Lesion size and varus malalignment are the major determinants leading to poorer clinical outcomes after combined microfracture treatment for focal cartilage lesions during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical effects of microfracture (MFX) performed for Outerbridge grade 3 or 4 focal cartilage lesion during the same surgery with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to analyze the major determinants of these potential effects on the clinical outcome. The clinical and radiographic data of 119 patients were evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 32.6 ± 6 months. Isolated arthroscopic ACL reconstruction was performed in 70 patients (Group 1), whereas MFX for Outerbridge grade 3 or 4 chondral lesion during ACL surgery was performed in 49 patients (Group 2). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale were the instruments used as outcome measures to evaluate the clinical status of the patients. Routine X-ray and MRI were also performed for all patients pre-operatively as well as at the latest follow-up visit. Lineer regression analysis was performed to determine major factors predicting the poorer clinical outcome. Clinical outcomes were similar between isolated ACL reconstruction and combined procedure. On the other hand, according to lineer regression analysis, cartilage lesion size > 2 cm2 and > 5 degrees of varus alignment were detected as the major determinants leading to poorer outcomes in combined ACL reconstruction and MFX.Level of evidence: III - Retrospective Comparative Study.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute Septic Arthritis of the Hip Joint in Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years or Younger.

PURPOSE: To present the results of arthroscopic treatment of acute septic arthritis of the hip joint in children aged 10 years or younger. METHODS: Patients with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years who underwent arthroscopic treatment (anterolateral and medial subadductor 2-portal approach) of acute septic arthritis of the hip joint between January 2014 and January 2017 were included in this retrospective case-series study. The exclusion criteria included fungal infection, late presentation (≥5 days after the onset of the symptoms), presence of concomitant osteomyelitis, osseous pathologic conditions on radiography suggesting osteomyelitis, immunocompromised condition, history of surgery or infection surgery from the affected extremity, immobility owing to neuromuscular pathologic conditions, and identification of inflammatory or reactive arthritis during follow-up. The diagnosis of septic arthritis was confirmed according to the Waldvogel criteria. Clinical outcomes were assessed according to the Bennett score and Harris Hip Score. RESULTS: We evaluated 15 hips in 15 patients (6 female and 9 male patients) with a mean age of 5.2 years (range, 2-10 years) in this study. The mean hospital stay was 4.2 days (range, 3-7 days), and the mean antibiotic-use period was 34 days (range, 26-45 days). The most causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (40%) (including methicillin-sensitive S aureus) and was isolated and cultured in all patients. All patients had full range of motion of the hip joint. All of the Bennett scores were excellent; the mean Harris Hip Score was 96.3 (range, 92.5-100) after a minimum follow-up period of 24 months (mean, 26.1 ± 3.2 months; range, 24-35 months). No patient needed additional surgical intervention. No degenerative changes or avascular necrosis developed. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, arthroscopic treatment is an effective choice for the treatment of acute septic arthritis of the hip joint in children aged 10 years or younger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Validity of the alpha angle measurements on plain radiographs in the evaluation of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation of two different alpha angle (a-angle) measurements ("anatomical method and "three-point method") with the anterior offset ratio (AOR), femoral head ratio (FHR), and lateral femoral head ratio (LFHR) in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 39 hips of 26 patients. The a-angles were measured on the frog-leg lateral view (Lat) and anteroposterior (Ap) view, FHR was measured on the Ap view, and LFHR and AOR were measured on the Lat view. A t test was performed to analyze the means of the alpha angles measured using the three-point method and the anatomical method, and also, a correlation was conducted to assess the association of the a-angles among the FHR, LFHR, and AOR. RESULTS: The mean a-angles in the Ap plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 76° ± 15° and 64° ± 10° respectively (p < 0.001). The mean a-angles in the Lat plane in the three-point method and anatomical method were 67° ± 13° and 56° ± 11° respectively (p < 0.001). The AOR showed a significant correlation only with the anatomical method a-angle values in the Lat plane (p = 0.026). The a-angles in the three-point method in the Lat plane did not show any significant correlation with the AOR, FHR, and LFHR. Both the FHR and LFHR values correlated significantly with the Ap plane a-angles in the three-point method and anatomical method. However, none of these correlations was strong. CONCLUSIONS: The a-angle measurement methods described in patients without femoral head-neck axis disruption may not be valid in patients with a disorder such as SCFE.