Less malunion and shorter bone union time with titanium elastic nail treatment for isolated femoral shaft fractures in three- to six-year-old children.

PURPOSE: Titanium elastic nail (TEN) is a good option for femoral shaft fractures in school-age children, whereas a spica cast is favored for younger patients. We aimed to compare these treatment modalities in a group of children aged three to six years. METHODS: 34 patients aged 3-6 years with an isolated closed femoral shaft fracture treated with TEN or one-leg spica cast immobilization were retrospectively assessed. Age, gender, weight, mechanism of injury, hospital stay time, bone union time, radiographic shortening, malunion, and complications were compared between the treatment groups. RESULTS: 16 (47.1%) patients who were treated with TEN (Group T) and 18 (52.9%) patients with spica casting (Group S) were included with a mean of 51 (24-94) months follow-up. The mean age was 4.98 years and statistically similar between both groups (mean, 5.2 vs. 4.8 years; p = 0.234). The patients in Group T were heavier (mean, 19.3 vs. 17.2 kg; p < 0.001) and were more likely to have a higher-energy mechanism of injury (p = 0.006). The mean late femoral shortening of Group S patient's was 6.5 ± 3.5 mm and significantly higher than Group T, which was 2.0 ± 2.9 (p = 0.050). However, effective late femoral shortening rates were not statistically different between groups (p = 0.347). Malunion was seen in six (33.3%) patients in Group S, whereas none of the patients in Group T had malunion at the last follow-up examination and were statistically different (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our study identified radiographic evidence favoring TEN over spica cast immobilization in treating preschool-age children with an isolated femoral shaft fracture in terms of malunion.

Effect of muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration on mid-term clinical, and functional outcomes after Achilles tendon repair.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle atrophy is one of the most common problems after Achilles tendon repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gastrosoleus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration on clinical, and functional outcomes after Achilles tendon repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients (mean age = 39.3 ± 7.4 years) who underwent open Achilles tendon repair were included in the study. During the clinical evaluation of muscle atrophy, ipsilateral and contralateral calf circumference (CC), maximum heel rise (HR), and ankle range of motion measurements were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed via The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and the Leppilahti score. Muscle volume (MV), cross-sectional area (CSA), and percent of fatty infiltration (FI) were measured via magnetic image resonance. RESULTS: The functional outcome scores were excellent: ATRS = 98.1 ± 2.2; AOFAS = 97.3 ± 4.1; Leppilahti score = 95.8 ± 5.1. There were significant differences detected between injured and non-injured legs regarding CC, HR, MV, CSA, and FI. Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between CSA and MV loss with all functional outcome scores. FI was correlated with only the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score. CONCLUSIONS: Significant muscle atrophy was measured after a mean follow-up period of 7.4 (range 2.0-12.6) years post-surgery and negatively correlated with clinical outcomes. CC is an easy and cost-effective measurement method to predict MV during the follow-up of Achilles tendon repairs.

