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

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

Comparison of weight-based versus standard dosing of tranexamic acid for blood loss and transfusion amount in knee arthroplasty without tourniquet.

The aim of the study is to compare weight-based versus standard dosing of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) for blood loss and transfusion amount in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without a tourniquet. A total of 99 patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (standard): 1 g of IV TXA 30 min before skin incision, and 1 g at postoperative 30 min and 3 h. Group 2 (weight-based): 10 mg/kg IV TXA 30 min before the skin incision, and 10 mg/kg at postoperative 30 min, and 3 h. Hemoglobin levels, before, and 1, and 2 days after the operation, postoperative amount of decrease in hemoglobin levels, and amount of erythrocyte transfusion were recorded. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Score (KSS) were applied in the evaluation of TKA results preoperatively, and at 1., 3., 6., and 12. months, postoperatively. In both study groups, hemoglobin levels in male patients dropped significantly more deeply than female patients. Also, in both study groups, hemo- globin levels were significantly lower in patients with comorbid illnesses. A statistically significant difference was not detected between both groups in terms of pre- and postoperative WOMAC scores, KSS knee scores, and KSS function scores. Our study showed that standard and weight-based dosing of IV TXA treatments were similar in efficacy and safety. Both treatments reduce blood loss and the need for transfusion. Also, there was no significant difference in terms of reliability between two groups.

A comparative overview of metatarsal stress fractures in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: our single-centre experience with eighty-one patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of metatarsal bone stress fractures encountered in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in the orthopaedics and traumatology department of our tertiary care centre. Data were collected from the hospital records of a total of 81 women (average age 42.65 ± 12.97) allocated in premenopausal (n = 36) and postmenopausal (n = 45) groups. These two groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index, side, and level of the metatarsal stress fracture, serum levels of vitamin D, duration of complaint and treatment, and T-scores of femur and vertebra as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The average body mass index (BMI) was 27.00 ± 2.49 kg/m2 (range 21.8 to 31.2). The right side was involved in 44 cases (54.3%), while the left side was affected in 37 patients. DXA T-scores were significantly high for group 2 for both femur and vertebra (p < 0.001 for both). Two groups did not exhibit any significant differences in terms of BMI, side of the stress fracture, level and location of the fracture, seasonal distribution, smoking habits, comorbidities, serum levels of vitamin D, durations of complaints, and treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that there was no difference between 2 groups in terms of serum vitamin D levels; however, postmenopausal women had higher T-scores of femur and vertebra. Identification of patients under higher risk for stress fractures and elucidation of the possible role of menopause necessitate further controlled, randomized trials on larger series.

Mid-Term Results of Two Different Fixation Methods for Chevron Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus.

We compared 2 different fixation methods (bioabsorbable pins and cannulated screws) after chevron osteotomy for the treatment of hallux valgus. We reviewed consecutive proximal chevron osteotomies in 80 patients (100 feet) performed by 2 surgeons. Of the 100 feet (80 patients), 48 feet (40 patients) were stabilized with bioabsorbable pins, and 52 feet (40 patients) were stabilized with cannulated screws. In the pin group, 8 patients were male (20%) and 32 were female (80%). In the screw group, 10 patients were male (25%) and 30 were female (75%). The mean patient age was 43.1 (range 24 to 60) years in the pin group and 43.5 (range 20 to 60) years in the cannulated screw group. The visual analog scale, intermetatarsal angle, and hallux valgus angle decreased significantly and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores increased significantly in all patients in both groups after surgery (p < .05). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups (p > .05). Both fixation methods were found to be safe and reliable under the appropriate conditions and when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Postoperative changes in sacropelvic junction in short-segment angular kyphosis versus Scheuermann kyphosis.

PURPOSE: To comparatively evaluate the biomechanical alterations those occur in the sagittal plane of sacropelvic junction in angular kyphosis (AK) and Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) patients after surgery. METHODS: The spine radiographs of 52 patients operated for short-segment AK (n = 20) or SK (n = 32) were studied. Main outcome measures were sacral slope, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis angles. RESULTS: In AK group, local and thoracic kyphosis angles, as well as lumbar lordosis angle, showed statistically significant reduction with surgery. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles were reduced significantly in SK group. Postoperatively, there were significant differences between groups in lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt angle, and sacral slope (p = 0.021, p = 0.001, and p = 0.027, respectively). Thoracic kyphosis angle and sacral slope were increased, and there was a remarkable correlation between thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis values in the AK group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a significant sacropelvic improvement can be achieved by balanced sagittal vertical axis and T1 spinopelvic leading to a good sagittal alignment of spine in patients with AK and SK. Changes seen in morphological parameters after surgery may be closely related with baseline biomechanics and structure of the spine and pelvis. Therefore, further clinical and scientific trials are necessary both to elucidate the biomechanics, their clinical implications, and to develop new techniques and models for spine and pelvis surgery.

