Volumetric evaluation of the subacromial space in shoulder impingement syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder impingement syndrome is evaluated radiologically with two-dimensional measurement parameters. None of these measurement parameters accurately reflect the three-dimensional geometry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volumetric status of the subacromial space in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and to investigate its relationship with two-dimensional parameters. HYPOTHESIS: The primary hypothesis of this study is that subacromial volume is reduced in patients with impingement syndrome. The second hypothesis is that the sagittal plane morphology of the acromion reflects the subacromial volume better than the coronal plane morphology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of a total of 52 participants: 26 patients with impingement syndrome and 26 controls. Volumetric measurements were performed with using magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between humerus and acromion was evaluated by acromiohumeral distance. The sagittal plane morphology of the acromion was evaluated with an objective acromial angle, while the coronal plane morphology was evaluated with a lateral acromial angle. The radiological parameters between groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean subacromial volume was significantly smaller in the impingement group compared to the control group (p=0.01). The subacromial volume had a negative correlation with the objective acromial angle (R=-0.46; p=0.01) The mean tendon volume was significantly higher in the impingement group (p<0.001). The mean acromiohumeral distance in the impingement group (6.8mm±1.0mm), was calculated to be significantly lower than the control group (10.1mm±1.5mm) (p<0.001). There was a positive moderate correlation between subacromial volume and acromiohumeral distance (R=0.61; p=0.01). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to demonstrate a reduction in subacromial volume in patients with impingement syndrome. The sagittal plane morphology of the acromion, rather than the coronal plane, appears to be more closely related to the subacromial volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.

Anatomical relationships of the transmuscular portal to its surrounding structures in arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior lesions: A cadaveric study and preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationships of the transmuscular portal to its surrounding structures in arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions in a human cadaveric model. METHODS: In this anatomic study, bilateral shoulder girdles of 12 adult formalin embalmed cadavers were used. All cadavers were male, and the mean age was 63.4±7.3 years. The portal entry point was determined as midway between the anterior and posterior borders of the acromion, approximately 1 cm lateral from the edge of the acromion. After a guidewire was placed in the glenoid cavity at the 12 o'clock position where the SLAP lesion typically occurs, a switching stick was inserted there. Each glenoid was then drilled with a 2.4 mm drill through an arthroscopic cannula. Subsequently, anatomical dissection was executed to assess the relationship of the transmuscular portal with the suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, supraspinatus tendon, acromion, and biceps tendon. Lastly, the shortest distance between the aforementioned structures with the drill was measured by a sensitive caliper to determine whether there was a penetration of the structures. Differences between the right and left sides were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean distance between the portal and the axillary nerve was 55.5 mm±6.0 mm, and the mean length of the suprascapular nerve was 61.2 mm±7.0 mm. The mean distance between the portal and the supraspinatus tendon was 2.8 mm±1.5 mm. No penetration of the axillary nerve, suprascapular nerve, and supraspinatus tendon was observed in any cadaver. No differences were detected for measured anatomical parameters between the right and left sides (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings from this cadaveric study revealed that the transmuscular portal may allow for a reliable anchor placement without any nerve or tendon penetration during arthroscopic SLAP repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Non-traumatic Ceramic Head Fracture in Total Hip Arthroplasty with Ceramic-on-Ceramic Articulation at Postoperative 16th Years.

Ceramic articulation has gained popularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, one of the most important concerns about the use of ceramic materials is the potential for breakage. Importantly, almost all ceramic fractures occur within the first six years after surgery. Here, we present a case report of a 52-year-old female patient who experienced an atraumatic ceramic head fracture at the 16th year after surgery. Key parameters that may be associated with ceramic head fracture are considered to be the use of a 28-mm head and high body mass index (BMI); the patient described here had a BMI of 34.3 kg/m2. Surgical treatment of the case included removal of the broken ceramic head and replacement with an alumina matrix composite ceramic head. At the 12th month follow-up visit, the patient was mobilized independently and could perform her daily activities. Ceramic head fracture after THA may occur even in late periods after surgery. For the treatment of fractures of ceramic material, the fractured component must be removed together with extensive soft tissue excision to ensure that no residual fragments are left behind.