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of chitosan-glycerol phosphate/blood implant are similar with hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold in the treatment of focal osteochondral lesions of the knee joint.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical and radiographic efficacy of chitosan-glycerol phosphate/blood implant versus hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold in patients with focal osteochondral lesion of the knee joint. METHODS: Clinical data of 46 patients surgically treated using either chitosan-glycerol phosphate/blood implant (25 patients, Group 1) or hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold (21 patients, Group 2) in combination with microfracture were retrospectively evaluated. All lesions were Outerbridge grade III or IV with a mean lesion size of 3.3 ± 0.7 cm2. The mean follow-up time was 24.4 months. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale were the instruments to evaluate the clinical status. Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) system was used to analyze the characteristics of repair tissue. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected between the groups regarding VAS, Lysholm, and Tegner scores at any time interval during the whole follow-up. The mean post-operative VAS and Lysholm scores at the latest follow-up was significantly better in cases with the lesion size ≤ 3 cm2 in Group 1 (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences according to the lesion size were detected in Group 2 (n.s.). Complete repair with the filling of the defect was achieved in 7 (28%) of the knees in Group 1 and it was 7 (33.3%) of the knees in Group 2 according to MOCART system at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-stage regenerative cartilage surgery using chitosan-glycerol phosphate/blood implant combined to microfracture for focal osteochondral lesions of the knee revealed similar clinical and radiographic outcomes with hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold at short-term follow-up. However, clinical outcomes of hyaluronan scaffold were less sensitive to defect size than chitosan. With the advantages of no hypertrophic repair tissue formation as well as no need to arthrotomy during surgery, chitosan is an effective choice especially in patients with the lesion size ≤ 3 cm2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Predictors of allocation to surgery in patients older than 50 years with partial-thickness rotator cuff tear.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive factors for allocation to surgery in patients older than 50 years with symptomatic chronic partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (PTRCT). METHODS: Patients older than 50 years with a confirmed diagnosis of unilateral isolated PTRCT were included in this retrospective study. In the minimum follow-up of 2 years, eventual allocation to surgical or nonsurgical treatment was determined individually. Patients who underwent surgery were defined as failed conservative management and allocation to surgery. Data pertaining to patients' demographics, functional comorbidity index values, duration of symptoms, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were collected from our medical records. Tear side and Ellman classification, subacromial spur, and acromiohumeral intervals were also noted. A regression analysis was performed to determine the major predictors of allocation to surgery. RESULTS: There were 202 patients with a mean age of 62 years in group I (no-surgery group) and 70 patients with a mean age of 57 years in group II (surgery group). The mean age and functional comorbidity index values were significantly higher in group I than in group II (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Bursal-sided tears were significantly more common in group II (P = .026). According to the findings of regression analysis, tear side and functional comorbidity index were the major predictors of allocation to surgery (P = .015 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study results indicate that in patients older than 50 years with PTRCTs, those with fewer comorbidities and bursal-sided PTRCTs were significantly more likely to undergo surgery.

Arthroscopic versus open, medial approach, surgical reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip in patients under 18 months of age.

