The effect of surgical factors on recurrence of tendon sheath giant cell tumours.

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the impact of tumour-related and surgical factors on the recurrence of giant cell tumours of tendon sheath. A total of 95 patients were treated at our institution between February 2012 and March 2021. We identified the factors most likely to be associated with recurrence from evaluation of classification, neurovascular invasion, bone erosion and joint invasion. Based on these criteria, we identified 49 patients with a high risk of recurrence. Of the 95 patients, recurrence was observed in 17. Among the 49 patients classified as high-risk, 13 were found to have recurrence. This study demonstrates that recurrence is more common in the high-risk patient group.Level of evidence: IV.

Comparing the outcomes of tripod technique and locked plate fixation for the treatment of Mason type 3 radial head fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare functional outcomes and complication rates of tripod technique and locked plate fixation used in Mason type 3 radial head fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2019, a total of 27 patients (16 males, 11 females; median age: 43.2 years; range, 20 to 68 years) with Mason type 3 radial head fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to fixation method used. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients who were treated with tripod technique, and Group 2 consisted of 15 patients who were treated with locked plate fixation. Operation time, follow-up period, length of hospital stay, union time, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, range of motions and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The median time to bone union was 46.7 days in Group 1, which was significantly shorter than Group 2 (p<0.001). The median forearm pronation-supination arc was 123.75° (range, 30° to 180°) in Group 1 and was 94° (range, 45° to 180°) in Group 2. There was no significant difference in the forearm rotation between the groups. The median elbow flexion-extension arc was 99.17° (range, 65° to 130°) in Group 1 and was 80.33° (range, 30° to 130°) in Group 2. No statistically significant difference was found in the flexion-extension and pronation-supination arc degrees. There was no significant difference in the postoperative DASH scores between the groups (p=0.464). CONCLUSION: Our study results demonstrate that comparable results can be achieved in both techniques regarding functional outcome and range of motion. With a shorter union time and less complication rates, the tripod technique should be considered as the primary treatment method for the comminuted radial head fractures without a metaphyseal defect.

Comparison of Subungual Glomus Tumours in Terms of Nail Aesthetics and Recurrence According to Size and Location in the Germinal or Sterile Matrix.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effect of subungual glomus tumour size and localization in the germinal or sterile matrix on tumour recurrence and aesthetic outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 35 patients who underwent surgery for a subungual glomus tumour between February 2013 and February 2020, 26 patients - 17 women and 9 men - with 27 subungual glomus tumours fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average age was 37.3 (22-58) years. According to the patients' surgical notes and preoperative magnetic resonance images 14 tumours were located in the sterile, 13 in the germinal matrix, and the mean size of the glomus tumours located in the germinal matrix was 4.9±1.7 mm, in the sterile matrix 3.6±1.0 mm. At the postoperative 12th month follow-up visit nail aesthetic was evaluated objectively according to Zook's fingernail appearance scoring. In addition, patients were asked to evaluate the pain and nail appearance in the involved finger by VAS (Visual Analog Scale 0-10). Patients who experienced recurrence were noted. RESULTS: No significant Zook's fingernail appearance score differences were observed between germinal and sterile matrix groups (p=0.097). Comparison of VAS score for pain and VAS score for nail appearance between the two groups also yielded similar values (p=0.449 and 0.395, respectively). The recurrence rate was similar at both locations (p=0.557) with 3 recurrences in the germinal, and 2 in the sterile matrix group. There was no relation between tumour size, Zook's fingernail appearance score (p=0.874) and recurrence (p=0.784). The observed germinal matrix glomus tumours were significantly larger than the sterile matrix tumours (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Neither subungual glomus tumour size nor localization in the germinal or sterile matrices has different effects on nail appearance and recurrence.

Comparing the outcomes of fingertip-to-palm and fingertip-to-forearm two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction for isolated flexor digitorum profundus tendon injuries.

Flexor tendon injuries of the hand have devastating consequences when primary tendon repair fails or left untreated in the first place. Flexor tendon reconstruction is a substantial treatment option to obtain functional digit. In this study, we aimed to compare the functional outcomes and technical feasibility of fingertip-to-palm and fingertip-to-forearm tendon reconstruction methods. Thirty-five patients were divided into two groups according to the proximal attachment site of the free tendon grafts. Group I consisted of 18 patients whose tendon grafts were placed from fingertip-to-palm (zone III). Group II consisted of 17 patients whose tendon grafts were placed from fingertip-to-forearm (zone V). The mean of 39.6 months (range, 6-52 months) of follow-up with complete clinical data were obtained for all the cases. The mean length of the tendon grafts used in group I and group II was 9.7 ± 1.4 cm and 15.9 ± 1.2 cm, respectively. Significantly shorter tendon grafts were needed in group I (p < 0.001). Both mean DASH score and mean Michigan score were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between two groups based on postoperative DASH score (p = 0.112) and Michigan score (p = 0.151). No statistically significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of Strickland's scores (p = 0.868). This study demonstrates that comparable results can be obtained with fingertip-to-palm and fingertip-to-forearm staged tendon reconstructions. Fingertip-to-palm tendon reconstruction seems to be more advantageous when multiple flexor tendon injuries aimed to be reconstructed, in which requirement of tendon graft can be fulfilled with less donor site morbidity.Abbreviations: DASH: disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand.

