Fracture mapping of adult femoral neck fractures with three dimensional computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are a commonly encountered injury in orthopaedic practice. It is essential that surgeons recognize specific fracture patterns to effectively manage these fractures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the fracture morphology of FNFs by three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the fracture. METHODS: The fracture line location and distribution of 120 FNFs were identified using computed tomography reconstructions. After segmentation and virtual reduction, the fracture line was revealed. The femoral neck region was divided into zones according to anatomical localization, and the zones through which the fracture lines passed were recorded. All fracture lines are superimposed on the standard model to create fracture mapping. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients with FNFs were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 67 (18-96) years. Of all patients, 59 were male, and 61 were female. The most affected region was Zone 4. The least affected region was Zone 6. The displacement in Zone 1 and Zone 4 was found to be significantly higher. The displacement in patients under 65 years was found to be significantly higher. Zone 2 and Zone 5 involvement was significantly higher in patients under 65 years. CONCLUSION: The fracture map showed fracture patterns of FNFs. It was found that fracture displacement and transcervical region involvement were more common in patients under 65 years. It was also found that the displacement rate was high in fractures of the subcapital region.

The effectiveness of combined surgery and chemotherapy in primary hydatid cyst of thigh muscles, a rare localization and its management.

Hydatid cyst is a common infestation caused by helminths in humans and usually involves the liver and lungs. Primarily, cases of hydatid cysts in the thigh muscles are extremely rare and are generally in the form of case reports. It is an important disease due to its insidious course, its confusion with other soft tissue pathologies, delay in diagnosis and painstaking surgery. In our study, the largest case series in the literature, the clinical stages of the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of 9 hydatid cysts that develop primarily in the thigh muscles were evaluated. The risk of recurrence in primary hydatid cyst of the thigh can be reduced with rapid diagnosis, careful preoperative planning, complete surgical resection by avoiding cyst rupture and concomitant anthelmintic chemotherapy.

Radiological and functional outcomes of modified Metaizeau technique in displaced radial neck fractures.

The management of displaced radial neck fractures in children is still a controversial topic. The objective of this study is to examine the outcomes of modified Metaizeau technique in the children with displaced radius neck fractures. The retrospective study included 15 children with displaced radial neck fracture with an angulation of more than 30° who were managed with the use of leverage technique by mosquito clamps and internal fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Radiological and functional assessments were performed during follow-up. Additionally, the patients were evaluated using Mayo Elbow Per- formance Score (MEPS). All the children could be managed with clamp-assisted closed reduction. The average duration of follow up was 25.5 ± 6.1 months (15-36 months). An excellent elbow function was achieved in all but one patient. Based on Metaizeau classification, excellent, good, fair, and poor outcomes were achieved in 11, 1, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. The average postoperative MEPS score was 98.7 ± 5.1 (80-100). Clamp-assisted closed reduction and fixation with ESIN is a good choice in the children with displaced radial neck fractures. This technique is associated with good functional and radiologic outcomes in the medium-term. Further studies are warranted with larger sample sizes.

How do vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty affect the quality of life of patients with multiple myeloma spinal metastasis?

BACKGROUND: Metastatic spinal lesions are diseases that impair the quality of life and require early diagnosis and treatment. The count of spinal metastasis patients rises day by day. Increased life expectancy has increased the incidence of cancer, making metastases more observable. The aim of our study was to investigate how the quality of life is affected in the patient group with vertebral fracture due to spinal metastases of multiple myeloma and undergoing vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with fracture due to spinal metastasis and adequate follow-up between the years of 2011 and 2018 were included in the study. Patients were listed according to their primary malignancy and metastases. The effect of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty was investigated by evaluating preoperative and postoperative VAS and Oswestry Disability Index scores. All patients' radiographic kyphosis angle, compression ratio and wedging index were calculated before operation and after operation. RESULTS: A total of 76 vertebrae were operated in 42 patients. Significant differences were found in the comparison of preoperative and postoperative quality of life according to VAS and Oswestry Disability Index scores in the patients undergoing vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty or both procedures after spinal metastases (VAS; p = 0.0001, ODI; p = 0.002/0.0001). There were statistically significant differences in preoperative local kyphosis angle, compression ratio and wedging index and post-op local kyphosis angle, compression ratio and wedging index (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, minimally invasive procedures performed after spinal metastases, improve the quality of life of the patients.

