Compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pneumonia, and acute renal failure due to varicella in a previously healthy child.

Varicella infections are usually considered to be benign. Although very rare, infection of an immunocompetent patient by this virus may result in a severe illness. We describe a case of varicella infection in a previously healthy, immunocompetent 5-y-old boy, complicated with compartment syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pneumonia, and acute renal failure. He was treated successfully with aciclovir and intravenous immunoglobulins for the varicella infection, a fasciotomy for compartment syndrome, and fresh frozen plasma for DIC.

Comparison between conservative and surgical treatment in Perthes disease.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of conservative and surgical treatment in a homogeneous group constituted by patients between 6 and 8 years of age at onset of the Perthes disease with Herring B involvement. METHODS: Twenty-seven hips of 25 patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of treatment type. In group I [16 hips of 14 patients], hips were treated conservatively using Thomas splints. The mean follow-up period was 21.5 (10-25) years. In group II [11 patients], hips were treated surgically using femoral osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 (8-20) years. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of Stulberg classification, but surgically treated patients had more varus angle, more shortening, and more trochanteric overgrowth compared with the braced group. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical treatment with a brace is a reliable alternative to surgical treatment in Perthes disease between 6 and 8 years of age at onset with Herring B involvement. However, we could not know whether the good results were influenced by the brace or stemmed from having good prognosis of these patients.

The mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the management of end-stage hemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: Eleven patients (15 knees) undergoing TKA with stiff knees were retrospectively evaluated. TKA was performed in all patients without additional surgical interventions such as posterior capsular release, hamstring release, synovectomy, VY quadricepsplasty, or tibial tubercle osteotomy. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiological results at follow-ups. Functional evaluation and pain status were assessed using the Knee Society Score and Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of operation was 40.8 ± 11.8 years (range=30-64 years). The mean follow-up was 51.2 ± 20.6 months (range=24-95). The mean flexion contracture significantly decreased from 17.6 ± 11.3 to 1.7 ± 2.8 degrees, and the mean maximum flexion increased dramatically from 55.6 ± 20.5 to 109.2 ± 16.2 degrees (P < 0.001). Statistical significant improvement in flexion and flexion contracture degrees continued up to the postoperatively 18 months. The mean Knee Society Score increased from 22.7 ± 2.4 points preoperatively to 87.8 ± 3.8 points at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean cost of coagulation factor consumption and blood transfusion accounted for 78% of the total cost. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TKA is an effective treatment for relieving pain and improving both ranges of motion and quality of life in managing end-stage hemophilic arthropathy of the knee joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

A comparison of intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine for pain control and outpatient status after an arthroscopic knee surgery under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia.

Effective pain control is important after an outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery to permit early discharge and improve outcome. The aim of this study was to compare intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine with placebo for postoperative pain control and outpatient status after a knee arthroscopic surgery under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia. After obtaining the ethic committee's approval and written informed consents from 60 adult outpatients undergoing knee arthroscopy, patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study. All patients received spinal anaesthesia with 1.4 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. Patients were randomly divided into three groups as morphine (group M, n =20), bupivacaine (group B, n = 20), and placebo (group C, n = 20). After the surgical procedure, patients received one of the following solutions intraarticularly in a double-blinded randomized manner: 5 mg morphine in 20 ml saline, 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, or 20 ml saline. Postoperative pain was assessed using a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Patient characteristics, hemodynamic values, sensory and motor blocks, VAS values, rescue analgesics, discharge time, and patient satisfaction were recorded. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, surgery and tourniquet time, hemodynamic values, and sensory and motor blocks. The VAS values at 30, 60, and 90 min were similar among the three groups. The VAS values at rest and during move were higher in group C than in groups M and B at 120, 150, 180 min, and 24 h (P < 0.001). There was no difference in VAS values between the groups M and B. Rescue analgesics used and discharge time were significantly different in the placebo group when compared to groups M and B (P < 0.001). Side effects were similar among the groups. Patient satisfaction scores were high in the groups M and B. Administration of 5 mg morphine and 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine intraarticularly provides better pain relief and shorter discharge time without increasing the side effects than placebo for an outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery performed under a low dose of spinal anaesthesia.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of ultrasonography-guided and blind local injections in facet syndrome: A 6-week randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Facet syndrome is defined as pain that arises from any structure of the facet joints, including the fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, hyaline cartilage, and bone. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of US-guided and blind injections on clinical outcome in facet syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of facet syndrome were included. Patients were consecutively randomized into one of the two groups. The patient's history, physical examination and routine laboratory parameters were obtained and diagnose was established based on physical findings. Two injections (mixture of 2 ml of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride and 20 mg of triamcinolone, to a single or maximum two sites depending on the clinical characteristics of the facet joint) were performed with 15 days apart, as blinded or US-guided manner. Clinical outcome assessments were carried out at 0, 2nd and 6th weeks, using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The patients' initial VAS and ODI were not significantly different. When the two groups were compared in the 6th week in terms of VAS scores, improvement was more pronounced in the US-guided injection group (US-guided group (n= 23) before 7.6 (2.2) cm, after 3.0 (1.7) cm, P= 0.0001 vs blind group (n= 24) before 7.2 (1.3) cm, after 5.2 (2.0) cm, P= 0.0001). The improvement in initial and 6th week ODI was statistically significant in the US-guided injection group (P= 0.006). Except STAI I for US-group, trait anxiety scale scores were significant in both groups. CONCLUSION: The US-guided local injections offer better clinical outcome in the treatment of facet syndrome.

