Laser-Assisted Vascular Malformation Resection: A Novel Surgical Approach.

Vascular malformations can be treated using sclerotherapy agents like alcohol, polidocanol, or sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam and embolization treatments. These endovascular treatments may cause severe complications as pulmonary embolism and thrombosis. 980-nm diode lasers (DLs) are common devices used by many specialties as plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and vascular surgeons. Laser energy is excellently absorbed in water and hemoglobin, which makes it ideal for adipose tissue and deep lesions. We treated our patient using a DL. Our surgical approach allowed total excision of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which decreased the size of the tumor allowing a smaller incision and eased the dissection plane. We believe that lasers will be used more frequently on AVM treatments.

Functional outcomes of internal fixation of scapula fractures due to high-velocity gunshot injuries.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures of the scapula are relatively rare and only a few studies are interested in this subject. This study aims to demonstrate the results of internal fixation of open scapula fractures due to gunshot injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients who had open scapula fractures and were treated by internal fixation through the conventional Judet approach included in this study. Patients were followed up monthly in the first 6 months and every 2 months in the rest of the follow-up. Shoulder range of motion, Constant Shoulder Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were used for functional evaluation. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 34.6 ± 11.9 months. The average time between injuries and the surgery was 10.5 ± 5.1 days. The average shoulder abduction of the patients was 135.6 ± 18.8°, the average forward flexion of the shoulder was 160 ± 19.2°. The average internal and external rotations of the shoulders were 80 ± 14.1° and 63.1 ± 17.3°, respectively. CSS was calculated as 79.8 ± 14.4, and DASH was calculated as 14.1 ± 14.9. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of open scapula fractures due to gunshot injuries, an internal fixation is a reliable option and the results were comparable with previous studies.

Results of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle bone grafting (Meyers' procedure) in the management of ununited femoral neck fractures.

PURPOSE: Femoral neck fractures in young patients are associated with increase complication risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of quadratus femoris muscle pedicle grafting in the treatment of ununited femoral neck fractures. METHODS: This study includes 16 patients with ununited femoral neck fractures treated with quadratus femoris muscle pedicle graft. 7 patients had neglected femoral neck fractures while 9 had ununited femoral neck fractures after fixation. Quadratus femoris muscle with 2 × 1 × 1 cm (length-width-height) bone in its insertion was elevated and placed in the posterior cortex of the femoral neck with additional cancellous graft from the posterior iliac bone. The graft was fixed with 3.5-mm cortical screws. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 96 weeks and the radiological union occurred at an average of 7 months. The femoral inclination of all patients was 128.5° ± 3.9° with an average 7 (range 0-35) mm thigh atrophy in the last follow-up visit. Only 1 patient (6%) had avascular necrosis of the femoral head and was treated with hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Quadratus femoris muscle pedicle grafting provides better stability and blood supply in ununited femoral neck fractures. Achieving fracture union provides better clinical and functional results in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

A Pilot Study of a Novel Fixation Technique for Fixation of Comminuted Patellar Fractures: Arthroscopic-Controlled Reduction and Circular External Fixation.

Patella fractures represent for 0.5 to 1.5% of all bony injuries in adults. Open reduction and the modified tension-band technique is the most common surgical technique used for patellar fractures. The purpose of this study is to present the outcomes of 26 comminuted patellar fractures treated with circular external fixator (CEF) under arthroscopic control and discuss its potential advantages over conventional surgical methods. This retrospective study included 26 patients who had closed comminuted patellar fractures and treated by CEF under arthroscopic control between January 2002 and March 2016. All patients treated with this technique were involved to the study as a consecutive series. Patients with noncomminuted transverse fractures were excluded, because they were treated with a different technique. Of the 26 patients 22 were male, 4 were female with the mean age of 33.5 years (range, 16-56 years). Patients were followed for 20 to 28 months (mean, 22 months). The mean time to union and the duration of fixation with the CEF ring was 12 weeks (range, 6-15 weeks). The mean Lysholm's score was 45 (range, 35-58) at the 10th postoperative day, which increased to 51 (range, 40-68) at the end of the first postoperative month and increased to 95 (range, 90-100) 1 month after CEF ring removal. Minor pin tract infection by pin-skin irritation was observed in nine patients. In one patient, refracture occurred due to a fall 19 days after CEF removal. CEF appears to be a safe and effective treatment for comminuted patellar fractures with a high union rate and minimal complications. It is safe and effective, as it allows short hospital stay and avoids a second surgery for removal of the instrument. Early rehabilitation with full weight-bearing promotes rapid recovery and quick return to work. Patients do not have a large unaesthetic scar on the anterior of the knee.

