Comparison of two versus three-screw fixation for biplanar chevron medial malleolar osteotomy.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of using two versus three screws to fix the biplanar chevron medial malleolar osteotomy (MMO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 43 patients (46 ankles) who underwent biplanar chevron MMO to treat talus osteochondral lesions. Of these, MMO was fixed with two parallel screws placed perpendicular to the osteotomy plane in 16 ankles, while in the remaining 30 ankles, MMO was secured with two parallel screws plus an additional third screw inserted parallel to the tibial plafond. Patients were divided into two groups based on the fixation method and clinical outcomes, union and malunion rates, and complications were compared. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age (p: 0.411), gender distribution (p: 0.119), affected side (p: 0.126), lesion grades (p: 0.056), and lesion sizes (p: 0.310), immobilization (p: 0.119) and weight-bearing periods (p: 0.252) were statistically similar across both groups. Initial malreduction were observed in five cases within the three-screw group and one case in the two-screw group (p: 0.307). However, neither group exhibited any progressive step-off or gap in the follow-up radiographs, and osteotomy union was achieved in all patients. Delayed union was observed in one patient from the three-screw group. Significant improvements in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were observed in both groups, with no functional discrepancies evident at the final follow-up (p: 0.488). CONCLUSIONS: The study found no significant differences in union rates, complications, or clinical outcomes between two and three-screw fixation methods for medial malleolar osteotomies (MMO). Both methods allowed for effective MMO fixation without loss or displacement post-surgery, suggesting their safety and efficacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparison.

Preventive strategies to reduce the rate of periprosthetic infections in total joint arthroplasty; a comprehensive review.

The increasing frequency of total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) is marred by the rise in periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs), with PJIs incurring costs over $1.62 billion as of 2020 and individual case management averaging $90,000. SSIs additionally burden the U.S. healthcare economy with billions in expenses annually. PJI prevalence in primary THA and TKA ranges from 0.5% to 2.4%, spiking to 20% in revisions and representing 25% of TKA revision causes. Projections estimate up to 270,000 annual PJI cases by 2030. Often caused by gram-positive bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant staphylococci, these infections demand preventive measures. This review dissects PJI prevention across preoperative, intraoperative, and perioperative phases, aligning with evidence-based CDC and WHO guidelines. Preoperative measures include managing diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, Staphylococcus aureus screening and nasal decolonization, nutritional optimization, and management of inflammatory arthropathies. Intraoperatively, antibiotic prophylaxis, skin preparation, operative room environmental controls, surgical technique precision, and irrigation options are scrutinized. Perioperative concerns focus on anticoagulation, blood management, and infection risk mitigation. Integrating these strategies promotes a patient-centric care model, aiming to reduce PJI incidence, improve patient outcomes, and increase care cost-effectiveness in joint arthroplasty.

Prediction Of Palmaris Longus Tendon Length And Thickness Through Simple Anthropometric Measurements.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test whether palmaris longus tendon (PLT) length and thickness can be predicted from simple anthropometric measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 healthy volunteers with bilateral PL muscles were enrolled in this prospective study. PLT length and thickness were measured by ultrasonographic examination. Anthropometric measurements included body height, weight, forearm length, and wrist circumference. Correlation, linear regression, and Bland-Altman plot were used for analysis. RESULTS: The mean PLT length and thickness were 10.8±1.4 cm and 4.0±0.9 mm, respectively. Body height and PLT length had a moderate positive correlation (r:0.407, p:0.001), and forearm length and PLT thickness had a weak positive correlation (r:0.229, p:0.001). The regression analysis showed that body height was the best predictor for PLT length, and forearm length was the best predictor for PLT thickness. The regression equations were as follows: PLT length=0.276+(0.062×height) (r2=0.165, p<0.001) and PLT thickness=1.373+(0.108×forearm length) (r2=0.052, p<0.001). The predicted PLT lengths and thicknesses were calculated using these regression formulas and compared with the actual thicknesses and lengths using the Bland-Altman plot. The upper and lower limits of agreement (95% CI) ranged from -2.54 cm to 2.51 cm for actual PLT length and predicted PLT length and from -1.76 mm to 1.74 mm for actual PLT thickness and predicted PLT thickness in the Bland-Altman plot with a weak agreement and proportional bias. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that height and forearm length have limited accuracy in predicting PLT length and thickness. The preoperative ultrasonographic examination can provide valuable assistance, particularly in cases that require grafts with precise length and thickness requirements.

