Ultrasonic Evaluation of the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Following Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate with ultrasound the thickness of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and its relationship to the volar locking plate after the fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: We evaluated 27 type C2 and C3 distal radius fractures with ultrasound to evaluate damage to the FPL tendon after volar plate fixation. The thickness of the FPL tendon and its distance to the volar plate in the involved wrists and to the volar rim in the contralateral uninjured wrist were measured on sonograms taken 12 months postoperatively. Measurements of the involved wrists were compared with those of the intact wrists. RESULTS: The mean plate-tendon distance in the involved wrist was considerably shorter than the mean volar rim-tendon distance in the intact wrist, and the FPL tendon was considerably thicker in the involved wrist than in the intact wrist. CONCLUSIONS: In distal radial fractures treated with volar locking plates, increases in the thickness of the FPL tendon and a consequent decrease in the distance between the tendon and the plate can be determined with ultrasonography. This finding is a warning that asymptomatic tenosynovitis may eventually cause tendon ruptures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Reconstruction of neglected achilles tendon ruptures with gastrocnemius flaps: excellent results in long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Repair of the neglected achilles tendon ruptures can be challenging due to retraction of tendon stumps. Different repair and augmentation techniques were described. This study aims to investigate long-term results of neglected achilles tendon rupture repair with gastrocnemius flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2005, 21 neglected achilles tendon rupture reconstructions were performed with using gastrocnemius fascial flaps. Mean age was 32.1 years. Mean period between rupture and operation was 8.4 weeks. Ankle range of motion, calf circumference, heel raise test, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores were checked. RESULTS: The average gap length was 6.4 cm. Mean follow-up was 145.3 months. Median dorsiflexion/plantar flexion values for operated and uneffected sides were 18°/30° and 19°/30°, respectively. The mean values for AOFAS and FADI scores were 98.5 points and 98.9 %, respectively. VAS score was 0 point for all patients. With the numbers available, no significant difference could be detected in terms of ankle range of motion, calf circumference measures and dynamometric analysis. Mean time for return to daily activities was 11.1 (8-16) weeks after surgery. Prerupture activity level was achieved 14.1 months postoperatively. All patients were able to perform heel raise test. CONCLUSION: Repair of neglected achilles tendon ruptures with gastrocnemius flaps has satisfactory long-term results.

Evaluation of Unicortical Locking Screw Placement for Torsional Loads in Distal Radius Fractures: A Biomechanical Study in Cadavers.

Background We aimed to compare bio-mechanical outcomes of short-length 75%-length uni-cortical screw (SL75UCS) and full-length 100%-length screws (FL100S) under axial compression (AXC) and torsional compression (TRC) in cadaveric distal radius volar plate model. Methodology A total of 20 wrists from 10 fresh frozen cadavers were included. A 2.5 mm titanium alloy distal radius anatomical plate was placed to the distal radii in full anatomical position, just proximal to the watershed line. Three bi-cortical screws to the shaft of the radius, followed by uni-cortical drilling for distal screwing were placed. Measurement by pulling the drill once it reached the opposite cortex was applied. We selected the screw lengths such that they corresponded to the SL75UCS. In the same configuration for each of the cadavers, we delivered six screws from distal radius holes of the anatomical plate. An oscillating handsaw was used to create an extra-articular distal radius fracture model (AO 23-A3.2). We created a dorsal AP model by performing a 1-cm wedge osteotomy from the dorsal aspect. Complete separation of the volar cortex was achieved. Potting was performed by embedding the shaft of the prepared radius into the polyurethane medium. We placed aluminum apparatus into the distal end to ensure applying of AXC and TRC in bio-mechanistic tests. Results No statistically significant difference of stiffness between the SL75UCS and FL100S both under AXC (p=0.88) and TRC (p=0.82). SL75UCS and FL100S groups did not differ in elastic limit under AXC (p=0.71) and TRC (p=0.71). Maximal force on SL75UCS and FL100S groups were also similar under both AXC (p=0.71) and TRC (p=0.50). Conclusions Our study findings suggest that drilling the dorsal cortex may not be necessary in the management of distal radius fractures. Instead, utilizing SL75UCS could serve as a viable alternative. This approach offers potential advantages in reducing the risk of extensor tendon complications associated with drilling or screw protrusion. It is a safe method under torsional load to avoid drilling of the dorsal cortex and SL75UCS could be performed in order to prevent from extensor tendon complications secondary to drilling or screw protrusion.

