Comparison of radiological and functional results in osteoporotic distal femur fractures operated with single plating, lateral incision, and double plating, anterior paramedial incision: A retrospective study.

Treatment of osteoporotic distal femur fractures is often complicated by a high rate of nonunion and varus collapse. For such fractures, lateral plating with lateral incision and double plating with anterior paramedial incision have shown promising results in the recent literature. The hypothesis of this study was that bilateral plating of comminuted distal femur fractures in osteoporotic patients would result in higher union rates and lower revision rates compared to an isolated lateral locking plate. The study included 56 patients (23 males, 33 females) with supracondylar femur fracture. According to the OA/OTA classification, 9 were type A3, 8 were A2, 13 were C1, 16 were C2, and 10 were C3. The mean follow-up period was 12 months, with 29 patients treated using lateral mini-incision, lateral locking plate, and 27 patients treated with anterior paramedial incision, dual plating. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated. The mean duration of radiological union in the studied population was 15 ±â€…2.1 months (range, 11-21 months) in the single plate group (Group A), and 13.5 ±â€…2.6 months (range, 9-19 months) in the double plate group (Group B). Mean ROM was 112.3° and flexion contracture 4° in Group A, and ROM 108.3° and flexion contracture 6.7° in Group B. (P = .15). The average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 85.6 points in Group A and 83.5 points in Group B (P = .2278). The postoperative anteversion measurement in the operated extremity ranged from -15 to 19 in Group A, and from 5 to 18 in Group B. When the anteversion degrees were compared between the injured and uninjured extremities in the postoperative period, a significant difference was observed within Group A (P = .0018), but no significant difference was observed in Group B (P = .2492). Dual plate fixation using the anterior paramedial approach is an effective operative method for osteoporotic distal femur fractures. This has many advantages such as precise exposure, easy manipulation, anatomic reduction, and stable fixation. However, for surgical indications and medial bone defects > 1 cm, grafting should be performed.

Teratomas from past to the present: A scientometric analysis with global productivity and research trends between 1980 and 2022.

There is currently no bibliometric study on teratomas in the literature. This study aims to analyze the published articles on teratomas to provide an overview of the subject, determine global productivity, and identify current research trends. Additionally, data on different components of scientific output (countries, journals, institutions, authors) were analyzed. A total of 4209 articles published on teratomas between 1980 and 2022 were analyzed using various bibliometric and statistical methods. Bibliometric network visualization maps were used to determine trending topics, citation analyses, and international collaborations. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. The top 3 countries that made the most contributions to the literature were the USA (1041, 24.7%), Japan (501, 11.9%), and India (310, 7.3%). The top 3 active institutions were the University of California System (n = 78), University of London (64), and Harvard University (62). The top 3 productive journals were the Journal of Pediatric Surgery (n = 141), Pediatric Surgery International (n = 70), and Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports (69). The most productive author was Ulbright TM. (n = 18). The most studied topics from past to present were ovarian cancer/ovarian teratoma/ovarian torsion, mature cystic teratoma/dermoid cyst, sacrococcygeal teratoma, germ cell tumors, immature teratoma, malignant transformation, mediastinal teratoma/mediastinum, neonate/newborn/infant, prenatal diagnosis, testis/testicular cancer/teratoma, ultrasonography/ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, chemotherapy, growing teratoma syndrome, surgery, retroperitoneal teratoma/retroperitoneum, laparoscopic surgery/laparoscopy, children/child, and fetal surgery/fetus. We identified trend research topics in the field of teratomas in recent years, including mature cystic teratoma, ovarian teratoma/neoplasm, ovarian cancer, ovarian torsion, growing teratoma syndrome, recurrence, pediatric, testicular cancer, anti-n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis, immature teratoma, retroperitoneal, struma ovarii, and carcinoid. The research leadership in the development of teratoma literature was determined by countries with major economies such as the USA, Japan, India, the UK, China, Turkey, South Korea, and other European countries (France, Germany, Italy).