Centre of the posterior cruciate ligament and the sulcus between tubercle spines are reliable landmarks for tibial component placement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the axes aligned with the sulcus between the tibial spines and the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament at the knee and with the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle provide a neutral rotational and coronal alignment of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In a cohort of 45 TKA patients, CT scans were taken to quantify coronal and rotational positioning of the components. All patients received a posterior stabilised total knee replacement with a fixed insert (PFC Sigma; DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc; Warsaw, IN, USA). The tibial guide was aligned with the sulcus between the tibial spines and the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament at the knee and with the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle. RESULTS: The average post-operative coronal mechanical alignment was 1° varus (range 4.5° varus-1.5° valgus; SD ±1.51). The average post-operative rotational deviation from the transepicondylar axes (TEA) was 0.78° of internal rotation (1.50° of internal rotation - 3.5° of external rotation) for the tibial component. The whole-extremity mechanical axis deviation was outside the tolerance range of 3° in 4 patients (8.9 %). Deviation of the tibial component rotational position relative to the TEA was 3° or less in 94.5 % of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: When the tibial component is aligned using the axis drawn from the centre of the PCL to the sulcus between the tibial spines on the proximal tibia and to the tibialis anterior tendon at the ankle, good alignment will be achieved in both the coronal and axial planes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Outcomes of cable fixation after Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the patients who underwent cable plate fixation due to a Vancouver-type B1 periprosthetic femur fracture and their clinical results. METHODS: Vancouver-type B1 patients who were operated on for periprosthetic fractures between 2014 and 2019 were investi-gated. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), follow-up time, operation time, bleeding amount, non-union fracture, last surgery before fracture, the time between previous surgery and fracture, implant survival, patient survival, and complications were recorded. In addi-tion, the postoperative clinical functions of these patients were compared. RESULTS: 23 patients who met the study criteria (Vancouver type B1 fracture) were identified. The mean age of the patients was 60 (49-76) years, the mean BMI was 26.3 (17.5-40.7), and the postoperative mean follow-up period was 14 (6-36) months. Considering the gender distribution, there were 5 (22%) men and 18 (78%) women. The mean time between the last surgery before the fracture and the fracture was 6 months (0-30). While the mean operation time was 95 min (60-180), the average amount of bleeding was 310 mL (150-600). Functional evaluations of patients: In total, five patients had decreased ambulatory abilities after surgery. Nonunion was observed in 2 patients during the follow-ups, and these patients underwent open surgery for treatment. CONCLUSION: Cable and locking plate applications are successful in Vancouver type B1 fractures, which are one of the most common forms of periprosthetic fractures. In this technique, the duration of the operation can be shortened under ideal conditions, and the need for blood and blood products is reduced as blood loss is reduced. If there is a complication, you still have the chance to treat it with the option of revision arthroplasty.

Accuracy of anatomical references used for rotational alignment of tibial component in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to research which was the most reliable of the four techniques based on local anatomic markers used to determine tibial component rotation in total knee arthroplasty, and whether the markers varied in knees with varus deformity. METHODS: The study included 33 knees with a normal anatomic axis and 32 knees with a varus deformity and osteoarthritis. On the MR images, the femoral transepicondylar axis (TEA) was determined and transposed to the standard tibial resection level. At this level, four axes were drawn on the axial sections: tibial posterior condylar line (PC), tibial plateau anterior line (AC), a vertical line (AA) drawn to Akagi's line, and the maximal mediolateral distance (MMLD). The relationships of these lines and the transposed TEA were compared between two groups. RESULTS: In all the knees, the mean values of the PC, AA, and MMLD axes compared to TEA reference were 5.5° ± 5.7 (mean ± SD), 7° ± 3.2, and 6.7° ± 8.1 internal rotation, respectively, and the AC axis was 8.9° ± 6.7 external rotation. In the AC, AA, and MMLD axes, the change occured because of varus deformity was statistically meaningful. For all the observers, the axis with the least SD and the most accuracy was the AA axis. CONCLUSIONS: Of the four axes used to determine tibial component rotation, only the PC axis is not affected by varus deformity, and the least affected axis according to the observers was the AA axis, and thus the AA and PC axes can be used for guidance in determining the rotation of the tibial component. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic studies-investigating natural history and evaluating the effect of a patient characteristic: High-quality prospective cohort study with >80% follow-up, and all patients enrolled at same time point in disease, Level I.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results of Lateral Retinacular Release or Lateral Retinacular Lengthening Methods Combined With Medial Retinaculum Plication in Patellofemoral Instability.

