Retrospective Analysis and Comparison of 48 Intracranial Meningioma Cases As Two Groups According to Their Size.

Objective This study aims to examine the possible demographic, clinical, and surgical differences between giant and smaller meningiomas. Materials and Methods Forty-eight meningioma patients who were operated on in our clinic between 2016-2020 were included in our study. Fourteen meningiomas larger than 5 cm in diameter were defined as giant meningiomas and placed in group 1. Thirty-four remaining meningiomas, with sizes less than 5 cm, were placed in group 2. These patients were evaluated regarding age, sex, localization, symptoms and neurological findings, surgical results, histopathology, and postoperative results. Results The most common localization in group 1 was falcine-parasagittal, whereas in group 2 it was convexity. Simpson's grade I resection rate in group 1 was 35.71%, while in group 2 this rate was 67.65%. In histopathological examination, transitional type meningiomas (35.71%) were the most common in group 1, whereas fibrous type meningiomas (32.35%) were seen the most in group 2. Group 1 Karnofsky Performance Scale score average was 75.71 preoperatively and 85.71 postoperatively. In group 2, the preoperative and postoperative average was 97.35 and 96.76, respectively. The comparative statistical analysis reflects that: A) Resection rates were significantly lower in the giant meningioma group. B) Similarly, Karnofsky Performance Scale scores were also lower than group 2. C) When statistical comparisons were made according to sex, age, localization, histopathological results, postoperative complications, and recurrence rates, no significant differences were observed. Conclusion The term "Giant Meningioma" is a type of distinction that is frequently made in the literature. However, the single major difference we see in our study was the surgical results. The general condition of patients before and after surgery may be more critical than others in giant meningiomas. Although surgical resection is the main form of treatment in giant meningiomas, the risks arising from the size of the tumor should be taken into account, and necessary plans should be made for a successful surgical intervention.

The Role and Contribution of Lumbar Myelography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Lumbar Degenerative Disorders: Clinical and Statistical Evaluation of Post-Myelography Treatment of 63 Patients.

Introduction Myelography is a radiological examination method that has been used for the diagnosis of spinal canal pathologies for a long time. More than 90 years of experience has been improved by the development of increasingly less toxic contrast agents. Nowadays, although there are many advanced diagnostic tools, lumbar myelography is a direct imaging technique and so it is a powerful diagnostic method for patients whose treatment has not been decided. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of lumbar myelography as a diagnostic method and its contribution to treatment. Materials and methods Between January 2016 and April 2018, 63 patients who were admitted to our neurosurgery clinic due to lumbar degenerative disorders and underwent myelography were included in our study. Patients over 30 years of age with lumbar disc disease, narrow spinal canal, and spinal instability, but for whom a surgical decision could not be made, were included in this study. Results After lumbar myelography, 55 of 63 patients underwent a surgical procedure and 8 were directed to non-surgical treatment options. The results of the patients were evaluated by Roland-Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RMQ). Results showed that the contribution of selected treatment protocols to the recovery after myelography was statistically significant. Conclusion Nowadays, myelography is not the first choice for the diagnosis of lumbar degenerative disorders. However, according to the results of our study, lumbar myelography is an effective diagnostic tool for specific purposes.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Trigeminal Neuralgia : Analysis of Early and Late Outcomes of 156 Cases and 209 Interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common causes of facial pain. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy and borders of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: Between May 2007 and April 2017, 156 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation. These 156 patients underwent 209 procedures. In our study, we investigated the early and late results of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation under guiding fluoroscopic imaging in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale was used for grading the early results. In addition, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess long-term outcomes. Of the 156 patients who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation for trigeminal neuralgia, 45 had additional disease. Patients with this condition were evaluated with their comorbidities. Early and late results were compared with those without comorbidity. RESULTS: In 193 of 209 interventions BNI pain scale I to III results were obtained. Out of the 193 successful operation 136 patients (65.07%) were discharged as BNI I, 14 (6.70%) as BNI II, 43 (20.58%) as BNI III. Sixteen patients (7.65%) remained uncontrolled (BNI IV and V). While the treatment results of trigeminal neuralgia patients with comorbidity seem more successful in the early period, this difference was not observed in follow-up examinations. CONCLUSION: Finally, we concluded that percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion is a safe and effective method in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, over time, the effectiveness of the treatment decreases. Neverthless, the reapprability of this intervention gives it a distinct advantage.

