A novel sliding double flexible intramedullary nail technique for the management of lower extremity long bone fractures and deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the sliding double flexible intramedullary nail technique (SDFIN) in managing lower extremity long bone fractures and deformities in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) based on radiographic measurements. This study was conducted involving type III or IV Silence OI patients who underwent treatment with SDFIN for fractures, deformity correction, or previous device failure. The surgical technique involved the insertion of two straight flexible intramedullary nails in each bone segment, with one inserted from the caudal epiphysis and the other from the proximal region. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 62.8 ±â€…20.3 months. Among the 33 lower extremity long bone segments treated with SDFIN, revision was required in 12 segments, resulting in an overall complication rate of 51.5%. Complications included nail migrations observed in 10 cases, decreased joint range of motion in seven, refractures and malrotations in five, nail fracture, and nail extrusion in one case were observed. The femur group had a complication rate of 50%, while the tibia group had a rate of 53.3%. The SDFIN technique demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in managing leg fractures and deformities in OI patients. The technique showed comparable results to newly designed Faisser-Duval rods at a lower cost. Further research and refinement of the technique are necessary to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Outcomes of Repair and Reconstruction of the Acute Posterolateral Corner Injuries of the Knee Combined with Cruciate Ligaments Injuries.

Background: This study aimed to report objective and subjective knee stability scores for patients who underwent acute repair of avulsed posterolateral corner (PLC) structures or acute reconstruction of midsubstance tears combined with delayed reconstruction of cruciate ligaments. Methods: A total of 48 sport and vehicle accident traumatic patients were enrolled in a three-year follow-up study. The patients were investigated by clinical exams, subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and stress imaging. All scores were compared between the reconstruction and repair groups. Results: Subjective IKDC scores were obtained at 83.3±9.6 and 88.3±4.39 for the reconstruction and repair groups, respectively. Only two patients in the reconstruction group had abnormal objective IKDC scores. Based on the Tegner score, 15 out of 18 patients in the repair group and 20 out of 24 patients in the reconstruction group regained their pre-injury functional level. Mean Lysholm scores for the reconstruction and repair groups were estimated at 83.4±8.2 and 88.2±4.1, respectively. Mean lateral joint opening differences between two knees in the reconstruction and repair groups were -0.2±0.1mm and 0.5±0.1mm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups outcomes. We had no failure of treatment at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Acute intervention within 3 weeks after PLC injuries combined with delayed cruciate ligaments reconstructions showed favorable outcomes. Both repair and reconstruction are effective when deciding based on the type of injury (i.e., avulsion and midsubstance tear).

Palmar approach for fixation of metacarpal fractures.

Between 2018 and 2020, 14 patients with closed metacarpal fractures requiring open reduction were operated on via a palmar approach. Reduction and fixation were done with screws or plates. We assessed range of motion, grip strength, Mayo score, possible nerve damage and cosmesis. The range of motion and grip strength were fully restored by 6 months after operation. Transient paraesthesiae in the digital nerve territory occurred in two patients and had resolved by 3 months. In selected patients the palmar approach for metacarpal shaft fractures can provide satisfactory cosmesis and function of the hand. This method can be useful in patients with history of hypertrophic scarring or in patients who would prefer to avoid a visible scar on the dorsum of the hand.Level of evidence: IV.

Platelet-Rich Plasma-Derived Growth Factor vs Hyaluronic Acid Injection in the Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A One Year Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed at performing a comparison between intra-articular injections of PRP-derived growth factor (PGRF) and hyaluronic acid regarding their effect on pain and patient's function in knee osteoarthritis, as well as their safety profiles. METHODS: During our single-masked randomized clinical trial, the candidates with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis received two intra-articular injections of PRGF with 3 weeks apart or received three weekly injections of HA. The mean improvements from before treatment until the second, sixth, and twelfth months post-intervention in scores obtained by visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Lequesne index were our primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 102 candidates were finally included in the study. Patients' mean age was 57.08±7.3 years old in the PRGF group compared to the mean age of 58.63±7.09 years old in HA patients. In the PRGF group, total WOMAC index decreased from 41.96±11.71 to 27.10±12.3 (P = 0.02), and from 39.71±10.4 to 32.41±11.8 in the HA group after 12 months (P > 0.05). Regarding the Lequesne index, pain, ADL, and global scores significantly decreased after 12 months in the PRGF group compared to the HA group (P<0.001). There was also a meaningful higher rate of satisfaction in the PRGF group compared to the HA group after 12 months of treatment (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Besides significantly higher satisfaction belonging to the PRGF group, there was a statistically significant improvement in VAS score and global, pain, and ADL score of Lequesne by passing 12 months from injection in PRGF compared to HA.