ChatGPT's potential to support home care for patients in the early period after orthopedic interventions and enhance public health.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the first investigation into the potential of ChatGPT to provide medical consultation for patients undergoing orthopedic interventions, with the primary objective of evaluating ChatGPT's effectiveness in supporting patient self-management during the essential early recovery phase at home. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven scenarios, representative of common situations in orthopedics and traumatology, were presented to ChatGPT version 4.0 to obtain advice. These scenarios and ChatGPT̓s responses were then evaluated by 68 expert orthopedists (67 males, 1 female; mean age: 37.9±5.9 years; range, 30 to 59 years), 40 of whom had at least four years of orthopedic experience, while 28 were associate or full professors. Expert orthopedists used a rubric on a scale of 1 to 5 to evaluate ChatGPT's advice based on accuracy, applicability, comprehensiveness, and clarity. Those who gave ChatGPT a score of 4 or higher considered its performance as above average or excellent. RESULTS: In all scenarios, the median evaluation scores were at least 4 across accuracy, applicability, comprehensiveness, and communication. As for mean scores, accuracy was the highest-rated dimension at 4.2±0.8, while mean comprehensiveness was slightly lower at 3.9±0.8. Orthopedist characteristics, such as academic title and prior use of ChatGPT, did not influence their evaluation (all p>0.05). Across all scenarios, ChatGPT demonstrated an accuracy of 79.8%, with applicability at 75.2%, comprehensiveness at 70.6%, and a 75.6% rating for communication clarity. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes ChatGPT̓s strengths in accuracy and applicability for home care after orthopedic intervention but underscores a need for improved comprehensiveness. This focused evaluation not only sheds light on ChatGPT̓s potential in specialized medical advice but also suggests its potential to play a broader role in the advancement of public health.

Comparison of curettage vs. trephination technique for harvesting anterior iliac crest bone graft: A cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to compare the volume and weight of bone graft harvested using the curettage vs. the trephination technique from the anterior iliac crest. METHODS: Embalmed cadavers were studied in this experimental research. The right hemipelvis of each cadaver was used for the trephine bone harvesting technique, whereas the left hemipelvis was used for the conventional curettage technique. The weight and the volume of the harvested bone were measured and statistically compared between the 2 sides. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was employed to compare the graft volume and weight obtained from the right and left sides of the hemipelvis. RESULTS: Ten embalmed adult cadavers were used in this study. All subjects were Caucasian males with a mean age of 59.8 years (range 44 - 73 years) at the time of death. A total of 81 cylindrical bone grafts were harvested from the right iliac crest. In 9 out of 81 (11.1 %), the cortex of the ilium was penetrated by the chisel. The mean weight of the bone graft harvested with the trephine technique (26.97 ± 2.32) g was heavier than the curettage technique (23.74 ± 2.09) g (p = 0.007). Similarly, the volume of the bone graft was higher in the trephine technique (8.40 ± 0.84) cm3 compared to the curettage technique (6.60 ± 1.26) cm3 (p = 0.011). The trephination technique lasted a mean of (12.76 ± 1.87) min (range 10.30-16.10 min), while the curettage technique lasted a mean of (14.53 ± 0.89) min (range 13.50-16.00 min) (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Harvesting anterior iliac crest bone graft with the trephine technique provides a higher bone volume and weight than the conventional curettage technique. The trephine technique might be advocated over the curettage technique, especially when a large amount of autologous bone graft is required. However, a meticulous harvesting technique should be followed to prevent complications, particularly the three-dimensional anatomy should be kept in mind, and the depth of trephination should be well-controlled. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Institutional Review Board registration: 2022/499.

Peroneus longus tendon autograft versus allograft in revision ACLR: A retrospective comparison.

