Use of Tibial Cortical Autograft for the Osteotomy Site in Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Background: Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a useful treatment option in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Typically, the osteotomy site is filled with material such as autologous bone graft, allograft, or synthetic bone substitute. However, all these options have disadvantages. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to describe tibial cortical autograft as an alternative to conventional graft options. It was hypothesized that the tibial rectangular cortical bone that is removed from the proximal medial cortical surface of the distal tibial fragment longitudinally could be a reliable option for recovery of the gap in the osteotomy area. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 520 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent OWHTO between June 2009 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the graft material used to fill the osteotomy site: allograft in group A, iliac crest autograft in group B, and tibial autograft in group C. Bone union, evaluated by radiographs performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, was defined as occurring when at least 50% of the gap site was bridged with callus. Clinical assessment was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores. Results: Included were 122 patients: 40 patients in group A, 42 patients in group B, and 40 patients in group C. The mean correction was 13.87°± 3.58° in group A, 12.33°± 3.92° in group B, and 14.10°± 2.99° in group C. The mean time for radiological bone union was 6.95 ± 1.40 months in group A, 4.48 ± 1.02 months in group B, and 5.07 ± 1.70 months in group C. Patients in all groups had similar IKDC and Lysholm scores at the final follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first report of this specific procedure in the literature. All clinical and radiological findings showed that use of tibial cortical autograft was an efficient method in patients undergoing OWHTO.

Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip under 1 year of age in Türkiye: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment preferences of orthopedic surgeons in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) cases under the age of 1 in Türkiye with a higher incidence of DDH, estimated to be around 5-15 per 1000 live births. METHODS: This was a nationwide cross-sectional survey. A link for the online survey, including 16 multiple-choice questions, was sent to the email group of the National Orthopedic Society. RESULTS: Among 233 filled-out surveys, 211 met the inclusion criteria. Half of the participants had experience of <10 years as orthopedic surgeons, managed <25% of pediatric patients in daily practice, and treated <25 DDH cases per year before walking age. Ninety-seven percent used more than one method, hip ultrasound the most common, for exact diagnosis of DDH under 6 months. Pavlik harness was the most commonly preferred brace, but the use of Tübingen orthosis increased among experienced surgeons. The uppermost age limit for bracing was higher in surgeons dealing with more pediatric patients and treating more DDH cases. Dislocated hips and hips requiring closed/open reduction were more commonly referred to other surgeons by less experienced surgeons in terms of years, number of pediatric patients, and treated DDH cases per year. The lowest age limit for intervention under general anesthesia was lower in surgeons treating >25 DDH cases per year. Over one-third used both anterior and medial approach open reduction, but a trend to anterior open reduction alone was more evident in surgeons treating >50 DDH cases per year. More experienced surgeons were more prone to check the intraoperative reduction with postoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis and treatment ages of DDH cases did not significantly change during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Management preferences of orthopedic surgeons in DDH before walking age primarily depend on the rate of pediatric patients in daily practice and the number of treated DDH cases per year.

Morphological determination of glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint with computed tomography / Determinación morfológica de la articulación glenohumeral y la articulación acromioclavicular con tomografía computarizada

SUMMARY: Although acute and chronic pathologies of the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints are frequently encountered in the population, the anatomy and morphometry are not fully known. The aim of this study is to determine the measurements of morphometric parameters according to age groups and sex in a large series of Turkish population. Nine hundred and forty-one shoulders computed tomography (CT) images were screened and those of subjects with healthy anatomical structure were included. Humeral head diameter (HDD) was measured on CT images. Measurements were made using 3D-CT images of: width (GW) and height (GH) of the glenoid cavity; width (CW) and height (CH) of the distal clavicular joint surface; and width (AW) and height (AH) of the acromial joint surface. Data were compared, stratified by age and sex. Images of 223 patients (118 men, 105 women) were analyzed. The following mean measurements were determined: HDD, 41.77±3.77 mm; GH, 34.66±3.26 mm; GW, 25.50±2.90 mm; CW, 14.85±3.51 mm; CH, 8.49±2.27 mm; AW, 12.97±2.94 mm; AH, 7.01±1.77 mm. When startified by sex, HDD (p<0.001), GH (p<0.001), GW (p<0.001), CW (p<0.001), CH (p=0.002), AW (p<0.001) and AH (p<0.001) measurements were significantly different and mean values were greater in men. Similarly for age, significant differences were found for GH (p=0.028), CW (p<0.001), AW (p<0.001), AH (p<0.001). The parametric values we have obtained in the Turkish population we measure differ from the measurements made in different populations according to age groups and sex. Knowing these features will contribute to treatment planning, implant and prosthesis applications.

