Is step-cut shortening osteotomy a better choice than transverse osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type III-IV hip dysplasia?

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty for developmental hip dysplasia is a challenging surgery due to anatomic abnormalities. Crowe III and Crowe IV hip dysplasia generally necessitates a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. Transverse and step-cut osteotomy are the most common procedures for shortening of femur although there is still no consensus which one is a superior method. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether transverse or step-cut osteotomy is superior in hips who undergo arthroplasty for high riding hip dysplasia. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that higher rates of union would be achieved in patients with Crowe III-IV hip dysplasia when the step-cut osteotomy was performed compared to transverse osteotomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 99 hips from 90 patients (9 bilateral, 81 unilateral; 79 female, 11 male), each with a minimum follow-up duration of two years, were included in this study. The hips were classified as Crowe III (n=16) or IV (n=83). All hips were implanted cementless. Transverse or step-cut osteotomy was chosen for osteotomy type. The clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), limb length discrepancy (LLD), and limping. The complications and management of these were noted. The union rates were compared between osteotomy types. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 48.8 (range, 21-79 years). The follow-up period was 64.3 months in average (range, 24 to 192 months). The mean Harris Hip Score before surgery was 35.6 (range, 18-50), and increased to 88.1 (range, 61-98) points at the most recent follow-up. The preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) measured 5.3cm (with a range of 3 to 6.8), while the postoperative LLD reduced to 0.8cm (with a range of 0 to 1.6). There were a total of 38 complications in 35 patients out of 99 cases, resulting in a complication rate of 38.4%. The most frequent complication observed was intraoperative femoral fractures, occurring in 13 cases. Residual limping was seen in 73.7% of all. Step-cut osteotomy was performed in 64 hips (35 CDH stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA], 29 Wagner Cone stem [Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA]) and, transverse in 35 hips (22 CDH, 13 Wagner Cone). Six hips had nonunion problem and all of them were operated with a step-cut osteotomy (z-score: -7.12 and p<0.00001, Mann-Whitney U Test). CONCLUSION: Transverse osteotomy may be a better option while performing a shortening subtrochanteric level osteotomy for total hip arthroplasty for Crowe III-IV hips. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; observational retrospective cohort study.

Biomechanical comparison of distal femoral fracture fixation: Polyaxial vs. uniaxial locking screws with different blocking screw configurations in retrograde femoral nailing.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical studies have indicated reduced reliance on blocking screws with the introduction of polyaxial locking nails, yet the biomechanical superiority of polyaxial locking over blocking screws remains unverified, specifically for distal dia-metaphyseal femur fractures. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the combination of multiaxial locking using three screws and parallel locking reinforced by two blocking screws would result in superior outcomes compared to utilizing only parallel locking with two screws and one blocking screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Third-generation custom-made femur models representing AO/OTA 32 A1.2 dia-metaphyseal comminuted oblique fractures were divided into four groups (n=10/group). Group A employed distal fixation with three 4.5-mm polyaxial screws. Group B used two parallel locking screws and two blocking screws, Group C used two parallel locking screws and one blocking screw, and Group D used only two parallel screws. Specimens underwent axial and torsional load testing to assess fatigue strength, ultimate strength, axial stiffness (N/mm), torsional stiffness (N/mm/deg), axial load to failure (N), torsional load to failure (N/mm), coronal and sagittal angulations, and fracture site collapse. RESULTS: Group C exhibited statistically superior torsional stiffness compared to Groups B and D (p=0.039 and p=0.034, respectively). Axial load to failure was highest in Group B and lowest in Group D (p=0.032). Group C demonstrated the highest torsional strength, while Group B exhibited the lowest (p=0.006). Coronal displacement was greatest in Group B, while Group A showed the highest resistance (p=0.009). Group A demonstrated the greatest resistance to fracture site collapse, with the weakest specimens observed in Groups B and C (p=0.01). DISCUSSION: The performance of a single laterally positioned blocking screw is comparable to using two blocking screws. Medial positioning of a second blocking screw is unnecessary for stability enhancement. Multiaxial locking prevents fracture site collapse and coronal plane angulation more effectively than other methods. Multiaxial locking and/or parallel screws with a single laterally positioned blocking screw provide superior stiffness and stability for treating unstable dia-metaphyseal distal femoral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation methods produce similar benefits in individuals with non-specific neck pain.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence exists on clinical benefits of synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation for patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP); however, limited studies are comparing synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation (TR) programs in this population. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative effectiveness of an 8-week synchronous or asynchronous TR in improving pain, functional disability, kinesiophobia, and mobility in patients with NSNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial carried out on 60 individuals with NSNP. Participants were randomly assigned to synchronous TR group (n = 30) or asynchronous TR group (n = 30) that received the same exercise program for 8 weeks. Pain measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), disability measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI), kinesiophobia measured by Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and cervical range of motion were used as outcome measures. Assessments were performed at baseline, 4th week, 8th week, and 16th week. RESULTS: The analysis showed a significant effect of time and significant interaction between group and time in NPRS, NDI, TSK, and cervical mobility scores (p < 0.05), yet the group effect was not significant (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups at all time points (p > 0.05) except for cervical right lateral flexion at 8th week (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation technologies are expanding at a rapid rate, and it is essential to understand the outcomes produced using these technologies in health conditions. This study showed that synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation produces similar results in patients with NSNP, supporting that either method can be used interchangeably.