A comparison of double single suture-button fixation, suture-button fixation, and screw fixation for ankle syndesmosis injury: A retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: Different methods have been used throughout the years for syndesmotic injury but there is no consensus on the ideal treatment. Some methods are expensive and some have more complications. The aim of this study is to compare single suture endobutton with double suture endobutton and screw fixation for syndesmotic injury.Sixty nine patients with syndesmotic injury with fibular fractures whom were treated with a single interosseous suture endobutton system (ZipTightTM, Zimmer Biomet), a double interosseous suture endobutton system (ZipTightTM, Zimmer Biomet) and 1 syndesmotic screw (TST, Istanbul, Turkey) were included in this study. Functional and radiological results from patient records between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated.Twenty patients were treated with the double interosseous suture endobutton, 23 were treated with the single interosseous suture endobutton, and 26 were treated with traditional AO screw fixation. Three patients from the screw fixation group (11.5%) required revision surgery (P < .05). All the radiologic and clinical outcomes were statistical similar in all 3 groups.Our findings showed that the interosseous suture endobutton system is at least as safe as the screw fixation technique for treatment of syndesmosis joint injuries and can be used as an alternative to the screw method. The interosseous suture endobutton system eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove the hardware, which minimizes the probability of re-diastasis. Since our results showed no statistical difference between single and double interosseous suture endobutton systems, the less costly single endobutton system may be the better alternative.

Spinal Metastatic Disease: Survival Analysis of 146 Patients and Evaluation of 4 Different Preoperative Scoring Systems.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the 4 different scoring systems Tomita, Bauer modified, Tokuhashi revised, and Van der Linden and some parameters that are used in these scoring systems. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Prediction of the survival period before treatment for spinal metastasis is extremely important. A lot of scoring systems have been described to predict the survival periods and to select the ideal treatment modality in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively 146 patients with spinal metastasis were investigated between 2002 and 2011. The following parameters were analyzed: age, pathologic vertebra fracture, neurological deficit, visceral metastasis, diagnosis of primary tumor and its spinal metastasis interval, other skeletal metastasis, involved region of vertebra, and undergone spinal surgery. Patients were also scored by the 4 different scoring systems. The survival period was calculated from date of diagnosis of the spinal metastasis to the date of death or last follow-up (minimum: 12 mo). Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival test, and Cronbach α tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median overall survival for all patients was 13 months (range: 1-68 mo). The primary tumor (P=0.015), existence of visceral metastasis (P=0.017), presence of pathologic vertebra fracture (P=0.009), and undergone spinal surgery (P=0.047) showed significant influence on survival. Each scoring system was reliable and concordant with the other scoring systems (Cronbach α=80%); however, after 2 years, Modified Bauer score appeared to be the most reliable system for predicting survival (Cronbach α=25%). CONCLUSIONS: According to this analysis, lung cancer, visceral metastasis, pathologic vertebra fracture, and undergone spinal surgery have shown a negative effect on survival. All 4 scoring systems were reliable for predicting survival of patients with spinal metastatic disease. However, modified Bauer scoring system seems to be more predictive after 2 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Effect of PLIF and TLIF on sagittal spinopelvic balance of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PLIF and TLIF on sagittal spinopelvic balance and to compare radiological results of two surgical procedures with regard to spinopelvic parameters. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (34 female and 1 male; mean age: 52.29 ± 13.08 (range: 35-75)) with degenerative spondylolisthesis cases were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical technique: PLIF and TLIF. The level and the severity of listhesis according to Meyerding classification were assessed and spinopelvic parameters including sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis, and segmental lumbar lordosis were measured on digital X-rays. All preoperative and postoperative parameters and the results were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The age distribution was similar in both groups (p = 0.825) and there was no difference between the mean PI of the groups (p = 0.616). In 15 patients, spondylolisthesis level were at the L5-S1 level (PLIF: 8, TLIF: 7), in 16 patients at the L4-L5 level (PLIF: 6, TLIF: 10) and in 4 patients at the L3-L4 level (PLIF: 2, TLIF: 2). According to Meyerding classification, before the operation, the sliding grades were 0 in 4 patients, 1 in 21 patients, 2 in 7 patients, and 3 in 3 patients. The grades changed into 0 in 28 patients, 1 in 5 patients, and 2 in 2 patients after surgery. There were no differences in the grade of listhesis between PLIF and TLIF groups preoperatively (p = 0.190) and postoperatively (p = 0.208). In both groups, the spondylolisthesis-related deformities of patients were significantly corrected after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PLIF and TLIF techniques have similar radiological results in restoring the sagittal spinopelvic balance in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Both techniques are good options to achieve reduction and fusion in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, but have no advantage over each other for restoring spinopelvic balance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Primary Intracranial Germinomas: Retrospective Analysis of Five Cases.