Role of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Increasing Femoral Venous Blood Flow After Total Hip Prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in increasing femoral venous blood flow after total hip prosthesis and to evaluate its potential effects on preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 patients who underwent total hip prosthesis were randomly separated into two groups. The NMES group (n=32) received low-molecular-weight heparin+NMES. And the non-NMES group (n=32) received a low-molecular-weight heparin+compression bandage. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of the presence of preoperative and postoperative leg edema. The calf diameter was significantly lower in the NMES group than in the non-NMES group in both the preoperative (p=0.003) and postoperative (p=0.008) period. Although the femoral vein peak velocity (VPV) was similar between the groups in the preoperative period, it was significantly higher in the NMES group than in the non-NMES group postoperatively (p=0.001). The femoral VPV after total hip prosthesis increased more in the NMES group (43.2%) compared with the non-NMES group (16.3%). In the non-NMES group, the D-dimer value in the preoperative period was lower than on postoperative days one and five (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the D-dimer values on postoperative days one and five. In the NMES group, a statistically significant difference was determined between the preoperative and postoperative test results (F(2.93)=20.86, p=0.001). The preoperative D-dimer values were compared to the postoperative values on the first and fifth day, and according to the post hoc test results, the D-dimer values were significantly lower on the fifth postoperative day than on the first postoperative day, and the preoperative value was significantly lower than the fifth postoperative day value (p<0.05).  Conclusion: Although the two groups were similar in terms of leg edema, there was a significant increase in femoral VPV in the NMES group. This could indicate a potential effect of NMES in preventing postoperative DVT and needs to be confirmed with further studies.

Intratendinous Injection of Autologous Conditioned Serum for Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) has been effectively used in treatment of osteoarthritis. However, less is known about its efficacy in tendon disorders. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of intratendinous injection of ACS in lateral epicondylitis (LE) of the elbow. METHODS: This prospective cohort included 42 patients with LE of the elbow who received 4 intratendinous injections of Orthokine® (Orthogen Lab Services GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany) under local anesthesia over 2 weeks in an outpatient setting. The clinical and functional outcomes of injections were evaluated at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and functional assessment was made using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Oxford Elbow Score (OES). RESULTS: The pre-injection VAS score (7.07±1.19) improved significantly after the procedure at both 3 months (3.55±0.56, P<0.001) and 1 year (1.73±0.82, P<0.001). Similarly, the mean MEPSs were significantly different between baseline and 3 months (56.42±7.51 vs. 79.76±3.81, P<0.001) and between baseline and 1 year (56.42±7.51 vs. 94.28±4.06, P<0.001). The baseline OESs (84.17±6.07) also improved with intratendinous injection of ACS at 3 months (41.96±9.23, P<0.001) and 1 year (7.43±4.31, P<0.001). Only six patients (14.2%) had mild ecchymosis and swelling around the injection site which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: ACS is a promising option for treatment of LE of the elbow, given its early onset of pain-relieving action and longlasting functional effects. These findings await confirmation by large-scale and prospective trials.

Blade expandable intramedullary nails for fixation of tibial shaft fractures.

This study is aimed to compare the clinical and radiological differences between classic locked intra- medullary nailing (LIN) and blade expandable intra- medullary nailing (BEIN) at tibia shaft fractures. Operation time, exposing of radiation time and fracture healing times were recorded. Pain visual anolog scale (VAS), shortening of tibia and angulation of fracture line were compared. All patients healed. In LIN group operation time, exposing of radiation time was longer (statistically significant). Because of shorter operation time and lower radiation exposure we recommend the BEIN technique as a preferable technique in tibia intramedullary nailing.

