Factors affecting return to work time and functional outcome after low-velocity gunshot injuries related to foot in civilian population.

BACKGROUND: Purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting return to work time and functional outcomes after low-velocity gunshot injuries related to foot. Related complications are also analyzed. METHOD: This study conducted as retrospective cohort study in tertiary care university hospital. Data on 26 patients obtained through retrospective database search. Type of causing weapon, anatomic location of wound, wound type according to Gustilo Anderson classification, extend of damage regarding injured structures, extend of soft tissue damage, duration of hospital stay, need of reconstructive surgery, return-to-work time, follow-up period and functional scores at final follow-up were recorded. Factors affecting functional outcome and return-to-work time were analyzed. RESULTS: Total of 12 patients (46.2 %) experienced complications, with eight being deep soft tissue infections. The mean MFS score for the study group was 77.27 (±11.82). The mean MFS for the pistol group was 83.46 (±6.90), extent of soft tissue damage was an independent risk factor (OR 10.67, 95 % CI 1.70-66.72, p = 0.011) for poor outcomes. On average, patients took 10.12 months (±7.59) to return to work, the type of gun used was an independent variable associated with delayed return to work (OR 144, 95 % CI 8.04-2578.09, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Gunshot injuries related to foot can lead to a high rate of complications, loss of workdays, and permanent functional losses. Therefore, it is crucial to develop appropriate treatment plans and manage inevitable complications in these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series.

Our clinical experiences in the earthquake victims who came to our university after the 2020 Aegean Sea earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Earthquakes are natural disasters that threaten human life and cause loss of life and property in a very short time. In our study, we aim to carry out the medical analysis of the earthquake victims who came to our hospital after the Earthquake in the Aegean Sea and to share our clinical experiences. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients the medical data records of earthquake victims brought to our hospital or the injured who applied due to the Aegean Sea earthquake. Patients demographic data, their complaints and diagnoses, hour of admission, their clinical courses, hospital arrangements (admission, discharge, and transfer), time spent until the operation, anesthesia methods, surgical intervantions, intensive care needs, crush syndrome, presence of acute renal failure, number of dialysis, mortality, and mor-bidity were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were brought to our hospital due to the earthquake. The most intense period of admission to the emergency department was the 1st 24-36 h. Mortality rate was found to be higher depending on the increase of age. While the most common cause of admission for the mortal earthquake survivors was to be trapped in the wreckage, the survivors applied for other reasons as well such as falling down. The most common type of fracture observed in survivors was the lower extremity fractures. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies can make an important contribution to the management and organization of the future earthquake-related injuries by healthcare institutions.

Evaluation of the effects of using 3D - patient specific models of displaced intra - articular calcaneal fractures in surgery.

BACKGROUND: It was aimed to compare conventional surgery and three-dimensional (3D) model-assisted surgery used in the treatment of calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 37 patients with unilateral calcaneal fractures were randomly divided into two groups as a conventional surgery group (n: 19) and a 3D model-assisted surgery group (n: 18). The preoperative, postoperative and last follow up angles of the Bohler and Gissane, calcaneal width and facet height were measured. The duration of the operation, blood loss volume, fluoroscopy usage, instrumentation time for both groups were recorded. Finally, the follow-up AOFAS scores were evaluated. A questionnaire was used to determine the perceptions of the resident doctors about the 3D model. RESULTS: The duration of the operation, blood loss volume, fluoroscopy usage, instrumentation time for 3D model-assisted surgery group were 83.3 ± 4.6 minutes, 83.6 ± 4.6 ml, 6.8 ± 1.4 times and 13.0 ± 0.8 weeks, and as for conventional group they were 130.0 ± 5.8 minutes, 105.1 ± 5.6 minutes, 11.7 ± 1.5 ml, 22.2 ± 2.4 times and 13.3 ± 0.8 weeks, respectively (p < 0.0001). The both groups significantly restored Bohler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal width and calcaneal facet height after operation (p < 0.0001). The 3D model-assisted group was significantly more succesful in restoration and protection of achieved correction of calcanel facet height (p < 0.0001). The difference was determined among the groups at the final follow-up examination with respect to the amount of change according the values achieved post-op. were significant in Bohler angle (p < 0.001), calcaneal facet height (p < 0.0001) and calcaneal widht (p = 0.017). There was no significant difference between AOFAS scores of the two groups at last follow-up. Resident doctors exhibited high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of a 3D printing model. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the conventional group, the 3D model-assisted group provide successful intervention and reduce operation, instrumentation time and the fluoroscopy usage with less blood loss. Performing 3D-assisted surgery helps the quality of reduction during the surgery and stability of internal fixation to protect achieved reduction at follow-up more succesfully.