AIM: Primary intracranial germinomas (PIGs) are rare malignant brain tumors that represent approximately 0.2% to 1.7% of all primary intracranial tumors. PIGs have infrequent, but there is a possibility of spinal cord metastases. In this study, clinical outcomes of five consecutive PIGs have been presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in 1,849 cases of intracranial tumors who underwent surgery between the years 2005 and 2015 and cases confirmed as germinoma histopathologically were included in this study. RESULTS: Five cases of PIGs were detected in two female (40%) and 3 male (60%) patients. The mean age was 15.2±5.6 (8-23) years. The mean follow-up period was 52.3±56.4 (9-135) months. The most common complaint was headache (60%), followed by nausea±vomiting (40%). Four cases (80%) affected the suprasellar region while the fifth patient"s tumor was localized in the pineal region. The duration between the initial symptom and time of surgical intervention ranged between 15 days and 2 months. Twelve months after the first operation, one patient presented with drop seeding metastasis. Four-year survival (with exception of the case that died as a early surgical complication) was 100%. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in one patient. Surgical mortality rate was 20%. PIGs" morbidity rate was 60%. CONCLUSION: PIG is a mostly malignant tumor that generally affects the pediatric age group. They are radiosensitive tumors. Subtotal or near-total resection using stereotactic guide or direct surgery to confirm the histopathological diagnosis followed by chemotherapy and whole brain or in some cases craniospinal radiotherapy rather than GTR is therefore the treatment of choice.

Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation for pediatric epiphyseal ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in children. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of two percutaneous fixation methods after closed reduction in physeal ankle fractures. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 24 patients with a mean age of 12.29 years; 16 were male, and 8 were female. Only patients with fractures of Salter-Harris types 2, 3, and 4 with displacements greater than 2 mm were included in the study. Patients were treated with closed reduction manipulation and percutaneous screw fixation. For each patient, either cannulated or headless full threaded compressive screws were used for percutaneous fixation. Radiological and clinical healing time, range of motion (ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and physeal arrest were then measured. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13 months. The mean time until cast removal was 3.5 weeks (range 2-5). A full ROM was achieved at an average of 5.7 weeks postoperatively (range 4-8). The radiologic healing time was 6.1 weeks (range 4-7). The patients' clinical healing time averaged 6.8 weeks (range 5-8). Differences in radiologic healing time (p = 0.487), clinical healing time (p = 0.192), AOFAS score (p = 0.467), and complication rate (p = 0.519) between patients who received the headless compressive screw and those who received the cannulated screw for fixation were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate good clinical results with closed reduction and the percutaneous screw fixation method. Both cannulated and headless compressive screws can be used safely as a treatment method in physeal ankle fractures.

The surgical treatment for a rare case of double-level isthmic spondylolisthesis in L4 and L5 lumbar spine: decompression, reduction and fusion.

An unusual case of a double-level isthmic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine in a 38-year-old female was described. The patient had been suffering from low back pain for 8 years and did not respond to conservative treatment. Her medical examination revealed that grade II isthmic spondylolisthesis was present both at L-4 to L-5 and at L-5 to S-1. The patient was managed by surgical treatment. After the reduction of lysthesis with posterior instrumentation, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique was performed for double level. At a recent follow-up, 1 year after the surgery, the symptoms of the patient were completely resolved, reduction was preserved, and fusion was achieved. PLIF with posterior instrumentation and reduction seems to be a convenient treatment option in the treatment for double-level spondylolisthesis.

Prospective evaluation of the functional and anatomical results of arthroscopic repair in small and medium-sized full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between tendon integrity and functional results following the arthroscopic treatment of small- and medium-sized rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Arthroscopic repair was performed on 26 consecutive patients (21 women, 5 men;mean age: 55.9 years; range: 33-72 years) with small- and medium-sized tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Patients were postoperatively evaluated at 12 and 24 months using the Constant and UCLA functional outcome scores and ultrasound examinations. RESULTS: The supraspinatus tendon did not heal in nine patients (34.6%) and was partially healed in three (11%), 12 months after surgery. Mean postoperative Constant and UCLA scores of these patients were 73.1 and 27.8, respectively, which were not significantly different from those with an intact tendon on the final follow-up (Constant: 78 and UCLA: 30; p=0.107 and p=0.164). Both rating systems reflected significant improvement with treatment (p<0.01). The mean age of patients with a re-tear was 66.8 years, which was significantly higher than those with an intact repair (54 years; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic repair of small and medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears yields good long-term results independent of tendon integrity. Healing potential may be decreased with increased age.

