Effects of tendon elongation on plantar pressure and clinical outcomes: A comparative analysis between open repair and minimally invasive surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess whether variances in Achilles tendon elongation are linked to dissimilarities in the plantar pressure distribution following two different surgical approaches for an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). METHODS: All patients who were treated with open or minimally invasive surgical repair (MIS) and were over 2 years post their ATR were eligible for inclusion. A total of 65 patients with an average age of 43 ± 11 years were included in the study. Thirty-five patients were treated with open repair, and 30 patients were treated with MIS. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and ATR Score (ATRS). Achilles tendon elongation was measured using axial and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Plantar pressure measurements for the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot during gait were divided into percentages based on total pressure, measured in g/cm2 for each area. RESULTS: The average AOFAS score was found 'excellent' (93 ± 2.8) in the MIS group, while it was found 'good' (87.4 ± 5.6) in the open repair group. In addition, the MIS group showed significantly superior ATRS scores (78.8 ± 7.4) compared to the open repair group (56.4 ± 15.4) (p < 0.001). The average tendon elongation in the MIS group was 11.3 ± 2 mm, while it was 17.3 ± 4.3 mm (p < 0.001) in the open repair group. While the open repair group showed significantly higher plantar pressure distribution in the initial contact and preswing phases compared to uninjured extremities, there was no significant difference between the uninjured extremities and the MIS group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrated that minimally invasive surgery was associated with less tendon elongation, more proximity to the plantar pressure distributions of the uninjured extremity and superior clinical outcomes compared to open surgical repair. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery may be considered a more suitable option for acute Achilles tendon repair to achieve overall better outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Preventing extremity amputations after earthquakes: a quantitative analysis of fasciotomy and extrication time.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of prolonged extrication time and the time to fasciotomy applications on amputation requirement by giving quantitative and cutoff values. METHODS: In this single-center study, the clinical records of patients with musculoskeletal injuries due to the 6 February Kahramanmaras earthquake in Turkey were retrospectively reviewed. All patients who underwent fasciotomy or amputation regardless of age and gender were included in the study. 163 extremities of 140 patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Demographic data of the patients, such as age and gender, were recorded in this study. The primary outcome of this study was the correlation of the time between injury and fasciotomy applications with the amputation requirement. At the same time, the effect of prolonged extrication time of earthquake victims on amputation requirement. RESULTS: The mean age was 29.01 ± 15.55 of earthquake victims included in the current study and the gender distribution of the patients is almost equal. 87 amputations of 65 patients were performed and transtibial amputation was the most common type (41.3%). The mean fasciotomy time was 38.78 ± 23.64 h. Delayed fasciotomies performed after 45.5 h increase 28.48 times the amputation requirement. The mean extrication time in the current study was 36.49 h. The patients with extrication time longer than 23 h was associated with an 8.8 times higher risk of amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Authors believe that knowledge of the relationship between earthquake survivors' prognosis and time of extrication, as well as the impact of fasciotomy timing on extremity loss, is essential for a more successful treatment management in future disasters.

Analysis of wound types and wound care methods after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the types of wounds and wound care in earthquake victims rescued from collapsed buildings after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 8th, 2023 and March 1st, 2023, a total of 94 patients (46 males, 48 females; mean age: 40.2±15.5 years; range, 16 to 77 years) with earthquake-related wounds who were trapped under rubble were retrospectively analyzed. Data including age, sex, duration of being trapped under rubble, type and location of the wound, bacterial cultures from deep tissue, and wound care methods used were recorded. RESULTS: The mean duration of being trapped under rubble was 58±38.1 h. Wounds were most commonly located on the lower extremities, followed by the upper extremities. The most common type of wounds were abrasions, followed by necrotic wounds due to crushing. Wound and skin antiseptics, debridement and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) were the most common wound care methods used. CONCLUSION: Various types of injuries and wounds may occur after natural disasters. Chronic wound care is as important as the management of life-threatening acute pathologies. Preparations should be made properly for the long-term treatment of patients after disasters. Methods such as NPWT, debridement creams containing collagenase, wound and skin antiseptics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide satisfactory short-term results. A broader and more intense application of these treatments is thought to be beneficial, particularly in crush injuries.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not change the amputation level in patients with fasciotomy after an earthquake: Our single-center experience after 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the amputation level in patients undergoing fasciotomy with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) score of ≥7 after 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 6th, 2023 and March 10th, 2023, a total of 23 patients (14 males, 9 females; mean age: 36.8±13.2 years; range, 17 to 64 years) who needed amputation with a MESS score of ≥7 and refused amputation were included in the study. All fasciotomies were performed in an external center, and five of them was incomplete. First, incomplete fasciotomies were completed with debridement due to deep muscle necrosis. Daily two HBOT sessions were performed for the first three days. In the following days, daily one HBOT session was performed. The HBOT was terminated for the patients who were decided by the council that they did not benefit from HBOT treatment. RESULTS: Six (26.08%) of the patients had a bone fracture (n=2 forearm, n=1 femur, n=2 tibia, and n=1 ankle fracture). The mean number of HBOT session was 13.24±5.4 (range, 7 to 30) and the mean duration of HBOT was 26.5±10.8 (range, 14 to 60) h. The mean MESS score was 9.96±1.36 (range, 7 to 12). All of the patients were trapped under the rubble with a mean time of 12.3±5.4 (range, 6 to 23) h. All fasciotomies were performed within the first 30 h. Twenty-two of the patients were amputated at the level previously determined by the experienced trauma surgeons. The amputation level changed in only one patient. After 38 h of HBOT, transradial amputation was performed to the patient in whom transhumeral amputation level was determined previously. None of the patients had any adverse event related to HBOT. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that the MESS is a useful scoring system for amputation decision after a high-energy trauma, such as an earthquake, with a high accuracy rate. The outcomes of HBOT are not satisfactory for high-energy traumas, such as earthquakes, in those requiring fasciotomy having more muscle necrosis and a MESS score of ≥7.