Background and purpose - The value of arthroscopic surgical reduction in developmental hip dysplasia is poorly known. We compared the clinical and radiographic efficacy of arthroscopic and medial open surgical reduction in patients less than 18 months of age with developmental hip dysplasia. Patients and methods - 54 patients with a mean age of 11 months who were treated by Ludloff's medial open reduction technique (28 hips, Group L) or arthroscopic surgical reduction technique (26 hips, Group A) were evaluated in this case series. Data on age, sex, preoperative Tönnis grade, operative time, estimated blood loss, residual leg length discrepancy, range of motion (ROM), acetabular index (AI) angle, coverage ratio of the femoral head, continuity of Menard-Shenton line, re-dislocation rate, McKay classification, and Kalamchi-MacEwen avascular necrosis (AVN) classification were collected. Results - Preoperatively, the mean AI angle was 39° in Group L and 37° in Group A. At the latest follow-up, the mean AI was 26° in both groups. The mean femoral head coverage ratio was 79% in Group L and 80% in Group A. The Menard-Shenton line was intact in all patients. Residual leg length discrepancy or limited ROM was not detected in any patients. 4 patients in Group L and 2 in Group A were diagnosed with type 2 AVN. Interpretation - Arthroscopic surgical reduction in patients aged 6-18 months revealed promising clinical and radiographic outcomes similar to medial open reduction using Ludloff's technique.

Audiometric threshold shifts after total knee arthroplasty by using gentamicin-loaded bone cement

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative audiometric threshold shifts in patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using gentamicin-loaded bone cement (GLBC) in comparison with the ones who underwent TKA without GLBC. Materials and methods: Forty patients (gentamicin group) who underwent primary TKA using GLBC and 29 patients (control group) who underwent primary TKA using standard bone cement were included in this prospective case-control study. Baseline pure-tone audiometric evaluation was performed preoperatively and repeated at the postoperative third day for all patients. Control audiometric evaluation was performed weekly for patients who were diagnosed with ototoxicity according to audiometric threshold shifts. Results: Ototoxicity was diagnosed in 8 of 40 patients (20%) in the gentamicin group according to postoperative audiometric threshold shifts, whereas no ototoxicity was observed in the control group. Patients who were diagnosed with ototoxicity had no permanent audiometric threshold shifts in follow-up audiometric evaluation and these patients had no clinical complaints of difference in hearing. Conclusion: According to our results, audiometric threshold shifts can be detected in patients who undergo primary TKA using gentamicin loaded bone cement. However, no permanent shifts were observed during close follow-up.

Should orthopedic surgeons consider reducing the negative effects of Outerbridge grade 2 patellofemoral chondral lesion on early postoperative recovery during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular PRP and HA injections applied as the treatment of Outerbridge grade 2 chondral lesions in patellofemoral joint during arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. METHODS: The clinical and radiographic data of 61 patients between 18 and 45 years of age were evaluated. The patients were separated into three groups. Hyaluronic acid injection was applied in 22 knees (Group 1), PRP injection was applied in 18 knees (Group 2), and 21 knees did not have any specific treatment except ACL reconstruction (Group 3). All patients were followed clinically at least for 12 months. Clinical examination of the operated knee, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale were the outcome measures. Routine X-ray and MRI were also performed for all patients at 12-month postoperative follow-up visit. RESULTS: Although the mean VAS and Lysholm scores at 3-month follow-up were better in Group 1 and 2 than Group 3, the efficacy of intra-articular PRP on healing process regarding progression of the mean VAS and Lysholm scores through 6- and 12-month follow-ups was significantly better and longer than HA. No statistically significant differences were detected according to Tegner activity scale between the groups at 3 and 6 months; however, Group 2 had better activity level than both Group 1 (p < 0.001) and 3 (p < 0.001) at the end of 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular PRP injection applied as the treatment of concomitant Outerbridge grade 2 chondral lesion in patellofemoral joint during ACL reconstruction revealed better and durable clinical outcomes via decreasing the potentially negative effects of chondral pathology on postoperative healing with respect to HA injection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-retrospective comparative study.

