Histomorphological Investigation of Microfracture Location in a Rabbit Osteochondral Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Microfracture is the most common treatment for cartilage defects of the knee. In microfracture surgery, holes are randomly drilled into the subchondral bone. The effect of the hole's location on its interaction with the cartilage defect site and its influence on the healing process is currently uncertain. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different microfracture locations on healing in a rabbit knee osteochondral defect model. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 29 adult New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 5 groups. In the healthy cartilage control group (n = 5), no surgical procedure was performed. Cylindrical full-thickness cartilage defects (5 × 3 mm) were created in the patellar groove of the remaining 24 rabbits. In the defect control group (n = 6), only the defect was created. A microfracture was performed at the 12-o'clock position (group peripheral single; n = 6), centrally (group central; n = 6), and at the 12- and 6-o'clock positions (group peripheral double; n = 6) of the defect. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Cartilage healing was evaluated by International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) score, modified O'Driscoll score, immunohistochemical analysis (type 1 collagen, type 2 collagen, and aggrecan), and scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: In group peripheral double, better cartilage healing was observed in all parameters compared with the other groups (P < .05). Group peripheral double had the greatest amount of filling, with 79% of the defect area filled with fibrocartilage repair tissue. Group peripheral single demonstrated filling of 73% of the defect area, group central 56%, and the defect control group 45%. The ICRS score was significantly higher in group peripheral single compared with group central and the defect control group. Type 2 collagen and aggrecan immunoreactivity were significantly stronger in group central than group peripheral single and the defect control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Microfracture performed at the peripheral margin of the defect had better filling characteristics in a rabbit model. This study suggests that interaction of pluripotent cells released from the microfracture site with the intact cartilage may enhance the quality of the repair tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The location of microfracture holes in relation to the peripheral border of the osteochondral defect (to the intact cartilage) is important in both the quality and the quantity of the newly formed repair tissue.

A Novel Plate for Vertical Shear Fractures of Medial Malleolus: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate and compare stiffness and the load to failure values of our novel medial malleolus compression plate (MP) and 3,5mm 1/3 tubular plate (TP) in the treatment of vertical shear fractures of medial malleolar fractures. METHODS: Fourteen identical synthetic third generation composite polyurethane bone models of right distal tibia were randomly separated into two groups. Fracture models were created with a custom-made osteotomy guide to provide the same fracture characteristics in every sample (AO OTA type 44A2). Fractures were reduced and novel medial malleolus compression plate was applied to bone models in MP group and tubular plate was applied to TP group. All samples were evaluated biomechanically, force/displacement and the load to failure values were recorded. RESULTS: The force required to create displacement in MP group was twice of that of the TP group. There was a significant difference between two groups in all amounts of displacement (p = .006, p = .005, p = .007 and .015 for 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of vertical shear fractures of the medial malleolus, the strength of fixation with the novel medial malleolar compression plate is biomechanically higher than the one-third semi-tubular plate.

Clubfoot from past to the present: A bibliometric analysis with global productivity and research trends.

Clubfoot, a common congenital abnormality, affects the lower extremities; however, the literature search revealed no bibliometric research on this subject. Thus, we aimed to holistically analyze scientific articles and reveal global productivity and trend issues. This study statistically analyzed 1417 published articles on clubfoot (1980-2021) from the Web of Science database. Bibliometric network visualization maps were created to reveal trend topics, citation analysis, and cross-country collaborations. The analysis was conducted using Spearman correlation analysis. An exponential smoothing estimator was used to predict article productivity. The United States of America (433, 30.5%), the United Kingdom (166, 11.7%), and India (107, 7.5%) are the top 3 countries contributing to the literature. The Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics (220 articles), the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics-Part B (147 articles), and Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research (69 articles) are the top 3 most productive journals. Dobbs MB (34 articles) is the most active author, and Shriners Hospital Children (44 articles) is the most active institution. Bibliometric analysis revealed that recently studied trend topics included Pirani score, Dimeglio score, Ponseti method, Ponseti casting, tenotomy, recurrence, neglected, tendon transfer, bracing, gait, risk factors, pedobarography, complex clubfoot, and polymorphism. The most studied subjects included Ponseti technique, treatment/casting, recurrent/relapsed clubfoot, Pirani score, pediatrics/children, foot deformities, surgery, ultrasound, Achilles tendon/tenotomy, gait analysis, casting, outcomes, neglected clubfoot, and tenotomy. Research leadership was determined in the western and European countries and Canada in studies and scientific collaborations on clubfoot; its impact was remarkable in India, China, and Turkey.