Introduction In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent medial retinaculum plication (MRP) combined with lateral retinacular release (LRR) or lateral retinacular lengthening (LRL) with the diagnosis of patellofemoral (PF) instability. Methods In our study, we retrospectively analyzed 75 knees of 75 adult patients (43 females and 32 males) who underwent MRP+LRR or MRP+LRL due to PF instability without osseous pathologies. Patients were divided into two groups (MRP+LRR and MRP+LRL) according to the surgical method. The clinical and radiological results of the two groups were compared. Results MRP+LRL surgery was performed on 45 knees and MRP+LRR surgery on 30 knees. The mean age was 26.5 (18-43) years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the change in patellar lateral shift (PLS) (p=0.429) and congruence angle (CA) (p=0.218) values. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the change in patellar tilt angle (PTA) (p=0.009) and lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA) (p<0.001) values. The change in PTA and LPFA values was higher in the MRP+LRL group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pre-operative and post-operative Lysholm knee scoring scale (p=0.205, p=0.228), Kujala pain scale (p=0.393, p=0.596), and Tegner activity level scale values (p=0.121, p=0.899). Conclusions MRP+LRR or MRP+LRL provided successful results for correcting the instability in PF instability without osseous pathologies such as patella alta, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) dysplasia, trochlea dysplasia, genu valgus, and tibial-femoral torsion. While PTA and LPFA values improved more with the MRP-LRL method, clinical results were similar in both methods.

Outcome of mobile and fixed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and risk factors for revision.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing unilateral knee arthroplasty (UKA) and to analyze risk factors that may lead to revision in patients who undergo UKA. METHODS: We included patients who underwent mobile or fixed UKA owing to osteoarthritis and who had at least 24 months of follow-up in the postoperative period. We recorded information on patient age, sex, side, body mass (kg/m2), follow-up duration, Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, WOMAC function, WOMAC stiffness, mechanical axle angle, femoral component compliance, tibial component compliance, accumulated experience of the surgeon, and revision status. RESULTS: In total, we evaluated 131 knees in 118 patients. 50 (38%) who underwent mobile UKA and 81 (62%) who underwent fixed UKA. The effect of obesity on mobile and fixed UKA revision was significant. The likelihood of revision decreased with greater experience of the surgeon performing UKA. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the clinical results of mobile and fixed UKA procedures are similar. We also revealed that obesity poses a risk for revision in both fixed and mobile UKA, and the revision rate decreases with increased experience of the surgeon.

Entrapment of the brachial artery in the cancellous bone in pulseless supracondylar humerus fractures with well-perfused hands: Report of three cases.

Management of pediatric pulseless supracondylar humerus fractures is a point of continuous debate. In this article, we present three cases admitted to the emergency department with pulseless, but well-perfused hands. The fractures were reduced and fixed using the antecubital approach. Prior to reduction, the brachial arteries of all three patients were entrapped in the cancellous bone of the proximal fragment segment. The arteries could only be released after freeing the adventitia by carefully scraping the adjacent bone with the tip of a hemostat. One case required thrombectomy through an arteriotomy using No. 3 Fogarty catheter. In two cases, the pulse returned after a brief period of waiting with no need for vascular intervention. Proceeding with closed reduction, as proposed by the recent guidelines, would result in further damage to the entrapped vasculature, which may go unnoticed due to collateral circulation.

Diagnostic accuracy of Fresno-Quebec Rules and risk factors for an associated fracture in patients presenting to the emergency department with anterior shoulder dislocation: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common shoulder injury in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Up to 25% of these injuries are fracture-dislocations. In general, the standard approach is to obtain plain radiographs before and after reduction. Fresno-Quebec Rules (FQR) are described to identify the patients who require an x-ray before reduction to reduce radiation exposure and delays in treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clinical predictors used in the Fresno-Quebec algorithm for detecting a shoulder fracture-dislocation. METHODS: Records of patients who presented to the Emergency Department with presumed shoulder dislocation were retrieved and retrospectively analyzed according to 'Fresno-Quebec Rule (FQR)'. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of FQR for detecting associated injuries were calculated. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (65.9%) men and 46 (34.1%) women were included. The mean age of patients was 46 years (16-89). Ninety-nine (73.3%) of the cases had their shoulder dislocated for the first time, whereas 36 (26.7%) patients had a recurrent dislocation. Fifty percent of the patients (18 cases) with recurrent dislocation presented with an atraumatic episode. The remaining 18 patients with a history of recurrent dislocations had their shoulder dislocated as a result of trauma, and four (22%) of them had fracture-dislocation. Using the Fresno-Quebec rules yielded 100% specificity for the diagnosis of fracture-dislocation. The severity of the injury mechanism was not predictive in traumatic but recurrent dislocations. Only one of four patients with a fracture-dislocation in the traumatic recurrent dislocation group had high energy trauma. CONCLUSION: FQR has 100% sensitivity in detecting fracture-dislocations in patients admitted to ED with anterior shoulder dislocation. It utilizes simple parameters that are easy to use and recall. Using these rules, 30% of unnecessary radiographs can be avoided, saving time and money and reducing radiation exposure in anterior dislocations.