Collagen/Nano-hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold Application with Exchange Reamed Nailing Accelerates Bone Union and Improves Quality of Life in Atrophic Femoral Shaft Nonunions: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effect of exchange intramedullary nailing in femoral shaft atrophic nonunions and the use of collagen/nano-hydroxyapatite composite scaffold applied in addition to the cancellous iliac crest autograft on the union, return to work, and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with an atrophic nonunion in the isthmic region of the femoral shaft were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 24 patients who underwent collagen/nano-hydroxyapatite composite scaffold in addition to exchange intramedullary nailing and iliac autograft, while group B consisted of 30 patients without scaffold. Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire scores, union rates, time to union, return to work were complications were compared. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 47.5 ± 14.1. The mean follow-up period was 3.56 ± 1.88 years. There was no statistically significant difference between Group A and B in terms of age, gender, smoking and alcohol use, and trauma mechanism. Time to union and return to work were statistically significantly shorter in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.004, p = 0.001). All of the SF-36 survey scores at month six were better in Group A. In the first year, mental health and general health perception were still statistically better in group A (p = 0.009, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of atrophic nonunions of the femoral shaft isthmic region, the use of collagen/nano-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds together with exchange intramedullary nailing affects the union positively. This positive effect also brings about earlier return to work and better quality of life.

Fixation of open, unstable tuft fractures in toddlers and preschool-aged children using a 25-gauge hypodermic needle.

This study aimed to assess the treatment process of open, unstable tuft fractures occurring in toddlers and preschool-aged children treated using a 25-gauge hypodermic needle in the emergency department, and the cosmetic and functional results achieved by this treatment. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 72 patients. Children aged two to six years were included in the study. Van Beek classification was used for the evaluation of nail bed injuries. Cosmetic results were evaluated on the basis of Zook classification whereas functional results were evaluated according to the Buck-Gramko score simplified by Nietosvaara et al . The patient population consisted of 52 men and 20 women. The mean age was 4 ± 1.33 years. The operating time was 19.17 ± 3.66 minutes and the time to union was 46.68 ± 4.84 days. While excellent and good functional results were obtained in 65 (90.2%) of the patients, excellent and very good cosmetic results were obtained in 51 (70.8%) patients. Unless there is an accompanying extremity fracture, unstable pediatric tuft fractures can be successfully fixed with a hypodermic needle in the emergency department. Gentle and precise repair of the nail bed may provide cosmetically and functionally satisfactory results.

Evaluation of the effect of proximal femur geometry on results of geriatric intertrochanteric fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the complications and clinical outcomes after intertrochanteric femoral fracture surgery, and the Singh index (SI), canal-calcar ratio (CCR), cortical thickness index (CTI), and canal flare index (CFI) - the radiological indices defining proximal femoral morphology in the literature - among patients over 60 years of age. METHODS: The data of 350 patients who were operated between 2015 and 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The study included patients who underwent dual lag screw proximal femoral nailing and had good intraoperative reduction quality according to Fogagnolo's criteria. The relationships among radiological indices measured on radiographs acquired after trauma, and post-operative complications, Barthel activity index, and Harris hip score (HHS) were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Among 121 patients who met the study criteria, there were 63 (52.07%) female and 58 (47.93%) male patients. The mean length of follow-up was 37.09 (36-60) months. The patients had a mean age of 79.78 (60-97) years. At least one mechanical complication developed in 32 (26.4%) patients in the study group. No significant relationship could be established between radiological indices and post-operative complications (p>0.05). The relationship between SI and HHS was statistically significant (p<0.05). CCR, CTI, and CFI did not have a statistically significant relationship with and HHS (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant relationship could be established between radiological indices and post-operative complications. It should be considered that SI may be a parameter that affects clinical outcomes.

Component alignment in simultaneous bilateral or unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

A bilateral total knee prosthesis procedure can be performed simultaneously in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in component alignment between the simultaneous bilateral TKA and unilateral TKA. A total of 20 patients out of 40 underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA, whereas 20 patients had unilateral TKA. The component alignments were compared radiographically. There was no statistically significant difference in the component alignment between the simultaneous bilateral TKA group and the unilateral TKA group. In conclusion, component alignment of the patients with simultaneous bilateral TKA is similar to that of unilateral TKA.

