Abdullah Demirtaş

Long-term results of porous-coated cementless total knee arthroplasty with screw fixation.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of porous-coated, cementless total knee arthroplasty with screw fixation. METHODS This study included 68 knees of 54 patients (43 female, 11 male; mean age: 56.9 years, range 46 to 70 years). Cruciate-retaining cementless total knee prostheses were implanted in all patients diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis. Clinical, functional and radiological evaluations were performed according to the Knee Societys Knee Scoring System (KSS). Prosthesis survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 (range: 8 to 12) years. RESULTS Preoperative mean knee and function scores were 42.3 (range: 32 to 61) and 39.1 (range: 35 to 66), respectively, while they were 88.6 (range: 54 to 96) and 82.8 (range: 50 to 100), respectively at the final follow-up (p<0.05). Mean preoperative knee flexion was 98° (range: 80° to 110°) and 112° (range: 85° to 130°) at the final follow-up (p<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative mean alignments were 9.2° varus and 5.4° valgus, respectively. Revisions were performed due to aseptic loosening of the tibial component in one patient, periprosthetic fracture in one and dislocation of the patella in one. Two superficial infections (3%) were observed. There was no osteolysis around the screws during the follow-up period. The overall rate of implant survival was 95.6% (range: 91.56% to 99.60%; 95% CI) at 12 years. CONCLUSION Long-term outcomes of porous-coated, cementless total knee arthroplasty with screw fixation were successful in terms of clinical and radiological evaluation and yielded a high survival rate.

Comparison of retrograde intramedullary nailing and bridge plating in the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal femur

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) and bridge plating for the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures. METHODS The study retrospectively examined 15 patients (13 males and 2 females; mean age: 36 years, range: 17 to 55 years) who underwent bridge plating and 13 patients (11 males and 2 females; mean age: 31.1 years, range: 17 to 49 years) who underwent RIMN for the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures between 2007 and 2012. Functional results were evaluated using the Sanders criteria. The mean follow-up time was 31.3 (range: 20 to 46) months and 26.7 (range: 18 to 62) months in the plate and the nail groups, respectively. RESULTS Mean duration until union was 25.7 (range: 12 to 72) weeks in the plate group and 22.3 (range: 12 to 52) weeks in the nail group. Nonunion was observed in 2 patients in the plate group and in 1 in the nail group, delayed union in 3 patients in the plate and 2 in the nail groups, malalignment (>10°) in 2 patients in the plate group and 1 in the nail group and implant failure in 1 patient in the plate group. Excellent/good functional results were obtained in 12 and 10 patients in the plate and the nail groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of duration of union, complications and functional results (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Bridge plating and RIMN have similar results in the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures. Both methods can be applied to all fractures, with the exception of Gustilo-Anderson Type 3B and C open fractures.

Effectiveness of locking versus dynamic compression plates for diaphyseal forearm fractures.

This study compares the results of the locking compression plate (LCP) and the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults and defines the indications for the use of the LCP. Forty-two patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Of those, 22 had been treated with the LCP (LCP group) and 20 had been treated with the DCP (DCP group). The AO/ASIF classification was used to classify the fractures. Patients were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria and the Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder and Hand questionnaire during the final follow-up. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 20-24 months) in the LCP group and 23 months (range, 19-26 months) in the DCP group. Union was achieved in all patients. Mean time to union was 15 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks) in the LCP group and 17 weeks (range, 13-24 weeks) in the DCP group. In each group, 1 patient experienced delayed union, which required no additional surgical intervention. No significant difference was found regarding the time to union between the groups (P>.05). No significant difference existed between the 2 groups in terms of Grace-Eversmann criteria and Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder and Hand scores (both P>.05). The results of these different fixation methods for forearm fractures in adults are similar. As such, the correct selection and application of surgical technique is more important than the type of plate used.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on healing in an experimental model of degloving injury in tails of nicotine-treated rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on healing in an experimental model of a degloving injury of the tails of nicotine-treated rats. Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to four groups (n = 8): nicotine (group 1); HBO (group 2); nicotine + HBO (group 3); and control (group 4). The mean length of the necrotic parts of the tails at the degloving injury site was significantly higher in group 1 compared with groups 2, 3, and 4, and was significantly lower in group 2 compared with groups 1, 3, and 4. The mean histopathological stage of ulcers at the degloving injury site was statistically significantly higher (more severe) in group 1 compared with groups 2, 3, and 4, and was statistically significantly lower in group 2 compared with groups 1, 3, and 4. It appears that the negative effects of nicotine on wound healing in degloving injuries are negated by the positive effects of immediate HBO therapy.

Determining bone bruises of the knee with magnetic resonance imaging.

Introduction Injuries that develop secondary to minor traumas and cannot be detected via direct examination methods, but are detected via advanced imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, are called occult bone injuries or bone bruises. In such injuries, diagnostic arthroscopy usually does not reveal any pathology. MR imaging methods are quite beneficial for the diagnosis of such clinical conditions, which cause acute pain and restriction of motion. The present study aimed to assess occult bone injuries via MR imaging in patients who presented with minor knee trauma. Patients and Methods Twelve patients who presented with minor knee trauma were included in the study. Etiological factors in these patients included walking a long distance, falls, and minor trauma. All patients underwent physical examinations, direct radiological imaging, MR imaging, and diagnostic arthroscopy. Results Direct radiographs of the patients showed no pathological fracture. Bone marrow changes detected on the MR images were classified according to Lynch’s classification as Type I lesions in nine patients and Type II lesions in three patients. Conclusion We suggest that MR imaging methods should be the gold standard for the diagnosis of minor traumatic bruise injuries of the knee.

