Single versus double plate fixation of humeral shaft nonunion.

INTRODUCTION: Humeral shaft fractures are common fractures of the diaphysis of the humerus. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the clinical outcomes of humeral nonunions surgically treated with open reduction and single- versus double-plate fixation with grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients with nonunion treated with single- or double-plate screw fixation with bone grafting were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment method as Group 1 (single-plate, n = 14) and Group 2 (double-plate, n = 17). Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, initial and final treatment, type of nonunion and localisation, graft use, shortening, follow-up, time to union, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) scores, and patient-reported cosmetic outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the patients, eight were males, and 23 were females, with a mean age of 47.6 ± 15.8 (range, 20-86) years. Initial treatment was conservative treatment (Sarmiento brace) in seven patients, plate fixation in 22 patients, and intramedullary nailing in two patients. The mean follow-up was 31.0 ± 16.9 months in Group 1 and 25.4 ± 15.6 months in Group 2. There was one nonunion in Group 1 and three in Group 2. There were no significant differences in the union rate and time to union (p = 0.378 and p = 0.262, respectively). The mean Quick-DASH scores and cosmetic results were similar between the groups (p = 0.423 and p = 0.165, respectively). Radial nerve palsy developed in three patients in Group 2, and all these patients recovered completely during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although the double-plate fixation technique has similar clinical, radiological, and functional results to single-plate fixation, it is a more invasive and expensive technique with a longer operation time. Therefore, it should not be used as the first-line treatment option for all humeral shaft nonunion. Nevertheless, the double-plate technique may be preferred to achieve in cases requiring high stability, such as hypertrophic nonunion, osteopenia and comminuted fractures.

A rare cause of foot pain in an adolescent due to os paracuneiforme: a case report and review of the literature.

Os paracuneiforme is an extremely rare accessory ossicle located at the medial aspect of the medial cuneiform bone. Although foot pain secondary to accessory ossicles is well known, symptomatic os paracuneiforme that requires surgical excision is rarely reported in the current literature. Herein, a 12-year-old boy with symptomatic os paracuneiforme is presented, and its clinical and imaging findings as well as the treatment are discussed.

Comparison of magnesium versus titanium screw fixation for biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent biplane chevron medial malleolar osteotomy (MMO) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), fixed with either magnesium (Mg) or titanium (Ti) screws. METHODS: A total of 22 patients (12 male and 10 female) with a mean age of 40.6 ± 12.5 years (range 18-56 years) who underwent MMO for OLT treatment were included in this retrospective study. Of the 22 patients, MMO was fixed with bioabsorbable Mg screws (Alloy: MgYREZr) in 11 patients, and in the remaining 11 patients (one bilateral) MMO was fixed with Ti screws. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year with a mean of 20.7 ± 8.9 months (range 12-49 months). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results. Union of the osteotomy, postoperative displacement and all other complications were followed and analyzed. RESULTS: An improvement in the AOFAS scale and VAS points were recorded in both groups with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p 0.079 and 0.107, respectively). Complete union of the osteotomy was obtained in all patients. One patient in the Ti group required implant removal due to pain and irritation. There were no other significant complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that bioabsorbable Mg compression screws have similar therapeutic efficacy to Ti screws in respect of functional and radiological outcomes in MMO fixation. Bioabsorbable Mg screw is an alternative fixation material which can be safely used for MMO in ankle surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Fixation of medial malleolar fractures with magnesium bioabsorbable headless compression screws: short-term clinical and radiological outcomes in eleven patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of medial malleolar fractures treated with magnesium (MgYREZr) bioabsorbable compression screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with a medial malleolar fracture (either isolated or accompanied by bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures) who were treated with magnesium bioabsorbable compression screws between 2015 and 2016 in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were monitored with a mean follow-up of 17.3 ± 4.1 months (range 12-24 months). The mechanism of injury was ground level falls in all patients. All fractures were classified as closed fractures. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's (AOFAS) scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results during the final follow-up. Bone union and a possible loss of reduction were assessed with serial radiographs. Potential complications including revision surgery and infection were recorded and reported. RESULTS: There were 11 patients (4 female, 7 male) with a mean age of 41 ± 21.9 years (range 20-78 years). Six patients had Herscovici type C and five patients had type B fractures. At the final follow-up the mean AOFAS score was 94.9 ± 5.7 points (range 85-100 points) and the mean VAS score was 0.4 ± 1.2 points (range 0-4 points). Radiographic solid union was achieved in all cases. No complications were seen during the follow-up. No patients required implant removal or revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that investigates the use of bioabsorbable magnesium compression screws in medial malleolar fractures. The results of this study revealed that fixation of medial malleolar fractures with bioabsorbable magnesium compression screws provides adequate fixation with good functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic, retrospective case series.