Surgical treatment of a traumatic open anterior hip dislocation in a child: A case report and review of 13 cases in the literature.

Due to the high probability of infection and avascular necrosis, traumatic open anterior hip dislocation poses a serious orthopedic emergency. Despite the emergency of the issue, it appears to be an under-researched topic in the literature. In this study, we present open anterior hip dislocation with both trochanteric fractures in a child and review other pediatric cases from the literature. Because of rareness, there is no standard surgical and postoperative treatment algorithm. We discussed the mechanism of injury, wound size, time of the reduction, associated injury, type of treatment, type of immobilization, clinical and functional results to present a collective perspective on the literature. Once we have compared all of these situations, dealing with infection is key to satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes. The early reduction was the most important point in both coping with infection and preserving avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

A retrospective comparison of the conventional versus three-dimensional printed model-assisted surgery in the treatment of acetabular fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the conventional versus individualized three-dimensional (3D) printing model-assisted pre-contoured plate fixation in the treatment of patients with acetabular fractures. METHODS: The data from 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the acetabular fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups (9 in each): conventional and 3D printed model-assisted. The groups were then compared in terms of the duration of surgery, time of instrumentation, time of intraoperative fluoroscopy, and volume of blood loss. The quality of the fracture reduction was also evaluated postoperatively by radiography and computed tomography in both the groups. The quality of the fracture reduction was defined as good (<2 mm) or fair (>2 mm) based on the amount of displacement in the acetabulum. RESULTS: The conventional group included 9 patients (9 males; mean age=41.7 years; age range=16-70) with a mean follow-up of 11.9 months (range=8-15); the 3D printed model-assisted group consisted of 9 patients (9 males; mean age=46.2 years; age range=30-66) with a mean follow-up of 10.33 months (range=7-17). The average duration of surgery, mean time of instrumentation, time of intraoperative fluoroscopy, and mean volume of blood loss were 180.5±9 minutes, 36.2±3.6 minutes, 6±1 times, and 403.3±52.7 mL in the 3D printed model-assisted group, and 220±15.6 minutes, 57.4±10.65 minutes, 10.4±2.2 times, and 606.6±52.7 mL in the conventional group, respectively. Procedurally, the average duration of surgery, mean time of instrumentation, and mean time of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter, and the mean volume of blood loss was significantly lower in the 3D printed model-assisted group (p<0.05). The quality of the fracture reduction was good in 7 patients (78%) in the conventional group and 8 patients (89%) in the 3D printed model-assisted group. CONCLUSION: As compared with the conventional surgery, the 3D printing model-assisted pre-contoured plate fixation technique can improve the clinical and radiological outcomes of the acetabular fractures, with shorter surgery, instrumentation, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and blood loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic study.