Relationship Between Diagnostic Anatomic Shoulder Parameters and Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears: An MRI Study.

Background: Numerous radiographic measurement methods related to rotator cuff tears (RCTs) have been described. The most widely used of these parameters is the critical shoulder angle (CSA) as measured via radiography. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements provide more accurate results than direct radiography. Purpose: To determine the relationship between anatomic shoulder parameters and RCT type via MRI scans. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The data and physical examination notes of 389 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and 242 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with RCT (n = 127) and those without RCT (control group; n = 115). Using suitable MRI sections, the CSA, lateral acromial angle, acromial index, superior glenoid inclination, acromion-greater tuberosity impingement index, and acromiohumeral distance were compared between the RCT and control groups. The correlation of these shoulder parameters with the presence of RCT was investigated, and the predictive value of each parameter was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: There were significant positive relationships between the presence of RCT and CSA, acromial index, acromion-greater tuberosity impingement index, and superior glenoid inclination, with the strongest correlation belonging to CSA (r = 0.716). There were also significant negative relationships between presence of RCT and lateral acromial angle (r = -0.510) and acromiohumeral distance (r = -0.222). The ROC analysis revealed CSA to be the best predictor for the presence of RCT (area under the ROC curve = 0.899). Conclusion: The study outcomes showed that CSA as measured on MRI is the best predictor for determining the presence of RCTs. In patients with shoulder pain attributed to RCT, it may be helpful to examine the CSA on MRI.

The management of orthopedic trauma surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.

COVID-19 has now alarmed the whole world, putting many countries' health systems in trouble. We aimed to evaluate the affect of the new treatment strategy that shortens hospital stay in orthopedic trauma patients in pandemic.Trauma patients who underwent surgical treatment between March 15th-May 1st 2019 and 2020 were examined about time interval from admission to surgery, period from surgery to discharge and total hospital stay time. This cohort was compared to a retrospective cohort of patients admitted for the same reasons in the same period of the previous year. During COVID pandemia, 51 trauma patients operated with the mean period from admission to operation 1.45 days, faster than the previous year's same period (3.76 days). From operation day to discharge time was 1.6 days in pandemic period and 4.3 days last year. The total hospitalization period (3,05 days) was significantly shorter in pandemic than the same period of the last year (8,06 days). (p<0.05). No complications and mortality were observed in any of our patients with faster trauma treatment strategy in pandemic. The operation of orthopedic trauma patients requiring surgery during a pandemic in a shorter time than normal time will not increase the complication and mortality, but will also help to use the bed more effectively by reducing the hospital stay.

Primary Arthroplasty or Internal Fixation in Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: A Survey of Surgical Attitudes of Orthopedic Surgeons in Turkey.

This study aimed to examine the primary arthroplasty attitudes of Turkish orthopedics and traumatology specialists and residents to patients with intertrochanteric fractures, of various ages, comorbidity situations and fracture types, using an internet-based questionnaire. Between March and April 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with a total of 159 orthopedics and traumatology specialists and residents in Turkey, using an online questionnaire that consisted of 16 different patient scenarios of varying intertrochanteric fracture types, ages, and comorbidity conditions. Respondents' preference ratio for primary arthroplasty was 24.1% in the scenarios with patients over the age of 71, while it was 8.4% in the scenarios with patients aged between 50 and 70. The ratios of primary arthroplasty preference were 12.4%, 21% and 27.3% in 2-part, 3-part and 4-part fracture scenarios, respectively. The primary arthroplasty preferences of respondents with 10 years or more of professional experience were observed to be statistically significantly different to those of the respondents with 1 to 10 years of experience in the 4-part fracture scenario where the patient was aged 71 years and above with an ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score of 3-4 (p < 0.05). Despite varying opinions in the literature in recent years, primary arthroplasty can be considered a valuable alternative approach for Turkish surgeons, and in older adult patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures, particularly those who need early mobilization and have high ASA scores.