Comparison of Distal Radius Autograft Technique with Iliac Crest Autograft Technique in Solitary Finger Enchondromas.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of autografts obtained from the iliac crest (IC) and distal radius (DR) and to evaluate their superiority for surgical treatment of solitary finger enchondromas. Methods: Twenty-five patients for whom curettage and autografting were carried out for finger enchondroma were retrospectively analyzed. DR autograft was used in eight patients and IC autograft was used in 17 patients. Data on pre-operative total active motion (TAM), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the involved finger, duration of surgery, amount of bleeding during the operation, length of hospital stay, presence of complications related to anesthesia, and post-operative donor site morbidity were obtained. Pre-operative and post-operative 12th month radiographies were evaluated for pre-operative tumor volume, post-operative remnant volume, and Tordai radiologic evaluation grade. Results: No statistically significant difference could be identified between post-operative TAM (p=0.154), DASH (p=0.458), pain VAS scores (p=0.571), remnant volume (p=0.496), Tordai radiologic evaluation grade (p=0.522), duration of surgery (p=0.288), and amount of bleeding (p=0.114) between DR and IC groups. However, mean hospital stay duration was shorter for the DR group (p=0.0001). Recurrence was observed in one patient in the DR group and three patients in the IC group (p=0.996). Conclusion: The clinical and radiological outcomes of grafting from the DR and IC were similar in the treatment of hand enchondromas. However, grafting from the DR may result in shorter hospital stay compared to IC grafting.

Clinical results of free vascularized fibula graft in the management of precollapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate clinical results, femoral head survival, and the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with precollapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) (Steinberg stage II and III) treated by free vascularized fibula graft (FVFG) application. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 54 hips of 47 patients (39 males, eight females; mean age 36 ± 14 years) who underwent FVFG due to OFH, with at least two years of follow-up. The patient data, including Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and conversion to THA, were documented. RESULTS: The right hip of 26 patients and the left hip of 28 patients were involved. Bilateral FVFG surgery was performed on seven patients due to bilateral OFH. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 (range 2-14) years. Survival of the femoral head was observed in 39 hips (72.2%), while the femoral head collapse was observed in 15 femoral heads (27.8%). The mean preoperative HHS increased from 46.5 (range=12-85) to 86.5 (range=33-100) postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative VAS score improved from 8.2 (range=2-10) to 1.3 (range=0-10) postoperatively (P < 0.001). THA was performed on seven hips at a mean follow-up time of 1.8 years (range=0.7-3.3). There was no significant difference in the collapse rate between unilateral or bilateral OFH (P=0.175). A higher survival rate was observed in the Steinberg stage II femoral head patients compared to the stage III femoral head (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that FVFG surgery can be a good option for managing patients with Steinberg stage II and III precollapse OFH to prevent femoral head collapse and joint function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Use of Corrective Ulnar Osteotomy and Radial Head Relocation Into Preserved Annular Ligament in the Treatment of Radiocapitellar Instability Secondary to Pediatric Chronic Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Opening-wedge osteotomy of the ulna restores normal ulnar length and corrects the angulation of the ulna in patients with chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations. In addition, this eases the reduction of the radial head. Morbidity caused by annular ligament reconstruction surgery can be prevented by preserving the intact annular ligament. After dilatation and mobilization of the annular ligament, reduction of the radial head can be accomplished. This study evaluated the effectiveness of corrective opening-wedge ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into the intact annular ligament in the treatment of radiocapitellar instability secondary to pediatric chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation. METHODS: Fourteen patients diagnosed with radial head dislocation associated with plastic deformation of the ulna or ulnar fracture were included in the study. Radiologic and clinical results of these patients who underwent corrective ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into an intact annular ligament were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 7.4 years (range, 3 years to 12 years). The average time between the injury and surgery was 19.1 months (median, 8 months; range, 3 months to 66 months); the average follow-up period was 28.7 months (range, 12 months to 60 months). The mean Kim score was 69.6 (range, 50 to 75) preoperatively and 92.9 (60 to 100) at last follow-up. According to Kim score, the results were considered excellent in 12 cases and poor in 2 cases. Radial head subluxation recurred in 2 separate cases. In addition, chondrolysis changes were seen in 1 case. Reduction loss and osteoarthritic changes in the radiocapitellar joint were considered poor results in follow-up radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective ulnar osteotomy and relocating the radial head into the intact annular ligament can be safely used for treating chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation cases without radial head and capitellum deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