Aunque las patologías agudas y crónicas de las articulaciones glenohumeral y acromioclavicular son frecuentes en la población, la anatomía y morfometría no se conocen por completo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las medidas de los parámetros morfométricos según grupos de edad y sexo en una serie de individuos de población turca. Se examinaron 941 imágenes de tomografía computarizada (TC) de hombro y se incluyeron las de sujetos con una estructura anatómica sana. El diámetro de la cabeza humeral (HDD) se midió en imágenes de TC. Las mediciones se realizaron utilizando imágenes 3D-CT de: ancho (GW) y altura (GH) de la cavidad glenoidea; anchura (CW) y altura (CH) de la superficie articular clavicular; y anchura (AW) y altura (AH) de la superficie articular acromial. Los datos fueron comparados, estratificados por edad y sexo. Se analizaron imágenes de 223 pacientes (118 hombres, 105 mujeres). Se determinaron las siguientes medidas medias: HDD, 41,77±3,77 mm; GH, 34,66 ± 3,26 mm; GW, 25,50±2,90 mm; CW, 14,85±3,51 mm; CH, 8,49±2,27 mm; AW, 12,97±2,94 mm; AH, 7,01±1,77 mm. Cuando se inicia por sexo, HDD (p<0,001), GH (p<0,001), GW (p<0,001), CW (p<0,001), CH (p=0,002), AW (p<0,001) y AH (p <0,001) las mediciones fueron significativamente diferentes y los valores medios fueron mayores en los hombres. De igual forma para la edad se encontraron diferencias significativas para GH (p=0,028), CW (p<0,001), AW (p<0,001), AH (p<0,001). Los valores paramétricos que hemos obtenido en la población turca difieren de las medidas realizadas en diferentes poblaciones según grupos de edad y sexo. El conocimiento de estas características contribuirá a la planificación del tratamiento, aplicaciones de implantes y prótesis.

Is it safe to harvest a proximally fractured fibula as an osseocutaneous anterograde pedicled flap for proximal tibial reconstruction in subacute period? A case report and literature review.

Osteoseptocutaneous fibula flap is commonly used as the workhorse flap for bone reconstruction. However, the use of previously fractured fibula as a free or pedicled flap for bone reconstruction has a limited knowledge in the literature. There is not any data in the literature about a case with proximal level of fibula fracture which was used as an anterograde pedicled osteocutaneous fibula flap for composite tibial reconstruction after high-energy injury. Based on a patient in whom the composite defect of the proximal tibial region was reconstructed with osteocutaneous fibula flap after a gunshot injury, it was tried to show that the fibula with a proximal level fracture could be used with anterograde flow in the subacute period and it is thought that the usability of this flap should be kept in mind. It is possible to harvest the pedicled fibula flap even in the subacute period with the evaluation of CT angiography preoperatively and with the checking the patency and flow direction of peroneal artery perioperatively. The success of the procedure may be increased through total dissection of inflammatory areas of pedicle which would extend into the injury zone during the subacute period.