Case Report: Late Reconstruction of the Land Mine-Injured Heel With an Osteomyocutaneous Composite Fibular Flap.

The heel comprises the epidermis, minimal subcutaneous tissue, a dense septum, and the calcaneus. Injury to any of these structures can impair the ability to walk. The soft tissue or calcaneal bone can be injured by trauma. Injuries incurred in war are usually high-energy traumas caused by weapons such as rifles, rockets, and land mines. Such injuries can be life threatening and involve the loss of tissue, including skin, soft tissue, bone, and neurovascular tissue. Two main treatment protocols are used for such injuries with large tissue defects: amputation and reconstruction. We describe a reconstruction with an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap for a heel injury. At the 2-year follow-up point, the patient had 30% loss of ankle range of motion. The visual analog scale score had dramatically decreased from 8 to 1, and the patient was satisfied with the result. In conclusion, patients with significant problems such as infection, pain, and anatomic deterioration of the calcaneus can be successfully treated using an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap in a single surgery.

Late onset brachial artery thrombosis and total temporary peripheral neuropathy in a child with humerus supracondylar fracture: a case report.

Pediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus are generally associated with neurovascular complications due to the deformity and sharp nature of bone fragments. When treated inadequately, these injuries may result in catastrophic complications, such as Volkmann's contracture and amputation. To our knowledge, late onset brachial arterial thrombosis and total temporary peripheral neuropathy after surgery of pediatric supracondylar fracture in the setting of normal preoperative vascular examination has not been reported yet. In this study, a 2-year and 6- month-old girl, who had delayed brachial arterial thrombosis after a displaced humerus supracondylar fracture surgery treated with embolectomy, was reported. Total lesion of median, ulnar and radial nerves completely resolved four months after surgery. Close neurovascular monitoring on the postoperative phase especially in severely displaced supracondylar fractures is strongly emphasized even in the setting of well-perfused hand.

Angiographic evaluation of arterial configuration after acute tibial shortening.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial nonunion with bone and soft tissue loss is a challenging orthopedic problem. Acute tibial shortening is a well-defined technique; however, arterial configuration following acute tibial shortening has not been demonstrated by a clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with tibial nonunion and one patient with acute tibial fracture accompanied by bone and soft tissue loss were treated by acute shortening followed by compression or relengthening between 2004 and 2010. Circulation was monitored by intraoperative Doppler ultrasound and hallux pulse oximetry. Arterial configuration was examined by digital subtraction angiography at the seventh postoperative day and by CT angiography at the second year. Bone healing and functional results were evaluated according to Paley's classification, and complications were evaluated according to Dahl's classification. RESULTS: Mean amount of bone loss was 3 ± 1.4 cm (range 1-6 cm); mean size of the soft tissue defects was 7 × 6.8 cm (range 3 × 3 cm-10 × 10 cm). The mean follow-up period was 38 ± 11.3 months (range 24-57 months). The average amount of acute shortening was 5.4 ± 1.6 cm (range 3-8 cm). Average lengthening was 6 ± 1.8 cm (range 4-8 cm), and the mean external fixation index was 1.4 months/cm (range 0.1-3.7 months). There was no detectable change in the arterial configuration of patients with acute shortening up to 4 cm. Minimal arterial bending was observed in patients that 4-6 cm of shortening was performed. Arterial configuration of the patients that 8 cm acute shortening was performed showed increased tortuosity, but the patency was maintained. CONCLUSION: Acute shortening of tibia in nonunions with soft tissue defects allows for primary closure or reduces the need for grafting and secondary operations. Although the amount of acute shortening depends upon intraoperative assessment with Doppler ultrasound and hallux pulse oximetry, acute compression up to 8 cm can be attained in proximal tibia. More than 4 cm of acute shortening leads to increased tortuosity of major arteries rather than kinking, and this new arterial configuration is maintained for up to 2 years with no problem in circulation.