High-dose short-course oral corticosteroid protocol for treatment of primary frozen shoulder: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of high-dose prednisolone on the functional outcome of patients with early-stage primary frozen shoulder. METHODS: Eighteen patients treated with oral prednisolone at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day for primary frozen shoulder were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale score were recorded at baseline and at 4 weeks and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Rapid recovery of shoulder motion was noted at 4 weeks with the exception of abduction, which was maintained at 6 months. Significant improvement in pain perception and the Constant-Murley score was evident at 4 weeks and extended to 6 months. The DASH and ASES scores did not show significant improvement in the first 4 weeks but were significantly improved at 6 months. CONCLUSION: High-dose oral prednisolone treatment provides rapid symptom resolution that persists long after drug discontinuation. The early treatment period is characterized by marked reduction in pain and rapid recovery of shoulder motion. Improvements in functional outcomes and disability indices tend to be more subtle in the early period but significantly improve during late treatment.

Evaluation of titanium release from titanium alloy implants in patients with spinal instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the baseline serum titanium levels in patients with short-segment titanium alloy posterior instrumentation and to assess patient-, implant-, and surgery-related factors that might affect the serum titanium level. METHOD: Two groups of patients were included in the study. The study group comprised 39 patients who had undergone short-segment posterior instrumentation from January 2013 to June 2016. The control group comprised 11 randomly selected patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with no history of orthopedic surgery. The serum titanium levels and inter-group differences were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean serum titanium level was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed between patients with different etiologies, implants used for fusion, numbers of instrumented segments, or postoperative durations. CONCLUSION: The serum titanium levels of patients with posterior lumbar spinal instrumentation are significantly higher than those of the normal population even after achievement of solid fusion. These levels are not affected by the use of transverse connectors, the use of cages, the operated segments, or the duration of implants.

Primary treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures using Humelock cementless reversible shoulder arthroplasty in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are quite common, constituting 5% of all fractures. Plate osteosynthesis of comminuted fractures in the elderly with osteoporotic bones is prone to complications, including loss of reduction, intraarticular protrusion of screws, avascular necrosis and non-union. Hemiarthroplasty may be preferred to achieve a stable fixation, which permits early shoulder motion. Prerequisites for the successful functional outcome of this surgical technique are to have an intact rotator cuff, which is often torn, and achieve proper soft tissue balance, which is technically demanding. In RSA design, deltoid muscle replaces the function of the supraspinatus, compensating for a dysfunctional rotator cuff or a displaced tuberculum. We designed a retrospective study to evaluate the results of proximal humerus fractures treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty using Humelock II reversible prosthesis in elderly patients. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (25 females, six males) above 65 years old who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty between 2014 and 2019 for Neer 3-4 part fractures or head split injuries were included in this study. Patients with a previous internal fixation attempt, cases with neurological deficit or previous upper extremity fractures, patients who presented later than three weeks after the trauma, cases with less than six months follow-up and patients with additional fractures were excluded. Twenty-eight patients were available for final analysis. Fracture mechanism, time from trauma till surgery, hospital stay and preoperative ASA scores were noted. Humelock II Reversible (FX Solutions) implants were used in all cases. Patients' shoulder range of motion and functional outcome using UCLA, DASH and Constant scores at minimum six months follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 72.2 (65-95) years, and mean follow-up time was 15.5 (6-48) months. The mean UCLA, Constant and Dash scores at the last follow-up were 27.6 (14-35), 67.9 (38-80) and 30.8 (9.9-79.2), respectively. Mean shoulder flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation were 130 (110-160), 100 (70-140), 40 (15-60) and 39 (15-75) degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: RSA is a very reliable treatment for proximal humerus fractures in patients over 65 years old. Early active and passive shoulder exercises can be started postoperatively, and good functional outcome and wide ROM can be achieved with this age group. Although stable fixation of the tuberculum is not required for shoulder abduction, it facilitates external rotation and should be attempted in all cases. Clinical outcomes of patients who underwent RSA due to proximal humerus fracture are as good as the outcomes of patients with different etiologies.