Tibial cancellous bone auto-grafting for medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: bone void filling with tissue harvested from osteotomized medullary canal.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in a series of patients undergoing open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) using tibial cancellous autograft harvested from the osteotomized medullary canal which is not reported in the literature before. Patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis were treated with OWHTO and tibial cancellous auto- grafting performed from the osteotomized medullary canal and used for bone void filling. Seventy patients (seventy-two knees) treated with OWHTO were analyzed. All patients started partial weight-bearing with crutches the day after surgery and full-weight bearing eight weeks after surgery, according to radiological evaluation. Fifty-seven women and 13 men with a mean age of 54.2±8.1 years were evaluated in this study. The mean correction angle was 8.4±2.5° (range: 5.3°-14.3°). The osteotomy sites of all patients were grafted with tibial cancellous autografts. In all patients bony union was detected after surgery. No implant failures or major complications were en- countered. Clinical and radiological findings revealed that bone void filling with the harvested autograft from the osteotomized medullary canal may be a satisfactory and reliable option in OWHTO.

Early and mid-term results of Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present the clinical and radiological results of a large patient group operated by Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty (TLA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted with 66 hips of 41 patients (5 males, 36 females; mean age: 32.3±18 months; range, 11 to 132 months) operated for DDH using the TLA technique in a single center between February 2012 and December 2016. Adductor tenotomy was performed on 52 (79%) hips. There was a need for additional femoral shortening and derotation-varization osteotomy in 14 (21%) hips. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with modified McKay criteria. The acetabular index and lateral migration index for the subluxated hip were calculated, and the femoral head position was evaluated according to Perkin's line and Shenton's line. The Severin classification was used to assess the outcome of the hips. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 27±11 months. According to the modified McKay criteria for DDH, 77.3% of hips were classified as excellent, 16.6% as good, and 6.1% as fair. The mean acetabular index decreased from 36.1° preoperatively to 18.6° postoperatively. The mean postoperative improvement for the acetabular index was 17.5±5. The lateral migration index improved from 89.7 to 10.6%. A statistically significant difference was determined between the preoperative and postoperative measurements of the acetabular index and lateral migration index (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tönnis lateral acetabuloplasty was found to be safe and effective with a low learning curve, and successful treatment decreases the duration of follow-up required in patients with DDH.

Humeral fractures sustained during arm wrestling.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present our experience of treating humerus fracture sustained during arm wrestling. METHODS: Data of patients treated in our clinic with the diagnosis of humeral shaft fracture due to arm wrestling between 2000 and 2020 was retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, dominant arm, history of professional or experienced participation, type and laterality of fracture, presence of radial nerve palsy, other surgical complications, management (surgical or conservative), duration of union defined as the time from injury until callus was evident on the radiograph, and the range of motion of the elbow joint at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with humeral shaft fracture as a result of the arm wrestling were included. All had right arm fracture and all had right as the dominant side. All of the fractures were spiral at the distal third of the humerus and medial butterfly fragment was present in eleven (57.9%). Seven (36.8%) were treated surgically. Five (26.3%) had radial nerve palsy on admission. At last follow-up, no patient had neural deficit and none had significant loss of range of movement. CONCLUSION: Arm wrestling is an important cause of humerus shaft fracture. The dominant side is invariably affected. In this series all fractures were spiral type and occurred in the distal third of the humerus. One quarter of patients experienced radial nerve palsy, which can resolve spontaneously. Satisfactory results can be obtained with both conservative and surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Morphometric evaluation of second to fifth metacarpals for retrograde intramedullary headless screw fixation / Evaluación morfométrica del segundo al quinto metacarpianos para la fijación retrógrada con tornillos intramedulares sin cabeza