Biomechanical Comparison of a Closed-Loop Double Endobutton to a Lag Screw in Fixation of Posterior Malleolar Fractures.

Anteroposterior (AP) lag screw, posteroanterior (PA) lag screw, or posterior buttress plate are usually performed for posterior malleolar fixation, but the biomechanically strongest technique is unclear. The aim of our study was to biomechanically compare 3 different fixation methods for posterior malleolar fractures; AP lag screw, PA lag screw, and closed-loop double endobutton. Fracture models were created using a thin blade power saw after drawing the fracture line. The resultant fracture involved 30% of the joint on the distal tibial joint surface and extends with an angulation of approximately 50 degrees using 15 tibia composite bone samples. After anatomical reduction, fixation was achieved with 3.5 mm cortical screw in PA direction and in AP direction for group PA and AP, respectively. In Group DL, fixation was achieved with a closed-loop double endobutton (double lift loop, Orthomed, Turkey). The highest compression force to generate all displacement amounts was required for the double loop group (Group DL). The strongest fixation against compression was a double loop. The PA group was the second strongest fixation, and the AP group was the biomechanically weakest among these 3 fixation techniques. The closed-loop double endobutton technique was found biomechanically superior to anterior to posterior or posterior to anterior screw fixation techniques for posterior malleolar fracture.

Biceps tenodesis combined with rotator cuff repair increases functional status and elbow strength.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the elbow flexion and supination strengths and the functional outcomes of patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with simultaneous biceps tenodesis. METHODS: 19 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and biceps tenodesis with at least 24 months of follow-up were included. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for bicipital groove pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and constant scores (CS), biceps apex distance (BAD), elbow flexion, and supination strengths. RESULTS: The VAS for biceps groove measurement averages in the postoperative 6th, 12th, and 24th months was lower in comparison to preoperative data and was considered to be statistically significant (p < .05). The constant score, an average of all postoperative measurements and scores, was found to be higher than preoperative values and was considered to be statistically significant (p < .01). There was a significant difference in the operated and non-operated forearm supination and elbow flexion muscle strength measurements at the postoperative 3- and 6-month follow-ups (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis into the anchors of the lateral row in combination with rotator cuff repair provides an increase in the strength of elbow flexion and forearm supination, while decreasing pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Extra-Articular Nonhemophilic Hemosiderotic Synovitis of the Hand: A Case Report.

Hemosiderotic synovitis is a rare distinctive type of synovial proliferative disorder. Hemosiderotic synovitis develops in men with hemophilia who are at risk of hemarthrosis, especially of the knees, associated with severe degenerative articular cartilage disease. It appears to be exceedingly rare in individuals without hemophilia and has been reported in case reports. We describe a case of trauma-related nonhemophilic hemosiderotic synovitis, located in the hand in an otherwise healthy young male construction worker, with no systemic illness, inflammatory arthritis, or any bleeding disorder. We report the first case of nonhemophilic hemosiderotic synovitis located in the hand. To the best of our knowledge, a case of extra-articular nonhemophilic hemosiderotic synovitis has not been previously described in the literature.

C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio May Predict Mortality for Elderly Population Who Undergo Hemiarthroplasty Due to Hip Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Although the relationship of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels to mortality in elderly patients who have undergone surgery due to hip fracture has been previously investigated, the CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative CAR and mortality. METHODS: A total of 254 patients (mean age, 78.74 years) were retrospectively analyzed using the following data: age, gender, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, type of anesthesia, time between fracture and surgery, time between fracture and discharge, length of hospital stay, preexisting comorbidities, preoperative CRP and albumin levels, and mortality. The serum CRP level was divided by the serum albumin level to calculate the preoperative CAR. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between risk factors and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: One-year mortality was 22.8% (58 patients). Age >85 years, male gender, ASA score ≥3, presence of ≥3 comorbidities, and CAR ≥2.49 were identified as mortality risk factors in the univariate analysis. The following factors were included in the binary logistic regression analysis to determine the major predictors of 1-year mortality: ASA score ≥3, presence of ≥3 comorbidities, and CAR ≥2.49. CONCLUSION: Detection of CAR above 2.49 is a strong indicator for 1-year mortality in patients operated due to hip fracture in the elderly population. ASA score ≥3 and presence of ≥3 comorbid diseases were also related to mortality.