Comparison of anteroposterior and posteroanterior screw fixation techniques for posterior malleolar fractures: a retrospective and clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The posterior malleolus is an important component of the distal tibiofibular complex and plays a crucial role in maintaining ankle joint stability. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of fixation with anteroposterior (AP) and posteroanterior (PA) compression screws in patients with Haraguchi Type 1 PMFs. METHODS: Data from 306 patients who underwent surgery for trimalleolar fractures between January 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and 60 patients meeting the criteria were included in the study. Thirty-one patients with AP screw fixation and 29 patients with PA screw fixation were compared clinically and radiologically. Radiological parameters such as fracture healing time, step-off amount, displacement amount, and development of arthritis were evaluated. Clinical outcomes including ankle joint range of motion at final follow-up, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Olerud-Molander Score were compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of average age, gender distribution, smoking history, fracture etiology, time from injury to surgery, operation time, fracture healing time, and follow-up duration. Step-off and displacement amounts were lower in the PA screw group (P<0.001, P=0.004, respectively). When comparing the development of arthritis, according to the Kellgren-Lawrence Classification, no signs of arthritis were observed in 62.1% of the PA screw group, while this rate was 22.6% in the AP screw group. Ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion range of motion, AOFAS score, Olerud-Molander Score, and VAS results were statistically better in the PA screw group (P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.002, respectively). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding complications. CONCLUSION: Two different screw fixation techniques used in the treatment of trimalleolar fracture patients with Haraguchi Type 1 PMF were compared. In conclusion; percutaneous PA screw fixation is more advantageous than the AP screw fixation method because it provides less step-off in the fracture line, less arthrosis in the ankle, and better functional scores.

Comparison of clinical and radiological results after a minimum one-year follow-up of tibial fractures operated via suprapatellar or infrapatellar intramedullary nailing: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after a minimum one-year follow-up of suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) nail applications for the treatment of tibial fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2019 and September 2021, a total of 80 patients treated for tibial fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two equal groups including 40 patients in each group. The first group (32 males, 8 females; mean age: 36.4±13.2 years; range, 19 to 64 years) consisted of those who were operated using intramedullary nailing (IMN) through the SP approach (SP group). The second group (25 males, 15 females; mean age: 34.4±13.6 years; range, 15 to 64 years) consisted of patients operated with IMN using an IP approach (IP group). Data including the location of the fracture, duration of surgery, need for additional interventions for fracture reduction, union time, duration of follow-up, delayed union, nonunion, malunion, and infection rates were recorded. During the final follow-up, we evaluated the results for range of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), score, Lysholm score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) postoperative functional outcome measure. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up in the SP and IP groups were 17.6±2.3 (range, 13 to 21) and 19.9±1.3 (range, 15 to 41) months, respectively (p=0.236). The mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SP group than in the IP group (73.2±19.9 [45 to 160] min in the SP group and 152.0±28.5 [100 to 240] min in the IP group) (p=0.0001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding duration of postoperative hospital stay, union time, and decrease in hemoglobin levels. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding Lysholm scores, KSS functional outcome scores, VAS, ROM, and thigh and calf diameter difference measured at the final follow-up. A Poller screw or provisional Kirschner wire was used for 14 (35%) of 16 diametaphyseal fractures in the IP group. No additional technique was used for any patient in SP group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The SP application of an IMN for diaphyseal tibial fractures yields an easy and practical application, having easy reduction with shorter operative time and no need for additional techniques to achieve reduction. However, the clinical and radiological outcomes of both techniques are similar after a one-year follow-up.