Predictors of the clinical outcome and survival without degenerative arthritis after surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

BACKGROUND: The main purposes of the present study were to evaluate the functional improvement, to identify the predictors of the clinical outcome after open surgical management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in mid-term, and to determine 5-year survival rate. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the clinical data of 33 patients (34 hips) were evaluated. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), type of FAI, duration of symptoms up to surgical treatment, internal rotation of the affected hip, improvement of the Harris hip score (HHS) in the first 2 years, joint space narrowing evaluated radiographically and classified according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification, and any labral tear were the independent variables. Harris hip score and degenerative arthritic changes at the latest follow-up were identified as outcome measures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The mean post-operative follow-up was 6 years. RESULTS: Harris hip scores at the latest follow-up were significantly worse in patients with a pre-operative age >35 years, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, internal rotation of the hip ≤10°, grade 1 or 2 joint space narrowing, labral tear, and <15 points improvement of the HHS at the first 2 years follow-up. According to multivariate analysis; major predictors of the outcome were BMI, labral tear, and improvement of the HHS at the first 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: A pre-operative BMI ≥25 kg/m2, labral tear, and <20 points improvement of the HHS in the first 2 years of surgery should be considered as the major predictors of the clinical outcome after open surgical management of idiopathic FAI.

Obesity-related metabolic and endocrine disorders diagnosed during postoperative follow-up of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Background and purpose - Patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) are phenotypically overweight or obese and may therefore require clinical follow-up of obesity-related disorders. We evaluated obesity-related disorders such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and vitamin-D deficiency during the postoperative period in patients with SCFE. Patients and methods - 51 patients who were operated and followed-up for SCFE and 62 healthy adolescents without SCFE (control group) were included in this retrospective study. Patients' BMI, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride), fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and serum vitamin D levels were evaluated. Results - At the time of surgery, 45 patients in the SCFE group were overweight or obese (BMI >25). At the latest follow-up, 42 patients in the SCFE group and 53 patients in the control group were overweight/obese. Abnormal serum lipid profile and ratio of total dyslipidemia were similar between the groups. 8 patients had abnormal HbA1c levels in the SCFE group and mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher in the SCFE group (p = 0.03). All patients and controls had low levels of vitamin D. Interpretation - Although serum lipid profile and vitamin D levels were detected as similar in SCFE and control groups, the potential risk of type 2 DM identified via abnormal HbA1c levels was significantly higher in patients with SCFE. We recommend that patients diagnosed with SCFE should be considered as potential candidates for type 2 DM; thus follow-up after surgical treatment should include not only orthopedic outcomes but also evaluation of future risk for DM.

Results of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Cell-Free Scaffold Application in Combination With Microfracture for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Knee: 2-Year Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical and radiographic efficacy of hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold applied in combination with microfracture versus microfracture alone in patients with focal osteochondral lesion of the knee joint. METHODS: Clinical data of 43 patients between 24 and 55 years of age were evaluated. Hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold was applied in combination with microfracture for 19 knees (group 1), whereas microfracture alone was the surgical intervention for 24 knees (group 2). All lesions were Outerbridge grade III or IV with a mean size of 3.6 ± 1.3 cm2. The mean follow-up time was 25.7 months. Visual analog scale (VAS), Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale were the instruments used to evaluate the clinical status. Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) system was used to analyze the characteristics of repair tissue. RESULTS: Better VAS and Lysholm scores were detected in group 1 at 12 and 24 months (P = .019 and P = .025). According to the Tegner activity scale, group 1 had also better activity level at the end of 24 months after surgery (P = .020). The mean time from surgery to return to nonimpact sports activities was 7.8 months in group 1, whereas it was 9.2 months in group 2 (P = .013). Complete repair with the filling of the defect was achieved in 7 (36.8%) of the knees in group 1, whereas it was 4 (16.6%) of the knees in group 2 according to the MOCART system at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage regenerative cartilage surgery using hyaluronic acid-based cell-free scaffold in combination with microfracture for focal osteochondral lesions of the knee revealed promising clinical outcomes at 24 months of follow-up, but the clinical significance of the differences seen is simply not known. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

What Are the Determinants of Mortality After Cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients?