Effectiveness and reliability of traditional open surgery in atypical localizations of osteoid osteoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate traditional open surgery results of osteoid osteomas (OOs) in atypical localizations and explore whether open surgery can be a safe alternative in localizations where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may not be suitable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients (20 males, 6 females; mean age 23.3±14.2 years; range, 4 to 65 years) having OO in atypical localizations between January 2008 and January 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent traditional open surgery under anesthesia. All patients were followed-up, and their clinical success and complications were evaluated. The pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The postoperative first year VAS score was 0.2±0.5 (range, 0-2) (p<0.005). None of the patients showed any complications. No recurrences were reported at the end of the first year. All patients were relieved from pain due to OO in atypical localizations. CONCLUSION: Although RFA has been accepted as the preferred treatment for OO, traditional open surgery may still be used for OO in atypical localizations yielding perfect clinical results with fewer complications. It is a safe alternative for localizations such as carpal bones, distal ulna, hand and foot where RFA complications can be seen more frequently. In these localizations, traditional open surgery can be recommended as the first treatment choice.

Effects of human amniotic fluid on fracture healing in rat tibia.

BACKGROUND: Human amniotic fluid (HAF), including hyaluronic acid (HA) and several growth factors, has been used experimentally in tendon, nerve, and cartilage regeneration and in bone defects because of its positive stimulating effects on regeneration potential. This study was performed to investigate whether HAF was effective on fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created 36 tibial fractures in 20-week-old Wistar rats that were divided into three groups. In group 1, fracture lines were instilled with HAF collected at 18th week of the gestation and, in group 2, fracture lines were instilled with HAF obtained at the end of the gestation. HAF which was collected from different period of gestation was used, because the concentration of HA and growth factors in HAF varies considerably during gestation. Group 3 was used as an operative control group. RESULTS: Fracture-healing score was highest in group 1 radiologically at the 3rd and 5th week (P = 0.037, P = 0.018, respectively). In the scintigraphic evaluation, metabolic activity at the fracture site was observed in group 1 more than the others at the 3rd week (P = 0.010). Histologically, the highest scores were obtained from group 1 as compared to other groups at the 3rd and 5th week. In the 5th week, predominant cartilage with some woven bone was observed in group 3, while predominantly woven bone with some cartilage was observed in group 1 (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that HAF had a positive effect on fracture healing in rat tibia, and also this positive effect was observed more in group 1.

Comparison of the effect of propofol and N-acetyl cysteine in preventing ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on tourniquet-induced ischaemia-reperfusion injury by determining malonyldialdehyde, ischaemia-modified albumin, lactate, blood gas and haemodynamic levels in arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: Sixty ASA I or II patients were randomized into three groups. Intrathecal anaesthesia was administered using 0.5% heavy bupivacaine in all patients. In group P, propofol was administered in a 0.2 mg kg(-1) bolus, followed by infusion at a rate of 2 mg kg(-1) h(-1); in group NAC, NAC was administered as an infusion at a rate of 5 mg kg(-1) h(-1), and, in group C (the control group), an equal volume of isotonic saline was administered to patients until 30 min after reperfusion. Blood samplings were obtained immediately before intrathecal anaesthesia (t1), 1 min before tourniquet release (t2), 5 min after tourniquet release (t3) and 30 min after tourniquet release (t4). RESULTS: Plasma malonyldialdehyde, ischaemia-modified albumin and lactate levels increased significantly in group C at t3 and t4 compared with the baseline values. Plasma concentrations of malonyldialdehyde, ischaemia-modified albumin and lactate in groups P and NAC were significantly lower than those in group C at t3 and t4. In blood gas analyses, pH, HCO3 and base excess were found to be significantly lower at t3 and t4 compared with t1 and t2 in group C. Comparisons between groups P and NAC revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Small-dose infusions of both propofol and NAC appear to provide similar protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopic knee surgery.