The results of Scarf osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue procedure are mostly satisfactory in surgical management of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsically stable diaphyseal osteotomy gained popularity in recent years for symptomatic hallux valgus deformities. In this study, Scarf osteotomy results, in surgical management of moderate to severe hallux valgus, are presented. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Study group consisted of 40 feet of 32 (28 females, four males) patients surgically managed by Scarf osteotomy between September 2009 and 2011, with a mean age of 52,98 (range, 31-75) years at the time of surgery. Patient satisfaction and VAS were used for subjective evaluation while for objective measures AOFAS score, first metatarsophalangeal joint ROM and radiological measurements (intermetatarsal, hallux valgus and distal metatarsal articular angles) were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 38 (range, 24-60) months. Sixteen feet (40%) were reported as very satisfied, 19 (47,5%) as satisfied and the remaining five (12,5%) as unsatisfied resulting with a total of 35 (87,5%) satisfaction. The mean preoperative VAS and AOFAS forefoot scores improved from 8,13±0,791 to 2,68±1,228 (p=0,0001) and from 58,25±6,15 to 78,25±8,13 (p=0,0001) on the final follow-up, respectively. The postoperative change of first metatarsophalangeal joint ROM was not statistically significant (p=0,281). On the radiological evaluation; intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from a mean value of 14,77±1,76 to 8,13±1,52° (p=0,0001) and from 35,28±5,86 to 20,10±5,55° (p=0,0001), respectively. Distal metatarsal articular angle did not show any statistically significant change (p=0,195). CONCLUSION: Scarf osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue procedure is a technically demanding procedure. The osteotomy is intrinsically stable and the correction power is high and the results are mostly satisfactory.

Coincidence of follicular lymphoma and hurtle cell thyroid carcinoma in a patient at presentation: which one is the source of bone metastasis? Case report and review of the literature.

Thyroid incidentaloma is defined as a new identified thyroid lesion occasionally detected during imaging studies. Incidence of thyroid incidentalomas is relatively rare in patients with lymphoma. Because of high rate of malignancy, these lesions with high intensity focal 18 FDG uptake detected on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) should undergo to biopsy regardless of size.

The effects of intra-articular levobupivacain versus levobupivacain plus magnesium sulfate on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy: A prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compared the effectiveness of intraarticular levobupivacain with levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate. METHODS: In this prospective randomized double blinded study, 96 patients (67 male, 29 female; age range: 18-65 years) with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) score I and II, who had undergone arthroscopic meniscectomy operation, were divided to 3 groups that had postoperative analgesia with intra-articular saline injection (control group), levobupivacain injection (L group) or levobupivacain and magnesium sulfate injection (LM group). Patients were compared with postoperative VAS (Visual Analog Score) score during rest and activity, opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs. RESULTS: Postoperative VAS scores during rest and activation at early postoperative period were significantly lower at LM group when compared with L group and lower than control group at all time periods. Opioid analgesic need, non-opioid analgesic need and other medication needs for non-pain symptoms were lower at LM group when compared with L and control groups at all time periods. CONCLUSION: Intraarticular magnesium sulfate plus Levobupivacain injection is a safe and effective method for post operative pain management after arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Effect of bleeding on nerve regeneration and epineural scar formation in rat sciatic nerves: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Epineural scar formation is one of the most significant negative factors affecting surgical repair after peripheral nerve injury. The scar tissue mechanically hinders axonal regeneration and causes adhesions between nerves and surrounding tissues. A hemostatic agent Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS; Immun Gida Ilaç Kozmetik San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti., Istanbul, Turkey) has not been previously used. Decreasing the postoperative bleeding and adhesions between nerve and surrounding tissues will prevent the formation of scar tissue, as well as corresponding compressive neuropathy and/or deceleration of axonal regeneration. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of bleeding on nerve healing and scar tissue after repair of peripheral nerve injuries. METHODS: The right sciatic nerve of 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats (weighing 260-330 g) was cut 1.5 cm proximal to the trifurcation and repaired primarily with 8/0 sutures using epineural technique. The rats were then divided into 3 groups. Saline was applied in Group 1 (n=10), ABS in Group 2 (n=10), and heparin in Group 3 (n=10) for 5 minutes to the repair site and surrounding tissues. In each group, electrophysiological measurements were performed with electromyography (EMG) at postoperative week 12. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging was used at week 12. Macroscopical and histopathological evaluations were conducted after sacrificing the rats at week 24 with total excision of the repaired sciatic nerves and surrounding tissues. RESULTS: The ABS and saline groups showed better healing than the heparin group. The ABS and saline groups were better in the histopathologic evaluations, but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were not found between the 3 groups. Significant results may be obtained with larger studies.

