Revisiting the surgical indication of mid-shaft clavicle fractures: Clavicle asymmetry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate whether clavicular symmetry was a valid assumption and to assess the factors that could predict clavicular asymmetry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2021 and April 2021, a total of 100 consecutive patients (61 males, 39 females; mean age: 63.6±15.5 years; range, 27 to 94 years) whose both clavicles were adequately seen on chest computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively analyzed. Clavicular lengths were measured on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of chest CTs by two independent orthopedic surgeons on two separate occasions. The longest distance passing the straight line between the most lateral part of the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint and the most medial point of the clavicle on the sternoclavicular joint was given as the clavicle length after adjusting tilt of convertible 3D CTs. Clavicular length difference was calculated by subtracting the short clavicle's length from the long clavicle's length. Patients' age and sex were noted. The calculated clavicular length differences were assigned into three groups: ≤5 mm, >5 mm and ≤10 mm, and >10 mm. RESULTS: The mean right and left clavicle lengths were 13.9±1.3 cm and 14.1±1.2 cm, respectively (p<0.001). A total of 29 patients (29%) had >5 mm clavicle asymmetry and six patients (6%) had more than 10 mm clavicular length difference. Age, sex, and clavicular length were not associated with the clavicular length difference. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that 29% of the patients had >5 mm clavicular length asymmetry. The clavicular symmetry may not be a valid assumption in the decision making for the surgical treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures; thus, this assumption may lead to maltreatment. More factors that can predict clavicle asymmetry should be investigated in future studies.

Indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes-related lower extremity amputations: A regional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the indirect impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on diabetes-related lower extremity amputations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent lower limb amputation due to complications of diabetes between August 2019 and February 2020 (control group) and August 2020 and February 2021 (pandemic group) were retrospectively reviewed. None of the patients had a previous COVID-19 infection. Patients' amputation level and latest diabetes follow-up date until amputation were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 19 feet of 19 patients (14 males, 5 females; mean age: 70.0±10.5 years; range, 53 to 91 years) in the control group and 18 feet of 18 patients (12 males, 6 females; mean age: 70.4±11.3 years; range, 54 to 91 years) were included. There was no statistically significant difference in amputation levels between the two groups (p=0.959). The mean time elapsed from the last diabetes control in the control and the pandemic group was 5.9±12.8 months and 8.2±9.8 months, respectively (p=0.038). A total of eight (42.1%) patients in the control group and seven (38.9%) patients in the pandemic group did not have a follow-up for diabetes in the last year prior to amputation (p=0.842). CONCLUSION: Although the COVID-19 pandemic seems to cause a delay in the routine medical care of patients with diabetes, it appears not to have an indirect effect on the lower extremity amputation level and incidence. Patients' adherence may be the major determinant in amputation surgery.