Distal Oblique Metatarsal Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Clinical Analysis.

We compared the outcomes of the distal oblique metatarsal (DOM) osteotomy, which is parallel to the articulation surface of the proximal phalanx, with those of the chevron osteotomy and evaluated whether displacement and shortening of the first metatarsal have any effect on the incidence of metatarsalgia and patient satisfaction. Patients treated with the DOM osteotomy (n = 30) or distal chevron osteotomy (n = 31) were evaluated retrospectively. The chevron and DOM osteotomies both provided significant improvement in the first intermetatarsal angle (p < .001), hallux valgus angle (p < .001), distal metatarsal articular angle (p < .001), range of first metatarsophalangeal joint motion (p < .001), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (p < .001), and sesamoid position (p < .001), without any significant differences between the 2 groups. Patient satisfaction and metatarsalgia also were not different between the study groups. The DOM osteotomy group had higher plantar displacement (0.1 ± 0.1 mm versus 1.0 ± 0.1 mm; p < .001) and absolute shortening of the first metatarsal (1.0 ± 0.4 mm versus 6.8 ± 1.0 mm; p < .001). In conclusion, the DOM osteotomy is an alternative treatment method for mild and moderate hallux valgus.

Need for Bone Grafts in the Surgical Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures.

Controversy is ongoing regarding the use of bone grafts to fill cavities that occur with collapse of the posterior facet in the joint and for repair of the calcaneal height with plating. The present study included 40 patients with 43 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation from March 2009 to November 2013. In the present case-control study, the patients were separated into 2 groups: group A received an allograft (20 patients, 22 calcaneal fractures) and group B did not (20 patients, 21 calcaneal fractures). The calcaneal height and Böhler's angle were compared between the 2 groups. The final outcomes for all patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scale score and compared between the 2 groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the basic demographic variables (p > .05). Using Sanders classification, 8 (18%) were type 2, 19 (44%) were type 3, and 16 (37%) were type 4 fractures. The comparisons between the 2 groups showed a loss of Böhler's angle and loss of calcaneal height that was significantly greater in group B (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the AOFAS ankle hindfoot scale scores (p > .05). In conclusion, although no differences were found in the clinical results between the 2 groups, more satisfactory radiologic results were obtained in group A, in which bone grafts were used.

Comparison of quadriceps muscle volume after unilateral total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet use.

PURPOSE: Determination of the effect of tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on thigh and quadriceps muscle volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A total of 148 knees of 74 patients (mean age 66.5 ± 4.8 years; female/male, 62/12) with bilateral primary varus gonarthrosis underwent unilateral TKA with a tourniquet (Group A, n = 35) or without a tourniquet (Group B, n = 39). The total thigh volume and connective, bone, and muscle tissue volumes were stereologically measured on preoperative and postoperative MRI. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were calculated to evaluate functional outcomes. RESULTS: After TKA, the knees of patients in Group A exhibited a significant decrease in all tissue measurements, except bone tissue volume; however, the knees of patients in Group B exhibited no significant difference in tissue measurements. Although no difference was found between the operated and contralateral non-operated thighs (4076.9 and 4073.4 cm(3), respectively) in Group B postoperatively at 1 month (p > 0.05), the operated thighs had lost 20 % of its volume in Group A postoperatively at 1 month (p < 0.001). A significant difference was found in all tissue measurements, except the connective and bone tissue volumes of the thigh between the operated and contralateral non-operated knees in Group A. No significant difference was identified between the operated and contralateral non-operated knees in Group B. The total WOMAC score was significantly higher, and the total KSS was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B during the postoperative follow-up period of 1-6 months (p < 0.001 for all) but not 12 months (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Tourniquet use in TKA decreases the thigh and quadriceps muscle volumes and postoperatively delays the recovery of knee function. Therefore, caution should be exercised for tourniquet use during TKA in daily clinical practice and using alternative methods for tourniquet application in preventing intraoperative blood loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Graft position in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: anteromedial versus transtibial technique.