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic efficacy of an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block versus 3 in 1 block in hip prosthesis surgery.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficiency of an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block and a 3 in 1 block in patients who underwent hip prosthesis surgery as a result of hip fracture. METHODS: With approval from the local ethics committee, 70 patients, aged 20 to 80, undergoing hip prosthesis surgery under elective conditions were included in this randomized, prospective, controlled study. They were informed of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device and visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were separated randomly into three groups. Anaesthesia induction was standardized for all groups. An ultrasound guidance fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) was applied to the first group before anaesthesia induction. For the second group, a 3 in 1 block was applied, while for the control group no block was applied. After incision on all patients, 20 mg tenoxicam and 1 mg/kg tramadol were injected intravenously. Following surgery, IV tramadol PCA was begun on all patients routinely. In our study, the presence of cortisol and ACTH levels, hemodinamical parameters, nausea and sedation were determined. RESULTS: We observed a decrease in VAS values and opioid consumption, no adverse effects on nausea and sedation, and a suppression of stress hormones in both the ultrasound-guided FICB and 3 in 1 block groups. CONCLUSION: We believe that the safe and efficient application of the ultrasound-guided 3 in 1 block and the FICB is necessary in multimodal analgesic treatment in order to enable postoperative analgesia in hip prosthesis surgery.

Serum fetuin-A levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: One of the functions of fetuin-A is the restriction of formation and expansion ofextraosseous hydroxyapatite crystals. TIhe exact correlation of fetuin-A with bone mineral density (BMD) has not been clearly elucidated yet. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between BMD and fetuin-A in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty postmenopausal women (25 with osteoporosis, 25 healthy controls) were included in the study. All participants were comparable for age and body mass index. None of the osteoporotic patients had received any medical treatment for osteoporosis. Serum fetuin-A levels were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: BMD scores of the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Serum fetuin-A levels of the osteoporosis group were significantly lower compared to the control group (P = 0.009). Additionally, there was there was a mild to moderate positive correlation between fetuin-A and lumbar (r = 0.381, P = 0.06) and femoral (r = 0.143, P = 0.50) BMD in the osteoporotic group, though it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Decreased fetuin-A levels in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis suggest that fetuin-A may have a role in the development of osteoporosis. Further studies are required to define the exact role of fetuin-A in bone metabolism.

Bilateral femoral neck stress fracture following bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a case report.

In the treatment of degenerative knee arthritis, total knee arthroplasty is a commonly performed surgery. After knee replacement, stress fractures at lower extremity may rarely occur due to changes in lower extremity alignment and biomechanical axis. We report an 82-year-old woman with a bilateral femoral neck stress fracture 3 years after bilateral total knee replacement. Physicians should be aware of this rare complication and these fractures should be treated without any surgical delay.

Bilateral congenital absence of flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles with bilateral thenar atrophy: a case report.

In this paper, we report a case of a 23-year-old male patient with bilateral absence of the flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis muscles with an intact functioning opponens pollicis and flexor pollicis longus muscles with bilateral thenar atrophy due to its rarity. All physical, neurological, ultrasonographic, direct radiographic, electromyographic and MRI studies were used to confirm and document this congenital anomaly.

