Assessment of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the combination of N-acetyl cysteine and carvacrol against Staphylococcus aureus, the most common orthopedic infectious agent.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has led to the search for new approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine, both individually and in combination, on the planktonic cells and biofilm formations of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive strains. Additionally, the study sought to perform cytotoxicity tests and chemical characterization to further understand the properties and potential applications of these substances. METHODS: A total of 19 S. aureus strains were included in the study. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by assays. Synergy analysis tests were carried out. Cytotoxicity tests were conducted on the fibroblast cell line. Characterization test was performed. RESULTS: While Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for carvacrol varied between 250 and 500 µg/ml, these values were in the range of 32-64 mg/ml for N-acetyl cysteine. Biofilm formation activities were identified. A total of eight strains, including six clinical and two standard strains with the highest biofilm-forming ability, were selected for combination studies. The combination of Carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine exhibited synergistic and partially synergistic effects on the tested planktonic and biofilm strains, and these effects were dose-dependent. Carvacrol was found to be the most active drug at the end of 24, 48, and 72 h. Regarding the synergistic effect of N-acetyl cysteine + carvacrol, it was revealed to exhibit higher activity than N-acetyl cysteine and lower activity than carvacrol. CONCLUSION: The combination of carvacrol and N-acetyl cysteine demonstrated synergistic and partially synergistic effects against both planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest potential for novel approaches in managing orthopedic infections, warranting further research to explore their therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of Serum Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Vitamin D Levels in Elderly Patients with Bone Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between levels of serum vitamin D and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in elderly patients with bone fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 56 patients and 31 control subjects. The patients included were those aged ≥65 years who were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of bone fracture. The control group comprised age-matched, healthy individuals. Levels of serum vitamin D and GLP-1 were measured and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of serum levels of vitamin D (p < 0.001) and serum levels of GLP-1 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between serum levels of vitamin D and GLP-1. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of GLP-1 were found to be significantly lower in elderly patients with bone fracture compared to healthy adults. In addition, a significant correlation was found between decreased vitamin D and GLP-1 levels. These results may therefore demonstrate the protective effects of GLP-1 on bone structure and metabolism, similar to those of vitamin D.

Does mammalian target of rapamycin or sestrin 1 protein signaling have a role in bone fracture healing?

Background/aim: Fracture healing is a complex physiological process that involves a well-orchestrated series of biological events. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and sestrin 1 (SESN 1) play a central role in cell metabolism, proliferation, and survival. The aim of our study is to present serum mTOR and SESN 1 levels by comparing patients with or without bone fractures. It is also a guide for further research on the roles of these proteins in fracture healing. Materials and methods: A total of 34 patients (10 females, 24 males) with bone fractures and 32 controls (10 females, 22 males) participated in this study. After collecting serum venous blood samples, the quantitative sandwich ELISA technique was used for the determination of serum mTOR and SESN 1 levels. Results: The mean serum mTOR level was significantly higher in the fracture group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). However, SESN 1 levels did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.913). Conclusion: We found that serum mTOR levels increased on the first day after fracture compared to the control group. However, we obtained no significant difference between groups in terms of SESN 1 levels. This study may guide further clinical studies investigating the potential role of mTOR signaling in the bone healing process.

A serious case of anthrax associated with compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome linked to skin anthrax is a rare complication that may develop and it should be noted that the disease may progress in spite of medical drug treatment. Our case was a farmer who was exposed after slaughtering a dead animal, a time delay for treatment hided this history and then developed compartment syndrome. In anthrax cases with delayed treatment and aggressive progression, circulation in the extremities should be carefully noted. We believe that the cases with compartment syndrome progressing in spite of medical drug treatment may be assessed for fasciotomy as a treatment approach.

Histological and scanning electron microscopy investigation of the effects of titanium surface modifications on osseointegration in rabbits.