Evaluation of the Coronal Malposition of the Volar Locking Plate in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Literature does not show any studies regarding plate placement problems in the coronal plane of patients with volar plating due to distal radius fracture diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the functional and laboratory results of the coronal malposition of the volar locking plate in patients with distal radius fracture treated with internal fixation. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included patients who had volar plate fixation, were aged between 18 and 80, had no pathological fracture, had a minimum of six months of follow-up, and had the same rehabilitation protocol. We consider the angle subtended on the coronal axis between the distal radius long axis and the distal radius locking plate as coronal malposition. We named the coronal malposition angle the "AYE Angle." Patients with an AYE angle of over 1 degree were evaluated under group 1. Patients with an AYE angle of 0-1 degrees were evaluated under group 2. Radiological parameters were taken from AP-Lateral X-ray views. Superficial University System of Georgia (USG) examinations were applied to detect tendon problems. The DASH and QUICK-DASH scoring systems were used for clinical evaluation. Grip strength was measured with a dynamometer in all patients. All results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were female and 27 patients were male. Nineteen patients who had coronal malposition were added to group 1, while 21 patients who had no coronal malposition were added to group 2. Fifteen patients had normal USG results in group 2, while 18 patients had edema around the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon as a result of USG in group 1. Statistically, a significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of the amount of tenosynovitis around FPL (p=0.01). A statistically significant relationship was found between USG grading and malposition grading. The study revealed that a higher rate of USG grade 2 was found in patients with malposition grade 2 (90.9%), while a higher rate of USG grade 1 (50%) was observed in patients with malposition grade 1 (p=0.01). A statistically significant difference was not found between Soong grading and USG in terms of the level of tenosynovitis around the FPL tendon. The amount of tenosynovitis detected around the FPL tendon was 62.5% for Soong and grade 0 level, 60.7% for grade 1 level, and 50% for grade 2 level. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the DASH and QUICK-DASH scoring systems (p=0.96). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the grip strength (p=0.52). CONCLUSION: Coronal plate position in the treatment of the distal radius fracture is important to avoid potential flexor tendon problems. The volar plate position should be adjusted properly both in the coronal and sagittal axes.

Efficacy and Reliability of Percutaneous Gigli Saw Osteotomy in Midfoot Surgery: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: Midfoot osteotomy is often used in the surgical treatment of foot deformities. The percutaneous Gigli saw osteotomy (PGSO) technique has many advantages compared with known osteotomy techniques. We aimed to show the efficacy and reliability of the PGSO technique in the midfoot of fresh frozen cadavers without using an image intensifier. METHODS: Four mini-incisions were performed on the dorsomedial, dorsolateral, plantar medial, and plantar lateral regions of the midfoot. Subperiosteal tunnels were then opened with a thin bone elevator, and the four incisions were combined with each other. The Gigli saw was tied to suture material and passed through the tunnels. The PGSO was performed in the midfoot of 12 feet of the cadaver specimens without using an image intensifier. Cadaver specimens were dissected, and injured structures were noted. RESULTS: The mean ± SD (range) cadaver age was 81.16 ± 10.38 years (65-93 years) and weight was 60.86 ± 12.39 kg (49.8-81.6 kg). All of the osteotomies were adequate as planned in the cuboid-cuneiform level and all of them were complete osteotomy .Incomplete osteotomy was not observed in any cadaver specimens. In one specimen, a complete injury of the peroneal tendons (peroneus longus and brevis) was detected. In another specimen, an incomplete tibialis anterior tendon injury was detected. There was no iatrogenic neurovascular injury in the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The PGSO technique is recommended for use even by inexperienced surgeons owing to its minimal risk of soft-tissue injury, provision of a complete osteotomy line, and easy application with limited incisions.