A new custom-made plate preparation method for bony mallet finger treatment and a comparison with extension block technique.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to describe a new hook plate technique (HPT) and to compare our results with the conventional extension block technique (EBT) with a Kirschner wire (K-wire) for bony mallet finger treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2015 and January 2018, a total of 19 patients including 10 who were treated with EBT (7 males, 3 females; mean age: 30.1±7.3 years; range, 17 to 48 years) and nine who were treated with HPT (6 males, 3 females; mean age: 31.7±11.3 years; range, 19 to 42 years) for bony mallet finger with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint subluxation and/or fracture fragment larger than one-third of distal phalanx (Wehbe-Schneider type 1/b, 2/a, 2/b, 3/a) joint were retrospectively analyzed. The DIP range of motion (ROM), Warren and Crawford scores, time to return to work/daily activity, operation time, the number of fluoroscopy shots, cost and complications were compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the DIP ROM (p=0.708) and the Warren/Norris and Crawford scores (p=0.217 and p=0.175, respectively) between the two groups. Operation time and material cost were higher with HPT (p=0.006, p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of fluoroscopy shots (p=0.344). Although DIP joint motion was started at two weeks in the HPT group and at eight weeks in the EBT group, no significant difference was observed in the time of return to work and normal daily life in both groups (p=0.859). Complications were observed in two patients in the EBT group and in three patients in the HPT group. No significant difference in total complications was observed between the two groups (p=0.666). CONCLUSION: Bony mallet finger treatment with a custom-made hook plate prepared from 1.3-mm AO plates appeared to be clinically and radiologically similar to EBT. Additionally, HPT had the advantages of allowing early ROM to DIP joint and eliminating the need for a secondary surgery such as K-wire removal. On the other hand, hardware cost with HPT was higher than EBT.

Comparison of clinical and radiological results of fixation methods with retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire and plate-screw in extra-articular metacarpal fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of retrograde intramedullary Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 98 metacarpal shaft fractures in 75 patients (65 males, 10 females; mean age: 31.2±10.9 years; range, 16 to 65 years) were included between January 2011 and December 2017. The total joint active range of motion (AROM) and grip strength of the healthy and broken hands were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were recorded. We compared surgery duration, number of fluoroscopy images, and cost-effectiveness for each technique. RESULTS: The overall mean follow-up was 21.9 (range, 12 to 56) months. At the last follow-up, total joint AROM (p=0.072), VAS score (p=0.298), QuickDASH score (p=0.132), and hand grip strength (p=0.947) were similar between the groups. Radiological union occurred in the PS and K-wire groups in a mean of 5.84 (range, 3 to 8) and 4.46 (range, 3 to 20) weeks, respectively (p=0.173). A significant difference was found in surgery duration (p=0.021) and number of fluoroscopy images (p<0.05) between the PS and K-wire groups. Two wound complications were observed in the PS group and one with K-wires. CONCLUSION: Retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation has certain advantages such as being less invasive and more accessible with shorter operation time, compared to PS fixation. Similar radiological and clinical scores can be obtained in patients undergoing retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation or PS fixation.

A different option in vascular bone grafts in the hand and wrist region: Use of a dorsoulnar artery-based osteo-fascio-cutaneous flap: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe our surgery technique and discuss patients treated through the dorsoulnar artery (DUA)-based technique of osseous and osteo-fascio-cutaneous vascularized ulnar bone grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2015, six male patients (median age: 22.5 years; range, 20 to 24 years) who underwent surgery during which the technique of DUA ulnar bone graft was utilized. One patient with scaphoid nonunion, three patients with Kienböck's disease, and two patients with a traumatic metacarpal defect were retrospectively evaluated. The joint range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and radiographies before and after surgery were examined. Scintigraphy was performed at 12 weeks postoperatively to monitor the viability of the bone graft. RESULTS: All patients showed improvements in the ROM, grip strength, VAS, and DASH scores. According to the radiographic examination, bone union was achieved in all patients and the scintigraphy revealed that vascularization was detected in the bone tissue. CONCLUSION: The advantages of DUA-based vascularized bone graft are good bone quality and quantity and versatility due to its long pedicle. The osteo-fasio-cutaneous DUA flap seems to be effective in the treatment of traumatic metacarpal bone defects accompanied by skin loss. The DUA-based vascularized ulnar bone may be a source for scaphoid and lunate biological bone reconstruction.