BACKGROUND: Primary hemiarthroplasty is proposed for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with the advantages of early mobilization, acceptable functional results, and lower failure rates. The 1-year mortality rates demonstrated high variance in the literature, whereas, the factors related to 1-year mortality were not widely investigated. The main purpose of the present study was to determine predictive factors related to 1-year mortality after primary cemented calcar-replacement bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed for unstable intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: One hundred six patients with the mean age of 80.7 years were included in this retrospective study. Age, gender, body mass index, comorbid diseases, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, total hospitalization time, time from injury to surgery, operation time, estimated blood loss, postoperative mobilization time, and decrease in Koval ambulatory categories were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine major predictors of 1-year mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to construct the cumulative survival rate. RESULTS: Three or more American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, presence of ≥3 comorbid diseases, and postoperative mobilization time of ≥2 days were significantly correlated with 1-year mortality. Presence of ≥3 comorbid systemic diseases was identified as the major predictive factor for 1-year mortality. The overall 5-year cumulative survival rate was 5.6%. CONCLUSION: Having three or more comorbid systemic diseases has been detected as the major determinant of 1-year mortality after primary cemented calcar-replacement bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients.

Predictors of the Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Acute Trauma-Related Symptomatic Medial Meniscal Tear in Patients More Than 60 Years of Age.

PURPOSE: To determine predictors of the clinical outcome after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy performed for acute trauma-related medial meniscal tear leading to mechanical symptoms in patients more than 60 years of age. METHODS: In this retrospective study with 4.1 years' follow-up, the clinical data of 154 arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomies were evaluated. The body mass index (BMI), duration of symptoms, the hip-knee-ankle angle, type of the meniscal tear, presence of any chondral lesions, degenerative changes in the patellofemoral joint, the status of the cruciate ligaments and lateral meniscus, and the presence of any plica or synovitis were the independent variables. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale were the instruments used as outcome measures. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the major predictors. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for 154 knees evaluated in this study improved from 5.6 points preoperatively to 2.3 points at the latest follow-up. The mean Lysholm score improved from 43 points to 72.7 points. VAS and Lysholm scores at the latest follow-up were significantly worse in patients with a preoperative BMI ≥ 26 kg/m(2), hip-knee-ankle angle > 5°, grade III or IV chondral lesion of the medial compartment according to Outerbridge classification, degenerative changes in patellofemoral joint surfaces, and an anterior cruciate ligament that was either partially ruptured or degenerative with increased laxity. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative BMI ≥ 26 kg/m(2), Outerbridge grade III or IV chondral lesion of the medial compartment of the operated knee joint diagnosed during arthroscopic intervention, degenerative changes in patellofemoral joint surfaces, and the presence of an anterior cruciate ligament either partially ruptured or degenerative with increased laxity should be considered as the major predictors of the clinical outcome after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy performed for acute trauma-related symptomatic medial meniscal tear in patients more than 60 years of age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic case series.

Effects of total knee arthroplasty on ankle alignment in patients with varus gonarthrosis: Do we sacrifice ankle to the knee?