Comparison of efficacy between the genicular nerve block and the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block for total knee replacement surgery: A prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (IPACK) block and genicular nerve block on postoperative pain scores, the need for rescue analgesics, range of motion (ROM), walking distance, and perioperative monitorization variables in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. METHODS: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III patients were enrolled in this study and then were randomly assigned into three groups: the IPACK block group (17 female, 3 male; mean age=67.5±1.4 years), genicular nerve block (16 female, 4 male; mean age=68±1.76 years), and the control group (13 female, 7 male; mean age=63±1.67years). All the patients underwent TKR under spinal anesthesia. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, mobility, pre- and intra-operative monitorization of systolic and diastolic holding area, non-invasive blood pressure, heart rate, and SPO 2 were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Patients in the IPACK and genicular block groups had a significantly lower visual analogous scale (VAS) at postoperative 4 hours (p<0.01), 8h (p<0.01), 12h (p<0.01), and 24h (p<0.05). VAS score was significantly lower in the genicular block group at the postoperative 4h (5.5±0.55) and 8h (5.0±0.53) in the mobile state compared to the IPACK (8.0±0.47 and 8.0±0.43, respectively) and the control group (9.5±0.20; 10±0.28, respectively) (p< 0.01). The use of patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) devices and button push count for analgesics demand were significantly lower in the genicular block group on the immediate postoperative period (p<0.01 at the postoperative 0 to 4 h). The total consumption of morphine equivalents on the postoperative day 0 was significantly lower in the genicular block group (p<0.01, and p<0.001 for IPACK and control groups, respectively). The degree of flexion was significantly higher in the genicular block group at the postoperative 12h compared to the IPACK and the control group (p<0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the genicular block group compared to the IPACK and the control group (p<0.05 for both variables). CONCLUSION: IPACK and genicular blocks both are effective in improving patient comfort during and after TKR surgery and reducing the potential need for systemic analgesic and opioids. The genicular block seems to be a promising technique that can offer improved pain management in the immediate and early postoperative period without adverse effects on systemic and motor variables.

[Treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures in high-risk geriatric patients (≥65 years) with external fixation]. / Ileri yasli (≥65 yas) yüksek riskli olgularda gelisen intertrokanterik femur kiriklarinin eksternal fiksatörle tedavisi.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of intertrochanteric hip fractures treated with closed reduction and external fixation (minimally invasive and biological osteosynthesis) in patients with high surgical risk. METHODS: Twenty-three patients (14 females, 9 males; mean age 74 [65-88]) with intertrochanteric hip fracture classified as group III and IV according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) criteria were treated with closed reduction and unilateral external fixation under short-term anesthesia. Fourteen fractures were stable (60.8%) and nine were unstable (39.2%). The mean follow-up was 23.8 months (4-58). We evaluated the operation time, hospitalization time, union time, mobilization capacity, complications, and mortality rates. RESULTS: The mean duration of operation was 25 minutes (15-40), mean duration of hospital stay 4 days (2-9) and average union time 13 weeks. Five patients (21.7%) died due to additional health problems in the first six months after surgery. Superficial pin tract infection occurred in 11 cases (47.8%). There was no implant failure. In the last follow up, an average 5° varus (range: 0-8°) and 1 cm shortening (range: 0-3) in stable fractures and an average 15° varus (range: 8-20°) and 3 cm shortening (range: 2-5) in unstable fractures were determined. CONCLUSION: The treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures with closed reduction and external fixation is an easy, effective and safe biological fixation method with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, especially in patients with high surgical risk.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Radiotherapy in Preventing Posttraumatic Tendon Adhesion.