Predictive Factors Associated with Anterolateral Ligament Injury in the Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear.

BACKGROUND: The earlier studies did not assess the associated factors of anterolateral ligament injury, comprehensively. We sought to evaluate the independent predictive factors of anterolateral ligament injury in the patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear. Ultrasound scan has an emerging role in the diagnosis of anterolateral ligament injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 198 patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear in this study. All the patients underwent knee ultrasound scan to diagnose the anterolateral ligament injury. The potential predictive factors of anterolateral ligament injury were compared between the patients with anterolateral ligament injury and the patients with the intact anterolateral ligament. RESULTS: In all the patients, the anterolateral ligament was seen in the tibial and femoral portions using the ultrasound scan. One hundred and ten patients (55.6%) had anterolateral ligament injury and the anterolateral ligament was intact in 88 patients (44.4%). The lateral collateral ligament injury was significantly associated with the anterolateral ligament injury (p < 0.001). In addition, the iliotibial band injury had a significant relationship with the anterolateral ligament injury (p = 0.001). An increased lateral tibial slope was significantly associated with the anterolateral ligament injury (p = 0.031). Furthermore, the bone contusion of the lateral femoral condyle had a significant relationship with the anterolateral ligament injury (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The independent predictors of anterolateral ligament injury included the lateral collateral ligament injury, iliotibial band injury, bone contusion of the lateral femoral condyle, and an increased lateral tibial slope.

Minimally Invasive Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Gift Box Technique.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to introduce a modified technique for minimally invasive Achilles tendon (AT) rupture repair using gift box sutures. The preliminary clinical and functional outcomes were investigated among a number of patients. METHODS: In a consecutive case series study, 24 patients with acute AT rupture underwent modified minimally invasive AT repair using two mini-incisions and gift box sutures. The patients were followed up for 24 months. The AT rupture score (ATRS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) measure score were obtained from all patients. The other measured variables included pain intensity and satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS), calf atrophy, the range of sagittal ankle motion, development of wound complications, sural nerve injury, and re-rupture. RESULTS: After two years, the mean scores of AOFAS and ATRS were obtained at 83±4 and 81.9±6.3, respectively. Approximately 87.5 % of the patients regained their previous level of activity. The mean VAS score was 7.7±0.9 regarding the satisfaction with the outcomes. Moreover, isokinetic testing of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength were 82.7±5.8 and 87.7±4.1%, respectively, compared to those of the normal side. The calf atrophy was not statistically significant. In total, five patients reported pain during their activities. The range of operated ankle motion decreased significantly, compared to that of the other side; however, the differences were not significant functionally. There was no patient with wound complications, nerve injury, or complaint about problem with footwear. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive repair of acute AT rupture using two mini-incisions and gift box sutures offers good functional and clinical outcomes without wound complications which can be usually observed following open repair of AT ruptures.

Patient Satisfaction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison of Short-Term Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the obvious differences in the natural course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), different functional outcomes might be expected after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in these distinct patients. Although several studies have reported the objective outcome of TKA in RA and OA patients, few studies have compared post-operative patient-satisfaction levels. METHODS: In this clinical cohort study 171 patients (RA: n=33, OA: n=138) who underwent TKA with posterior stabilizing knee prosthesis were included. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were used to evaluate and compare patients' satisfaction 6 and 12 months after TKA relative to their preoperative state and to make an assessment between two groups. RESULTS: Both of patient-reported scoring systems showed a statistically significant improvement for OA and RA patients at 6 and 12 months after surgery, relative to their preoperative scores. The results of the OKS and KOOS did not show statistically significant improvement from 6 to 12 months n RA patients. Unlike RA group, OKS and KOOS revealed further improvement between 6 and 12 months for the osteoarthritic patients. CONCLUSION: OA patients had continuous improvement in their satisfaction in the first year after TKA with a gentle upward curve. In contrast, in RA patients, recovery was faster and greater in the first six months after surgery and slowed down in the second six months. Patient-reported outcome scores were not significantly different between two groups at the end of the first year.