PURPOSE: The use of peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autografts in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has increased recently, but there is a lack of research on its use in revision ACLR. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between revision ACLR using allografts and PLT autografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who underwent arthroscopic revision of ACLR with complete clinical follow-ups between 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Allograft was used in 44 of these patients, and PLT autograft was used in 15 of them. Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, Lachman, and anterior drawer tests were performed after a mean follow-up of 60months (range: 19-116). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale was used to evaluate the donor ankle functions. Clinical outcomes and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed significantly improved functional outcomes compared to their preoperative assessments. However, both groups had similar clinical results at the final follow-up, including Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, knee range of motion, return to sports, time to return to daily activities, and rate of re-rupture. No major complications were seen in any of the patients. The AOFAS score was 99.13±2.64 in the PLT autograft group without loss of ankle muscle strength, deformity, instability, and permanent iatrogenic neurovascular injuries. The cumulative cost of the allograft group was significantly higher than the PLT autograft group. CONCLUSIONS: The PLT autograft might be an alternative autograft option to allografts due to similar clinical outcomes, low donor site morbidity, and reduced cost in ACLR revisions, especially if the primary ACLR was performed using grafts harvested around the knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective comparative study.

Validity and reliability of hallux valgus angle measurement on smartphone digital photographs.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study aimed to test the reliability and validity of hallux valgus angle (HVA) measurement on smartphone digital photographs compared with the standard radiographic evaluation. METHODS: Twenty Seven female patients (45 feet) with forefoot deformity were evaluated with weight-bearing anteroposterior foot radiographs and smartphone photographs. Radiographic hallux valgus angle (rHVA) was measured on digital radiographs. Two different photographic HVA measurement methods were used. In the first, the longitudinal axes of the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx were determined, and the angle between these axes was measured (pHVA), similar to the radiographic method. In the other method, the angle of the margo medialis pedis was measured on the photograph (pMMP). Two independent observers performed all measurements twice on two different occasions. Reliability analysis was performed using the interclass correlation coefficient. Agreement between the measurements was tested using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The repeated rHVA, pHVA and pMMP measurements showed excellent intra and inter-observer reliability, with ICC values above 0.900. The mean rHVA, pHVA, and pMMP were statistically similar (p:0.929, 27.03°±8.7°, 27.11°±8.8° and 26.5°±9.0° respectively). The mean difference between the rHVA and pHVA was - 0.07°±5.1° (range, --9.67 to 9.56°), and the mean difference between the rHVA and pMMP was 0.53°±4.4° (range, -9.76° to 8.22°). There was a strong positive correlation between both photographic methods and radiographic measurements (rho = 0.809, p = 0.001 and rho = 0.872, p = 0.001). In the Bland Altman plot, the upper and lower LOAs (95%CI) ranged from - 10.11° to 9.93° for rHVA and pHVA, and from - 8.26° to 9.33° for rHVA and pMMP. Linear regression analysis showed a proportional bias for pHVA but not for the pMMP (p:0.010 versus p:0.633, respectively). The range of the mean difference (prediction interval) between the pMMP and rHVA was 17.59° and 20° for pHVA and rHVA. Simple linear regression showed that the rHVA was predicted by the following equation: rHVA = 4.73 + 0.84 × pMMP (r2 = 0.761, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although measuring HVA through smartphone photographs is reliable, it is not a valid prediction method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic assessment.