Effect of the Educational Intervention on the Balance of Diabetic Foot Amputees: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention on the balance of diabetic foot amputees. There were 2 groups and 60 patients (30 in each group) in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups using block randomization to provide equal distribution of the minor and major amputations in groups. An education program was prepared in line with Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning theory. Education was administered to the intervention group before the amputation. Three days after the education, the patients' balance was examined using Berg Balance Scale (BBS). There were not any statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics except for marital status (P = .038). The mean BBS scores were 31.4 ± 17.6 for the intervention group and 20.3 ± 17.8 for the control group. We demonstrated that the intervention lowered fall risk after minor (P = .045) but not major amputation (P = .067). We recommend using education for the patients who will undergo amputation and further studies in larger and different populations.

A cross-sectional study on reliability and quality of YouTube® videos related to hallux valgus and evaluation of newly developed hallux valgus-specific survey tool.

Objective: Previous studies have reported low quality and reliability on YouTube videos about various medical issues including videos related to hallux valgus (HV) treatment. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the reliability and quality of YouTube videos on HV and develop a new HV-specific survey tool that physicians, surgeons, and the medical industry can use to create high-quality videos. Methods: Videos viewed over 10,000 times were included in the study. We used the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, global quality score (GQS), DISCERN tool, and new HV-specific survey criteria (HVSSC) developed by us to evaluate the quality, educational utility and reliability of the videos, the popularity of which was assessed using the Video Power Index (VPI) and view ratio (VR). Results: Fifty-two videos were included in this study. Fifteen videos (28.8%) were posted by medical companies producing surgical implants and orthopedic products, 20 (38.5%) by nonsurgical physicians, and 16 (30.8%) by surgeons. The HVSSC indicated that the quality, educational value, and reliability of only 5 (9.6%) videos were adequate. Videos posted by physicians and surgeons tended to be more popular (p = 0.047 and 0.043). Although no correlation was detected among the DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores, or between the VR and VPI, we found correlations of the HVSSC score with the number of views and the VR (p = 0.374 and p = 0.006, respectively). A good correlation was detected among the DISCERN, GQS, and HVSSC classifications (rho = 0.770, 0.853, and 0.831, respectively, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The reliability of HV-related videos on YouTube is low for professionals and patients. The HVSSC can be used to evaluate the quality, educational value, and reliability of videos.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Versus Low Level Laser Therapy in The Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is predominantly treated conservatively through some modalities such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), yet the short effect of these modalities on pain and function is still ambiguous. This study aims to compare the short-term effectiveness of ESWT and LLLT on pain and function in patients with PF. METHODS: Participants (n=47) were randomly assigned into 2 groups as ESWT (n=27) and LLLT (n=20). ESWT (once a week) and LLLT (three times a week) were administered to the participants for 3 weeks. Foot function index (FFI) including pain, disability, and activity limitation subscales was administered at baseline and post-treatment. A reduction of one point in total scores was considered as a minimum clinically important difference. Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to analyze the changes in outcomes and compare the groups. RESULTS: There were significant main effects of time, and significant interaction effects between group and time on pain (P<0.001), disability (P<0.001), and activity limitation (P<0.05). The main effect of the group was not significant for all subscales (P=0.811, P=0.481, P=0.865, respectively). The LLLT group showed a significant decline in pain (P<0.001), disability (P<0.001), and activity limitation (P<0.001) while there was no change in the ESWT group over time (P=0.319, P=0.711, P=1.0 respectively). Consistently, 95% of participants in the LLLT had CID in the pain subscale whereas 48% of the ESWT group had. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT was found to be superior to ESWT as an effective approach in the short-term management of PF.