An evaluation of the efficacy of the locked plate with bone grafting in Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of locking plate osteosynthesis performed by an L-shaped lateral approach in patients with Sanders type III and IV intra-articular calcaneal fractures with posterior facet displacement. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with Sanders type III or IV unilateral calcaneal fractures treated with locking plates and additional bone grafting were included in the study. Böhler and Gissane angles, and heel height values were measured on the radiological examinations. Clinical results of the patients were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Maryland evaluation criteria. The presence of arthrosis was investigated with Broden's view. Preoperative and postoperative values were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Gissane angle was 119.32°, the mean Böhler angle was 9.47° and the mean heel height was 40.82 mm on radiographs at initial presentation of the patients. The mean Gissane angle was 114.63°, the mean Böhler angle was 23.33° and the mean heel height was 47.84 mm on the early postoperative radiographs of the patients. In patients, a mean 4.69° recovery was achieved in the Gissane angle, 13.86° in Böhler angle and 7.02 mm in heel height. On the most recent follow-up, Böhler angle was 21.49°, Gissane was 114.88° and the mean heel height was 46.95 mm. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score and Maryland score were 86.91 and 86.53, respectively, on the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation and grephonage using low-profile locking plates provides good functional results to patients since it facilitates anatomic restoration of the subtalar joint and correction of calcaneal height, width and varus/valgus heel.

A Safe Method for Early Rehabilitation of Articular Fracture at the Base of Thumb Metacarpal Bone.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of closed reduction, distraction using an external fixator, and percutaneous fixation in patients with Bennet and Rolando fractures. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age, who had isolated fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone, had no previous functional limitations and pain complaints, were regularly followed up, and had fixation using K-wire combined with an external fixator, were included. Arthrosis was evaluated according to Eaton and Littler classification. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) on a 0-10 scale. Furthermore, patients were questioned regarding limitations in their daily activities and hobbies. Pinch and grasp strengths were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen of the patients were male and five were female, with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.5 years. The surgical procedure was performed on the right extremity in 12 patients and left extremity in six patients. Twelve patients were found to have Bennet fractures, whereas six patients had Rolando fractures. The mean follow-up period of the patients was found to be 29.6 ± 5.4 months. The VAS score was rated as 2 in one patient and 1 in one patient. Other patients had a pain VAS score of 0. The mean Quick-DASH score was calculated to be 1.20. No statistical difference was found in pinch strength between the two extremities (p > 0.05). No difference was observed in terms of the range of motion (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fixation using K-wire combined with an external fixator has more benefits than its disadvantages and is superior to other methods in the intra-articular fractures of the first metacarpal bone.

TREATMENT OF MIDSHAFT CLAVICLE FRACTURE WITH SUPERIOR PLATE PLACEMENT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the late clinical and radiological results of patients had locking plate anatomically compatible from superior surface and muscle cover on plate due to clavicle mid-region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were included retrospectively. Patients had a routine right shoulder anterior posterior graph after examination. The results were assessed by returning to the patient's daily activities, Constant score, the Disability of the Arm, and Shoulder and Hand scoring, followed by radiological and clinical examination. RESULTS: Fourteen (35%) patients were female and 26 (65%) were male. The mean age was 36.2 years. Twenty-six patients had right clavicle fracture and 14 patients had left. Twenty-three fractures were type 2B1 and 17 fractures were type 2B2. Mean follow-up time was 36.4 months. Radiologic union was at a mean of 9.1 ± 1.3 weeks. All patients had excellent results. The mean Constant score was 97.2 ± 1.8, the mean Disability of the Arm, and Shoulder and Hand score was 3.8 ± 2.4. CONCLUSION: It is possible to obtain complete union with high patient satisfaction by avoiding the complications and difficulties of the conservative treatment with the use of the anatomically compatible locking plates in superior fixation and our surgical dissection. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Case controlled study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos tardios dos pacientes com placa óssea de trava anatomicamente compatível com a superfície superior e a cobertura muscular na placa devido à região média da clavícula. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta pacientes foram incluídos retrospectivamente. Os pacientes apresentaram um gráfico ântero-posterior de rotina do ombro direito após o exame. Os resultados foram avaliados retornando às atividades diárias do paciente, escore de Constant, incapacidade do braço e escores de ombro e mão, seguidos de exame clínico e radiológico. RESULTADOS: Quatorze (35%) pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 26 (65%) do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 36,2 anos. Vinte e seis pacientes tiveram fratura da clavícula direita e 14 pacientes saíram. Vinte e três fraturas foram do tipo 2B1 e 17 fraturas do tipo 2B2. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 36,4 meses. A união radiológica foi em média de 9,1 ± 1,3 semanas. Todos os pacientes tiveram excelentes resultados. A pontuação média constante foi de 97,2 ± 1,8, a média de incapacidade do braço e a pontuação do ombro e da mão foi de 3,8 ± 2,4. CONCLUSÃO: É possível obter união completa com alta satisfação do paciente, evitando as complicações e dificuldades do tratamento conservador com o uso das placas ósseas de trava anatomicamente compatíveis na fixação superior e na nossa dissecção cirúrgica. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo controlado por caso.