Nascent Malunion of Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Fixed Angled Volar Plates without Using Bone Grafts.

Purpose: Malunion of the distal radius is a common complication. Using bone grafts is common to restore the bone to an acceptable level. This study aimed to verify if it is necessary to use bone grafts in nascent malunion of distal radius fractures treated with fixed angled volar plates and which radiographic parameters are essential to obtain satisfactory outcomes. Methods: This single-centered prospective study included 11 patients who underwent corrective osteotomy of the radius for malunion. Patients with a metaphyseal, extraarticular osteotomy stabilized by a volar fixed angle plate within 3 months after the fracture are included. Patients underwent a standard radiological evaluation at postoperative 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter. Radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, and palmar tilt were measured. Wrist ranges of motion are measured throughout follow-up with a goniometer. Grip strength is measured using a Jamar Hand Dynamometer. The function is evaluated via the Gartland-Werley (GW) score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Results: The mean age of 11 patients, 9 (81.82%) males, included in the study was 41.45 ± 14.89 years. The mean post-fracture admission time is 39.3 ± 15.1 days. Radial inclination, radial length, and ulnar variance improved significantly after surgery (p = 0.0023, 0.0002, 0.0037). Radial inclination values are within normal limits for all patients at admission. The radial length was in the normal range for 72.73%, the ulnar variance was in the normal range for 72.73%, and palmar tilt was in the normal range for 100% of the patients. Extension 54.55%, flexion 72.73%, radial deviation 81.82%, ulnar deviation 63.64%, pronation 90.91%, and supination 72.73% were achieved after surgery. GW average was 3.09 ± 3.24 DASH score average was 12.24 ± 13.48. The mean grip strength was 29.27 ± 7.21 on the operated side, while it was 34.91 ± 5.32, on the healthy side, with a significant difference (p = 0.0108). Conclusion: It is possible to get good results without using bone grafts in corrective osteotomy of distal radius malunions.

A new scoring system for predicting cut-out risk in patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine all the potential risk factors defined in the literature for cut-out after proximal femoral nail anti-rotation in managing intertrochanteric fractures and (2) make a reliable prediction about the likelihood of cut-out by developing a quantitative scoring system. METHODS: Four hundred eighty patients who were operated on for an intertrochanteric femur fracture were included in the study. The patients were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological parameters known to affect cut-out, including tip apex distance (TAD), calcarreferenced TAD (CalTAD), and reduction quality, were also used to evaluate the patients. Additionally, the classification of the fracture according to the cortical thickness index for osteoporosis, the Charlson comorbidity index for additional comorbidities, and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Für Osteosynthesefragen classification were evaluated. RESULTS: The cut-out rate among all patients was 7.2%. Cut-out risk could be predicted by gender, TAD, CalTAD, and reduction quality. Female gender, TAD > 29.45, CalTAD > 31.75, and acceptable or poor reduction quality significantly increased the cut-out risk. Based on the chi-square analysis, it was determined that there was a significant relationship between the cut-out risk and the variables of TAD, CalTAD, reduction quality, gender, and fracture type (P=.000, P=.000, P=.000, P=.008, P=.016, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed a strong correlation between the newly developed scoring system and the risk of cut-out. The risk of cut-out increased 8.1 times in individuals with a score of more than 2 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Female gender, TAD > 29.45, CalTAD > 31.75, and acceptable or poor reduction quality are the parameters found to be significant in determining the cut-out risk. With the newly developed scoring system, risks can be calculated for all situations that may occur according to the scores obtained by the patients. The cut-out risk increases significantly in patients with a score above 2 points. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Diagnostic Study.