Surgery or Conservative Treatment of Forearm in Patients Diagnosed with Pediatric Floating Elbow? Retrospective Analysis of 60 Consecutive Cases.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of supracondylar humerus fracture and forearm fracture is a rare trauma (3-13%) and it is called floating elbow. The aim of this study is to clinically compare the treatment outcomes of the patients diagnosed with floating elbow who underwent surgical treatment and who were followed up forearm with immobilization with splint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: When scanned retrospectively, 60 patients who were treated with the diagnosis of floating elbow due to traumatic causes and followed up for at least 1 year were included in our study. Surgical treatment was performed on 42 patients for forearm fracture. Eighteen patients followed up with immobilization with a long arm splint. The results were evaluated according to the criteria modified by Templeton and Graham, in comparison with the patient's intact side. RESULTS: In the patients whose forearms were followed up conservatively, the mean age was 5.67 ± 2.25 years, and the mean follow-up period was 62.17 ± 45.91 months. In the patients who underwent surgery for the forearm, the mean age was 8.79 ± 2.01 years, and the mean follow-up was 47.14 ± 34.25 months. Eighteen patients whose forearms followed up conservatively, 12 had excellent and good clinical results and 6 had poor and moderate clinical results. Excellent and good clinical results in 27 patients who underwent surgical treatment for their forearms, moderate and poor clinical results obtained in 15 of them. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.357). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes can be obtained with immobilization of the forearm fracture with splint, if acceptable reduction can be provided for the forearm following fixation of the supracondylar humerus fracture with the K-wire for treatment of floating elbow injury.

[Calcific myonecrosis]. / Kalsifik miyonekroz: Olgu sunumu.

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare complication of limb trauma, that may occur after many years. It is characterized by dystrophic calcification that develops in the late period following compartment syndrome usually in the lower limb. We present a 66-year-old man who developed calcific myonecrosis 35 years after surgical intervention for compartment syndrome secondary to a gunshot injury to the left thigh. He presented with pain and swelling in the left leg. On physical examination, there was a well-defined and immobile mass lesion in the anterolateral part of the left crus, soft in consistency and 20 x 8 x 6 cm in size, showing no relation with the joint. Radiographic evaluation showed linear calcifications in the left crus without osseous pathology. At surgery, all the fibers in the anterior tibial compartment were calcified and there was no attachment to the bone. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy. Histopathological evaluation of the specimens revealed calcific myonecrosis. At the end of one-year follow-up, the patient was symptomless, without any recurrence.

[The results of treatment in pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions]. / Cocuklardaki Monteggia esdeger lezyonlarinda tedavi sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of conservative and surgical treatment of pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions. METHODS: The study included 13 children (3 females, 10 males; mean age 8 years; range 4 to 13 years) who underwent treatment for Monteggia equivalent lesions. Seven patients (53.9%) had Bado type 1 and six patients (46.2%) had type 3 equivalent lesions. Two patients with type 3 equivalent lesions also had a lateral humeral condyle fracture. On presentation, one patient (7.7%) had radial nerve palsy. Primarily, closed reduction was attempted in all the patients except for one patient who underwent urgent debridement and irrigation for an open fracture-dislocation. Reduction was successful in eight patients (61.5%). Upon failure of closed reduction, four patients (30.8%) underwent surgery within the first 24 hours of injury. Functional assessment was made according to the Reckling's criteria. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years (range 2 to 7 years). RESULTS: None of the patients had nonunion. Conservative treatment did not result in loss of reduction of the radius head or limitation in the range of motion of the elbow joint. Except for the patient with an open fracture-dislocation leading to a poor functional result, the results were good in all the patients receiving conservative or surgical treatment. One patient (7.7%) treated conservatively developed cubitus varus (5 degrees ) and posterior angulation (20 degrees ) of the ulnar fracture line. One patient treated surgically had limitation of supination (10 degrees ) without limitation of flexion or extension of the elbow joint. Accompanying radial nerve palsy in this patient disappeared in the postoperative third month. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction is the first choice of treatment in pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions. Surgical treatment becomes necessary if closed reduction fails.

[Short-term results of treatment of tennis elbow with anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with local injection of a corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture]. / Tenisçi dirsegi tedavisinde antienflamatuvar ilaç tedavisinin tek basina ve kortikosteroid ve anestezik karisimi enjeksiyonla birlikte kullanilmasinin kisa dönem sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the short-term results of anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with local injection of a corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture in the treatment of tennis elbow. METHODS: The study included 21 patients (12 males, 9 females; mean age 45 years; range 19 to 72 years) with tennis elbow. The patients were randomized to oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs alone (group 1, n=10) or combined with a single local injection of a corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture (group 2, n=11). The patients were evaluated with a pain score (0 to 10 points) and clinical examination before and one month after treatment. RESULTS: Complete or near-complete relief of pain and unlimited function were obtained in four patients (40%) in group 1, and in 10 patients (90.9%) in group 2. On physical examination, two patients (20%) in group 1 and eight patients (72.7%) in group 2 were pain-free upon pressure on the lateral epicondyle or dorsiflexion of the wrist. Pain scores differed significantly in both groups after treatment (p=0.026 and p=0.003, respectively); however, combination treatment was associated with a significantly higher efficacy (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that significantly enhanced efficacy of the combination treatment used in this study might be limited to the short-term and that adverse effects of steroids on the tendons should be taken into consideration.

[Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis]. / Lateral epikondilitli olgularda ekstrakorporeal sok dalga tedavisi.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: The study included 13 elbows of 12 patients (8 women, 4 men; mean age 40 years) who did not benefit from conservative therapy for lateral epicondylitis and refused surgical therapy. Under fluoroscopic guidance, extracorporeal shock wave therapy of 1200 pulses at 15-20 kV was administered at a mean of three sessions (range 3 to 7 sessions) with two-day intervals. No immobilization was applied after sessions. The patients were questioned about pain during rest and during dorsiflexion of the wrist against resistance before and after three and 12 months of treatment. The results were evaluated using the Roles and Maudsley pain scores. At the end of 12 months, the patients were asked to lift weight with the shoulder in flexion and the wrist in extension to measure grip strengths in comparison with the unaffected side. RESULTS: The mean pain score which was 3.4 before treatment decreased to 2 after treatment. The mean grip strength of the affected extremities was 82.1% of the normal side. At final follow-ups, nine patients (10 elbows) (75%) stated that the treatment was beneficial; all these patients achieved at least 85% of grip strength of the normal side. Two patients (16.7%) reported no benefit from therapy and had a poor pain score. The result was fair in one patient (8.3%) who expressed dissatisfaction and had partial relief after the procedure. This patient achieved 60% of grip strength of the unaffected side. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an alternative method for patients who do not benefit from conservative treatment and refuse surgical treatment.

Effect of bleeding on nerve regeneration and epineural scar formation in rat sciatic nerves: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Epineural scar formation is one of the most significant negative factors affecting surgical repair after peripheral nerve injury. The scar tissue mechanically hinders axonal regeneration and causes adhesions between nerves and surrounding tissues. A hemostatic agent Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS; Immun Gida Ilaç Kozmetik San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti., Istanbul, Turkey) has not been previously used. Decreasing the postoperative bleeding and adhesions between nerve and surrounding tissues will prevent the formation of scar tissue, as well as corresponding compressive neuropathy and/or deceleration of axonal regeneration. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of bleeding on nerve healing and scar tissue after repair of peripheral nerve injuries. METHODS: The right sciatic nerve of 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats (weighing 260-330 g) was cut 1.5 cm proximal to the trifurcation and repaired primarily with 8/0 sutures using epineural technique. The rats were then divided into 3 groups. Saline was applied in Group 1 (n=10), ABS in Group 2 (n=10), and heparin in Group 3 (n=10) for 5 minutes to the repair site and surrounding tissues. In each group, electrophysiological measurements were performed with electromyography (EMG) at postoperative week 12. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging was used at week 12. Macroscopical and histopathological evaluations were conducted after sacrificing the rats at week 24 with total excision of the repaired sciatic nerves and surrounding tissues. RESULTS: The ABS and saline groups showed better healing than the heparin group. The ABS and saline groups were better in the histopathologic evaluations, but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were not found between the 3 groups. Significant results may be obtained with larger studies.

Short term results comparison of intraarticular platelet-rich plasma (prp) and hyaluronic acid (ha) applications in early stage of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the short-term results of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) administrations in early knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighteen patients (mean age: 59.3±8.55) who were clinically and radiologically documented with a knee osteoarthritis diagnosis between May and December 2013 were evaluated. For the radiological evaluation, the Kellgren-Lawrence radiological classification scale was employed. The data of stage 1 and 2 patients with osteoarthritis were gathered retrospectively according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. The patients were given intra-articular PRP or HA treatments a total of three times, one week apart. 61 patients (102 knees) were involved in the PRP group, and 57 patients (97 knees) were involved in the HA group. The patients were evaluated using the Knee Society's Knee Scoring System (KSS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring system before the treatment and at three and six months after the treatment. RESULTS: In the PRP and HA groups, when pre-treatment KSS and VAS scores were compared with post-treatment three and six-month scores, a statistically significant difference was seen. When the groups were compared with each other, there was no significant difference between pre-treatment KSS and VAS pain scores; however, a significant difference was found between post-treatment three and six-month scores. CONCLUSION: In this study, the intra-articular PRP administration was more efficient than the HA administration in early knee osteoarthritis.