Comparison of switch-therapy modalities (enoxaparin to rivaroxaban/dabigatran) and enoxaparin monotherapy after hip and knee replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and associated pulmonary embolism following major orthopedic surgeries is challenging, and there is an increased interest in developing new treatment strategies. We compared 2 switch-therapy modalities-enoxaparin to rivaroxaban and enoxaparin to dabigatran-and enoxaparin monotherapy for preventing DVT after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: This was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized controlled study. We selected 180 eligible patients out of 247 patients undergoing TKA or THA. During the preoperative checkup, patients were randomized to receive either enoxaparin (enoxaparin group) or switch-therapy regimens, comprising enoxaparin during hospitalization and rivaroxaban (rivaroxaban group) or dabigatran (dabigatran group) during the outpatient period. All patients were evaluated for DVT using Doppler ultrasonography (USG) 6 weeks postoperatively. The primary efficacy outcome was the prevention of symptomatic or Doppler ultrasonography (USG)-proven DVT, whereas the primary safety outcome was the incidence of bleeding during the DVT-prophylaxis period. RESULTS: Doppler USG at 6 weeks after surgery revealed no signs of DVT in any patient. During the hospitalization period, only 2 major bleeding events were reported (1 [1.6%] in the enoxaparin group and 1 [1.6%] in the dabigatran group). No major bleeding events were reported during the outpatient follow-up period in any group. Differences among the 3 groups regarding bleeding events were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: When using switch-therapy modalities, clinicians can take advantage of the safety of enoxaparin during the hospitalization period and ease of use of new oral anticoagulant drugs during the outpatient period.

Missed isolated posterior malleolar fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the injury mechanism and clinical and radiological results of the patients with isolated posterior malleolar fracture. METHODS: Seven patients (5 male, 2 female; mean age: 32 years; range: 23-40) with a missed isolated posterior malleolar fracture were included in the study. All patients had initially been examined for an ankle sprain in the emergency room, where the initial plain radiographs did not show any abnormality. Due to the long lasting symptoms all patients underwent an MRI scan by the 3rd week which revealed a posterior malleolar fracture. Patients were treated with an ankle brace for 3 weeks. All patients were followed up for 1 year. Bone healing and degenerative changes were evaluated with plain Radiographs, including a 50° external rotation lateral. Clinical outcome was evaluated with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale. RESULTS: Fracture healing was seen in 6 of the 7 patients by the 6th week. There was no radiographic healing by 6th month in the remaining patient. Mean AOFAS ankle hindfoot scores at the beginning of the treatment and at 3rd month were 20 (11-31) and 86 (43-96), respectively. There was no instability or degenerative changes at one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Isolated posterior malleolar fracture should be kept in mind in patients who present with pain at the posterior part of the ankle following a forced plantar flexion and/or axial compression injury. A 50° external rotation lateral radiograph can be useful in detecting the fracture.

An Unusual Cause of Flexor Tenosynovitis: Streptococcus mitis.

SUMMARY: Streptococcus mitis is a commensal organism of the human oropharynx that rarely causes infection in healthy individuals. Herein, we describe a previously healthy 35-year-old woman who presented with acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis of the left index finger due to S. mitis infection. The patient's infection was treated successfully via surgical and medical interventions, and during follow-up, it was determined that she was complement component C3 deficient. Tenosynovitis is an emergent clinical syndrome that can result in permanent disability or amputation. To the best of our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe tenosynovitis due to S. mitis; in addition, it highlights the importance of initiating therapy with antibiotics that are effective against this rare pathogen.