SUMMARY: Intramedullary headless screw fixation has come to the fore in the treatment of metacarpal fractures in recent years with its advantages. Our aim was to evaluate the metacarpal morphometry for retrograde intramedullary entrance and to determine the optimal entry point. Computed tomography images of 105 patients including 64 men and 41 women, were examined. Distal and proximal metacarpal widths, medullary cavity width, cortex thickness and the measurements of the optimal entry site in volar-dorsal and radio-ulnar directions were measured in both coronal and sagittal planes. In the sagittal plane, the second metacarpal had the widest proximal width (16.29 mm), distal width was greatest in the third metacarpal (14.34 mm) which was significantly different between the sexes (p<0.001). Third metacarpal had the widest medullary cavity width in the sagittal plane (4.12 mm). In the coronal plane, it was the second metarcarpal with the widest proximal (16.14 mm) and distal width (13.92 mm) and was also the longest (66.32 mm). Unlike the sagittal plane, the medullary cavity width in the coronal plane was at the widest (4.06 mm) in fifth metacarpal. The points determined for optimal entry were respectively (4.60 mm; 4.97 mm; 4.55 mm; 4.36 mm) in the dorsal-volar plane, close to the dorsal side. There was no significant difference between the sexes for optimal insertion point in the sagittal planes in all the measured metacarpals. Considering its three dimensional structure, metacarpal bones have irregular morphometric properties and these features differ in sagittal and coronal planes. The optimal entry site is located in the midline in the coronal plane, while it is located in the sagittal plane close to the dorsal part. Knowing these properties can reduce the complication rate by reducing entry attempts and help select the correct material.

RESUMEN: En los últimos años, debido a sus ventajas la fijación intramedular con tornillos sin cabeza ha pasado a primer plano en el tratamiento de las fracturas de los huesos metacarpianos. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la morfometría del hueso metacarpiano para la entrada intramedular retrógrada y determinar el punto de entrada óptimo. Se examinaron imágenes de tomografía computarizada de 105 pacientes, incluidos 64 hombres y 41 mujeres. Los anchos de los huesos metacarpianos distal y proximal, el ancho de la cavidad medular, el grosor de la cortical y las medidas del sitio de entrada óptimo en las direcciones palmar-dorsal y radioulnar se midieron en los planos coronal y sagital. En el plano sagital, el segundo hueso metacarpiano presentó el mayor ancho proximal (16,29 mm), el ancho distal fue mayor en el tercer hueso metacarpiano (14,34 mm), lo que fue significativamente diferente entre individuos de ambos sexos (p<0,001). El tercer metacarpiano tenía la cavidad medular más ancha en el plano sagital (4,12 mm). En el plano coronal, era el segundo hueso metarcarpiano con mayor ancho proximal (16,14 mm) y distal (13,92 mm) y también era el más largo (66,32 mm). A diferencia del plano sagital, el ancho de la cavidad medular en el plano coronal era más ancho (4,06 mm) en el quinto hueso metacarpiano. Los puntos determinados para la entrada óptima fueron respectivamente (4,60 mm; 4,97 mm; 4,55 mm; 4,36 mm) en el plano dorsal-volar, próximo del lado dorsal. No hubo diferencia significativa entre ambos sexos para el punto de inserción óptimo en los planos sagitales en todos los huesos metacarpianos medidos. Teniendo en consideración su estructura tridimensional, los huesos metacarpianos tienen propiedades morfométricas irregulares, y estas características difieren en los planos sagital y coronal. El sitio de entrada óptimo se encuentra en la línea mediana en el plano coronal, mientras que se ubica en el plano sagital cerca de la parte dorsal. Conocer estas propiedades puede reducir la tasa de complicaciones al disminuir los intentos de entrada y ayudar a seleccionar el material correcto.

Changes in Knee Joint Mechanics After Medial Meniscectomy Determined With a Poromechanical Model.