A simple minimally invasive technique providing anterior and medial reduction in intertrochanteric femur fractures: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of the Verbrugge minimally invasive technique used in AO/OTA 31-A2.2/A2.3 intertrochanteric fracture types with those of the closed reduction technique performed on a traction table. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of 671 patients treated in our clinic for intertrochanteric fracture between 2017 and 2020. The patients included in the study were those aged >70 years, applied with intramedullary nailing for an AO/OTA 31-A2.2/A2.3 fracture type, with >1 year of follow-up. Patients were excluded if they did not meet these criteria, if they had a pathological fracture, an open fracture, or a history of hip surgery. A total of 177 patients were accepted for analysis in the study. The patients were separated into two groups as those where reduction was provided with the Verbrugge minimal invasive technique Verbrugge reduction group (VRG) and those with closed reduction applied on a traction table Conventional reduction group (CRG). The reduction quality was evaluated radiologically with the modified Chang method and the varus reduction rates were compared. The clinical results of the groups were compared in respect of time to full weight-bearing mobilization, complication rates, and Harris Hip Scores (HHS). RESULTS: Varus malreduction was seen less often in the VRG compared to the CRG, the reduction quality was more successful, the patients could be mobilized earlier and the HHSs were better. No significant difference was determined in terms of operating time and complications. CONCLUSION: The Verbrugge method can be used in all AO/OTA 31-A2.2/A2.3 intertrochanteric fractures where closed reduction applied on a traction table is not sufficient. This method can be considered to be an effective technique that increases the quality of the fracture reduction, provides protection throughout the operation, and has similar complication rates to those of the conventional reduction method.

Risk factors for cut-out in intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail of double proximal screw design.

Background: Intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFF) are often seen in the elderly after a simple fall because of osteoporosis, and treatment is generally provided with proximal femoral nail (PFN). The complication of cut-out, which can develop as a result of PFN treatment of IFF, is a significant cause of morbidity. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for cut-out in cases treated with double proximal screw design nail (DPSDN). Methods: A retrospective examination was made of patients aged> 70 years, who were operated on for IFF using DPSDN between January 2018 and December 2020. A record was made of the potential risk factors of age, gender, osteoporosis level (Singh Osteoporosis Index), fracture classification (AO/OTA classification), reduction quality, tip-apex distance(calTAD), and proximal screw placement values. Using logistic regression analysis, it was attempted to determine predictive factors for cut-out complication in cases operated on with DPSDN. Results: With 219 cases included in the study, two groups were formed as cut-out and non-cut-out. Reduction quality, calTAD, and proximal screw placement were seen to be risk factors for cut-out. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, the cut-out risk was 57.917-fold greater in those with "poor" reduction quality compared to those with "good" reduction quality, the risk was 17-fold greater in those with "superior"screw placement compared to "central" placement (p < 0.001), and 9.24-fold greater in those with "anterior" placement compared to "central" placement (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for calTAD for the diagnosis of cut-out was found to be > 25.5 mm (p = 0.026). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the most important risk factors in the use of DPSDN are reduction quality, calTAD and proximal screw placement,. It was also concluded that just as in implants designed with a single screw, there is an increased risk when calTAD is > 25 mm.

Posteromedial plate application using medial midline incision for complex tibia plateau fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Application of a posterior plate for tibia plateau fractures associated with posterior column involvement is becoming a widespread standard practice as previous studies have shown that additional fixation of the posterior column with a posteromedial buttress plate creates strongest fixation in terms of fracture stabilization This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of patients undergoing surgery for complex tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior column with a posteromedial plate applied via a medial midline incision. METHODS: Medical records of patients undergoing surgery for Schatzker type IV, V, and VI tibia plateau fractures involving the posterior column in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a follow-up of less than 1 year, pathological fractures, posterolateral column fractures requiring separate fixation, and open fractures were excluded from the study. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was performed in all patients before surgery. The study population consisted of 25 patients (21 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 41.5 (19-66) years. The etiologies of the fractures were traffic accidents in seven cases, pedestrian falls in five cases, falls from a height in seven cases, and motor vehicle accidents in six cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 15.9 months (12-25), mean time to union was 14.32 (9-20) weeks, mean Knee Society score (KSS) was 88 (81-95), and range of movement (ROM) was 123° (95°-140°). Loss of reduction was detected in only one patient (4%). A superficial incisional infection occurred in an anterolateral incision in only one patient (4%), and it recovered after oral antibiotic therapy. None of the patients required early implant removal and none had vascular or nerve complications in the postoperative period. Postoperatively, 23 (92%) patients had anatomical reduction and 2 (8%) had acceptable reduction in the sagittal plane CT sections. Acceptable reduction was achieved in 6(24%) patients and anatomical reduction was achieved in 19 (76%) in the coronal plane CT sections (Table 2). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical results of posteromedial plate application using a single medial midline incision is promising as complication rates were very low and knee scores were high.

