Afsar Timucin Ozkut

Minimally invasive reduction technique in split depression type tibial pilon fractures.

Tibial pilon fractures usually result from high energy trauma and present as a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Accurate reduction of the joint with meticulous care for the surrounding soft tissues is mandatory. We present a case report in which an anterior cruciate ligament targeting device is used with a minimally invasive technique under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for Orthopaedic Trauma Association 43-B2.3 type pilon fracture treatment.

Do PFNA devices and Intertan nails both have the same effects in the treatment of trochanteric fractures? A prospective clinical study.

ObjectiveTo clinically and radiologically compare third-generation intramedullary nails used in the treatment of trochanteric hip fractures and to determine their efficacy.Materials and methodsSeventy-five of 88 patients admitted to our hospital with trochanteric fractures were enrolled in the study; 43 were treated with PFNA devices and 32 with Intertan nails. The amount of compression applied during the procedure, duration of the procedure, amount of subsequent shortening in the proximal femoral area, subsequent backup of proximal screws, and changes in the tip-apex and tip-cortex distances were compared between groups. The postoperative change in the varus angle of the proximal femur and times to mobilization, full weight bearing, and fracture union were also evaluated.ResultsOn early postoperative radiographs, the tip-apex distance was ≤25xa0mm in 86xa0% of patients in the PFNA group and 96.9xa0% of those in the Intertan group. Twelvexa0months postoperatively, the tip-apex distance did not differ between groups. No cut-out of the screws into the coxofemoral joint was observed. Fracture healing was achieved in all patients. At 12xa0months postoperatively, the rates of proximal screw backup, proximal femoral shortening, and decrease in the varus angle of the proximal femur were significantly higher in the PFNA group than in the Intertan group.ConclusionsTrochanteric fractures may be treated effectively with PFNA devices or Intertan nails. During the healing period, the rates of reverse displacement of the proximal screw, shortening of the proximal femur, and decrease in the varus angle of the proximal femur were significantly higher in the PFNA group than in the Intertan group. Surgical technique, implant positioning, and the choice of implant play roles in the successful treatment of trochanteric fractures.Level of evidenceLevel 1, prospective, prognostic study.

Precise placement of lag screws in operative treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures with a new guide system

PURPOSEnWe assessed the accuracy of a new guide system that we developed to place lag screws in the proper position with the minimum number of attempts for operative treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures.nnnMETHODSnA total of 55 consecutive trochanteric femoral fractures were treated with a cephalomedullary nail. The first 27 consecutive patients were treated with the standard operation (group A), while the new guide system was used in the last 28 consecutive patients (group B). The numbers of attempts to place K wires and the duration of surgery were noted. Accuracy of lag screw placement was evaluated by measuring the angle of deviation from the central axis of the femoral head.nnnRESULTSnDeviation values ranged from -11̊ to +15̊ for the 27 cases in group A, with a median absolute deviation of 8̊±6̊. That in the 28 cases after the introduction of the new guide system (group B) ranged from -5̊ to +6̊, with a median absolute deviation of 0.5̊±3̊ (P<0.001). The total numbers of attempts to place lag screws and mean operation time decreased significantly after introduction of the new guide system (P<0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnWith this new guide system, we are able to insert lag screws successfully in the optimal position even in most unstable fractures. The present study indicated that this new guide system and nail facilitate accurate placement of lag screws in the appropriate position with the minimum number of attempts.

Mid-term radiological and clinical results of incomplete triple pelvic osteotomy

Objective The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological results of incomplete triple pelvic osteotomy in acetabular dysplasia. Patients and methods Twenty-six hips of 24 patients (5 males, 19 females) treated with incomplete triple pelvic osteotomy by a single surgeon from February 1995 to October 2001 were retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up time of 12 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 21.6 years (range: 14–41). Radiological evaluation was based on the central edge angle, acetabular angle, acetabular index, acetabular head index and lateralisation. Clinical and radiological scoring was performed using the Harris scoring system, Ömeroğlu scoring system and the Tönnis criteria for osteoarthritis. Results There was significant improvements in all of the radiological parameters with 88.5% good radiological results, 96.2% excellent clinical results, no significant progression to osteoarthritis and no need for conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The rate of major complication was 11%. Retroversion was seen in 15.4% of the hips. Conclusion Our results support the use of incomplete triple pelvic osteotomy as a safe choice in the treatment of acetabular dysplasia as it offers clinical and radiological benefits and contributes to the prevention of osteoarthritis. Level of evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.