[Unicondylar knee arthroplasty in medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis: technical faults and difficulties]. / Diz medial osteoartritinde unikondiler diz protezi: Teknik hatalar ve sorunlar.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate both the technical problems of surgery and the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients treated with unicondylar knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one unicondylar knee prosthesis were performed in 40 patients (3 males, 37 females; mean age 58.2 years; range 44 to 76 years) diagnosed with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Technical problems encountered during surgery were noted. For evaluation of clinical outcomes, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and WOMAC score were used. Radiologic evaluations were performed using the Oxford Knee Group criteria. RESULTS: The radiologic evaluation determined there was more than 10 degrees varus-valgus malposition in eight patients, more than 2 mm medial tibial overhang in seven patients, the insertion of a femoral component in extension in one patient, and joint distraction in one patient. The patient with joint distraction underwent a total knee replacement after six months because of progressive pain. The mean HSS knee score improved 21 points; perfect results were obtained in 33 patients and good results in seven patients. The mean postoperative WOMAC score was reduced by 18 points, with perfect results in 33 patients, good results in six patients and a moderate result in one patient. The mean follow-up was 19 months (range 9-42). CONCLUSION: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is a surgical treatment method with a long-term recovery and high frequency of technical faults. Minor errors diagnosed on radiographs do not have an effect on early clinical results. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty is a good alternative surgical technique for appropriately selected patients with medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis.

Non-tuberculous thoracic and lumbar spondylodiscitis: single-stage anterior debridement and reconstruction, combined with posterior instrumentation and grafting.

Debridement is warranted for the treatment of nontuberculous spondylodiscitis in case of neurological compromise, deformity, instability, abscess formation, extensive destruction, intractable pain or failure of medical management. The additional use of instrumentation is still controversial, but might fight infection and yield stability. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of 16 cases of non-tuberculous thoracic or lumbar spondylodiscitis treated with anterior debridement and reconstruction (tricortical graft or titanium mesh cage), combined with single-stage posterior instrumentation and grafting. The pathogens identified were: Brucella (5), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus (4), Staphylococcus aureus (3), unidentified (4). All 16 infections resolved without recurrence. Bony union was obtained in all cases. Fourteen out of 16 patients (87.5%) were completely relieved of pain and fully active, an excellent result according to Macnab's criteria; the other two patients obtained a good result. All 7 patients who had a neurological deficit improved. There were two superficial infections, which healed with debridement and antibiotics. A single iliac vein injury was primarily repaired. In conclusion, the proposed technique is an effective and safe treatment for pyogenic spondylodiscitis, if surgery is mandatory.

Comparison of arthroscopic capsular release in diabetic and idiopathic frozen shoulder patients.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical results of arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder in diabetic (group 1) and idiopathic (group 2) patients were compared. Surgery was performed on 28 shoulders of 26 patients (24 women, 2 men) with frozen shoulder unresponsive to conservative treatment. The mean age was 50 (range 40-65). A total of 14 patients were included in group 1, and 12 were in group 2. The average duration of complaints was 10 and 7 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The evaluation of shoulder functions was made according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant Scoring Systems. Duration of complete pain relief and for regaining range of motion (ROM) after surgery were also noted in their final follow-up examination. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.5 and 60.2 months in group 1 and group 2, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the postoperative duration of complete pain relief and that for regaining ROM (P > 0.05). The duration of complete pain relief was 2.6 and 2.5 months, and regaining of ROM was 1.6 and 1.5 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. The postoperative UCLA and Constant scores had significant increases in both groups compared to the preoperative ones (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of Constant scores (P < 0.05) while there was no difference in terms of UCLA scores (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in shoulder abduction and internal rotation degrees between the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of arthroscopic capsular release for frozen shoulder in diabetic patients had less good results in terms of range of motion and Constant-Score. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the duration of pain relief and that of regaining the ROM.