Posterior tibial tendon impingement due to os subtibiale: a case report and up-to-date review.

Os subtibiale is a rare accessory ossicle located at the tip of the medial malleolus. Although this small ossicle usually has no clinical significance, in some cases it may be a source of ankle pain. Symptomatic os subtibiale is an extremely rare diagnosis, and few cases have been reported to date. The case presented is of a 35-year-old female patient with symptomatic os subtibiale, with a discussion of the diagnosis, clinical findings, and treatment options.

Conversion of hip fusion to total hip arthroplasty: clinical, radiological outcomes and complications in 40 hips.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study is to report the clinical and radiological outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with previous hip arthrodesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 (40 hips) prospectively followed patients in whom ankylosed hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) between 2010 and 2014 in our institution. The average age at the time of the conversion operation was 40.8 ± 9.8 years (range 24-62). The ankylosis had lasted 20.4 ± 13.0 years (range 3-56) before conversion surgery. The etiology of the ankylosis was septic arthritis in 10 (25%), post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis in 8 (20%), developmental hip dysplasia in 6 (15%), rheumatoid arthritis in 6 (15%), primary osteoarthritis in 5 (12.5%) and ankylosing spondylitis in 5 (12.5%) hips. The indications for arthroplasty were intractable low back pain in 14 (50%), hip pain in 24 (85.7%), and ipsilateral knee pain in 19 (67.8%) patients. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to rate the clinical results before and after the surgery. Radiographic evaluations included component malposition and loosening. All complications during the study period were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 39.9 ± 10.6 months (range 24-60). The mean preoperative HHS was 33.3 ± 8.6 (range 18-50) and the mean HHS at the final follow-up was 74.9 ± 8.6 (range 52-97). There was a statistically significant increase in HHS (p = 0.0001). HHS was excellent in 1, good in 6, fair in 14 and poor in 7 patients. Increase in HHS was lower than 20 points in one patient (18 points), and one patient required two-staged exchange procedure due to deep infection. Thus, according to our success criteria (increase in HHS more than 20 points, radiographically stable implant, and no further surgical reconstruction), 92.8% (26/28) of patients had benefit from the surgery. Trendelenburg sign was positive in 12 hips. There was limb length inequality in 11 patients (mean 0.5 cm, range 1-3 cm). No patients had heterotopic ossification, sciatic nerve palsy or dislocation. There were five intra-operative fractures of the greater trochanter that were treated with cable wiring. One patient had trochanteric avulsion injury and was treated with trochanteric grip and cables. One patient (2.5%) had deep infection one year after the conversion THA and was treated with two-staged exchange procedure. CONCLUSION: Conversion hip arthroplasty is an effective treatment method which provides functional recovery and patient satisfaction. However, a proper surgical technique and planning is necessary to minimize the complications.

The prevalence of knee injuries ipsilateral to tibial shaft fractures and their impact on clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the prevalence of occult knee injuries in patients with ipsilateral tibial shaft fractures and determine their impact on clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative knee MRI examination was performed in 41 patients (42 knees) with isolated tibial shaft fractures. Menisci, cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, extensor mechanism, osteochondral lesions, bone contusions and knee effusion were evaluated. All patients were treated with reamed and locked intra-medullary tibial nailing without an additional surgical procedure for knee injuries. All patients were followed to at least fracture union and were evaluated with knee examination and Lysholm knee score. RESULTS: Of the 42 knees, 41 (97.6 %) showed at least one defined injury around the knee. There was only one patient who had totally normal knee MRI findings. One or more ligamentous injuries of the knee were identified in 35 (83.3 %) of the knees. Five patents (11.9 %) had medial meniscal tear in posterior horn. Extensor mechanism injuries were seen in two patients. Mild to marked joint effusion was observed in 35 (81 %) knees. Twenty-two knees demonstrated bone bruise; femoral condyle (n = 7), tibial plateau (n = 12), patella (n = 2) and fibular head (n = 1). No patients had osteochondral lesion. Patients were followed with a mean of 13.2 ± 3.6 (range 8-22) months. Clinical knee examination revealed Grade II (+) anterior drawer test in two patients. The mean Lysholm knee score was 99.1 ± 2.14 (range 91-100) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral intra-articular, extra-articular or combined knee injuries may occur at the time of injury with tibial shaft fractures. However, most of these injuries are not clinically relevant and heal without any sequel or remain asymptomatic late after fracture union. Routine use of preoperative knee MRI examination in patients with tibial shaft fractures is not necessary.