Comparison of the Cost and Efficacy of Axillary Anesthesia and Wide-Awake Anesthesia in Finger Surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: Wide-awake anesthesia is a type of local anesthesia consisting of a combined application of lidocaine, epinephrine, and bicarbonate and has a wide potential in hand surgery as it offers the advantage of being applied without sedation and without using a tourniquet. In light of recent studies, its use has increased with the disappearance of the belief among surgeons that epinephrine can cause circulatory disturbance in fingers. METHODS: Patients with finger pathologies who were operated upon at the Baltalimani Bone Diseases Teaching and Research Hospital between January 2015 and February 2016 were divided into two groups according to anesthesia type: wide-awake anesthesia and axillary block anesthesia, with 52 patients in each group. Start time of surgery, length of hospital stay, anesthesia cost, and patient satisfaction were compared. For the evaluation of patient satisfaction, the patients were postoperatively asked whether they would accept the same anesthesia method if they had to have the same experience. Each group was further divided into two subgroups: bone interventions (phalangeal fracture, bone biopsy, implant removal, and interphalangeal joint arthrodesis) and soft tissue interventions (digital nerve repair, fingertip local skin flap, flap division, releasing stiff joint, ligament repair, and debridment). Each subgroup included 26 patients. RESULTS: Sufficient anesthesia to cover the whole duration of surgery was achieved in both the groups. Regarding the question "If you were experiencing the same experience, would you accept the same anesthesia again?" 26 and 33 patients responded positively, 16 and 7 patients repsonded negatively, and 10 and 12 patients remained neutral in the axillary block and wide-awake anesthesia groups, respectively. According to the Social Security Institution data, the average anesthesia cost was 316.1 TL in the axillary block anesthesia group and 25.3 TL in the wide-awake anesthesia group; the average length of hospital stay was 32.9 h in the former and 13.6 h in the latter. Start time of surgery was 34 minutes in axillary block anesthesia and 5.3 minutes in wide-awake anesthesia. CONCLUSION: We found that compared with axillary block anesthesia, the length of hospital stay was 19.3 h less and anesthesia cost was 290.8 TL less with wide-awake anesthesia; furthermore, the start time of surgery decreased by 29.7 min with the latter. Moreover, patient satisfaction rate was better in the wide-awake anesthesia group. No bleeding, patient incompatibility, and other complications that might interfere with the surgery were detected .

Comparison of Anteromedial and Transtibial ACL Reconstruction Using Expandable Fixation.

The influence of anatomical or nonanatomical femoral tunnel position on tunnel widening and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not fully understood. This retrospective study examined the influence of tunnel width and placement on anterior knee stability and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction using the AperFix System (Cayenne Medical Inc, Scottsdale, Arizona), a direct expandable fixation technique with autologous hamstring grafts. The records of 80 patients (79 men and 1 woman) who underwent ACL reconstruction were evaluated. In 38 patients, anatomical femoral tunnel placement was performed via an accessory medial portal (anteromedial group); in the remaining 42 patients, the femoral tunnel was positioned nonanatomically using a transtibial technique (transtibial group). Mean follow-up was 40.7 months (range, 27-60 months). Postoperative knee kinetics were measured, and clinical outcomes were assessed using International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Femoral tunnel widening was measured by comparing postoperative radiographs with final follow-up radiographs. Femoral tunnel width was significantly greater (P<.001) and anterior knee translation was significantly higher (P=.01) in the transtibial group. Lysholm and Tegner scores were not significantly different (P>.05) between the 2 groups. These findings suggest that femoral tunnel widening is associated with increased anterior joint laxity when a direct fixation technique is used for ACL reconstruction, particularly in nonanatomically positioned femoral tunnels. Anatomical femoral tunnel placement provides better anterior stability and less tunnel widening than transtibial tunnel placement; however, these benefits did not produce a detectable advantage in clinical outcomes measures. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e532-e537.].

Changes in posterior tibial slope angle in patients undergoing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy for varus gonarthrosis.

PURPOSE: In this study, postoperative changes in the posterior tibial slope angle and clinical outcomes following open-wedge high tibial osteotomy were evaluated. METHODS: This study included 39 knees (18 left, 21 right) of 35 patients (three male, 32 female; median age, 53 years; age range 37-64 years) with symptomatic isolated medial joint osteoarthritis who underwent open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and fixation with a Puddu plate. The patients were clinically assessed according to the Lysholm knee score, a visual analogue pain scale, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Radiological assessment was made according to the changes in the posterior tibial slope angle and the correlation between these changes and clinical signs. The median follow-up period was 11 years (range 7-14 years). RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the preoperative and postoperative clinical scores of the Lysholm knee scale, visual analogue pain scale, and patient satisfaction questionnaire (p < 0.05). Radiological assessment showed that the posterior tibial slope angle was significantly higher during the postoperative and follow-up periods (p  0.05). There was no correlation between the postoperative Lysholm scores and the increase in the posterior tibial slope angle (p = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that both the conventional Puddu plate design and its anteromedial plate placement are what increase the tibial slope after an opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy. Therefore, current new plate design may help preserve the posterior tibial slope angle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.