PURPOSE: Total knee arthroplasty is one of the most commonly preferred surgical methods in the treatment of patients with varus gonarthrosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radiological changes observed in the ankles after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Between May 2012 and June 2013, 80 knees of 78 patients with varus deformity over 10° underwent total knee arthroplasty. For each patient, full-leg standing radiographs were obtained pre- and post-operatively. Mechanical and anatomical axes (HKA and AA), lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), ankle joint line orientation angle (AJOA), tibial plafond talus angle (PTA) and talar shift were measured for each patient both pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: Pre-operatively, the mean HKA was 16.6° and the mean AA was 10.41°, both in favour of varus alignment. Post-operatively, the mean HKA decreased to 3.6° and the mean AA to -2.1. The mean LDTA was 87.3°. Before the operation, the mean AJOA was -7.6°, opening to the medial aspect of the ankle, and it was 0.04° after the operation and opening to the lateral aspect (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study reveals the changes occurring in the ankle after acute correction of long-standing varus deformity of the knee using total knee arthroplasty. In cases undergoing knee arthroplasty, effect of the acute change in the alignment of the knee on the ankle should be taken into consideration and the amount of correction should be calculated carefully in order not to damage the alignment of the ankle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Pure elbow dislocation in the paediatric age group.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results and prognosis of pure elbow dislocations in the paediatric age group following non-surgical treatment. METHODS: Acute traumatic pure elbow dislocations treated between January 2008 and January 2013 were evaluated. The median age was eight years. The mean follow-up time was 46 months. Active and passive range of motion (ROM), elbow stability, neurovascular status, functional status and any early or late complications were evaluated and recorded at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: The mean flexion-extension ROM was measured as 119.5 degrees. The mean pronation and supination were 67 and 79 degrees. Moderate instability was diagnosed in four cases. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) score was 91.6 points; the clinical outcome was excellent in nine patients, good in two and fair in one. CONCLUSIONS: Acute traumatic pure elbow dislocation in childhood is a very rarely seen emergency that can be treated safely with closed reduction combined long-arm plaster splinting and physical rehabilitation.

Surgical Treatment of Hip Instability in Patients With Lower Lumbar Level Myelomeningocele: Is Muscle Transfer Required?

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hip instability in patients with lower lumbar level myelomeningocele is clinically challenging. Muscle transfer procedures, release of contractures, and intertrochanteric varus-rotation osteotomies have been described to restore weak or absent abductor strength as well as relocation of the hip. However, controlled trials evaluating hip instability in lower lumbar myelomeningocele are limited in the current literature. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were to compare the (1) radiographic evidence for joint stability; (2) clinical outcomes (including abductor strength, ambulatory ability, and residual use of orthoses); and (3) complications between patients undergoing combined periarticular contracture releases and bony procedures with and without external oblique abdominal muscle transfers. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2013, 14 pediatric patients (16 hips) were treated for hip instability secondary to myelomeningocele using releases with or without muscle transfer. From those, 13 patients (15 hips) with a mean age of 6 years who had L3 to L5 level involvement were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were separated into two groups. Nine hips (in eight patients) were treated by performing a combination of external oblique abdominal muscle transfer to the greater trochanter, periarticular release of contractures, and bony procedures. These were compared with six hips (five patients) treated by performing a combination of periarticular release of contractures and bony procedures without external oblique abdominal muscle transfer. This study compared the results between two surgeons, one of whom always performed these muscle transfers in this setting and the other who never performed muscle transfer during the study period. The patients were clinically followed up at a mean of 41 months (range, 14-122 months); none of the patients was lost to followup. Radiographic evaluation criteria included Reimer's migration index, acetabular index, femoral neck-shaft angle, pelvic obliquity, and the presence of scoliosis. Clinical evaluation included muscle strength examination, periarticular contractures, necessity for using orthoses as walking aids, and Hoffer criteria of mobility. All complications were also noted from a chart review. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups regarding postoperative femoral head localization, reflecting the presence or absence of residual subluxation, according to Reimer's index (Reimer's index = 32%; range, 10%-40%, in the muscle transfer group compared with 27%; range, 15%-43%, in the no-transfer group at latest followup; p = 0.723). Postoperatively, abductor strength improved in the group treated with external oblique transfer compared with the group treated without muscle transfer (median improvement of 2 versus 0, p = 0.02), but this improvement neither resulted in a clinically important difference in Hoffer criteria of mobility (no change was detected in either group) nor decreased the need for use of an orthosis (no change was detected in either group). With the numbers available, there was no difference with respect to complications between the two groups (two complications versus one). CONCLUSIONS: External oblique abdominal muscle transfer did not provide a clinically important improvement in functional recovery when compared with patients with L3 to L5 myelomeningocele and hip instability who were treated without it. We therefore do not recommend a routine muscle transfer procedure during the operative management of hip instability in patients with lower lumbar level myelomeningocele. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Short-term effects of partial meniscectomy on the clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyse the short-term effects of partial meniscectomy on the clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Clinical outcomes of 19 patients who had partial medial meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during the same surgery (Group 1) were compared with the outcomes of 25 patients who had also reconstruction but did not have any meniscal lesion (Group 2). Median follow-up time was 29 months (range 12-67 months) in Group 1 and 27 months (range 12-70 months) in Group 2. Feeling of apprehension in sports activities, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, KT-2000 Arthrometer(®) measurements and post-operative time to return to sports activity were the criteria for data analysis. RESULTS: Eight patients (42%) in Group 1 and 5 patients (20%) in Group 2 stated feeling of apprehension in sports activities. IKDC score improved to A in 11 patients (58%) from Group 1, and 18 patients (72%) from Group 2. Mean anterior translation according to KT-2000 arthrometer measurements was 5.2 ± 1.3 mm in Group 1, and 4.6 ± 1.3 mm in Group 2. Post-operative time to return to sports activity was 8.5 ± 3.0 months in Group 1, and 6.5 ± 2.2 months in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Partial meniscectomy for irreparable medial meniscal tears, applied during the same surgery with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, negatively affects the clinical outcomes in the short-term follow-up. This study may be a reference for long-term clinical trials and also future investigations of new methods in the treatment of similar cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Transverse Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy During Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty in Crowe Type-III or IV Developmental Dysplasia.