Fixation of unstable distal radius fractures by using expandable Intramedullary nailing system in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience on intramedullary nailing device Sonoma Wrx (Sonoma Orthopedic Products Inc., Santa Rosa, CA, USA) used for internal fixation of extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures in adult population. METHODS: This study was conducted from February 2011 to October 2016. A total of 48 patients (mean age 47.3±5.6 years, 35.4% females) with distal radius fracture, who underwent intramedullary distal radius fixation by using Sonoma Wrx were included in this retrospective study. Clinical outcome measures (range of motion [ROM], visual analog scale [VAS]), functional outcomes (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score and Gartland-Werley score), radiographic scores (Stewart score) and parameters (radial inclination, volar tilt, radial height, radio-ulnar variance) and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The total surgery time was 24.3±2.3 minutes. Patients were followed up for 24.7±3.4 weeks. Complete fracture union was obtained at 5.5±0.9 weeks. The postoperative low VAS pain score (1.6±0.93) and high ROM values (76.7° for extension, 78.5° for supination, 80.1° for flexion, and 82.3° for pronation) indicated a very good clinical outcome. DASH score of 8.3±1.5 and Gartland-Werley score of 2.8±4.1 showed good functional outcome. The radiographic Stewart score was 1.0±1.2. Radial inclination, volar tilt, and radial height significantly increased (p<0.001), and radio-ulnar variance decreased (p=0.001) with surgery. No postoperative complication was recorded in 40 patients (83.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Sonoma Wrx, which is an expansible intramedullary elastic locking distal radius nail, offers a good alternative technique for internal fixation of unstable distal radius fractures with the advantage of minimum soft-tissue dissection and related postoperative complications.

Total hip arthroplasty following arthrodesis: a single-center experience of 17 patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to present our experience with total hip arthroplasty in patients with previous hip arthrodesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study, in which clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty performed in 17 patients (mean age 54.2±8.5 years; age range 33-68 years; female to male ratio 10/7) with previous arthrodesis in our clinic between 2001 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients were followed up for 6.7±2.8 years (range 3-12 years) after the operation and evaluated for ipsilateral knee pain, range of motion, walking capacity, and leg-length discrepancy. The clinical outcome was assessed by the Harris Hip Score. RESULTS: The outcome of arthroplasty was good or excellent in 14 of 17 patients (82.3%), fair in two patients (11.8%), and failure in one patient (5.9%). The Harris Hip Score increased to 79.8±9.8 postoperatively from a preoperative score of 40.9±10.1 (p<0.01). Pain-free hip was obtained in 15 patients (88.2%), and range of motion was 88°. Fourteen patients (82.4%) reported a significant decrease in back pain, and 11 patients (64.7%) in ipsilateral knee pain. Ten patients (58.8%) were able to walk normally, five patients (29.4%) walked with slight Trendelenburg gait without support, and two patients (11.8%) with severe Trendelenburg gait using arm rests. The mean leg-length discrepancy was 1.1 cm (range 0-3 cm). The complications were peroneal nerve palsy (n=3), superficial wound infection (n=3), hip dislocation (n=2), and heterotopic ossification (n=3). CONCLUSION: If it is well planned, conversion of hip arthrodesis to total hip arthroplasty is a successful and safe procedure, which increases patients' functionality.

Use of Volar Locking Plate Versus Intramedullary Nailing for Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of volar plate versus intramedullary nailing for fixation of distal radius fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 64 patients with extra-articular and simple intra-articular fractures of the distal radius who underwent intramedullary fixation using volar locking plate (n=35, mean age 47.3±16.4 years, 82.9% female) or intramedullary nailing (n=29, mean age 51.3±10.1 years, 58.6% female). Outcome measures were range of motion (ROM); visual analog scale (VAS); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; Gartland-Werley score; Stewart score; and radiographic findings. RESULTS Time to fracture union was 5.5±1.2 and 5.2±0.6 weeks after volar plate fixation and intramedullary nailing, respectively (p>0.05). Compared to volar plate fixation, intramedullary nailing provided better restoration of volar tilt (6.9±6.3° vs. 9.4±1.6°, p=0.004) and wrist flexion (74.3±15.1° vs. 67.9±13.1°, p=0.003). However, volar plate fixation was significantly better in restoration of supination (85.0±8.3° vs. 81.9±5.1°, p=0.001) and radio-ulnar variance (0.7±0.8 mm vs. 1.1±0.9 mm, p=0.05), DASH score (9.2± 9.0 vs. 15.0 ±3.3, p=0.035), and Gartland-Werley score (1.8±0.9 vs. 4.9±5.4, p=0.004). Volar plate and intramedullary nailing groups were comparable with respect to Stewart score (1.5±0.7 and 1.6±1.3, p>0.05) and complication rates (34.3% vs. 37.9%, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both volar plate fixation and intramedullary nail fixation provide good clinical and radiographic outcomes for primarily extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. As intramedullary nailing provides better restoration of volar tilt and wrist flexion, volar plate fixation provides better restoration of radio-ulnar variance and wrist supination.