Radiologic Findings of Scapular Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Successfully Treated with CT-Guided Corticosteroid Injection.

Although Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may arise from any bone, flat bones (skull, ribs, scapula, clavicle, and mandible) are more commonly involved.The overall reported incidence of scapular involvement by LCH is nearly 3% in the literature. Intra-lesional corticosteroid injection can be given for lesions that cause pain or postural deformity. We, herein, report a 26-year male with scapular LCH who was suffering from right shoulder pain and right arm weakness. The patient received intra-lesional methylprednisolone under CT-guidance for treatment. On follow-up imaging, almost total regression was observed. We suggest that percutaneous CT-guided intra-lesional steroid injection is an efficient method for the treatment of LCH located in bone. Key Words: Bone, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Local treatment, Corticosteroid.

Analysis of Subcutaneous Anterior Transposition versus in-situ Decompression of Ulnar Nerve with Force Transducer in Cadaver Specimen.

AIM: To evaluate the changes in the pressure values of the ulnar nerve after in-situ decompression and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ulnar nerve was released in the postcondylar groove. An ultrathin (100 lm) force transducer was embedded between the posterior of the ulnar nerve and the anterior of the medial epicondyle. The elbow joint was flexed from full extension position to maximum flexion and was measured to obtain the maximum stress at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion. Then, the ulnar nerve was transposed anterior subcutaneously. The same measurement was applied to the two procedures. Data were compared between the two surgical techniques. RESULTS: Our study was performed on the right upper extremities of eight (seven men and one woman) fresh frozen cadavers. The mean age of the cadavers was 67.25 ± 12.2 years. Mean values of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion after the ulnar nerve insitu decompression were 0.41, 0.9, 1.7, and 4.3 N, respectively. Mean values of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve were 0.3, 0.73, 1.63, and 2.15 N, respectively. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of 0°, 45°, and 90° of flexion values. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the 135° of flexion measurement values. CONCLUSION: Anterior transposition is a more appropriate technique than in-situ decompression in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome that does not respond to conservative treatment regardless of the severity of the symptom.

Treatment strategy for elderly patients with the isolated greater trochanteric fracture.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of femur intertrochanteric fracture associated with femur trochanter major fractures in patients over 65 years of age with magnetic resonance examination for better diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Thirty-one patients who had incomplete femur intertrochanteric fracture diagnosed were included in the study. Patients were classified according to the length of the fracture line crossing the intertrochanteric border. Fracture patterns were described on magnetic resonance imaging coronal views. Group A, pattern 1, greater trochanteric fracture extends to intertrochanteric region with both cortices; Group B, pattern 2, fracture has characteristics of pattern 1 fracture including diametaphysis fracture line; Group C, pattern 3, greater trochanteric fracture only has extending superolateral cortex fracture line of intertrochanteric region; and Group D, pattern 4, fracture has characteristics of pattern 1 fracture and including superior extension to the baso-cervical line. Surgical treatment with dynamic hip screw was applied to all patients with intertrochanteric extension after magnetic resonance examination. RESULTS: This study included 16 women (80.3 ± 6.7 years) and 15 men (76.9 ± 10.94 years). Group A had 11 patients, group B had 8 patients, group C had 6 patients, and group D had 6 patients. Ambulation was initially prescribed for these patients 1 day after the surgery. The average surgery durations of the A, B, C, and D patterns were 44.54 ± 7.56, 49.37 ± 12.65, 49.16 ± 3.76, and 44.16 ± 5.84 min, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed among the four patterns (P = 0.404). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of the greater trochanteric fracture which is considered an indicator of occult intertrochanteric fracture is a good choice for the treatment because of the procedure safety and early mobilization after the surgery.