Surgical advantages of using 3D patient-specific models in high-energy tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: Treatment of tibial plateau fractures are difficult due to the intra-articular nature of the proximal tibia and extensive involvement of the soft tissue envelope. In this study, we investigated the surgical experience acquired using digitally designed life-size fracture models to guide as a template to place plates and screws in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures and anatomic reduction of joint. METHODS: 20 tibial plateau frature patients were divided into two equal surgery groups as conventional versus 3D model assisted. The fracture line angles, depression depth, and preoperative/postoperative Rasmussen knee score were measured for each patient. RESULTS: The duration of the operation, blood loss volume, turniquet time and number of intraoperative fluoroscopy was 89.5 ± 5.9 min, 160.5 ± 15.3 ml, 74.5 ± 6 min and 10.7 ± 1.76 times, for 3D printing group and 127 ± 14.5 min, 276 ± 44.8 ml, 104.5 ± 5.5 min and 18.5 ± 2.17 times for the conventional group, respectively. 3D model-assisted group indicated significantly shorter operation time, less blood loss volume, shorter turniquet and fluoroscopy times, and better outcome than the conventional one. CONCLUSIONS: The customized 3D model was user friendly, and it provided a radiation-free tibial screw insertion. The use of these models assisted surgical planning, maximized the possibility of ideal anatomical reduction and provided individualized information concerning tibial plateau fractures.

Ilizarov bone transport and treatment of critical-sized tibial bone defects: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Critical-sized bone defects of the tibia are complex injuries associated with significant problems that are difficult to treat, and they are associated with a significant burden of disease in clinical practice; however, the treatment of these cases has still been a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current available studies reporting on classical Ilizarov methods in the treatment of infected or noninfected critical-sized bone defects of the tibia, and to perform an analysis of treatment period and complications. METHODS: This is a narrative review based on a comprehensive literature search among the studies in Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science articles. The studies included were written in the English language or translated to English and they were published between 2008 and 2018. They were appraised with narrative data synthesis. The primary outcome measures were the external fixation time (EFT), bone union rate, and bone and functional results. Secondary outcomes were complications including docking site problems and solutions. The heterogeneity of the data in the studies which were taken into consideration allowed a narrative analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles with 619 patients were included in this study. These included 6 prospective and 21 retrospective case series. Mean age was 36.1 (range 13-89) years. Of the cases, 88.8% were infected and the remaining 11.2% were noninfected. The external fixation time was 10.75 (range 2.5-23.2) months. The mean bone union rate was 90.2% (range 77-100)%. Radiographic outcome measures were reported in 20 studies. Functional outcome measures were reported in 18 studies. ASAMI (Association for the Study of the Method of Ilizarov) criteria are useful and give reproducible data on patient outcome measurements. Data collected from these studies showed excellent radiological outcomes in 303, good in 143, fair in 31, and poor in 25 patients. Functional outcomes were excellent in 200, good in 167, fair in 58, and poor in 19, where reported. The excellent and good rate in bone results and functional results were 88.8% and 82.6%, respectively. The poor rate in bone results and functional results were 5% and 4.5%. Mean complication rate per patient was 1.22 (range 3-60). The most common complication was pin tract infection (PTI). Its occurrence was 46.6%. Joint stiffness followed PTI with a 25% incidence. The rates of refracture, malunion, infectious recurrence, and amputation, were 4%, 8.4%, 4.58%, and 1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This narrative review shows that the patients with infected or noninfected critical-sized tibial bone defects treated by Ilizarov methods had a low rate of poor bone and functional results. Therefore, Ilizarov methods may be a good choice for the treatment of infected or noninfected tibial bone defects. The small number of cases in some studies, the absence of homogenity between studies and the fact that most data available are derived from retrospective studies are some of the difficulties encountered in the evaluation of evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Is interferential current effective in the management of pain, range of motion, and edema following total knee arthroplasty surgery? A randomized double-blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of interferential current implementation following total knee arthroplasty surgery. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled study. SETTING: Orthopedics and traumatology in-patient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: From an initial enrollment of 132 patients, 113 who met the study inclusion criteria were randomly separated into two groups: the interferential current group ( n = 57) and the sham current group ( n = 56). A total of 98 patients completed the study: 49 in the interferential current group and 49 in the sham group. INTERVENTION: Patients in the interferential current group received interferential current treatment for 30 minutes, twice a day for five days postoperatively. For the patients in the sham interferential current treatment group, the same pads were applied to the patients for the same time periods but no electrical stimulation was applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were assessed in respect of pain, range of motion (ROM), edema, and the amount of paracetamol used at baseline and on the 5th and 30th days after surgery. RESULTS: No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of pain, ROM, and edema at days 0, 5, and 30. At the end of the 5th day, the amount of paracetamol used was significantly lower in the interferential current group ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, both groups showed significant improvements in pain, ROM, and edema with no significant difference between the groups. Although there was a significant difference in paracetamol intake of the two groups, this cannot be argued as showing the effectiveness of interferential current.