Chair method: a simple and effective method for reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: The ideal reduction method for anterior shoulder dislocation is defined as a practical technique applied without any assistance and minimizing patient interference. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with shoulder dislocations reduced using the chair method in the emergency department and show that the chair method is one of the ideal methods. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with anterior shoulder dislocation were treated using the chair method. Data from patients were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All dislocated shoulders were successfully reduced using the chair method without any complication or difficulty. Thirty patients had first time dislocation and 44 patients had previous dislocation. Mean duration between dislocation and reduction was 3 (range: 1 to 6) hours. Mean duration of reduction was 13.9 (range: 3 to 45) seconds. CONCLUSION: The chair method is an effective and successful reduction method for shoulder dislocation. We believe that orthopedists and emergency department physicians should be familiar with this simple technique which does not have to be performed under general anesthesia.

Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of atrophic tibial nonunion with Ilizarov external fixator: a radiographic and scintigraphic study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effects of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on atrophic tibial nonunion treatment using Ilizarov external fixator. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups. A circular external fixator was applied to the right tibia of all the rabbits. A 5-mm bone block was resected and a tibial pseudarthrosis was obtained after a 6-month waiting period. The experimental group rabbits (n=10) underwent daily 2.5 ATA HBO therapy for 2 hours for 20 days and the control group rabbits (n=10) did not receive any corresponding treatment. Osteoblastic activity was evaluated with bone scintigraphy on days 30 and 90. Fracture healing was evaluated by plain radiographs on days 30 and 90. RESULTS: On Day 30, radiological scores were statistically similar in both groups (p=0.167). However, on Day 90, the experimental group displayed significantly higher radiological scores (p<0.001). Osteoblastic activity was also higher in the experimental group on both scintigraphic assessments (p=0.005 and p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that HBO can be used as a supplementary therapy in the management of atrophic tibial nonunion.

Ilizarov external fixation without removal of plate or screws: effect on hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of the femoral shaft with plate failure.

Patients with hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of the femoral diaphysis associated with plate failure can be treated by Ilizarov external fixation without plate removal. Advantages of this technique include a lack of damage to the blood supply and simultaneous deformity correction.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol on bone formation during distraction osteogenesis: a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alpha-tocopherol on distraction osteogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right tibias of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were distracted at a rate of 0.5 mm/day for 20 days with a circular external fixator. Experimental group rabbits (n = 15) were administered i.m. 20 mg/kg/day alpha-tocopherol for 30 days. Radiographic examinations were performed at the 20th, 30th and 40th days. Bone scintigraphy was performed at the 5th and 20th days. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured at the 5th and 30th days. All animals were sacrificed and the right tibias of all animals were harvested for histopathologic examination at the 40th day. RESULTS: Radiologic scores were statistically similar at the 20th day. However, the experimental group demonstrated higher radiologic scores at the 30th and 40th days. A scintigraphic baseline study at the 5th day of the study showed statistically similar osteoblastic activities in both groups. However, at the 20th day, osteoblastic activity was significantly higher in the experimental group. Serum TAC values were also significantly higher in the experimental group at the 30th day. At necropsy, histopathologic examination revealed statistically significantly higher scores in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that alpha-tocopherol has beneficial effects on new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis.

AO tension band technique application in proximal humerus fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report our functional results after an intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) and tension band wiring combination for the treatment of a large group of humeral head fractures was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients (54 females, 20 males; mean age 42 years; range 24 to 73 years) who had proximal humerus fractures were treated with an intramedullary K-wire and tension band technique and were retrospectively analyzed. Fracture patterns were according to Neer classification type II in 43 patients, type III in 23 patients and type IV in five patients. The Constant-Murley shoulder score test was used to evaluate the function of both shoulders. The outcome was graded according to Neer's criteria. The pain score was determined with a 10-point visual analog scale. RESULTS: All fractures were healed (radiologically and clinically) within 3.6 months (range 2.5 to 4.7 months) after the surgery. In one patient, the cerclage wire was broken and in eight patients, K-wires produced impingement like symptoms that required a second procedure (wire removal) after healing. The results of the patients with regard to Constant-Murley score and Neer criteria were indifferent when the 6th and the 12th month data were compared (p<0.05). Visual analog scale scores of the patients between the two control visits were significant different (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of fixation depends on the bone quality and the degree of comminution. But the recent trend is towards osteosynthesis -the limited, less invasive technique- which is performed with minimal soft tissue dissection and minimal osteosynthesis. It allows less stripping of bone and therefore preservation of the blood supply to the humeral head. This procedure is simple to perform and provides good postoperative results.