Complications of peroneus longus tendon harvesting: a retrospective review of 82 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Peroneus longus tendon (PLT) has become a reliable autologous graft option for various ligament reconstructions. But there are potential risks and complications associated with its use as a graft. This retrospective study aimed to examine the complications and donor site morbidity following PLT harvesting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on an institutional digital patient database, and all patients who underwent ligament reconstruction using PLT autograft were identified. Intraoperative, early, and late complications were reviewed using digital patient notes and patients underwent a complete physical examination during their final follow-up. Ankle function was assessed using the AOFAS score, and manual ankle muscle testing was performed on both sides. Sural nerve iatrogenic injury was evaluated with a dermatomal light touch examination. Cosmetic satisfaction due to incision scar and footwear complaints were also assessed. RESULTS: 82 patients (74 male, eight female) with a mean age of 31.9 ± 10.4 years (range, 16-66) were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up time was 46.6 ± 30.3 months (range, 6-109). The mean AOFAS score for the donor side was 98.7 ± 3.3 (range, 87-100), and the contralateral side score was 100, with manual muscle testing graded as 5 in all movements and similar to the contralateral side. Fifteen patients (18.3%) had hypoesthesia over the dorsolateral aspect of the foot distal to the incision scar, two patients (2.4%) had hyperalgesia over the distal incision scar, and one patient (1.2%) had mild ankle instability. There were two cases (2.4%) of compartment syndrome, both of which were treated with fasciotomy and had complete regression of symptoms after 5 days. One patient (1.2%) had a transient peroneal nerve injury and foot drop that resolved in the sixth month. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective study suggest that harvesting the PLT is associated with a high rate of complications and donor site morbidity. The most common complication was hypoesthesia around the lateral side of the foot, although the ankle functions were not affected significantly. Two cases of compartment syndrome and one transient peroneal nerve injury were observed. Care should be taken while harvesting PLT autograft, and it should be kept in mind that peroneal nerve injury might occur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of volar versus dorsal screw fixation for scaphoid waist fractures: A finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: Scaphoid waist fractures may be fixed through volar or dorsal screw fixation. However, there is no consensus on which surgical fixation method should be performed. The purpose of this study was to compare volar versus dorsal screw fixation of scaphoid waist fractures under physiological loading conditions utilizing finite element analysis. METHODS: A transverse scaphoid waist fracture (Herbert type B2) model was fixed with a headless cannulated compression screw using either a volar or dorsal approach. Displacement and rotation of the fragments and stress analysis on the scaphoid bone and screw were analyzed in the models using 3-D finite element analysis in three different wrist positions; total extension (TE), neutral (N) and total flexion (TF). RESULTS: Displacement of the fracture gap in volar fixation in all planes (x, y, z) was less than in dorsal fixation in the TF and N positions. Furthermore, rotational stability was stronger in volar fixation in all planes and wrist positions. von Mises stress values were concentrated on the proximal fragment in all wrist positions. CONCLUSIONS: Although both volar and dorsal fixation techniques can be preferred in Herbert type B2 fractures, results of this finite element analysis suggest that centrally placed volar compression screw fixation may be biomechanically advantageous over dorsal screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Prevalence of bipartite patella in Turkish population: analysis of bilateral knee radiographs in 897 subjects / Prevalencia de patela bipartita en una población turca: análisis de radiografías bilaterales de rodilla en 897 sujetos

Bipartite patella is a normal anatomic variant of patella. There are various data about the prevalence of bipartite patella in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate its prevalence, type distribution and sex predilection in Turkish population. Bilateral knee radiographs were retrospectively reviewed of 897 consecutive adult patients. Cases with bipartite patella were categorized according to the Oohashi classification. Medical records were examined in order to differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic bipartite patellae. We contacted symptomatic patients by telephone to learn continuity of knee pain. We identified 11 cases (7 male, 4 female) of bipartite patella among the 283 male and 614 female patients. No bilateral cases were identified. The prevalence of bipartite patella was 1.22% overall, 2.47% in males, and 0.65% in females. The most common type was superolateral bipartite patella as seen in 9 patients (81.8%). One subject had lateral bipartite and one subject had superolateral tripartite patella. Painful bipartite patella was found in only 2 patients (18%). One of them had continuing symptoms even after 12 months. In conclusion, we found that the prevalence of bipartite patella in Turkish population was approximately 1%. Both inclusion of only adult (skeletally mature) subjects and assessment with bilateral imaging increased the reliability of this value. In accordance with the literature, bipartite patella was found significantly more frequent in males and mostly in superolateral type. More studies are needed in order to obtain the prevalence, type and sex distribution of bipartite patella in different populations.

La patela bipartita es una variante anatómica normal. En la literaturahay varios datos sobre la prevalencia de patela bipartitae. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la prevalencia, distribución y aparición según sexo en la población turca. Se revisaron retrospectivamente radiografías bilaterales de rodilla de 897 pacientes adultos. Los casos con patela bipartita se clasificaron de acuerdo a la clasificación de Oohashi. Fueron examinados los registros médicos de los pacientes con el fin de diferenciar los casos de patela bipartita sintomática y asintomática. Se estableció contacto con los casos sintomáticos por teléfono para conocer la continuidad del dolor de rodilla. Se identificaron 11 casos (7 varones, 4 mujeres) de patela bipartita entre 283 hombres y 614 pacientes de sexo femenino. No se identificaron casos bilaterales. La prevalencia de patela bipartita fue de 1,22% en total, 2,47% en varones y 0,65% en las mujeres. El tipo más común fue la patela bipartita superolateral en 9 pacientes (81,8%). Un sujeto presentó patela bipartita lateral y en otro caso, patela tripartita superolateral. La patela bipartita dolorosa fue encontrada en sólo 2 pacientes (18%). Uno de ellos presentó síntomas que continuaron incluso después de 12 meses. En conclusión, se encontró que la prevalencia de la patela bipartita en la población turca fue de aproximadamente un 1%. La inclusión en esta investigación de solo sujetos adultos (con el esqueleto maduro) y el estudio de imágenes bilaterales aumentó la fiabilidad de estos parámetros. De acuerdo con la literatura, la patela bipartita se encontró significativamente de manera más frecuente en hombres y en su mayoría se trató del tipo superolateral. Se necesitan más estudios para obtener la prevalencia, tipo y distribución por sexo de la patela bipartita en diferentes poblaciones.