INTRODUCTION: When treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the position of the ACL graft plays a key role in regaining postoperative knee function and physiologic kinematics. In this study, we aimed to compare graft angle, graft position in tibial tunnel, and tibial and femoral tunnel positions in patients operated with anteromedial (AM) and transtibial (TT) methods to those of contralateral healthy knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft were included. Of these, 23 and 25 were treated by AM and TT techniques, respectively. MRI was performed at 18.4 and 19.7 months postoperatively in AM and TT groups. Graft angles, graft positions in the tibial tunnel and alignment of tibial and femoral tunnels were noted and compared in these two groups. The sagittal graft insertion tibia midpoint distance (SGON) has been used for evaluation of graft position in tunnel. RESULTS: Sagittal ACL graft angles in operated and healthy knees of AM patients were 57.78° and 46.80° (p < 0.01). With respect to TT patients, ACL graft angle was 58.87° and 70.04° on sagittal and frontal planes in operated knees versus 47.38° and 61.82° in healthy knees (p < 0.001). ACL graft angle was significantly different between the groups on both sagittal and frontal planes (p < 0.001). Sagittal graft insertion tibia midpoint distance ratio was 0.51 and 0.48 % in the operated and healthy knees of AM group (p < 0.001) and 0.51 and 0.48 % in TT group (p < 0.001). Sagittal tibial tunnel midpoint distance ratio did not differ from sagittal graft insertion tibia midpoint distance of healthy knees in either group. Femoral tunnel clock position was better in AM [right knee 10:19 o'clock-face position (310° ± 4°); left knee 1:40 (50° ± 3°)] compared with TT group [right knee 10:48 (324° ± 5°); left knee 1:04 (32° ± 4°)]. With respect to the sagittal plane, the anterior-posterior position of femoral tunnel was better in AM patients. Lysholm scores and range of motion of operated knees in the AM and TT groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Precise reconstruction on sagittal plane cannot be obtained with either AM or TT technique. However, AM technique is superior to TT technique in terms of anatomical graft positioning. Posterior-placed grafts in tibial tunnel prevent ACL reconstruction, although tibial tunnel is drilled on sagittal plane.

Diagnostic Value of Elastography in the Diagnosis of Intermetatarsal Neuroma.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the ultrasound and elastographic properties of intermetatarsal neuroma (interdigital neuroma) and their contribution to diagnosis. Eighteen patients with metatarsalgia, who had presented to an orthopedic clinic from April 2013 to February 2015, were diagnosed with 25 intermetatarsal neuromas (11 unilateral [61.11%], 7 bilateral [38.89%]). These patients underwent evaluation with ultrasonography and simultaneous ultrasound strain elastography to assess the elastographic properties of the tissues in the intermetatarsal space. The intermetatarsal neuroma diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic inspection. The lesion contours, localization, dimensions, and vascularization were evaluated before surgical excision. The elasticity and strain ratio values were compared between the neuroma and adjacent healthy intermetatarsal space. Of the 25 intermetatarsal neuromas, 1 (4%) was not detected by ultrasonography (incidence of detection of 96%). The mean neuroma width was 6.35 (range 3.7 to 13) mm in the coronal plane, and the mean elasticity and strain ratio values were 3.44 (range 1.1 to 5.1) and 9.47 (range 2.3 to 19.3), respectively. The elasticity and strain ratio values were significantly greater in the presence of an interdigital neuroma than in the adjacent healthy intermetatarsal spaces (Z = -3.964, p = .0001 and Z = -3.927, p = .0001, respectively). The diagnostic cutoff values were calculated as 2.52 for elasticity and 6.1 for the strain ratio. Four neuromas (16%) were not demarcated, and the elasticity and strain ratio values for these were lower than those for neuromas with demarcated contours but were greater than those for healthy intermetatarsal spaces (p < .006 and p < .005, respectively). Patients with clinically suspected intermetatarsal neuromas that do not show demarcation and with smaller lesions might benefit from the use of ultrasound elastography for diagnosis.

Safety of bioabsorbable implants in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the safety of bioabsorbable plates and screws in humans. METHODS: For this purpose, an implant system based on [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acids)(85:15)] was designed. The system was tested for pH, temperature, and swelling and then its surface morphology was analyzed for surface porosity using environmental electron microscopy. Then, the effects of this bioabsorbable system on the viability and profileration of osteocytes were examined on a molecular level via in vitro experiments. A [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acids)(90:10)] bioabsorbable implant, which is commercially available and used in orthopedic surgery, was used as control group. For the statistical evaluation of the data obtained in the present study, the groups were compared by Tukey HSD test following ANOVA. The significance level was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was observed that the osteocytes cultivated on the PLGA system designed in the present study included more live cells and allowed more proliferation compared to the control. CONCLUSION: One of the criteria in the selection of implants for orthopedic surgery is that a good implant should not need removal and thus a second surgery. In the present study, a bioabsorbable implant was designed considering this criterion. The present study is the first step to prove the safety of this new design by in vitro toxicity and viability experiments.