Short-term results of suture treatment for pincer nail deformity.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the cosmetic and functional results of suture treatment on pincer nail deformity (PND). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between June 2018 and November 2018. Sixteen nails of 13 patients (6 males; 7 females; mean age 46.9 years; range, 24 to 74 years) with PND were treated with silk sutures. The pathologic stage (including tissue status and level of pain), visual analog scale (VAS), nail height (H) and width (W) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Nail H and W were measured pre- and postoperatively from digital photographs of each nail and H/W ratio was calculated. RESULTS: The postoperative VAS, severity of pain scores, and nail H showed a significant decrease compared to the preoperative values (p<0.05). Curvature of the nail and pain scores decreased in all patients. Nail W showed a significant increase, therefore H/W ratio decreased significantly (p<0.05). Although recurrence of cosmetic deformity was seen at six months, the VAS and tissue scores remained lower than preoperative values. Patients reported favorable outcomes compared to their preoperative complaints. CONCLUSION: The described suture treatment method is an inexpensive, simple technique, not requiring any special material. These results support that this technique is useful for pain relief and tissue healing even if cosmetic recurrence occurs.

Orthopedic treatment, complications, and cost analysis of 67 soldiers injured in a three-month period.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the musculoskeletal injury types, injury mechanisms, treatment modalities, complications, and costs of 67 consecutive soldiers wounded in the battlefield in Syria civil war over a period of three months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and March 2018 at Kilis State Hospital. The study included 67 male patients (median age 28.5 years; range, 15 to 46 years). Patients' ages, injury mechanisms, fracture types, fracture locations, injury severity scores, mangled extremity severity scores, complications, and treatment costs were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were injured due to handmade explosives, 21 patients due to gunshots, 16 patients due to landmines, five patients due to rockets, and two patients due to grenades. A total of 35.8% of the patients (n=24) had concomitant trauma. The mean hospitalization period was 10.2 days (range, 1-45 days). A total of 88 treatments were performed on these patients. Thirty-six of these treatments were external fixators, 21 were amputations, 12 were open reduction internal fixations, seven were closed reduction internal fixations, five were intramedullary nailings, three were cannulated screws, three were fasciotomies, and one was an arthrodesis. The treatment costs ranged from 1,577 to 296,286 Turkish Liras. Complications were observed in 17 patients and 11 of them developed infections, three of them had compartment syndrome, and three died during the hospitalization period. CONCLUSION: The increase in warfare technology is correlated with the severity of military injuries in the battlefields. These injuries still lead to high traumatic amputation rates, high-risk complications, and high costs.

Objective Measurement of Medial Joint Space Widening with Percutaneous "Pie Crust" Release of Medial Collateral Ligament during Knee Arthroscopy.

Knee arthroscopy may be called the most commonly and increasingly performed orthopaedic procedure. Posterior medial compartment visualization may be quite challenging. The aim of the present study is to detect objective measurement of medial joint space widening with percutaneous "pie crust" release of medial collateral ligament (MCL) during knee arthroscopy. We used this technique for all knees that require any intervention in the posteromedial compartment and for tight knees in which adequate visualization of the posteromedial compartment cannot be obtained. Eighteen patients (18 knees) were included in this study. Patients were evaluated clinically with the Lysholm and Tegner scores at the final office visit. Joint balance, valgus instability, pain or tenderness on MCL region, and numbness over the medial side of the joint were also noted. Measurements of medial joint space (mm) were obtained at three different times with perioperative C-arm images: normal, controlled valgus force, and after pie crusting. The median follow-up time was 9 (6-12) months. Final follow-up Lysholm (p < 0.05) and Tegner scores (p < 0.05) increased significantly compared with preoperative scores. At the final follow-up, there was no pain or tenderness over MCL and there were no signs of saphenous nerve or vein injury. Medial joint space values in after pie crusting increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with neutral position measurements and controlled valgus force application (p < 0.05). Controlled release of the MCL in knees provided ∼2.45 times wider visualization place. Furthermore, pie crusting of MCL is a safe and effective technique that provides enough space for visualization and instrumentation in knees. This is a Level IV study.

Evaluation of the Knees of Asymptomatic Kangoo Jumpers with MR Imaging.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of pathologic findings in asymptomatic knees of Kangoo Jumpers by using a 3T MRI and to compare them with age and sex-matched controls who do not regularly participate in any impact sports. METHODS: Both knees of 18 Kangoo Jumpers were examined by 3T MRIs in a total of 36 MRI scans. The control group was comprised of 20 volunteers from the same age group and with similar weights who did not participate in any competitive sports, in a total of 40 MRI scans. Two orthopedists and one radiologist independently assessed all images for the presence or absence of any abnormalities. RESULTS: In 32 (88.9%) of the 36 Kangoo Jumpers' knees, one or more abnormalities were observed. The most prevalent abnormality was bone marrow edema, which was detected in 32 knees (88.9%). The other significant findings were quadriceps tendinopathy (80.6%), patellar tendinopathy (63.9%), gastrocnemius tendinopathy (63.9%), infrapatellar fat pad edema (75%), suprapatellar fat pad edema (63.9%), meniscal signal change (72.2%) and cartilage damage in the patellofemoral joint (72.2%). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of joint effusion (8.3%), ganglion cysts (8.3%) or tibiofemoral joint cartilage injury (0%). CONCLUSION: This study reveals many types of knee MRI findings of asymptomatic Kangoo Jumpers compared to the control group. These MRI findings may be associated with acute knee injuries or chronic joint problems such as osteoarthritis, which may develop in long-term follow-up studies.

Global Scientific Outputs of Microsurgery Publications: A Bibliometric Approach About Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

Introduction Although there have been important developments in microsurgery in recent years, there is no current and comprehensive bibliometric study in the literature. In this study, we aimed to present a summary of the articles published on microsurgery between 1980 and 2019 with bibliometric analysis. Methods Articles published on microsurgery between 1980 and 2019 were withdrawn from the Web of Science database and analyzed by bibliometric methods. Citation analysis was performed to identify effective journals and articles. Keyword cluster and trends analyses were performed for a detailed analysis of the researched topics. Relationships between the article numbers of the countries and gross domestic product (GDP) and human development index (HDI) values were investigated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. A linear regression analysis was used to estimate the number of articles to be published in the future. Results A total of 3,537 publications related to microsurgery were found. Bibliometric analyses were performed in 2,063 articles (58.3%) of these publications. The most active countries in publishing were the United States (504), Germany (286), and Italy (154), respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between the article numbers and the GDP and HDI sizes of the countries (r = 0.758, p <0.001, r = 0.659, p <0.001). Conclusion The economic size and development levels of the countries were an important factor in academic productivity in microsurgery. Undeveloped countries should be encouraged by performing multidisciplinary studies in this regard.

Grade 2 Chondrosarcoma of the Great Toe: An Unusual Location.

Enchondroma is the most common benign cartilage bone tumor of the toes. In contrast, the foot is a rare region for chondrosarcoma, and the involvement of phalanges is extremely rare. In this article, we report an unusual case of intermediate chondrosarcoma involving the proximal phalanx of the great toe of a 52-year-old woman who was previously treated with curettage and bone grafting because of misinterpretation of enchondroma at a local hospital. She presented complaining of pain and swelling that she had experienced for a period of 1 year after the first operation. Radiography revealed a lytic lesion with a subtle punctuate calcification and endosteal scalloping in the proximal phalanx of the great toe. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging confirmed soft-tissue involvement and cortical destruction. Staging evaluation with computed tomographic scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis was performed to ensure that there was no metastatic disease. Subsequently, a bone biopsy was performed, and the diagnosis was grade 2 chondrosarcoma. The patient was informed about the recurrence of the lesion and the clinical context on the basis of tumor biology of chondrosarcoma and was offered the option of either amputation or wide resection. She preferred the latter. The patient was treated with wide resection and underwent reconstruction with cement and Kirschner wire. She remains free of disease after 1 year of follow-up.

Ipsilateral hip pain and femoral shaft fractures: is there any relationship?