The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy during cementless total hip arthroplasty in Crowe Type-III or IV developmental dysplasia. Seventy-three osteotomies were included in our study. Mean follow-up was 61 months. Harris hip score, leg length discrepancy, neurological status, union status of the osteotomy, and femoral component stability were the criteria for evaluation. All complications were noted. The mean Harris hip score improved from 38.6 points to 83.7 points. The mean leg length discrepancy decreased from 56.5 mm to 10.7 at the latest follow-up. The mean union time was 5.2 months. We observed 4 non-unions. Transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy is an effective and reliable method in restoration of a more normal limb.

Two-Stage Cementless Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Infected Primary Hip Arthroplasties.

The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the clinical features, the most common infective agents, and the results of two-stage total hip revision using a teicoplanin-impregnated spacer. Between January 2005 and July 2011, 41 patients were included. At the clinical status analysis, physical examination was performed, Harris hip score was noted, isolated microorganisms were recorded, and the radiographic evaluation was performed. The mean Harris hip score was improved from 38.9 ± 9.6 points to 81.8 ± 5.8 points (P<0.05). Infection was eradicated in 39 hips. Radiographic evidence of stability was noted in 37 acetabular revision components, and all femoral stems. Two-stage revision of the infected primary hip arthroplasty is a time-consuming but a reliable procedure with high rates of success.

Isolated subtalar arthrodesis.

The aim of this study is to review the results of isolated subtalar arthrodesis in adults and to make a comparative analysis of the clinical outcomes between the patients with posttraumatic subtalar arthritis and the ones with other etiologic factors, and to evaluate the effects of grafting. This study included 19 men and 12 women. The mean postoperative follow-up was 36.8 months. The mean AOFAS hindfoot score improved from a mean of 46 preoperatively to a mean of 77.3 postoperatively. Thirty-one of 33 arthrodeses achieved bony union at a mean time of 15.7 weeks. The mean increase in the talocalcaneal height was 3.8 mm in the feet operated without grafting, whereas it was 8.1 mm in the feet for which grafting was performed. Improvement in talocalcaneal angle was significantly better in the feet operated with bone grafting. The feet with posttraumatic subtalar arthritis were more prone to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.