portal in full elbow flexion, full elbow extension, and forearm supination with 10%, 20%, and 10% nerve-pin contacts, respectively. The distance between the median nerve and medial portals was significantly decreased with full extension. This study demonstrated that the distance between the route of the scope and neurovascular structures might diminish significantly during elbow motion. Most of these movements are unavoidable in elbow arthroscopy, but maintaining certain positions for a considerable period of time or angulating the scope forcefully in these positions can cause nerve injury.

[Treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients: internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty]. / Yaslilarda intertrokanterik femur kiriklarinin tedavisi: Internal tespit mi, hemiartroplasti mi?

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus as to whether internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty is more appropriate for the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. While the latter offers early mobilization, internal fixation preserves the hip joint and avoids long-term complications associated with the prosthesis. This retrospective study aimed to compare the early results of these treatment modalities. METHODS: The study included 81 patients who were available for follow-up after surgery for intertrochanteric femur fractures. Of 38 patients (mean age 77.7 years; range 65 to 99 years) treated with internal fixation, 25 were alive; of 43 patients (mean age 80 years; range 67 to 97 years) treated with hemiarthroplasty, 22 were alive at the last follow-ups. The two groups were compared with regard to perioperative characteristics, mobilization time, complications, mortality, and daily activities according to the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index. The mean follow-up was 22.7 months (range 6 to 39 months) in internal fixation, and 22.3 months (range 7 to 39 months) in hemiarthroplasty groups. RESULTS: Subsequent to the operation, mortality occurred in 34.2% after a mean of 13 months (range 1 to 36 months) and in 48.8% after a mean of six months (range 1 to 24 months) in patients treated with internal fixation and endoprosthesis, respectively. There were no significant differences with respect to mobilization in bed, standing, weight bearing without support, complications, and daily activity scores. The only significant difference in favor of hemiarthroplasty was that full weight bearing with two crutches took a shorter time (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term results suggest that hemiarthroplasty is not an advantageous alternative to internal fixation; moreover, its postoperative survival is shorter and mortality rate is higher. Osteosynthesis seems to be the first choice in the treatment of elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Arthroscopic microfracture treatment for osteonecrosis of the knee.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the results of arthroscopic subchondral microfracture performed on patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis (ON) (group 1) or secondary ON (group 2) of the knee joint. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Group 1 included 26 patients (mean age, 48 years) who had spontaneous ON. Group 2 included 15 patients (mean age, 32 years) with ON secondary to inflammatory disease or steroid therapy. Seventy-six percent of the chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle. The average defect sizes in group 1 was 162 mm2 and in group 2 was 362 mm2. After debridement of the necrotic tissues, multiple perforations were placed into the subchondral bone to obtain revascularization. RESULTS: There was an increase in the average Lysholm scores from 57 to 90 in group 1 after 27 months of mean follow-up (P < .05); 71% of patients could participate in strenuous sports with no or minimal limitation. The mean activity level in group 1 according to Cincinnati Knee Rating System was 6 preoperatively and 13.54 postoperatively. For group 2, the average scores showed significant improvement and patient satisfaction after surgery (preoperative and postoperative average Lysholm scores were 41 and 75, respectively, with mean follow-up of 37 months). Average activity level in group 2 increased from 2.67 to 11.73. Control magnetic resonance imaging scans of the cases revealed the continuity of normal cartilage with cartilage-like tissue in the treated areas. However, an increase of the size of ON in the subchondral bone was detected in 27% of the knees. CONCLUSIONS: The microfracture technique is safe, simple, and cost-effective, and may be an alternative procedure for treatment of ON of the knee, especially in young patients, before possible subsequent replacement surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.