This study aimed to compare the novel Estas Medical Anodization (EMA) surface treatment technique with the techniques commonly used in the literature and to examine their effects on osteointegration in the rabbit tibia. A total of 24 rabbits used in this study were divided into 3 groups, with 8 rabbits in each group. Using both tibias of all rabbits in the study, screws belonging to the control group were placed in the left tibia, and the right tibia belonging to the experimental group were placed. In the first 8 rabbits, a single experimental group in the right tibia were used; in the second 8 rabbits, 2 different experimental groups in the right tibia were used; and in the last 8 rabbits, 2 different experimental groups in the right tibia were used. Thus, 5 different experimental groups with 8 screws in each group and a separate control group were formed for each of them. EMA-treated surfaces were named 200-800 nm iris oxidation and 800-1200 nm gray oxidation according to the TiO2 layer thickness. Group 1 was implanted with mini-screws prepared with chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation, while group 2 was implanted with sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched (SLA) mini screws treated with EMA gray oxidation. Group 3 was implanted with mini-screws treated with EMA gray oxidation, group 4 was implanted with mini-screws treated with chemical etching+micro-arc oxidation, and group 5 was implanted with mini-screws treated with chemical etching+EMA gray oxidation. The control group was implanted with mini-screws prepared with pure titanium. At the end of 6 weeks, osseointegration percentages were calculated and compared using histological and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses. The histological results confirmed the increase in osseointegration percentages in all experimental groups compared to those that received pure titanium implants (P values control group vs group 1=.005, control group vs group 2, 3, 4, 5=.001). The comparison between the groups revealed that the chemical etching+EMA gray oxidation modification technique (group 5) significantly increased osseointegration compared to the SLA+EMA gray oxidation technique (group 5 vs group 2 P=.016) and the chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation technique (group 5 vs group 1 Pp=.001). The EMA gray oxidation technique (group 3) significantly increased osseointegration compared to the chemical etching+EMA iris oxidation technique (group 1) (group 3 vs group 1 P=.043). The results of the SEM analysis showed that osseointegration was significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to that in the pure titanium (control) group (P values control group vs group 1, 2, 3=.001, control group vs Group 4,5=.006). The mean osseointegration percentage in the experimental groups was the highest in group 5, followed by group 4, group 3 and group 1 equally, and group 2. However, the differences among the experimental were not significant (group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 vs group 5 P=.408). The EMA titanium surface modification techniques we developed significantly increased osseointegration compared to the pure titanium surface. The EMA gray oxidation technique seems to result in higher osseointegration rates than the EMA iris oxidation technique, and similar rates can be found with the SLA and chemical etching techniques. N/A.

COMPARISON OF CHANGES IN THE ANKLE AFTER UNICONDYLAR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AND HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY.

Objectives: We aimed to compare the changes in the coronal alignment of the ankle joints and their clinical effects after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: 50 HTO and 54 UKA patients who were operated on for medial knee osteoarthritis between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the tibial plafond inclination (TPI) and the talar inclination (TI) angles were measured before and after operation. Visual analog scale (VAS), short form 36 (SF-36), and ankle-hindfoot scale (AHS) scores of both groups were evaluated and recorded. Results: Angular changes in the HKA, MPTA, TPI and TI values showed significantly greater values in the HTO group (p<0.001). When asymptomatic and symptomatic cases were compared, it was found that changes in the HKA, TPI and TI values were significantly greater in symptomatic cases in the HTO group (p<0.05). A significant decline was observed in the VAS, SF-36 and AHS scores in the HTO group in the postoperative period (p<0.05). In intergroup evaluations, a significant decline was detected in pain and functional scores of the HTO group when compared to the UKA group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty can be a good alternative to HTO in selected cases for postoperative ankle complaints. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi comparar as alterações noalinhamento coronal das articulações do tornozelo e seus efeitos clínicos após osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) e artroplastia unicondilar do joelho (AUJ). Métodos: 50 pacientes de HTO e 54 de AUJ operados de osteoartrite medial do joelho entre 2013 e 2018 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. O ângulo quadril-joelho-tornozelo (QJT), o ângulo tibial proximal medial (ATPM), a inclinação do platô tibial (IPT) e os ângulos de inclinação talar (IT) foram medidos no pré- e pós-operatório. A escala visual analógica (VAS), forma curta 36 (SF-36), e a escala tornozelo-retropé (ETR) de ambos os grupos foram avaliadas e registradas. Resultados: Alterações angulares nos valores de QJT, ATPM, IPT e IT mostraram valores significativamente maiores no grupo OTA (p<0,001). Quando os casos assintomáticos e sintomáticos foram comparados, verificou-se que as alterações nos valores de QJT, IPT e IT foram significativamente maiores nos casos sintomáticos no grupo OTA (p<0,05). Observou-se declínio significativo nos escores VAS, SF-36 e ETR no grupo HTO no pós-operatório (p<0,05). Nas avaliações intergrupos, foi detectado declínio significativo na dor e nos escores funcionais do grupo OTA quando comparado ao grupo AUJ (p<0,05). Conclusão: Em casos de queixas pós-operatórias quanto ao tornozelo, a artroplastia unicondilar do joelho pode ser uma boa alternativa para OTA. Nível de evidência III; Estudos Terapêuticos Investigando Resultados de Tratamento.