Biomechanical properties of osteoporotic rat femurs after different hormonal treatments: genistein, estradiol, and estradiol/progesterone

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of genistein, estradiol, estradiol/progesterone combination on the bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of ovariectomized rats’ bone. Methods: 50 female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Bilaterally ovaeriectomy were performed in all groups except the sham-operated group. Groups were a sham-operated group and a control group (water was given), estradiol treated group (17-β estradiol 0.015 mg/kg per day), genistein treated group (genistein 10 mg/kg per day), and an estradiol/progesterone combination group (17-β estradiol 0.015 mg/kg plus drosperinone 0.028 mg/kg per day). The water or hormones were implemented in relevant groups for eight weeks by orogasthric catheter. The bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of the femur were analyzed. Results: Genistein, estradiol, and estradiol/progesterone groups increased bone mineral density significantly compared to the control group. In diaphysis and metaphysis bending test, all groups had higher peak load values than the control group. There were statistically significant differences between the estrogen/progesterone group and control group in diaphysis bending with regard to peak load. There were statistically significant differences between the estradiol and control groups in metaphysis bending with regard to peak load. In axial rotation test, all groups had higher peak torque values than the control groups. Conclusions: Genistein, estradiol and estrogen/progesterone combination improved the biomechanical properties of the ovariectomized rat bone. Genistein which has less side effects may be considered as an alternative in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The comparison of triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy approaches in the treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures treated with triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) and olecranon osteotomy. METHODS Forty patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures were retrospectively analyzed. TRAP approach was used in 22 patients (12 males, 10 females; mean age 37.8 years, range 17-70), and olecranon osteotomy in 18 patients (11 males, 7 females; mean age 35.4 years, range 18-62). Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF classification. Functional results were evaluated with the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score. RESULTS The overall mean arc of elbow motion was 108° (range 70°-140°) in the TRAP group, whereas that of the olecranon osteotomy group was 98° (range 70°-115°). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of overall mean arc of elbow motion (p=0.038). There were no significant differences noted between the two groups in terms of mean MEPS and DASH scores (p=0.412, p=201, respectively). The overall complication rate was 27.2% in the TRAP group and 55% in the olecranon osteotomy group. CONCLUSION TRAP is a succesful approach in the treatmet of intra-articular distal humerus fractures that provides better arc of elbow motion, reduces complications and reoperation rates.

Effects of enoxaparin and rivaroxaban on tissue survival in skin degloving injury: an experimental study

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antithrombotic agents enoxaparin and rivaroxaban on tissue survival following skin degloving injury in an experimental rat tail model. METHODS The study included 24 rats divided into three equal groups of 8; the enoxaparin group (Group 1), the rivaroxaban group (Group 2) and the saline control group (Group 3). A degloving injury was created by making a circular incision 5 cm distal to the base of the tail; manual traction was applied to the tail skin distal to the incision. After 15 minutes, the ends of the incision were sutured back in place. Antithrombotic agents were administered immediately after suturing and repeated once a day for 15 days. At the end of Day 15, the experiment was terminated. Gross morphological tissue survival and histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS Histopathological examination of the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban groups revealed that the skin was mostly normal or intact with minimal inflammation. The mean length of necrotic area was significantly higher in the saline group compared to the enoxaparin and rivaroxaban groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were noted between the rivaroxaban and enoxaparin groups (p=0.451). The mean extent of skin necrosis was significantly higher in the control group than the study groups (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the length of necrotic area between Group 1 and 2 (p=0.722). CONCLUSION Rivaroxaban and enoxaparin improved tissue survival in skin degloving injuries in terms of gross morphological and histopathological findings in a rat tail model.

Comparison of soft-tissue and bone surgeries in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in 18-24-month-old patients.

The aim of this study was to compare soft-tissue and bone surgeries in 18–24-month-old patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A total of 77 hips of 53 patients were analyzed. Soft-tissue surgery was performed in 31 hips of 25 patients. In the final examination, 23 hips, excluding hips of eight patients who underwent secondary bone surgery, were evaluated (group I). Bone surgery was performed on 46 hips of 28 patients (group II). In group I, the acetabular index was 41° preoperatively and was 20.4° in the final examinations. In group II, the acetabular index was 42° preoperatively and was 15° in the final examinations. To avoid unnecessary surgeries and complications, soft-tissue surgery should be preferred for DDH in 18–24-month-old patients.

Is Sacralization Really a Cause of Low Back Pain

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine, by plain radiography, if there is a relationship between sacralization and low back pain. Methods. Five hundred lumbosacral radiographs of low back pain patients and 500 control groups were examined. Data collection consisted of the subjects age at the time of imaging, gender, number of lumbar vertebral bodies, and bilateral height measurement of the lowest lumbar transverse process. Dysplastic transverse processes were classified according to the Castellvi radiographic classification system. The incidence of sacralization in patients and the control groups was reported, and the anomaly was compared according to the groups. Results. Of these patients groups, 106 were classified as positive for sacralization, which resulted in an incidence of 21.2%. The most common anatomical variant was Castellvi Type IA (6.8%). In the control group, 84 were classified as positive for sacralization, which resulted in an incidence of 16.8%. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups for having sacralization (P = 0.09). Discussion. The relationship between sacralization and low back pain is not clear. Because of this controversial future studies need to focus on identifying other parameters that are relevant to distinguishing lumbosacral variation, as well as corroborating the results obtained here with data from other samples.