The menisci play a vital role in the mechanical function of knee joint. Unfortunately, meniscal tears often occur. Meniscectomy is a surgical treatment for meniscal tears; however, mechanical changes in the knee joint after meniscectomy is a risk factor to osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to investigate the altered cartilage mechanics of different medial meniscectomies using a poromechanical model of the knee joint. The cartilaginous tissues were modeled as nonlinear fibril-reinforced porous materials with full saturation. The ligaments were considered as anisotropic hyperelastic and reinforced by a fibrillar collagen network. A compressive creep load of ¾ body weight was applied in full extension of the right knee during 200 s standing. Four finite element models were developed to simulate different meniscectomies of the joint using the intact model as the reference for comparison. The modeling results showed a higher load support in the lateral than medial compartment in the intact joint, and the difference in the load share between the compartments was augmented with medial meniscectomy. Similarly, the contact and fluid pressures were higher in the lateral compartment. On the other hand, the medial meniscus in the normal joint experienced more loading than the lateral one. Furthermore, the contact pressure distribution changed with creep, resulting in a load transfer between cartilage and meniscus within each compartment while the total load born by the compartment remained unchanged. This study has quantified the altered contact mechanics on the type and size of meniscectomies, which may be used to understand meniscal tear or support surgical decisions.

Effect of surgical and natural menopause on proximal femur morphometry in obese women.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there are differences in proximal femur parameters of women subjected to menopause surgically or naturally. In this study, 10 parameters belonging to proximal femur of a total of 60 women cases of whom 30 had a mean age of 55.53 ±â€¯4.57 years; body mass index, 33.06 ±â€¯4.21 kg/m2; menopause age, 48.10 ±â€¯5.92; and menopause years, 7.50 ±â€¯4.58; and who were subjected to natural menopause; and 30 women whose mean age was 56.10 ±â€¯6.87 years; body mass index, 33.33 ±â€¯3.76 kg/m2; menopause age, 48.00 ±â€¯4.64 years and menopause year, 8.10 ±â€¯7.29; who were subjected to surgical menopause, and who did not use hormone replacement, were examined by radiography. Their anthropometric measurements, body compositions, blood hormone analyses (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone) and bone mineral densities (femur neck, femur total, lumbar t-score) were evaluated. It was found that there was no difference between surgical and natural menopause with respect to proximal femur parameters (p > 0.05). It was also found that FSH levels were high in the surgical menopause group and there were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.040). No significant difference was found even though bone mineral density t-score tests were lower in the surgical menopause group (p > 0.05). It was found that the difference in low bone mineral density level and high FSH values in the surgical menopause group do not have a relationship with proximal femur morphometry. It was determined that even though the women did not have ovaries, there was no difference between surgical menopause women and natural menopause women with respect to proximal femur morphometry.

Comparison of Semi-Invasive "Internal Splinting" and Open Suturing Techniques in Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the semi-invasive "internal splinting" (SIIS) method for repair of Achilles tendon rupture relative to open repair with Krakow sutures. Efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical and functional outcomes, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurements, isokinetic results, and surgical complication rates. Functional measurements included the Thermann and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scores, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare the bilateral length and thickness of each Achilles tendon. The isokinetic outcomes were evaluated using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Of the 45 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 24 were treated by SIIS and 21 by the open Krackow suture technique. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 43.7 (range 6 to 116) months. In the SIIS group, patients returned to normal daily activities after 7.2 (range 6 to 8) weeks compared with 14.3 (range 12 to 15) weeks in the open surgery group. The AOFAS ankle scores were 93.5 (range 82 to 100) points in the open repair group and 96.2 (range 86 to 100) points in the SIIS group. The Thermann scores were 80.4 (range 53 to 91) points for the open repair group and 87.9 (range 81 to 100) points for the SIIS method. The mean Achilles length on the operated side measured using magnetic resonance imaging was 175.06 (range 110 to 224) mm and 177.76 (range 149 to 214) mm for the open surgery and SIIS groups, respectively. Sensory impairment in the territory of the sural nerve was identified in 1 patient immediately after SIIS surgery, although this defect had completely resolved within 12 months. SIIS yielded better outcomes relative to the open surgery group according to the isokinetic measurements. Taken together, these data indicate the SIIS method for Achilles tendon ruptures performed better in terms of both functional and objective outcomes compared with open surgery.

Arthroscopic fixation with intra-articular button for tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients.