Effect of patellar resurfacing surgery on bleeding in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important factors affecting clinical and functional results in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on bleeding in arthroplasty patients. However, there are very few reports investigating the effect of patellar surface replacement on bleeding in knee arthroplasty. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of patellar surface replacement on postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 30 with patellar resurfacing were compared with 39 without patellar resurfacing among patients who had undergone total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis. Demographic data, amount of transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and total, visible, and hidden blood loss values were recorded. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographic values. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of blood in the drain, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and blood transfusion in patients who had and had not undergone patellar resurfacing. A positive significant correlation was found between postoperative drainage volume and total blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patellar component application in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty does not change the blood loss of the patients.

An investigation of the effect of acrylamide on fracture healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acrylamide (AA) on fracture healing histologically, biochemically, and radiologically in a rat femur fracture model. METHODS: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV (ultraviolet)-Vis (visible) spectrophotometer examination were performed for acrylamide characterization. In this study, after the femur fracture model was created, the groups were formed to include eight rats in each group (G) as follows: G1: 15th-day control, G2: 15th-day AA, G3: 30th-day control, G4: 30th-day AA. In G2 and G4, 5mg/kg acrylamide was administered 3 times a week by gastric gavage. The fracture was evaluated radiologically according to Lane-Sandhu scoring and histologically according to Huo scoring. The weight changes of the rats were recorded. Albumin, total protein, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, ALP, LDH, vit. D, PTH, Ca, P, WBC, Hb, Plt values were examined in the blood samples. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. RESULTS: The characterization properties of acrylamide were confirmed. No significant weight change was observed in the rats during the study. When blood values were compared, a statistically significant difference was determined between albumin, total protein, phosphorus, white blood cell (WBC), and hemoglobin groups (p=0.41, p=0.00, p=0.003, p=0.019, and p=0,017, respectively). According to the histological score comparisons, G3 was significantly different from G1, G2, and G4 (p<0.05), and G4 was significantly different from G1 and G2 (p<0.05). According to Lane-Sandhu scoring, there was a significant difference between G2 and G3 and G4 (p: 0.0, p: 0.034), G1 and G3 (p: 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: AA adversely affects fracture healing even at low doses, as in the present study. According to the results of this study, the authors recommend a diet poor in acrylamide during fracture treatment. Therefore, further human studies are required to find out the complex effect of AA on bone healing and the body.

Investigating the risk factors that affect mortality after cemented hemiarthroplasty in advanced age patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The number of hip fracture surgeries exhibit an increasing trend due to the aging of the world's population and it is expected to become a serious public health problem in the future. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mortality and morbidity in patients aged 65 years or older who underwent partial hip prosthesis due to hip fracture. METHODS: Four-hundred and forty-three patients aged 65 and above who underwent partial hip prosthesis for fractured hips between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively investigated. The age before surgery, gender, type of fracture, additional diseases, ASA scores of the patients and time to mortality were investigated in addition to the factors that affect mortality. RESULTS: Of the 443 patients in the study, 167 were males and 276 were females, with an average age of 80.5 ± 7.2 and 81.1 ± 7.0 years, respectively. One hundred and sixty-two (36.57%) of these patients died within the first year. When the patients were investigated according to age groups, there was a significant relationship between mortality after surgery and patients aged 80 years and above. No statistically significant relationship was found between the time to surgery and mortality. When compared in terms of ASA scores, it was concluded mortality in ASA 3 and 4 groups was significantly higher than ASA 1 and 2 groups (p < 0.001). When hospital stay and one-year mortality rates were compared, it was seen that the length of hospital stay of the patients who died in the first year was significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent partial hip replacement after hip fracture, there was a significant relationship between mortality, long hospital stay, patients with an ASA score of 3-4, and patients aged 80 years and above, whereas no relationship was detected with time to surgery.