Fatty degeneration and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles after arthroscopic repair: does it improve, halt or deteriorate?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in fatty degeneration and atrophy of rotator cuff muscles after arthroscopic repair. We further assessed the factors affecting the functional outcomes and integrity of the rotator cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two prospectively followed patients who underwent single-row arthroscopic repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears between 2008 and 2010 in our institution were included. All patients underwent shoulder MRI examination before the arthroscopic repair and at the final follow-up at least 2 years after the surgical repair. Supraspinatus muscle atrophy was measured and evaluated according to the Thomazeau classification. The fatty degeneration of the cuff muscles was graded according to the Goutallier classification. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant shoulder score. The changes in fatty degeneration and atrophy were analyzed during the treatment period. Correlation coefficients (Pearson r) and stepwise, multiple linear regression were used to determine the relationship between the outcome variables (final Constant score and integrity of the cuff), and the predictor variables, age, sex, follow-up duration, initial muscle atrophy, final muscle atrophy, initial fatty degeneration and final fatty degeneration. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients reviewed, 87 patients responded and concluded the final clinical follow-up and MRI examination (85.2 % follow-up rate). There were 67 females and 20 males with a mean age of 62.5 ± 8.3 years (range 40-80 years). Mean follow-up period was 30.1 ± 5.8 months (range 24-43 months). At the final follow-up, the mean Constant shoulder score was 94.2 ± 8.2 (range 70-100), and 66 (75.9 %) patients rated as excellent, 14 (16.1 %) as good, and 7 (8.0 %) as fair. No patient had poor results. There was re-rupture in 26 (29.9 %) patients on final MRI examination. No patient had improvement in muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration. The atrophic changes between intact tendon and re-rupture cases were statistically similar (p = 0.300). The deterioration of fatty degeneration was significantly higher in the re-rupture group (p = 0.0001). The Constant shoulder score was significantly lower in patients with re-rupture (97.4 ± 5.0 versus 86.6 ± 9.3, p = 0.001).Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the Constant score was dependent on the final integrity of the tendon and the size of the tear (R (2) 0.420, p 0.001). The final integrity of the tendon was dependent on the age of the patient, initial and final fatty degeneration of the cuff muscles and the size of the tear (R (2) 0.669, p 0.001). CONCLUSION: Initial muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration did not improve even after a successful rotator cuff repair where the tendon anatomic integrity was maintained for at least 2 years. It may continue to deteriorate, and the best possibility was preservation of the preoperative status. On the other hand, in cases of re-rupture, fatty degeneration and atrophy continued to worsen significantly. The factors affecting tendon integrity were found to be the age of the patient, the size of the tear and the severity of preoperative fatty degeneration in the rotator cuff.

Association of circulating sTRAIL and high-sensitivity CRP with type 2 diabetic nephropathy and foot ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is among the potent factors that may induce or facilitate apoptosis. TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Factor (TRAIL) is known for its apoptotic and immunomodulatory effects that have recently been correlated with diabetes. We examined serum-soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels and their association with various distinct parameters in type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients with diabetic foot disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty-two diabetic nephropathy patients with foot ulcers were enrolled in our study. Patients had been diagnosed with diabetes at age 24±10.58 years. Circulating sTRAIL and Hs-CRP levels were compared with control values, and possible correlations were investigated with parameters such as age, Wagner's Grade (WG), BMI, HbA1c, and creatinine. RESULTS: Serum sTRAIL levels were significantly reduced in the patient group, compared to healthy subjects. High HsCRP levels correlated with age, and WGS correlated with BMI and creatinine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly suppressed sTRAIL levels in diabetic nephropathy patients with foot ulcers compared to healthy controls suggest a protective role for TRAIL in the disease setting.