Magnetic resonance imagination of the peroneus longus tendon after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Several studies report that tendons can regenerate after harvesting. These studies have been performed especially in patellar and hamstring tendons. At our institution, 10 cm length of full thickness peroneus longus tendon has been harvested to reconstruct torn anterior cruciate ligament since 1997 as a different graft source. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the peroneus longus tendon used the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has a regeneration potential or not. Twelve patients, who had originally undergone harvesting of the peroneus longus tendon for the primary surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Images of both legs were acquired simultaneously with the use of the scanner's extremity coil, as we aimed to compare harvested peroneus longus tendon with the other leg's peroneus longus tendon (healthy side) for evaluation of the regeneration potential. The average age of the patients was 31 years. There were eight right and four left legs. The average time interval was 52 months between ligament surgery and MRI. In all patients, a varying amount of the regeneration of the peroneus longus tendon was seen on the MRI images. Although the extent of PLT regeneration in proximal sections seemed better than in mid- and distal sections, there was no statistical difference between sections (P = 0.130). These data show that the peroneus longus tendon has a regeneration potential after harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Intraarticular fibroma of the tendon sheath arising from the infrapatellar fat pad in the knee joint.

We report a rare case of fibroma of the tendon sheath arising from the fat pad in the knee. To our knowledge, only four previous cases of fibroma of the tendon sheath in the knee have been reported in the English literature. In our case, magnetic resonance imaging showed low signal intensity in the mass on T1- and T2-weighted images. The mass was excised by mini arthrotomy.

Necrotizing fasciitis with ruminococcus.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life- and limb-threatening soft tissue infection. Due to its underlying predisposition and rapid progression, treatment should be started quickly using antibiotherapy and surgical intervention. Although necrotizing fasciitis is mainly caused by streptococci and staphylococci, it may also be polymicrobial. Other peptostreptococci have been reported as necrotizing fasciitis agents in the literature, though we encountered no cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Ruminococcus productus. Here, we describe a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by R. productus, a Gram-positive, obligatory anaerobe.

Synovial chondromatosis of the subtalar joint: a case report and review of the literature.

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules within the synovium and most commonly affects large joints, such as the knee and hip. Diagnosis in synovial chondromatosis is generally confirmed by histology after clinical and radiologic examination. Diagnosis may sometimes be difficult because synovial chondromatosis resembles a soft-tissue mass and may give no radiologic findings. We describe a case of synovial chondromatosis stemming from the subtalar joint, in which diagnosis was difficult clinically and radiologically. The patient presented with pain in the ankle and with a soft-tissue mass. This case is presented with a review of the literature on subtalar joint involvement of synovial chondromatosis.

[The effect of tibiofemoral angle changes on the results of dome osteotomy]. / Kubbe osteotomisinde tibiofemoral açi degisikliklerinin sonuçlar üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of tibiofemoral angle changes on the results of dome osteotomy in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: The study included 23 knees of 22 patients (15 women, 7 men; mean age 60 years; range 37 to 73 years) who underwent high tibial dome osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis. A simple modified Charnley external fixator was used for stabilization of the osteotomy. Based on the Ahlback classification, 15 knees had grade I, six knees had grade II, and two knees had grade III osteoarthritis. The patients were evaluated in three groups based on the postoperative tibiofemoral angles obtained; hence, a valgus angle of less than 8 degrees (4 knees), 8 degrees to 12 degrees (10 knees), and greater than 12 degrees (9 knees). Clinical evaluations were made using the American Knee Society scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 years (range 1 to 10 years). RESULTS: The mean tibiofemoral angle was 4.4+/-2.9 degrees of varus (range 0 degrees to 10 degrees ) preoperatively, and 11+/-3.8 degrees of valgus (range 5 degrees to 18 degrees ) postoperatively. The mean correction loss at final evaluations was 2.7 degrees . The mean preoperative and postoperative knee scores were 37.7+/-15.8 (range 19 to 77) and 80.2+/-9.2 (range 51 to 93), respectively (p<0.001). The mean functional score increased from 52.3+/-18.8 (range 10 to 80) to 75.6+/-18.5 (range 35 to 100) at final analysis (p<0.001). The knee and functional scores did not differ significantly between three groups of patients having a different range of postoperative tibiofemoral angle (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the alignment obtained after high tibial osteotomy does not influence knee and functional scores provided that it is within an acceptable range.

[Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the peroneus longus tendon]. / Peroneus longus tendonu ile ön çapraz bag rekonstrüksiyonu.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft. METHODS: The study included 29 patients (27 males, 2 females; mean age 30 years; range 21 to 39 years) who underwent ACL reconstruction using a PLT autograft and interference nail fixation. Fourteen patients (48.3%) also had partial meniscectomy during surgery. The results were assessed according to the Lysholm scores and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale at the end of at least five years of follow-up. RESULTS: According to the IKDC scale, 17 patients (58.6%) were rated as normal or nearly normal, and 12 patients (41.4%) were rated as abnormal or severely abnormal. The mean Lysholm score was 83.7 (range 45 to 100), with excellent or good results in 23 patients (79.3%). Radiographic examination showed mild (n=10) or moderate (n=1) degenerative changes in the knee joint. Compared with the normal side, no flexion or extension losses occurred in the affected knees. Stability of the ACL was assessed by the Lachman test, which showed normal findings in 12 patients (41.4%), while nine patients had 1+, five patients had 2+, and three patients had 3+ anteroposterior laxity. Pivot-shift test was negative in 13 patients (44.8%); ten patients had 1+ pivot glide, and six patients had 2+ pivot shift. Two patients (6.9%) complained of mild to moderate pressure pain, paresthesia and dysesthesia at the donor site of PLT. No patient experienced ankle joint dysfunction or difficulty in sports activities due to PLT graft transfer. CONCLUSION: Our data show that PLT can be an appropriate autograft source for ACL reconstruction, avoiding potential complications of autografts obtained from the knee region.

Osteoarthritis models after anterior cruciate ligament resection and medial meniscectomy in rats. A histological and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the amount of degeneration based on the time spent, using 2 different methods of surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) that frequently used in treating OA. METHODS: We undertook this research in Ondokuz Mayis University, Surgical Research Center between April 2006 and July 2006. In this study, 55 rats were used, 7 as the control group, and 12 in each of 4 groups. We compared the amount of OA formed by the medial meniscectomy (MMx) and anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) at 8 and 16 weeks according to the Modified Mankin Score and histologically and immunohistochemically due to their response to Matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression (MMP13). RESULTS: We observed the highest degeneration in the MMx model at 8 weeks, and this situation continued until 16 weeks. However, the degeneration in the ACLT model was lower at 8 weeks compared with the MMx group, however, it reached the same amount as the MMX group at 16 weeks. CONCLUSION: The OA model formed by the ACLT method was better than the MMx model when degeneration and time were taken into consideration and should be used when researching drugs on an experimental basis in OA.

Ginkgo Biloba improves bone formation during fracture healing: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) is a plant extract obtained from the leaves of the G. biloba tree. The aim of this study was to assess the histological and radiological effects of G. biloba extract on fracture healing in an experimental fracture model using rat femurs. METHODS: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight: 195-252 g; age: 20 weeks) were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=8). A transverse fracture was made in the middle of the right femur of each rat and fixed with a Kirschner wire. The G. biloba groups received 60 mg/kg oral G. biloba extract once daily. No medication was given to the control groups. On days 7, 21 and 35, both sets of femurs were evaluated radiologically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed that the G. biloba groups had significant differences at 21 and 35 days (p<0.05). The G. biloba group showed a significant difference in terms of bone formation on day 21 when compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the use of G. biloba extract accelerated fracture healing. Both radiological and histological differences were detected, but the histological differences were more remarkable. Level of Evidence I, High Quality Randomized Trial.