Dry needling in lateral epicondylitis: a prospective controlled study

PurposeLateral epicondylitis (LE), a common disease, especially in middle age, causes decreased productivity and economic losses. The first-line treatment for LE is conservative and consists of topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs, ice application, and brace use. If the first-line treatment fails, second-line treatment modalities, which are generally invasive, are offered. Second-line therapeutic regimens include saline, corticosteroid, or platelet-rich plasma injections. Dry needling is relatively new. We hypothesized that dry needling would be at least as effective as first-line treatment for LE. We compared the outcomes of first-line treatment and dry needling.MethodsThe study allocated 110 patients into groups using online randomization software. After completing the Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), patients in group I received dry needling, whereas those in group II received first-line treatment, consisting of ibuprofen 100xa0mg twice a day and a proximal forearm brace. The patients were evaluated after threexa0weeks and sixxa0months.ResultsThe study ultimately analyzed 92 patients. Although both treatment methods were effective at threexa0weeks, dry needling was significantly more effective than the first-line treatment at sixxa0months.ConclusionBecause of the low complication rate, dry needling is a safe method, and it might be an effective treatment option for LE.

Arthroscopic Technique for Treatment of Schatzker Type III Tibia Plateau Fractures Without Fluoroscopy

Accurate reduction and maintenance of the stability with correct implant positioning is critical for surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Our technique includes an arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Schatzker type III tibial plateau fractures with a bulls-eye screw placement without fluoroscopy control. With the arthroscopic guidance, an anterior cruciate ligament drill guide is placed and a K-wire sent to the midpoint of the depressed fragment through the guide at a 40° angle to the coronal axis of the tibia. A tunnel is created with the drill over the K-wire. The depressed fragment is further augmented with gentle impacts over the K-wire. After arthroscopic reduction control, an appropriate-sized iliac graft is pushed until it is below the depressed fragment. The targeting device is adjusted at 130° so that it is parallel to the joint line and a K-wire sent through the device so that it would pass just below the graft. The graft is then supported with cannulated screws sent over the K-wire. This technique provides an arthroscopic reduction of the chondral surface and precise placement of the rafting screws without fluoroscopy.

Proximal Tibia Medial Biplanar Retrotubercle Open Wedge Osteotomy for Varus Knees with Medial Gonarthrosis

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results of proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy for varus gonarthrosis and compare the results with the literatüre. Methods: The results of proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy for 23 knees of 22 patients with medial gonarthrosis were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Results: Twenty of the patients were female and two were male. Mean age of the patients was 56.24; mean boy mass index was 31.95 and preoperative HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) score was 68.7. Mean tibiofemoral axis was 186.39° and mean Insall-Salvatti index value was 1.04 preoperatively. Mean follow up period was 30.19 months. Mean HSS score was 86.48, femorotibial anatomic axis angle was 175° and Insall-Salvati index value 1.06 during the last follow-up. The improvement of the HSS score and the femorotibial anatomic axis angle was statistically significant. However, the change in Insall Salvati index values was statistically insignificant. Nonfatal pulmonary embolus in 1 patient, and deep vein thrombosis that occured one year after the procedure in 1 patient, rhabdomyolysis in 1 patient and loss of correction (relapse) in 1 patient were encountered as complications. Conclusion: Our results show that proximal tibia medial biplanar retrotubercle open wedge osteotomy improves the frontal and sagittal plane deformities without changing the patellar tendon length. Hence, possible patellofemoral problems are prevented and the clinical results are improved.

Unexpected Injury During Jumping Exercise Isolated Subtalar Dislocation in A National Athlete

Objectives: The purpose of this case presentation is to report the results of physical therapy and conservative treatment of a rare clinical entity, isolated subtalar dislocation that occurred during triple jumping during which maximum compression forces act on the foot. Methods: A 20 years old national triple jumping athlete fell during daily sports exercises which consist of jumping to the medial and lateral side trying to catch a sports ball bouncing from the wall while his right foot was inverted and in plantar flexion. The patient was admitted to our emergency service. The physical examination revealed that the hindfoot was displaced medially. The neurological examination was intact and there was no sign of dermal injury. After the radiological examination the diagnosis was isolated subtalar dislocation. The dislocation was reduced with longitudinal traction with the knee was in flexion. The MR imaging did not reveal any chondral damage. The choice of treatment was conservative. After 4 days as the edema subsided, a short leg cast was applied for four weeks. Then, the cast was removed and active range of motion exercises were initiated. The first 25 days consisted of exercises with rubber band, bottle rolling under the foot. The second phase included walking in the pool and the patient was asked to start weight bearing partially. The patient went on with proprioception and strengthening exercises. Later, kinesiologic taping was also added to the therapy. He changed his jumping foot and started his routine training program with the team after 170 days. He participated in his first official competition 16 months after the injury. At the 28. month, he broke the national record in the National Interuniversities Athletics Games. 2 months later, he got the third place in the World Athletics Championship. Results: The follow up period was 4 years. AOFAS score was 76 at second month and 83 at the fourth. At the first and at the fourth year, AOFAS score was 100. No dermal lesions or joint stiffness or signs of arthritis was observed. Avascular necrosis of talus or complex regional pain syndrome was not encountered. Conclusion: Early return to sports activities is of tantamount importance as early reduction. Reduction can be carried out in an open or closed manner. For prevention of joint stiffness, immobilization period has to be short and active ROM exercises has to be initiated with partial weight bearing as soon as the joint stability and strength is adequate.