The aim of this study was to describe our experiences with arthroscopy-guided intra-articular button fixation in the treatment of displaced tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature children. Eleven adolescent patients with an average age of 12.2 years were treated arthroscopically between January 2005 and February 2007. At follow-up evaluation at 69 months, we did not find any instability. Only minimal differences were found in the functional outcomes (Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores: 95.7 and 94.3, respectively). None of the patients had a leg-length discrepancy defined at the time of the final follow-up. The advantages of this technique are as follows: (a) it is a simple and reliable arthroscopic technique with a direct view, (b) the fixation is stable,

Vacuum-assisted closure for skin necrosis after revision total knee arthroplasty.

Although skin necrosis following total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty is rare, it may cause severe complications. Skin changes begin with superficial infections and may result in removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of skin necrosis is an important factor, which determines the prognosis of the prosthesis. Several techniques have been defined for sufficient closure. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was treated for skin necrosis that developed after knee revision arthroplasty, using serial debridement, convergence sutures and an intermittent vacuum-assisted closure device (KCI Inc., San Antonio, TX).

Bilateral Femoral Neck Fatigue Fracture due to Osteomalacia Secondary to Celiac Disease: Report of Three Cases.

Bilateral non traumatic femoral neck fatigue fracture is a rare condition usually occurring secondary to medical conditions such as pregnancy, pelvic irradiation, corticosteroid exposure, chronic renal failure and osteomalacia. In this report, we present three young female patients with bilateral femoral neck fracture secondary to osteomalacia. The underlying cause of osteomalacia was Celiac disease in all patients. The patients were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with cannulated lag screws. They were free of pain and full weight bearing was achieved at three months. There were no complications, avascular necrosis and nonunion during the follow up period. In patients with bone pain, non traumatic fractures and muscle weakness, osteomalacia should be kept in mind and proper diagnostic work-up should be performed to identify the underlying cause of osteomalacia such as celiac disease.

Assessment of Postoperative Tendon Quality in Patients With Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Tendon Fiber Tracking.

Although pre- and postoperative imaging of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) has been well documented, radiographic evaluations of postoperative intratendinous healing and microstructure are still lacking. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an innovative technique that offers a noninvasive method for describing the microstructure characteristics and organization of tissues. DTI was used in the present study for quantitative assessment of fiber continuity postoperatively in patients with acute ATR. The data from 16 patients with ATR from 2005 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The microstructure of ART was evaluated using tendon fiber tracking, tendon continuity, fractional anisotropy, and apparent diffusion coefficient values by way of DTI. The distal and proximal portions were measured separately in both the ruptured and the healthy extremities of each patient. The mean patient age was 41.56 ± 8.49 (range 26 to 56) years. The median duration of follow-up was 21 (range 6 to 80) months. The tendon fractional anisotropy values of the ruptured Achilles tendon were significantly lower statistically than those of the normal side (p = .001). However, none of the differences between the 2 groups with respect to the distal and proximal apparent diffusion coefficient were statistically significant (p = .358 and p = .899, respectively). In addition, the fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements were not significantly different in the proximal and distal regions of the ruptured tendons compared with the healthy tendons. The present study used DTI and fiber tracking to demonstrate the radiologic properties of postoperative Achilles tendons with respect to trajectory and tendinous fiber continuity. Quantifying DTI and fiber tractography offers an innovative and effective tool that might be able to detect microstructural abnormalities not appreciable using conventional radiologic techniques.

Treatment of calcaneal fractures with closed reduction and the Endobutton-assisted technique: short-term analysis.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis are procedures used in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. This study presents short-term clinical and radiologic results of patients with calcaneal fractures treated by closed indirect reduction with Endobutton-assisted minimally invasive osteosynthesis. METHODS: Twenty-one feet of 18 patients (four women and 14 men) with calcaneal fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Böhler and Gissane angles were measured from the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up lateral radiographs of the feet. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were used for the 6-month and latest follow-up clinical assessments. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Böhler angle of 17.1° was corrected to a mean of 20.4° postoperatively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 21.3°. The mean preoperative and postoperative Gissane angles were 116° and 117.8°, respectively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 117.4°. The mean 6-month postoperative AOFAS score was 59.8 points. The mean AOFAS score at the time of latest follow-up (79.1 points) was significantly higher than the mean score 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Regarding the latest follow-up AOFAS scores, four were poor, four were moderate, ten were good, and three were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: With a low learning curve and satisfactory clinical outcomes, this technique can be used in acute, edematous cases with soft-tissue injuries to avoid calcaneal enlargement, infection, and soft-tissue problems.