Predictive Factors and Amputation Level for Reamputation in Patients With Diabetic Foot: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

The aim of this study was to assess the rate and level of reamputation in patients who had a previous amputation from diabetic foot. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent amputation and reamputation due to diabetic foot in our clinic between 2011 and 2019. Fifty-nine were evaluated as the healed group after the first amputation and 55 were evaluated as the reamputation group. Given 55 patients who needed reamputation: there were 13 finger or ray, 23 transmetatarsal or syme, 18 transtibial, and 1 transfemoral in the first operation. We found the reamputation rate was 65.4% in distal amputations. When serum parameters were examined before the first amputation in each group, there was no statistically significant difference in white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, sedimentation, C-reactive protein, total protein, hematocrit, urea, creatinine, and HgA1c values. There was, however, a significant difference between groups in albumin levels. When comorbidities were assessed for smoking, hypertension, duration of diabetes, and number of debridements after the first surgery, a significant difference between groups was found. When peripheral artery disease and chronic renal failure were examined, no significant difference was observed. In our study, it was observed that the rate of reamputation was higher in distal level amputations for diabetic foot patients. Accordingly, albumin values, smoking, hypertension, duration of diabetes, number of debridements after surgery, were seen as risk factors for reamputation patients.

Biomechanical comparison of three different plate configurations for comminuted clavicle midshaft fracture fixation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the fixation rigidity of anterior, anterosuperior, and superior plates in the treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: Six-hole titanium alloy plates were produced according to anatomic features of fourth-generation artificial clavicle models for anterior (group I; n = 14), anterosuperior (group II; n = 14), and superior (group III; n = 14) fixation. After plate fixation, 5-mm segments were resected from the middle third of each clavicle to create comminuted fracture models. Half the models from each group were tested under rotational forces; the other half were tested under 3-point bending forces. Failure modes, stiffness values, and failure loads were recorded. RESULTS: All models fractured at the level of the distalmost screw during the failure torque, whereas several failure modes were observed in 3-point bending tests. The mean stiffness values of groups I to III were 636 ± 78, 767 ± 72, and 745 ± 214 N ∙ mm/deg (P = .171), respectively, for the torsional tests and 38 ± 5, 20 ± 3, and 13 ± 2 N/mm, respectively, for the bending tests (P < .001 for group I vs. groups II and III; P = .015 for group II vs. group III). The mean failure torque values of groups I to III were 8248 ± 2325, 12,638 ± 1749, and 10,643 ± 1838 N ∙ mm (P = .02 for group I vs. II), respectively, and the mean failure loads were 409 ± 81, 360 ± 122, and 271 ± 87 N, respectively (P = .108). CONCLUSIONS: In the surgical treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures, the fixation strength of anterosuperior plating was greater than that of anterior plating under rotational forces and similar to that of superior plating.

Does grafting of the tuberosities improve the functional outcomes of proximal humeral fractures treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) can be improved by fixation of the tuberosities. This study compares clinical and radiologic results of patients with comminuted proximal humeral fractures treated with rTSA, with and without autologous grafting. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with rTSA and tuberosity fixation. In 18 patients (group I; mean age, 75 years), tuberosity fixation was augmented with autografting; in 15 patients (group II; mean age, 71 years), graft augmentation was not used. The mean follow-up was 16.7 (range, 12-24) months in group I and 16.8 (range, 12-25) months in group II. RESULTS: Radiologic tuberosity union was achieved in 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients who underwent autograft augmentation and in 6 of 15 (40.0%) patients treated without autografting. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 69.6 ± 13.0 in group I and 51.0 ± 20.0 in group II. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 31.9 ± 24.0 in group I and 58.2 ± 24.6 in group II. A significant difference was detected between groups for ASES and DASH scores. Among shoulder range of motion measures, only forward flexion differed significantly between groups I and II (124° ± 23° vs. 98° ± 30°, respectively). External rotation muscle strength was significantly higher in group I (3.36 ± 1.46 kg) than in group II (2.39 ± 2.00 kg). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients by rTSA, cancellous block autograft augmentation can increase the rate of tuberosity union and improve functional outcomes.