Injection of autologous blood versus corticosteroid for lateral epicondylitis: a randomised controlled study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of autologous blood injection versus corticosteroid injection for lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: 21 men and 59 women (mean age, 45.2 years) presenting with lateral epicondylitis were randomised to receive either autologous blood injection (2 ml of autologous venous blood mixed with 1 ml of 2% prilocaine hydrochloride) or corticosteroid injection (1 ml of 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate mixed with 1 ml of 2% prilocaine hydrochloride) given by a single physician. Patients were assessed before (day 0) and after (days 15, 30, and 90) treatment for elbow pain (using a visual analogue scale [VAS]), function (using the patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation [PRTEE] questionnaire), and grip strength (using a hydraulic hand dynamometer). Patients were followed up at 6 months by telephone to assess elbow pain using the VAS. RESULTS: No complications (infection, skin atrophy, neurovascular damage, or tendon rupture) were noted. 10 patients reported increased pain for up to 2 days after autologous blood injection. In both groups, the VAS score for elbow pain, PRTEE score, and grip strength improved significantly after treatment (p=0.0001), but the pattern of improvement differed. Compared with autologous blood injection, corticosteroid injection improved all 3 scores at a faster rate over the first 15 days (p=0.0001), and then started to decline slightly until day 90. After autologous blood injection, all 3 scores improved steadily and were eventually better (p=0.0001). If a 37% decrease in PRTEE is defined as complete recovery, 38 (95%) of patients with autologous blood injection and 25 (62.5%) of patients with corticosteroid injection achieved complete recovery (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Autologous blood injection was more effective over the follow-up period than corticosteroid injection in improving pain, function, and grip strength. It is recommended as a first-line injection treatment because it is simple, cheap, and effective.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of traumatic shoulder dislocations in an urban city of Turkey: a retrospective analysis of 208 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of traumatic shoulder dislocations in an urban city of Turkey. METHODS: The digital patient database was reviewed to identify all patients with glenohumeral dislocation of the shoulder admitted to the emergency departments of the two hospitals in Diyarbakir between January 2008 and December 2010. Incidence, demographics, clinical characteristics, recurrence, associated injuries, and mechanism of injury were evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight patients (163 male, 45 female; mean age: 37.2±21.3) experienced traumatic shoulder dislocation during the study period. The overall incidence of primary shoulder dislocations was 5.3 per 100,000 person-years. Age distribution peaked between 21 and 30 years (96.5% male) and between 61 and 70 years (66.7% female). Primary shoulder dislocation occurred in 172 patients (82.7%) and recurrent dislocations in 36 (17.3%). Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations were younger than those with primary dislocations (mean age, 29.7±14.5 and 38.8±22.2, respectively; p=0.020). There were 195 (93.4%) anterior dislocations. The mechanism of injury was falls in 155 (74.5%) cases. Reduction was achieved in 165 patients (79.3%) in the emergency department. General anesthesia was used for 43 patients (20.7%). CONCLUSION: The 5.3 per 100,000 person-years incidence of traumatic shoulder dislocations in Turkey was much lower than previous studies. Demographic characteristics also showed various differences closely related to the population pyramid.

Osteochondrosis of the medial cuneiform bone in a child: a case report and review of 18 published cases.

UNLABELLED: Although, osteochondrosis of tarsal and metatarsal bones are frequent in children, involvement of the cuneiform bone is rare. Because of its rarity, the relevant literature is composed of small case series and case reports. Here, we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with bilateral osteochondrosis of the medial cuneiform bone. Activity modification and analgesia were sufficient for the relief of symptoms during follow-up. We discuss the demographic and clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, and treatment of this rare entity with a review of literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study.