Treatment of Femur Fractures in Preschool Children with Double Pin Technique: Immediate Incorporated Hip Spica Casting by Two K-Wires.

The immediate hip spica casting is a popular treatment method for femoral fractures in the pediatric age group. Femoral shortening is the unacceptable result for the treatment. In this technique, we tried to describe the immediate spica casting technique pinning with double K-wire in preschool children and evaluate the results with this method. Sixteen patients (ten boys and six girls) are treated with this technique. Patients were treated under general anesthesia in the operating room. K-wire was introduced in the supracondylar area of the femur passing from the lateral to the medial side through both cortexes, and removed from the skin in the medial section. A second K-wire was introduced through the lateral side of the proximal fragment. While an assistant was applying traction to the pin to maintain the reduction, the lower extremity was put in a spica cast on the fractured side, while the knee joint on the other side was excluded from the spica casting process. The angulation after hip spica cast applied was 9.1° (range 7°-12°) on the frontal plane and 8.9° (range 5°-17°) on the sagittal plane. After spica cast removal, it was 8.5° (range 5°-13°) on the frontal plane and 9° (range 5°-17°) on the sagittal plane. No significant difference was found. The final mean leg length discrepancy was 4.8 mm (range 0-10 mm) at the time of cast removal. This technique may be effective for femoral diaphyseal fractures in preschool children to combine the spirits of external fixation with hip spica casting in one construct in order to correct angular deformities and length discrepancies.

A new isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise using EMG-biofeedback.

A new isometric contraction quadriceps-strengthening exercise was developed to restore the quadriceps strength lost after knee surgery more rapidly. This study evaluated the results of this new method. Patients were taught to perform the isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise in the unaffected knee in the supine position, and then they performed it in the affected knee. First, patients were taught the classical isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise, and then they were taught our new alternative method: "pull the patella superiorly tightly and hold the leg in the same position for 10 seconds". Afterward, the quadriceps contraction was evaluated using a non-invasive Myomed 932 EMG-biofeedback device (Enraf-Nonius, The Netherlands) with gel-containing 48 mm electrodes (Türklab, The Turkey) placed on both knees. The isometric quadriceps-strengthening exercise performed using our new method had stronger contraction than the classical method (P < 0.01). The new method involving pulling the patella superiorly appears to be a better choice, which can be applied easily, leading to better patient compliance and greater quadriceps force after arthroscopic and other knee surgeries.

Treatment for painful bone marrow edema by open wedge tibial osteotomy.

We evaluated the results of patients who had undergone medial open wedge proximal tibial osteotomy, with painful bone marrow edema in the medial tibial plateau. The study included 21 patients who had presented with knee pain and whose MRIs showed bone marrow edema in medial plateau. The degree of osteoarthritis was evaluated radiologically according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria; 6 cases were Grade 1, 11 cases were Grade 2, and 3 cases were Grade 3. Preoperative varus angle was a mean of 2.19° (0-4). The bone marrow edema was classified according to the width of the lesions extending into the joint surface subchondral area on MRI T2 sequences. Open wedge osteotomy was performed in all patients. The postoperative results were evaluated by X-ray, MRI, and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) knee scores. The preoperative 2.19° varus angle was evaluated postoperatively as valgus 6.57° (4-8°) (p < 0.05). The postoperative WOMAC knee scores revealed a significant decrease in pain (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we are of the opinion that medial open wedge proximal tibial osteotomy is an effective treatment in patients who have painful bone marrow edema in medial tibia plateau.