Titanium elastic nailing in pediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures in the age group of 6-15 years mid-term and long-term outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Titanium Elastic Nailing (TEN) used in the surgical treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures and the effect of the complications to the outcome. Another objective was to assess the changing of Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD) and angulation degree with prolonged follow-up time and to evaluate whether the patient had a functional problem because of this situation. Methods: Thirty children between the ages of 6 and 15 who had femur shaft fractures were evaluated. The times of operation, ambulation, bone union and follow-up were recorded. Post-operative complications were evaluated between 1996-2016 with at least 24 Months follow up. Results: The mean follow-up was 52.5 ± 49.0 months (range 24-240). The mean varus angulation was 3.2 ± 5.1 degrees. The length of the fracture side was approximately 0.71 ± 0.58 cm (range 0-2.09 cm) longer than the intact side. There were eight patients with LLD of 1-2 cm. There was no statistically significant relationship between the type, location, and age of fracture of the LLD (P> 0.05). It was evaluated according to Flynn's criteria. According to this, 12 (40%) of the patients' results were excellent, 14 (46.7%) were good, and four were poor. Conclusion: TEN is an effective, easy, fast treatment method and has minimal complications for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in childhood. Most complications can be reduced by performing basic principles and technical directions. Although LLD is a common complication of childhood femur fractures, the disease does not present a functional problem in daily life.

Monofocal bone transport technique for bone defects greater than 5 cm in tibia: our experience in a case series of 24 patients.

BACKGROUND: As the tibial bone defect increases in size, the problems in treatment also increase. The treatment may be problematic but different treatment approaches can be used. Among these approaches, distraction osteogenesis is a method an orthopedic surgeon with limited conditions can use although it has a longer treatment period. In our case series, we evaluated current treatment approaches. METHOD: Retrospective study based on patient records and radiographs. We evaluated our cases with tibial bone defects Type B and greater than 5 cm. Twenty four cases were operated between 1995 and 2013. Clinical follow-up consisted of physical examination, review of radiographs, and Association for the Study of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system of bone and functional results. RESULTS: The defects had an average lenght of 7.01 cm (SD:2.88) (range, 5-18). The mean follow-up time from removal of the apparatus to the time of the last clinic visit averaged 74.08 ±24.17 months (range: 39-122). The Ilizarov frame was placed for transport and until bone was solid, average of 275.5 ± 70.6 days (range: 190-437 days). The mean external fixator time (EFT) was 350.91 ± 89.22 days (range: 261-627 days). The mean external fixator index (EFI) was 52 days/cm (range: 34.8-62.8 days/cm). Bone union was obtained in 23/24 (95.8%) patients. Seven patients suffered from stiffness (2 knee, 5 ankle) from which 3 patients developed equinus deformity and required tenoplasty (Achilles tendon lengthening at the time of frame removal. After reaching docking site, 5 patients needed intramedullary nailing to speed up union. Twelve (50%) cases had excellent radiological results, 8 (33%) cases had good, 2 (8%) cases fair and 2 (8%) cases had poor results. Regarding the functional ASAMI scoring system 14 (58%) cases had excellent, 9 (38%) cases had good and one case (4%) had fair result. CONCLUSION: According to our experience, the Ilizarov bone transport technique remains a reliable method to repair bone defects. However, the treatment time is lengthy with a considerable risk of complications. We found closed intramedullary nailing as an effective and easy solution for cases without pin tract infections to manage the nonunion problem of the docking site and this option should be considered where the surgeon envisages difficulties of healing or the patient has lost patience with the frame. Careful selection of case and patient profile can optimize the outcomes.