Use of Different Methods of Intramedullary Nailing for Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes.

BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of using Sonoma WRx versus Micronail intramedullary nailing for the fixation of distal radius fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 68 patients with primarily extra-articular and simple intra-articular fractures of the distal radius who underwent intramedullary distal radius fixation using Sonoma WRx (n=39) or Micronail (n=29) intramedullary nails were enrolled in the study. The clinical outcome measures included the range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcomes (patient-reported Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score and clinician-based Gartland-Werley score), radiographic scores (Stewart score), and parameters related to the quality of radiographic reduction and complications (radial inclination, volar tilt, radial height, and radio-ulnar variance). RESULTS Significantly higher DASH (15.0±3.3 vs. 8.3±1.5, p<0.001) and Gartland-Werley (4.9±5.4 vs. 2.9±4.2, p=0.029) scores, longer scopy time (21.0±3.9 min vs. 15.8±2.5 min, p<0.001), lower ROM for wrist extension (69.5±4.4° vs. 77.1±7.6°, p<0.001), higher ROM for wrist supination (81.9±5.1° vs. 78.7±3.1°, p<0.001), and higher complications rates (37.9% vs. 15.4%, p=0.034) were noted in the Micronail group compared to those in the Sonoma WRx group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that Sonoma WRx and Micronail implants were equally effective and useful minimally invasive options for treating distal radius fractures. Further, we consider Sonoma WRx superior in terms of shorter operative time, lower complication rates, and better functional outcome scores.

Surgical treatment of displaced clavicle fractures with a novel intramedullary device; comparison of less-invasive versus standard technique.

This study compared the standard technique with a less invasive technique for implantation of Sonoma Crx device in patients with displaced clavicle fractures. Patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups based on the planned surgical method; Group 1 patients (n = 36) received the standard method whereas group 2 patients (n = 35) received the less invasive method originally developed by our team. Follow-up information included radiographic data, quick-DASH scoring, range of motion measurement and Constant shoulder score. The time of operation (p < 0.001) and mean time of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in Group 1 vs. to Group 2. The mean time of hospital stay was significantly longer in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (p = 0.01). The time until bony union was slightly longer in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.01). Sonoma Crx device can safely be implanted through a medial single incision with closed reduction.

Clinical Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed Using Patient-Specific Cutting Guides.

BACKGROUND Patient-specific instruments have recently gained attention for ensuring the accuracy of osteotomy and correct alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to report our experience with TKA performed by using CT-based 3D model of cutting guides in our clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 36 patients (mean age, 67.58±8.46 years; 24 females, 12 males) who underwent TKA with 3D patient-specific cutting guides in our clinic were included in the study. Differences between preoperatively planned bone resections and actual bone resections were calculated. Femoral and tibial component angles were measured on radiographs of the knee. The change in knee pain was evaluated by patients on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS The actual bone resection was 0.5-1.5 mm higher than the planned resection for all sides, being statistically significant for posterior lateral and distal medial sides (1.1±1.3 mm and 1.5±0.9 mm, respectively; p<0.05). On postoperative radiographs, coronal tibial component angle was 88.8°±0.9° and coronal femoral component angle was 95.2°±1.6°, showing good postoperative alignment. The VAS pain score of patients significantly decreased from preoperative 3.9±0.8 to 1.1±0.9 at 6 months after the operation. One patient developed superficial tissue infection on postoperative follow-up, which was effectively treated. No other pathology was detected in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS Patient-specific cutting guides can provide intraoperative guidance for better placement of the implant in TKA and increase the accuracy of osteotomy and postoperative alignment.

Prospective randomized study comparing results of fixation for clavicular shaft fractures with intramedullary nail or locking compression plate.