Nail Braces as an Alternative Treatment for Ingrown Toenails: Results From a Comparison With the Winograd Technique.

Ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent nail disorders and can be treated with conservative or surgical approaches. Although discovered a long time ago, the available data are still very limited on the potential effectiveness of nail braces for ingrown toenail treatment. In the present retrospective study, we compared nail braces with surgical wedge excision using the Winograd technique with respect to the time to return to work, recurrence, interval to recurrence, and patient satisfaction. A total of 159 patients were divided into the nail brace (n = 74; mean age 29.51 ± 8.48 years) and Winograd technique (n = 85; mean age 26.95 ± 8.06 years) groups. In the nail brace group, the mean time to return to work (4.15 ± 1.07 days) was significantly shorter than that in the Winograd technique group (13.8 ± 2.26 days; p < .001). Patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the nail brace group (94.6%) compared with the Winograd technique group (82.4%; p = .018). Of the 159 patients, 6 (8.1%) in the nail brace group and 8 (9.4%) in the Winograd technique group developed recurrence; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean interval to recurrence (12.46 ± 1.60 versus 13.24 ± 2.48 months, respectively; p = .031). The progression-free follow-up periods for the nail brace and Winograd technique groups were 15.45 ± 0.22 months (95% confidence interval 15.02 to 15.88) and 17.18 ± 0.29 months (95% confidence interval 16.61 to 17.84), respectively. We have concluded that the use of nail braces is an appropriate alternative treatment of ingrown toenails with high patient satisfaction, fast recovery times, and a low recurrence rate.

Evaluation of results of conservative therapy in patients with transient osteoporosis of hip.

The present study aimed to review the general characteristics of 18 cases diagnosed with transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) in our hospital within a 3-year period and to present their follow-up results after conservative treatment. A retrospective evaluation was made of the treatment and results of follow-up of TOH cases using physical examination and laboratory findings, hip radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Harris Hip Scores (HHS). The mean duration of complaints of 6 females (mean age, 34.3±4.3 years) and 12 males (mean age, 40.7±10.5 years) was 6.1±2.7 weeks before the treatment. Three female patients had a history of giving birth by cesarean delivery. None of the patients had any history of trauma. MRI revealed increased intensity in T2 sequences and decreased intensity in T1 sequences in the proximal aspect of the femur. None of the patients had subchondral collapse or intra-articular effusion. For 3 female patients who were breastfeeding, no medical therapy was given, but only hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and forearm crutches. As standard management, the other patients were prevented from weight-bearing with the use of forearm crutches and medical therapy of diclofenac sodium, acetylsalicylic acid, and risedronate sodium was administered and additional HBO therapy. Clinical and radiological improvements were observed in all patients. None of the patients had avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. There was no record of therapy-related complications. While HHS was 55.6±7.8 before the treatment, it increased to 88.8±5.8 in the 3rd month and to 96.0±1.8 in the 6th month after the treatment. This change in score over time was found to be significant.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed with Midvastus and Medial Parapatellar Approaches in Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for primary osteoarthritis of the knee has remarkably increased recently. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of TKA in obese patients (>30 kg/m2) operated with midvastus (MV) or medial parapatellar (MPP) approaches. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed using data derived from 80 patients (70 women; 10 men) with an average age of 66.17 ± 5.42 (range: 54 to 77). Patients were allocated into 2 groups as for the type of approach conducted during TKA: group I (n = 41) underwent TKA by MV approach, while the MMP technique was used in group II (n = 39). RESULTS: Demographic, clinical, and radiological parameters included age, side of involvement, sex, BMI, diameters of thigh and calf, length of incision, duration of operation, amount of bleeding and transfusion, duration of hospitalization and follow-up, complications, and range of motion, as well as Knee Society Score (KSS) and Knee Society Function Score (KSFS). Patients with a higher BMI (≥35 kg/m2) experienced more profound bleeding and needed more transfusion of erythrocyte suspension. The range of motion was more favorable in groups with BMI <35 kg/m2. The functional outcomes as reflected in KSS and KSFS were much better in patients with BMI <35 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that obesity can adversely influence the clinical and radiological outcomes after TKA performed by both MV and MPP approaches. A careful analysis of patient characteristics and selection of appropriate operative procedures is critical. Further randomized, controlled trials on larger series must be designed to elucidate the relationship between obesity and therapeutic outcomes after TKA with different approaches.

Extension pin block technique versus extension orthosis for acute bony mallet finger; a retrospective comparison.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the clinical, radiological, aesthetic and economic outcomes of extension pin block technique and extension orthosis in closed mallet fractures with more than 1/3 of articular surface involvement without subluxation (Wehbe and Schneider classification type IB and IC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (11 women and 28 men; mean age: 40.9±11.5 years) who had mallet fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-one patients were treated with the extension pin block technique, and the remaining 18 were treated with the extension orthosis. Fracture classification, measurement of articular surface involvement, presence of subluxation, and the fragment displacement were performed according to the Wehbe and Schneider classification. Crawford's criteria, extension lag, distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) range of motion, dorsal bump, and visual analog scale were evaluated. Fracture union, articular incongruity, and all other complications were followed and analyzed. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) was used to evaluate the aesthetic perception of the patient's finger. Direct and indirect costs were calculated for each treatment method. RESULTS: At the final follow-up (mean: 18.4±6.2 months), there was no significant difference with respect to clinical outcomes between groups (p=0.335) and pain (p=0.131). Fracture union was achieved in all cases. Both extension lag (p=0.150) and DIPJ flexion (p=0.261) were not different between groups. Dorsal bump was more frequent in the conservative treatment group (p=0.048). Aesthetic scores were similar between groups (p=0.477), but female patients rated significantly lower aesthetic scores than males (p=0.003) regardless of the treatment method. The direct medical (p=0.001), indirect (p=0.009) and cumulative costs (p=0.001) were significantly higher in surgical treatment group. One pin tract infection, one nail dystrophy, and one joint space narrowing were seen in the surgical treatment group versus none in the conservative treatment group (p=0.698). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment does not result in inferior clinical, radiographic and aesthetic outcomes compared to surgical fixation in closed mallet fractures with more than 1/3 of articular surface involvement without subluxation. Extension orthosis which is non-invasive, and cheap, maybe the treatment of choice in closed mallet fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Retrospective cohort.

Comparison of Supine and Lateral Decubitus Positions for Total Hip Arthroplasty with the Direct Lateral Approach in Overweight and Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study is to compare the results of supine and lateral decubitus positions for total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the direct lateral (DL) approach in overweight and obese patients. METHODS: Patients who had a THA with the DL approach using the lateral decubitus position (LD group) (n = 54) or supine position (S group) (n = 54) or supine position (S group) (. RESULTS: Both groups did not differ from each other by means of age, gender, BMI, and affected side (p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814, p = 0.814. CONCLUSIONS: The LD and S groups had comparable functional outcomes one year postoperatively. However, the S group was associated with worse intraoperative outcomes than the LD group.

The effect of morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) on functional outcome and complication rate following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes and complication rates of patients in short-term and midterm follow-up period when medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)-applied patients were grouped according to BMI values. METHODS: One hundred four patients (mean age 60.2 ± 7.4 (range, 49-80)) to whom medial UKA was applied between 2011 to 2016 with a minimum of 2 years follow-up were grouped as normal and overweight (less than 30 kg/m2), obese (30-34.9 kg/m2) and morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) according to their BMI. The postoperative Knee Society Scores (KSS), functional Knee Society Scores (fKSS), Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) results and complication rate of these groups were compared statistically. The implant positioning of the patients requiring revision was analysed according to the Oxford radiological criteria. RESULTS: The average BMI of 104 patients was 34.4 (range, 22-56.9). Twenty-six (25%) of these were normal or overweight, 40 (38.5%) were obese and 38 (36.5%) were morbidly obese. However, in these BMI groups, there was no significant difference between the preoperative VAS, postoperative VAS and VAS score changes among these three groups (p > 0.05). The postop KSS, f KSS and OKS were significantly poorer in the morbidly obese group by 75.2, 70.5 and 33.1, respectively. Furthermore, amount of ROM changes (4.2°) were significantly poorer in the morbidly obese group (p < 0.05). Complications including eminence fractures, insert dislocations, tibial component collapses and superficial infections developed in 10 patients (9.6%). Six of them (60%) were morbidly obese, and four of them (40%) were obese. Furthermore, 11 (10.6%) of the patients required revision. Eight (72.7%) of the patients were morbidly obese, and three (27.3%) of them were obese. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that morbid obesity is an independent risk factor for functional outcomes and implant survival after UKA. However, it is possible to obtain excellent results for obese and overweight patients with good planning and correct surgical technique. Morbid obese patients should be preoperatively informed about poor functional outcome and high complication rate. Treatment of morbid obesity before UKA surgery may be a good option.

Delivering Growth Factors through a Polymeric Scaffold to Cell Cultures Containing both Nucleus Pulposus and Annulus Fibrosus.

AIM: To design a novel, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based polymeric scaffold that permits the controlled release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 following intervertebral disc administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The drug delivery system was composed of two different solutions that formed a scaffold within seconds of coming into contact with each other. Swelling, pH, and temperature tests and analysis of the controlled release of growth factors (GFs) from this system were performed. The release kinetics of the GFs were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell proliferation and viability were monitored with microscopy and analyzed using an MTT assay and acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining. Chondroadherin (CHAD), hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1?), and collagen type II (COL2A1) gene expressions were determined with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis to show the effects of IGF-1/BMP-2 administration on annulus fibrosus cell (AFC)/nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) cultures. For the statistical evaluation of the obtained data, experimental groups were compared with a post hoc Tukey's test following an analysis of variance. RESULTS: The scaffold allowed for the controlled release of IGF-1 and BMP-2 in different time intervals. It was observed that as the application time increased, the number of cells and the degree of extracellular matrix development increased in AFC/NPC cultures. AO/PI staining and an MTT analysis showed that cells retained their specific morphology and continued to proliferate. It was observed that HIF-1? and CHAD expression increased in a time-dependent manner, and no COL2A1 expression in the AFC/ NPC cultures was observed. CONCLUSION: The designed scaffold may be used as an alternative method for intervertebral disc administration of GFs after further in vivo studies. Such prototype scaffolds may be an innovative technology in targeted drug therapies after reconstructive neurosurgical interventions.

Complications during removal of stainless steel versus titanium nails used for intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia.

OBJECTIVES: Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for fractures of the tibial shaft, which might necessitate the nail removal due to complications in the long-term. Although considered as a low-risk procedure, intramedullary nail removal is also associated with certain complications. Here, we compared the most commonly used stainless steel and titanium nails with respect to the complications during removal and clinical outcome for intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients (26 females, 36 males) were included in this retrospective study. Of the removed nails, 24 were of stainless steel and 38 of titanium. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters, such as implant discomfort, anterior knee pain, operating time and amount of bleeding, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: Titanium nail group had more, but not statistically significant, intraoperative complications than stainless steel group during the removal of nails (p = .4498). Operating time and amount of intraoperative bleeding were significantly higher in titanium group than stainless steel group (p = .0306 and p < .001, respectively). Preoperative SF-36 physical component and KSS scores were significantly lower in patients who had removal of titanium nails than those of stainless steel nails, whereas there was no difference in terms of postoperative SF-36 and KSS scores. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, although greater bone contact with titanium increases implant stability, nail removal is more difficult, resulting in more longer surgical operation and more intraoperative bleeding. Therefore, we do not recommend titanium nail removal in asymptomatic patients.

The association between different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and CHAD, HIF-1α, COL2A1 expression in chondrocyte cultures.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of three different formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA): Low molecular weight (MW) Sinovial One®, medium MW Viscoplus® and high MW Durolane®, on chondrocyte proliferation and collagen type II (COL2A1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and chondroadherin (CHAD) expression in primary chondrocyte cultures. Standard primary chondrocyte cultures were established from osteochondral tissues surgically obtained from 6 patients with gonarthrosis. Cell morphology was evaluated using an inverted light microscope; cell proliferation was determined with a MTT assay and confirmed with acridine orange/propidium iodide staining. Levels of CHAD, COL2A1 and HIF-1α expression were assessed using specific TaqMan gene expression assays. The results demonstrated the positive effect of HA treatment on cell proliferation, which was independent from the MW. COL2A1 expression increased in the medium and high MW HA treated groups. It was observed that HIF-1α expression increased in the high MW treated group alone. CHAD expression increased only in the medium MW HA treated group. Evaluation of gene expression revealed that levels of expression increased as the duration of HA application increased, in the medium and high MW HA treated groups. In terms of increased viability and proliferation, a longer duration of HA application was more effective. Taken together, it may be concluded that the administration of medium and high MW HA may be a successful way of treating diseases affecting chondrocytes in a clinical setting.