Etiology of coxarthrosis in patients with total hip replacement.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to find out the distribution of etiological factors in patients who had total hip replacement for coxarthrosis. METHODS: The medical records of the 965 hips of 886 patients operated with total hip replacement between 2001 and 2012 in two separate arthroplasty clinics were analyzed by two separate senior surgeons. Each patient's pre- and postoperative X-rays and demographic data such as gender, age, side and probable etiologic factors were noted. RESULTS: Six hundred and eighty-four patients were women and 202 were men. The mean age were 62.7±14.3 (range: 16 to 91) in women, 58.8±17.1 (range: 25 to 91) in men. 52.1% of the surgeries were performed on the right side, 39% on the left, and 8.9% bilaterally. In women 36.2% of the cases were primary coxarthrosis, while the etiology was developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in 43.5% of the cases, avascular necrosis in 10%, romatoid diseases in 7%, slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 5%, posttraumatic coxarthrosis in 3.9%, pathologic coxarthrosis in 1.9%, and Perthes sequel in 1.7%. In men, 24.4% of the cases were primary coxarthrosis, while the etiology was avascular necrosis in 21% of the cases, DDH in 17.6%, posttraumatic coxarthrosis in 16.8%, romatoid diseases in 10.9%, Perthes sequel in 4.2%, slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 2.5%, and pathologic coxarthrosis in 2.5%. The most common etiologic factor was DDH with a rate of 37.1%. CONCLUSION: Despite the heterogeneity of our study population, our results may reflect the distribution of coxarthrosis etiologies in Turkey. Developmental dysplasia of the hip appears to be the most frequent cause of coxarthrosis among the patients undergoing total hip replacement.

Minimally invasive osteosynthesis of adult tibia fractures by means of rigid fixation with anatomic locked plates.

Main principle of biological fixation by minimally invasive locked plate osteosynthesis (MILPO) in lower extremity long bone fractures is relative stability which is provided by using long plate with limited number of screws. Some biomechanical studies have been reported about this issue. However, clinical studies are still missing. The aims of this retrospective extended case series were to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of adult tibia fractures treated by MILPO and the effect of plate length and screw density on complication rates. Twenty tibia fractures in 19 patients (mean age 42.3 years) operated by MILPO were reviewed. According to the AO classification, diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures without intraarticular extensions were simple and wedge-type fractures, whereas all intraarticular fractures were comminuted. Number of screws, cortices and empty screw holes proximal and distal to the fracture, plate-span ratio (plate length divided by overall fracture length), plate-screw density (number of inserted screws divided by number of plate holes), fixation failures, delayed or nonunion, malalignment and leg length discrepancy were documented. Mean follow-up was 16 (range 12-26) months. On average, 4 screws with 6 cortices were used both proximally and distally in all fractures. Only in diaphyseal fractures, one screw hole close to the fracture was omitted. Average plate-screw density and plate-span ratio were 0.68 and 4, respectively. Mean union time was 3 months. There were no cases of delayed or nonunion on the final follow-up. Plate bending was observed in one patient who had fair result. The remaining 18 (94.8 %) patients showed good and excellent results. Satisfactory results can be achieved despite low plate-span ratio and high plate-screw density in simple and wedge-type diaphyseal fractures of the tibia. Additionally, plate-screw density can be higher at metaphysis in intraarticular fractures, in which essential point is a perfectly stable fixation that provides early motion.

An atypically located large subchondral cyst in an osteoarthritic hip joint: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritic subchondral cysts within or around the hip joint can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from primary osseous and soft tissue tumors due to their radiological appearance and uncommon location. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 74-year-old Turkish man with a subchondral cyst arising from the hip joint, eroding the acetabulum and located on the medial side of the iliac bone, which imitated a soft tissue tumor. This cystic lesion was resected and the results of histopathological analysis of tissue samples were found to be consistent with an osteoarthritic cyst. CONCLUSIONS: The present case illustrates how an osteoarthritic subchondral cyst can grow into the soft tissue planes in the presence of destruction of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone continuity, and present as an apparent soft tissue tumor.

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as rare complications after hallux valgus surgery: case report and literature review.

The incidence and life-threatening complications of thromboembolic disease after major orthopedic surgical procedures have been extensively defined in the medical literature. However, there are few studies concerning the incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery. We describe a 57-year-old female patient who underwent surgery for bilateral hallux valgus deformities and was diagnosed as having deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after the surgery despite early mobilization and mechanical prohylaxis. Her preoperative physical examination revealed varicose veins in both cruris. She was treated for pulmonary embolism with low-molecular-weight heparin and an oral anticoagulant in the postoperative period. Although venous thromboembolism is more commonly described after proximal lower-extremity procedures, it can occur after foot and ankle surgery, particularly if the patient has certain risk factors. Therefore, in addition to mechanical prophylaxis, pharmacologic prophylaxis should be kept in mind in such patients.