Comparison of caspase-8, granzyme B and cytochrome C apoptosis biomarker levels in orthopedic trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether or not apoptosis is induced following bone fracture, and if so, to investigate whether the extrinsic or intrinsic pathway of cell death is stimulated. METHODS: A total of 30 patients who presented at our clinic and were diagnosed with bone fracture following trauma were included in the study group. A control group was formed of 37 age and gender-matched volunteers. On the day after the fracture, blood samples taken from the patients were examined for cytochrome C, granzyme B and caspase-8 with the ELISA method. RESULTS: A total of 67 individuals were evaluated (fracture group: 30, control group: 37) in this study. Caspase-8 was found to be statistically significantly high in the patient group (0.37±0.06 ng/mL, p=0.002). No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect to cytochrome C values (p=0.173). The granzyme B values were determined to be significantly high in the patient group (52.56±8.51 pg/mL, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: These results obtained from patients with a long bone fracture demonstrated that serum caspase-8 and granzyme B levels were higher in patients than in the control group, thereby showing activation of the extrinsic pathway. However, no significant difference was determined between the groups concerning serum cytochrome C levels. This study may guide future studies designed for better understanding of the molecular pathways that govern the events during a fracture, which will be important for the future advancement of fracture treatment.

Research into biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of daptomycin, gentamicin, vancomycin and teicoplanin antibiotics at common doses added to bone cement.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of daptomycin, gentamicin, vancomycin and teicoplanin at commonly-used dose intervals added to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between February 2016 and June 2016. Antibiotics were added to PMMA at doses frequently used in clinical practice. The antibiotic doses added were teicoplanin (2 g, 3 g, 4 g), gentamicin (0.5 g, 0.75 g, 1 g), daptomycin (0.5 g.) and vancomycin (2 g, 3 g, 4 g). Standard cement balls (10 mm) were created. Activated L929 mouse fibroblast cell culture was used for incubation. Agar diffusion, Cell Proliferation Kit II (XTT) test and electron microscope investigations were performed to examine biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: In the cytotoxicity test, teicoplanin at 4 g and daptomycin at 0.5 g doses were observed to cause reductions in viability percentages. The same doses caused 20% and 20-40% cell lysis indices during the agar diffusion test. On electron microscope images, cytotoxic effects in fibroblast cells and involvement with the surface of cement balls were observed. CONCLUSION: Gentamicin, vancomycin and teicoplanin were observed to be non-toxic and biocompatible at commonly-used dose intervals. Teicoplanin at 4 g and daptomycin at 0.5 g doses were identified to be cytotoxic and not biocompatible. When selecting antibiotics to be added to bone cement, care should be taken that the antibiotic is non-toxic and biocompatible.

Does the Addition of Poly(glycolide-co-lactide) to Teicoplanin-Containing Poly(methyl methacrylate) Beads Change the Elution Characteristics?

BACKGROUND: The objective of our study was to measure and compare the elution characteristics of teicoplanin from poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA beads with those of poly(glycolide-co-lactide) PGLA-added beads. METHODS: The study included two groups of PMMA + teicoplanin beads. PMMA was added to teicoplanin in Group 1 and PMMA + PGLA was added to teicoplanin in Group 2. A total of 16 beads of 1 cm3 were created for each group. Samples were added individually to tubes containing 3 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Antibiotic elution was measured by measuring absorbance values of 1-ml samples taken at regular intervals using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and cumulative percentages of drug release were calculated. In addition, the spectra of teicoplanin were identified using a FTIR spectrophotometer in a wavelength range of 400-4000 cm-1. RESULTS: Drug elution in the PBS medium was measured and compared for Groups 1 and 2. The cumulative percentage of drug release from the PGLA-added beads (Group 2) was significantly higher (p = 0.01). The molecular structure of teicoplanin was also confirmed using FTIR. CONCLUSION: The in vitro results showed that the addition of biodegradable PGLA into bone cement functions as a water-soluble porogen which allows for significant increases in the elution of teicoplanin from cement. This increase in elution suggests that the PGLA would allow for further fluid contact and exchange with the previously entrapped drug. These results may have important clinical applications.