Intertrochanteric femur fractures in the elderly treated with either proximal femur nailing or hemiarthroplasty: A prospective randomised clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective randomised study is to compare in the elderly the functional results of intertrochanteric femur fractures treated either with closed reduction and internal fixation with proximal femoral nailing or cemented hemiarthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included patients above the age of 75 who were diagnosed with intertrochanteric femur fracture and admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ege University Hospital between October 2006 and December 2012. After informed consent was obtained from the patients, they were randomised via sealed opaque envelops into two groups. Patients in Group 1 were internally fixated utilizing proximal femoral nail, whilst the patients in Group 2 were treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty. Complications were recorded and functional results were evaluated using the Harris Hip score. The mean time of follow up was 31.72 months (min. 18-max. 47, std. dev. ±10.68). RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included in the study. 21 of them (38.9%) received a proximal femoral nail whilst 33 (61.1%) were treated with hemiarthroplasty. Average age of the patients was 82.24 (min. 75-max. 97). Average age in Group 1 was 79.57 (min. 75-max. 91), whilst it was 83.94 in Group 2 (min. 75-max. 97). Harris Hip score analysis revealed that the difference between the patients treated with hemiarthroplasty and proximal femoral nailing was statistically significant in favour of the hemiarthroplasty group within the first 3 months. However, this difference diminished at the 6th month time point, and even reversed as of the 12th month postoperatively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although cases with hemiarthroplasty achieved a better level of activity in the beginning, cases with proximal femoral nailing reached a comparable level of activity within a short period of time, faster than those treated with hemiarthroplasty, displaying a better level of activity in the end.

Should full threaded compression screws be used in adult femoral neck fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment consisting of fracture reduction and fixation, or arthroplasty to permit early patient mobilization, continues to be the treatment of choice for most femoral neck fractures. Options for internal fixation have included a variety of implants; however most recent reports and textbooks cite parallel multiple cancellous screws as the surgical technique of choice. METHODS: The study was prospective, randomized and IRB approved. Inclusion criteria included skeletal maturity, closed femoral neck fracture without concomitant fractures or injuries with complete charts and adequate radiographs obtained from the initial injury till the last follow-up. Forty-four patients were enrolled in this study during one-year period at two university centers. 22 were randomized to be treated with full threaded, cannulated compression screws (Acutrak 6/7, ACUMED) (Group 1) and the other 22 with 16mm partial threaded, 6.5mm or 7.3mm cannulated screws (SYNTHES) (Group 2). Three or four screws were used in both groups according to fracture type and surgeon's preference. Data evaluated included surgical time, fluoroscopy time, fracture type, radiological outcome, complications and functional status using the Harris Hip Score. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of age and gender. There was not a significant difference in terms of surgical time, follow-up period, fracture type, or fluoroscopy time. There were eight complications in Group 1 and two in Group 2 (P=0.049) Time to union was significantly longer in Group 1 (P=0.001). However, Hip Scores were not significantly different in both groups (P=0.20). CONCLUSION: When compared with full threaded compression screws, partial-threaded cannulated screws provides a shorter union time and less complication rate while providing equivalent functional results in adult femoral neck fractures.

Which implant is better for treating reverse obliquity fractures of the proximal femur: a standard or long nail?

BACKGROUND: Reverse obliquity fractures of the proximal femur have biomechanical characteristics distinct from other intertrochanteric fractures and high implant failure rate when treated with sliding hip screws. Intramedullary hip nailing for these fractures reportedly has less potential for cut-out of the lag screw because of their loadbearing capacity when compared with extramedullary implants. However, it is unclear whether nail length influences healing. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We compared standard and long types of intramedullary hip nails in terms of (1) reoperation (fixation failure), (2) 1-year mortality rate, (3) function and mobility, and (4) union rate. METHODS: We conducted a pilot prospective randomized controlled trial comparing standard versus long (≥ 34 cm) intramedullary hip nails for reverse obliquity fractures of the proximal femur from January 2009 to December 2009. There were 15 patients with standard nails and 18 with long nails. Mean age was 79 years (range, 67-95 years). We determined 1-year mortality rates, reoperation rates, Parker-Palmer mobility and Harris hip scores, and radiographic findings (fracture union, blade cut-out, tip-apex distance, implant failure). Minimum followup was 12 months (mean, 14 months; range, 12-20 months). RESULTS: We found no difference in reoperation rates between groups. Two patients (both from the long-nail group) underwent revision surgery because of implant failure in one and deep infection in the other. There was no difference between the standard- and long-nail groups in mortality rate (17% versus 18%), Parker-Palmer mobility score (five versus six), Harris hip score (74 versus 79), union rate (100% in both groups), blade cut-out (zero versus one), and tip-apex distance (22 versus 24 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest reverse obliquity fractures of the trochanteric region of the femur can be treated with either standard or long intramedullary nails.