Background and Aim Posttraumatic peritendinous adhesion is the greatest obstacle to achieve normal tendon function following lacerations of extrinsic flexor tendons of the hand. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether single-dose radiotherapy (RT) has the potential to modulate intrasynovial tendon adhesions. Materials and Methods A total of 80 tendons from the third to fourth flexor profundus of both hind paws of 20 adult New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Rabbits in the RT group received 3 Gy of X-irradiation in a single fraction. Histopathological evaluation of longitudinal sections of tendons was made using the Tang grading system for peritendinous adhesions. Intratendinous quality of the healing tissue in the laceration zone was assessed using a modified Movin scale. Results Adhesion and inflammatory response were greater in the RT group (p˂0.001). Tendon healing in the radiation group was found to be more uniform and organized compared with the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The nuclei of the tenocytes in the radiation group showed a closer resemblance to normal tendon tissue when compared with the control group (p=0.007). Conclusions Despite RT's certain advantages such as extracorporeal use, anti-inflammatory effect, and homogenous tissue penetration, 3-Gy X-irradiation resulted in increased peritendinous posttraumatic adhesion, possibly due to dose imbalance. Increased roundness in the tenocyte nuclei was present in the RT group. Studies with different dosing regimens and a higher number of subjects are necessary to establish an ideal dose suppressing the synovial response without compromising tendon healing.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for short oblique diaphyseal tibia fractures: does fracture site affect the outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of patients with short oblique diaphyseal tibia fractures treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). The secondary aim was to understand the effect of fracture location (midshaft or distal 1/3) on outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with short oblique (>30°) tibial shaft fractures (AO/OTA 42A2) treated with plate and MIPO technique between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed. Age, gender, follow-up time, fracture type (open or closed), operation time, postoperative infection rate, union time, ankle joint range of motion, and complications were analyzed. Patients' radiographs at a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated for malunion, nonunion, and implant-related complications. RESULTS: Mean age and follow-up time were 47.0 ± 15.7 years and 18.3 ± 12.1 months, respectively. Mean bone union time was 3.66 ± 1.04 months in middle 1/3 diaphysis and 4.23 ± 1.48 months in distal 1/3 tibia fractures. Seven (25%) patients developed superficial infections. Mean union time, malunion rate, coronal and sagittal angulation, operation length, and infection rate were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: MIPO is an effective method for treatment of short oblique diaphyseal tibia fractures, and results in few complications. Both distal and midshaft fractures have similar union and malunion rates.

The effect of nicotine on distraction osteogenesis: an experimental study on rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 constituents, but not all of them are reported to have adverse effects on bone healing after distraction osteogenesis. No research on the systemic administration of nicotine has been done on distraction osteogenesis of the weight-bearing long bones of the lower extremity. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand white male rabbits underwent distraction osteogenesis on the right tibia and lengthening by 1 cm. Transdermal nicotine bands were applied onto the dorsal skin of the rabbits in the study group. Mineral density of the distraction zone was measured at weekly intervals using quantitative computerized tomography. Mechanical properties were assessed by torsional loading, and the regenerated bone tissue was subjected to histopathological examination. RESULTS: Comparisons of weekly measurements in both groups showed that while the increase in bone density in the nicotine group was higher, relative to the initial values, it was still far behind the average density obtained in the control group at the end of the experiment. Statistical analysis of mechanical data showed significant differences in the gradient of the regression lines and maximum torsional angles between the two groups. The histopathological assessments showed noticeable neovascularization in the study group, which was concluded to be a compensatory mechanism for the negative delaying effect of nicotine on bone healing. CONCLUSION: Systemic administration of nicotine can cause delays in the process of healing in distraction osteogenesis by its negative effect on the mineralization of the regenerate. Patients should be made aware of this negative impact of nicotine before the limb-lengthening surgery.

Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance Shows no Change in Patients with or Without Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to compare tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance in patients with or without knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, the variability of tibial tubercle according to trochlear groove was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, TTTG distance was measured with two different methods on magnetic resonance (MR) images. TTTG distance was measured by the familiar method on 173 MR images, and by the novel method on 157 MR images of 175 patients totally. The patients were divided into two groups as group 1 (Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis grade <2) and group 2 (Kellgren Lawrence osteoarthritis grade ≥2). TTTG values measured by both methods were compared between groups. The coefficient of variation for all patients in TTTG values were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The mean age, sex distributions, and side ratios were different between groups. There was no statistical difference in TTTG values between group 1 and 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the two measurement methods. The coefficient of variation for all patients in TTTG values were high (43.95% for familiar method and 44.64% for novel method). There was excellent interrater reliability for two measurement methods in both groups. CONCLUSION: The TTTG distance is similar in patients with/without knee osteoarthritis. The position of the tibial tubercle according to the trochlear groove is variable, so the tibial tubercle may not be a good reference point for rotational position of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty.

The comparison of the results after spinal fusion with or without iliac screw insertion in the treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular scoliosis leads to a wide range of spinal disorders which disturb the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and radiological results of posterior spinal fusion with and without extending the instrumentation to iliac bones in treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis. METHODS: Medical records and radiographies of 36 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent posterior instrumentation between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed. Age and body mass index at time of surgery, underlying diagnosis, gender, postoperative infection rates, perioperative and postoperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery, complication rates were identified for each patient retrospectively. SF-36 physical questionnaire was applied to all patients. Surgery was performed in each patient and included posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws from the proximal thoracic spine (T2 or T3) to S1 (Group A) or extension of distal instrumentation to pelvis by bilateral iliac screws (Group B). RESULTS: A total of 23 patients in group A were compared with 13 patients in group B. Median age was 14 (9-38) years for group A and 16 (12-25) years for group B. Median follow-up period was 20 (12-66) months. Preoperative median Cobb angles were 66° and 60° and postoperative Cobb values were 33° and 31° in group A and B respectively. Median Cobb angle reduction was 40° and 34° for group A and B. We are able to see in this study that the usage of illiac screws do not increase implant failure and help achieve better functional results. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the extention of instrumentation to the pelvis with illiac screws can be beneficial in terms of functional and complicational incidences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Magnetically controlled growing rod in 13 patients with early-onset scoliosis and spinal improvement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the use of magnetically controlled growing rods as a method of providing spinal improvement while preventing thoracic insufficiency in patients with early-onset scoliosis (EOS). METHODS: Of a total of 13 patients, 4 patients underwent a dual magnetic rod implantation, while 9 patients had a single magnetic rod procedure. The study group comprised 12 (93%) female and 1 (7%) male patients. Six patients (46%) had an idiopathic form of scoliosis, in 4 (30%) it was congenital, and in 3 (23%) it was neuromuscular scoliosis. The patients' Cobb angles, thoracic kyphosis, T1-T12 and T1-S1 distance prior to and following the treatment were compared. RESULTS: The mean Cobb angle before surgery was 53.780, whereas it decreased to 39.290 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle was 400 before and 29.790 after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean T1-S1 distance was 32.14 cm before and 36.36 cm after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean T1-T12 distance was 18.69 cm before and 20.64 cm after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of magnetic rods is an effective method of EOS treatment. It allows for spinal growth while managing the progression of the scoliosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.