OBJETIVOS: O extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) é um extrato vegetal obtido das folhas da árvore Ginkgo biloba. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos histológicos e radiológicos do extrato de Ginkgo biloba sobre a consolidação de fraturas em um modelo experimental de fratura em fêmures de rato. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 48 ratos Sprague-Dawley fêmeas (peso: 195-252 g, idade: 20 semanas). Os ratos foram divididos randomicamente em seis grupos (n = 8). Uma fratura transversal foi feita no meio do fêmur direito de cada rato e fixada com fio de Kirschner. Os grupos G. biloba receberam 60 mg/kg de G. biloba por via oral uma vez por dia. Não foi administrada nenhuma medicação aos grupos de controle. Nos dias 7, 21 e 35, ambos os fêmures foram avaliados radiológica e histopatologicamente. RESULTADOS: A avaliação histológica revelou que os grupos G. biloba apresentaram diferenças significativas aos 21 e 35 dias (p < 0,05). O grupo G. biloba mostrou uma diferença significativa em termos de formação óssea no dia 21 quando comparado com o grupo controle (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo indicou que o uso de extrato de G. biloba acelerou a consolidação de fraturas. As diferenças radiológicas e histológicas foram detectadas, mas as diferenças histológicas foram mais notáveis. Nível de Evidência I, Estudo Clínico Randomizado de Alta Qualidade.

Ipsilateral dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints with contralateral comminuted humeral fracture.

Ipsilateral dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints is a rare and complex injury. During the last 25 years, only 3 cases have been reported in the literature. We report a 50-year-old woman who suffered ipsilateral elbow and shoulder dislocation with contralateral comminuted humeral fracture. Both shoulder and elbow joints were reduced, but the elbow was dislocated subsequently at follow-up. The reduction in the elbow was stabilized by a Kirschner wire that was removed at 3 weeks, and the elbow was then stable. A U-shaped coaptation splint was applied for the contralateral comminuted humeral fracture. At 6 months, she had acquired a nearly full range of motion of both shoulder and elbow with complete healing in the contralateral humerus. Although rare and complex, ipsilateral shoulder and elbow dislocation, which is the result of a high-energy trauma, can be treated conservatively.

Education and Visual Information Improves Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Local Injections on Shoulder Pain and Associated Anxiety Level: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: Local injections are widely used in patients with a painful shoulder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible impact of patients' visual information on the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided local injections on anxiety levels and shoulder pain. DESIGN: A total of 151 patients, scheduled for local injection owing to shoulder pain, were randomly assigned into two groups in a consecutive order. Patients in group I (n = 72) were provided information related to US findings and allowed to watch the procedures from the monitor, whereas patients in group II (n = 79) received the injection only without any collaboration. Data were collected from both groups immediately before and after injections through visual analog scale and questionnaire (the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] forms 1 and 2). RESULTS: US-guided local injections provided significant improvement of anxiety and pain in both groups, irrespective of providing visual information. Group I and group II comparisons with respect to the visual analog scale, STAI 1, and STAI 2 yielded significant difference only for postinjection STAI 2 in group I (P = 0.006). Intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences between preinjection and postinjection values (group I: visual analog scale, P = 0.001; STAI form 1, P = 0.001; STAI form 2, P = 0.002; group II: visual analog scale, P = 0.001; STAI form 1, P = 0.002; STAI form 2, P = 0.042). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postinjection satisfaction levels from the procedures (P = 0.824). CONCLUSIONS: Performing US-guided shoulder injections with patient visual information provides positive contributions to coping with pain and anxiety. In particular, the patient collaboration-based US-guided injections have positive consequences on patients' long-standing "trait-anxiety" levels.

Bucket-handle tear of medial plica.

Plicae are synovial folds, classified according to their anatomical relationship to the patella. The medial patellar plica is normally asymptomatic, but it may cause symptoms when it becomes thickened and fibrotic. We describe three cases of bucket-handle tear of the medial patellar plica. They all suffered from anterior knee pain and clicking. Our cases' symptoms began when they incurred twisting injuries to the knee; therefore, we think that they had an asymptomatic plica first. Pain and clicking began because of the bucket-handle portion rubbed over the medial femoral condyle with knee flexion, and they improved after resection of the bucket-handle portion. Consequently, we think that medial patellar plica can be symptomatic not only when it becomes thickened or fibrotic but also when a bucket handle tear occurs.

Hip arthroplasty for ochronosis.

Alkaptonuria is a metabolic disorder in which homogentisic acid oxidase is absent. Therefore, homogentisic acid accumulates in cartilage and connective tissues. We can diagnose ochronotic arthropathy, a manifestation of long standing alkaptonuria, through careful radiological, physical, and laboratory examination. In this report, we describe 4 cases of ochronotic arthropathy to which we applied cementless total hip prosthesis due to severe hip involvement.