The relation between the arthroscopic findings and functional outcomes in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint, treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between arthroscopic findings and functional outcomes in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint, treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation. METHODS: Twenty patients (17 male, 3 female; mean age: 31 years [5-63 years]) with knee septic arthritis treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation in our clinic between 2004-2007 were included in the study. The decision for arthroscopic debridement was made based on the clinical findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level and the aspiration of the affected knee. During the arthroscopic debridement, the joint was staged according to Gachter criteria. Continuous irrigation system was set up for all cases following surgery. After the surgery, the Bussiere functional scale was used for clinical evaluation. The mean follow-up periodwas 29±11months (range 13-54 months). The McNemar test was used in comparing the results. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used in the correlation analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The culture was positive in 3 cases, and negative in 8 cases who exhibited gram (+) cocci in gram stains. In nine cases, cultures were negative and no microorganisms were detected in gram stains. According to the arthroscopic Gachter classification, 4 cases (20%) were Stage 1, 10 cases (50%) were Stage 2, 5 cases (25%) Stage 3 and 1 case (5%) was Stage 4. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean functional score of the knees with differing Gachter stages (McNemar test, p=0.003). There was a statistically significant and strong correlation between Gachter score and functional results (correlation coefficient: 0.780; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Advanced arthroscopic findings are associated with poor functional results in patients with septic arthritis of the knee joint. In addition, the time between the initial symptoms and the surgery directly affects the functional results.

Immobilization of the shoulder in external rotation for prevention of recurrence in acute anterior dislocation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the functional and stability outcomes of the patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation, who were stabilized at external versus internal rotation. METHODS: A total of 33 patients (31 males and 2 females) with the diagnosis of acute primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation were immobilized at internal (n=17) or external rotation (n=16). The mean follow-up period was 20.85 months (range 6-41 months). Patients received rehabilitation program immediately after splinting. We assessed functionality by Constant-Murlay score and stability by Rowe scoring system in 6th month. Control examinations were performed in 12th and 24th months. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between internal rotation and external rotation groups in terms of Constant-Murlay and Rowe scores. Recurrent dislocation rate was 6.3% (1/16) in external rotation group and 29.4% (5/17) in internal rotation group (p>0.05). In the subgroup of patients aged between 21-30 years, while no recurrent dislocation was seen in external rotation group, 5 patients developed recurrent dislocation in internal rotation group(p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Immobilization of the shoulder in external rotation is an effective technique for prevention of recurrent dislocations in acute anterior shoulder dislocation and should be preferred to traditional splinting in internal rotation in clinical practice.

Bilateral absence of patella.

A 20-year-old man with bilateral absence of patella, thinness of the left femoral neck, femoral and tibial shaft was reported. This clinical presentation has not been reported in the English language literature. We propose that the unusual association observed in our patient may represent a distinguishing clinical presentation from previously reported aplastic patella syndromes.

Comparison of anti-edema effects of iloprost and diclofenac sodium on traumatic rat paw edema.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the anti-edema effects of a stable prostacyclin analogue, iloprost, with parenteral and local forms of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium, on traumatic soft tissue edema. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Traumatic edema in one paw of each rat was produced by established protocol. Different drugs were then administered to each group: intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline (group 1, control group), topical diclofenac gel (group 2), i.p. diclofenac sodium (group 3), and i.p. iloprost (group 4). The volume of the paws was measured at baseline (before trauma) and at 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after trauma. The anti-edema effects of these 3 drugs (diclofenac gel, diclofenac sodium i.p., iloprost i.p.) were compared to each other and to the control group. RESULTS: The greatest increase in paw edema in the first, second and fourth hours was seen in the control and iloprost groups. At the 4-hour measurement, edema levels were all equal except control group. Following 4- and 8-hour measurements, edema began to decrease in all groups. After 8 and 24 hours, the fastest decrease in edema was in iloprost group, with complete resolution of edema by 72 hours. The next fastest decrease in paw volume was seen with i.p. diclofenac sodium, followed by diclofenac gel. CONCLUSION: Iloprost has experimentally higher anti-edema effect than diclofenac sodium for the conservative treatment of the traumatic soft tissue edema.