Evaluation of free vascularized medial femoral condyle bone grafts in the treatment of avascular scaphoid waist nonunion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the medial femoral condyle (MFC) bone graft procedure for scaphoid waist nonunion with avascular necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging or prior surgery failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2015 and December 2018, a total of 17 patients (16 males, 1 female; mean age: 29±8.2 years; range, 16 to 40 years) with scaphoid waist nonunion who were treated with vascularized MFC bone grafting were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postoperative carpal indices, grip strengths for both hands, range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QDASH) score, and Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) were evaluated. RESULTS: After vascularized MFC bone graft surgery, 15 patients healed and returned to work without any limitations. Ten patients of left scaphoid nonunion and seven cases of right scaphoid nonunion were treated; for eight of these patients, the operation was on the dominant side. Eight of these patients were smokers. The mean follow-up was 22.4±5.8 months. The mean hand grip strength was increased from 74.5 to 84% on the contralateral side (p<0.05). The average revised carpal height ratio improved from 1.57 to 1.59 (p<0.05) and the scapholunate angle changed from 56.9° to 51.6° (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The MFC bone grafting is one of the best surgical procedures for small defects such as scaphoid waist nonunion with high union rates, good functional outcomes, and minimal donor site morbidity.

Systematic triage and treatment of earthquake victims: Our experience in a tertiary hospital after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of our triage system in acceleration of intervention for the musculoskeletal injuries and clinical follow-ups of trauma patients admitted to our center after the Kahramanmaras earthquake. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 6th, 2023 and February 20th, 2023, a total of 439 patients (207 males, 232 females; mean age: 37.1±19.1 years; range, 1 to 94 years) with earthquake-related musculoskeletal injuries after the Kahramanmaras earthquake were retrospectively analyzed. Data including age, sex, referral city information, removal time from the rubbles, physical examination findings, clinical photos, fasciotomy and amputation stumps and levels, and X-ray images and computed tomography images of all patients were shared and archived in the WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc.® ATTN/CA, USA) group called 'Earthquake' created by orthopedic surgeons. To complete the patient interventions as soon as possible and to ensure order, the patients were distributed with the teams in order through this group by the consultant orthopedic surgeon. The treatments were applied and recorded according to the skin and soft tissue conditions, and fractures of the patients. All treatments were carried out with a multi-disciplinary approach. RESULTS: Of the patients, 16.2% were children. Lower limb injuries constituted 59.07% of musculoskeletal injuries. Upper limb, pelvic, and spinal cord injuries were observed in 21.9%, 12.7%, and 6.25%, respectively. Conservative treatment was applied to 183 (41.68%) patients. The most common surgical intervention was debridement (n=136, 53.1%). External fixation was applied in the first stage to 21 (8.2%) patients with open fractures. The mean removal time from the rubbles was 32.1±29.38 h. A total of 118 limb fasciotomy operations were applied to the patients. Fifty limb amputations were performed in 40 patients at the last follow-up due to vascular insufficiency and infection. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, we believe that a triage system using a good communication and organization strategy is beneficial to prevent treatment delay and possible adverse events in future disasters.

Admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio to predict 30-day and 1-year mortality in geriatric hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients with hip fractures exhibit a high incidence of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that may predict mortality in patients with geriatric hip fracture. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 241 patients who were admitted to the hospital with hip fractures between May 2017 and March 2019. The effect of the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) on 30-day and 1-year mortality was evaluated. In addition, admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (MLRs) were also examined. RESULTS: The mFI-5 was not found to be a statistically significant predictive indicator for 30-day and 1-year mortality (P = 0.485 and P = 0.484, respectively). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or current pneumonia was found to increase mortality by 2.702 times (P = 0.002). The 30-day mortality rates of patients aged ≥80 years were significantly higher than those aged 65-79 years (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the mortality rates between the age groups after 30 days postoperatively (P = 0.114). Admission NLRs and MLRs were significantly higher in the 30-day and 1-year mortality groups. The cut-off values of the admission NLRs and MLRs for 30-day mortality were calculated as 6.55 and 0.65, respectively, while the same cut-off values for 1-year mortality were calculated as 6.55 and 0.635, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Admission NLRs and MLRs are useful hematological data for the prediction of 30-day and 1-year mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients.