The analysis of the variables, affecting outcome in surgically treated tibia pilon fractured patients.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of tibia pilon fractures is challenging. Outcome after tibia pilon fractures depend on multiple factors. Aim of this study is to evaluate the potential variables that are known to affect the outcome after tibia pilon fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with 42 tibia pilon fractures with a one-year follow-up, who had undergone surgical treatment between January 2007 and June 2011, were evaluated, retrospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups regarding the choice of surgical treatment (Group A-22 patients treated with open reduction-internal fixation; Group B-9 patients treated with mini-open reduction-internal fixation and external fixation; and Group C-11 patients treated with closed reduction-external fixation). Fractures were classified using Müller-AO and Rüedi/Allgöwer classifications. Quality of reduction was evaluated using Ovadia and Beals' criteria. All patients underwent functional assessment using AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and Teeny-Wiss scoring system at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 49 (20-80). There were eight 43-B3, six 43-C1, twelve 43-C2 and sixteen 43-C3 fractures according to Müller-AO classification and ten type 1, ten type 2 and twenty two type 3 fractures according to Rüedi/Allgöwer classification. There were 15 (35.7%) open fractures. No statistically significant relation was found between quality of reduction and type of surgery. Also no significant relation was found between the type of surgery and functional scores. No significant correlation was found between functional scores and Müller-AO classification, but functional scores were found significantly worse in Rüedi/Allgöwer type 3 fractures. Functional scores were found significantly related to the quality of reduction. Early complications were seen in 22 and late complications were seen in 9 fractures. No statistically significant relation was found between complications, type of surgery and functional scores. CONCLUSION: The most important factor affecting outcome in surgically treated tibia pilon fractures was quality of reduction. Poor functional scores were found independent from the type of surgery and quality of reduction in Rüedi/Allgöwer type 3 fractures, which was characterized with articular surface comminution and metaphyseal impaction.

Reliability of ultrasonographic measurements in suspected patients of developmental dysplasia of the hip and correlation with the acetabular index.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography is accepted as a useful imaging modality in the early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Early detection and early treatment of DDH prevents hip dislocation and related physical, social, economic, and psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of ultrasonographic and roentgenographic measurements measured by seven different observers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The alpha angles of 66 hips in 33 patients were measured using the Graf method by seven different observers. Acetabular index degrees on plane roentgenograms were measured in order to assess the correlation between the ultrasonographic alpha angle and the radiographic acetabular index, which both show the bony acetabular depth, retrospectively. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficient, measuring the interobserver reliability, was high and statistically significant for the ultrasonographic measurements. There was a negative correlation between the alpha angle and the acetabular index. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography, when applied properly, is a reliable technique between different observers, in the diagnosis and follow up of DDH. When assessed concomitantly with the roentgenographic measurements, the results are reliable and statistically meaningful.

Fractures of the femoral head: what are the reasons for poor outcome?

BACKGROUND: In this article, we aimed to discuss treatment strategies in fracture of the femoral head, which is a very rare injury. METHODS: We reviewed five patients (six fractures) who admitted to our emergency department due to femoral head fracture between March 2006 and December 2007. Functional outcomes of the patients who were treated operatively and nonoperatively were compared. RESULTS: Half of the fractures were treated nonoperatively and half of them surgically. We observed a rate of 50% excellent to good results. Avascular necrosis developed in a patient with bilateral injury. The functional results were poor for this patient. Early posttraumatic arthritis was observed in a patient who was treated surgically; this patient had moderate results. CONCLUSION: We should aim at anatomic reduction of the fragments with minimum soft tissue injury. The best approach should be chosen for excellent view of the fragments. We should not forget that half of these patients will have a poor outcome despite all treatment strategies.