Surgical treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children with Metaizeau technique.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of radial neck fractures in children is difficult when the angular displacement exceeds 30 degrees. The authors report their experience with closed reduction of this fracture and intramedullary pinning which was described and popularized by Metaizeau et al. in 1980. METHODS: Under general anesthesia and guidance of an image intensifier, a 1 cm incision was made on the radial side of distal radial metaphysis. A Kirschner wire was contoured and then the last 3-5 mm were bent approximately 30 degrees. It was introduced into the medullary canal of the radius and by pushing it proximally until its point reaches the inferior aspect of the epiphysis to elevate and rotate to achieve an anatomic reduction. This technique was used in nine patients between 1996 and 2003. RESULTS: Full functional recoveries with excellent results were observed in all cases but one at the last follow-up. No complication was encountered. CONCLUSION: We recommend this closed technique as it is relatively simple and associated with encouraging results.

Avulsion fractures of tibial tuberosity in adolescents. Treatment with closed reduction and percutaneous screwing, using MRI to identify combined intraarticular lesions.

Avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity is an uncommon lesion generally seen in adolescents. Intra-articular lesions combined with a tibial tuberosity fracture reported in the literature are; 3 patellar tendon ruptures, 2 anterior cruciate ligament tears, 2 medial collateral ligament tears, 2 medial meniscus tears, one arcuate ligament tear, and one lateral meniscus tear. In our study, both cases sustained an avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity. Preoperative MRI in one case revealed posterior cruciate ligament rupture. Under the image intensifier, we treated both patients by closed reduction and percutaneous screwing with 2 cancellous screws. Radiographic assessment showed complete healing of the avulsion fractures in both cases. Both of our patients gained previous levels of daily and sporting activity prior to the injury, and were completely asymptomatic. Our objective in reporting this case study is to point to the fact that there is no previous reporting of the avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity accompanied by posterior cruciate ligament rupture in the literature and to evaluate the findings of the minimal invasive treatment method we applied to both cases.

Absolute compartment pressure versus differential pressure for the diagnosis of compartment syndrome in tibial fractures.

We studied 39 patients with 42 diaphyseal tibial fractures in whom we suspected a high risk for the development of a compartment syndrome. We measured the anterior absolute compartment pressure (ACP) every 12 h for 72 h and also recorded the differential pressure (DeltaP=diastolic blood pressure-ACP). Fasciotomy of the extremity was only performed when the differential pressure was less than 30 mmHg for more than 30 min. The highest values of the ACP were recorded between 24 h and 36 h after admission. Three fractures had a differential pressure less than 30 mmHg and all were treated by fasciotomy. In three fractures the ACP was equal to or higher than 50 mmHg, of which two had a differential pressure less than 30 mmHg. The patients were followed up for a mean of 36 months (29-45). All fractures healed, and none of our patients showed any sequelae of compartment syndrome at their last review.