PURPOSE: To reveal whether minimal invasive implantation of a novel intramedullary device produces comparable outcomes with LCP fixation in patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: A prospective randomized two-arm study was performed on patients presenting with Robinson type 2B1 and 2B2 displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with >2 cm shortening. In group 1 (n = 35, mean age; 42.02 ± 13.87) patients received minimal invasive intramedullary fixation with Sonoma Crx device (Sonoma, USA) whereas in group 2 (n = 40, mean age; 39.07 ± 7.04) patients received 3.5 mm locking compression plate (Synthes, USA). Functional assessment was made using range of motion measurement (ROM), constant shoulder score and DASH disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring. RESULTS: Mean time of operation was similar between the two groups (p = 0.46) whereas mean time of fluoroscopy was significantly longer in group 1 compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). At the 12 month follow-up, there was a slight but significant difference in ROM degrees between the two groups (p = 0.005). Mean quick DASH score was significantly lower in group 1 than that in group 2 (p < 0.001) whereas there was no significant difference in constant shoulder scores between the two groups (p = 0.06). Time to bony union was also shorter in group 1 compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive intramedullary implantation technique provided satisfactory clinical outcomes and shortened the time until bony union compared to LCP fixation. Further study on larger populations is required to establish whether the technique offers lower complication rates than LCP fixation.

Comparison between locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating in the treatment of displaced clavicular midshaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating in clavicular midshaft fractures. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (21 male, 12 female) who had displaced fractures and at least 2-cm shortening fixed with expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing and 38 patients (24 male, 14 female) who underwent anatomical locking plating were recruited. Duration of surgery, incision size, duration of hospital stay, union time, and early and late complications were compared between the groups. Functional results were compared with Constant scoring system. RESULTS: Mean duration of surgery was 32.4±9.1 minutes (range: 20-42 minutes) in the nailing group and 54.1±11.9 minutes (range: 42-70 minutes) in the plating group. The incision was 4.1±0.9 cm (range: 3-5 cm) in the nailing group and 9.5±1.7 cm (range: 7-12 cm) in the plating group. Mean union time was 14.8 weeks (range: 10-24 weeks) in the nailing group and 21.3 weeks (range: 12-33 weeks) in the plating group. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.6±1.1 days (range: 2-4 days) in the plating group, whereas it was 2.3±0.8 days (range: 1-3 days) in the nailing group. In the plating group, an average of 2.7-mm (range: 0-7 mm) shortening was determined in the clavicles that underwent surgery as compared to the intact clavicles, whereas shortening was 2.3 mm (range: 0-6 mm) in the nailing group. CONCLUSION: Expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing can provide more successful outcomes than plating in displaced clavicular midshaft fractures, due to advantages such as shorter union time, lower complication rate, and better cosmetic outcomes.

Potential role of electrostimulation in augmentation of venous blood flow after total knee replacement: A pilot study.

AIM: To investigate the potential role of a novel electrostimulation device in augmenting the femoral vein venous blood flow following total knee replacement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive patients undergoing total knee replacement were allocated to receive either peroneal nerve electrostimulation plus low molecular weight heparin and below-knee compression stockings (Group 1, electrostimulation group, n = 15, mean age: 63.40 ± 5.91 years, male: female ratio 9:6) or low molecular weight heparin and below-knee compression stockings alone (Group 2, control group, n = 15, mean age: 63.86 ± 7.47 years, male: female ratio 8:7). Electrostimulation was performed for 1 h in every 4 h after the operation. Peak blood velocity in the femoral vein was evaluated with Duplex ultrasonongraphy in supine position. Presence of leg edema and calf diameter was also taken into consideration as outcome measures, which were recorded both before surgery and at the time of discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Postoperative peak blood flow velocity in the femoral vein was significantly higher in electrostimulation group compared to control group (17.46 ± 2.86 cm/s vs. 13.84 ± 3.58 cm/s, p < 0.02). Electrostimulation group achieved a significant increase in peak blood flow velocity in the femoral vein after the operation (mean increase 67.48 ± 17.38%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of the common peroneal nerve enhanced venous flow in the lower limb and may potentially be of use as a supplementary technique in deep venous prophylaxis following lower limb orthopedic operations.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction via tibial inlay technique in multiligament knee injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report our institution's experience regarding the use of open tibial inlay technique in patients undergoing single-stage combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. METHODS: Records of 17 patients who underwent PCL reconstruction with tibial inlay technique were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with ipsilateral femoral or tibial osteochondral avulsion fractures or ipsilateral concomitant tibia and femur shaft fractures were excluded. Out of these 17 patients, six cases underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) + PCL reconstruction, nine cases underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner reconstruction, one case underwent ACL + PCL + MCL reconstruction and one case underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner + MCL reconstruction. Mean follow-up was 14.27±6.77 (range: 6-30) months. RESULTS: In preoperative assessments, all patients had 3+ posterior laxity in posterior drawer test; at final follow-up, 6 patients had 0 laxity, 7 patients had 1+ laxity, and 4 patients had 2+ laxity (p<0.001). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective evaluation showed severe disability in all patients preoperatively, whereas 5 knees were grade A, 8 knees were grade B, 3 knees were grade C, and 1 knee was grade D at final follow-up. Mean IKDC subjective score was 75.22±7.53 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, mean side-to-side difference in KT-1000 arthrometer measurement was 2.45±1.80 mm. At final follow-up, mean range of motion (ROM) was 0º on extension and 123.56±6.31º on flexion. CONCLUSION: Open tibial inlay approach is beneficial during PCL reconstruction. Further study is warranted to establish its effectiveness on functional outcomes and prevention of complications.

Comparison of novel intramedullary nailing with mini-invasive plating in surgical fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective randomized pilot study sought to determine whether fixation with Sonoma CRx intramedullary pin is a comparable alternative to minimally invasive plating fixation in patients with displaced clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 consecutive patients (Robinson class B1 or B2) were randomly allocated into two groups; intramedullary pin (IMP) group (n = 24, mean age; 33.17 ± 8.60 years, 14 males 58.3 %) received Sonoma CRx Collarbone pin (Sonoma, USA) whereas locking midshaft superior plating (MIPPO) group (n = 21, 32.38 ± 8.41 years, 12 males) patients received minimally invasive locking midshaft superior plating (Acumed, USA). Patients were followed up with a mean time of 11.82 ± 4.22 and 14.45 ± 6.43 months, respectively. Functional status, as the primary outcome measure, was assessed using quick disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores. RESULTS: Mean time of operation and mean time of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter in the IMP group than those in MIPPO group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Time of hospital stay was significantly shorter in IMP group (p < 0.001). Complications were rare in the early postoperative period. Time until bony union was significantly shorter in IMP group. Mean quick DASH scores were not significantly different between two groups. Implant failure occurred in one patient from each group. Cosmetic dissatisfaction was more common in MIPPO group. CONCLUSION: Given the shorter operative times and better cosmetic appearance, Sonoma CRx intramedullary pin may be an alternative to minimally invasive plating. Further safety studies are warranted.

Intramedullary repair device against volar plating in the reconstruction of extra-articular and simple articular distal radius fractures; a randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: This prospective randomized pilot study reports our institutional experience and early results using Sonoma Wrx (Sonoma Orthopedic Products, Santa Rosa, CA) in the treatment of extra-articular and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 64 patients, were enrolled in the study. They were considered eligible if they had; unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures suitable for closed reduction (AO types; A2.2, A2.3, A3.1 C2.1, C2.2). Patients in group I received intramedullary fixation using the Sonoma Wrx device and patients in group II received standard volar locking plate fixation. Radiographic criteria of acceptable healing were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Two groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Mean time of operation was significantly shorter in Group 1 vs. in group 2 (36.81 ± 7.11 vs. 48.97 ± 5.9 minutes, p = 0.001). Time to healing of the fracture was not different between two groups (5.45 ± 1.09 vs. 5.70 ± 1.04 weeks for Group 1 vs. 2, respectively p = 0.36). Overall complications occurred in 9 patients in group 1 and in 15 patients in group 2 (p = 0.17). Follow-up was completed in all patients with a median time of 12 months and 13 months in group 1 and 2, respectively. On radiographic evaluation radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt were not significantly different between group 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in regard to wrist rotational degrees measured in last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Sonoma Wrx Device is reliable and effective in terms of achieving satisfactory outcomes in treatment of distal radius fractures. It may be reasonable to use this device to prevent complications that are related to extensive soft tissue dissection.