Successful percutaneous treatment of osteoid osteoma in a 13 month-old boy with radiofrequency ablation under CT guidance.

We present a 13-month-old boy who had a successful Computed Tomography (CT) guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment for the osteoid osteoma (OO) on proximal part of the tibial diaphysis. The complaints of the patient were being restless due to pain and refusing to bear any weight on his left leg for 6 months. An asymmetrical cortical thickening and a focal sclerosis was detected on medial proximal diaphysis of the left tibia on radiographs and axial T2-weighted STIR-MR image showed bone marrow and soft-tissue edema with low-signal-intensity nidus due to central calcification with a high-signal-intensified unmineralized periphery. CT findings (the nidus on the cortex of tibia with well circumscribed lucent region around a central sclerotic dot and cortical thickening around the nidus) confirmed the diagnosis of OO. After CT guided percutaneous RFA treatment, the patient had an immediate pain relief in 24 h after and could bear weight on the leg. 12 and 16 months after RFA respectively, CT images and radiographs revealed sclerotic healing of the nidus and a slow regression of the adjacent cortical thickness without any recurrence.

The safety and the efficacy of computed tomography guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Computed Tomography (CT) guided percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in the treatment of osteoid osteoma (OO). METHODS: A total of 116 patients (82 male and 34 female patients; mean age of 17.7 years; age range 13-months-42 years) who had 118 CT guided RFA treatment between June 2015 and November 2018 (42 moths) with the diagnosis of OO were included in this study. All the patients had pre-procedural CT examinations. The clinical and technical success and the safety of the treatment were evaluated by assessing the clinical pain symptoms, complication rates and recovery of posture and gait. RESULTS: All the patients had a favorable immediate relief of the known pain caused by osteoid osteoma in 24 h after the procedure. Only in two patients (15-years-old boy with OO in right femoral neck and a 12 years old boy with OO in femur diaphysis) pain relapse was occurred in 3 months and 12 months after RFA and a second RFA was performed. During follow-up they had no pain. The technical success and efficacy-rates of the procedure were recorded as 100% and 98% respectively in this study. No significant complication was observed during treatment or recovery period. Seven minor complications were noted which were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: The rapid relief of pain symptoms, low relapse rate and low complication rates demonstrate the efficacy and safety of RFA therapy. RFA is an out-patient procedure that patients can be mobilized immediately after the procedure. RFA can be safely used as a first choice of treatment method in OO therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Complications of Computer Tomography Assisted Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Osteoid Osteoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is one of the most commonly occurring benign bone tumors. It constitutes 10-12% of benign bone tumors and 2-3% of primary bone tumors. In radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment, the cells of the tumor are thermally inactivated by the help of electrodes shaped like needles. In our study, we aimed to show the major and minor complications in patients undergoing RFA and to show what should be done to prevent these complications. METHODS: The study was carried out as a prospective study on the follow-up of 87 osteoid osteoma patients treated between 2015 and 2017. The youngest of the patients was 1 year old and the oldest was 42 years old. The RFA procedure lasted 10 min on average, excluding anesthesia and preparation. All lesions were ablated at 90 degrees for 7 minutes with the heat increased gradually. All patients were followed up for 1 day in the orthopedics clinic. RESULTS: Complications were observed in 7 patients. The lesions with the most complications were observed to be in the tibia, second-degree burns were seen in 2 patients, and superficial skin infection was observed in 2 patients. In 1 patient, the probe tip was broken and remained within the bone. Intramuscular hematoma was detected in 1 lesion located in the proximal femur. A complaint of numbness in the fingers developed in a lesion located in the metacarpus. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures should be taken before the procedure in order to prevent minor complications, and, for major complications, close follow-up should be done after the procedure and patients should be kept away from heavy physical activities for the first 3 months.

The effect of the cerclage wire in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fracture with the long proximal femoral nail: A review of 52 cases.