Long- Stem Total Knee Arthroplasty for Proximal Tibial Stress Fractures in the Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: Presentation of proximal tibia stress fracture is not infrequent among elderly patients due to their poor bone stock. Optimal management of patients with severe gonarthrosis of the knee and concurrent tibial stress fracture is not known yet. In this study we report the outcome of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using stemmed components in elderly patients. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, a total of 16 elderly patients with proximal tibial stress fractures and concurrent gonarthrosis were treated with TKA using long stemmed components. The diagnosis of stress fractures was confirmed based on the radiographic changes. A standing alignment view was obtained for all patients preoperatively. Union of the fracture site was investigated using plain anteroposterior (AP) and lateral leg x-rays. RESULTS: All patients experienced significant relieve of symptoms. The Knee Society score and Knee Society functional score averaged 86±4 and 85±6, respectively. The mean arc of motion of the knee was 118°±2° at the latest follow-up. All stress fractures resolved at a mean of 8.3±1.1 weeks. The medial proximal tibial angle was increased from 74.7°±5.7° preoperatively to 90.3°±1.1° (P<0.05) postoperatively. Tegner activity scale was increased from 2.1±1.3 to 3.4±0.9 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, patients with stress fracture of proximal tibia and concurrent gonarthrosis can be treated with primary TKA using stemmed components that may bypass the stress fracture and allow healing of the fracture.

The Outcomes of Pilon Fracture Treatment: Primary Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Two-stage Approach.

BACKGROUND: Pilon fracture is one of the challenging injuries in orthopedic surgery. Associated soft tissue injury is an important factor in choosing treatment options. Two major methods of treatment are considered as one-stage open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and two-stage treatment (primary external fixation and secondary ORIF). The latter is most accepted in literature. In the current study, we compared the results of these two methods. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 41 patients were assigned to two groups containing one-stage primary ORIF (21 patients) group, and two-stage group included external fixation and secondary ORIF (20 patients). The rate of infection (superficial or deep infection, osteomyelitis), malunion, nonunion, duration of hospital stay, neurovascular injury, pain intensity, and patients' satisfaction with AOFAS score, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in measured variables except hospital stay which was significantly longer for the two-stage group. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we recommend using one stage ORIF for a patient with Pilon fractures type C and Tscherne 1, 2 if the patient is planned to be operated on during the first 24 hours after the injury.

Surgical Management of Tibial Plateau Fractures With 3.5 mm Simple Plates.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures can be successfully fixed utilizing 3.5 mm locking plates. However, there are some disadvantages to using these plates. OBJECTIVES: In the current prospective study, we investigated the outcome of treating different types of tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple plates which, to our knowledge, has not been evaluated in previous studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013, 32 patients aged 40 ± 0.2 years underwent open reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple plates. The patients were followed for 16.14 ± 2.1 months. At each patient's final visit, the articular surface depression, medial proximal tibial angle, and slope angle were measured and compared with measurements taken early after the operation. The functional outcomes were measured with the WOMAC and Lysholm knee scores. RESULTS: The mean union time was 13 ± 1.2 weeks. The mean knee range of motion was 116.8° ± 3.3°. The mean WOMAC and Lysholm scores were 83.5 ± 1.8 and 76.8 ± 1.6, respectively. On the early postoperative and final X-rays, 87.5% and 84% of patients, respectively, had acceptable reduction. Medial proximal tibial and slope angles did not change significantly by the last visit. No patient was found to have complications related to the type of plate. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series study, the fixation of different types of tibial plateau fractures with 3.5 mm simple non-locking and non-precontoured plates was associated with acceptable clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes. Based on the advantages and costs of these plates, the authors recommend using 3.5 mm simple plates for different types of tibial plateau fractures.