BACKGROUND: High-energy traumas are common occurrences worldwide. The rate of overlooked neck fractures in polytrauma cases is also high. Previous studies have shown that articular hip pathologies, particularly neck fractures, are associated with fractures of the femoral shaft. This study sets out to describe cases of intra-articular hip pathology following traumatic femoral shaft fracture. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between ipsilateral hip pain and femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with a fracture of the femur shaft and who were operated on (intramedullary fixation or plate) were included in this study. Patients with pathologic fractures, femoral neck fractures, femoral intertrochanteric fractures, or pelvic fractures were excluded. Patients with at least six months of follow-up and who were capable of independent walking without support were grouped according to AO/OTA fracture classification. Patients were questioned for deep anterior groin pain, and physical examination tests and hip imaging (X-ray and MR arthrography) were performed by calling patients with the indicated complaints. RESULTS: The presence of labral tears were noted in two patients. The incidence of osseous bump of the femoral neck identified by MR arthrography (MRA) was found in three of 16 hips. Assessment of the presence of gluteal tendinosis or tear and herniation pit identified three of 16 hips. The presence of osteophytes was noted in one patient. MRA identified three of 16 hips with more than one type of intra-articular pathology. Two patients with an osseous bump of the femoral neck were also diagnosed with additional hip pathology as herniation pit. CONCLUSION: Anterior groin pain in patients with a history of femoral shaft fracture is not always related to implants. Orthopedic surgeons should become suspicious in cases of intra-articular hip pathology in patients who have persistent hip pain after severe lower extremity trauma.

The effect of perioperative blood transfusion on kidney functions in total knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Various studies have examined the effects of perioperative blood transfusion on kidney functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of blood transfusion on the kidney functions of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: : This retrospective study was carried out on 216 patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty between January 2016 and January 2017. The patients were divided into two groups according to the level of blood transfusion used during surgery. Group-1 comprised 157 patients (72.7%) needing a blood transfusion of less than three units, while the 59 (27.3) patients in Group-2 required three or more than three units. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups regarding hypertension before surgery, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney failure, smoking habits or lung disease (p> 0.05). Likewise, there was no significant difference related to pulmonary and other complications or mortality (p> 0.05). When the groups were compared according to their blood parameters, no statistical differences in postoperative renal or other system functions were found (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Blood transfusion does not have a negative effect on postoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, or glomerular filtration rate in total knee arthroplasty.

Comparison of the impact factors of subscription access and open access orthopedics and sports medicine journals in the SCImago database.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the annual impact factors (IFs) for the period 1999-2017 and the tri-annual IFs in 2011, 2014 and 2017 of the subscription access (SA) and open access (OA) journals published in the field of orthopedics, traumatology and sports medicine according to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All data for this study were obtained from the SCImago Journal & Country Rank database. We compared the change in the mean annual IFs of 197 SA journals with 52 OA journals in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine for the period between 1999 and 2017. In addition, we determined and compared the changes in the mean tri-annual IFs of these journals in 2011, 2014 and 2017. The mean publication fee values of the OA journals as well as the correlation between the three-year IFs of the year 2017 and the publication fee values were evaluated. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2017, the mean IF of SA journals increased 0.47-fold to 0.69, while the mean IF of the OA journals increased 0.85-fold to 0.63. Significant positive correlation was observed between the tri-annual IF and publication fee of OA journals in 2017 (r=0.458, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: We can predict that the mean IFs of OA journals in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine will reach the mean IFs of SA journals after several years. Choosing OA journals becomes advantageous when the desire for a higher number of citations is the most important factor.

An Unusual Location of Osteochondroma: Dorsal Scapula.

Osteochondromas commonly affect the proximal humerus, pelvis, and knee but are rarely seen on flat bones. Herein, we present the case of a 15-year-old female patient with osteochondroma located at the dorsal aspect of the scapula. The patient was admitted to the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department with the complaint of a mass on the left upper back for five years. The patient complained of the inability to sleep in the supine position, pain with shoulder motion, and cosmetic discomfort for two years. X-rays of the left shoulder revealed a bony mass arising from the dorsal aspect of the left scapula. The patient underwent an operation, and a specimen was sent for histopathologic examination. The histopathologic investigation confirmed the diagnosis of non-malignant transformation osteochondroma. While osteochondroma is not common in the scapula, it should be kept in mind that the most common benign tumor of the scapula is osteochondroma.