Is there a relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Osgood-Schlatter disease?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study is to investigate the relationship between Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Seventy-four children with a diagnosis of OSD were referred to child and adolescent psychiatry department for the evaluation of ADHD. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was used for diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: Diagnosis of ADHD was made in 56 (75.6 %) out of 74 children. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that ADHD is a significant risk factor for OSD. During the evaluation of a patient with OSD, a thorough history should be obtained about the behavioral symptoms that indicate underlying ADHD. In case of suspicion, these patients should be referred for an additional evaluation by a child psychiatrist. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Treatment of high hip dislocation with a cementless stem combined with a shortening osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical and radiographic outcomes and report the major complications in a group of hips with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia that underwent reconstruction with a cementless total hip arthroplasty and a transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy fixed with locking compression plate and screws. METHOD: Fifteen consecutive patients (21 hips) who had coxarthrosis secondary to Crowe Group IV developmental dysplasia of the hip were treated with a cementless prosthesis and a transverse subtrochanteric osteotomy fixed with locking compression plates at a mean age of 41. The mean follow-up period was 5 years. The acetabular cup was placed in the position of the anatomical hip center in every patient. Subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy was fixed with plates and screws in all patients. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score improved from 36.2 ± 9.8 points to 90.8 ± 2.5 points. Trendelenburg sign was positive in seven hips and two patients complained about continuing anterior thigh pain at the final follow-up. There was no infection. No cases of nonunion were encountered. Two patients had dislocation on early postoperative period (15th and 20th postoperative day). Of these patients, femoral head was changed to 28 mm with stem revision in one patient, and one had acetabular component revision with use of constrained acetabular liner. There was one permanent sciatic nerve palsy. One patient had implant related pain during lying laterally. Plate and screws were removed at postoperative 16th month. CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty combined with subtrochanteric osteotomy for the treatment of patients with Crowe Group IV developmental dysplasia of the hip is an effective technique to reduce the hip to its original acetabular location and restore the rotational deformities. Plate and screw fixation is a viable option for a secure and stable fixation of femoral stem after subtrochanteric osteotomy.

Management of a wild boar wound: a case report.

Injuries caused by wild boar attacks are rare. A 34-year-old male shepherd sustained injuries caused by a wild boar attack, and was brought to our emergency department. The patient had 2 skin and deep tissue lacerations on the posterior aspect of his thigh. Herein, we discuss the clinical management of a wild boar bite wound with a review of the literature.

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.

Risk of Injury to the Neurovascular Structures in the Pararectus Approach Used in Acetabular Fractures: A Cadaver Study.

OBJECTIVES: Complex acetabular fractures involving the quadrilateral plate may necessitate infrapectineal buttress plating, which can be performed through the pararectus approach. The aim of this cadaveric study was to identify the anatomical guide points to protect neurovascular structures at the risk of injury during the pararectus approach. METHODS: Six fresh frozen cadavers (12 hemipelves) were dissected in this study. Location of the inferior epigastric artery (IEA), obturator nerve and corona mortis (CM) was measured using common anatomic landmarks, namely, anterior superior iliac spine, symphysis pubis (SP), and sacroiliac (SI) joint. RESULTS: In the superficial dissection of the abdominal wall, the mean distance between the IEA and anterior superior iliac spine was 106.7 ± 5.2 (range, 99.2-116.4) mm, and the mean distance between IEA and SP was 77.9 ± 3.5 (range, 70.6-82.2) mm. In deep dissection, the mean distance between the SI joint and the SP was 133.1 ± 5.7 (range, 126.0-142.0) mm. The mean distance between the SI joint and ON was 37.3 ± 2.8 (range, 31.0-41.0) mm. The CM was unable to be detected in 2 cadavers, 1 on the right and 1 on the left hemipelves. The mean distance between the CM and SP was 47.7 ± 3.9 (range, 43.0-55.0) mm. CONCLUSIONS: A pararectus approach is a useful approach which allows infrapectineal plating in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures; however, the preservation of critical neurovascular structures is essential during dissection. This study is helpful to identify the structures at risk according to commonly used anatomic landmarks. These data might be a necessary guideline for hip and trauma surgeons.

Magnesium Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation of Radial Styloid Fractures: Case Report.