Locked anatomic plate fixation in displaced clavicular fractures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the results and complications of open reduction and internal fixation by locked anatomic plates in adult midshaft clavicular fractures. METHODS: Sixteen patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age: 39.6 years) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with locked anatomic plate for displaced-comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures and were followed-up for at least one year were reviewed retrospectively. Complications in the early and late postoperative periods and functional scores according to the Constant and DASH scoring systems from the latest follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 24.6 (range: 12 to 52) months and mean union time was 13.3 (range: 10 to 23) weeks. None of the patients had superficial and/or deep infections in the early postoperative period or neurovascular complications. Two (12.5%) patients had implant irritation. In two (12.5%) patients, implant failure was detected in the late postoperative period. Delayed union was suspected in these patients and they were operated with longer plate and grafting in the 4th month. At the final follow-up, none of the patients had nonunion or malunion and the mean Constant and DASH scores were 85.5 and 12.8, respectively. Constant scores in patients with complications (p=0.007) and DASH scores in patients with no complications (p=0.001) were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Fixation with locked anatomic plates in displaced midshaft clavicular fractures has lower complication rates. Possible postoperative complications are generally associated with implant irritation and failure. These problems can be avoided with the development in implant technology and new implant designs.

An aggressive aneurysmal bone cyst of the proximal humerus and related complications in a pediatric patient.

Clinical behavior of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in younger patients can be more aggressive than that in older children and adults. Angular deformity and shortening can occur due to growth plate destruction or tumor resection. A 11-year-old boy who had been operated twice in another center for an ABC located in the left proximal humerus presented to the author's institution with complaints of pain, deformity and shortening of the left arm. Plain radiographs revealed left proximal humerus nonunion with a large defect. Reconstruction with nonvascularized fibular autograft was applied and left upper extremity was immobilized in a velpou bandage. At the third-month follow-up, graft incorporation was observed in the distal part; however, proximal part did not show adequate healing on radiographs. Additional immobilization in a sling for 3 months was advised to the patient and his family. However, they were lost to follow-up and readmitted to the author's institution at the 12th month postoperatively. Radiographs showed failure of the fibular graft fixation and nonunion of the humerus. Autogenic bone grafts, either vascularized or nonvascularized are the best treatment method for the large defects after tumor curettage or resection. Nonvascularized grafts are technically much easier to use than vascularized grafts and provide excellent structural bone support at the recipient side. However, they may take several months to be fully incorporated. In addition, good therapeutic outcomes require patience and collaboration with the patient and parents. Most importantly, the patient should be monitored closely.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury after hip fracture surgery in the elderly individuals.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate possible risk factors associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after hip fracture surgery in the elderly individuals. DESIGN: Level II diagnostic study, evidence obtained from prospective cohort study from 1 center with level 2, and 3 patients. PATIENTS: A total of 165 patients (>65 years) with femoral neck fracture were enrolled in this prospective study between 2007 and 2010. Two patients were dropped for inadequate laboratory follow-up data. Patients with kidney failure or renal replacement therapy (RRT) history or AKI at admission were excluded. INTERVENTION: Nephrology consultation was obtained from all patients at admission. All patients had undergone bipolar cemented hip arthroplasty that was performed by the same surgical team in all patients within 24 hours of fracture and admission under the same protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Serum creatinine (SCr), urine output, and complete blood counts were evaluated at baseline and daily basis thereafter. The AKI was defined based on Acute Kidney Injury Network classification. Hospital charges were converted from Turkish Liras to US dollars and rounded. RESULTS: Among 163 patients, AKI occurred in 25 (15.3%) patients, all within the first 48 postoperative hours. Three (1.8%) patients required RRT. Baseline SCr levels were restored within 4.84 ± 1.34 days on average (3-8 days). No patient required RRT after discharge. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (2-6 days) longer and the hospital charge was 2500 US$ higher for the patients with AKI. After multivariable adjustment, only lower estimated glomerular filtration rate levels (odds ratio 0.945, 95%confidence interval 0.92-0.96) emerged as an independent predictor for AKI. CONCLUSION: The AKI represents a frequent complication after hip fracture surgery associated with longer hospital stay and higher treatment costs with increased morbidity. Our results show baseline renal function is an independent predictor of AKI.