Effect on mortality of treatment method and surgery time for hip fracture patients aged over 65 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects on mortality of implant selection used and time to surgery in patients aged over 65 years operated for hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 301 patients aged over 65 years were investigated in this study. Patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 cemented hemiarthroplasty (CH), Group 2 cementless hemiarthroplasty (CLH), and Group 3 proximal femoral nail (PFN). Time of surgery, fracture and demographic information were retrospectively recorded. RESULTS: After removing 59 patients with missing information, this study included 242 patients. Mean age of patients was 80.5 years. When patient groups were examined according to treatment method, Group 1 (n=146) comprised 60.3%, Group 2 (n=54) comprised 22.3% and Group 3 (n=42) comprised 17.4% of the study group. There was no significant difference in survival between the patients operated in the first 48 hours and the patients operated later (p=0.834). There was an effect on the survival of treatment implant selection (p=0.016). Patients with CH were observed to survive longer than patients with CLH and PFN. CONCLUSION: Operation in the first 48 hours was not observed to affect mortality. Additionally, while sex and age were found to be effective on mortality, implant selection was also concluded to affect mortality.

Analysis of the coracoid morphology with multiplanar 2D CT and its effects on the graft size in the Latarjet procedure.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to reveal the individual differences regarding the size of the coracoid and their effects on the classical and modified Latarjet procedures. METHODS: Computed tomography images of 120 patients (mean age: 41.18 ± 12.01 years) without shoulder complaints or shoulder instability were evaluated retrospectively. The glenoid width, the surgical graft length, and the coracoid total length, width, and thickness were measured using the multiplanar reconstruction method on the Sectra Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) system. Age, gender, side, the dominant hand, and the height of the patients were recorded and the correlations between them were investigated. On the created hypothetical model, the current size of the coracoid was evaluated to determine what size of glenoid defects it could repair by employing the classical and the modified Latarjet techniques. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the right-hand-dominant group and the left-hand-dominant group in terms of coracoid measurement results (p > 0.05). Again, there was no statistically significant difference between the right and the left side regarding the coracoid size (p > 0.05). A positive correlation could be detected only between age and the coracoid width and thickness (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was also found between the glenoid width and the coracoid width and thickness in both shoulders (p < 0.001). Coracoid thickness could fill in the defects that amounted to 40% of the glenoid width, while the coracoid width could fill in for the defects that were 50% of the glenoid width in both genders. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that hand dominance and side were not effective on the coracoid dimensions. In addition, it has been shown that the coracoid dimensions did not have a significant effect in the choice of Latarjet technique in terms of defect repair and that repair rates of up to 40% could be achieved in glenoid defects with both techniques.

Investigation of the Antibiofilm Effects of Mentha longifolia Essential Oil on Titanium and Stainless Steel Orthopedic Implant Surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the antibiofilm activity of Mentha longifolia essential oil (EO) against biofilms forming on in-vitro implant surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans biofilms were used. Stainless steel and titanium samples were grouped as control, water diluted, no EO addition, and reducing amounts of EO doses. The six microorganisms included in the study were investigated to examine if there were differences between the doses on the implant surfaces. The eradication effect of the EO in samples investigated with electron microscope was classified as 0: none, 1: mild, 2: moderate, and 3: severe. The chemical composition of the EO was determined with gas chromatography. RESULTS: In terms of biofilm formation, no difference was observed between implant surfaces. While S. aureus and C. albicans were observed to be the most susceptible, P. aeruginosa was identified as the most resistant. According to gas chromatography, M. longifolia EO comprised 61.40% carvacrol and 0.28% thymol. CONCLUSION: In vitro, M. longifolia EO was shown to be effective against gram negative/positive and fungal biofilms forming on the surface of stainless steel and titanium implants.

Total hip arthroplasty after hip joint gunshot injury.