Background Several types of fixation materials may be used for the radial styloid fractures such as Kirschner wire fixation, screw fixation, volar plate fixation, and fragment-specific radial buttress plate fixation. However, each of these fixation techniques has certain complications usually related to either the surgical dissection or the application of fixation and symptomatic permanent hardware. Implant removal secondary to irritation of prominent screw heads or bulky plates is not uncommon after radial styloid fracture fixation. Case Description Herein, two patients with an isolated radial styloid fracture who were treated with bioabsorbable magnesium (alloy: MgYREZr) screws are presented. In both patients, the fracture union was achieved without any complication and need for implant removal. Literature Review This is the first report on the use of magnesium screws for this indication. Clinical Relevance Magnesium bioabsorbable compression screw fixation may be an alternative solution that eliminates removal operations due to symptomatic hardware in radial styloid fractures.

Single versus double screw fixation for the treatment of scaphoid waist fractures: Finite element analysis and preliminary clinical results in scaphoid nonunion.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the single versus double screw fixation of scaphoid waist fractures using finite element analysis, and to present the preliminary clinical results of double screw fixation in a consecutive series of patients with scaphoid nonunion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A transverse scaphoid waist fracture (Herbert type B2) model was fixed with either single or double cannulated compression screws. Displacement and rotation of the fragments were performed using three-dimensional finite element analysis in three different wrist positions. A retrospective review was performed on 13 male patients (mean age 31.6±12.8 years; range, 17 to 64 years) who underwent double screw fixation for an established scaphoid nonunion in our clinic between January 2015 and December 2017. Assessment of union was established with serial plain radiographs in eight patients and with wrist computed tomography in five patients. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: In all wrist positions, the displacement of the fracture gap in double screw fixation in all planes (x, y, and z) was less than in single screw fixation. Similarly, rotation of the fracture fragments around the longitudinal axis of the scaphoid was lower in double screw fixation. Complete union was obtained in all patients. The mean time to union was 5±0.75 months (range, 4 to 6 months). The mean VAS was 0.8±0.9 (range, 0 to 3). Mayo wrist score was 91±6.9 (range, 80 to 100) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Double-screw fixation technique may be a solution to reduce the rate of scaphoid nonunion in unstable type B2 scaphoid fractures or nonunion.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Arthrodesis Using Limited Wrist Fusion Plates in Kienböck's Disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis with a limited wrist fusion plate in patients with Stage IIIB Kienböck's disease (KD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on nine patients with Stage IIIB KD who underwent STT arthrodesis between 2014 and 2017 at our institution. Clinical evaluations of the patients were made using the shortened quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Q-DASH) Outcome Measure score (Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada) and grip strength measurements before surgery and at the final follow-up examination. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm the union of the arthrodesis. RESULTS: A complete union was obtained in all patients. The Q-DASH score was changed from 57.8 ± 8.2 points (range: 47.7 - 70.5) to 32.3 ± 17.3 points (range: 13.6 - 54.5) (p = 0.008). Similarly, the grip strength was improved significantly (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The use of limited wrist fusion plates for STT arthrodesis in KD is a safe and effective treatment method that provides a high rate union and acceptable functional results.

Avulsion fracture of anterior talofibular ligament from talus: A case report.

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries can occur in three different distinct patterns; rupture of the ligament as a pure soft tissue injury, an avulsion fracture at the ATFL's attachment to either the fibula or the talus. Although fibular avulsion fractures are common, avulsion fracture of ATFL from talus is extremely rare with a single previously reported case in the current literature. A 34-year-old female with ATFL talar avulsion fracture associated with medial malleolar fracture was presented to the emergency department. Fixation of the fragment resulted with excellent functional outcome without a residual instability. Besides more common injury patterns such as mid-substance ATFL rupture and ATFL fibular avulsion fracture, talar avulsion fracture pattern should also be kept in mind in a patient presented with lateral ankle sprain. When a fragment is seen on the ankle radiographs at the tip of fibula, previously described special oblique views should be performed to reveal the correct origin of the fragment.

Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fracture Treated with a Bioabsorbable Magnesium Compression Screw.

Magnesium (Mg) bioabsorbable screws are new biomaterials used in fracture fixation. In the current literature, there is only one case report on the use of magnesium bio-absorbable screws in ankle fractures. Within the present study, a 19-year-old female who sustained an isolated lateral malleolar fracture was treated with open reduction and intramedullary Mg screw fixation and then followed up for two years. Fracture union was achieved without any complication such as failure of fixation, loss of reduction, infection, or any other adverse reaction. Mg bioabsorbable screws are an alternative method of fracture fixation as compared to conventional metallic implants since they eliminate the need for implant removal.