[Elastofibroma dorsi: an unusual cause of shoulder pain]. / Elastofibroma dorsi: Nadir görülen bir omuz agrisi nedeni.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patients who underwent surgical treatment for elastofibroma dorsi (ED). METHODS: The study included 13 patients (11 women, 2 men; mean age 54 years; range 43 to 74 years) who were treated surgically for ED that caused persistent symptoms. Involvement was on the right in six patients, on the left in five patients, and bilateral in two patients. All the patients presented with a mass lesion that became apparent at the lower corner of the scapula on shoulder flexion and adduction. The complaints were swelling and pain on the back in nine patients, and a snapping sound on shoulder movements together with pain in four patients. Diagnosis of ED was made by magnetic resonance imaging (n=10) and computed tomography (n=3), with no utilization of preoperative biopsy. Marginal tumor excision was performed in all cases. Evaluation for recurrence was made by ultrasonography. The mean follow-up period was 32 months (range 8 to 90 months). RESULTS: All the masses were located at the inferior corner of the scapula, with adherence to the thorax between the serratus anterior, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi muscles. The mean size of the surgical specimens was 9 x 6 x 3 cm (range 5 x 3 x 1 to 14 x 8 x 3 cm). Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination in all cases. All major complaints resolved after surgery. Hematoma occurred in four cases postoperatively, but resolved without the need for surgical intervention. No recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Even though ED is a rare clinic entity, it should be recalled while evaluating shoulder pathologies. Marginal excision is adequate for the treatment of patients with sustaining complaints.

[The effects of two different fixation methods on femoral bone tunnel enlargement and clinical results in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft]. / Hamstring tendon otogrefti ile yapilan ön çapraz bag rekonstrüksiyonunda iki farkli tespit yönteminin femoral kemik tünel genislemesi ve klinik sonuçlar üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of anatomic and non-anatomic tunnel fixations on femoral tunnel widening and clinical results in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 35 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring tendon graft. Fixation was performed in the tunnel using the transcondylar RigidFix pin (group 1) in 18 patients (mean age 32 years), and from outside the tunnel using the EndoButton-CL device (group 2) in 17 patients (mean age 30 years). The patients were assessed using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm knee scores and tunnel widening was assessed by computed tomography. Ligament laxity was measured bilaterally using the Rolimeter knee tester. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 21 to 38 months) in group 1, and 24.6 months (range 12 to 36 months) in group 2. RESULTS: The two groups were similar with respect to age and sex distribution, operated side, the size of the tunnel created, and follow-up period (p>0.05). Postoperative knee scores did not show a significant difference (p>0.05). There was marked and excessive tunnel enlargement in 14 patients (77.8%) in group 1, and in 15 patients (88.2%) in group 2, with no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Ligament laxity exceeded 3 mm in eight patients (44.4%) in group 1, and in three patients (17.7%) in group 2 (p<0.001). There was no relationship between tunnel widening and ligament laxity (p>0.05; r=0.175 and r=-0.01 for group 1 and group 2, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that differences in the localization of the tunnel fixation have no effect on tunnel enlargement and that joint laxity may be affected by biomechanical properties of fixation materials.

Knee joint synovial cyst following total knee arthroplasty with bone allograft.

Allograft has been shown to be highly successful for managing large osseous defects in total knee arthroplasty. We report a 68-year-old woman in whom a bone allograft had been used during total knee arthroplasty owing to a massive segmental medial tibia plateau defect 4 years earlier. Eighteen months after surgery, a 10x10 cm knee synovial cyst was detected by computed tomography scanning on the anteromedial side of the tibial plateau, and an en-bloc surgical excision was performed. At 36-month follow-up, a 16x12 cm cyst was found. Excision was again performed with removal of the allograft and application of an autologous iliac graft. After allograft removal, clinically and radiologically satisfactory results were achieved at the final follow-up.

The correlation of correction magnitude and tibial slope changes following open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

We investigated whether there is a correlation between coronal plane correction magnitude and tibial slope in patients treated with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and also measured changes in patellar height. Thirty-four knees treated with for varus deformities were retrospectively reviewed and the follow-up period of the patients was averaged 24.1 months. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Insall-Salvati index, posterior tibial slope angle, mechanical axis deviation, proximal medial tibial angle (PMTA) was used to determine. All patients had a significant increase in their HSS score postoperatively (P < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the differences in patellar heights (P = 0.368). The mechanical axis deviation was altered by a mean of 25.5 +/- 10.9 mm and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean posterior tibial slope angle on preoperative radiographs was 9.0 +/- 5.1 degrees ; on postoperative radiographs it was 11.7 +/- 5.7 degrees and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.007). Seventeen knees (50%) demonstrated postoperative posterior tibial slope angle increases; 7 knees (21%) had a decrease in this angle, while 10 knees (29%) showed no change. Statistical analyses revealed that the mechanical axis deviation was not correlated with change in tibial slope (P = 0.837). Although we could not find a correlation between tibial slope change and the amount of coronal correction, 50% of our patients demonstrated increased tibial slope.