BACKGROUND: Gunshot injury of the hip joint was reported to constitute 2-17% of all extremity firearm injuries. However, there are few studies in the literature related to gunshot injuries of the hip joint. The aim of the current study was to present the results of 10 cases treated with arthroplasty following a gunshot injury to the hip joint together with the recommended treatment algorithm. METHODS: Patients with a previous medical history of hip joint region gunshot injury who underwent total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Those with incomplete medical records or who were lost to follow-up were excluded. Patients were classified according to the severity of the previous gunshot injury to the hip joint region. Harris hip score (HHS) and Short Form-12 quality of life score were the main outcome measurements. Postoperative complications encountered during follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 29.9 years. The mean preoperative HHS was 25.2 points and it was 65.8 at the final follow-up. Patients with bullet fragments in the hip joint, classified as group 1, had better HHS, whereas those with contaminated hip joint with intestinal flora, classified as group 3, had worst HHS. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroplasty after hip joint gunshot injury is a good treatment choice in young patients to reduce pain and regain functions. However, very high infection rates can be seen in patients with accompanying intestinal injury.

Effect of patellar resurfacing surgery on bleeding in total knee arthroplasty

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important factors affecting clinical and functional results in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on bleeding in arthroplasty patients. However, there are very few reports investigating the effect of patellar surface replacement on bleeding in knee arthroplasty. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of patellar surface replacement on postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 30 with patellar resurfacing were compared with 39 without patellar resurfacing among patients who had undergone total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis. Demographic data, amount of transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and total, visible, and hidden blood loss values were recorded. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographic values. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of blood in the drain, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and blood transfusion in patients who had and had not undergone patellar resurfacing. A positive significant correlation was found between postoperative drainage volume and total blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patellar component application in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty does not change the blood loss of the patients.

Comparison of changes in the ankle after unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy / Comparação clínica e radiológica das alterações no tornozelo após artroplastia unicondilar do joelho e osteotomia tibial alta

ABSTRACT Objectives: We aimed to compare the changes in the coronal alignment of the ankle joints and their clinical effects after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: 50 HTO and 54 UKA patients who were operated on for medial knee osteoarthritis between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the tibial plafond inclination (TPI) and the talar inclination (TI) angles were measured before and after operation. Visual analog scale (VAS), short form 36 (SF-36), and ankle-hindfoot scale (AHS) scores of both groups were evaluated and recorded. Results: Angular changes in the HKA, MPTA, TPI and TI values showed significantly greater values in the HTO group (p<0.001). When asymptomatic and symptomatic cases were compared, it was found that changes in the HKA, TPI and TI values were significantly greater in symptomatic cases in the HTO group (p<0.05). A significant decline was observed in the VAS, SF-36 and AHS scores in the HTO group in the postoperative period (p<0.05). In intergroup evaluations, a significant decline was detected in pain and functional scores of the HTO group when compared to the UKA group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty can be a good alternative to HTO in selected cases for postoperative ankle complaints. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMO Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi comparar as alterações noalinhamento coronal das articulações do tornozelo e seus efeitos clínicos após osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) e artroplastia unicondilar do joelho (AUJ). Métodos: 50 pacientes de HTO e 54 de AUJ operados de osteoartrite medial do joelho entre 2013 e 2018 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. O ângulo quadril-joelho-tornozelo (QJT), o ângulo tibial proximal medial (ATPM), a inclinação do platô tibial (IPT) e os ângulos de inclinação talar (IT) foram medidos no pré- e pós-operatório. A escala visual analógica (VAS), forma curta 36 (SF-36), e a escala tornozelo-retropé (ETR) de ambos os grupos foram avaliadas e registradas. Resultados: Alterações angulares nos valores de QJT, ATPM, IPT e IT mostraram valores significativamente maiores no grupo OTA (p<0,001). Quando os casos assintomáticos e sintomáticos foram comparados, verificou-se que as alterações nos valores de QJT, IPT e IT foram significativamente maiores nos casos sintomáticos no grupo OTA (p<0,05). Observou-se declínio significativo nos escores VAS, SF-36 e ETR no grupo HTO no pós-operatório (p<0,05). Nas avaliações intergrupos, foi detectado declínio significativo na dor e nos escores funcionais do grupo OTA quando comparado ao grupo AUJ (p<0,05). Conclusão: Em casos de queixas pós-operatórias quanto ao tornozelo, a artroplastia unicondilar do joelho pode ser uma boa alternativa para OTA. Nível de evidência III; Estudos Terapêuticos Investigando Resultados de Tratamento.