Management of shotgun induced open fractures of the humerus with Ilizarov external fixator.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ilizarov external fixator used for the management of shotgun induced open humeral fractures with special emphasize on neurovascular sequelae. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed eleven shotgun induced open humeral fractures managed with emergent application of Ilizarov external fixator. No patient had associated neurovascular injury. All fractures were stabilized with Ilizarov external fixator immediately after meticulous debridement and irrigation under emergent conditions. RESULTS: With Ilizarov fixation technique complete bony union occurred in all patients within 14 to 44 weeks (average, 21 weeks) postoperatively. One patient required a second intervention in order to adjust the external fixator rings. Two patients required a rotational fasciocutaneous flap so as to handle the soft tissue coverage problem. Superficial pin tract infection was present in eight patients, however in none of the patients deep tissue infection or osteomyelitis has been observed. Good to excellent results were achieved in 10 patients with Ilizarov fixation technique according to the rating system proposed by Smith and Cooney. CONCLUSION: Emergent Ilizarov external fixation is a safe method of obtaining a functional limb in the management of shotgun induced open humeral fractures with severe soft tissue damage.

[Monitoring of uncooperative, polytraumatized patients with tibial shaft fractures for acute compartment syndrome]. / Tibia cisim kirikli, kooperasyon kurulamayan, politravmali hastalarin kompartman sendromu açisindan izlemi.

BACKGROUND: The results of intracompartmental pressure monitoring were assessed in uncooperative, polytraumatized patients with tibial shaft fractures. METHODS: The study included 29 tibial fractures of 26 polytraumatized patients (9 females, 17 males; mean age 36 years; range 15 to 75 years) admitted to the intensive care unit. The fractures were on the right side in eight patients, on the left in 15 patients. Three patients had bilateral involvement. All the patients were unconscious. Following trauma, absolute compartment pressures and ΔP (diastolic blood pressure - absolute compartment pressure) were monitored at 12-hour intervals for 72 hours via the intracompartmental pressure monitoring system. Patients whose ΔP values were 30 mmHg or below underwent fasciotomy. The mean follow-up period was 21.2 months (range 18 to 25 months). RESULTS: The overall mean absolute compartment pressure was 30.25 mmHg, and the mean ΔP was 48.47 mmHg at the end of 72 hours. Fasciotomy was performed in two patients (7%) in whom a diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome was made depending on ΔP values less than 30 mmHg. None of the patients had complications associated with acute compartment syndrome. Union was achieved in all the patients without an additional intervention. The mean time to union was 5.21 months (range 3 to 9 months). CONCLUSION: Intracompartmental pressure monitoring should be considered for an early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome in uncooperative, polytraumatized patients with tibial shaft fractures.

Antegrade nailing of femoral shaft fractures combined with neck or distal femur fractures. A retrospective review of 25 cases, with a follow-up of 36-150 months.

INTRODUCTION: Complex femoral fractures pose considerable therapeutic challenges to orthopedic surgeons. We present a retrospective review of 25 patients with complex femoral fractures treated with intramedullary locked nailing and supplemental screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures (group 1) and 10 patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and distal femur fractures (group 2) were treated from 1990 to 1998. High-energy injuries occurred in all patients. There were 4 open fractures. Antegrade, locked nailing of diaphyseal fractures was performed in all cases. Supplemental screws for the neck were used in all patients in group 1 and in 3 patients in group 2. RESULTS: All of the fractures united during the follow-up. Five patients in group 1 underwent reoperation (33.3%): one due to a delayed union, the second due to an implant failure, the third due to a nonunion of a neck fracture, and the last two because of an initially missed femoral neck fracture. None of the patients in group 2 underwent reoperation. Angular malalignment of the shaft was found in 6 fractures in group 1 (average 4.8 degree, range 3 degree-11 degree) and in 4 fractures in group 2 (average 6 degree, range 3 degree-12 degree). Shortening of the limb occurred in 3 patients in group 1 (average 1.4 cm, range 1-1.8) and in 1 patient in group 2 (2 cm). Loss of fixation was seen in 1 patient in each group. Avascular necrosis and infection were not seen in any case in both groups. CONCLUSION: Femoral intramedullary nails with antegrade or retrograde options for insertion and different locking possibilities have extended the indications to include both diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures. New nail designs, usually more expensive than the conventional nails, have been introduced into the market for this purpose. One has to keep in mind that antegrade, locked nailing of femoral shaft fractures combined with neck or distal femur fractures is a technically demanding but efficacious procedure. The success rate is high when the technique is meticulously implemented.