[Early results of treatment of proximal humerus fractures with the PHILOS locking plate]. / Proksimal humerus kiriklarin PHILOS plagi ile tedavisinde erken dönem sonuçlarimiz.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate early results of proximal humerus fractures treated with the PHILOS locking plate. METHODS: Proximal humerus fractures of 22 patients (13 males, 9 females; mean age 57 years; range 35 to 83 years) were treated with the PHILOS locking plate. According to the Neer classification, 13 patients had comminuted fractures, four patients had valgus impact injuries, two patients had fracture-dislocations, and three patients had fractures involving the proximal 1/3 of the humerus. The fractures were reduced by the transdeltoid lateral approach (n=8) using minimally invasive surgery, and by the anterior deltopectoral approach (n=14) using open surgery. Passive and active exercises were initiated on the second postoperative day and after 4 to 6 weeks, respectively. The results were assessed using the Constant-Murley shoulder scoring system. The mean follow up was 14 months (range 12 to 19 months). RESULTS: Radiographically, union was observed in 20 patients at the end of 10 weeks. In one patient, time to union was 16 weeks. One patient underwent autogenous bone grafting because of nonunion after 16 weeks. The mean Constant-Murley score was 75.5 (range 51 to 93). There was no significant difference between Constant-Murley scores of patients undergoing the transdeltoid lateral and anterior deltopectoral approaches (p>0.05). Plate fixation was associated with minimal varus deformity in two patients, and subacromial impingement in one patient. Implant failure did not occur. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy and avascular necrosis were observed in two patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fixation with the PHILOS plate is a near-ideal technique with a high union rate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures.

Apoptosis in the traumatic and degenerative tears of human meniscus.

The apoptotic bodies were observed aging in osteoarthritic cartilage and meniscus but there is still a lack of knowledge in the literature about the relationship between meniscal injury and apoptosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the apoptotic changes on meniscal tears caused by degeneration and trauma. Thirty-eight specimens of human meniscal tissues harvested from cadavers and patients were selected from groups below the age of 40. There were 14 normal meniscal tissues from cadavers in the control group. There were 24 meniscal tissues harvested from patients who had had arthroscopic operations for meniscal tear due to degeneration or trauma. The torn meniscal samples were divided into two groups according to their etiologies, either degenerative or traumatic. Apoptotic cells were investigated in each of the three groups in the histopathological examination. There was statistically significant difference among the groups according to apoptotic index (p < 0.01). The mean indexes of apoptosis in both groups of torn meniscus (group 2 = 0.497 and group 3 = 0.725) were significantly higher than that in the normal tissue (group 1 = 0.237) (p < 0.01) but the difference between groups 2 and 3 was not significant (p > 0.001). This study indicates that an increase in the amount of apoptosis appeared to have a close relationship with meniscal tear caused by either trauma or degenerative changes.

Arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic type D medial plica.

We aimed to review the results of subtotal arthroscopic resection of symptomatic type D medial plica. We retrospectively evaluated 23 knees with symptomatic type D medial plica in 22 patients without other intra-articular pathology. All patients complained of chronic knee pain that had not been alleviated by medical treatment or physical therapy. In only three (13%) of the patients studied was the plica diagnosed pre-operatively with magnetic resonance imaging. The type D medial plicae in our series were classified as fenestrated (14 knees), torn (5 knees), or reduplicated (4 knees). Fibrotic changes in the plicae and degenerative changes on the medial femoral condyle were found in 16 knees Patellofemoral chondromalacia was present in three knees Arthroscopic partial resection was performed in all patients. Comparative Lysholm Knee Scale scores before and after surgery revealed a significant clinical improvement (pre-operative status, 67.19 +/- 8.05 vs. post-operative status, 90.57 +/- 9.80; P < 0.001). Type D medial plica should be considered as a possible cause of chronic knee pain. Arthroscopic partial resection of the plicae in symptomatic patients gives satisfactory results.