INTRODUCTION: To present the effect of the cerclage fixation, which was performed for the purpose of preserving the alignment obtained by open reduction, on the long-term clinical and radiological results of subtrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inclusion criterias were at least 2 years of follow-up, no severe cognitive impairment, and to be able to walk independently prior to fracture. Patients with transverse or short oblique subtrochanteric hip fractures (AO/OTA class 32-A3.1), patients underwent previous femoral or hip operation for the same side and those with segmental fractures, bilateral fractures and pathological fractures were not included in the study. The clinical and radiological results of the patients were evaluated. The clinical evaluations were performed with Palmer and Parker Mobility Score (PPM), Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), visual analogue score (VAS) and return to pre-injury activity status. The elapsed time between the trauma and the surgery date, the duration of surgery the estimated amount of bleeding, and the length of hospital stay of patients were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-two of the 52 patients were female and 20 were male. The mean age of females was 77.80 ±â€¯9.75 years and the mean age of the males was 79.18 ±â€¯6.50 years. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 62.25 ±â€¯34.68 months. The mean time until the patients' surgery was 6.18 ±â€¯3.32 days. The mean duration of surgery was 52.6 ±â€¯13.8 min. The mean amount of bleeding was 176 ±â€¯90 ml. The mean length of patients' hospital stay was 6.2 ±â€¯3.2 days. The postoperative mean duration of union was found to be 3.8 ±â€¯1.6 months. The mean value of varus/valgus angulation in coronal plane measurements was 0.52°. No complication was observed in any patient during the cerclage application. The mean number of wire was 1.3. LEFS difference was statistically significant. PPM decline was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and the use of cerclage did not produce a negative effect in terms of fracture union. The generation of medial support by anatomical reduction of the fracture prevents the implant failure and provide a basis for union.

Ultrasonography or direct radiography? A comparison of two techniques to detect dorsal screw penetration after volar plate fixation.

BACKGROUND: Complications related to extensor tendons have begun to increase with the use of volar plates in the treatment of distal radius fractures. In this study, we aimed to compare four-plane radiography and ultrasonography in the evaluation of dorsal cortex screw penetration following volar plate fixation. METHODS: We recruited 47 patients (33 males, 14 females, mean age 37.4 years; range 18-58 years). To evaluate dorsal screw penetration in all patients, we performed radiographs at 45° pronation, 45° supination and obtained dorsal tangential graphs at maximum palmar flexion, and a wrist lateral radiograph. Wrist ultrasonography was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Dorsal screw penetration was detected in 12 of the 47 patients undergoing VLP application. While there was > 2 mm screw penetration in seven patients, there was < 2 mm screw penetration in five patients. On four-plane radiographs, screw penetration > 2 mm was detected in seven patients and screw penetration < 2 mm was detected in two patients. On four-plane radiography, dorsal screw penetration was not detected in three out of five patients, who were shown to have < 2 mm screw penetration by ultrasonography. In addition to perioperative four-plane radiographs are also required to detect dorsal cortex penetration in patients undergoing VLP due to distal radius fracture. However, the detection of screw penetrations < 2 mm is more likely with ultrasonography compared to four-plane radiography. CONCLUSION: We recommend that dorsal cortex screw penetration should be evaluated with perioperative ultrasonography. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research Registry, researchregistry3344 , Registered 10 January 2017.

An Observational 1-Month Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of Promerim for Improving Knee Joint.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the oral intake of promerim in the elimination of acute pain and discomfort associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Single-center, 1-month, prospective, observational clinical trial. A total of 92 patients not older than 70 years were included. Patients were offered to use 720-mg promerim for the first 15 days after admission after breakfast and then 360 mg for the second 15 days. All patients were analyzed with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, which ranges from 0 to 10, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score before the start of treatment and 1 month after the start. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 15.0 software. An α level of P < .05 was assumed to be statistically significant. RESULTS: This study comprised 92 patients (69 women and 23 men) with a mean age of 51.5 (range: 40-69) years. Before treatment, the mean VAS score was 5.6 ± 1.1, and after treatment, the mean VAS score was 2.6 ± 1.7. Treatment with promerim consistently showed a significant decrease in the VAS score (P < .001). The mean WOMAC score of the patients was 46.4 ± 8.2 before treatment. After treatment, the mean WOMAC score was 72.1 ± 14.4. Treatment with promerim consistently showed a significant increase in the WOMAC score (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this single-center, open-label clinical study demonstrate that promerim is a viable natural treatment option for treating knee OA. We recommend that 720-mg promerim taken once daily for the first 15 days after admission and 360 mg taken once daily for the next 15 days significantly and rapidly reduced composite pain and stiffness in the knee OA within 1 month.