Bilateral simultaneous femoral neck fractures secondary to a post-infarct generalized tonic-clonic seizure. A case report.

Bilateral femoral neck fractures are generally associated with high-energy trauma or defects in bone metabolism. We present a patient who had not been subjected to high-energy trauma and in whom there was no bone metabolism disorder.

Sonographic evidence for the absence of abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus, and brevis.

Complete absence or variations of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus; absence of the extrinsic extensors, abductor pollicis longus, thenar muscles along with congenital hypoplasia of the thumb; absence of flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis; and bilateral absence of extensor pollicis have been reported previously. Those cases mainly comprised absence/variations of the first extensor compartment either with or without thumb anomalies. This article presents a case of a patient in which the constituents of the first and third compartments (extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis longus) were absent unilaterally. Herewith, we also highlight the role of static/dynamic sonography for prompt imaging in this regard.A 24-year-old man presented with difficulty using the left thumb. He reported no trauma and had not used the affected thumb since childhood. On physical examination, the left thumb was observed to be in flexion and opposition. He was unable to perform active extension and abduction but passive motion was free. Neurological examination of the left upper extremity was unremarkable. No organ anomaly was present on systemic examination. Radiographs of the left hand revealed no joint problems or hypoplasia. Ultrasonographic evaluation was consistent with absence of the first and third extensor compartment tendons. Tendon transfer was recommended but the patient refused surgery.

Double plate osteosynthesis provides better biomechanical stabilization than double tension band technique in distal humerus fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we evaluated the stability and effectiveness of the double tension band osteosynthesis technique compared to the double plate osteosynthesis technique used for fixation of distal humerus fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on two groups, and in each group eight cadaveric, elderly (mean age 70-80) human humeri was used. An osteotomy was performed in the supracondylar region using a manual saw. The first group (group 1) was fixed with double 3.5 mm reconstruction plates, while the second group (group 2) was fixed with the double tension band technique, using crossing Kirschner wires. The osteotomy was designed so that the distal fragment would allow only a single screw per plate. The constructs were evaluated using a material testing machine. A linear non-cyclic load was applied until the failure of the constructs. The force which produced a 3 mm gap (3 mm gap strength), as detected visually with the aid of operating loupes, and the maximum load prior to failure of the fixation (maximum force) were measured from all tests. RESULTS: The mean value for the 3 mm gap strength was 1356.29+/-226.97 N for group 1 and 882.63+/-305.21 N for group 2. The mean value of the maximum load strength was 1487.13+/-298 N for group 1 and 1232+/-107.62 N for group 2. There were significant differences in 3 mm gap strengths of the two groups (p=0.005). There was also a significant difference in the maximum load between the two groups (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Double plate osteosynthesis technique is superior to double tension band osteosynthesis for the fixation of distal humerus fractures.

Stress fracture of bilateral tibial metaphysis due to ceremonial march training: a case report.

Stress fractures are caused by repetitive microtraumas that occur during unusual or increased activities. Clinical suspicion is essential for the diagnosis. A twenty-years old soldier was presented with bilateral knee pain and restriction of knee movements after a period of training for ceremonial march. Although plain X-rays were normal, scintigraphy and MRI revealed stress fractures at metaphyseal region of both tibias. History of a patient presenting with persisting joint or bone pain after an unusual repetitive activity should be delicately inquired. Typical history, although pain might be localized to unusual sites, should raise the suspicion of a stress fracture.