Epithelioid Angiosarcoma in Femur: A Case Presentation.

Primary malignant vascular tumors which constitute less than 1% of the primary bone tumors are very rarely encountered. Epithelioid angiosarcoma is a very uncommon subtype of angiosarcomas presenting with an epithelioid phenotype and mimicking carcinomas clinically. These tumors select mostly extra-skeletal locations but rarely bones as their medium. A 31-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with a nonspecific left hip pain. X-ray evaluation revealed a cystic expansile mass in the trochanteric region of the femur extending to the femoral neck. Computed tomography examination proved that the mass was cystic and 7 cm in its greatest width and contained septum. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging examination was reported as a mass resembling aneurysmal bone cyst. The final diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma was made by histological examination and biopsy of the mass. The excised specimen was examined further to verify the preoperative diagnosis.

Is anterior cruciate ligament surgery technique important in rehabilitation and activity scores?

To compare the two different anterior cruciate ligament surgery techniques' effect in rehabilitation and activity performance. Fifty-five patients were evaluated. Twenty-seven patients with transtibial technique (TT), 28 with anatomic single-bundle technique (AT) included. Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) was performed at preoperation and follow-up. The returning time of the sport and work was evaluated at follow-up. Single-leg hop test was performed at follow-up. Outcomes were compared between the two groups. The determined length difference between the operated knee and the intact knee was compared between the two groups. Average age of TT and AT was 27.9±6.4 yr, 28.3±6 yr, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups in duration of returning to sport. TT group had higher duration to return to sport (P<0.01). No difference between the two groups in duration of returning to work (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups. TT group had significantly higher values than AT group (P<0.01). No difference in TAS between the two techniques at preoperation and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The increase of TAS in patients who had AT was higher than the patients who had TT (P>0.05). No difference in single-leg hop test at 55%-65%, 65%-75%, and 85%-95% level (P>0.05). In this test at 75%-85% TT group had higher values than AT group (P<0.05), AT group had higher values at 95%-105% level (P<0.05). Good short and long-term knee outcome scores depend on rehabilitation protocol after surgery. Surgery technique should provide the adequate stability in rehabilitation period. AT obtains better outcomes in rehabilitation.

Flexor tendon complications in comminuted distal radius fractures treated with anatomic volar rim locking plates.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic volar rim locking plates are designed with the aim of treating intraarticular distal radius fractures. When used to treat comminuted distal radius fractures, these plates can damage the flexor tendons. In this study, we sought to determine the radiological and functional results and rate of complications of these plates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 patients (28 males, 8 females; mean age: 46.4 years) with AO/OTA Type C2-C3 distal radius fractures treated with anatomic volar rim distal radius plates between January 2011 and December 2014. Radial length, radial inclination and palmar tilt were compared with the intact wrist. Results were evaluated with the Mayo wrist and Lidstrom scores. Complications were documented throughout the follow-up period of 23.8 (range: 12 to 48) months. RESULTS: Postoperative measurements of the radial length, inclination and palmar tilt did not differ significantly. Mayo wrist and Lidstrom scores were good and excellent in 27 and 32 patients, respectively. Flexor tenosynovitis was symptomatic in 15 patients and asymptomatic (localized swelling only) in 21. Plates were removed from 15 patients due to symptomatic tenosynovitis and from six patients due to partial rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon. The flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the second finger was also partially ruptured in three patients. CONCLUSION: Anatomic volar rim locking plates provide satisfying radiological and functional results in treating AO/OTA Type C2-C3 comminuted distal radius fractures. However, if these plates interfere with the union of the fracture, they should be removed to avoid potential tendon problems caused by their placement in the rim region. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.